Scent of a Woman | "I'll Show You Out of Order!"

Summary

In a heated disciplinary hearing, Mr. Slade passionately defends Mr. Simms against expulsion, accusing the school of fostering a culture of snitching over integrity. He criticizes the Baird School for destroying the spirit of its students, calling out the hypocrisy of punishing Simms for not betraying his peers. Slade's powerful speech highlights the importance of courage and principle, urging the committee to value and protect Simms' future, promising that his integrity will make them proud.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Mr. Trask is recommending expulsion for Mr. Simms, accusing him of being a liar and a cover-up artist, but not a snitch.
• 🔥 Mr. Slade passionately defends Mr. Simms, criticizing the school's culture of snitching and the lack of integrity it promotes.
• 🤬 Mr. Slade uses strong language to express his disdain for the school's disciplinary approach, calling it a 'crock of shit'.
• 🛳️ He metaphorically describes the school as a 'rat ship', suggesting it's a vessel for creating informants rather than men of character.
• 🏰 Mr. Slade questions the school's motto and its values, implying that it encourages students to betray each other for self-preservation.
• 🔥 He contrasts the actions of Charlie, who faces the consequences, with George, who hides behind his father's influence.
• 🏆 Mr. Slade argues that the school is rewarding the wrong behavior and punishing the right one, thus destroying the spirit of its students.
• 💔 He laments the loss of the school's founding spirit, suggesting that the institution has strayed from its original purpose of instilling character.
• 🤝 Mr. Slade emphasizes the importance of integrity and courage, qualities he believes Charlie possesses and that the school should value.
• 🛤️ He draws a parallel between his own life choices and Charlie's, highlighting the difficulty but importance of choosing the right path.
• 🌟 Mr. Slade implores the committee to protect and embrace Charlie's future, promising that it will bring them pride and reflecting on the kind of leaders the school is creating.

Q & A

What is the main conflict in the script?

The main conflict in the script revolves around Mr. Simms facing expulsion for an unspecified act, and Mr. Slade's impassioned defense of him, arguing against the school's culture of snitching and the expulsion itself.

Who is Mr. Trask and what is his role in the script?

Mr. Trask appears to be a figure of authority within the school, likely a headmaster or a disciplinary committee member, who is advocating for Mr. Simms' expulsion.

What does Mr. Slade accuse the school of fostering with its disciplinary practices?

Mr. Slade accuses the school of fostering a culture of snitching, where students are encouraged to inform on their classmates to save themselves, which he believes is detrimental to their moral development.

What is the term 'Baird Man' in the context of the script?

The term 'Baird Man' seems to refer to an idealized student of the Baird School, embodying the values and characteristics that the institution aims to instill in its students.

What is Mr. Slade's opinion on the school's motto and its implications?

Mr. Slade criticizes the school's implied motto, which he interprets as encouraging students to betray their peers for self-preservation, and he argues that this is a betrayal of the school's stated mission.

How does Mr. Slade describe the Baird School's approach to discipline and its consequences?

Mr. Slade describes the school's approach as creating a 'rat ship,' a vessel for 'sea-going snitches,' and he believes that this approach is killing the spirit the school claims to instill.

What is the significance of the character Charlie in the script?

Charlie represents the student who is facing expulsion and is portrayed as a figure of integrity and courage for not selling out his peers, despite the potential personal cost.

What does Mr. Slade believe is the true measure of a person's character?

Mr. Slade believes that the true measure of a person's character is their integrity and courage, as demonstrated by Charlie's refusal to betray his peers.

What does Mr. Slade suggest is the school's responsibility towards its students?

Mr. Slade suggests that the school has a responsibility to protect and embrace its students' futures, rather than destroy them, and to instill values that will make the students proud and successful leaders.

What is the metaphor Mr. Slade uses to describe the school's current state and its potential downfall?

Mr. Slade uses the metaphor of a 'cradle of leadership' that has fallen, suggesting that the school's foundational values have collapsed and are in danger of producing flawed leaders.

What does Mr. Slade's reference to 'crossroads' signify in the script?

