suicide or should he not! People will 
                         write in pleading with him. But no! 
                         No, sir! John Doe will remain adamant! to their hero, John Doe.
                                      
                         Camera pans over to JOHN B. HUGHES. publicly that on Christmas Eve he intends 
                         to commit suicide, giving as his reasonquote: 
                         "I protest against the state of civilization." As soon as he gets strong enough, we'll 
                         find out what John Doe wants! Thirty 
                         every Thursdaysixty at sixtywho knows asking John Doe not to jump off any 
                         roof . . .
                                      
                         Camera pans over to KNOX MANNING. Yeah, maybe.
                                     
                         NOTE: Henceforth in this script he shall 
                         be referred to as JOHN DOE. on our part. Just statements from John 
                         Doe and we can blast our heads off.
 
                                                              
                         ANN Dissolve to: Ext.: Clearing under the 
                         bridge. Close-up: Of JOHN. He sits on 
                         a rock, his head bent low, tears streaming You're a fake, John Doe, and I can prove 
                         it! You're the big hero that's supposed 
                         to jump off tall buildings and things! (loses controlscreams)
                                     
                         What John Doe? You're a fake, John Doe, and I can prove 
                         it! You're the big hero that's supposed 
                         to jump off tall buildings and things. I want a special John Doe edition every 
                         day until the convention is over.
 
                                                              
                         (dismissing them) Close-up: Of JOHN. He smiles helplessly. 
                         Starts toward door. (hoarsely)
                                     
                         Listen . . . John Does . . .
                                     
                         (weakly) you.
                                      
                         JOHN hangs up.
                                     
                         The COLONEL has just reached the door answering.
                                      
                         SERGEANT
                                     
                         Who? John Doe? Is that screwball still JOHN
                                     
                         (in a sepulchral voice) John Doe's a phoneyand they insist 
                         on seeing him.
                                      
                         ANN What John Doe?
                                     
                         ANN
                                     
                         Our John Doe! The one I made up! Look, the John Does. We're the meek who are, 
                         er, supposed to inherit the earth. You'll 
                         find us everywhere. We raise the crops,
JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! TALL CHAP
                                     
                         Willoughby. John Willoughby, Long John isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN then, see? But the real me, John Doe, 
                         er, that is, Long John Willoughby, I 
                         was the fellow up there with the book. there you were getting married.
                                      
                         Close-up: Of JOHN. He suddenly becomes 
                         aware he is treading on sensitive grounds. COLONEL
                                     
                         (ignoring him)
                                     
                         And let me tell you, Long John. When JOHN
                                     
                         No, thanks, Colonel.
                                     
                         JOHN lifts his eyes skyward, stares you.
                                      
                         JOHN hangs up.
                                     
                         The COLONEL has just reached the door COLONEL
                                     
                         Aw, Long John . . . I tell youit's 
                         no good. You're gonna get used to a JOHN
                                     
                         No, not that bad. It was a fella that JOHN
                                     
                         (going back to her)
                                     
                         Say, Mrs. Mitchell, I, er, I'm kinda JOHN
                                     
                         (calling futilely)
                                     
                         Hey, Colonel! Mr. Norton's house.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Oh! COLONEL
                                     
                         (crosses to John) JOHN
                                     
                         (quicklythreateningly)
                                     
                         Stop right where you are, Mr. Norton, John, I want to have a little talk with 
                         you.
                                      
                         (lurchesJohn holds him up) He leaves her, abruptly.
                                     
                         Int. dining room: Full shot: JOHN enters JOHN referred to. He is much older and 
                         goes by the name of COLONEL.
                                      
                         Camera continues to pull back revealing JOHN
                                     
                         (in a sepulchral voice)
Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN D. B.
                                     
                         All right, Casanova. I'll give you a 
                         break. See that Miss Mitchell gets a TALL CHAP
                                     
                         Willoughby. John Willoughby, Long John D. B.
                                     
                         Fifteen thousand? Oh my, that's fine. 
                         Now, listen, Charlie, as soon as John Yes, sir.
                                     
                         They exit. D. B. walks to the door, 
                         a pleased expression on his face. D. B. hands him a bill and nods toward 
                         the children. The BUTLER exits. He was paid to say so!
                                      
                         (turning to John)
                                     
                         Do you deny that? and wouldn't take any money for it? 
                         You remember that? Okay, boss, I'll 
                         go and look for her. MIKE
                                     
                         Well, that's a cinch. I know somebody 
                         that'll give you five thousand dollars produced for questioning. You know as 
                         well as I do that this whole thing is 
                         being engineered by a vicious man with It is now replaced by one of thoughtfulness 
                         and interest. He looks off toward the 
                         foyer, and impulsively goes in that 
                         direction. And there were a lot of others that 
                         were going to do the same thing. Why, 
                         Mr. Sourpuss even got a letter from When you're desperate for money, you 
                         do a lot of things, Mr. Connell. He's 
                         our man, I tell you. (calling to men)
                                     
                         Don't let that girl get away!
                                     
                         The butler rushes out. (to Colonel)
                                     
                         Help yourself.
                                     
                         COLONEL then, see? But the real me, John Doe, 
                         er, that is, Long John Willoughby, I 
                         was the fellow up there with the book. He bows again, and starts for the door. 
                         When he gets there, he is stopped by 
                         MRS. MITCHELL's voice. B. a moment. He realizes he has been 
                         told to mind his own business.
                                      
                         Two shot: CONNELL picks up his hat.
Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) D. B.
                                     
                         Fifteen thousand? Oh my, that's fine. 
                         Now, listen, Charlie, as soon as John isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN D. B.
                                     
                         All right, Casanova. I'll give you a 
                         break. See that Miss Mitchell gets a (eyes heaven-ward)
                                     
                         Five thousand dollars! Holy mackerel! 
                         I can see the heelots comin'. The whole He was paid to say so!
                                      
                         (turning to John)
                                     
                         Do you deny that? JOHN
                                     
                         Five thousand bucks! I had it right 
                         in my hand! her confession.
                                      
                         CONNELL
                                     
                         So you think this is worth a thousand and wouldn't take any money for it? 
                         You remember that? Okay, boss, I'll 
                         go and look for her. TALL CHAP
                                     
                         Willoughby. John Willoughby, Long John Yeah. Five thousand dollars. And he 
                         gets it right away. You don't have to 
                         wait till Christmas. of doing itthat you were being paid 
                         to say so?
                                      
                         5. Again the girl who laughed appears: (tries to drop it casually)
                                     
                         Oh, the bonus of a thousand dollars 
                         the Chronicle was going to pay me for advanced him and the letter Miss Mitchell 
                         wrote, for which I gave her a thousand 
                         dollars.
                                      
                         CONNELL A hundred dollars!
                                     
                         D. B.
                                     
                         That's only the beginning. You play JOHN
                                     
                         Yes! I was paid! But the
                                     
                         D. B. MIKE
                                     
                         Well, that's a cinch. I know somebody 
                         that'll give you five thousand dollars (eyes popping)
                                     
                         Five thousand dollars?
                                     
                         MIKE What for? I gave you fifty just the 
                         other day.
                                      
                         MOTHER
to their hero, John Doe.
                                      
                         Camera pans over to JOHN B. HUGHES. the John Does. We're the meek who are, 
                         er, supposed to inherit the earth. You'll 
                         find us everywhere. We raise the crops, It isn't too late. The John Doe movement 
                         isn't dead yet.
                                      
                         Suddenly she becomes conscious of the MAN
                                     
                         Three cheers for John Doe!
                                     
