Ponderosa Spirit

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THE PONDEROSA SPIRIT
Written by
Joan Sherman Markowitz

NOTES: Back in the days when I wrote this script dialogue was centered on the page so that notes could be made in the margin about changes in dialogue, sets, scenery, etc. I’m sure that in this day and age that with all the computer technology that concept may have changed.

Normally, the scenes were numbered so that when shot out of sequence the director would know which scene they were working on at that particular time and day.

Therefore, I have retyped my script in the format for easy reading and a shorter length. Needless to say, this is the first time I have read the script in over 40 years.

I hope all the fans enjoy this. I enjoyed writing it for Hoss and was devastated when he passed away and it never was produced, although it was scheduled to be shot in the 9th season.
(CU means Close Up, OS means off screen)

Joan Sherman Markowitz

FADE IN:
EXT. MAIN STREET – VIRGINIA CITY – DAY
Hoss and Joe are riding down the street aimlessly.

JOE: This is great. I wish Pa would go away more often.

HOSS: Yeah. No work. Wonder when he’s comin’ home?

JOE: No tellin’. These buying trips can take a long time – but knowin’ Pa… he could be back tonight.

HOSS: I guess so. Let’s go have a beer. I’m getting tired of riding around.

JOE: Now you’re talkin’!

They turn the horses around and head for the saloon, passing the theatre on the way.

HOSS: Hey, Joe – look at that.

JOE: What.

HOSS: The sign in front of the theatre.

CU SIGN
Which reads: "MADAME KARA – SPIRITUALIST – ALL SEEING, ALL KNOWING – PERFORMANCE STARTS AT 8:00 PM SHARP".

BACK TO HOSS AND JOE

HOSS: Hey! I have an idea. Why don’t we stay in town, have dinner and see the show.

JOE: We can’t do that. You know what Pa said. The stock has to be looked after and that little mare is about to foal.

HOSS: Aw, come on Joe. The stock can wait and the mare don’t need us.

JOE: No…you can stay but I’d better get back. What if Pa comes home early?

HOSS: I guess you’re right. But let’s have dinner first and a couple of beers. It’s still early.

JOE: Talked me into it.

As Hoss and Joe continue on down the street the CAMERA PANS back to the sign of Madame Kara and holds on it for a few seconds.

FADE OUT

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