The reference to 'crossroads' signifies a moment of critical decision-making, both for Charlie, who has chosen a principled path, and for the school, which must decide whether to uphold or abandon its stated values.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Confrontation at Baird School

In this intense monologue, Mr. Trask, a school official, threatens to expel Mr. Simms for lying and covering up misconduct. Mr. Slade, a passionate advocate, vehemently opposes the school's policy of snitching and labels it as a betrayal of integrity. He criticizes the school for rewarding those who betray their peers and condemns the institution for nurturing a culture of deceit and betrayal. Mr. Slade passionately defends Charlie, the student in question, for his refusal to sell out his peers, highlighting the importance of integrity and courage in true leadership. He challenges the school's values and questions the type of leaders they are producing, urging the committee to reconsider their actions and the future they are shaping.

05:03

🔥 The Integrity of Charlie's Future

This paragraph serves as a continuation of Mr. Slade's impassioned plea, emphasizing the importance of protecting and nurturing the future of Charlie, the student facing expulsion. Mr. Slade assures the committee that Charlie's future is valuable and will bring pride to the school. He implores them not to destroy but to embrace and protect Charlie's potential. The summary underscores the theme of integrity and the potential for greatness in Charlie's character, which is being threatened by the school's harsh and misguided disciplinary measures.

Keywords

💡Expelled

Expelled refers to the act of being forced to leave an institution, typically due to a violation of rules or standards. In the video, Mr. Trask recommends that Mr. Simms be expelled from the Baird School for his dishonesty, which is a pivotal moment highlighting the school's values and the consequences of breaking them.

💡Cover-up artist

A cover-up artist is someone who attempts to hide the truth or conceal wrongdoings. The term is used by Mr. Trask to describe Mr. Simms, indicating his involvement in deception and the severity of his actions within the school's disciplinary context.

💡Snitch

A snitch is a person who informs on others, often secretly, to an authority figure. The term is used in the script to describe the type of behavior the school seems to encourage, which Mr. Slade vehemently opposes, arguing that it undermines the integrity of the students.

💡Integrity

Integrity is a moral quality that involves honesty and a strong adherence to ethical principles. In the script, Mr. Slade emphasizes the importance of integrity by praising Charlie for not selling out his classmates, even when faced with the prospect of expulsion.

💡Courage

Courage is the ability to face danger, difficulty, or opposition with fearlessness and without being overcome by fear or intimidation. Mr. Slade highlights Charlie's courage by choosing to remain silent and not betray his classmates, despite the personal cost.

💡Baird Man

The term 'Baird Man' seems to refer to an idealized version of a student at the Baird School, embodying certain values or characteristics. Mr. Slade challenges this notion, suggesting that the school's values are flawed and that Charlie's actions are more honorable than the school's definition of a 'Baird Man'.

💡Rat ship

A 'rat ship' metaphorically refers to a vessel filled with individuals who betray or inform on others, like rats. Mr. Slade uses this term to criticize the school's culture, suggesting that it is creating a generation of informants rather than upstanding individuals.

💡Leadership

Leadership is the action of leading a group of people or an organization. The script discusses the school's claim to be a 'Cradle of leadership,' but Mr. Slade argues that the school's approach is flawed and is actually producing poor leaders due to its emphasis on self-preservation over principle.

💡Crossroads

Crossroads is a metaphor for a critical point where a decision must be made that will affect one's future. Mr. Slade speaks of Charlie being at a crossroads, having chosen a path of principle, which is a central theme of the video about making difficult but morally correct decisions.

💡Character

Character refers to the moral and ethical qualities of an individual. Mr. Slade argues that Charlie's decision not to snitch on his classmates is a demonstration of strong character, which is a key attribute for a true leader.

💡Out of order

To be 'out of order' typically means to be inappropriate or unacceptable, especially in terms of behavior. Mr. Slade is accused of being 'out of order' for his passionate and aggressive defense of Charlie, but he uses the accusation to further emphasize his point about the school's misguided values.

