Sweet Bird of Youth

Roles

• Tom "Boss" Finley - Senior (>50), Male

About this piece

Tom "Boss" Finley is upset at the accusations he has to face

Summary

Drifter Chance Wayne (Paul Newman) comes back to his hometown, St. Cloud, Florida, after many years trying to make it in Hollywood as an actor. He comes back with a drunk and faded film star, Alexandra Del Lago, who falls sick in their hotel room. Years back, Chance used to date Heavenly Finlay, the daughter of wealthy Tom "Boss" Finley (Ed Begley), a corrupt and tough politician who forced him to leave town. Now, back in town, he is determined to get back with Heavenly. This is the first scene when Tom "Boss" Finley is introduced. After watching a newsreel that accuses him of many crimes and shady business/political deals, as well as his son Jr. of breaking and entering the house of one of his father's opponents and burning his books and paintings, he loses it and vows to fight back. His speech starts with him scolding his son Jr. for laughing like an idiot, then goes on with him saying that he will answer those accusations on the TV and expects everybody present in the room to be there and support him. He will remove his name from the "Finley Youth Club" (responsible for breaking and entering his opponent's house). He says he lowered taxes, stole oil rights for his state and did everything for the good of his people...

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