Show notes
Even in the middle of a blizzard, Lem and Fanshaw find someone in need of help - outlaws have taken over a Quaker hostel, holding the proprietress' children hostage. Written and Produced by Julie Hoverson Cast List Lemuel Roberts / Deadeye Kid - J. Spyder Isaacson Clarence Fanshaw - J. Hoverson Don Phelps - Reynaud LeBoeuf Randall Cullom - J.D. Lloyd Garrett Cullom - Shawn Connor Burden Fayette - Beverly Poole Will Fayette - Glen Hallstrom Fayette Children - Al Aseoche, Krystal Baker, Molly Tollefson, Reynaud LeBoeuf, Julie Hoverson Music: Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Editing and Sound: Julie Hoverson Cover Design: Brett Coulstock "What kind of a place is it? Why it's the middle of a blizzard, can't you tell?" ********************************************************* HOSTEL TERRITORY Cast: Olivia Lemuel Roberts, the Kid Clarence Fanshaw, the sidekkick THE FAMILY Burden Fayette, the woman Faith, Hope, Fortitude, Courage, and Pious, the children Will Fayette, the dead husband Valor, the dog THE OUTLAWS Don Phelps, the leader Randall Cullom, the rabid one Garret Collum, the dying one OLIVIA Did you have any trouble finding it? What do you mean, what kind of a place is it? Why, it's the only building for miles in a blizzard, can't you tell? Good thing it's a hostelry. 1 INCOMING SOUND BLIZZARD SOUND HORSES AND MAN WADE THROUGH SNOW FANSHAW [not cold] Not much further. LEMUEL [very cold] You been saying that fer the last hour. FANSHAW And you've kept walking. If you look up, you can see the light from the window. LEMUEL And get a snootful of frozen sleet? No thank you very much. Is there a barn? FANSHAW Yes. It's a bit closer, why? LEMUEL These here horses'll drop afore I do. Need to get 'em inside. VALOR [distant howl] FANSHAW I'll go and see if it's unlocked, then, shall I? 2_INSIDE MUSIC AMBIANCE INSIDE, BLIZZARD STILL RAGES OUTSIDE SOUND DOOR CLOSES, WOMAN'S FOOTSTEPS DON Well? BURDEN [quiet] He ain't doing too well, but I think he'll pull through. RANDALL You think? BURDEN [sharp] My husband was the one with some doctoring. I am doin what I can. DON You best keep on. [threat] Them children o'yours depend on you. BURDEN [almost breaking] I know. SOUND BABY CRIES, NEARBY 3_BARN MUSIC AMBIANCE INSIDE THE BARN - CLOSER TO THE STORM SOUND HORSES BLOW, RUBBING SOUNDS LEMUEL [to horses, and self] It ain't much, but leastways it's above freezin in here. FANSHAW [coming on] I've taken the liberty of looking around, Lemuel. It is a hostel, so you're very lucky on that count. I haven't been inside, but a peek through the windows shows they're sitting down to dinner even as we speak. LEMUEL [almost drooling] Dinner. Mebbe even coffee. VALOR [distant but approaching - insistent barking] FANSHAW Perhaps, but-- LEMUEL How could anyone leave a good dog out on a night like this? FANSHAW You're certain it's not a wolf or a coyotay? LEMUEL You mean a kai-yote? You could try to speak normal from time to time, y'know. Nah. Neither o'them barks like that. That's a hound, right enough. FANSHAW Your guns? LEMUEL What about em? FANSHAW The hostel sign shows they're quakers. They do not allow guns in the house. LEMUEL Idjits. Fine. I'll cache em here somewheres. SOUND RUSTLING VALOR [coming on, barking and panting, doesn't seem at all cold] FANSHAW Oh, I say. LEMUEL That explains a lot. You look after 'em. I got t'get inside and get around some grub. FANSHAW Right-ho. Here boy. There's a good dog. VALOR [enjoys the petting, then barks a couple of times] 4 DINNER MUSIC SOUND TWO TIN PLATES AND FORKS BURDEN I haven't spoken grace yet! DON Grace yourself, woman. We're hungry. BURDEN For what we are about to receive, let the lord make us thankful. Amen ALL CHILDREN Amen. SOUND POUNDING ON THE DOOR BURDEN [gasps, almost a scream] CHILDREN [also react] RANDELL Shut up! Tell em to go 'way. BURDEN We are a stage