                         JOHN Oh, yeah. We made Sourpuss chairman 
                         and decided to call ourselves The John 
                         Doe Club. And, say, incidentally, this Here you are! John Doe a fake! Read 
                         all about it! John Doe movement a racket! The John Doe idea may be the answer, 
                         though! It may be the one thing capable 
                         of saving this cockeyed world! Yet you Ladies and gentlemen, this certainly 
                         looks like the end of the John Doe movement. I'm glad you gentlemen are here. You've 
                         killed the John Doe movement, all right, 
                         but you're going to see it born all happened. They're forming John Doe Clubs. 
                         We know of eight already and they say 
                         that there's going D. B.
                                     
                          . . . Er, this John Doe idea is yours, 
                         huh? way around. This John Doe movement costs 
                         you a fortune. This convention's gonna 
                         cost plenty. What John Doe?
                                     
                         ANN
                                     
                         Our John Doe! The one I made up! Look, thousand people, and talking over a 
                         nation-wide radio hook-up, John Doe 
                         will announce the formation of a third 
                         party. and from now on we quote: "I protest, 
                         by John Doe." He protests against all 
                         the evils in the world; the greed, the citizen, John Doe.'"
                                      
                         JOE pauses to absorb this.
                                     
                         JOE This John Doe meeting is gonna be one 
                         of the biggest things that ever happened. John Doe. And He's kept that idea alive 
                         for nearly two thousand years. COLONEL
                                     
                         Join the John Doe Club.
                                     
                         JOHN Do you mean to tell me you'd try to 
                         kill the John Doe movement if you can't 
                         use it to get what you want?
a vicious purposeMr. D. B. Norton.
 
                                                              
                         As he finishes saying this, Dissolve Mr. Norton's house.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Oh! Norton, I mean. He's, er, he's done 
                         an awful lot for the (to D. B.defiantly)
                                     
                         There you are, Norton! The people! Try 
                         and lick that! Come on, Colonel. TROOPER
                                     
                         Mr. Norton wants to see you.
                                     
                         ANN (turns to secretary)
                                     
                         Oh, Matilda darling, phone the newspapers. 
                         Tell them Mr. Norton is here. Step right Make room for Mr. Norton. Gangway, gangway. 
                         Here he is, Mr. Norton, well taken care 
                         of. The neighbors are serving him a here."
                                      
                         (agitated)
                                     
                         There it is! That's D. B. Norton's opening over again. Now, take a good look, Mr. 
                         Norton.
                                      
                         Int.: Landing to tower. Med. shot: As you'll be pulling the strings, Mr. Norton!
 
                                                              
                         Close-up: Of D. B. His eyes have begun JOHN
                                     
                         (quicklythreateningly)
                                     
                         Stop right where you are, Mr. Norton, My name is D. B. Norton . . . you all 
                         know me! I accuse this man of being 
                         a faker! We've been taken for a lot Cut to: Int. D. B. NORTON's study: Med. 
                         shot: D. B. and TED SHELDON are listening Look, Mr. Norton, I think you've got 
                         a lot of nerve having those people hold 
                         us here. If you do, Mr. Norton, you're just as 
                         much of a dumb cluck as he is! Excuse 
                         me. Mr. Norton! I'm Mayor Hawkins. Your 
                         office telephoned me to hold him. this whole thing to you. As you all 
                         know, this paper is published by a man 
                         by the name of D. B. Norton . . . inside, Mr. Nortonmy office is very 
                         comfortable here, Mr. Norton. Just had 
                         it air-conditioned. Gangway, please. it, but it's also a windfall for somebody 
                         like Mr. Norton who's trying to crash 
                         national politics. sends you flowers every day. Er, what's 
                         his name? Mr. Norton's nephew.
                                      
                         ? 652 ?
Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! Mr. Norton's house.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Oh! a vicious purposeMr. D. B. Norton.
 
                                                              
                         As he finishes saying this, Dissolve JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) (turns to secretary)
                                     
                         Oh, Matilda darling, phone the newspapers. 
                         Tell them Mr. Norton is here. Step right TROOPER
                                     
                         Mr. Norton wants to see you.
                                     
                         ANN (suddenly)
                                     
                         Did you speak to Mr. Norton? JOHN
                                     
                         (quicklythreateningly)
                                     
                         Stop right where you are, Mr. Norton, (to D. B.defiantly)
                                     
                         There you are, Norton! The people! Try 
                         and lick that! Come on, Colonel. Make room for Mr. Norton. Gangway, gangway. 
                         Here he is, Mr. Norton, well taken care 
                         of. The neighbors are serving him a Norton, I mean. He's, er, he's done 
                         an awful lot for the isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN here."
                                      
                         (agitated)
                                     
                         There it is! That's D. B. Norton's opening And there were a lot of others that 
                         were going to do the same thing. Why, 
                         Mr. Sourpuss even got a letter from If you do, Mr. Norton, you're just as 
                         much of a dumb cluck as he is! Excuse 
                         me. ANN
                                     
                         Mr. Norton, I'd like to talk to you 
                         alone for a moment. Gee whiz, Boss, you know Mr. Norton 
                         told me not to leave him, not even for 
                         a minute. Mr. Norton! I'm Mayor Hawkins. Your 
                         office telephoned me to hold him. ANN
                                     
                         (in an awed whisper)
                                     
                         Mr. D. B. Norton! sends you flowers every day. Er, what's 
                         his name? Mr. Norton's nephew.
                                      
                         ? 652 ?
isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! There! You see? He admits it! You're 
                         a fake, John Doe! And for what you've 
                         done to all these good peoplethey ought Well, I was just thinking about this 
                         John Doe business. Why, as soon as it 
                         comes out it's all a fake, you'll be then, see? But the real me, John Doe, 
                         er, that is, Long John Willoughby, I 
                         was the fellow up there with the book. You remember? What do you suppose your 
                         precious John Does will say when they 
                         find out that you never had any intention JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) You're a fake, John Doe, and I can prove 
                         it! You're the big hero that's supposed 
                         to jump off tall buildings and things! John Doe's a phoneyand they insist 
                         on seeing him.
                                      
                         ANN with another man, the one she made up. 
                         You know, the real John Doe. Well, that's 
                         pretty tough competition. You're a fake, John Doe, and I can prove 
                         it! You're the big hero that's supposed 
                         to jump off tall buildings and things. a fake!
                                      
                         CONNELL turns sharply.
                                     
                         Close-up: Of ANN. She was just about Yes. Yes. I saw it, Governor . . . and 
                         if you ask me that's a phoney letter. 
                         Why, that gag has got whiskers on it. And there were a lot of others that 
                         were going to do the same thing. Why, 
                         Mr. Sourpuss even got a letter from Doe clubs. Well, I ain't waiting another 
                         minute.
                                      
                         He opens the door and when he sees the Yeah, maybe.
                                     
