Hard In Tennessee
drives into town. He searches for a parking spot. The song, “BABY, I LOVE YOU”, plays in the background as TITLES
COME OVER. He parks and walks to Gerde’s, carrying a guitar, with a harmonica holder around his neck.
Michael McHugh
Hey! It’s Nick China. What’s happening? Where’s Dolores?
Nick China
Well, all right! She’s got a cold. Who’s here? Rocklin. You Mike.
Hey Peter! Let me sign-up; then we’ll go to Minetta Lane. I’ve
got good stuff.
Mike Rocklin
They’re running late. They haven’t opened the doors yet. Let’s get high.
2. Exterior. Nick China, Michael McHugh, Peter Pasco and Mike Rocklin walk around the corner to
Minetta Lane. They settle on a tree.
Mike Rocklin
Hey! This is good. You doin’ two Dylan tunes tonight, China?
(PASSES JOINT)
Nick China
Yes, sir! “All Along The Watchtower” and, “I Am A Lonesome Hobo”.
(TAKES TOKE)
Peter Pasco
(TAKES TOKE) This is great. The regulars conquer all. I’m going to
sign-up at Speakeasy. Thanks, Nick, (WALKS AWAY)
Mike Rocklin
(TAKES OUT HIS GUITAR) Let’s hear “Watchtower”. (NICK BEGINS PLAYING.
ROCKLIN DOES LEAD. MCHUGH SINGS HARMONY)
Michael McHugh
They’ll sign you up tonight, China. Got any more herb?
Mike Rocklin
You never get enough, McHugh.
I’m going to Speakeasy. I’ll see you Folkies later.
(WALKS AWAY)
Nick China
See you. (TURNS TO MCHUGH)
Yeah, sure. But let’s see if they opened the doors at Folk City.
(THEY WALK BACK)
3. Interior and exterior. Back at Folk City. McHugh and China walk in. Bar is crowded. They
greet several people and then (WALK OUT) after signing up. They lean up against bar’s windows.
Nick China
Well, Michael, this is the fifteenth week in a row that I’ll be
performing at Gerde’s on a Monday night.
Michael McHugh
Mark me down for a year and a half. Let’s go back to Minetta and
rap about … Wait, it’s George Maritime. Hey George! What’s going on?
George Maritime
McHugh! China! The Regulars! I’m starting a band … “The Communists”.
Wanna’ join?
Michael McHugh
Count me out.
Nick China
Well, yeah. All right. I’m not getting anywhere alone. I’d like to play in
a band. Let’s talk about it on Minetta Lane.
George Maritime
Oh, you guys getting high? I got good stuff.
Michael McHugh
Nick’s stuff is great.
George Maritime
How’s Dolores?
Nick China
She’s got a cold.
George Maritime
Any seizures last week?
Nick China
One, but she got through it in good shape.
George Maritime
She’s never in good shape.
Michael McHugh
Yeah, Nick. Do you know what you’re doing with Dolores?
Nick China
Everyone’s against her, but I love her. C’mon, forget her.
Let’s gossip on Minetta Lane.
(THEY WALK AWAY FROM FOLK CITY)
4. Exterior. A stoop just off Minetta Lane — smoking and talking.
George Maritime
It must be seventy degrees. Warm for April. How long you
staying tonight?
China and McHugh
Until the end.
George Maritime
It sure is a strange April day.
Michael McHugh
You’re just stoned. You’re strange. You’re a Communist.
Nick, are you really going to play with, “The Communists”?
Nick China
No one’s given me a paying gig alone. I think George is right:
It’s a strange day, and now that it’s getting dark, I feel strange.
George Maritime
Did you hear about the Stun Gun torture in Kew Gardens?
Nick China
No.
Michael McHugh
Yeah! Those Nazis are going too far. The people of color are
going to get even.
Nick China
What happened?
George Maritime
They busted a couple of kids for dealing Medicinal Marijuana and
then they burned them all over with a Stun Gun.
Nick China
When are they going to legalize Marijuana? It’s beneficial. Alcohol
isn’t. It inspires us to be better Artists. You’re right, Michael: the
people of color aren’t going to sit still for this inane torture. Something’s
in the air.
Michael McHugh
I’m not going to smoke until after my sets. Let’s get numbers at
Speakeasy and then check the list at Folk City. You know, I heard
Dylan might make an appearance at Gerde’s again soon.
George Maritime
Dylan’s a Communist. He’s one of us. He’ll be welcomed back.
I used to hang around with him and Phil Ochs back in the early ’60’s.
