NO PLAYS EXCHANGED Bugbee's Popular Plays Romantic Molly BY ADA S. MACOMBER PRICE 25 CENTS TheWillisN. Bugbee Co. SYRACUSE, N. Y. The Bugbee Entertainments ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE Some Class. Commencement Play in 4 acts by Edith F. A. U. Painton, 6m., 9f. Claimed to be the best commencement play on the market. Full of good healthy humor. Time 1 hour 40 min. 35 cents. Aunt Sophronia at College. College comedy in 3 acts by Willis N. Bugbee. One of the best short plays we have ever offered. Full of fun from start to finish. 5m., 7i. Time 1^ hrs. 25 cents. Billy's Aunt Jane. Comedy in 3 acts by Willis N. Bugbee. For school or community. Good darkey character. 8m., 7i. Time 1^^ to 2 hours. 25 cents. Patriotism at Boggsville. Play for grammar grades. 8m., 5f. Good for indoors or out. A very up-to-date play. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Graduation at Gayville. A play for grammar grades. 6m., 6f. Includes a mock commencement, class poem, etc. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Coonville 'Ristocrat Club. A darkey play for church or school or any occasion. Clean and v^rholesome. 6m., 6f. Time, 1 hour. 25 cents. Darktown Social Betterment S'ciety. A good v^hole- some darkey play. Very funny. For 9 male charac- ters. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Uncle Eben's S'prise Party. Here is another splen- did negro play. It certainly is a surprise party. 6m., 6f. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Uncle Si and the Sunbeam Club. A delightful play for grammar grades. Opportunity for specialties. 7m., 7f. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. The Willis N. Bugbee Co., Syracuse, N. Y. Bugbee's Popular Plays Romantic jyiolly BY Ada S. Macomter Originally produced by the Central Village Improvement Society of Westport. Copyright, 1919, by Willis N. Bugbee THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO, SYRACUSE, N. Y. Romantic Molly CHARACTERS. Mrs. Plummer, not very forceful. Grace Smith, her older daughter, and much given to managing. Molly Plummer, too romantic for her name of ''Mary Jane." Jack Smith, Grace's husland and always ready for a lark. Mr. Pfrkins, collector for the firm of Stevens & Son. Mr. Willis, the photographer, and not so slow. John Brown, willing to le engaged to Molly. Time about 30 minutes. (&0!,D 52 981 /\\c ROMANTIC MOLLY ROMANTIC MOLLY Scene: An ordinary sitting room in the afternoon, Tele- photie at back. Window at one side, chair down front. One door at side. Mrs. Plummer seated in rocking chair, Grace at telephone and Jack walking aimlessly about. Grace. Yes 2106. {turning towards front). The line is busy, so I'll have to wait. Mrs. Plummer. Now Grace, are you sure that Mr. Willis would be willing to come here to take my picture? It seems so unusual. Grace. Why, Mother, it isn't unusual at all. Mrs. Tibbetts told me the other day that she had the children taken in their nursery and they were too cute for anything, so natural, you know, with their playthings and all. Mrs. Plummer. Well, of course, you know best, but it seems to me Id rather g,o to his studio the same as I always have. I'm sure Mr. Willis will think it so strange. Grace. Mr. Willis is a young, man and so progressive thai I'm sure he won't, think it strange. You can sit right here in your own rocker and have a book, and the light from this windov; Mrs. Plummer. Oh I am sure it would be better in the par- lor. This room looks so shabby. Grace. Well then, have it in the parlor. Come to think of it, I guess it would be better, in front of the fireplace. Don't you think so. Jack? Jack. Yes, if you say so, it's all right. Why don't you try the line again? Grace. I will. (Starts towards telephone as Molly enters with letters which she hands around.) Molly. Plere are letters for all of you, and what do you think? I've got a letter from John Brown and he wants me to marry him. He's coming for his answer tonight. He'll get it all right! As if I'd marry anyone with a name like that — John Brown — Mary Jane Brown, I guess not! Mrs. Plummer. I do wish you would be more practical. Molly. John Brown is a very estimable young man, and his prospects Molly. ESTIMABLE! I've told you, I won't marry an estimable man. I want a man who is lifted above ordinary things. I am not going to marry a bank clerk, I can tell you. I'll marry an actor or a poet or an aviator or something like that. Think of it, to soar up above the world so high — (dramatically,) Grace. Yes, like a diamond in the sky. Molly. John Brown, indeed! (exits indignantly), Mrs. P. I do wish she was more like you, Grace dear. You're so sensible. 