Harry's Kid

"HARRY'S KID"
by
Mike Vines
mvines@hotmail.com
Tel. 270-434-3944
Copyright 2008
All Rights Reserved
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- NIGHT
HARRY FLORY, a pale and haggard 55 year-old man, lies in BED.

He has an OXYGEN TUBE taped to each nostril and the only SOUND
in the Dimly Lit Room comes from a PERCOLATING OXYGEN REGULATOR
(O.S.).
His eyes roll to the top of his head with each moan.
SUPER TITLE -- "Harry's Kid"
A NURSE enters and checks the BLOOD and MORPHINE BAGS hanging
on a STAND next to Harry's Bed.
NURSE
How are you doing, Harry? Are you
okay?
Harry struggles to speak in-between Moans.
HARRY
Uh-huh.
She looks sadly into Harry's eyes, then turns and quietly
leaves the Room.
CLOSE -- HARRY
with labored breathing. He lies restlessly in Bed.
SERIES OF STOCK BLACK AND WHITE NEWSREEL FOOTAGE SHOTS - "End

of World War II!" CELEBRATIONS
STOCK FOOTAGE SHOT - B&W - WWII
Dancing in the streets.
Ticker tape parades.
Soldiers arriving back home into the arms of their loved ones.
STOCK FOOTAGE SHOT - B&W - POST WWII

2.
New factories being built in a time of prosperity.
STOCK FOOTAGE SHOT - B&W - POST WWII
New track home construction projects in Southern California.
EXT. CHRISTMAS TREE LOT -- DAY -- B&W
Families browsing around a Christmas Tree Lot. TWO KIDS play

on the SNOW COVERED GROUND.
CLOSE KIDS - B&W
Playfully throwing Snow at each other.
FADE-TO COLOR - KIDS
One Kid spits ARTIFICIAL SNOW out of his mouth.
The Kids are playing next to a BOOTH where a MAN sprays

CHRISTMAS TREES with BLUE COLORED ARTIFICIAL SNOW.
A BANNER above the Booth reads "This Year Buy a California

Christmas Tree!"
INT. BEDROOM GRANDPARENT'S HOUSE -- DAY
STENCILED CHRISTMAS TREE on BEDROOM WINDOW.
A 1950'S TV BROADCAST OF A FOOTBALL GAME (O.S.).
SUPER TITLE -- "Christmas Eve, 1950"
GRANDPA FLORY (60s), a distinguished and fit looking gentleman,

grooms himself in front of a BUREAU MIRROR.
WOMEN'S ARTICLES AND HAT STANDS CROWD THE TOP OF THE BUREAU.
CLOSETS BULGE WITH CLOTHES NEXT TO AN OPEN BEDROOM DOOR.
Grandpa straightens his BOW TIE and nods in approval, then

raises an eyebrow in acceptance to the effects of old age.
INT. LIVING ROOM
GRANDMA FLORY (60s), a graceful and elegant woman, tidies-up

around the House.
She switches-on the power to a RADIO CONSOLE.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC (O.S.)

3.
She turns-off the Football Game playing on the TELEVISION.
INT. BEDROOM
Grandpa reacts to the abrupt program change.
GRANDMA (O.S.)
Father, are you ready yet?!
GRANDPA
Just about.
He continues to adjust his Tie in the Mirror.
GRANDMA (O.S.)
Well, if you would please hurry. I'd
like to rush over to that shopping
center near Harry's, first. Those
after Christmas sales are so maddening.
I haven't a thing to wear for New
Year's, you know!
Grandpa stares blankly at the Bulging Closets in the Mirror.
GRANDMA (O.S.) (CONT'D)

And if we get back soon enough, we
won't miss the Toscanini concert on
television tonight!
GRANDPA
Wouldn't want to miss that.
GRANDMA (O.S.)
And for Christ's sake, don't take that
silly hat and umbrella. It doesn't
snow in California. Makes you look
stuffy!
GRANDPA
Of course, dear.
Finishes fiddling with his Tie.
CLOSE-UP - HAT STAND
Grandpa's hands slowly closing around the neck of the STYROFOAM

HEAD FORM.
4.
INT. LIVING ROOM HARRY'S HOUSE -- DAY
HARRY FLORY (30s), sits in front of the TELEVISION immersed

in the 1950 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF BETWEEN THE L.A.
RAMS AND THE CLEVELAND BROWNS (STOCK FOOTAGE).
One-year-old JOHNNY explores the contents of the Living Room.

He wears Diapers and has a BAND-AID on his left arm.
TRAPPER, the family's GOLDEN LABRADOR, lays at Harry's feet.

