Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘Loving Always Makes Me Thirsty’

February 10, 2014 by 8 Comments
Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Katherine Wentworth, Larry Hagman, Morgan Brittany, Where is Poppa?

Dastardly duo

In “Where is Poppa?,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, Katherine (Morgan Brittany) sits in bed with a sheet wrapped around her while J.R. (Larry Hagman) sits at the foot, putting on his boots.

KATHERINE: I don’t like this arrangement at all, J.R.

J.R.: [Chuckles] Well, Katherine, there’s not a damn thing you can do about it. And I happen to like it a lot at the moment. Now, of course, we could go to Bobby and tell him all about us. That might solve your problem.

KATHERINE: I don’t understand why you want to go to bed with me when you know I can’t stand you.

J.R.: Well, honey, I’m a man of lusty appetites. [Gets up, walks to the dresser] And unfortunately, my wife is not going to bed with me anymore. At least not for now. [Ties his necktie] And my favorite lady of the evening is out of town. I just can’t stand going to bed with strangers. And despite what you say, you enjoy what we’re doing just as much as I do. [Sits next to her on the bed, caresses her arm] You can’t hide that from me.

KATHERINE: You’re disgusting.

J.R.: Come on. Dangerous relationships, they excite you, don’t they? They really turn you on. And if by some miracle, you happen to land Bobby, it’s not going to be long before you’re trying to find a way back into my bed. We’re a lot alike, you know. It’s just that I’m smarter than you are. [Smiles] Now, you got anything to drink around here? Some orange juice or coffee? Loving always makes me thirsty.

KATHERINE: [Rolls her eyes] It’s in the kitchen. [Folds her arms, sighs]

The telephone on the nightstand rings. The caller is Earl Johnson (Donegan Smith).

KATHERINE: Hello.

JOHNSON: Mrs. Wentworth? This is Earl Johnson.

KATHERINE: Oh, yes. [Leans forward] Do you have any news?

JOHNSON: Yes. One of my operatives has located Renaldo Marchetta in Los Angeles.

KATHERINE: [Smiles] Oh, that’s wonderful.

JOHNSON: Do you want us to do anything else?

KATHERINE: Yes. Don’t let him out of your sight until you hear from me. Goodbye. [Hangs up the phone, grabs a pillow and leans back in bed]

J.R.: [Standing in the doorway with a glass of orange juice] Good news, I hope.

KATHERINE: Maybe good enough to get you out of my bed.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , ,

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘Hello, Edgar’

February 3, 2014 by 7 Comments
Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman, Twelve Mile Limit

Flower power

In “Twleve Mile Limit,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman) enters Edgar’s hospital room and places a bouquet of flowers at the foot of the bed, just as Edgar (Martin E. Brooks) awakens.

J.R.: Hello, Edgar. [Removes his hat] Thought I’d bring a little something to brighten up your room.

EDGAR: What are you doing here?

J.R.: So you decided to take the easy way out, did you? I’m disappointed in you. I thought you were more intelligent than that.

EDGAR: Actually, I would rather die than give you what you want.

J.R.: Well, that’s easy enough for you to say, but what about your wife and your children?

EDGAR: At least if I died, they wouldn’t know about my past.

J.R.: Oh, sure they would. I’d break your story to the newspapers before you turned cold in the ground.

EDGAR: Even then you’d do that?

J.R.: Well, naturally. So if you’re thinking of repeating that booze and pills act, forget it. It’s not going to do you any good.

EDGAR: But why? What purpose would it serve?

J.R.: It would testify to the fact that J.R. Ewing always keeps his promises.

EDGAR: [Shouting] You’re not a human being, you’re scum!

J.R.: Edgar, I know how you feel. But it’s not going to change the way things are. Now don’t make it hard on yourself. [Smiles] I’m really a nice fellow when I get what I want. [Turns to leave, stops and looks back at Edgar] Oh, and by the way: Don’t you ever mention my name to Donna Krebbs again — or you’ll really regret that you didn’t die today.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , ,

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘Don’t Give Up on Her’

January 27, 2014 by 3 Comments
Dallas, Eye of the Beholder, Linda Gray, Sue Ellen Ewing

To the rescue

In “Eye of the Beholder,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, Sue Ellen and Clayton (Linda Gray, Howard Keel) walk through an outdoor plaza.

SUE ELLEN: Clayton, am I going to have to wait until we get to lunch to find out what’s troubling you?

CLAYTON: No, it’s just hard to talk about it, that’s all. I guess your dreams of my being your father-in-law are over.

SUE ELLEN: Oh? Why?