                         NOTE: Henceforth in this script he shall 
                         be referred to as JOHN DOE. Oh, please, Mr. Doe
                                     
                         Close-up: Of JOHN. suicide or should he not! People will 
                         write in pleading with him. But no! 
                         No, sir! John Doe will remain adamant! Run a story. Say John Doe was in here, 
                         and is sorry he wrote the letter and
 
                                                              
                         CONNELL now I find out it's nothing but a cheap 
                         racket! Cooked up by him and two of 
                         my employees for the sole purpose of
You know something? I've actually fallen 
                         in love with him.
                                      
                         Full shot: They are interrupted by the She hangs up the receiver, despairingly. 
                         Then, suddenly, she jumps out of bed 
                         and runs to a clothes closetgrabbing looking at her, while she clings to 
                         him desperately. While she speaks, he 
                         turns his face from her and stares at 
                         the men. JOHN
                                     
                         And you know, I think she's in love But, he's gonna jump off a building!
 
                                                              
                         ANN She rushes and throws her arms around 
                         him.
                                      
                         ANN button impatiently. She feels weak, 
                         and has to brace herself to stay on 
                         her feet. Suddenly, she is startled (suddenly)
                                     
                         No, John, if you die, I want to die, 
                         too! (sobbing)
                                     
                         Oh, let me go! Let me go to him! Oh, Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! (overlapping above speech)
                                     
                         Let go of me! This man had no intention 
                         of jumping off of the top of a building! futilely before him. The COLONEL reaches 
                         his side and glancing sympathetically 
                         up at his face, starts to lead him off suicide or should he not! People will 
                         write in pleading with him. But no! 
                         No, sir! John Doe will remain adamant! No, no, no. This man's going to jump 
                         off a roof.
                                      
                         EDDIE Dissolve to: Ext.: Clearing under the 
                         bridge. Close-up: Of JOHN. He sits on 
                         a rock, his head bent low, tears streaming (in a desperate plea)
                                     
                         John. Please, John, listen to me. We'll 
                         start all over again, just you and I. John!
                                     
                         She takes his face in her two hands 
                         and turns it to her. to jump off any roof a'tall. Oh, we'll 
                         stop it!
                                      
                         ANN completes the phone callcrosses ANN is deeply concerned. She watches 
                         him, helplessly.
                                      
                         JOHN PleaseI can explain everything, John. 
                         I didn't know what they were going to 
                         do! Let me go with you, John! John,
JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! TALL CHAP
                                     
                         Willoughby. John Willoughby, Long John then, see? But the real me, John Doe, 
                         er, that is, Long John Willoughby, I 
                         was the fellow up there with the book. isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN COLONEL
                                     
                         (ignoring him)
                                     
                         And let me tell you, Long John. When there you were getting married.
                                      
                         Close-up: Of JOHN. He suddenly becomes 
                         aware he is treading on sensitive grounds. JOHN
                                     
                         No, thanks, Colonel.
                                     
                         JOHN lifts his eyes skyward, stares you.
                                      
                         JOHN hangs up.
                                     
                         The COLONEL has just reached the door COLONEL
                                     
                         Aw, Long John . . . I tell youit's 
                         no good. You're gonna get used to a JOHN
                                     
                         (going back to her)
                                     
                         Say, Mrs. Mitchell, I, er, I'm kinda Mr. Norton's house.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Oh! JOHN
                                     
                         (calling futilely)
                                     
                         Hey, Colonel! JOHN
                                     
                         (quicklythreateningly)
                                     
                         Stop right where you are, Mr. Norton, He leaves her, abruptly.
                                     
                         Int. dining room: Full shot: JOHN enters John, I want to have a little talk with 
                         you.
                                      
                         (lurchesJohn holds him up) JOHN
                                     
                         No, not that bad. It was a fella that hounds wait for JOHN.
                                      
                         COLONEL
                                     
                         Gangway, you heelots! (at John's elbow)
                                     
                         Never mind. Let him alone. He's all 
                         right. I'll be right over there pulling COLONEL
                                     
                         (crosses to John)
JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! TALL CHAP
                                     
                         Willoughby. John Willoughby, Long John isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN then, see? But the real me, John Doe, 
                         er, that is, Long John Willoughby, I 
                         was the fellow up there with the book. John, I want to have a little talk with 
                         you.
                                      
                         (lurchesJohn holds him up) He was paid to say so!
                                      
                         (turning to John)
                                     
                         Do you deny that? Er, would you, er, would you like to 
                         make some money?
                                      
                         JOHN D. B.
                                     
                         Fifteen thousand? Oh my, that's fine. 
                         Now, listen, Charlie, as soon as John JOHN
                                     
                         (going back to her)
                                     
                         Say, Mrs. Mitchell, I, er, I'm kinda there you were getting married.
                                      
                         Close-up: Of JOHN. He suddenly becomes 
                         aware he is treading on sensitive grounds. D. B.
                                     
                         John
                                     
                         (concerned) Mr. Norton's house.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Oh! JOHN
                                     
                         (quicklythreateningly)
                                     
                         Stop right where you are, Mr. Norton, and happy guy you used to be. You gotta 
                         have money to pay for all those thingsso 
                         you go after what the other feller's Dissolve to: Ext.: Clearing under the 
                         bridge. Close-up: Of JOHN. He sits on 
                         a rock, his head bent low, tears streaming JOHN
                                     
                         Yeah, yeah, but look, Mrs. Mitchell, He leaves her, abruptly.
                                     
                         Int. dining room: Full shot: JOHN enters COLONEL
                                     
                         (ignoring him)
                                     
                         And let me tell you, Long John. When you.
                                      
                         JOHN hangs up.
                                     
                         The COLONEL has just reached the door
It's for Ann . . .
                                     
                         MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         (taking the box) Do it, and I'll give you a hundred dollars 
                         a week.
                                      
                         ANN Close shot: Of the girl. Her name is 
                         ANN MITCHELL. She stands, thinking, 
                         and then suddenly, impulsively, wheels And, Miss MitchellI think from now 
                         on you'd better work directly with me.
 
                                                              
                         ANN MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         Oh, Ann, dear! D. B.
                                     
                         All right, Casanova. I'll give you a 
                         break. See that Miss Mitchell gets a advanced him and the letter Miss Mitchell 
                         wrote, for which I gave her a thousand 
                         dollars.
                                      
                         CONNELL This is my nephew, Ted Sheldon, Miss 
                         Mitchell.
                                      
                         ANN ANN
                                     
                         Sure! When you get hold of a stunt that 
                         sells papers you don't drop it like sees her.
                                      
                         CONNELL
                                     
                         (into phonestaring at Ann) of doing itthat you were being paid 
                         to say so?
                                      
                         5. Again the girl who laughed appears: a coat and scarf.
                                      
                         MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         Why, Ann! . . . ANN comes out. Suddenly, she stops, 
                         gets another idea, picks up a book from 
                         a desk, and reaches back to heave it. Int.: Police station. Med. shot: ANN 
                         and her mother sit on a bench. A policeman 
                         is in the background. ANN stares into may I offer a little toast to Miss Ann 
                         Mitchellthe brilliant and beautiful 
                         lady who is responsible for all this! JOHN
                                     
                         Yeah, yeah, but look, Mrs. Mitchell, Close-up: Of MRS. MITCHELL. She watches 
                         him, amused.
                                      
                         JOHN John Doe and Miss Mitchell and handle 
                         the press and the radio.
                                      
                         CHARLIE Camera pans with her as she goes back 
                         to ANN.
                                      
                         MOTHER and you hate to let go.
                                      
                         ANN
                                     
                         Sure, it's a meal ticket for me. I admit
to their hero, John Doe.
                                      
                         Camera pans over to JOHN B. HUGHES. the John Does. We're the meek who are, 
                         er, supposed to inherit the earth. You'll 
                         find us everywhere. We raise the crops, It isn't too late. The John Doe movement 
                         isn't dead yet.
                                      
                         Suddenly she becomes conscious of the The John Doe idea may be the answer, 
                         though! It may be the one thing capable 
                         of saving this cockeyed world! Yet you MAN
                                     
                         Three cheers for John Doe!
                                     
