GETTING IN

A Play in One Act

TIME; April 1945

PLACE: Sdmewhere in Germany

AT RISE: BILL DUFFY, 19, alert, boyish, an Army PFC spotlighted on an otherwise dark stage. His accent marks him a New Yorker. Sharper ears might pinpoint the Bronx.

DUFFY: The war in Europe nearly over, I decided Ibe the first one in my family to go to college. Onguard duty, at night, in a forward outpost in Germany, I broke the news to my buddy, Al Torelli.

LIGHTS DOWN on Duffy and Up on Al TORELLIand and DUFFY on guard duty. Both With helmets and rifles. TORELLI the same age as Duffy but he seems older. Torelli's New York accent more pronounced than Duffy's.

TORELLI: ...What was that? DUFFY: What was what? DUFFY: Like what? keep Your voice down. DUFFY: What's eating you? TORELLI: The war's gonna end any day. I don't wanna be the last casualty. DUFFY: ...You see in Stars and Stripes about the GI Bill, lets veterans go to college free? TORELLI: So what? DUFFY: I'm gonna do it. Goto college. TORELLI: You barely got through high school. DUFFY: I'm different now. TORELLI: What time is it ? DUFFY: Five minutes last time you asked...What about you ? TORELLI: What about me ? DUFFY: What are you gonna do after the war? TORELLI: Ask me that again I'll bust your jaw! DUFFY: What did I say? TORELLI: A pitcher has a no-hitter going, nobody mentions it till the final out. so they don't jinx him. That's how I feel talking about my future till the war's officially over. Okay? DUFFY: Okay. TORELLI:...How's it work.. the GI Bill? DUFFY: Free tuition, books, room. Plus seventy-five bucks a month! TORELLI: What college you going to? DUFFY: I thought the future was off limits. TORELLI: Yours I don't give a damn. DUFFY: If I could go any; place I wanted it'd be Dartmouth. TORELLI: That's one of those Ivy League places like Yale and Harvard. DUFFY: Right. TORELLI: Dream on. DUFFY: (defensively) I wasn't, trying in high school. I... TORELLI: ...Shut up. DUFFY:' Now what ? TORELLI: Footsteps. Got your safety on ?

DUFFY: Yeah.

TORELLI: Take it off.

DUFFY: I don't hear anything.

TORELLI: Take it off. God damn it! (The CLICK as Duffy prepares his rifle to fire. SILENCE while both listen. No sound. Then Torelli CHUCKLES.)

DUFFY: What's funny?

TORELLI: You in the Ivy League.

LIGHTS DOWN on Torelli so only Duffy is seen.

DUFFY: The war in Europe ended a week later. I figured I'd be out of the army by the spring of '46 intime to begin college that fall. But I had no ideahow to go about applying. Then I heard about thisCaptain in Division Headquarters who went to Dartmouth.

LIGHTS DOWN on DUFFY and UP on Captain Whitley's office.

WHITLEY, 22, well groomed, patrician features, reading a book and listening to classical music on the radio. A KNOCK at the door.

WHITLEY: Enter.

(The door opens.; Duffy appears.)

DUFFY: (saluting crisply) Captain Whitley, sir?

WHITLEY: (returning the salute) Yes?

DUFFY: (at attention) PFC Duffy -- 89th cavalry reconnaisance troop.

WHITLEY: At ease. State your business.

DUFFY: It's a personal matter, sir.

WHITLEY: (turns the radio off) Go on.

DUFFY: I've decided to go to col lege. Was hoping you might tell me how to go about it.

WHITLEY: Write to the Dean of Admissions.

DUFFY: (taking notes) "Dean of Admissions."

WHITLEY: He'll give you the information you need.

DUFFY: What's his name?

WHITLEY: (amused by his apparent ignorance) Every college has a different one.

DUFFY: Wat's the name of the Dean of Admissions at

WHITLEY: (startled) Dartmouth?

DUFFY: Yes, sir.

WHITLEY: It so happens I'm a Dartmouth man.

DUFFY: That's why I'm here. I figured a Dartmouth graduate could give me some tips.

