The Proposal Scene 01

This is a scene that I wrote for a short film based in the eighties in a village pub somewhere in rural northern England

Scene 01

The small bar was full with people chatting and stood at the bar. Doreen the barmaid serving a beer to Dave at the bar.

DOREEN

There you go love, I’ll just get your nuts.

DAVE

Well I’m up for that but I don’t think Nancy will take that to lightly.

Dave nods over in Nancy’s direction laughing.

 DOREEN

Less of that sort of talk otherwise I will get George to bar you.

GEORGE  (The Landlord)

What’s that Doreen? Is he giving you lip again.

DOREEN

Don’t worry George, I’ll have a word with Nancy She will sort him out.

Dave Picks up the drinks and walks over to the table were Nancy is sitting, she looks at him and shakes her head.

NANCY

What have you been up to? What have I told you about flirting with that trollop.

I’ll stop you coming in here if you carry on like this.

Dave nods his head in disbelief, sits down and puts Nancy’s drink on the table.

DAVE

I was only having a bit of fun, I didn’t realise It was a crime to have a laugh nowadays.

Anyway I have a surprise for you, but you have to guess what it is.

Dave goes into his pocket and puts a wrapped box on the table. Doreen Looks over from the Bar and says to George.

DOREEN

It looks like we could have a proposal on the cards George.

George is stood drying a glass and looks up and at Doreen

GEORGE

Bloody Hell I know he’s not very bright but even he’s not that stupid!

Nancy looks at the Wrapped Box and smiles and looks at Dave, smiling and expecting a life changing experience.

DAVE

Come on then have a guess.

NANCY

You will have to give me a clue

DAVE

A clue,erm

Dave takes a drink

DAVE

Its something that people all over the world have done and are still doing even now.

Nancy’s eyes widen in anticipation

NANCY

Is it something have always wanted

DAVE

Possibly

NANCY

Look Dave i am hopeless at guessing

Doreen shouts over

DOREEN

It looks like its from the Jewelery store to me

NANCY

I wasn’t asking for your opinion if you don’t mind we are having a private conversation.

DOREEN

Sorry I didn’t think it was that private with all the noise you are making.

GOERGE (the Landlord)

For godsake put us all out of our misery just open the bloody thing.

DAVE

Go on them get it opened.

Nancy starts ripping at the wrapping paper and then stops and looks puzzeled.

NANCY

What the hell is it?

DAVE

Its a Rubik Cube, they are all the rage.

NANCY

A Rubik Cube, what use is that to anyone

DAVE

I bought it off your brother he said they are all the rage.

NANCY

But whats the point of it.

DAVE

You have to get all the colours to match on each side

NANCY

Like I said whats the point.

Dave takes another drink

DAVE

So what did you think it was

NANCY

If I have to tell you it doesnt mean anything does it.

DAVE

doesnt it?

NANCY

Dave we have been going out now for Ten years, don’t you think its time you showed some comittment to our relationship.

DAVE

I do, I bring you out for a drink at least once a week.

NANCY

I need something more that a poxy drink or two. Im not getting any younger and all my friends have settled down. I dont want to be that Aunty who never married but gets to babysit for ecveryone.

DAVE

I thought you were happy the way we are?

NANCY

Happy! I’m delerious.

Dave takes another drink. Looks down at his pint then back upto Nancy.

DAVE

Well, I have another surprise for you.

Nancy looks at him and a smile comes across her face.

NANCY

And what would that be then?

Dave Starts searching in his other pocket.

DAVE

I got you some pork Scratchings rather than nuts for a change.

NANCY

You are unbelievable, here i am bearing my soul to you and all you can think of is Pork Scratchings. I give up!

Nancy looks away from dave forcing back the tears.

DAVE

At least you could eat them now I’ve bought them

He puts the bag on the table, Nancy looks at the opened bag.

NANCY

The bags even opened, its not even a new bag you tight fisted idiot.

DAVE

Here have one you know you want to.

NANCY

I wouldn’t eat out of that bag if it was the last bag of Scratchings on the planet.

DAVE

Go on you know you want to.

Nancy turns and looks at the bag that dave is wafting under her nose and spots something shiney, she grudgingly puts her hand in the bag and her face changes.

NANCY

Dave what’s this?

DAVE

Its an engagement ring Chuck, will you marry me?

Nancy looks at the ring with tears in her eyes. pauses then looks at Dave

NANCY

Marry you, you have to be kidding, what prospects have you got! we go through this every month and my answer will be the same, I will when you get a job. Now get me a drink.

Doreen turns to George

DOREEN

How many times is that George

GEORGE the Landlord

I dont know I stopped counting when it got to double figures.

Dave empties his pint and gets up to go to the bar.

DAVE

A pint and a Cinzano Bianco with Lemonade and an umbrella please Doreen

DOREEN

Sorry for your disappointment Dave

DAVE

Disapointment, isn’t the word I would use, why do you think I haven”t told her I’m working!

© John Eccles 2015