                         JOHN Oh, yeah. We made Sourpuss chairman 
                         and decided to call ourselves The John 
                         Doe Club. And, say, incidentally, this Ladies and gentlemen, this certainly 
                         looks like the end of the John Doe movement. I'm glad you gentlemen are here. You've 
                         killed the John Doe movement, all right, 
                         but you're going to see it born all citizen, John Doe.'"
                                      
                         JOE pauses to absorb this.
                                     
                         JOE Even a conservative estimate shows that 
                         we can count on anywhere between ten 
                         and twenty million John Doe votes. Now, Here you are! John Doe a fake! Read 
                         all about it! John Doe movement a racket! thousand people, and talking over a 
                         nation-wide radio hook-up, John Doe 
                         will announce the formation of a third 
                         party. D. B.
                                     
                         This John Doe convention is a natural. 
                         It's gonna put our city on the map. happened. They're forming John Doe Clubs. 
                         We know of eight already and they say 
                         that there's going way around. This John Doe movement costs 
                         you a fortune. This convention's gonna 
                         cost plenty. D. B.
                                     
                          . . . Er, this John Doe idea is yours, 
                         huh? Why, over twentyfour hundred John Doe 
                         clubs are sending delegates. Can you 
                         imagine that? You, Mr. Mayor, will be people, don't you? Well, put John Doe 
                         on the air and you can reach a hundred 
                         and fifty million of 'em. He can say influence people, it might grow into 
                         a glorious movement.
                                      
                         JOHN Mr. Doe. The speech will continue.
 
                                                              
                         Med. shot: Featuring JOHN and ANN.
My name is D. B. Norton . . . you all 
                         know me! I accuse this man of being 
                         a faker! We've been taken for a lot here."
                                      
                         (agitated)
                                     
                         There it is! That's D. B. Norton's opening a vicious purposeMr. D. B. Norton.
 
                                                              
                         As he finishes saying this, Dissolve Jim thinks it's D. B. Norton at work.
 
                                                              
                         JIM D. B.
                                     
                          . . . Er, this John Doe idea is yours, 
                         huh? this whole thing to you. As you all 
                         know, this paper is published by a man 
                         by the name of D. B. Norton . . . (to D. B.defiantly)
                                     
                         There you are, Norton! The people! Try 
                         and lick that! Come on, Colonel. There! You see? He admits it! You're 
                         a fake, John Doe! And for what you've 
                         done to all these good peoplethey ought Cut to: Int. D. B. NORTON's study: Med. 
                         shot: D. B. and TED SHELDON are listening ANN
                                     
                         (in an awed whisper)
                                     
                         Mr. D. B. Norton! A big, rich slob like D. B. Norton buys 
                         a paperand forty heads are chopped 
                         off! back there, you!" He means us, the John 
                         Does!
                                      
                         Cut to: Int. D. B. 's study: Mr. Norton's house.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Oh! you'll be pulling the strings, Mr. Norton!
 
                                                              
                         Close-up: Of D. B. His eyes have begun with his foot. Just as he straightens 
                         out again, D. B. speaks.
                                      
                         D. B. D. B.
                                     
                         John
                                     
                         (concerned) (turns to secretary)
                                     
                         Oh, Matilda darling, phone the newspapers. 
                         Tell them Mr. Norton is here. Step right JOHN
                                     
                         (quicklythreateningly)
                                     
                         Stop right where you are, Mr. Norton, Oh, yeah. We made Sourpuss chairman 
                         and decided to call ourselves The John 
                         Doe Club. And, say, incidentally, this Their eyes riveted on JOHN. They feel 
                         the moment has come. Several of them 
                         glance toward D. B.
a vicious purposeMr. D. B. Norton.
 
                                                              
                         As he finishes saying this, Dissolve Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! My name is D. B. Norton . . . you all 
                         know me! I accuse this man of being 
                         a faker! We've been taken for a lot you'll be pulling the strings, Mr. Norton!
 
                                                              
                         Close-up: Of D. B. His eyes have begun here."
                                      
                         (agitated)
                                     
                         There it is! That's D. B. Norton's opening Yes, sir.
                                     
                         They exit. D. B. walks to the door, 
                         a pleased expression on his face. with his foot. Just as he straightens 
                         out again, D. B. speaks.
                                      
                         D. B. D. B.
                                     
                         All right, Casanova. I'll give you a 
                         break. See that Miss Mitchell gets a D. B.
                                     
                         Oh, oh.
                                     
                         (chortling) speaks to D. B.
                                      
                         WESTON
                                     
                         As I said before, I'm with youproviding D. B.
                                     
                         I'll stop him! I'll stop him cold! Don't 
                         worry, I've been ready for this! JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) (to D. B.defiantly)
                                     
                         There you are, Norton! The people! Try 
                         and lick that! Come on, Colonel. Cut to: Int. D. B.'s study. Med. shot: 
                         In the dimly lit room, we see the lonely 
                         figure of D. B., as he stands near a at the others, and grins awkwardly.
 
                                                              
                         Close shot: Of D. B. as he signals to Cut to: Int. D. B. NORTON's study: Med. 
                         shot: D. B. and TED SHELDON are listening (whispering)
                                     
                         We've been double-crossed! Jim thinks it's D. B. Norton at work.
 
                                                              
                         JIM D. B.
                                     
                         Fifteen thousand? Oh my, that's fine. 
                         Now, listen, Charlie, as soon as John A big, rich slob like D. B. Norton buys 
                         a paperand forty heads are chopped 
                         off!
MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         Oh, Ann, dear! you know I love Ann and it's gonna be 
                         awfully hard for me to say it because, 
                         well, you know, she's so wonderful, It's for Ann . . .
                                     
                         MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         (taking the box) a coat and scarf.
                                      
                         MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         Why, Ann! . . . ANN is deeply concerned. She watches 
                         him, helplessly.
                                      
                         JOHN troublesome to her.
                                      
                         ANN
                                     
                         (hoarsely) Close shot: Of the girl. Her name is 
                         ANN MITCHELL. She stands, thinking, 
                         and then suddenly, impulsively, wheels MRS. MITCHELL'S VOICE
                                     
                         John. My husband said: "I love you. 
                         Will you marry me?" turns and looks at ANN.
                                      
                         Close-up: Of ANN. A warm, pleading look 
                         in her eyes. publicly that on Christmas Eve he intends 
                         to commit suicide, giving as his reasonquote: 
                         "I protest against the state of civilization." ANN comes out. Suddenly, she stops, 
                         gets another idea, picks up a book from 
                         a desk, and reaches back to heave it. Ann, darling!
                                     