WHITLEY: I have a year to go before I graduate. Why Dartmouth?

DUFFY: It sounds crazy but I saw this movie...

WHITLEY: ...Winter Carnival.

DUFFY: Right. It was love at first sight.

WHITLEY: There's more to Dartmouth than Winter Carnival.

DUFFY: Yes, sir. (notebook and pen poised) The Dean of Admissions's name?

WHITLEY: (reluctantly) Strong.

DUFFY: S-t-r-o-n-g?

WHITLEY: Yes.

DUFFY: First name?

WHITLEY: I don't remember. Where did you go to high school?

DUFFY" New York City.

WHITLEY: (alluding to his accent) Obviously. meant what school.

DUFFY: DeWitt Cl inton.

WHITLEY: Where did you rank?

DUFFY: I don't know.

WHITLEY: You don't remember your standing?

DUFFY: There were ten thousand guys at Cl inton.

WHITLEY: How were your grades?

DUFFY: I never failed anything.

WHITLEY: Overall average?...

DUFFY: (bristling) Sixty-six. Sixty-five was passing. Plus if you add up ray absences I missed terra because I played hookey. Anything else, sir ?

WHITLEY: I'm trying to help you soldier.

DUFFY: It's three years since high school. I've changed.

WHITLEY: (insinuating) It's the GI Bill. isn't it?

DUFFY: (pointedly) Right. I'm going to college because it's a free ride. Plus I noticed college guys get the best jobs in the Army where they have the least ctiance of getting killed.

WHITLEY: You're dismissed soldier.

DUFFY: (saluting) Thank you, sir. (He starts exit, looks back.) Are you going back to Dartmouth to get your degree?

WHITLEY: Yes.

DUFFY: Maybe I'll see you there.

(Before Whitley can react, Duffy's gone. LIGHTS DOWN

LIGHTS UP on.Duffy reading a letter aloud.

DUFFY: "Dean of Amissions, Dartmout College, Hanover, New Hampshire -- October 13. 1945. Dear Dean Strong, I aw writing you from Austria, where I'm on occupation'duty after serving in General Patton's

Third Army during the war. I expect to be discharged next spring and would like to apply for admission to Dartmouth in the fall of 1946. Could you please advise me how to proceed. Sincerely, PFC William Duffy."

LIGHTS UP on DEAN STRONG, mid-50s, avuncular, caring.

DEAN STRONG: "Dear Private Duffy. Enclosed is an application for admission. I am pleased by your interest in Dartmouth but feel it only fair to inform you that we expect no less than five thousand application for some six hundred place. Best wished. Dean Robert Strong."

"DUFFY" "Dear'Dean Strong', My application is enclosed. As you can see my high school grodes leave much to be desired The idea of going to college never crossed my mind in high school. In the years since, I've undergone a complete turnaround."

DEAN STRONG: "Dear William Duffy, I sense your about face is genuine and applaud you for it, but I would be derelict if I didn't emphosize that your chonces of gaining admission are minimal. I strongly urge you not to focus all your hopes on Dartmouth and enclose a catalog of accredited colleges and universities you should consider."

DUFFY: "Dear Dean Strong, I appreciate your warningabout the slimness of my chances andfPPly and will apply toother places. But Dartmouth will always be my firschoce."

DEAN STRONG: Dear william, I'm touched by your determination and sorry I can't offer you more hope."

DUFFY: "Dear Dean Strong, In a few days I'll be homeward bound. Would it be possible to visit Dartmouth? I'd like to see it and thank you for your considerate attention."

DEAN STRONG: "Dear william, Interviews can be helpful ful but high school records carry the most weight. I put this bluntly so you don't contemplate the trip with false hopes or expectations."

LIGHTS DOWN on Dean Strong. LIGHTS UP on Duffy in the changing room of a clothing store. Only his head and shoulders visible above the partia doo, as switches from amy uniform tcreivHdothes he speaks, .he dons shirt and tie -- the rest of the change hidden from view.

