Virginia Van Pelt, Jessica Lac, Erin Allen, Grace Bell

1st period American lit

11/1/18
Setting:
Senators and associates are standing around the court; tension is in the air. A lamp is flickering
on a desk corner and the light of dusk seeps through folds of the curtains

Key:
James Byrnes: Giles
Joseph McCarthy: Danforth
Joseph Welch: Mary Warren
Roy Cohn: Reverend Parris
Fred Fisher: Proctor
Larsen Johansen: Cheever
William Nickerson: Hale

Play Script: 1960’s - Crucible; pg. 88-90

James Byrnes, walking into the room with a sense of rush: They have been investigating all

week, Senator McCarthy; they are coming now to tell us what they found.

McCarthy: Who are you?

Fred Fisher, puffing his chest: I am Fred Fisher, in charge of the committee to investigate who is

actually Communist. Neither Hollywood nor the Army is corrupt with communism.

Roy Cohn: These people might just be trying to prove us wrong.

William Nickerson: Hear them out!

Mccarthy, who has become very interested in Fred Fisher: What did you find out? Fisher looks

at Welch, but says nothing. Welch?! They are not Communists, Senator.

McCarthy: Not Communists!

James Byrnes, in a serious tone: None.

Fisher, reaching for his computer: We have gathered information, Senator-

McCarthy: No, no I cannot look at this. Thinking about how he put his reputation on the line.

Tell me Mr. Welch, did your team do extensive research on all of these people?

Fred Fisher: We have not-

Roy Cohn: They’ve come to prove you wrong! These men-

McCarthy: Welch, did you know that the entire contention of the state of these trials is that God

is speaking through reliable sources?

Fisher: Senator, I know that!

McCarthy, looking down to the right, thinking to himself. He then looks at his companion: And

you found research that proves these people innocent?

Joseph Welch: They are not Communist.

McCarthy: I can’t hear you.

Fred Fisher: He said that they are not Communist

McCarthy: Oh! And what about Ben Barzman, or Paul Draper? They are not Communist.

Joseph Welch: Yes, Senator

McCarthy, wide-eyed: Okay. He thinks, and turns to look at Fisher’s face.

Roy Cohn: Senator! You cannot let these people lie about what we know to be true!

McCarthy: I agree. Mr. Welch, before I let you make your case, I must warn you that the truth

always comes out. I will conduct my own investigation on whether these claims are true or not.

Fred Fisher: I know that, sir.

McCarthy: Let me finish. Are you sure, Mr Fisher, that your evidence is the truth and you aren’t

just trying to protect yourself?

Fred Fisher: It is true and I will stop at nothing to prove it.

McCarthy: Are you stating this for everyone to know?

Fred Fisher: I am, Senator.

McCarthy, narrowing his eyes, slamming his fist on the table: Mr. Fisher, why are you trying to

prove this?
Fred Fisher: Why, I am trying to prove that there are no Communists on that list, Senator.

McCarthy: Are you not just trying to clear your own name?

Fred Fisher: No Senator

Larsen Johansen: I think it is my duty, Senator - Kindly to Fisher: You can’t deny this, Fred. To

McCarthy: Fred Fisher is apart of the National Lawyers Guild which is the legal mouthpiece to

the Communist Party.

Roy Cohn: Now you’ve got him!

McCarthy: He is?

William Nickerson: He is!

Fred Fisher: There is no proof saying that is ture!

McCarthy, studying Fisher: Mr. Fisher

Fred Fisher: I’m not linked to Communism!

McCarthy, peering straight into his eyes: Do you support the Communist party?

Fred Fisher: No!

McCarthy: You support capitalism?

Fred Fisher: Yes, sir.

McCarthy: Such a capitalist that you will work for the National Lawyers Guild?

Fred Fisher: I have no love for Stalin, Senator, I promise am not a Communist!! Fred storms
out, slamming the door behind him.