Dead Poets Society Page #3

The students stand with their parents under a giant tent.

Finger food, coffee, tea and punch are laid cut on white

clothed tables.

Charlie's mother stands dotingly fixing Charlie's hair. Then

she kisses him.

Knox's father has his hand affectionately around his son.

Mr. Perry stands adjusting the achievement pins on Neil's

jacket.

Todd Anderson's parents stand chatting with another couple,

paying no attention to Todd who looks very much alone.

Mr.Nolan walks by and looks at Todd's name tag.

NOLAN:

Ah, Mr. Anderson. You have some big

shoes to fill, young man. Your brother

was one of our best.

TODD:

(faint, almost inaudible)

Thank you.

Neil's father, Neil in tow, approaches Nolan and interrupts.

MR. PERRY

(somewhat disturbed)

Gale. what's this I hear about a new

junior English teacher?

NOLAN:

Mr. Gladden took the Headmaster's post

at Malford, so we've hired John Keating.

MR. PERRY

(suspicious)

A former student, I hear?

NOLAN:

A star student, Mr. Perry. And he's

spent the last ten years teaching at the

McMillan School in Edinburgh.

MR. PERRY

(acting impressed)

Oh. McMillan.

Nolan looks around. He finds, then indicates:

ACROSS THE LAWN a black-robed teacher stands with his back to

us, staring at the beautiful Welton LAKE. As if he sensed he

was being watched, he turns and faces us. This is JOHN

KEATING, late 30s, sparkling eyes.

Nolan puts his arm on Mr. Perry's shoulder and leads him off.

NOLAN:

Come meet him. You'll like him.

We watch Nolan escort Mr. Perry across the lawn and introduce

him to Mr. Keating who walks up to greet them. Todd stands

alone, looking around. Neil Perry, now left alone, does the

same. Both watch the other students saying good-byes to their

parents.

5 EXT. THE WELTON ACADEMY PARKING LOT - DAY 5

The 7th graders are saying good-bye to their parents. Chins

quiver. Young eyes hold back tears. Some boys sob. For most

of these young boys this is the first time in their lives that

they will be away from their parents and their homes, and it

is a devastating experience.

LONG SHOT, WELTON ACADEMY - SAME

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