M.D. Pearce, Druggist *updated*

So I had to do some updates to this one.

Isn't surprising.

Not exactly my best work.

Anywho, this is the updated, last, final draft of this short play (unless told otherwise ... again).

Also, the dates have been set. M.D. Pearce, Druggist will be performed May 5th and May 19th. It will be videotaped, so look forward to seeing me put the performances up here sometime shortly after. The cast is volunteer so don't expect Oscar worthy performances. Just a warning.

After years of helping her adoptive father Dr Albert Duncan in his practice, Maud Dunlap Pearce prepares to become the third female pharmacist in Arkansas.

Dr DUNLAP'S OFFICE

MAUD Dunlap Pearce works in Dr Albert Dunlap's (FATHER) office, preparing for another day assisting him.

NARRATOR

Born in 1873, Maud Dunlap had lost her mother by the time she was five years old. When she went to live with her uncle Dr Albert Dunlap and his wife Virginia, the stage would be set for this young girl to have a lifetime of achievements. Although Maud experienced much tragedy and sadness in her life, she always managed to overcome her circumstances and make many wonderful accomplishments. She was a school teacher by sixteen years of age. She overcame the loss of her two little girls and her first husband going off to work and never returning. Afterward, she spent much of her time helping Dr Dunlap mix medicines for his patients. Through these opportunities, and much encouragement from Dr Dunlap, Maud prepared herself for yet another of her many accomplishments.

FATHER walks into the office and immediately notices MAUD'S tired, weary look. She seems nervous.

FATHER

Maud, dear?

(MAUD turns to him)

Is there something the matter?

MAUD hesitates and takes a deep, calming breath.

MAUD

I'm worried about the exam.

FATHER smiles and shakes his head lightly.

FATHER

I don't know why you would be. You are quite adept at mixing medicines. This exam should be rather simple for you.

MAUD moves back to preparing the office, still conversing.

MAUD

Be that as it may, Father, only two other women have ever passed the Pharmacy Exam in the entire state.

(becoming frantic)

It is not easy. And what if my nerves get the best of me?

FATHER grabs a chair for MAUD to sit.

FATHER

Take a seat, dear. Calm your nerves.

MAUD sits down, breathing heavily.

FATHER

Maud, there is something you need to realize about yourself.

MAUD looks at him tentatively.

MAUD

And what is that?

FATHER

You are capable of doing anything that you want. I have watched you grow up into not only one of the strongest women, but one of the strongest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.

FATHER pulls a chair up next to MAUD'S and puts his arm around her, pulling her in.

FATHER

You have been through more in your 33 years than most would go through in five lifetimes. But you keep moving forward.

FATHER takes a deep breath.

FATHER

I don't have many years left...

MAUD

(turning to face him)

Don't talk like that.

FATHER

It's true. I'm an old man. But I will get to die knowing that I helped raise a spectacular woman. Maud, I want you know that I will forever be proud of you.

MAUD

Thank you, Father.

FATHER moves to stand up, pulling MAUD with him.

FATHER

So... are you ready to get to work?

MAUD nods.

FATHER

Maud, tomorrow, you're going to get on that train to Hot Springs, you're going to take that examination, and you're going to pass it. You understand me?

MAUD

Yes, Father.

FATHER

OK. Now let's get to work.

PHARMACY EXAM CLASSROOM

MAUD sits in a classroom waiting for the examination to begin.

Three men, in their early to mid twenties, are off to the side in a discussion.

One of them makes his way over towards MAUD.

MAN

A woman taking the pharmacy exam? Never thought I'd see the day.

MAUD

Why? You think a woman can't hold her own against the men?

MAN

Maybe. Maybe not. What makes you think you're qualified enough to take this test, Miss?

MAUD

(narrowed eyes)

I fail to see how that is any of your business, sir.

Before the man can retort, the INSTRUCTOR, a man in his 40s, enters abruptly from the doorway.

INSTRUCTOR

Gentleman, take your seats. I don't want to waste time this afternoon.

The INSTRUCTOR glances over, taking in MAUD.

INSTRUCTOR

Ma'am?

MAUD

(heaving an agitated sigh)

Yes?

INSTRUCTOR

Are you in the right place?

MAUD

This is the pharmacy exam, correct?

INSTRUCTOR

(drawn out)

Yes.

MAUD

(confident)

Then yes, I am in the right place.

INSTRUCTOR

What's your name?

MAUD

Pearce.

The INSTRUCTOR looks through at his roll.

INSTRUCTOR

You're M.D. Pearce?

MAUD

Obviously.

INSTRUCTOR

Are you sure?

MAUD

(agitated)

Sir, I know what my name is, and I have been helping my father Dr Albert Dunlap mix drugs for many years now. Can you spare me the interrogation and just administer the test?

INSTRUCTOR

(flustered)

Um... yes. I'll do that.

(grabs and hands out tests)

You have two hours to complete the test. Once time is up, you will put your writing utensils down and stop where you are.

(looks pointedly at Maud)

No one will work past the time limit.

MAUD and the others start taking the test.

DR DUNLAP'S OFFICE

MAUD comes into the office, carrying a stack of mail.

She stops when she reaches the third letter. She takes a deep breath.

FATHER comes into the office, removing his coat.

FATHER

That woman just doesn't know when to stop doing stupid things. She's going to kill herself if she isn't careful.

FATHER looks over at MAUD, who is still staring at the envelope.

FATHER

Is that the mail?

(MAUD nods mutely)

Good. I've been waiting for a letter.

FATHER takes in MAUD standing still, staring at the envelope.

FATHER

Maud? Are you okay? What is it?

MAUD

My results from the pharmacy exam.

FATHER

(excitedly)

Ooh... open it.

MAUD steadies herself and opens the envelope. She reads through it.

MAUD

(reading aloud)

Dear M.D. Pearce, we are pleased to inform you that you have passed the Arkansas State Pharmacology Exam and are licensed by the state of Arkansas to become a pharmacist.

(looks at FATHER)

I passed.

FATHER

You did. Was that all it said?

MAUD searches through the letter quickly.

MAUD

No. I ... I passed with the second highest score ever.

FATHER

(smirks)

And you were worried.

MAUD still looks like she's in a daze.

MAUD

I ... I passed. I can open the pharmacy.

Realization dawns onto MAUD'S face.

MAUD

I have to find a building, and get capital to open the store, and...

FATHER

(interrupting)

Maud, calm down.

MAUD looks at him.

FATHER

We have time for all of that later. Right now, why don't you just enjoy passing the exam?

MAUD

You're right. I should just enjoy it.

(beat)

I'm so happy.

She throws her arms around FATHER, giving him a huge hug.

MAUD

Thank you so much for helping me with this.

FATHER

It had nothing to do with me. You earned this. I'm very proud of you.

(beat)

Now go tell your mother so she can make you a celebratory dinner. It is much deserved.

MAUD laughs and nods. She leaves the office. FATHER smiles with pride before turning back to his work.

NARRATOR

Maud delayed opening her pharmacy, continuing to work for Dr Dunlap until her marriage to Gilbert Duncan in 1908. After the Duncan's built a two story building next to Dr Dunlap's office, they opened Duncan Pharmacy and Gift Shop on the first floor and The Winslow American newspaper office on the second. Maud continued to run the pharmacy and the newspaper after Gilbert's death in 1918. Sometime around 1927 or 1928, she sold the pharmacy to Dick Page, her employee, so she could concentrate full-time on The Winslow American.

THE END