20110721 The Operation
Title:- 20110721 The Operation
Author:- Paul Clarke
Subject:- About an Operation that could cure a life threatening illness or something else
Location:- Filmed in the Basement Lounge, Hat Factory, Luton
Date:- 21 July 2011
Time:- 7pm to 9pm
Media:- HDV1080i, DVD
Duration:- 10 Min. 39 Sec.
SUMMARY
The Operation could cure a life threatening illness or something else.
CAST:-
Dr. Festivus --- Scott Bailey
Patient Mark --- Peter Farrow
Nurse --- Khadijat Tandoh
Prof. Scoffalot --- Frank McPartland
Camera and Post Production --- Paul Clarke
SCENES
Script of The Operation
By Paul Clarke
Cast
Dr Davies Doctor
Mike Patient
Scenes
Doctors Surgery
Props
White surgery coat
Blow pipe
Scalpel
Plaster
Bottle of liquid (looking like either)
Scene 1:- In the Doctors Surgery
Mike
(Sits in a chair, with his shirt off.)
Dr Davies
(Leans over, takes a long look at Mike’s back, and pronounces sternly)
"It’s malignant. It’s one of the highly active types that should be removed as soon as possible."
Mike
(Looks scared.)
So what needs doing, Doctor?
Dr Davies
"You have to face the stark reality that the only hope is a quick knife job. Without that, there is nothing to stop it spreading indefinitely."
(He picks up and waves a consent form about as if fanning himself with it.)
"Before we go ahead with this, I should tell you that the success rate for this type of operation is about ninety five percent, but there’s a five percent chance of recurrence. The main problem is being sure that the whole thing is removed. If any part is left, it can re-grow from that. How do you feel about having the operation now I have told you that?"
Mike
"That sounds to be acceptable, but…"
Dr Davies
(Interrupting)
"It will be painless because of the anaesthetic. There will be some pain and discomfort after the operation, but this should go away after it heals up in a week or two. We have to be careful not to let other infections get in. How does that sound to you?"
Mike
(In a trembling voice.)
"OK, but will there be any permanent after effects?"
Dr Davies
"Nothing to worry about, just a scar. That won’t be too noticeable under your clothing."
Mike
"Good. Thanks".
Dr Davies
"So you want to go-ahead? We can do it now if you give your written consent. The sooner the better."
Mike
"Right. Where do I sign?"
Dr Davies
(Places the form in front of Mike and pokes his finger at it.)
"Here and here."
Mike
(Takes the pen and signs the form twice.)
Dr Davies
"Now that’s done. Lean forward a bit more and I will get my blow pipe."
(The Doctor moves to the far side of the room to get the equipment out of a drawer.)
Mike
(To himself.)
What is the Doc up to? Is he playing at Amazon natives? Am I his target for practice? What have I let myself in for? Is this a good idea after all? Is the Doc a quack?
Dr Davies
"This is ether."
(He holds a bottle of liquid high in the air and looks into it.)
"We should have enough here."
Mike
(To himself)
"Oh no! It’s another mad Dr Crippen. He’s going to snuff me."
Dr Davies
"When I blow through the pipe onto the ether, it evaporates."
Mike
(To himself)
"I know, I know, I did basic physics at school. What is he on about?"
Dr Davies
(With big threatening smile.)
"That freezes the whole area and we can cut it out as a frozen lump. Ether serves a double purpose because it acts like a local anaesthetic too."
(He picks up and waves a scalpel in front of Mike in a rather menacing manner.)
Mike
(To himself)
"Oh. That’s his little trick, turn me into a pillar of ice and hack bits off."
(Turns his head to try to see what’s happening behind his back.)
(To himself.)
"Oh, that feels cold. God, he’s cutting me."
Dr Davies
"All done. It just needs a plaster."
(Sticks a plaster onto Mikes back.)
"There. If the wart recurs, let me know."
Scripted 13 Oct 03