EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF KATHY'S HOUSE -- NIGHT
It is raining and John stands in the street before Kathy's door, as if he is unsure whether to go to the door or leave. His uniform and rain gear are soaked. He looks once more at the warmly lighted window, turns and walks away.
EXT. HARRISBURG RR STATION -- DAY
With Devlin at his side, John stands on the rear platform of a train. MOBS cheer him. Placards say: WELCOME HOME, JOHN; WE LOVE YOU, GEN. GEARY; GEARY FOR GOVERNOR; GEARY FOR PRESIDENT. Mary and Dinah with the young Willie and little Mary are jostled among the excited group. A band plays "Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys."
JOHN
(beaming)
Looks like a political convention, Monk.
DEVLIN
And you can see who the favorite son is. Question is: Democrat or Republican?
JOHN
I've always been a Democrat.
DEVLIN
The Democratic Party is dead now. Only Republicans can win.
John continues to smile and wave at the crowd.
JOHN
Then I guess I'm a Republican.
DEVLIN
The people love you.
JOHN
I only wish Eddie had lived . . . to see this. Look, there's Mary and Dinah.
With people swirling around him and slapping him on the back, John reaches Mary and embraces her. She is reserved, looks closely at him before speaking without warmth.
MARY
Welcome home, John.
INT. GEARY LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
John and Mary, dressed for bed, sit across from each other.
JOHN
Mary, is something wrong? You seem strange since I came home.
MARY
You've changed, John.
JOHN
No man comes back the same after he's been to war. But it's more than that. It's Eddie's death, isn't it?
MARY
He should never have gone. He didn't want to. His fondest wish was to stay here with me--on the farm.
JOHN
It was his duty to his country.
MARY
And his duty to me? I wanted him to resign his commission and come home. He wanted to. But he didn't want to displease you.
JOHN
You were behind that? How could you do such a thing?
MARY
Because he belonged here. I needed him.
JOHN
He was MY son. His country came first.
MARY
Your political ambition came first.
JOHN
Don't say that! He died in my arms.
MARY
Did you cry for him? Did you cry, as I did? As Dinah did? As his brother and all who know him did?
JOHN
Why are you bitter? There's something more, isn't there?
She looks at him coldly.
MARY
Who is Katherine McLauren?
JOHN
(off guard)
Kathy Ma . . . .? Mrs. McLauren? Why do you ask that question?
MARY
Because Monk wrote me. Said I shouldn't believe any gossip I might hear about you and her.
John straightens himself, takes a deep breath.
JOHN
Then you should believe exactly what Monk wrote you. Besides . . .
John pauses and walks over to stare into the fireplace. His voice is solemn.
JOHN (Cont'd)
Besides, she is Hank Mebane's wife. Her full name is Katherine McLauren Mebane.
MARY
Oh, John! Please forgive a childish, jealous wife.
She goes into his arms and embraces him. He has a faraway look in his eyes.
INT. HARRISBURG BAR -- NIGHT
Devlin from a quiet corner table stands to greet Sherman. They shake hands. Both are in civilian clothes.
DEVLIN
Good to see you, Cump. Does anybody know you're in town?
SHERMAN
Just passing through--quietly. I wanted to ask you about the Geary campaign.
DEVLIN
Looks like the sonuvabitch is going to be the next governor of Pennsylvania.
SHERMAN
It's ridiculous. A man with such radical ideas. And I couldn't get elected dog catcher. He may be headed for the White House unless . . . something happens.
DEVLIN
Like what?
SHERMAN
Wonder how the voters would like to know he consorted with a street woman in Savannah. They might not be as gullible as Geary's wife.
DEVLIN
Yeah! Somebody just might leak it to the newspapers.
SHERMAN
We don't want him being president some day.
DEVLIN
You can be sure somebody'll stop him.
EXT. STREET -- NIGHT
John stands on a platform talking to a torchlit CROWD. Signs proclaim: GEARY FOR GOVERNOR. Mary, teenage Willie, young Mary and Dinah sit nearby. Devlin stands in the shadows of the platform. John has been talking.