Michael McHugh
Don’t call me a communist, George. I’m a proud capitalist. Just watch
That communism stuff.
George Maritime
How about you, Nick.
Nick China
I’m a Communist essentially because I have no choice. But I think
The world needs communism and capitalism working hand in hand.
As for Dylan, I don’t think he should come back to Gerde’s. He’s a
Pervert, and I hate him.
Michael McHugh
What do you mean you have to be a Communist?
Nick China
Well, look at my circumstances: I live either with Dolores or my
Father. My only income is Social Security Disability Benefits. My
Father can’t do any physical chores because of his broken hip. But
He helps me financially. Dolores has Epilepsy and she’s on Public
Assistance. My whole life consists of people helping each other. It’s
One big, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his
Needs”.
George Maritime
You could work. There’s nothing wrong with you. Why don’t you work?
Nick China
I’ve told you time and again, George. I have a mental impairment that
Requires medication and psychotherapy. It’s called, The Spirit Of Good
Intentions. I have a genuine disability in the face of evil people like Bob
Dylan. Performing at Speakeasy and Folk City is part of my therapy. It’s
Like a Hobbit’s hobby; it’s not like trying to hold a Job. Monday nights in
Greenwich Village is not work. Work is when you feel pressure.
George Maritime (ANGRILY)
You’re full of shit. You can work. That medicine is going to make you funny
In the head. I’m not sure I want you in my band.
Nick China
Have it your way, George.
Michael McHugh
It’s dark. The night’s officially begun. Let’s leave each other alone.
Let’s see what numbers we got at Folk City, but first let’s get our
Numbers at Speakeasy.
(They WALK to Speakeasy)
5. Interior. Speakeasy. People milling around the bar. Some musicians are on line to get a number. Nick
China is seated at a corner of the bar.
Bar Maid
Can I get you something?
Nick China
A Ginger Ale.
Bar Maid (DRAWS DRINK AND SERVES NICK)
$1.75. You’re the first one not to order a beer tonight. (SMILES)
Nick China
(PAYS. SMILES. TURNS to greet Jay Byrd)
Jay Byrd
High, Nick. I didn’t see you come in. How you doin’? Get a
Number yet?
Nick China
I’m fine. Thanks. Yeah, I just drew number fifteen.
Jay Byrd
It’s 7:20 now. You should go on about 10 or 10:30. Rocklin
Told me you got two Dylan tunes down pretty good. And McHugh
Told me you have great Medicinal Marijuana.
Nick China
You don’t smoke, Jay.
Jay Byrd
No, but I’m close to Michael.
Nick China (SMILES)
Yeah, you’re very close to Michael.
Jay Byrd
Where is Michael?
Nick China
He went downstairs after drawing number twenty-one.
Jay Byrd
I’ll catch you later; I’m going to find Michael.
(PETER PASCO ENTERS BAR AREA AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO NICK)
Peter Pasco
Hello, again. It’s been about an hour. That stuff is
With me. Thanks again.
Nick China
That’s all right. What number do you have?
Peter Pasco
I’ve got number 1 of all things. I’ve never been number 1 before.
Nick China
You must be nervous.
Peter Pasco
Not really, Nick. I’m a veteran of the Folk Scene. I’ve been a
Musician since I was a kid. I’ve got my band with me tonight.
Nick China
Great! Which songs you doing?
Peter Pasco
“Take Your Pain And Leave It Flat”, and, “Feeling Faster Than
The Speed Of Light”. Both by Dybman and Collins.
Nick China
Who are Dybman and Collins?
Peter Pasco
They’re really talented. Collins wrote the music and Dybman
Wrote the lyrics. Will you be here for the set?
Nick China
I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I just want to see what number
They gave me at Folk City. You go on at eight; I have plenty of time
To get back. By the way, have you seen Spiros.
Peter Pasco
No, Spiros hasn’t been at Speakeasy yet. He’ll show-up.
He’s always in the village on Monday nights.
Nick China
And lately he’s been bringing stacks and stacks of bibles.
Peter Pasco
Yeah, he’s a Born-Again Christian.
(Mike Rocklin COMES-UP from behind; He PATS Pasco and China
on their shoulders)
Mike Rocklin
Guess what, guys?
Pasco and China
What?
Mike Rocklin
Spiros just got thrown out of Folk City.
Nick China
Why?
Mike Rocklin
He was forcing too many of his Bibles on too many customers,
Larry, the owner, got fed-up and just threw him out.
Peter Pasco
That Spiros is always getting into trouble.
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