                         ANN
                                     
                         Oh, Mother! They won't let me go! They isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         (turning to him) and you hate to let go.
                                      
                         ANN
                                     
                         Sure, it's a meal ticket for me. I admit may I offer a little toast to Miss Ann 
                         Mitchellthe brilliant and beautiful 
                         lady who is responsible for all this! ANN forces a smile. The moment threatens 
                         to become awkwarduntil they are saved 
                         by the pilot's voice. JOHN
                                     
                         (going back to her)
                                     
                         Say, Mrs. Mitchell, I, er, I'm kinda Close-up: Of MRS. MITCHELL. She begins 
                         to sense what is on his mind, and her 
                         face becomes serious. suicide or should he not! People will 
                         write in pleading with him. But no! 
                         No, sir! John Doe will remain adamant!
suicide or should he not! People will 
                         write in pleading with him. But no! 
                         No, sir! John Doe will remain adamant! publicly that on Christmas Eve he intends 
                         to commit suicide, giving as his reasonquote: 
                         "I protest against the state of civilization." isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) And there were a lot of others that 
                         were going to do the same thing. Why, 
                         Mr. Sourpuss even got a letter from (over-lapping above speech)
                                     
                         And what about the suicide note? You Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! then, see? But the real me, John Doe, 
                         er, that is, Long John Willoughby, I 
                         was the fellow up there with the book. hire someone to say he's gonna commit 
                         suicide on Christmas Eve? Is that it?
 
                                                              
                         ANN gonna jump off the City Hall roof at 
                         midnight on Christmas Eve. Now, I guess 
                         I'm not average any more. Now, I'm getting to their hero, John Doe.
                                      
                         Camera pans over to JOHN B. HUGHES. They all say they wrote the John Doe 
                         letter.
                                      
                         Med. shot: POP and ANN have walked over You're a fake, John Doe, and I can prove 
                         it! You're the big hero that's supposed 
                         to jump off tall buildings and things! You're a fake, John Doe, and I can prove 
                         it! You're the big hero that's supposed 
                         to jump off tall buildings and things. Dissolve to: Ext.: Clearing under the 
                         bridge. Close-up: Of JOHN. He sits on 
                         a rock, his head bent low, tears streaming Well, I was just thinking about this 
                         John Doe business. Why, as soon as it 
                         comes out it's all a fake, you'll be don't you? Well, you don't have to die 
                         to keep the John Doe idea alive! Someone 
                         already died for that once! The first You remember? What do you suppose your 
                         precious John Does will say when they 
                         find out that you never had any intention Run a story. Say John Doe was in here, 
                         and is sorry he wrote the letter and
 
                                                              
                         CONNELL (loses controlscreams)
                                     
                         What John Doe?
They all say they wrote the John Doe 
                         letter.
                                      
                         Med. shot: POP and ANN have walked over the John Does. We're the meek who are, 
                         er, supposed to inherit the earth. You'll 
                         find us everywhere. We raise the crops, to their hero, John Doe.
                                      
                         Camera pans over to JOHN B. HUGHES. D. B.
                                     
                          . . . Er, this John Doe idea is yours, 
                         huh? Run a story. Say John Doe was in here, 
                         and is sorry he wrote the letter and
 
                                                              
                         CONNELL CONNELL
                                     
                         The letter from John Doe.
                                     
                         ANN The John Doe idea may be the answer, 
                         though! It may be the one thing capable 
                         of saving this cockeyed world! Yet you 4. Flashes of sheets of paper being 
                         ripped out of a typewriter.
                                      
                         5. Flashes of JOHN on the radiowith thing. Now the first thing I want is 
                         an exact copy of the John Doe letter 
                         in your own handwriting. You're a fake, John Doe, and I can prove 
                         it! You're the big hero that's supposed 
                         to jump off tall buildings and things! John Doe and Miss Mitchell and handle 
                         the press and the radio.
                                      
                         CHARLIE As soon as he gets strong enough, we'll 
                         find out what John Doe wants! Thirty 
                         every Thursdaysixty at sixtywho knows JOHN
                                     
                         I'm gonna talk about us, the average 
                         guys, the John Does. If anybody should Yeah, maybe.
                                     
                         NOTE: Henceforth in this script he shall 
                         be referred to as JOHN DOE. I still say that this John Doe person 
                         is a myth. And you can quote me on that. 
                         And I'm going to insist on his being suicide or should he not! People will 
                         write in pleading with him. But no! 
                         No, sir! John Doe will remain adamant! Well, I was just thinking about this 
                         John Doe business. Why, as soon as it 
                         comes out it's all a fake, you'll be "GOODBYE JOHN DOE, CALL AGAIN"
                                     
                         2. Close-ups of JOHN speakingsuperimposed "John Doe story amateur journalism. 
                         It's palpably phoney. It's a wonder 
                         anyone is taking it seriously." What You're a fake, John Doe, and I can prove 
                         it! You're the big hero that's supposed 
                         to jump off tall buildings and things.
Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) (calling to men)
                                     
                         Don't let that girl get away!
                                     
                         The butler rushes out. isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN BEANY suddenly realizes he has goneand 
                         chases after him.
                                      
                         BEANY to run you out of the countryand I 
                         hope they do it!
                                      
                         He leaves the platformfollowed by his He's getting away!
                                     
                         ANN
                                     
                         John! They all look up, startled.
                                     
                         COLONEL
                                     
                         They got you. Well, I'm through. futilely before him. The COLONEL reaches 
                         his side and glancing sympathetically 
                         up at his face, starts to lead him off (to John)
                                     
                         Hey. Let's get out o' here. There's 
                         the door right there. And there were a lot of others that 
                         were going to do the same thing. Why, 
                         Mr. Sourpuss even got a letter from there you were getting married.
                                      
                         Close-up: Of JOHN. He suddenly becomes 
                         aware he is treading on sensitive grounds. He turns to leave.
                                     
                         Close shot: Of SOURPUSS, who, heartbroken, 
                         stops BERT. He leaves her, abruptly.
                                     
                         Int. dining room: Full shot: JOHN enters Well, nobody asked yuh.
                                     
                         COLONEL
                                     
                         Trying to improve the world by jumping He bows again, and starts for the door. 
                         When he gets there, he is stopped by 
                         MRS. MITCHELL's voice. his bent cigaretteand again is unsuccessful.
 
                                                              
                         JOHN Dissolve to: Ext.: Clearing under the 
                         bridge. Close-up: Of JOHN. He sits on 
                         a rock, his head bent low, tears streaming with his proposal unfinished.
                                      
                         Dissolve to: Int. airport lunchroomnight. 
                         Med. shot: Scene opens with BEANY entering (muffled sobs)
                                     
                         Oh, John, darling. No! No!
this little document. You'll find it 
                         says, er: "I, Ann Mitchell, hereby certify 
                         that the John Doe letter was created ANN
                                     
                         Sure! When you get hold of a stunt that 
                         sells papers you don't drop it like ANN
                                     
                         Oh, it started as a circulation stunt, 
                         but it isn't any more. Mr. Norton wants It's for Ann . . .
                                     
                         MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         (taking the box) John Doe and Miss Mitchell and handle 
                         the press and the radio.
                                      
                         CHARLIE What John Doe?
                                     
                         ANN
                                     
                         Our John Doe! The one I made up! Look, The letter.
                                     
                         ANN
                                     
                         What letter? Run a story. Say John Doe was in here, 
                         and is sorry he wrote the letter and
 
                                                              
                         CONNELL in here and I made him change his mind. 
                         "Bulletin editor saves John Doe's life." 
                         Why, it's perfect. I'll have Ned write ANN comes out. Suddenly, she stops, 
                         gets another idea, picks up a book from 
                         a desk, and reaches back to heave it. they're saying about you.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Look, it started as a circulation stunt, JOHN
                                     
                         Yeah, yeah, but look, Mrs. Mitchell, (she turns to D. B.)
                                     
                         That's what you bought the newspaper 
                         for, isn't it? You wanta reach a lotta CONNELL
                                     
                         The letter from John Doe.
                                     
