Untitled Lizzie Keckley Project

Untitled Lizzie Keckley Project
By

Brittany Graham

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1. EXT. NATIONAL HOME FOR DESTITUTE COLORED WOMEN – WASHINGTON, DC – 1868 – DAY

(Opening shot of sign for the National Home for Destitute Colored Women and Children in Washington, DC, an establishment kept up by the Contraband Relief Association, which Lizzie Keckley founded.)

2. INT. LIZZIE’S ROOM – 1868 – DAY

LIZZIE KECKLEY writes longhand, alone in her room in the National Home for Destitute Colored Women and Children in Washington, DC. The room is sparsely decorated with only a photo of Mary Todd Lincoln on the wall above LIZZIE’S writing desk.

LIZZIE (V.O.)

I have often been asked to write my life, as those who know me know that it has been an eventful one. My life, so full of romance, may sound like a dream to the matter-of-fact reader, nevertheless everything I have written is strictly true…

(begin fade out)

…much has been omitted, but nothing has been exaggerated.

3. EXT/INT. WILLARD’S HOTEL – INAUGURATION DAY 1860 – DAY

Willard’s Hotel sign; sounds of crowds and carriages. LIZZIE enters the lobby and is met by a frazzled MRS. MCCLEAN, a loyal patron and high society lady.

MRS. MCCLEAN

Lizzie, why did you not come yesterday, as I requested? Mrs. Lincoln wanted to see you, but I fear that now you are too late.

LIZZIE

I am sorry Mrs. McClean. You did not say what you wanted with me yesterday, so I judged that this morning would do as well.

MRS. MCCLEAN

You should have come yesterday. Go up to Mrs. Lincoln’s room, number 14. She may find use for you yet.

4. INT. WILLARD’S HOTEL – OUTSIDE MRS. LINCOLN’S ROOM – DAY

LIZZIE knocks on the hotel door; MRS. LINCOLN, a stout, cheery woman, opens the door.

MRS. LINCOLN

You are Lizzie Keckley, I believe.

LIZZIE bows.

MRS. LINCOLN

The dressmaker that Mrs. McClean recommended?

LIZZIE

Yes madam.

MRS. LINCOLN

Very well; I have not time to talk to you now, but like to have you call at the White House, at 8 o’clock tomorrow morning, where I shall then be.

LIZZIE

(perplexed, but willing to play along)

Yes madam.

5. INT. WHITE HOUSE – OUTSIDE MRS. LINCOLN’S ROOM – THE NEXT DAY

LIZZIE enters timidly as another dressmaker leaves; this has clearly been a long interview day for MRS. LINCOLN. MRS. LINCOLN turns on LIZZIE, tired but hopeful.

MRS. LINCOLN

You have come at last. Mrs. Keckley, who have you worked for in the city?

LIZZIE

Among others, Mrs. Senator Jefferson Davis has been one of my best patrons.

MRS. LINCOLN

(Varina Davis – soon to be First Lady of the Confederacy – is a well-known societal enemy)

Mrs. Davis! So you have worked for her, have you?

(beat)

So far, so good. Can you do my work?

LIZZIE

Yes, Mrs. Lincoln. Will you have much work for me to do?

MRS. LINCOLN

That, Mrs. Keckley, will depend altogether upon your prices. I trust that your terms are reasonable. I cannot afford to be extravagant. We are just from the West, and are poor. If you do not charge too much, I shall be able to give you all my work.

LIZZIE

I do not think there will be any difficulty about charges, Mrs. Lincoln; my terms are reasonable.