Sissy's Log Cabin Jewelry Store Commercial - By Tennessee Williams

SISSY'S LOG CABIN JEWELRY STORE COMMERCIAL

BY TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

STARR DEBLAINE, a woman in her late 40's sits on a day bed inside a log cabin in rural Arkansas. The cabin is tastefully, albeit rustically, decorated with a few pieces of memorabilia from Starr's days on the New York stage that are out of place with the rest of the cabin's interior, much like Starr herself, who is dressed too formally for her surroundings. She is a handsome woman, but she was a beauty once. She reads an entertainment magazine, the kind with glossy pictures and viper-like words.

STONE STRONG, a rugged, middle-aged man enters from outside where he has been chopping wood. He sets a log and ax in the corner. Stone is wearing a white t-shirt and dungarees. His shirt is soaked in sweat from the overbearing humidity and his exertions. Stone is Starr's brother-in-law.

STONE

Starr, are you going to sit there all day reading those magazines?

STARR

What would you have me do, Stone? Maybe wash your floor like a scullery maid? A Cinderella?

STONE

You're dressed too nice to be Cinderella.

STARR

I have seen you notice. I've seen you watch me like a lion watches a gazelle. What would Sissy say?

STONE

Your sister isn't here now. She's gone into town for the gem show. You know how she likes her baubles and such.

Starr stands and approaches Stone. Her gait is deliberate and seductive.

STARR

Sissy isn't the only one attracted to shiny things, is she?

STONE

I don't know what you mean?

STARR

Don't be like that. Just because you are married to my sister doesn't make you blind. Or make me blind to what you see. You think I'm pretty, don't you Stone?

Stone turns and walks to a dresser. He pulls out a black velvet bag and hands it to Starr.

STONE

Help out me and your sister. Can you polish up these stones she picked up last week.

Starr opens up the bag, and pulls out a gemstone.

STARR

These gems are all ordinary and faded.

STONE

They aren't the only ones, Starr. Ten years ago, you shined bright in New York. But your time ended, didn't it? That's why you had to move here...

STARR

To Sissy's Log Cabin? Yes, Stone, that's right. But I never faded. Don't you forget that. My facets of fire may not burn as bright, but in here...in my heart and soul, I am still the same diamond that took Broadway by storm.

STONE

You're a diamond, are you?

STARR

Yes. The brightest you ever saw, Stone.

STONE

Maybe you were. Now, you are at best a semi-precious stone. Sure, nice to look at, but why would I choose you over your sister? She's the one who shines now.

STARR

Make time for us both, Stone.

STONE

I'm sorry Starr. Life is too short for ordinary jewelry. Particularly here. Here at Sissy's Log Cabin, with several convenient locations to serve you.

CURTAIN.

The above is satire, which, frankly, should be obvious