DUFFY: On the troop ship coming home, Imp thirty-four hundred bucks in a crap. game. I asked my fathto try and find someone with Dartmouth connection He graduates and they'd give my name to a professorsor I should look up when I visited Dartmouth. I debated whether I should let Dean Strong know I wascoming, afraid he'd say it was hopeless and not tocome. I decided to .surprise him...Wanting to make agood impression, I spent somSf my crap game winningson a new suit.. Not just new but tailor-made bythe guy who did Whitey Bloom's clothes — Whitey, a bookie, the best dresser wthe neighborhood.

(Donning the Jacket, Duffy proudly emerges from the changing room fn a blue pinstripe suit befitting a bookmaker but definitely not Ivy League.)

DUFFY: Bo'arding the train at Grand Central I had asense of new beginnings.: The trip like a dream until we reached white River Junction. How Couldsuch an ugly railhead be only a few miles fromDartmouth, which looked like heaven in every pictureI'd ever seen? I got in a cab and minuteslater there it was: the campus. The white buiding The library where bells tolled the hour.Everything'as advertised. I checked into the Greenlantern and headed for the Admissions Building.

LIGHTS DOWN on Duffy and UP on an office where a SECRETARY is typing. A KNOCK at the door interrups her.

SECRETARY: Come in.

(Duffy enters.)

DUFFY: Dean Strong's office?

SECRETARY: Yes.

DUFFY: My name'S William Duffy I've been corresponding with the Dean about getting into Dartmouth. He invited me to visit him when I got out of the army. Here I am.

(The Secretary just looks at him.)

I should have written I was coming but I made up my mind all of a sudden. Is there any chance I could see him?

(The Secretary offers no reaction.)

It doesn't have to be right now. I'll staying overnight. And if he's busy tomorrow, I'll stay longer.

SECRETARY: (tears welling) Oh dear.

DUFFY: What's the matter?

SECRETARY: Dean Strong is dead.

DUFFY: Dean Strong?

SECRETARY: Yes.

DUFFY: (incredulous) When how?

SECRETARY: Last week. A heart attack.

LIGHTS DOWN on the secretary.

DUFFY: I left the office in a daze, figuring,"That's the end, of me and Dartmouth." Then Rememberedthe guy whose nephews went to Dartmouth and theprofessor they said I should look up.

LIGHTS UP on PROFESSOR,JENSEN, 50, as he answers a RINGING PHONE.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: Hello?

DUFFY: (in a pay phone) Professor Jensen?

PROFESSOR JENSEN: Speaking.

DUFFY: My name is Duffy -- William Duffy, (regarding a card) I'm a friend of the Dexter brothers -- Harry and Raymond.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: Duffy -- right.

DUFFY: I'm trying to get into Dartmouth. They said you might be able to help me.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: As I told the Pexters, there s very liitte: if anything can do. . What I' suggest

DUFFY: ...I'm here.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: Here?

DUFFY: In Hanover. I was hoping I might meet you.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: You picked a busy week.

DUFFY: I could make it any time -- right now if it's convenient.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: I'm on my way out.

DUFFY: I understand, (eyeing the card) I'll tell Harry and Ray I got you at time. Sorry. bothered you.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: (feeling he's been too abrupt) How are they?

DUFFY: Harry and Ray? They're fine.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: Still avid tennis players?

DUFFY: Yes.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: I never won a set from either of them.

DUFFY: (figuring he has nothing to lose) They said you were pretty good.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: (delighted) They did?

DUFFY: Yes. They spoke about Dartmouth a lot. That's what made me apply. well, listen, it's been nice talking to you. I'll give them your regards.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: Who you should speak to IS the Dean of Admissions.

DUFFY: That1s what I came for but he's dead.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: I mean the Acting Dean. He's swamped but he happens to be a friend of mine. Where are you staying?

DUFFY: The Green Lantern.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: I'll try and get you an appointment. But don't count on it.

LIGMTS DOWN on Professor Jensen.

