Fastest Spoon

[Interior, Old Western Tavern, Day] The area is filled with a number of men and women all dressed in traditional western gear. Loud music is played by a gentleman at a piano. There is a game of Poker being played in the corner. Talking, laughing and singing can all be heard.

An elderly BARTENDER (60s) is wiping down a glass. His eyes are closed with a small smile on his face. The song reminding him of better times in his youth with his now wife. Sighing, he opens his eyes as he looked towards one of the patrons.

BARTENDER

So, you going to have another one or just sit there nursing?

3. A man (STRANGER, 30s) dressed in dirty clothes and a poncho is looking intently at his glass of whiskey. Taking a sigh, he drains the glass quickly before pushing it towards the bartender.

BARTENDER

Son, you’ve been drinking here for the past few weeks. You have a name?

4. STRANGER stares intently at the glass as he offers nothing but a sigh. As BARTENDER begins making another drink, the stranger stares off into space. He is haunted by memories of his past, and drinking is the only thing that can keep him sane.

5. The saloon doors burst open as a large number of people (BRONTE’S GANG) enter all cheering. A few raise their guns and shoot in the air in excitement as they all make their way towards the bar. The largest of the men (BRONTE, 40s) is dressed entirely in black with large hat.

BRONTE.

Bartender! Round of drinks for the boys!

6. The BARTENDER nods their head as he begins bringing out glasses and pours whiskey in each. The commotion continues as each member of BRONTE’S GANG is served one drink after another. As BRONTE cheers with his fellow gang members, he sees one more drink being served to the stranger.

7. BRONTE looks the stranger up and down. He knows him from somewhere.

BRONTE.

Haven’t seen you round these parts before.

8. The STRANGER remains quite, only sipping at his whiskey.

BRONTE.

You got something to say, Stranger? I’m talking to you.

9. The STRANGER remains quiet, focusing more on the drink than the conversation BRONTE is trying to start.

10. One of the gang members (JOHN, mid 20s), who has been listening in on the one-sided conversation, is outraged that the stranger refuses to answer. Wanting to prove his loyalty to BRONTE, he removes his pistol and points it at the STRANGER.

JOHN

You should be showing some respect, Mister! This here is Bronte Callahan! He’s wanted in several mining towns and is regarded by most as the most dangerous outlaw in the west.

11. The STRANGER ignores the warning. It is tough to tell whether he is unimpressed with the credentials of BRONTE or whether he cannot understand what JOHN has just said. Regardless, he picks up his whiskey and has another sip.

12. BRONTE reaches out and slaps the drink out of STRANGER hands.

13. The glass falls to the ground and shatters.

14. At once the entire bar goes silent. Every eye is now on STRANGER and BRONTE. The laughter and music that once echoed throughout the saloon is now replaced with whispers as everyone tries to work out what happened…and what will happen.

BRONTE

I think you and I need to step outside.

15. The STRANGER looks down at the table where his drink was previously sitting. He doesn’t appear to be moving.

BRONTE

(Leans in) If you want this bar to be your death, I will be happy to oblige.

16. The STRANGER refuses to move. Bronte looks from the stranger to his men. His frustration begins to grow. It is clear that by now he is used to his victims cowering in fear.

17. BRONTE turns from the bar and begins walking towards the door. Everyone in the bar appears to know what is happening as they begin to clear the way between BRONTE and the STRANGER.

18. BRONTE reaches the front of the saloon before he turns to look at the STRANGER. Moving his coat to reveal his revolver, BRONTE is prepared for a fight.

BRONTE

DRAW!

19. The Saloon is silent. Everyone is looking between BRONTE and the STRANGER. The BARTENDER has ducked behind the bar.

20. The STRANGER slowly tuns around and for the first time looks directly at BRONTE. The two lock eyes for a few moments before he slowly raise his hand to reveal…

21. …a Spoon

22. BRONTE laughs at the reveal. He looks to his men, who also begin slowly laughing, unsure of what is happening.

BRONTE

That’s not a gun, that a sp-

23. A gunshot echoes throughout the bar as BRONTE’s head is knocked back slightly.

24. BRONTE’s eyes are wide as he slowly looks up, revealing a hole in the middle of his head. BRONTE falls to the floor, dead.

25. The STRANGER looks directly at the dead body, holding his spoon up in front of him. There is subtle smoke wafting from the spoon.

26. The entire room is silent, from BRONTE’s gang members to the patrons of the Saloon. Nobody can understand what has happened.

27. The STRANGER turns back to the bar. The BARTENDER slowly pokes his head up, just as confused as the rest of the Saloon. He looks towards the STRANGER in pure disbelief.

28. The STRANGER sighs, looking at the spoon before he turns to the BARTENDER.

STRANGER

Bowl of Chilli, please.

29. End Credits.