CLAYTON: Ellie called off the marriage.

SUE ELLEN: No, she didn’t.

CLAYTON: Yes, she did. I’m thinking about moving back down to San Angelo. There’s a spread there I’d like to buy.

SUE ELLEN: Why did she do that?

CLAYTON: Oh, she gave a lot of reasons. I don’t really believe in any, though.

SUE ELLEN: But what did she say?

CLAYTON: Marriage would cause problems — problems with the boys, problems with Southfork.

SUE ELLEN: But you’ve been over that ground before. I thought you’d reached some kind of an understanding. [They reach a table at a sidewalk café and sit.] Besides, Bobby and Ray are no problem.

CLAYTON: I don’t believe any of the boys are a problem.

SUE ELLEN: You don’t think that J.R. has anything to do with it?

CLAYTON: No. Ellie sounded scared, and that’s not like her. Very little scares her, and certainly not J.R.

SUE ELLEN: Well, he could have made her feel guilty in some way.

CLAYTON: No, it has to do with me. I don’t know what it is.

SUE ELLEN: [Long pause] Clayton, how much has Miss Ellie told you about herself? About her life with Jock?

CLAYTON: I think I know most of it. We spent a lot of time together.

SUE ELLEN: But not as together as you would be if you were married.

CLAYTON: No.

SUE ELLEN: Then … don’t give up on her. I don’t think she’s told you everything.

CLAYTON: Sue Ellen, I do have my pride. The woman says she doesn’t want me, and I have to believe her.

SUE ELLEN: Talk to her again.

A waitress approaches and asks to take their order.

CLAYTON: No, no, no. Thank you. [The waitress leaves.] Would you mind if we skipped lunch? I’d like to spend some time with myself.

SUE ELLEN: Of course. I understand.

Clayton gets up and holds out the chair for Sue Ellen. They walk away.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , ,

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘Don’t Threaten Me, Honey’

January 20, 2014 by 2 Comments
Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Katherine Wentworth, Larry Hagman, Morgan Brittany, Some Do ... Some Don't

Scandal sheet

In “Some Do … Some Don’t,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, Katherine (Morgan Brittany) lies in bed, wrapped in a sheet, while J.R. (Larry Hagman) sits nearby, buttoning his shirt.

KATHERINE: I never thought this would happen. Ever since we met, it’s been like a game. And now, finally one of us won.

J.R.: Well, it wasn’t exactly the Olympics. Of course, they got four years of practice. [Chuckles]

KATHERINE: Don’t rush off. You know, you told me some time ago that you’d help break up Bobby and Jenna. Nothing’s happened.

J.R.: Now don’t tell me you made this ultimate sacrifice just to get my help.

KATHERINE: Well, this is what you wanted. Now what about what I want?

J.R.: Well, I have a little problem there.

KATHERINE: I thought that there were never any problems for you, J.R.

J.R.: Katherine, as much as I like you — and I like you a lot now — I think Bobby and Jenna are a match made in heaven.

KATHERINE: [Outraged] You what? Look, you promised me —

J.R.: I promised that if we went to bed I’d help you. I just wanted to find out how far you were willing to go to get Bobby, that’s all.

KATHERINE: Don’t even dream of double-crossing me.

J.R.: Well, Katherine, don’t threaten me, honey. You’re way of our your league. [Rises, walks to the dresser, begins tying his necktie] Besides, Bobby and Jenna belong together. After all, he is the father of her little girl.

KATHERINE: Now you don’t know that. Not for sure.

J.R.: [Turns toward her] Oh, yes I do. I’ve known for a long time. You see, I have a friend over in Rome who got me a copy of the birth certificate — years ago, I guess. I suppose that was the purpose of you going over there, wasn’t it? Oh, I wish I could have seen your face when you found out Bobby was the father.

KATHERINE: I don’t care if he is the father. I want him and I’ll get him.

J.R.: Hm. Maybe yes, maybe no. But you’ve just done something that’s going to keep you from getting Bobby for good. Did you ever meet a lady named Holly Harwood?

KATHERINE: Just once. She made a disgusting play for Bobby in my presence.

J.R.: I think Bobby might have liked her. But she made the same mistake that you did, honey. She slept with me. [Crosses the room, retrieves his jacket from the back of a chair] If she ever did have a chance with him, that knocked her right out of the box.

KATHERINE: Oh, I’m sure there were other reasons.

J.R.: [Walks back to the dresser, puts on his watch] Well, I wouldn’t put it to the test if I were you. No, you just do what I want, when I want and nobody will ever know about tonight.

KATHERINE: Not so fast, J.R. It is your word against mine. And why would Bobby possibly believe you?