4 ROMANTIC MOLLY Jack. I'll tell you what. I'll ,make her change her mind and be glad enough to get "John Brown indeed." (mimicking Molly's tone.) Mrs. p. Be careful, Jack, dear. Don't tease the poor child. Maybe some day she'll settle down and be like Grace. Jack. (Scorn-fully). Be like Grace! Not in a thousand years! But you'll aee. She'll be different after today. You watch events — continued in our next. (Aside). I'll telephone to her. (Exit). Mrs. p. I do hope he won't do anything rash. Grace. Why, Mother, Jack is never rash. You've said your- self that he is always so practical. But I must call up Mr. Willis. (Rings telephone). Hello! Is this Mr. Willis? Do you ever go to people's houses to take their pictures? You don't? — Mrs. p. I knew it. I said it was foolish from the first. Grace. (Still teleplioning). Well could you? Then I wish you would come to Mrs. Plummer's, 145 Chestnut Street, and take a picture. You will? When can you come? Right away? We'll try to be ready. ^All right, thank you. Good bye. (Hangs up receiver.) We'll have to hurry, Mother. He's coming right away. Mrs. p. (Jumps up in flurr^y, drops letters, puts hands to hair, etc.) Oh, I never can be ready. I must fix my hair. And this old dress. (Turning round excitedly.) Grace. Come and I'll get you ready, but do keep calm. Don't get all excited over it, or you won't look like yourself. (Stoops to pick up letters tvhich Mrs. P. drops as soon as handed to her.) Mrs. p. I shan't look like myself anyway — I know I'd look a great deal more natural at the photographer's. (Pats hair and keeps turning to see herself. Grace picks up letters and keeps them.) Molly. (Entering). What's all the excitement about and what's the matter with Mother? Mrs. p. Why Grace wants me to — she has sent for — I am going to— Grace. Do keep calm, Mother. It is nothing, Molly, only Mother and I are planning a little surprise. We don't need your help nor your advice. Come, Mother. (Exit l)Oth.) Molly. That's always the way. It's always Grace. They don't think I know anything, and I'm sure my ideas are much — (telephone rings, and Molly an^swers it). Hello! Yes, who is this? I don't know you? Then how do you know me? Saw mje at the opera? Where were you? Which box? (Aside.) He must be that fine looking chap I noticed in one of the boxes last night. I thought he looked at me. (Aloud). Why I didn't notice. What? Want to see me? Want me to WHAT? MARRY You? Why I don't know you! An airship! (Aside). He's got an airship. I don't suppose it is very sensible, but — an airship!) When? Oh I can't today! How beautifully you put it, (aside.) (He's quite poetical and such a nice voice! I am sure he must be all right for one can always judge well by a person's voice! (Aloud.) ROMANTIC MOLLY 5 I want time to think it over, Got to go to California? Not right away? It is too soon. (Aside.) I always wanted to go to California but what would Mother think! (Aloud.) Well, I'll call you up in half an hour. You can't wait? Well I don't suppose I ought to but (Aside) He has a lovely voice. (Aloud.) You won't take no? Then I suppose I must say yes. Well, yes, then. (Aside.) He was awfully good looking if he's the one I think, but what will Mother and Grace say? I guess I'll tell him I can't. (Aloud.) Hello, hello, HELLO! (Hangs up receiver.) He's gone and he's com- ing here in half an hour. I am going to elope in an airship! A romance at last! Think of it, flying over the world to rise, to rise (looks up estatically and sloioly lifts arms as Geace enters). Grace. What in creation are you doing — taking a breathing exercise? Molly, (absent-mindedly.) Did you ever ride in an air- ship? Geace. No and I don't want to. Molly. Think of it, Grace dear. Flying