Writing a speech

richardaaron — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:50:30 GMT

I was perusing the list of flicks that Spout has recommended me due to my choices so far, and I came across this ol' beloved friend of mine, Scent Of A Woman. What a gem this is. For any of you that are "fight the power", anti-establishment type of folks like myself, you will appreciate this flick. I hate to end my first review so abruptly, but I'm guessing that my perception of this film will not do it justice nearly as much as trying to tackle the project of regurgitating Colonel Slade's speech at the end of this film ... and so that is what I will do. Probably not too fun for others, and I won't get the order right but humor me anyways: I'm working an overnight shift and am bored.

Here goes ...

(Mr. Sims, you are a cover up artist and you are a liar.)

But not a snitch!

(Excuse me.)

No, I don't think I will.

(Mr. Slade.)

This is such a crock of shit.

(Please watch your language Mr. Slade, you are in the Baird school, not a barracks.Mr. Sims I will give you one last opportunity to speak up)

Mr. Sims doesn't want it. He doesn't need to be labeled "Still worthy of being a Baird man". What the hell is that? What is your motto here: 'boys inform on you classmates, save your hide. Anything short of that we're gonna burn you at the stake.'? Well gentlemen, when the shit hits the fan, some guys run and some guys hide. Here's Charlie, facing the fire and there's George hiding in big daddy's pocket. And what are you gonna do? You're gonna reward George and destroy Charlie.

(Are you finished Mr. Slade?)

No, I'm just getting warmed up. I don't know who went to this school. William Jennings Bride, William Howard Taft, William Tell, whoever. There spirit is dead, if they ever had one, it's gone. You're building a rat ship here. A vessel for sea goin snitches. And if you think you're preparing these minnows for manhood, you'd better think again. Because I say you are killing the very spirit this institution proclaims it instills. what kinda show you putting on here today?I mean the only class in this act is sitting next to me and I'm here to tell you, this boy's soul is in tact. It's non-negotiable. You know how I know? Someone here, and I'm not going to say who, offered to buy it; only Charlie here wasn't selling.

(Sir, you're out of order)

Out of order? I'd show you out of order, but I'm too old, I'm too tired, too f-in blind. If I was the man I was five years ago, I'd take a flame thrower to this place. Out of order. Who the hell you think you're talking to? I 've been around you know. There was a time I could see. And I have seen, boys like these, younger than these, there arms ripped off, there legs torn out. But there is nothing like the sight of an amputated spirit, there is no prosthetic for that. Baird men? You hurt this boy, you're gonna be Baird bums the lot of ya. And Harry, Jimmy, Trent. Wherever you are out there, F you too.

(Stand down Mr. Slade)

I'm not finished. As I came in here, I heard those words, "Cradle of Leadership". Well when the bow breaks, the cradle will fall. Makers of men, creators of leaders, be careful what kind of leaders you're producing here today. I don't know if Charlie's silence here today is right or wrong. I 'm not a judge a jury. But I can tell you this, he won't sell anyone out to buy his future. And that my friends is called courage, that's called integrity. Now that's the stuff leaders should be made of.

Now I have come to the crossroads in my life. I always knew what the right path was. Without exception I knew. But I never took it. You know why? It was too damn hard. Now here's Charlie. He's come to the crossroads and he's chosen the right path. ... it's the path of integrity that leads to character. Let him continue on his journey. It's a valuable future, believe me. Don't destroy it; protect it. Embrace it. It's gonna make you proud one day, I promise you.

Hoooo-aaaaaahhh !!!

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Writing a speech