JOHN
There are a lot of promises I could make you about how the South should be punished. Everybody tells you that now. That is the campaign rhetoric of every politician--Republican or Democrat. I won't insult you with the same old slogans. Instead, I challenge you to look into the future. You are Pennsylvanians who fought gallantly to defeat the South, to bring this nation back together as one and to abolish forever the disease of slavery from these shores. The Confederacy is dead. The Union is alive and well. What good is there to keep beating a dead horse?
From the rear of the crowd, unseen hecklers shout insults.
FIRST HECKLER
Are you a copperhead 'cause of a Rebel whore?
John ignores the taunt.
JOHN (Cont'd)
Now is the time not to look back, but to look to rebuilding this great union that reaches from Canada to Mexico, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We must be positive, stepping forward from that great, bloody conflict we have endured.
SECOND HECKLER
Did you kill your own son 'cause he was a coward, Gen-er-al Geary?
John is shaken but goes on.
JOHN (Cont'd)
My opponent would open new wounds, make all we fought for in vain. He campaigns on repeal of the Fifteenth Amendment. He would take away from the black man all the gains we--both white and black--fought to ensure. When blood flowed on that battlefield at Fredericksburg or Gettysburg or Chickamauga and all across the country, no one asked if the man . . .
THIRD HECKLER
Is Geary a nigger lover 'cause he's got a black whore in his house?
Dinah is embarrassed. John winces but goes on talking.
JOHN (Cont'd)
. . . had black or white blood, whether he was born in a mansion or a slave cabin. These issues have been settled by the sword--and put behind us. We are one nation under God with only the boundaries of own courage to limit our future. Let there be no limits. Let us reach to the stars and allow America to become as great as it can be.
FIRST HECKLER
Tell 'em about your Kathy Mac whore, Geary!
John stops, takes of his coat and puts his hands on his hips.
JOHN
You know, my friends, I've always thought a coward hid in the dark to make his false accusations. If the three gentlemen who are spreading lies on me will kindly step forward, I will personally debate the truth of the matter with them.
He rolls up his sleeves and starts toward the audience.
JOHN (Cont'd)
I'll settle this man to man. One at a time, or all three at once. Will some of you in the back help the gentlemen to the front?
There is a scuffle as supporters try to push the three forward, but they escape and run away.
John's supporters laugh and cheer.
FIRST SUPPORTER
They'd rather run than fight.
SECOND SUPPORTER
Geary for governor!
CHORUS OF VOICES
Geary for governor! Hooray for Geary!
John looks at Mary and Dinah. He knows it has upset them.
INT. CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS -- DAY
John and Devlin stand beside a desk laden with campaign material. Outside are WORKERS busy with brochures and tactics. Devlin holds several rolled up newspapers.
JOHN
You were with me through it all. How does such gossip come up at this time? About Mrs. McLauren. About Dinah. Eddie. Where is it all coming from?
DEVLIN
Remember, general, you made a lot of enemies along the way. In San Francisco, in Kansas--and particularly in the war. You hanged some men who had powerful family and friends.
JOHN
But how does anyone know about my . . . friendship with Kathy Mac?
DEVLIN
Maybe some of them southerners won't your friends after all. Maybe Hank Mebane himself.
John shakes his head.
JOHN
At least, thank God, I know I can depend on you, Monk.
DEVLIN
Afraid I got some more bad news.
He unfolds newspapers which have headlines proclaiming: GEARY HAD REBEL MISTRESS.
JOHN
My Lord!
DEVLIN
The newspapers got hold of the story somehow.
JOHN
How do you answer gossip? You can fight a man. But these accusations keep coming from out of the dark.
DEVLIN
It's getting pretty vicious. Maybe you oughta consider dropping out.
INT. GEARY KITCHEN -- DAY
Mary and Dinah prepare a meal together.
MARY
John's campaign isn't going well.
DINAH
You think people believe all that gossip about Savannah?
MARY
If there were only something we could do.
DINAH
I'm working on it.
MARY
You? How?
DINAH
I been in touch with my Josh, down in Savannah.
MARY
What on earth could he do?
DINAH
We'll see.
Dinah smiles knowingly.
INT. CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS -- DAY
John stands, nervously holding a telegram in his hand. He looks at it again. Monk watches him.
JOHN
I don't know what to make of it.