J.R.: [Turns toward her] Oh, he might not believe me, but he will believe his own ears. [Holds up a tape recorder] He may have never heard you under these conditions, but you have a very distinctive voice, no matter what you’re saying. [Katherine looks stunned.] Would you like me to play this back for you?

KATHERINE: [Defeated] No.

J.R.: [Picks up his hat, exits] I’ll call you.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , ,

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘Now Get Out’

January 13, 2014 by 3 Comments
Dallas, Linda Gray, Offshore Crude, Sue Ellen Ewing

… And stay out!

In “Offshore Crude,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) stands and looks out her bedroom window as J.R. (Larry Hagman) enters the room.

J.R.: Sue Ellen? Well, I expected to see you lying down with an ice pack on your head.

SUE ELLEN: [Turns to face him] What are you doing in my room?

J.R.: [Steps forward] Oh, well. They told me downstairs that you weren’t feeling well. [Slides his hands in his pockets]

SUE ELLEN: Are you suddenly concerned about my health?

J.R.: Well, of course I’m concerned, honey. I came up here to make sure you were resting comfortably and you’re not resting at all, are you?

SUE ELLEN: I will when you leave.

J.R.: Well, why aren’t you downstairs entertaining your young admirer? Acne’s not contagious, is it?

SUE ELLEN: You are really revolting. What do I have to do, put a lock on my door to keep you out of my room? [Turns toward the window]

J.R.: [Chuckles] It was just a joke.

SUE ELLEN: [Faces him] Well, your jokes aren’t funny. They are disgusting and boring.

J.R.: Well, I get the distinct impression I’m not wanted. Not even you can get me down, Sue Ellen. My life’s moving on just the way I like it to. [Walks toward the door]

SUE ELLEN: I’m very happy for you. Now get out.

He shakes his head as he exits, closing the door behind him.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , ,

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘There’s Been No One Since Jock’

January 6, 2014 by 3 Comments
Barbara Bel Geddes, Dallas, Miss Ellie Ewing, Peter's Principles

Work it out, Mama

In “Peter’s Principles,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, Donna (Susan Howard) sits on a weight bench and does leg lifts in the Southfork fitness room while Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes) peddles on the exercise bike.

DONNA: I knew there was something missing.

ELLIE: What’s that?

DONNA: [Chuckles] Your engagement ring. You’re not wearing it.

ELLIE: Well, I thought I was going to do some gardening later, so I left it upstairs.

DONNA: Shoot, I don’t know. I think I’d rather give up gardening than take a rock like that off my finger.

ELLIE: [Chuckles] It is beautiful, isn’t it?

DONNA: Yes, it is. You know what? I am so excited about the prospects of you and Clayton getting married. You know, you really make a gorgeous couple.

ELLIE: [Sighs, stops peddling] Donna, I keep thinking I’m rushing things.

DONNA: Well, I don’t know how you figure that. I mean, you’ve been seeing each other for over a year and you have been together constantly for the past couple of months.

ELLIE: I know.

DONNA: And you obviously get along very well.

ELLIE: Clayton’s a wonderful man.

DONNA: What’s the matter, Miss Ellie?

ELLIE: I’m not sure. The problems we left behind when we went on our trip are very near now.

DONNA: Well, I can’t imagine there being a problem in the whole wide world that you and Clayton couldn’t work out together.

ELLIE: Well, there’s the problem of where we live. And, when Clayton and I marry, he doesn’t just get me, he gets the whole family.

DONNA: You mean your sons — J.R. in particular. [She lies on her belly and begins doing leg lifts]

ELLIE: [Smiles] Yes.

DONNA: Well, I have to tell you, if there’s anybody that can handle J.R., it’s Clayton Farlow.

ELLIE: Maybe.

DONNA: [Stops exercising] Miss Ellie, is there something else that you’re not telling me?

ELLIE: [Glances down] Not really. It’s just that when Clayton and I were away, even though we saw each other every day, we never had any real physical contact. You know, beyond a kiss and a hug.

DONNA: Yes, ma’am. I understand.

ELLIE: There’s been no one since Jock.

DONNA: [Nods] Miss Ellie, Clayton is a very understanding man. And whatever it is, I know you can work it out.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , ,

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘I Wonder What It Is?’

December 23, 2013 by 5 Comments
Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman, Past Imperfect

Who shoved J.R.?

In “Past Imperfect,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. and Sly (Larry Hagman, Debbie Rennard) stand in the Ewing Oil reception area, reviewing papers.

J.R.: All right, Sly. I’ll check these out. You can work on them tomorrow. Good night.