DUFFY- Figuring it was clear fie was just goingthrough the motions and I'd never see place again, I walked around m&arizing every thing: Thecampus Mere fraternity team were playing softball; the tree-lined streets with dormitories where therewere shoes on window sills --gays hollering and laughing. Then I came to the stadium and sat in thestands imagining what it would be like during a football game with the hand and the cheering. Finally ansong that was so moving I cried because I knew thiswas the place I wanted to be more than anywhere in the world and there was no chance of it happening (blows his nose to regain composure) After supper I decided to buy some magazines and call it a day.

LIGHTS DOWN on Duffy and UP in a drugstore where EMILY 19 wholesomely attractive in nurse's uniform is perusing a rack of paerback books as Duffy appears: beside her.

DUFFY: (as she takes a book from the rack) I hope

you're buying that book for someone else.

EMILY: Why?

DUFFY: It's science fiction.

EMILY: So what?

DUFFY: I could never love a woman who likes science fiction.

EMILY: (jocularly). As a matter of fact I'm buying it for a patient.

DUFFY: Amen. I'm about to have a soda and I hate to drink alone. Join me?

EMILY: Thank's but I go on duty, at the hospitat in twenty minutes.

DUFFY: If I had a Car I'd offer you a ride.

EMILY: It's a ten-minute walk.

DUFFY: Mind if I join you.

EMILY: Suit yourself.

LIGHTS DOWN on Emily.

DUFFY: As we balked I told her I was trying to getinto"Dartmouth. She wished me lack -- gave me her,name and phone number. I said I'd call her if I sueceeded. (reads the card she govts 'him) "EmilyMilkens." I was about to put it in my wallet when Igot this notion that if I tore up the card it wouldhelp me --'like a sacrificial offering, (he tears upthe card) When I got back to the Green lantern there -was a message.

LIGHTS DOWN on Duffy and UP on Professor Jensen.

PROFESSOR JENSEN: You have a nine a.m. meeting with Acting Dean of Admissions Chamberlain. He's squeezing you in so be on time. Good luck and my best to Harry and Ray.

LIGHTS DOWN on the Professor and UP on ACTING DEAN CHAMBERLAIN, 40-ish, going over documents at his desk when the SECRETARY ushers Duffy in.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: (rising hand extended) Good morning.

DUFFY: Good morning, sir.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: (indicating a chair in front of the desk) Have a seat.

(Duffy sits. Chamberlain resumes his place behihd

I revi ewed yout" correspondence wi th Dean Strong, application, and your high school records. Couldn't find your College Board Scores.

DUFFY: CoTTege Board Scores?

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: Yes. Didn't you take the test?

DUFFY: No.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: You know what the Boards are.

DUFFY: Not exactly.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: Standard nationwide exams for college eritrance. You should have taken them in high school.

DUFFY: I wasn't thinking about college in those days.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: To get into almost any college but Dartmouth, College Boards are mandatory.

DUFFY: You don't need them for Dartmouth?

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: Not if you're a veteran. Dean Strong didn't think it was fair to make ex-servicemen compete with high school kids to whom the test material is fresh. Instead of Col 1ege Boards, Dartmouth requires that veterans take a general aptitude basic intelltgence;rather than specific subject matter.

DUFFY: Where do I take it?

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: Any Veterans Administration office. (indicating Duffy's file) It's important but it won't outweigh what's in here, (leafing through the file) You were absent a great deal...No sports.. .No extracurricular activities, period... Barely passing grades, (holding up a sheaf of envelopes) These are the applications that came in since Monday. Everyone in the top ten percent of their class. Several valedictorians. Many with distinguished athletic records. All with superior Board scores.

DUFFY: Making my chances slim to none.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: I'm afraid so. In one of his letters Dean Strong suggested you not pin all your hopes on Dartmouth. I second that.

DUFFY: I'm going to apply el sewhere but Dartmouth is still my first choice.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: That's it then, (rising -- hand outstretched) Sorry I can't be more encouraging.

DUFFY: (ignoring his hand) That's not me.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: What?

DUFFY: That folder with my high school records. That's who I was. It's not the way I am now.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: Unfortunately it's all we have to go by.

DUFFY: Mould you like to know how and why I changed?

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: Unfortunately I'm pressed for time.

DUFFY: Two minutes?