DEVLIN
It can only hurt. You know how voters feel about anybody being soft on Rebels.
JOHN
The war is over! Time to heal the wounds.
DEVLIN
Pennsylvania ain't ready for that yet. Revenge is in the air with so many shedding blood to fight the Confederacy.
JOHN
They lost people, too.
DEVLIN
They don't vote in Pennsylvania.
JOHN
But there's a delegation of five hundred people coming from Savannah to Philadelphia to honor me. They were good people. Many my friends. How can I dishonor them?
DEVLIN
It'll kill you in politics--forever.
John looks out of the window, thinks before replying.
JOHN
All my life I seem to have been preparing for this time--being governor of my home state. Maybe beyond that. It means a lot to me. There have been a lot of sacrifices. But there are things more important. I could not live with myself if I did not meet these people.
Devlin shakes his head.
EXT. PHILADELPHIA STREET -- DAY
On a platform, John sits in the midst of DIGNITARIES including the Savannah mayor, Mary and Dinah. Devlin circulates through the crowd gauging reaction. The mayor has been speaking. A large CROWD surrounds them. News reporters take notes. Photographers with contemporary cameras take pictures.
MAYOR
He could have come among us with sword and torch. We were helpless and could not have stopped him. He could have watched us suffer in lawlessness, hunger, disease. As military governor, his directives were to occupy Savannah and keep order. But General John White Geary was more than a general. He was a man with a heart as big as his size. He brought out city back into the Union with his generosity and understanding. His charity will ever be remembered in our city. But let someone who worked closely with him tell you more of this--Hank and Kathy Mebane.
Hank steps forward. John had not seen him, is surprised. Hank shows age from his ordeal, but looks prosperous. Devlin is visibly annoyed.
HANK
Before the war, John Geary and I were friends who hunted
(more)
HANK (Cont'd)
wild game across your beautiful Pennsylvania countryside. A cruel catastrophe of politics separated us. Blood was spilled on both sides before the conflict was resolved. General Geary was fierce and courageous on the battlefield. I know. I was on the receiving end and saw the loyalty and valor of your famed Pennsylvania White Star division. In peace John Geary was a firm but fair administrator of our city. When they were hungry, he fed them. When they were sick, he ministered to them. But . . . let someone who worked more closely with him explain this. My wife, Kathy Mac Mebane.
John is startled to see Kathy Mac step out of the crowd. Still beautiful, she looks more sedate. Kathy wears her ivory comb in her hair. Devlin hides his anger.
KATHY
General Geary came into Savannah as the conqueror. A big man on a big horse, he was a frightening sight to a beaten people. But he quickly showed us he had the courage to do what was humane even if it weren't the popular thing to do. There were those who would inflict suffering for the war on the innocent--the civilians, women and children. It was my privilege to work with him, going door to door to aid the people in their misery. We became not the enemy to him, but fellow Americans in need.
Dinah leans over to Mary.
DINAH
(whispers)
This oughta stop some of them clacking tongues.
MARY
(whispers)
Yes . . . and she is beautiful, too, isn't she?
DINAH
But she Hank Mebane's wife. You are Mrs. John White Geary. He came home to you.
KATHY (Cont'd)
All Savannah is grateful. All America is indebted to him. With the example set by him, and with God's help, let us heal the wounds and bind this nation together again.
The crowd ROARS their applause. John stands and waits until they calm before speaking. Kathy's and John's eyes meet momentarily, their emotions cloaked.
JOHN
This is truly a . . .
The mayor steps forward to stop him.
MAYOR
If I may interrupt you, general--Savannah isn't the only group here today. Someone from San Francisco wanted to be heard.
John steps back as the mayor waves to a young man, DAKOTA SUTTON, making his way to the platform.
SUTTON
I know you don't remember me, general. Mike Sutton.
JOHN
Little Dakota? Dakota Sutton!
SUTTON
I was just a small boy when you opened the first Post Office in San Francisco in my daddy's store. But I watched you with young eyes filled with admiration. You went on to become our first mayor, creating departments needed to turn chaos into an orderly society. You brought law and order to a wild city to become the jewel of the Pacific for America.
He steps back to APPLAUSE, and a FARMER steps up. He is shy but sincere as he speaks.