SLY: Thank you, J.R.

She grabs her purses and approaches the elevator as the doors open. Clayton (Howard Keel) steps out and brushes past her.

CLAYTON: Where’s J.R.? Is he still here? [Heads toward J.R.’s office]

SLY: Uh, I don’t know. Mr. Farlow, you can’t go in there.

CLAYTON: The hell I can’t.

J.R.: [Begins to exit his office] What’s going on our here anyhow?

CLAYTON: I’m going to see you. [He smacks the papers in J.R.’s hand, sending them flying and marches into the office, forcing J.R. to walk backwards.] Now what the hell do you mean, poking around in my life?

J.R.: What are you talking about?

CLAYTON: Sending people to San Angelo to investigate me.

J.R.: I didn’t send anybody anywhere.

CLAYTON: You are a liar. [Grabs J.R.’s jacket lapels] Now I got a call from the sheriff that somebody’s been snooping around in my affairs. And the only person that could be is you.

J.R.: Now, Clayton, please. Let me explain.

CLAYTON: I was a fool to fall for that line of yours at lunch yesterday. You’re just as devious as you ever were. [Pushes J.R. onto his couch]

J.R.: Just give me a chance to explain, would you please? You would’ve done the same thing under the circumstances. I told you at lunch I love my mama and I’d do anything in the world to see that she’s safe.

CLAYTON: And you don’t think that she’d be safe with me, huh?

J.R.: Look, Clayton, you’ve been around the family a long time. But we really don’t know that much about you. The only reason I was having you checked out was to make sure that Mama didn’t have any surprises after she married you. That’s all.

CLAYTON: [Leans forward] When are you going to get it through that thick skull of yours that I love your mother and all I want is a chance to make her happy? And I’m going to have that chance, whether you like it or not.

He turns and leaves, walking past Sly, who stands in the doorway.

SLY: J.R., are you all right?

J.R.: I’m fine.

SLY: That is a very angry man.

J.R.: He sure is. And a man who gets that angry over a little snooping around must have something interesting to hide. [Chuckles] I wonder what that is?

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , , ,

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘To Ewing Traditions’

December 16, 2013 by 5 Comments
Barbecue Four, Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman

Perfect host

In “Barbecue Four,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman), Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), Bobby (Patrick Duffy), Jenna (Priscilla Beaulieu Presley), Ray (Steve Kanaly) and Donna (Susan Howard) gather around the Southfork dining room table.

J.R.: [Pulls out Sue Ellen’s chair] Darlin’, why don’t you sit in your regular place here? And that’s right, Jenna, you sit in Pam’s old chair. And Donna, why don’t you sit in Lucy’s chair, since we don’t have a regular place for you. [Pulls out the chair]

DONNA: [Sits] Thank you.

J.R.: And that’s right, Ray. You sit where Gary used to. You two have so much in common. Well, I think that’s about it now. I’d like to propose a toast. [Raises a glass] To Ewing traditions.

Miss Ellie and Clayton (Barbara Bel Geddes, Howard Keel) appear in the doorway.

ELLIE: May we join you in that toast?

J.R.: [Sets down his glass] Mama, well! How good to have you home. [He approaches and hugs kisses her, followed by everyone but Jenna, who remains seated.]

BOBBY: Why didn’t you tell us? We’d have picked you up at the airport.

RAY: Welcome home, Miss Ellie.

ELLIE: Oh, Ray.

SUE ELLEN: Oh, Miss Ellie.

BOBBY: [Shaking Clayton’s hand] Clayton, thank you for bringing her back to us.

CLAYTON: She wouldn’t stay away from Southfork another day.

BOBBY: Well, I know how that is.

ELLIE: I’ve been away too long. [Approaches Jenna, touches her shoulder] Oh, Jenna. Bobby told me that he was seeing you. It’s nice you’re here.

JENNA: Thank you, Miss Ellie.

J.R.: [Pulls out her chair] Here you go, Mama.

ELLIE: Thank you, J.R. [She sits.] Oh, I’m so glad to be back.

SUE ELLEN: You know how we feel.

ELLIE: Ray, I’m sorry about what you went through.

RAY: Well, that’s all behind us now, Miss Ellie.

ELLIE: Yes, but not the memories. I know how strong memories can be.

J.R.: Oh, you look wonderful. I mean, really wonderful.

ELLIE: Well, I did nothing but loaf and rest.

BOBBY: Well, it’s been good to you. You look terrific.

ELLIE: I’m sorry about the divorce.

BOBBY: I know, Mama.

