Script

SIDE 1

CHARLIE

I’ll tell you about Harold Hill. He gives everyone of us a black eye! And he should be rode out’a town!

SALESMAN #2

Why?

CHARLIE

Because he’s a fake. In order to sell band instruments, and uniforms, and instruction books, he has to guarantee to teach the kids to play. And to form them kids into a band! With himself as the leader!

SALESMAN #3

Sure like to be around when you catch up with him.

CHARLIE

Well it won’t be in Iowa. Even the great Professor Hill wouldn’t try to sell to them Hawkeyes out here.

CONDUCTOR

River City! River City, Iowa! Population twenty-two hundred and twelve.

(The stranger (HAROLD HILL) makes a decision and grabs his suitcase.)

HAROLD

Gentlemen, I think I’ll have to give Iowa a try.

CHARLIE

Don’t believe I caught your name.

HAROLD

Don’t believe I dropped it. 

SIDE 2

CHARLIE

Are you the piano teacher in town?

MARIAN

Why yes.

CHARLIE

Then you must know about this fellow, Hill, formin’ a boys band here.

MARIAN

Yes. Who are you?

CHARLIE

I’m Charlie Cowell. I’m just passing through. Train only makes a fifteen minute water stop. But I gotta protect the good name of the travelin’ fraternity from this swindler.

MARIAN

Mr. Cowell, you’re making a big mistake.