FARMER
I ain't nobody important, General Geary, not like these other folks up here, but some neighbors back in Kansas heard you were having some problems and picked me to come up here and give you their thanks. I was there the night in Lawrence when you stood up to a band slavers aiming to burn our town. He packed 'em off without firing a shot. If General Geary hadn't come to us when he did, Kansas might 'a been a slave state. He was fighting for the Union 'fore other folks knew there was gonna be a fight.
A series of PEOPLE speak. Faces of John, his family and the crowd are seen.
ELDERLY WOMAN
My son was with General Geary in Mexico. He was so proud of serving with the general and the White Star. They marched from Vera Cruz to Mexico City. That's where my son was killed, storming the wall. General Geary wrote us a long letter about how brave our son was. When he got back, he came to see us himself.
GRIZZLED SERGEANT
At Gettysburg, things got so tough a lot of us felt like running. When we looked up, General Geary was right there with us, them fierce eyes blazing, his voice egging us on. We figured we'd rather face them Rebs than him. We was proud of it later.
YOUNG CORPORAL
I was just a kid in the army at Cedar Ridge when General Geary got hit. His arm half shot off. But he wouldn't let nobody tend to him until everything was over. Somebody said that ole man would spit in the devil's eye.
(to Geary)
Begging your pardon, general.
John smiles. He is moved.
OLD MAN
Like Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, and thousands of unnamed pioneers who were there when this country needed them, General Geary was there. He was a pioneer. Without men like him, the country would never be as great as it is today--as great as it will be in the future.
OTHERS continue to speak, their voices unheard, as Devlin meets in the rear with another MAN. They speak in low tones.
MAN
Our mutual friends want an appraisal of Geary's campaign.
Devlin shrugs his shoulders helplessly.
DEVLIN
After today, I don't think Ben Franklin himself could beat Geary in Pennsylvania. He's a shoe-in for governor. Hell, one day he'll be elected president--if he lives long enough.
MAN
If--he lives long enough.
EXT. BESIDE THE PLATFORM -- SAME DAY
John, Mary, Dinah, Kathy, Hank and Josh stand together talking after the rally. Crowds mill around slapping John on the back. Kathy unconsciously touches her ivory comb occasionally.
MARY
Hank, I do wish you could all spend some time on the farm with us. Do you have to go back so soon?
HANK
We leased a special train for this journey, leaving tonight.
JOHN
I will always be grateful--to all of you--for coming.
KATHY
It's little enough for what you did for Savannah.
John takes out his watch, looks at it. His and Kathy's eyes meet momentarily.
JOHN
I shall always remember my days there.
HANK
(quickly)
Savannah remembers you.
He puts his arm around Kathy self consciously.
MARY
Kathy, I so much wanted to get to know you better, (laughingly) and find out how you put up with Hank.
Kathy smiles.
KATHY
Hank's a changed man now. A big business man in Savannah. He and Josh own half the town, I think. He's almost as bad as John. All ambition.
MARY
Oh, I pity you then.
They all laugh.
John's and Kathy's eyes meet again. They both look away.
INT. HALLWAY -- DAY
A sign on the doorway says: JOHN WHITE GEARY, GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA. John's angry voice is heard from inside.
JOHN'S VOICE OVER
By the Almighty God and the power of governor, I will not allow a flock of vultures destroy the people of Pennsylvania with greed. You railroad barons think the state belongs to you. I've got news for you. This state belongs to the people.
INT. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE -- SAME DAY
Three railroad men--GALVAN, HARTSWELL and GUENTHER--stand before John's desk, somewhat intimidated by his anger. But they are persistent. Guenther is younger than the others.
GALVAN
But . . . governor, all we want is legislative help to issue more stocks and bonds for expansion and railroad growth.
JOHN
Galvan! What you want is to dump some worthless paper on an unsuspecting public, to dupe them out of their money.
HARTSWELL
Really, governor! That's a terrible accusation. The railroads have an impeccable reputation for honesty.
JOHN
Railroads might, Hartswell. You moneygrubbing bastards don't.
GUENTHER
That's slanderous, governor! We won't stand for it.
