HOSPITAL ROOM. JULY 1955. NIGHT

Lights up on LBJ on a hospital bed under a pinpoint of light. Darkness surrounds him. Lighting creates a sense of loneliness and cold. Is LBJ dead?

 

LBJ

I’m dead I knew it

 

CRONKITE (TV)

If Johnson survives, there is widespread speculation that his poor health will force the Senate Majority Leader to retire from public life.

 

LBJ

So this is what it’s like When you’ve finally disappeared

Just like my daddy - I did nothing Just like I feared

 

The pinpoint of light expands. Lady Bird and Zephyr enter and stand by his bedside

 

LADY BIRD

Lyndon, you’re alive! "

 

ZEPHYR WRIGHT

But you’re not yet in the clear

 

LBJ lights a cigarette as a DOCTOR enters and takes his pulse

 

DOCTOR

She’s right. And hey! You cannot smoke that cigarette in here!

 

LBJ

Quit these things? Why doc I’m fine It’s just a little cough!

I’d sooner have you cut my pecker off.

I’m ready to get up and hit the trail

I’ll do the things I always do to make sure we don’t fail

I should have seen this coming - can’t afford to take a break

Get me a fucking whisky and a 3 or 4 pound steak!

​

LBJ stands, but he is lightheaded and unsteady

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LBJ

Whoa! WHOA!

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He staggers and Lady Bird catches him.

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LADY BIRD Lyndon! Lyndon! Take it easy!

 

LBJ takes a step, falters, and almost falls on the floor.

Lady Bird helps him to the bed

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LBJ

Godammit! (turning despondent) I can’t even walk, let alone run for anything Reporters crowd into the room, thrusting out microphones

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CRONKITE

Mr. Johnson, are you really resigning from the Senate?

 

LBJ

My friends, a man should recognize when it’s time...

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Bird puts her hand on his mouth and cuts him off

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LADY BIRD

...and this is not that time. This pause is truly Heaven sent.

Lyndon will be running in one year for President

 

LBJ (muffled) I will?

 

LADY BIRD

Of course you are, dear.

(to the reports) Now shoo, all of you!!

​

The reporters leave

 

LBJ

Bird, I can’t keep going, you know that I can’t run

It’s clear that I’m a loser, once this story hits I’m done

I am on my deathbed - and I need to tell you true

I’ve stepped out and I’ve wandered and I’ve mistreated you

You’re the only one I’ve ever loved - I was stupid as a cow

I wouldn’t blame you if you left me now.

​

LADY BIRD puts her hand over LBJ’s mouth to shush him

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LADY BIRD

Oh Lyndon - just shut up.

 

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