                         ANN "John Doe story amateur journalism. 
                         It's palpably phoney. It's a wonder 
                         anyone is taking it seriously." What ANN
                                     
                         So! So he writes me a letter and I dig 
                         him up. He pours out his soul to me, JOHN
                                     
                         You're all wet. Miss Mitchell writes 
                         those speeches and nobody can make her Close shot: Of the girl. Her name is 
                         ANN MITCHELL. She stands, thinking, 
                         and then suddenly, impulsively, wheels Three hundred thousand? What makes them 
                         do it, Ann? What makes them come and 
                         listen and, and get up their John Doe in his pocketand starts reading ANN'S 
                         speech.
                                      
                         JOHN
The letter.
                                     
                         ANN
                                     
                         What letter? And there were a lot of others that 
                         were going to do the same thing. Why, 
                         Mr. Sourpuss even got a letter from attack on the Governor!
                                      
                         2ND MAN
                                     
                         Why Jim, it's just a letter sent in (reading)
                                     
                         "Below is a letter which reached my 
                         desk this morning. It's a commentary the letter into the chute.
                                      
                         Ext.: City Hall roof. Full shot: The 
                         place is silent except for occasional Run a story. Say John Doe was in here, 
                         and is sorry he wrote the letter and
 
                                                              
                         CONNELL Yes. Yes. I saw it, Governor . . . and 
                         if you ask me that's a phoney letter. 
                         Why, that gag has got whiskers on it. Yeah, but it's got everybody sore. Ads 
                         are being pulledthe Governor's starting 
                         a libel suitwhat's more, they all know they're saying about you.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Look, it started as a circulation stunt, (tries to drop it casually)
                                     
                         Oh, the bonus of a thousand dollars 
                         the Chronicle was going to pay me for I've taken care of that. I've already 
                         mailed a copy of this letter to Mr. 
                         Connell. ANN
                                     
                         So! So he writes me a letter and I dig 
                         him up. He pours out his soul to me, End quote. Ladies and gentlemen, the 
                         New Bulletin takes pleasure in presenting 
                         the man who is fast becoming the most this little document. You'll find it 
                         says, er: "I, Ann Mitchell, hereby certify 
                         that the John Doe letter was created ? 586 ?
                                     
                         He picks up the front page of the Bulletin; Close shot: Of JOHN. He looks up, terror-stricken.
 
                                                              
                         Med. shot: At press section. Great excitement with excitement.
                                      
                         SPENCER
                                     
                         Phone the Chronicle . Tell 'em to start in here and I made him change his mind. 
                         "Bulletin editor saves John Doe's life." 
                         Why, it's perfect. I'll have Ned write Oh, they all wrote the letter?
                                     
                         ANN pushes CONNELL asidetalks to BEANY. immediately attacks the sign. As the 
                         lettering is being obliterated,
                                      
                         Dissolve to: Close-up: A new plaque
Close-up: Of MRS. MITCHELL. She begins 
                         to sense what is on his mind, and her 
                         face becomes serious. And, Miss MitchellI think from now 
                         on you'd better work directly with me.
 
                                                              
                         ANN JOHN
                                     
                         (going back to her)
                                     
                         Say, Mrs. Mitchell, I, er, I'm kinda ANN comes out. Suddenly, she stops, 
                         gets another idea, picks up a book from 
                         a desk, and reaches back to heave it. MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         (turning to him) on what we laughingly call the civilized 
                         world. 'Dear Miss Mitchell: Four years 
                         ago I was fired out of my job. Since Close-up: Of MRS. MITCHELL. She watches 
                         him, amused.
                                      
                         JOHN JOHN
                                     
                         Yeah, yeah, but look, Mrs. Mitchell, MRS. MITCHELL crosses to a desk, finds 
                         a key and unlocks a compartment. ANN 
                         watches her, curiously. She hangs up the receiver, despairingly. 
                         Then, suddenly, she jumps out of bed 
                         and runs to a clothes closetgrabbing MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         No, she just left. I'm surprised you 
                         didn't run into her. She went over to D. B.
                                     
                         All right, Casanova. I'll give you a 
                         break. See that Miss Mitchell gets a Okay, sister, you get your job back.
 
                                                              
                         ANN Close shot: Of the girl. Her name is 
                         ANN MITCHELL. She stands, thinking, 
                         and then suddenly, impulsively, wheels MRS. MITCHELL'S VOICE
                                     
                         John. My husband said: "I love you. 
                         Will you marry me?" suddenly stops, speculatively. He glances 
                         out of the corner of his eye toward 
                         MRS. MITCHELL. It is now replaced by one of thoughtfulness 
                         and interest. He looks off toward the 
                         foyer, and impulsively goes in that 
                         direction. Suddenly she stops pacing. Her eyes 
                         widen as a fiendish idea strikes her.
 
                                                              
                         ANN Two shot: JOHN and MRS. MITCHELL. He 
                         stares at her a second.
                                      
                         JOHN ? 658 ?
                                     
                         MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         Did you want to see her about something
CONNELL
                                     
                         Oh, quiet, quiet, quiet.
                                     
                         (to John) works. He is painting HENRY CONNELL's 
                         name on the door. It opens and a flip 
                         office boy emerges. The painter has CONNELL
                                     
                         (sighing)
                                     
                         Miss Mitchell, do me a favor, will you? JOHN
                                     
                         Hello, Mr. Connell.
                                     
                         CONNELL Oh.
                                     
                         CONNELL
                                     
                         (to John) JOHN
                                     
                         No, sir.
                                     
                         Two shot: JOHN and CONNELL. Two shot: JOHN and CONNELL.
                                     
                         CONNELL Close-up: Of MRS. MITCHELL. She watches 
                         him, amused.
                                      
                         JOHN JOHN
                                     
                         You're all wet. Miss Mitchell writes 
                         those speeches and nobody can make her CONNELL
                                     
                         The letter from John Doe.
                                     
                         ANN JOHN
                                     
                         Yeah, yeah, but look, Mrs. Mitchell, JOHN
                                     
                         Sure.
                                     
                         CONNELL CONNELL
                                     
                         (voice lowers)
                                     
                         He was killed, John. JOHNwho towers over CONNELL.
                                      
                         Wider shot: JOHN is still holding CONNELL, MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         Oh, John. Come in.
                                     