JOHN
So-sue me. I would welcome the opportunity in court to prove what you really are. Guenther, you of all people in on this scheme! I knew your father well, worked with him to help build the tracks across this state. He would never approve of your bond swindle.
GALVAN
Come now, governor. Losing our tempers is no way to provide this state with the growth it needs. Surely, we can offer you some means of our appreciation to remove your suspicions.
JOHN
You aren't stupid enough to try to bribe me, are you Galvan?
Galvan laughs weakly.
GALVAN
Of course not. I only wanted to prove our good intentions.
JOHN
That's simple enough. Your enormous profits provide ample gorwth. You will not need--you will not touch the savings of widows and orphans. You will not swindle the people of this state.
HARTSWELL
You have no reason to be anti-railroad. We built this country.
JOHN
Railroads built America, yes. You didn't. You chase progress with your insatiable thirst for money.
GUENTHER
Surely, though, you're not going to promote legislation to legalize labor unions and allow workers to strike.
JOHN
As sure as there's breath in my body. That seems to be the only way to keep you in check.
HARTSWELL
You have many enemies in the legislature--and we have friends.
JOHN
Bought friends! If anyone is foolish enough to fight me, I'll take it to the people and let them decide.
GALVAN
But, governor . . .
JOHN
You've wasted enough of my time. Good day to you, gentlemen.
INT. HALLWAY -- SAME DAY
Leaving John's office, the three men converse in low tones.
GALVAN
That man's a maniac. He's got to be stopped.
HARTSWELL
He's left a trail of enemies from one side of the country to the other. He treats too many people without the respect they're due.
GUENTHER
But the damned public loves him. He's already been elected governor twice. Now there's talk he will be the next candidate for president.
GALVAN
Maybe we could start another smear campaign.
GUENTHER
Nobody would believe it.
GALVAN
If we could fabricate enough overwhelming evidence. Somebody has to do something. Just imagine if he should be in Washington and able to carry out his wild ideas nationwide.
HARTSWELL
The man is overdue for death. Somebody will get to him. They got to Lincoln, didn't they.
Guenther is uncomfortable.
GUENTHER
I don't like that kind of talk.
GALVAN
If you don't have the stomach for it, you don't belong with us.
GUENTHER
I'm with you.
EXT. COAL MINE ENTRANCE -- DAY
John stands talking with the mine OWNER while MINERS and their WIVES gather around them.
JOHN
You will provide the safety measures provided by law to protect these miners!
OWNER
But, governor, these are expensive. We can't afford it. The price of coal would go up. The people wouldn't like it.
JOHN
You mean your profit margin would go down. You will install them. Is that understood?
The owner shakes his head regretfully. People smile at John and MUTTER agreement.
INT. SPEAKER'S DAIS -- DAY
John stands before the Pennsylvania LEGISLATURE speaking. He pounds the lectern with emphasis.
JOHN
In a country as rich as America, in a state as prosperous as Pennsylvania, you gentlemen are not going to sit on your comfortable behinds and tell me we cannot afford education for everyone in this state.
There are SOUNDS of discontent from the legislators.
JOHN (Cont'd)
All our children--whether they come from a banker's mansion or a farmer's shack--will have equal opportunity to learn. This is our investment in the future. And--if you do not give me this legislation. We will take it to the people . . . and let them decide.
INT. BAR -- NIGHT
Devlin sits at a corner booth with Hartswell.
HARTSWELL
You come highly recommended, and a man who's no great admirer of the governor.
DEVLIN
He's a selfish man--who thinks only of himself and his wild ideas about helping the public.
HARTSWELL
You have a few gambling debts, I understand. I'm sure we can help you with them.
DEVLIN
I could sure use it. Every time I talk to Geary about a loan, he starts giving me advice. What can I do?
HARTSWELL
A scandal. We have to discredit him. If we could just find the right scandal to ruin him. The state, the whole country would be better off. If you can offer assistance, certain people would show their gratitude.
Devlin sips his drink, thinking.
DEVLIN
I already have something in the works.
HARTSWELL
Yes?
DEVLIN
Geary has been personally developing a pension fund for veterans and their widows.
HARTSWELL
I know. One of his pet projects.
