16 EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY 16
The Langmaid family and a large number of citizens stand
around Josie's grave as the reverend begins his sermon. Many
in attendance are visibly upset and saddened.
REV. T. H. GOODWIN
(gentle voice, holding Bible)
We are all gathered here today under
God's watching eyes, in untimely sorrow,
after the tragic murder of Josie A.
Langmaid.
(pausing to gather his
thoughts)
Josie A. Langmaid… loved by all and known
as a respectable young lady, yielded up
her young Christian life at the verge of
adulthood. Josie would have been 18 years
of age on the 7th of November next… but
instead, Death lies on her like an
untimely frost upon the sweetest flower
in all the field.
The citizens listen in silence as Mrs. Langmaid closes her
eyes tightly in pain. Mr. Langmaid tries to comfort her in
his arms.
REV. T. H. GOODWIN (cont'd)
We have got to ask ourselves whether this
act of lust, murder, and mutilation is,
after all, exceptional;
(raises voice, very powerful)
and if it is not, than to what baleful
influence, to what public sin of
commission or omission, is it to be
ascribed? Who, or what is Responsible?
(talking directly to the
assembled funeral attendants)
Is it because we are too lenient toward
criminals, or because we are too severe?
Is it because the laws are too loosely
observed, or because they are too
strictly enforced. Is it because we have
taught humanitarianism and forgiveness,
rather than the doctrine that God is just
and that transgression must and will be
punishéd?
A pan of the assembled mourners shows the grief written on
all faces and the fear in many of the women present. A close
up of Waldo is a stylistic exclamation point as the Reverend
emphasizes the word "punishéd
REV. T. H. GOODWIN (cont'd)
Is it an outcome of the late civil war,
and a result of indifference to human
suffering which wars always engender?
OFFICER HILDRETH quietly JOINS the gathering, standing toward
the back. He appears to have something of importance
occupying his mind and though respectful, he demonstrates a
slight inpatients towards the ceremony.
REV. T. H. GOODWIN (cont'd)
Or, is it due to the prominence given to
criminal affairs and to noted criminals
by the sensational press of the country,
making heroes out of criminals, and
giving them a notoriety deeply
fascinating to a certain class of minds.
Many of the assembled women are showing outward expressions
of fear and sorrow.
REV. T. H. GOODWIN (cont'd)
How much of it, indeed, is due to the
looseness which the marriage relation,
and family ties generally, are coming to
be regarded even in what is called good
society.
OFFICER HILDRETH quietly and discretely looks at his POCKET
WATCH and appears to be even more impatient.
REV. T. H. GOODWIN (cont'd)
We as a community must further the ends
of justice.
In pain, Mrs. Langmaid squeezes her husband's hand as a
lonely, gentle tear trembles slowly down her pale white
cheek. Mr. Langmaid does his best to keep himself together as
he comforts his wife. Officer Hildreth, impatiently,
continues to wait behind the crowd. Many women are crying
into their handkerchiefs.
The Reverend pauses and continues with all eyes upon him.
REV. T. H. GOODWIN (cont'd)
We all pray that the innocent soul of
Josie A. Langmaid may ascend to Heaven
above, and be kept in the blesséd arms of
God… a rose in the most precious of all
gardens.
A small choir of girls from Pembroke Academy prepare
themselves to sing.
REV. T. H. GOODWIN (cont'd)
In remembrance of Josie A. Langmaid, may
this moment of peace rise with her soul
to Heaven in the Highest
The CHOIR SINGS "Amazing Grace."
FADE TO BLACK
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