over everything and alv/ays going up, up, up like a bird. Grace. I've heard of airships coming down and then they are not so comfortable, you know. Molly. (Sir^ffing some popular song.) I must hurry and get ready. (Exit.) Grace. Well what has struck her now. (Looking after her.) It's Jack. He's surely up to some caper. I'll call him up. (rings telephone.) Give me the City Club, please. Hello: Is this the City Club? Is Jack Smith there? Yes please. Jack? What are you up to? Smarty, I know that but I mean have you called up Molly I thought so. You what? — - Jack Smith, how could you? She's all excited. I'm going to tell her. Why? Mother won't like it. She'll find out. All right, I won't then. Of course you know best^ Coming home pretty soon? All right. Good bye. (Hangs up receiver.) It was Jack. I'm going to watch Molly. Poor kid! (A knock is heard, Grace goes to door and young man steps in.) Mr. Perkins. Is Mrs. Plummer in? Grace. Yes. I'll call her. Come in. Mr. Perkin (entering.) Maybe you'll do just as well. Mr, Stevens sent me to see about this bill. (Takes out case aii^d selects bill.) You notice here there are charges made for two suits and Mr. Stevens thought perhaps one was sent on approval. Do you know about it? Grace. Let me see. (Takes bill) that was two weeks ago — thalj was when Molly got her suit, but I don't know about the other. Yon sit down and I'll ask Mother. I'll be right back. (Exits.) (Molly enters with hat and coat and veil ready to elope and carrying suit case.) 6 ROMANTIC MOLLY Molly. Oh here you are. You are prompt. It isn't half an hour yet. Mr. p. Half an hour? What do you mean? Molly. Didn't you say you would be here in half an hour? (Aside) He is real nice looking. Mb. Perkins. (Aside). Mr. Stevens must have sent word. (Aloud) I came right over. Molly. What must you think of me? Mr. p. Think of you? Why I— I— Molly (aside). He seems to he quite embarrased. Maybe he is disappointed in me. (Aloud.) Are you. sorry you came? Mr. p. Why no. Why should I be? (Aside) She talks like a lunatic. Molly. Well it is so unusual, you know. Mr. p. Not at all. I oSten go on such errands. Molly (in amazement). You do? (Aside) What can he mean? Mr. p. It is my business, and Mr. Stevens keeps a machine for my use. JMoLLY (nervously). Where is your machine now? Mb. p. At the gate of course. Molly. Are you all ready to go? Mb. p. Why I am waiting for the money. (Aside.) Is sh« crazy? Molly. I didn't know — you didn't say — ^^that is (desperately) Have I got to pay you? Mr. p. Why certainly you'll have to pay for one and if it is O. K. for both. Molly (astonished). Pay for both? Why what will you do? Mr. p. Take the money of course. (Aside) I never saw such stupidity. Molly. I didn't know I'd have to pay — I thought — Mr. p. If you won't pay, we'll have to take it back. Do you happen to know whether there were two or not? Molly (perplexed). There are two of us. Mr. p. (aside.) She sure is brilliant. Molly. I guess I don't want to go. (Aside) I am afraid of him. Mr. p. Go where? Molly (desperately). Didn't you ask me to elope with you? Me. p. (jumping to feet and seizing hat). Holy smoke! I'll light out while there's life and hope. (Starts to rush out hut turns at door and looks at her.) She sure is luny— too bad and she so young and fair. (Molly stands amazed staring after him when Grace enters.) Grace. Mother says it is all right — why where is Mr. Per- kins? ROMANTIC MOLLY 7 Molly (aghast). Mr. Perkins! — Why he went out, he — er — seemed to be in a liurry. Grace. That's strange. (Exits.) Molly. Think what a mistake I've made. What must he have thought. But I knov/ my knight will surely come. Next time I'll let him do the talking and then there won't be any mistake. (Knock at door. Molly starts to oi'icn it but hesitates.) Molly. I wonder if that is — I must let him do the talking. (}:nock). There mustn't be another mistake. (Opens door, and Mr. Willis in motor cap and gloves and carrying camera and box steps in.) Mr. Willis. Does Mrs. Plummer live here? Molly. Yes. Mb. Willis. Are you the young lady who was talking with me over the telephone? Molly, (aside). It is he. (Aloud). Yes. It is you at last! You know I made the