                         JOHN GROOM
                                     
                         Mr. Connell and Miss Mitchell are at 
                         the house, sir. John Doe and Miss Mitchell and handle 
                         the press and the radio.
                                      
                         CHARLIE JOHN
                                     
                         (going back to her)
                                     
                         Say, Mrs. Mitchell, I, er, I'm kinda I think maybe you'd better. And ConnellI'd 
                         like to have the John Doe contract, 
                         all the receipts for the money we have You must be wrong, Mr. Connell, 'cause 
                         he's been marvelous about the John Doe 
                         Clubs.
John Doe and Miss Mitchell and handle 
                         the press and the radio.
                                      
                         CHARLIE to their hero, John Doe.
                                      
                         Camera pans over to JOHN B. HUGHES. "John Doe story amateur journalism. 
                         It's palpably phoney. It's a wonder 
                         anyone is taking it seriously." What your John Doe. They're desperate and 
                         will do anything for a cup of coffee. 
                         Pick one out and you can make the Chronicle in here and I made him change his mind. 
                         "Bulletin editor saves John Doe's life." 
                         Why, it's perfect. I'll have Ned write Two shot: JOHN and MRS. MITCHELL. He 
                         stares at her a second.
                                      
                         JOHN JOHN
                                     
                         Yeah, yeah, but look, Mrs. Mitchell, people, don't you? Well, put John Doe 
                         on the air and you can reach a hundred 
                         and fifty million of 'em. He can say Close-up: Of MRS. MITCHELL. She watches 
                         him, amused.
                                      
                         JOHN MRS. MITCHELL'S VOICE
                                     
                         John. My husband said: "I love you. 
                         Will you marry me?" Two shot: JOHN and MRS. MITCHELL. She 
                         is terribly fond of JOHN and deeply 
                         sympathetic. NED
                                     
                         Look, Chief! Look what the Chronicle 
                         is running on John Doe. They say it's they're saying about you.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Look, it started as a circulation stunt, Run a story. Say John Doe was in here, 
                         and is sorry he wrote the letter and
 
                                                              
                         CONNELL with another man, the one she made up. 
                         You know, the real John Doe. Well, that's 
                         pretty tough competition. the John Does. We're the meek who are, 
                         er, supposed to inherit the earth. You'll 
                         find us everywhere. We raise the crops, JOHN
                                     
                         You're all wet. Miss Mitchell writes 
                         those speeches and nobody can make her let the Chronicle get the laugh on us! 
                         We've got to produce a John Doe now. Close shot: Of JOHN. He looks up, terror-stricken.
 
                                                              
                         Med. shot: At press section. Great excitement ANN
                                     
                         Sure! When you get hold of a stunt that 
                         sells papers you don't drop it like
JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) to their hero, John Doe.
                                      
                         Camera pans over to JOHN B. HUGHES. Yeah, maybe.
                                     
                         NOTE: Henceforth in this script he shall 
                         be referred to as JOHN DOE. isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN then, see? But the real me, John Doe, 
                         er, that is, Long John Willoughby, I 
                         was the fellow up there with the book. Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! As soon as he gets strong enough, we'll 
                         find out what John Doe wants! Thirty 
                         every Thursdaysixty at sixtywho knows There! You see? He admits it! You're 
                         a fake, John Doe! And for what you've 
                         done to all these good peoplethey ought with another man, the one she made up. 
                         You know, the real John Doe. Well, that's 
                         pretty tough competition. Who'd you say it was?
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         John Doe! The big guy there! Picture's What John Doe?
                                     
                         ANN
                                     
                         Our John Doe! The one I made up! Look, D. B.
                                     
                          . . . Er, this John Doe idea is yours, 
                         huh? Oh, yeah. We made Sourpuss chairman 
                         and decided to call ourselves The John 
                         Doe Club. And, say, incidentally, this your John Doe. They're desperate and 
                         will do anything for a cup of coffee. 
                         Pick one out and you can make the Chronicle the John Does. We're the meek who are, 
                         er, supposed to inherit the earth. You'll 
                         find us everywhere. We raise the crops, answering.
                                      
                         SERGEANT
                                     
                         Who? John Doe? Is that screwball still JOHN
                                     
                         Yes! I was paid! But the
                                     
                         D. B. MAN
                                     
                         Three cheers for John Doe!
                                     
                         JOHN He was paid to say so!
                                      
                         (turning to John)
                                     
                         Do you deny that? You remember? What do you suppose your 
                         precious John Does will say when they 
                         find out that you never had any intention
advanced him and the letter Miss Mitchell 
                         wrote, for which I gave her a thousand 
                         dollars.
                                      
                         CONNELL And, Miss MitchellI think from now 
                         on you'd better work directly with me.
 
                                                              
                         ANN Close-up: Of MRS. MITCHELL. She watches 
                         him, amused.
                                      
                         JOHN Do it, and I'll give you a hundred dollars 
                         a week.
                                      
                         ANN Two shot: JOHN and MRS. MITCHELL. He 
                         stares at her a second.
                                      
                         JOHN D. B.
                                     
                         All right, Casanova. I'll give you a 
                         break. See that Miss Mitchell gets a JOHN
                                     
                         Yeah, yeah, but look, Mrs. Mitchell, MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         (turning to him) John Doe and Miss Mitchell and handle 
                         the press and the radio.
                                      
                         CHARLIE on what we laughingly call the civilized 
                         world. 'Dear Miss Mitchell: Four years 
                         ago I was fired out of my job. Since MRS. MITCHELL crosses to a desk, finds 
                         a key and unlocks a compartment. ANN 
                         watches her, curiously. Close-up: Of MRS. MITCHELL. She begins 
                         to sense what is on his mind, and her 
                         face becomes serious. MRS. MITCHELL
                                     
                         (finds his hat and gives it to him) The men rise.
                                     
                         GROUP
                                     
                         Miss Mitchell! Miss Mitchell! JOHN
                                     
                         You're all wet. Miss Mitchell writes 
                         those speeches and nobody can make her MRS. MITCHELL'S VOICE
                                     
                         Good night, John. I'll tell you what I'll do. I get thirty 
                         dollars a week. I'll take twenty-five, MRS. MITCHELL'S VOICE
                                     
                         John. My husband said: "I love you. 
                         Will you marry me?" JOHN
                                     
                         (going back to her)
                                     
                         Say, Mrs. Mitchell, I, er, I'm kinda suddenly stops, speculatively. He glances 
                         out of the corner of his eye toward 
                         MRS. MITCHELL.
Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! Well, sir, you see, me and my wife, 
                         we heard your broadcast, and we got 
                         quite a bang out of it, especially my JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) been able to shake him since.
                                      
                         Full shot: Suddenly, he starts to play 
                         the overture from "William Tell." The radio on a table are all the household 
                         help. They listen, fascinated.
                                      
                         Int. foyer: Closeup of D. B. His eyes on the radio. If you're going to have 
                         him say anything, why don't you let 
                         him say something simple and real, something (to D. B.)
                                     
                         You own a radio station, Mr. Norton. 
                         Why not put him on the air? Yes, sir.
                                     
                         They exit. D. B. walks to the door, 
                         a pleased expression on his face. gonna give up his life for a principle, 
                         hundreds of thousands of people are 
                         gonna listen to him over the radio and, Med. shot: Of the audience. They too 
                         realize it is overand gradually they 
                         rise and applaud him wildly, and the the microphone.
                                      
                         JOHN
                                     
                         Please listen, folks! Now that he's It is now replaced by one of thoughtfulness 
                         and interest. He looks off toward the 
                         foyer, and impulsively goes in that 
                         direction. Go down to the office and arrange for 
                         some radio time.
                                      
                         CONNELL Just like you said on the radio, Mr. 
                         Doe.
                                      
                         SOURPUSS a radio speech that would put that fellow 
                         over?
                                      
                         ANN radio announcer.
                                      
                         ANNOUNCER
                                     
                         I'm afraid it'll be John Doe. Listen to JOHN's speech over the radio. D. 
                         B. is astonished at the disturbance 
                         in the program. and proceed to the microphones. Everyone 
                         stares curiously at JOHNwhispering 
                         to each other. Listen, ladies and gentlemen!
                                     
                         Before he can go any further, the band 
                         strikes up the strain of "AMERICA" and you.
                                      
                         JOHN hangs up.
                                     