stop - we have to take folks. DON Not tonight. Go on. SOUND CHAIR, WOMAN'S FOOTSTEPS, KNOCK ON DOOR AGAIN BURDEN But if I send them away, they might could make it to Corvel in the valley, and tell folks--. RANDALL We can't have no one-- BURDEN Even on a night like this, the sheriff would-- DON Let 'em in. [threat] We can deal with 'em, if'n we have to. SOUND BAR REMOVED FROM DOOR, DOOR OPENS, LEM'S STEPS COME IN BURDEN [as if trying to tell him something] Sorry about the wait, stranger - things are a mite rough here right now. DON [saccharine] Never mind, dearest-- BURDEN [gasp] DON Bring the gentleman on in. LEMUEL I hope you don' mind - I already bunked my horses in the stables. PIOUS What he say? RANDALL [hissed] You'll keep shut if you know what's good fer you. SOUND WOMAN'S BOOTS RUN TO TABLE BURDEN Shh. Shh, Pious, honey. SOUND CHAIR SCRAPE, MAN TAKES A COUPLE OF STEPS DON Children. [forced chuckle] You got to take a firm hand with them. I'm Don Phelps, the proprietor here, and this here's my wife, [hint hint] right dear? BURDEN [quiet] Yes. RANDALL But-- DON And this here's her brother, Randall - he helps us around the place. [beat] We don't see many travelers in weather like this. LEMUEL [playing a bit dumb] Reckon not. Well, I'm right lucky you're here, and, ma'am, I am pert near faintin with rapture at the smell o'your cookin - can you make some room at that table, with all them young'uns? BURDEN Always room. And they's always food. LEMUEL I should oughta tell you - I had to leave a parcel of my goods out in the woods, since the horses was flaggin. I kin go back fer it once the sky clears a bit, but all my money's in there. RANDALL [too quick] How much? DON Ssh. I kin see right well this feller's good fer the cost of a room and grub, even if the snow carries on fer a mite longer. GARRETT [off, muffled groan] RANDALL Garry! What's agoin on with him--? DON Hesh now, Randall. Woman, you go and look in on [emphasized] your other ailing brother. I'll serve this good feller. SOUND AFTER A SLIGHT HESITATION, FOOTSTEPS LEAVE, DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS DON Well sir, we've got some good stew here, a load of turnips, and bread and butter. FANSHAW Lem, there is something very much not right here. LEMUEL Reckon I'll take whatever you got to spare. FANSHAW I know you won't be able to reply to anything I say, but-- DON You tuck in, and I spect that tomorrow, once it clears some, my brother-in-law here and I would be happy to help you go and get your ... goods. How far out was you when you had to unburden yourself? FANSHAW Goods? LEMUEL Coupla hours back - so might coulda been a few miles, depending on how much headway we made. I kin find it again, though I doubt me anyone else could - I hid it real good. [chuckles] FANSHAW Ah. I see you don't need me to tell you these fellows are up to no good. And carrying weapons - no quakers, these. LEMUEL What's wrong with your friend in the back? RANDALL None o' your goddamned-- DON Randall! Not in front of the children! He slid on some ice and broke his leg real bad. FANSHAW Funny - I took a look back there, and I never saw a broken leg that required a bloody bandage to the chest before. LEMUEL Hmm. That's a real bad one. VALOR [Whines] FANSHAW Shh. I know how frustrating it can be to smell food and not be able to have any. Believe me, boy. DON What do you do, stranger? LEMUEL [swallows hard, then] I - well, see, I'm a‑‑ FANSHAW Courier? LEMUEL --a courier. Carrying important packages fer -- gold mining concerns. VALOR [whining, tugging] FANSHAW What is it? You can't-- VALOR [almost growling as he tugs] RANDALL Gold mining? FANSHAW I swear that man's eyes just lit up like the footlights at the Tivoli. VALOR [GROWLING, getting intense] FANSHAW Damn. Lem, the dog's not going to let up until I see what he wants to show me. [going off] I shall return