dreadfullest mistake, A man came to col- lect a bill and I rushed right in because I thought it v/as you. Mu. W. (Busy laying out camera and box and talcing off cap and gloves). Why my dear young lady, that wasn't so terrible, was it? But here I am. So you are the one I am to take. Charmed I assure you. (Looking at her appraisingly.) Molly (delighted). Is that part of your machine? (Point- ing to camera.) Mr. W. Part of it? Why it is all of it. Molly. But you surely can't take me in that? Mr. W. Yes, indeed. It is plenty big enough. Let me see — you want to be taken sitting, of course. Molly (giggling). Sitting? I certainly don't want to stand all the time. Mr. W. Certainly not. That's what I thought. Molly. But how do I get in? Mr. W. (aside). I suppose that's a joke so I must laugh. Why do people always think they have to spring jokes on the photographer? (Aloud) I'll show you in a minute. Are you ready? Molly. Yes. (Coyly) Do I look as you thought I did? Mr. W. Well really, my dear young lady, I couldn't say. Are you going to wear that veil? Molly. Yes, it keeps my hair so much neater. Mr. W. I don't want to presume, but I really think it would be better to take it off. Molly (aside). How sweet of him to care. (Aloud) Cer- tainly. I'd do anything to please you. Mr. W. Eh? Oh, yes, yes; you're a very amiable young lady. (Molly take§ off veil.) Molly. There, how does that look? 8 ROMANTIC MOLLY Mr. W. Let me see — fluff it a little here— fasten up this little strand (suits action to woi*ds and then stands off to get effect). There my dear young lady, that is charming. Turn a little this way— there the light effect from that window is posi- tively exquisite. (Stands gazing at her lost in thought.) Beau- tiful, beautiful! If I can only take her like that! Molly (shyly looking down). You can kiss me if you want to. Mr. W. (coming out of Ms reverie suddenly). What, — what did you say? Molly. I said you could kiss me if you wanted to. I thought as long, as it was such a short time before you would be taking me — Mr. W. Righto. Sure thing (kisses her). Charmed, I as- sure you. (Kisses her again.) Say, you're all right! Molly. Shall we go now? Mr. W. All ready when you are. Where do we go? Molly. To California, wasn't it? Mr. W. Now hear that. Well, come on, but this room is all right. We'll have to hurry or it will be dark. Molly. Are you afraid of the dark? Mr. W. Well, no. But I can take you better in daylight. I oould use a flash, I suppose. Molly (looking doubtfully at camera things). I hope it is safe. It won't break, will it? Mr. M. (groaning) (aside). Oh, what a stale one! (Aloud) No, I can safely say, it won't break. It has taken too many and worse looking than you, too! Molly (surprised). Oh, have you taken others ,too? Mr. W. Well, rather. That's my business. Molly (sighing). Again! Mr. W. Again? (Looks mystified) Oh, sure! (Kisses her again as Grace and her mother enter.) Mrs. p. What's the meaning" of this? Mr. W. Oh, no harm intended, I assure. How do you do? Grace. Of all the nerve! Mrs. p. Leave at once, I — Molly. Mother, dear, you don't understand. This gentle- man is going to take — Mrs. p. Indeed I do understand. This gentleman came to take my picture. Mr. W. Yours! (Looks at Molly.) You seem to have made another mistake. Never mind, the third time never fails*^ Mrs. p. Leave my house at once, sir. Mr. W. Certainly, certainly (picking up his things). I'm sure I didn't come to take that. And (turning to Molly) if that other young man doesn't take you in his machine let me know. You're all right. Ladies, good night, for I perceive it is getting late. Bye, bye, little one. (Kisses hand to her, exits). ROMANTIC MOLLY 9 Mrs. p. Molly, I do wish you would act like a rational being. Where you get your romantic nature from I'm sure I don't know. Not from MY side anyway. Molly. You did your best to make me ordinary when you named me Mary Jane. Why didn't you name me Imogene or Quinevere? Mbs. p. (siffMn^). What would you have been if I had! Grace. The way you make the rest of the family feel I should think your name was Dolores. Come, mother. (Exit both.) Molly (dejectedly sinking into chair). Another mistake! I don't believe the