Bernice Bobs Her Hair
by F. Scott FitzgeraldGenre: Comedy
Setting:
Format of Original Source: Short Story
Recommended Adaptation Length:
Candidate for Adaptation? Promising
EXCERPT:
“I want to be a society vampire, you see,” she announced coolly, and went on to inform him that bobbed hair was the necessary prelude. She added that she wanted to ask his advice, because she had heard he was so critical about girls.
Charley, who knew as much about the psychology of women as he did of the mental states of Buddhist contemplatives, felt vaguely flattered.
“So I’ve decided,” she continued, her voice rising slightly, “that early next week I’m going down to the Sevier Hotel barber-shop, sit in the first chair, and get my hair bobbed.” She faltered noticing that the people near her had paused in their conversation and were listening; but after a confused second Marjorie’s coaching told, and she finished her paragraph to the vicinity at large. “Of course I’m charging admission, but if you’ll all come down and encourage me I’ll issue passes for the inside seats.”
COMMENTS:
One-beat story (should Bernice bob her hair?) which would make a fine 15-minute musical if you can figure out why her decision has resonance today. WARNING: There’s already a full-length musical out there based on this story, making the rounds in high places (NAMT Festival, for instance); although we’re not convinced that version has figured out the “resonance” question.
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