DEVLIN
What you don't know is some of the funds--a large amount--is already missing.
Hartswell chuckles, a nasty laugh.
HARTSWELL
Did you . . .?
DEVLIN
Never you mind that. If the fund is audited, Geary will have to take the blame.
HARTSWELL
You're a good man. We'll do business together.
DEVLIN
If that don't work--there's one thing left.
HARTSWELL
That is?
DEVLIN
Geary is a vain man about the color of his hair and beard. He puts dye in it.
HARTSWELL
We all know that.
DEVLIN
I've said enough. Just get going on that rumor about the pension funds. I'll do my part.
HARTSWELL
I knew we could count on you.
INT. GEARY LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
Mary sits reading John's old letters. Weary, John enters and smiles when he sees her with the letters.
JOHN
I thought you knew those old letters by heart now.
MARY
I never tire of them. They show the real John Geary, the one who shields himself from everyone behind his rough, hard manner.
She stands and kisses him. He holds her close.
MARY (Cont'd)
Your letters to Margaret from Mexico City, from San Francisco, and to me from all over the Civil War battlefields. So full of warmth from a loving and caring man.
JOHN
From a young man full of dreams. Sometimes I miss those days. Things were so simple. I could put my feelings into letters, thoughts I could not express to anyone.
MARY
Even to me?
JOHN
Even to you, Mary.
MARY
How strange. You are so eloquent in letters, speaking to your troops or to a group of voters. But you are so shy and inarticulate to those closest to you. Except to Dinah. Sometimes I have to ask Dinah what you really mean.
John smiles, remembering.
JOHN
Dinah and I grew up together, saw the same problems. A drunken father who was a failure at everything.
MARY
Except as a father.
JOHN
What do you mean?
MARY
Your brother Edward is a famous minister in Oregon. And you! Why, John, you have left a mark on this country from coast to coast that will change the course of history. Your name is revered in San Francisco, and in Savannah. Pennsylvania will never be the same after your work. You brought the vote to minorities, education for everyone, mine safety, labor unions, protection for orphans and widows.
JOHN
Sometimes I've wished I could have many lives. I'm not afraid of dying. Death must come to me as it does to every man. There are just so many things I want to do before I die. There were so many unfulfilled dreams ahead of me. Worlds to conquer. Wilderness to tame.
MARY
You've tamed everything--but yourself.
JOHN
Do you want me tamed?
MARY
It would be nice to spend my last years quietly with my husband, instead of watching a legend grow.
JOHN
Some people don't see me as a legend, those vipers trying to accuses me of embezzling money from the veterans' pension fund.
MARY
Monk says you shouldn't worry about that.
JOHN
Good ole Monk. Always faithful, over the years.
MARY
I forgot to tell you Monk came by early this morning.
JOHN
What did he want?
MARY
He brought you some reports, and a bottle of hair dye. Said it was a new brand he found.
JOHN
Mary, I've set aside a sizable bequest for Monk in my will.
MARY
Will? I don't want to hear such talk. You're only fifty-three.
JOHN
Oh, I feel fine, well enough to go back to the farm and whip it into shape now that my second term as governor is over.
MARY
And what if they nominate you for president?
JOHN
How could I refuse?
Mary smiles.
MARY
Yes. How could you refuse?
INT. BAR -- NIGHT
Devlin sits talking in low tones with Hartswell.
HARTSWELL
The pension charges won't hold water against him.
DEVLIN
Only death will stop that man.
HARTSWELL
A gun will stop any man. Look at Lincoln.
DEVLIN
Booth just got lucky. And see what happened to him. He didn't get far.
HARTSWELL
Luck had nothing to do with it. You don't think that drunken actor was by himself.
DEVLIN
Was you in on that?
HARTSWELL
Never you mind. Lincoln is history. Geary is now.
DEVLIN
He'll be history before long.
HARTSWELL
He's healthy as a horse. Looks younger every day.
DEVLIN
Let him keep looking younger with his hair dye. Each time he grooms himself he's keeping a date with death.
Devlin has a faraway look in his eyes.
DEVLIN (Cont'd)
Geary and I were born for this. While I did the work, he took the credit and the money. Now--I will do what armies and vigilantes and powerful men could not do. I will bring down the mighty Geary.