Highlights

Mr. Trask recommends expulsion for Mr. Simms, accusing him of being a liar and a cover-up artist.

Mr. Slade defends Mr. Simms, refusing to label him as 'worthy of being a Baird Man'.

Mr. Slade criticizes the school's culture of snitching and self-preservation.

Mr. Slade questions the school's motto and its values, suggesting a conflict with the school's stated mission.

Mr. Slade contrasts Charlie's integrity with George's cowardice, highlighting the difference in their responses to adversity.

Mr. Slade accuses the school of destroying the spirit of its students rather than instilling it.

Mr. Slade refers to the school as a 'rat ship', implying it's breeding informers rather than leaders.

Mr. Slade passionately argues that Charlie's soul is intact and non-negotiable, showing his support for Charlie's silence.

Mr. Slade reveals that someone offered to buy Charlie's silence, but Charlie refused, demonstrating his integrity.

Mr. Slade challenges the school's disciplinary process, questioning its fairness and its impact on the students' souls.

Mr. Slade uses strong language to express his disdain for the school's actions, showing his frustration.

Mr. Slade shares his own experiences and the value he places on integrity and courage, setting an example for the students.

Mr. Slade warns the committee of the consequences of their decision, urging them to protect and embrace Charlie's future.

Mr. Slade emphasizes the importance of character and principle, suggesting these are the true markers of leadership.

Mr. Slade reflects on his own life choices, admitting his past mistakes and urging the committee to make the right decision for Charlie.

Mr. Slade concludes his speech by promising that protecting Charlie's future will make the committee proud.

Transcripts

MR. TRASK: I'm going to recommend to the disciplinary committee

that you be expelled, Mr. Simms.

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. Simms, I will give you one final opportunity to speak up.

Mr. Simms doesn't want it.

He doesn't need to labeled: "Still worthy of being a 'Baird Man.'"

What the hell is that?

What is your motto here?

"Boys, inform on your 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 stay.

Here's Charlie facing the fire and there's George hiding in big Daddy's pocket.

And what are you doing?

You're gonna award George and destroy Charlie.

Are you finished Mr. Slade?

No, I'm just gettin' warmed up.

I don't know who went to this place,

William Howard Taft, William Jennings Bryan, William Tell -- whoever.

Their spirit is dead, if they ever had one, it's gone.

You're building a rat ship here.

A vessel for sea going snitches.

And if you think you're preparing these minnows for manhood you better think again.

Because I say you are killing the very spirit this institution proclaims it instills!

What a sham!

What kind of a show are you guys 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 intact.

It's non-negotiable. You know how I know?

Someone here, and I'm not gonna say who, offered to buy it.

Only Charlie here wasn't selling.

- Sir, you're out of order. - Out of order? I'll show you out of order!

You don't know what outta order is, Mr. Trask!

I'd show you but I'm too old, I'm too tired, I'm too fucking blind.

If I were the man I was five years ago

I'd take a flamethrower 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, their arms torn out, their legs ripped off.

But there isn't nothing like the sight of an amputated spirit

There is...no prosthetic for that.

You think you're merely sending this splendid foot-soldier

back home to Oregon with his tail between his legs,

but I say you are executing his soul!

And why?

Because he's not a Baird man.

Baird men.

You hurt this boy, you're going to be Baird bums, the lot of you.

And Harry, Jimmy, Trent, wherever you are out there

Fuck you too!

[BANGS GAVEL] Stand down Mr. Slade!

I'm not finished!

As I came in here, I heard those words

"Cradle of leadership"

Well, when the bough breaks, the cradle will fall.

And it has fallen here, it has fallen.

Makers of men, creators of leaders,

be careful what kind of leaders you're producing here.

I don't know if Charlie's silence here today is right or wrong.

I'm not a judge or jury. But I can tell you this:

He won't sell anybody out to buy his future!

And that, my friends, is called integrity.

That's called courage.

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.

He has chosen a path.

It's the right path.

It's a path made of principle that leads to character.

Let him continue on his journey.

You hold this boy's future in your hands, committee.

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.