right man will ever come. It is getting dark already. But he was nice looking, and he wasn't so bad either (rubbing cheek thoughtfully). I'm almost sorry — (Jack enters with black patch over one eye, red wig all ruf- fled up, rough looking clothes, hat on at rakish angle — rushes to Molly and puts arms around her, holding her so that she cannot turn to look at him.) Jack. My darling! How I have longed for this time. Say you love me. Ever since I saw your lovely face you have been in my thoughts! Molly (struggling to get away). Who are you? Jack. Well, I like that! Weren't you expecting me? MoLL'x'. Yes, but I have made two awful mistakes and I want to b© sure this time. Jack. Well, this is the right guy for sure. You promised to elope with me in my airship. My honey. (Kisses her hands.) My sweet love! Your eyes are like stars, your mouth a rosebud is! MoLLY (in delight). This is the real thing. Jack. I think of you by day and I dream of you by night. Your voice is — Molly. You haven't told me your name. Jack. My name, sweet love, is Wilton Launcelot LaMon- tague. Molly. Oh, how lovely! Jack. Commonly called Bill for short. Bill, the Bully. Molly. Oh, how horrid! Why do they call you that? Jack. Why? Because/ I am such a bully fellow. Molly. Oh! Jack. You haven't said you love me. Molly. You know I do. Jack. I want to hear you say it. Molly (bashfully). I do love you. Jack. And you're sure you want to marry me? Molly. Yes, indeed. I am sure I do. Jack. You won't ever be sorry? Molly. Never, I am sure. 10 ROMANTIC MOLLY Jack. Then this will seal, the bargain. {He turns her around and starts to kiss her but as she sees his face, she springs Mdc with a look of horror. As she stands starirOg at Jack, Gkace enters ivUh\ Umip but as she catches sight of Jack puts handkerchief to face and rushes out laughing Molly slotvly turns away and hides face in hands.) Jack {hiding a smile). What's the matter, sweetheart? Molly {vjringing her hands). Oh, oh, oh! Jack {trying to hug her as she keeps stepping away). Now darling-, don't be offish. Come kiss your Bill. {Holds out arnus, but Molly keeps away.) Jack {vjaits a minute and then speaks roughly). Come, girl, nc backing out now. What's the matter, anyway? Molly {.frightened). I can't marry such a man. You, your — and you look so — Jack. So-ho. You don't like my face. Well, old girl {put- ting his face close to hers and taking her roughly by the arm), you've got to live with this old face. Do you hear? {Drags her doion front and speaks roughly.) Didn't you say you'd marry me? ^ Molly. Yes, no. I don't knov/. Jack. Yes, no, I don't know! What do you think this is? I'll just tall you now you've got to marry me. Molly {nearly crying). Don't make me marry you. Jack. Well, that's just what I will do. Do you think I'm going to be made a fool of like this? I'll sue you for breach of promise. And what reason can you give? You don't like my face! You'll like it, Vv^on't you, to stand up in court and tell the v/hole lot of them that you never saw me before? I'll sue you and I'll go right av/ay and swear out a warrant for your arrest. {Shaking fist in her face) I'll come back and then BEWxlRB. {Rushes out.) (Molly sta72ds uncertain, then starts after him.) Molly. Come back! Come back! I will marry you! {Listens a moment, then flings herself into chair and bursts into tears. Molly {between sobs). He's gone and I shall be arrested. Oh, Oh, and I shall have to marry him. Think of seeing that face every day, and he's so rough. Boo-hoo. John Brown enters, looks at her iii surprise, then rushes to her side. John. Molly, darling, what is the matter? (Molly flings herself into his arms.) Molly. Oh, John, I'm going to be married. Boo-hoo. John. V/ell, that's a great v/ay to feel about it. Come, are those tears of joy? MoiLY. To such a dreadful looking man! A black eye, red hair, and — and — Oh, John! John. To a what? ROMANTIC MOLLY 11 Molly. And he's big and ugly and rough! And he's going to sue me. John. Don't you want to marry him? (Patting her shoul- der.) Molly. No, a thousand times no. I never want to speak to him or see him again. John. What's it all about, anyway? How are you engaged to him? Molly. He, called me up and asked me to elope with him and he's got an airship and he's going to California and when he came for me he looked so dreadful I didn't want to but; he says I've got to. Oh, dear, Oh, dear! John (thoughtfully). That sounds rather fishy. What's his name? Molly. Wilton Launcelot Lamontague, called Bill the Bully for short. John (aside). 