INT. GEARY KITCHEN -- DAY
John grooms his beard, using dye from the bottle, while talking with Mary and Dinah who boils eggs for breakfast.
DINAH
You look real distinguished, John. You're handsome enough without using that dye.
JOHN
You will be missed, Dinah. But I know you and Josh will be happy together in Savannah. It's beautiful country.
DINAH
I will miss all of you, too, but neither me nor Josh are
getting any younger. He's waited all these years for me. His business with Hank is going good. They got five sawmills now.
JOHN
I'm happy for him, for both of them.
DINAH
Just imagine--an ex-slave and a white aristocrat partners together in business.
MARY
Things just won't be the same without you, Dinah.
DINAH
Oh, you'll get along fine back on the farm. You are going back there, aren't you?
Mary laughs.
MARY
Well, John? We are, aren't we?
JOHN
Of course, unless . . .
MARY
(to Dinah)
. . . unless he gets the call to run for president.
DINAH
When he hears that bugle call, he'll be charging off again. President John White Geary. Won't that be something?
John puts his hand to his forehead. He staggers.
MARY
John! Are you allright?
JOHN
Just a little dizzy. Let me sit down a minute.
INT. DARK HALLWAY -- NIGHT
Softly moving feet go up the stairs of a rooming house and down the carpeted hallway. The MAN, whose face is never seen, stops at a door and knocks. Devlin opens it. He looks weary, unshaven. He has been drinking for days.
DEVLIN
Oh . . . It's you.
The man enters Devlin's apartment.
MAN
Our friends thought it best for me to come and bring you your payoff.
DEVLIN
I don't care who brings it, just so I get it. I want to get out of this place. Maybe back to San Francisco.
MAN
They want to know how they can be sure you did it. Doctors say Geary died of natural causes.
DEVLIN
What difference does it make. He's dead, ain't he?
MAN
You didn't tell anyone about the arrangement with our friends, did you?
DEVLIN
'Course not! I'm a loner. Sometimes I wish I did have somebody to talk to. I almost feel like Judas betraying Jesus.
MAN
Geary was no Christ. He was the devil.
DEVLIN
When I didn't go to the funeral, they thought I was too broken up.
Devlin laughs, partly sadness, partly sarcastic.
MAN
I know. We've been following you.
DEVLIN
Enough talk. Pay me, and leave me be. Then maybe I can get some sleep.
MAN
You'll be able to sleep after your payoff.
INT. THE HALLWAY -- SAME DAY
The man opens the door and leaves. Back inside the room can be seen Monk's body hanging from a chandelier.
EXT./INT. MONTAGE -- DAY AND NIGHT
A COFFIN draped with the White Star banner lies in state in the Pennsylvania rotunda while an endless line of MOURNERS pass by. People of all dress, wealthy and poor, all races and ages. Against the background, while a NARRATOR comments, a montage depicts a series of scenes from John's life. A young man working on the farm. An engineer plotting a track around a mountain. An officer storming the wall at Mexico City. An official in San Francisco. A general in the Civil War spurring troops onward. Military administrator of Savannah helping people. Governor of Pennsylvania shouting at politicians.
NARRATOR'S VOICE OVER
On February twenty-seventh, eighteen seventy-three, John White Geary died suddenly at the breakfast table, ten days after retiring from the governor's office where he served two terms. There were rumors of suicide, or of assassination. Officially, it was ruled a heart attack. His body lay in state three days in the state capital rotunda, the only chief executive so honored. During his lifetime, John Geary lived in the midst of the turbulent times America was developing into a nation. He was a schoolteacher, an engineer, a lawyer, a general in two wars, postmaster, mayor, governing power of two cities and two states, a crusader for justice and human rights and--always--a pioneer ahead of his time. He saw railroads exploding the frontiers. The Mexican War that spread American borders to the Pacific. Opening of San Francisco and California. Bloody fighting in Kansas. The tragedy of the Civil War. Abolishment of slavery. He brought reforms to voting, civil rights for minorities, mine safety, education and labor practices to prepare the country for the Twentieth Century. John Geary was there. He was a giant in those days--in body, in ambition and in dreams for his country.
FADE OUT