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: (reluctantly) Two minutes, (resumes his seat)

DUFFY: Between high school and the army I was messenger for a freight forwarder in lower Manhattan. Five and a half days a week running non-stop for twenty-five bucks minus deductions. It took over an hour each way on a packed subway just to get there. One morning on the way to work 1 feel . sneeze coming on. I want to cover my mouth but I'm jammed in so tight I can't move my hand. I end up sneezing right in this lady's face. That's when it hit me there has to be a better way of life and...

(The Dean's intercom buzzer interrupts)

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: Pardon me. (on the intercom) Yes?

SECRETARY'S VOICE: Mr. Stewart is here.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: I'll be right with him. (to Daffy) Why don't you write the rest - send it to me.

DUFFY: You said two minutes.

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: ...Go on.

DUFFY. The messenger job made getting drafted a pleasure. I endeci up in Patton's Third Army last two campaigns before VE Day. Not a lot of action but enough so I realized I hid as much guts as most quys. After the war we stayed in Europe on occupation duty. I'd heard about the GI Bill and wanted to go to college but wondered if I was smart enough. So I enrolled in one of the schools the army set up to keep us busy. Began to read. Not because I had to, but because I enjoyed it. There were tests and I did great. I...

DEAN CHAMBERLAIN: (indicating his watch) ...I'm afraid I have to stop you. (offering his hand with finality) Goodbye and good luck.

DUFFY: (taking his hand) Thanks for your time. (He start; to leave then turns to the Dean pastely.) I know I can do the work if I get in. If I can't I'll leave voluntarily. You want -- I'll put it in writing. I need a break! (he exits)

LIGHTS DOWN on the Dean -- his expression suggests Duffy is unique in his experience.

DUFFY: Convinced the trip was a fiasco, I told thecab driver to circle the campus for a last look beforehe took we to white River .Junction where I boarded the

LIGHTS UP on Ae club car as Duffy sits at one of two side-by-side tables -- the other table vacant.

DUFFY: It didn't cheer we up when a prosperous looking old auy across the atsle struck up a conversed with a kid wearing a Dartmouth jacket. The old guytells the young guy he's a dartmouth graduate. The young guy says he's about to graduate. Turns outold guy is president of an advertising agency. within ten minutes the old guy offering the kid a job. All because they both went to Dartmough., which they talked about till I couldn't take it any wore andwas about to leave when...

(An attractive woman, earl, 20s In a WAG uniform with first lieutenant bars, enters the club car.)

THE WAAC: (to Duffy indicating the table beside him) Anyone sitting here?

DUFFY: No. (she sits) It's a good thing we didn't meet two weeks ago.

THE WAAC: Why?

DUFFY: I was still in the army -- a private. I couldn't have invited you to have a drink.

THE WAAC: is that what you're doing?

DUFFY: Yes.

THE WAAC: Vodka neat.

DUFFY: (calling off) Waiter.

LIGTS: DOWN on.. the WAAC.

DUFFY: she and I drank steadily. The club car was air conditioned and the temperature in New York was over mnetv. Getting, off the tram at brandLent, of was like walking into a blast furnace. The booze tookits toll and we staggered off in opposite directions. No cab driver would take me because I was reeling sotook the subway Getting off every few stops to throwup. When I got home, my father said, 'You must havemade a grand impression at Dartmouth." At which point, mercifully, I passed out...

LIGHTS DOWN on'Duffy and UP on a;portable typewriter sitting on a table. Duffy enters.

DUFFY: (touchin-ci the Royal portable. List price one hundred and twenty-fivebucks. I paid two hundred because they weretough to get and I needed it for college applicationsbecause my penmanship was artful, 1 applied for admission to twenty-four colleges. Within two weeks,half pf them notified me they had no openings. Theday before I was scheduled to take the aptitude testat the .Veterans Administration I attended Al Torelli's wedding in Brooklyn.

LIGHTS DOWN on Duffy and UP on TORELLI in a tuxedo.

TORELLI: Surprise you I'm getting married so soon?

DUFFY: Yeah.

TORELLI: (accusing) You think it's a mistake, and you're right.

