The Kid
(Originally Scripted Begining To The Pilot Episode)
Fade in:
Ext. The Dakotas - Day (April 1860)
A small town on the endless prairie. A boy walks into view. he comes out of the red dust into town; he wears knickers and suspenders, scuffed high shoes and a shirt patched in three places. His wide-brimmed hand-me-down hat flops to one side;a shock of sandy colored hair protrudes from beneath the brim. The boy's face is young, strong, fair and freckled, with blue eyes, a small and plain nose. The expression is kindly natured, a curious combination of naivete and hard expierience. He is broke and hungry. He is sixteen years old.
We hear voices of an old man v.o., an interesting and eccentric resonance with a western twang.
Old Man(v.o.)
I remember it clear...clear as that blue
sky day in April 1860. He come in out of
the red dust, from nowhere in particular.
Nobody knew his real name. And I never
heard him called anything 'cept... "The Kid."
The boy walks down the rude board sidewalk and stops at the window of a store marked: "Provisions."
ANOTHER ANGLE
Inside, the shopkeeper is busy with his wares. The Kid hesitantly speaks to him from the doorway.
The Kid
Need any work done?
Shopkeeper
Nope. Five young 'uns of my own do that.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Shopkeeper takes notice of the boy's resigned expression, picks up a small, freshly baked bread.
Shopkeeper
But, if you're hungry, you can have this.
The Kid
No, thanks...
His hanger and pride intact, The Kid continues through town.
EXT. THE TOWN - A STABLE - DAY
The Kid walks past a barn, fenced pens of livestock, and a sign:
JOHNSON'S LIVERY - HORSES - BOUGHT/SOLD/TRADED