shortly. LEMUEL Bet them kids are a good lot of help running a hostel and all. DON Not so much as you'd think. I'm only their step-daddy, you see, so they ain't taken to me much yet. LEMUEL Ahh. At's a hard row to hoe. SOUND DOOR OPENS, WOMAN COMES BACK, APPROACHES SLOWLY BURDEN [whispering] I finally managed to stop the bleedin. LEMUEL Bleedin? [low whistle] That's a bad break and no mistake. DON Yes. Yes 'tis. [to Burden] Well, that's good, then. Sit and eat. BURDEN I need to get the children to bed. RANDALL No way, you-- DON Shh. Don't you have no hospitality in you, woman? Them kids can see to themselves while you stay here and keep us all comp'ny. BURDEN Come here, y'all. A kiss goodnight then you run along. FAITH Mama-- BURDEN Shh. You look after the little ones, Faith. SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD HOPE [in tears, but quiet] I don't wanna--! BURDEN You have to, Hope, sweetie. SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD RANDALL Oh, get on with it. Are they like this every damn night? DON [forced chuckle] He's just arrived fer a visit. These cowhands - not used to family living. LEMUEL I'm purty much the same. FORTITUDE Mama. SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD BURDEN Don't you forget your prayers just cause we have guests in the house, Fortitude. FORTITUDE Yes, mama. RANDALL Well, I gots to take myself outside for a bit. Y'all'll be all right without me? BURDEN The outhouse is-- RANDALL This kind of weather, I ain't troublin to go that far. SOUND FOOTSTEPS, DOOR, BLIZZARD UP, DOOR SHUTS COURAGE [whimper] BURDEN Have courage, Courage. SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD DON Them names these children have. LEMUEL Nothing wrong with good sound virtues. SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD BURDEN Now, Courage, you take Pious by the hand and all ya'll run along t' bed. Hope, take baby Humility-- DON Baby can stay. BURDEN [gasps] DON They're too young to look after him. Sides, he's sleeping. BURDEN You... y'all go on up, now. SOUND PATTER OF FOOTSTEPS GOING UPSTAIRS BURDEN I'll be listenin fer your prayers! [breaking slightly] I - I love y'all! VALOR [distant mournful howl] 5 OUT BACK MUSIC SOUND BLIZZARD VALOR [Howling mournfully] FANSHAW Bloody dog. If you weren't a good solid dark color, I would have lost you long ago. So what is it, boy? Hmm? [horrified and stunned] Oh. My word. 6_PLAIN FARE MUSIC AMBIANCE INSIDE, BLIZZARD IN BACKGROUND LEMUEL Well, ma'am, I must say that's the best meal I've aten in quite some time. BURDEN [pleased] Plain fare. We weren't expectin no one. LEMUEL Plain fare's the best. Hits the spot. DON Randall's been gone a damn long time. Where could he'a got to? BURDEN You want I should go an' check? DON [sharp] No! [chuckles insincerely, softens] I mean, no, dear. Why donch you come and sit by me? SOUND HAND PATS CHAIR, RELUCTANT FOOTSTEPS, CHAIR SQUEAK DON If Randall cain't find his own way back from relievin hisself, well, mebbe he deserves to have it freeze and snap off. LEMUEL I can go and look? I should cast an eye over my horses, make sure they're warmin up. DON Um... Certainly, certainly. That sounds just fine. LEMUEL Be right back. [goodbye] Ma'am. SOUND BOOTS, DOOR OPENS 7 BRAVING THE STORM SOUND BLIZZARD UP SOUND DOOR CLOSES, BOOTS IN SNOW FANSHAW Lemuel, something terrible is happening here. You must come see-- SOUND DOOR OPENS DON [shouting very loud] You bring Randall on back here the minute you find him, eh, stranger? LEMUEL A'course. SOUND DOOR SHUTS LEMUEL [low] No chance of sneaking up on that kai-yote while he's rifling my saddlebags now, is there? FANSHAW Oh, yes, I forgot to mention-- LEMUEL That's not what you wanted me to--? FANSHAW He didn't find your guns, but he's still in the barn. Come along, this way. 8 BACK INSIDE MUSIC AMBIANCE INSIDE SOUND DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES, FOOTSTEPS RANDALL Colder than a witches-- DON Where the hell were you? That stranger went a'looking fer you - didn't you see him? RANDALL Nope. Mebbe he got lost. DON Well, that won't get us his goods, will it? We can search from now to kingdom come and-- RANDALL Keep yer shirt on. [leering] At least fer now, eh, wifey? BURDEN [sharp intake of breath] RANDALL [grumbling] And you told the fellow I'us her brother just so's you could get a leg up-- DON You should go find that feller. We cain't let him get to thinkin there's anythin wrong. SOUND FOOTSTEPS, DOOR UNLATCHES DON Oh, and - was there anything int'resting in his saddlebags? RANDALL [grunt of annoyance] Not much. Mostly what you'd expect. DON Mostly? RANDALL Well, there was this metal jar might be worth a few bucks. But it wouldn't open. And was right heavy. [shrugs] Figured if'n we decide it's worth it, we can lift it later with the rest of his kit. 9 _ THE BODIES MUSIC FANSHAW Just a bit farther. LEMUEL [snort] Like I haven't heered that before. VALOR [bark, panting] FANSHAW Watch where you step. LEMUEL Blood? FANSHAW Well, snow certainly doesn't usually come in that color. SOUND BRUSHING AWAY SNOW LEMUEL It's fresh - no more'n a couple hours old. FANSHAW The - source - is just ahead of you. LEMUEL Hmm? Ah, hell. Who's he? FANSHAW I suspect we have here this poor fellow's master. And just to your right-- LEMUEL Yep. The man'us kilt outright - shot through the head like that don't leave you moving much. FANSHAW But - the blood trail? LEMUEL That's your amigo there. Looks like even gut shot, he was tryin to go and get hep. FANSHAW Did he freeze? LEMUEL I hope so - I heer it hurts some less than a gunshot. But froze or bled out, he probably passed right about when we first heered him. FANSHAW Poor fellow. LEMUEL I swear'n he's the first animal spirit I've ever come upon-- Master around anywhere's? FANSHAW I'll take a look. DON [off, calling] Stranger? You lost? LEMUEL Damn. See if you can pick up anythin. I'll circle round so's they cain't see I was out this way. FANSHAW Righty-ho. Be careful, Lem. LEMUEL Like a cowhand in his best boots. SOUND FOOTSTEPS OFF THROUGH SNOW A1 LEM RETURNS MUSIC AMB INSIDE. BURDEN [fretting] I should check on the children. RANDALL They're fine. Why'n't you give me a big kiss, li'l lady, while we have a chance to be on our lonesome. BURDEN I will not. RANDALL [snort] Won't kiss me? You'll do more'n that 'fore we hit the trail again, and having all them children, I'll bet you know jest what I mean... BURDEN I am a righteous woman! You can't-- RANDALL Righteous or not, the parts all work the same. SOUND SLIGHT STRUGGLE SOUND DOOR OPENS DON What'n hell you up to, Randall? We agreed-- RANDALL You agreed. I ain't had much choice. DON If that feller walks in and sees this - RANDALL I say we tie em both up, take what we want, and forget all this folderol. DON Have you looked in that feller's eyes? He ain't the kind o' man to give in, even tied up and beaten. We gotta pull the wool over his eyes, but good. Shh! SOUND BOOTS UP ONTO PORCH, STOMP OFF SNOW. DOOR OPENS SOUND BURDEN PULLS FREE OF RANDALL, DASHES TO LEM BURDEN [trying badly to sound normal] Let me hep you with yer coat. We thought you mighta got lost. [whispered] be careful. LEMUEL Nah, Jest took the long road back, by way of the convenience - seemed logical, since I was already out in it. [whispered] I know. BURDEN [normal tone, startled] You--? LEMUEL Hold on, let me shake the snow out the door. [whispered] I won't put you or your brood in danger if'n I can hep it. BURDEN Thank you kindly. RANDALL [teasing] I do believe he's trying to make time with your wife, Don. DON Oh shut up, ya pillock. Can we getcha anythin' else stranger? GARRETT [coming…
Full show notes at the publisher 
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