ELLIE: Jenna, I hope I’m not embarrassing you, but I’d grown very fond of Pam.

JENNA: I understand.

ELLIE: Well, I may have been in Jamaica for a while, but I still know what time it is in Dallas and we should all be eating dinner by now. [They all laugh.] Clayton, please sit down. [Clayton sits in Jock’s old chair. J.R., Bobby and Ray each look bothered.] After all those restaurants we’ve been eating in, I’m really hungry for good old Southfork cooking. I mean, no matter how good the restaurant is, there’s nothing as good as eating at home. J.R., why don’t you take some of that food and pass it around before it gets stone cold?

J.R.: Oh, I’m really not hungry, Mama.

ELLIE: [Chuckles] You? Not hungry?

J.R.: I suppose it’s the excitement of you being home … with Clayton.

He smiles faintly and then looks at Clayton. The smile fades.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘Sly, Why Did You Betray Me?’

December 9, 2013 by 2 Comments
Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman, To Catch a Sly

What he always wanted

In “To Catch a Sly,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman) stands in his office doorway as Sly (Debbie Rennard) gets ready to leave for the night.

J.R.: Sly, would you mind hanging around for just a few more minutes? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.

SLY: [Nervous] Uh, yes, sir.

He goes to his bar and opens a wine bottle. She slowly enters the room.

J.R.: Join me?

SLY: No, thank you.

J.R.: You’re not going to let me drink alone. You’re a white-wine lady, aren’t you?

SLY: Mm-hm.

J.R.: You know, you’ve been looking a little peaked lately, Sly. [Pours a glass]

SLY: Well, I’ve just been having some personal problems. It’s nothing serious.

J.R.: [Turns to face her] If it’s the problem I’m thinking of, it’s very serious indeed. [Hands her the glass] You nervous? [Silence] Well, maybe you have your reasons. Sit down, Sly. [She moves to a chair in front his desk. He stands near the desk and retrieves a stack of photographs.] You recognize anybody in these pictures? [He sits next to her and flips through the pictures, which show her with Cliff in various settings.] Hm? Sure, you do. This is you, and this is Cliff Barnes, a man you know feels as kindly towards me as I do to him.

SLY: [Weeping, looking down] I’m sorry, J.R.

J.R.: Sly, why did you betray me to that man?

SLY: He forced me. He found out my brother is in jail and that he’s up for parole soon. And he promised that if I helped him, he’d talk to the right people and get him off. Cliff used to be with the district attorney’s office.

J.R.: Yes, I know. One of the darker periods of our city’s history. Why didn’t you come to me, Sly?

SLY: I couldn’t. I was so scared. Don’t you see? He threatened me. He said if I didn’t help him, he’d make sure my brother served his full sentence. And he had years and years to go. [Faces him] J.R., I love my brother. I couldn’t pass up a chance to help him. I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to do it. You have every right to fire me. Even to call the police.

J.R.: I’d never do that. You didn’t try to cover up after I showed you these pictures. That pleases me.

SLY: I didn’t mean to hurt the company, J.R.

J.R.: No, of course you didn’t. As a matter of fact, I’m glad I found out it was you. Not somebody else. Because I can trust you, Sly. And you’ve given me something I’ve always wanted: a way of communicating with Cliff Barnes.

SLY: What do you mean?

J.R.: He doesn’t have to know I found out about you. And you can be very useful in passing on information — information I control.

SLY: You’re going to set him up?

J.R.: Mm-mm. He set himself up. What I’m going to do is bring him down — and bring him down very, very hard.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , ,

Dallas Scene of the Day: ‘I Want That Little Insect to Bite’

December 2, 2013 by 1 Comment
Buck Stops Here, Dallas, J.R. Ewing, Larry Hagman

The exterminator

In “The Buck Stops Here,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, J.R. (Larry Hagman) is seated in his office at night when Harry (James L. Brown) knocks on the door.

HARRY: Evening, J.R.

J.R.: Come in, Harry.

HARRY: [Enters the room, closes the door behind him] What’s up?

J.R.: Two very important deals were stolen out from under me by Cliff Barnes. They were hush-hush, strictly confidential. Brokers that I’ve known and trusted for years came to me and told me I was the only one they were talking to. But Barnes beat me out. That greedy little cockroach is getting information before I can act. He has a spy working for him.

HARRY: Well, the first thing we have to do is set out a trap.

J.R.: All right. Let’s talk about the bait. I want that little insect to bite — and bite hard.

Filed Under: Dallas Scenes of the Day, Dallas Scenes of the Day (Classic), Features Tagged With: , ,
«Previous Page
Next Page»