1 begin to see daylight. This is some of Jack's pranks, but I might as well make the most of it. Molly. And I'm never going to be romantic again. I'm going to be just plain Mary Jane and try to be like Grace, and then maybe people will like me. (John grinning and nodding ivhile he pats her shoulder.) Molly. I'm going to be a nun and never speak to a man again. (A noise is heard outside and she clutches John.) Oh, John, he is coming back. Save me! John (hurriedly). Will you marry me? Molly (weeping anew). How many men do you think I can marry? John. Quick! I hear some one. Marry me and I'll save you. Molly. Yes, yes, anything. John. Wait till I ask your mother. Molly (draggin^g John after her towards the door hurriedly) . No, no, hurry! We'll get married first and then ask Mother. I'll be glad to be Mary Jane Brown. (Ru>ihes off.) (It might be desirable to have Jack appear at side with wig in hand, and laughing heartily as the Curtain Falls. <€ffi»^p9 K The Bugbee Entertainments ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE Hiram and the Peddlers. A farce in 1 act. The climax is a great surprise. 5m., 2f. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Closing Day at Beanville School. The most popular play for intermediate grades we have ever offered. 7m., 7f. (more or less). Time, 30 min., or more. 25 cents. Seven Little Soldiers and Seven Little Maids. For primary or intermediate grades. A splendid patriotic number. Book contains also "The Little Patriots' Loyalty Drill." 25 cents. Midgets' Grand Parade. A delightful pageant for little tots. Very easy to produce. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Funny Little Food Folks. A novelty entertainment for children. This is something different. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Jolly Christmas Book. By Willis N. Bugbee. The latest, jolliest and most usable Christmas book on the market. Full of good things for a complete Christmas program. 35 cents. America's Flag. A beautiful patriotic march and drill with tableaux. For 8 or 12 girls. 25 cents. Following the Stars and Stripes. A splendid new patriotic pageant. This should be on every program. For any number of children. Time, 15 to 45 min. 25 cents. The Spirit of Christmas Time. A delightful pageant introducing pretty little drills, dances, songs, tableaux, etc. For any number. 25 cents. The Willis N. Bugbee Co., Syracuse, N. Y. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The Bugbe ARE FAVOf 00142119183 • nts Pretty Pageants for Young Folks. These pageants are not only pretty but right up to the minute. Very easy and pleasing. Good for any time. 30 cents. Commencement Helps and Hints, for Eighth Grade People. Contains salutatories, valedictories, histories, class will, prophecies, banquet, class drill, play, yells, mottoes, colors, novel sports, songs, stunts, etc. A valuable book. 35 cents. Uncle Peter's Proposal. A farce in 2 acts by W. T. Newton, 3m., 2f. A very clever little play. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Old Class Reunion. A prophetic class play. The members of the old class get together for the first time in 30 years. 7m., 7i. 30 minutes. 25 cents. Mrs. Deacon Spriggs. A two-act play for older women. Full of good healthy fun and lively gossip. 12f. 30 min. 25 cents. Romantic Molly. A one-act play by Ada S. Macom- ber. Full of comical incidents. Parlor scene. 4m., 3f. 30 min. 25 cents. NEW SONGS Our Latch String Hangs Outside. A dandy new welcome song that will start your entertainment right. Sheet music. 25 cents. Just Smile and Say Good-Bye, A capital song to send your audience home feeling good natured. Bright and catchy. 25 cents. De Coonville Jubilee. The *Ristocrats of Coonville hold a jubilee and "Dey didn't get home till de break ob day." Sheet music. 25 cents. The Willis N. Bugbee Co., Syracuse, N. Y.