DUFFY: You feel like that, why go through with it?

TORELLI: I been going with her since high school. You make promises. Besides, her brothers would kill me.

DUFFY: Run away.

TORELLI: Just like that.

DUFFY: I've got fifteen hundred in my wallet. It's yours. There's the door.

TORELLI: My old man's dying. I've got my mother and kid sister to support. But thanks anyway. It's not that I don't love her. Probably nothing but bridegroom jitters. Huh?

DUFFY: Probably.

TORELLI: Something tells me this is the last time you and I will ever see each other.

DUFFY: Why?

TORELLI: In college you'll make new friends -- get different ideas.

DUFFY: There's a laugh.

TORELLI: What do you mean?

DUFFY: I've been turned down by fifteen colleges already.

TORELLI: (with conviction) Don't matter. Oneway or another you're gonna make it. (organ music heard) There's my cue.

DUFFY: I love you, Al.

TORELLI: I love you too. Too bad I'm spoken for.

LIGHTS DOWN on Torelli.

DUFFY: When the priest said the part about anyoneknowing': why these people shouldn't marry, I felt likeWmiDina.UD and saving after what he'd been through inthe war, Al had the right to lived lit tie before heput his shoulder to the wheel. I left the receptionearly because the more I drank the more depressed Igot about my own future as well as Al's. Thenextmorning at the Veterans Administration I was directed to the office of a Mr. Curswell.

LIGHTS DOWN on Duffy and UP on a small conference room where MR. CARSWELL, 40-ish, officious, impatient, regards his pocket watch irritatedly. A KNOCK at the door.

CARSWELL: Come in.

(Duffy enters.)

DUFFY: Mr. Carswell?

CARSWELL: You're late.

DUFFY: I was told to be here at nine, (glancing at his wristwatch) It's five of.

CARSWELL: (displaying his pocket watch as final authority) It's one minute past, (goes into his practiced spiel) The exam is in two parts Multiple choice and essay. Two hours each. The multiple choice section you'll find on the table. At eleven o'clock" I'll collect fit you the essay porttion. At no time are you to leave this room without my permission. You may begin.

(CarsweVl retires to his office.)

DUFFY: He left the door of his office open so he"'could keep track of me (Duffy sits --opens the question book) As advertised the questions were aimed at general intelligence rather than subjects good but still had over fifty questions to go when Mr. Carswell reappeared.

CARSWELL: (regarding his pocket watch) In ten seconds it will be eleven o'clock, (counting) Five-four-three-two-on. I'll take that.

DUFFY: (handing him the test) Did anybody ever answer all the questions in two hours.

CARSWELL: Yes.

DUFFY: It's rare though, huh?

CARSVIELL; No. particularly. (hands him several pamphlets) Here is the essay part of the exam. Again you have two hours, ending at one p.m. You may begin.

(Carswell exits to his office.)

DUFFY: What he said about people who answered all the multiple questions meant I really had to shine in the essay part. The assigned topic was "Why I Want to go to college." Having thought of nothing else for months, I dove in and got so cought up I forgot about everything including the time, which made it a shock when Mr. Carsell appeared.

CARSWELL: I'll take that now.

DUFFT: only twelve thirty.

CARSWELL: less is more.

DUFFY: (firmly) I'm not through.

(Mr. Carswell frowns and withdraws.)

PUFFY: It took a moment to collect myself duringwhich I heard him on the phone talking to someonenamed Gladys who must have been giving him a hard time because he's saying things like, "I can't help it,"and "I'll do my best," in a whiny voice. Then he slammed down the receiver.

(Mr. Carswell reappears)

CARSWELL: I have to go upstairs. I'll be back by one o'clock. But If by some chance I'm not. put your say on my desk.

DUFFY: Right.

CARSWELL: Shouldn't take me more than a few minutes.

(Carswell exits.)

