Mr. Ellison scene from Boston Public, practice script

MR. ELLISON

Sit down, What’s on your mind Hanson?

HANSON

I know this is a bit old fashioned, but I’m kind of a traditional guy. Anyway, sir, I want to ask your permission to marry your daughter.

MR. ELLISON

(Surprised)

You do?

HANSON

Well, yeah...

MR. ELLISON

I didn’t expect this.

HANSON

You didn’t?

MR. ELLISON

Well, I just assumed with the suddenness of it all, the urgency surrounding the adoption...

HANSON

Well, I definitely want your blessing.

MR. ELLISON

I see. Well, in that case Danny, I’m sorry but I have to say no.

HANSON

Excuse me?

MR. ELLISON

I think this marriage is a terrible idea.

HANSON

Wait, didn’t you just say it was a blessing in--

MR. ELLISON

I was being polite. I didn’t know you were going to ask for my per--

HANSON

But I was going long, swinging for the fences--

MR. ELLISON

Would you stop with the sports metaphors? Danny, how long do you give this marriage? Realistically. A year? Two?

HANSON

No--

MR. ELLISON

Fine, let’s give it five. The point is this is Claire’s M.O. She’s very right brain. Impulsive, emotional. She feels true love for this child, and of course for you, and she truly believes it’s forever, but then reality sets in. Raising a child, compromising her career, a marriage to someone she barely knows. I love my daughter more than anything but she has never been able to make sound, long term decisions.

HANSON

Well, with all due respect I don’t think that’s the case here.

MR. ELLISON

Well, it must have crossed your mind. I mean, she’s already left two men at the alter, why would it be any--

HANSON

She what?

MR. ELLISON

I’m sorry. I obviously misspoke. But using your intellect, not your heart, answer this, Danny--Do you really believe that it is best for that little niece of yours to fall

MR. ELLISON (cont’d)

in love with another mother who’s destined to leave?