Dead Poets Society Page #7

THE BOYS:

Fine, sir. Thank you.

MR. PERRY

Neil, I've decided that you're taking

too many extracurricular activities.

I've spoken to Mr. Nolan about it and you

can work on the school annual next year.

NEIL:

But father, I'm assistant editor.

MR. PERRY

I'm sorry, Neil.

NEIL:

But father, it's not fair.

MR. PERRY

Fellows, would you excuse us a minute?

Mr. Perry walks into the hall, Neil follows.

12 INT. THE JUNIOR DORMITORY HALLWAY - SAME 12

MR. PERRY

I will not be disputed in public, do you

understand me?

NEIL:

Father, I wasn't disputing you.

MR. PERRY

When you've finished medical school and

you're on your own, you can do as you

please. Until then, you will listen to

me.

NEIL:

Yes sir. I'm sorry.

MR. PERRY

You know what this means to your mother,

don't you?

NEIL:

Yes sir.

Using the pressures of guilt and punishment, Mr. Perry is the

most subtle of bullies. Neil's resolve crumbles in front of

his authoritarian father. Neil fills the pause.

NEIL (CONT'D)

You know me, always taking on too much.

MR. PERRY

Good boy. Call us if you need anything.

He turns and walks off.

13 INT. NEIL'S ROOM 13

The others wait in silence. A chastened Neil enters.

CHARLIE:

Why doesn't he let you do what you want?

KNOX:

Yeah! Tell him off! It couldn't get

any worse.

NEIL:

Oh that's rich. Like you tell your

parents off, Mr. Future Lawyer and Mr.

Future Banker!

Neil takes the school annual achievement pin off his shirt

and hurls it at his desk.

KNOX:

Wait a minute. I don't let my parents

walk on me.

NEIL:

Yeah, you just do everything they say!

You'll be in daddy's law firm as sure as

I'm standing here.

(to Charlie)

And you'll be approving loans till you

croak.

CHARLIE:

Okay, so I don't like it any more than

you do. I'm just saying

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