DUFFY: I resumed writing. And the next thing I know it's a minute to one. I had a lot more to say but I knew if he found me working after the deadline he'd axe me. So I stopped and was about to put it on his desk when it hit me that Mr. Carswell wasn't coming back for quite a while. With gut certainty I knew he'd gone to see Gladys. If I was right it Could be the break I needed. If I was wrong so what? No college wanted me anyway. Betting everything on Gladys, I wrote no-stop for another forty-five minutes. At a quarter to two I stopped. Put it on his desk and exited the building using the stairs instead of the elevator so I wouldn't run into him. (Duffy exits)

LIGHTS DOWN on Carswell's office and UP on the table Sing tie Royal portable, where Dfffy regards several letters.

DUFFY: I felt pumped up, Then I got home and foundmore turndowns. (dropping each letter in a wgsfebasket as he names the source); Set on Hall.. .Manhattan...Fordham.. .And a place I didn't even rememberapplying to. Rejections 18,. acceptances zero. Butit still a great summer: Some getting dischargedevery week miff it a continuous party. "You're nevergoing to know how much a hundred dollars is worth untilyou t ry to borrow it," my fat hex said. By the endof July, my crap gaipe winnings all but gone, I wasthinking about getting a job when I came home at noonone Saturday and found my mother in tears.

LIGHTS DOWN on Duffy and UP on his mother weeping as Duffy apears.

DUFFY: What's the matter? (She can't speak. He assumes another family row.) What did he danK time? (She shakes her head decisively) You didn't have a fight? (She nods) What then? ...Ma what is it? (Too emotional to speak, she hands him an opened envelope which he regards) It's from Dartmouth. (She nods. He explores the envelope-- finds it empty.)

DUFFY: Where's the letter?

MRS. DUFFY: Your father...

DUFFY: He opened my mail? (she nods) Where is it?

MRS. DUFFY: He took it.

DUFFY: Took it where?

MRS. DUFFY: Out.

DUFFY: He went out with my letter? (Mrs. Duffy nods.) Why?

MRS. DUFFY: (barely able to get it out) They want you.

DUFFY: Who wants me?

MRS. DUFFY: Dartmouth, . . :

LIGHTS DOWN on Mrs. Duffy weeping anew.

DUFFY: I caught up to my father at the Park PlazaBar and Grill where he was showing the letter toeveryone, buying drinks and leading toasts to Dartmouth. My first reaction was I'm dreaming. Then Iread the letter. "It's a mistake," I thought. "Anerror they'll correct." But it wasn't a mistake. My first day at Dartmouth I was walking down thestreet when lo and behold —- the frosting on thecake!

LIGHTS: UP on Captain'Whitley in civilian dress as

Duffy approaches him.

DUFFY: Captain Whitley I presume. (Whitley turns) Remember me?

WHITLEY: (astounded) It can't be.

DUFFY: It is.

WHITLEY: What are you doing here?

DUFFY: I'm a member of the Class of 1950.

WHITLEY: (scornfully) They must be letting anybody in.

LIGHTS DOWN on Whitley

DUFFY: I resisted the urge to hit him -- the look onhis face showed he hod punishment enough. DeanStrong, Professor Jensen, the Dexter brothers, Acting Dean Chamberlain, and last but not least,Gladys, I thank you all... Sixteen years after Igraduated from Dartmouth I returned to receive anhonorary degree. But that's another story.

LIGHTS DOWN

THE END

THIS ONE-ACT PLAY bv Frank D. Gilroy '50 pre- mieres here in the pages of the Dartmmth Alumni Magazine. Gilroy is the College's only Pulitzer Prize-winning play- wright, winning for his 1964 Broadway hit, The Subject WasRoses, He's had five plays on Broadway, most recently AnyGiven Day (1995). Off-Broadway, he won an Obie for die Best American Play for Who'll Save the Plotvboy? He began his writing career in television's so-called Golden Age and has written a dozen films, eight of which he directed. His adventures as an independent filmmaker are chroni- cled in the book I Wake Up Screening! (1993). He wrote; his first plays at Dartmouth. In 1990 he was awarded the Warner Bentlev Award for Excellence in the Arts. Getting In purports to be a work of fiction, but there are uncanny parallels between the ways in which Bill Duffy and Frank Gilroy found their respective ways from the Bronx to Hanover via World War II.