                         The COLONEL has just reached the door
isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) then, see? But the real me, John Doe, 
                         er, that is, Long John Willoughby, I 
                         was the fellow up there with the book. Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! Well, the whole town's curious about 
                         John Doe and, boom, just like that you're As soon as he gets strong enough, we'll 
                         find out what John Doe wants! Thirty 
                         every Thursdaysixty at sixtywho knows to their hero, John Doe.
                                      
                         Camera pans over to JOHN B. HUGHES. the John Does. We're the meek who are, 
                         er, supposed to inherit the earth. You'll 
                         find us everywhere. We raise the crops, Oh, yeah. We made Sourpuss chairman 
                         and decided to call ourselves The John 
                         Doe Club. And, say, incidentally, this TOWNSPEOPLE
                                     
                         There he is!
                                     
                         John Doe! You remember? What do you suppose your 
                         precious John Does will say when they 
                         find out that you never had any intention There! You see? He admits it! You're 
                         a fake, John Doe! And for what you've 
                         done to all these good peoplethey ought What does John Doe look like, Mr. Mayor.
 
                                                              
                         MAYOR HAWKINS Yeah, maybe.
                                     
                         NOTE: Henceforth in this script he shall 
                         be referred to as JOHN DOE. What John Doe?
                                     
                         ANN
                                     
                         Our John Doe! The one I made up! Look, Do you remember? What do you suppose 
                         your precious John Does will say when 
                         they find out that you never had any answering.
                                      
                         SERGEANT
                                     
                         Who? John Doe? Is that screwball still MRS. BREWSTER
                                     
                         I insist that this John Doe man be found 
                         and given a job at once. If something never guess that, would you? Well, I 
                         have. Want to know what it is?
                                      
                         JOHN nods. D. B.
                                     
                          . . . Er, this John Doe idea is yours, 
                         huh?
Yeah, but his name's Willoughby.
                                     
                         DAN
                                     
                         Oh! isn't Doe. It's Willoughby.
                                      
                         ANN It is now replaced by one of thoughtfulness 
                         and interest. He looks off toward the 
                         foyer, and impulsively goes in that 
                         direction. And there were a lot of others that 
                         were going to do the same thing. Why, 
                         Mr. Sourpuss even got a letter from JOHN
                                     
                         Long John Willoughby.
                                     
                         (takes glove out of pocket) publicly that on Christmas Eve he intends 
                         to commit suicide, giving as his reasonquote: 
                         "I protest against the state of civilization." But no, no, he has a better idea. The 
                         City Hall. Why? Because he wants to 
                         attract attention. He wants to get a a vicious purposeMr. D. B. Norton.
 
                                                              
                         As he finishes saying this, Dissolve Yes, sir.
                                     
                         They exit. D. B. walks to the door, 
                         a pleased expression on his face. the world!
                                      
                         He has finishedbut does not move. He 
                         drops his head to conceal the moisture BEANY
                                     
                         Yeah. Just use the phone.
                                     
                         The thought of this delights JOHN. As soon as he gets strong enough, we'll 
                         find out what John Doe wants! Thirty 
                         every Thursdaysixty at sixtywho knows produced for questioning. You know as 
                         well as I do that this whole thing is 
                         being engineered by a vicious man with You remember? What do you suppose your 
                         precious John Does will say when they 
                         find out that you never had any intention BEANY suddenly realizes he has goneand 
                         chases after him.
                                      
                         BEANY Dissolve to: Ext.: Clearing under the 
                         bridge. Close-up: Of JOHN. He sits on 
                         a rock, his head bent low, tears streaming lust, the hate, the fear, all of man's 
                         inhumanity to man.
                                      
                         Arguments will start. Should he commit He bows again, and starts for the door. 
                         When he gets there, he is stopped by 
                         MRS. MITCHELL's voice. what does he do? He decides to commit 
                         suicide in protest against the state 
                         of civilization. He thinks of the river! with his proposal unfinished.
                                      
                         Dissolve to: Int. airport lunchroomnight. 
                         Med. shot: Scene opens with BEANY entering
What day does John Doe threaten to commit suicide? What was John Willoughby's previous career? Who bribes Willoughby? How much was  Willoughby bribed for? What slogan does the John Doe movement create? What is Norton's underlying plan? Who does Willoughby learn about Norton's plans from? What does Willoughby plan on doing after Doe is exposed as a fake? Who has fallen in love with Willoughby and desperately convinces him not to jump? What was John Willoughby's former occupation? What did John Willoughby need money for? What was Ann Mitchell given $100 a week to do? What is the slogan of the grassroots movement inspired by the John Doe philosophy? What secret ambition motivated D.B. Norton to carry on the John Doe ruse? What does Willoughby plan to do after being double crossed by D.B. Norton? Why does Ann Mitchell desperately try to talk Willoughby out of suicide? What holiday does Willoughby's suicide attempt have in common with the original John Doe letter?  What theme do the John Doe letters have in common? Why did Willoughby's plan to run away fail? Why does Ann Mitchell print the John Doe letter in the newspaper? What happens after the letter is printed? What idea does Mitchell have after she's rehired? Who do Mitchell and Henry Connell hire to play Dear John? What does Mitchell do to help sell John Doe to the newspaper audience? What does Willoughby get for his troubles as portraying John Doe? What is Mitchell paid $100 per week to do? What happens after Willoughby's first radio performance? What does Willoughby find out about John Doe in Millsville? What does Willoughb eventually plan to do?
Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve.
Baseball player. baseball player
A rival newspaper A rival newspaper.
$5000. $5000
Be a better neighbor Be a better neighbor.
To use John Doe for support for his political ambitions. to funnel support for the John Doe Movement into political support to get himself elected President
A drunken Connell. Henry Connell
Jumping off from the roof of city hall on Christmas Eve. jumping from the roof of City Hall on Christmas Eve to kill himself
Mitchell. Ann Mitchell
Baseball Player baseball player
To repair his injured arm. He needed his arm fixed by a doctor.
Write speeches for Willoughby Write radio speeches for John Willoughby.
Be a better neighbor Be a better neighbor.
Becoming president D.B. Norton has national political ambitions.
Commit suicide He plans to kill himself by jumping off the roof of City Hall.
She fell in love with him. another John Doe has already died
Christmas Eve Christmas Eve.
Society's disregard for people in need. society's lack of concern for people in need
He was recognized as John Doe at a diner. He was recognized as John Doe.
She is being fired, and published the fictional letter in her final column. She was angry about losing her job. 
People are enamored and the newspaper's competitors start looking into it as a potential fake. It becomes a sensation.
That she will help boost newspaper sales by promoting a fake John Doe. Make the newspaper more popular through use of John Doe's story. 
They hire John Willoughby, a down on his luck baseball player, to play the part. John Willoughby
She pens a number of letters written by John that are published. writes more letters and hires an actual down-and-out person to act as John Doe
He gets a hotel suite, $50 and a new set of clothes. $50, some new clothes, and a fancy hotel suite.
She is paid $100 per week to write radio scripts for John to take this idea nationally. write Willoughby's radio speeches
He flees by rail to the town of Millsville, where he is recognized as John Doe. He goes to Millsville.
There is a man named Bret Hanson who has started a John Doe Club pushing the idea to be better neighbors. He had inspired a John Doe club.
He plans to commit suicide by jumping off the roof of City Hall on Christmas Eve at midnight as the original letter said he would. To kill himself on Christmas Eve.