A mangy calico CAT sleeps on the top of a HIGH BACK LIVING
ROOM CHAIR near the Front Door.
SPORTSCASTER (O.S.)
It's forth quarter and the Rams are
leading the Browns twenty-eight to
twenty-seven and the Browns have the
ball!
LIZ FLORY (30s), prepares the DINING ROOM TABLE for dinner.
LIZ (O.S.)
Harry, when are your folks getting
here? I'm going to need some help
setting the table!
Harry immersed in the Game.
LIZ (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Harry! Harry!
HARRY
What!
LIZ (O.S.)
I said, when are your folks getting
here? They were supposed to be here
an hour ago!
HARRY
I don't know, hon.
LIZ (O.S.)
What?
HARRY
I don't know!
5.
LIZ (O.S.)
Shouldn't you call them. See when
they're coming?
HARRY
All right! All right!
The Browns complete another pass.
HARRY (CONT'D)
Dammit!
He stands, eyes on the TV, and backs-up to the PHONE.
The DOORBELL RINGS (O.S.).
TRAPPER AND THE CAT
Raise their heads.
HARRY
Reaches behind himself and picks-up the Phone.
LIZ (O.S.)
Harry, that's them!
He starts dialing the Phone, exchanging glances between the

Phone dial and the TV screen.
LIZ (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Harry, get the door!
He stands with the Phone to his ear, staring at the TV.
LIZ (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Harry!
SPORTSCASTER (O.S.)
...and a time-out is called by the
Cleveland Browns!
Harry looks at the Phone in his hand, then holds it back up

to his ear.
HARRY
(confused)
Hello?
6.
LIZ (O.S.)
Harry, let them in!
HARRY
What? Oh!
He hangs-up the Phone and rushes to the Front Door.
ANGLE - FRONT DOOR
Harry opens the Front Door and Grandma and Grandpa enter.
They both hold CHRISTMAS PRESENTS which Harry places under
the Christmas Tree.
Liz appears at the Living Room Entryway wiping her hands on

her APRON. PAULIE (5), stands shyly at her side.
HARRY
Well, come-on in!
Grandpa hands Harry his UMBRELLA, and removes his FEDORA.
Grandma gives Grandpa a brief glare, then turns her attention

to the decorated Living Room.
GRANDMA
Oh, what a beautiful tree!
CAT -- CONTINUOUS
as he swipes his paw and hisses at Grandpa when he passes the

Chair to hang his COAT.
GRANDPA -- CONTINUOUS
as he reacts by quickly backhanding the Cat with his Fedora,

sending him scrambling onto the floor and skittering past the
feet of Liz and Paulie on the way to the Living Room. Paulie
chases after the Cat.
GRANDPA
(quickly)
Get!
LIZ
(loud)
Oh, that cat!
7.
GRANDPA
(huffing)
Very poor disposition...miserable
creature.
GRANDMA
(reeling)
Where'd he come from?
LIZ
(apologetically)
He adopted us a few days ago--I couldn't
just let him starve!
HARRY
Yeah, sure. The damned thing gave
Johnny a pretty good scratch yesterday
too--cried for an hour!
Grandma rushes over to Johnny and consoles him.
JOHNNY -- CONTINUOUS
as he looks incredulously at Grandma when she squeezes the

Band-Aid on his little arm.
GRANDPA -- CONTINUOUS
as he looks at Trapper.
GRANDPA
How's he get along with Trapper?
TRAPPER -- CONTINUOUS
as he sits, staring at them.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
as he looks at Trapper.
HARRY
(matter-of-factly)
After getting swiped on the nose a
couple of times, he keeps his
distance...cat tries that crap again
and he'll be clawing the bottom of the
Doughboy.
Grandpa nods in agreement.

8.
LIZ
Anyway, I'm glad you came--I sure can
use some help with the table, Mother.
GRANDMA
Yes, of course, dear--the boys aren't
much help during football season, are
they?
She removes her STOLE and hands it to Harry.
LIZ
(laughing)
When are they ever?
They both laugh to each other as they adjourn to the Dining

Room. Harry hangs the REMAINING GARMENTS on a STANDING COAT
RACK, then he and his father walk toward a Sofa in the Living
Room.
HARRY
Where've you been, dad--we were
expecting you over an hour ago?
GRANDPA
Your mother had to do some last minute
Christmas shopping.
HARRY
For me?
GRANDPA
For herself.
Harry eagerly guides his father to the end of the Sofa, all
the time watching the TV screen.
HARRY
(to Grandpa)
Well, have a seat, dad--I want to show
you something...would you like a beer?
GRANDPA
Yes, son, in...
HARRY
(quickly)
...a glass, of course.
He hurries out of the Room.

9.
Grandpa takes a brief glance around the Living Room while he

JINGLES the KEY RING still in his hand. He places them into
his trouser pocket as he sits down on the Sofa.
Johnny becomes excited and waddles over to Grandpa. Grandpa

pinches his glowing cheeks, and lovingly fluffs his curly
black hair. Johnny giggles.
Harry enters, pouring the BEER into the GLASS as he eyes the
TV set.
GRANDPA
(to Harry)
I can't believe he walks so well at
one-year-old!
HARRY
(handing the Glass of
Beer to his father)
He's a Flory...
pulling-up his Diaper.
INT. LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
as Harry glances at Johnny.
HARRY
(watching Johnny)
..and a Flory knows how to hold his
end up!
Grandpa smiles.
GRANDPA
I recall you were almost two when you
could walk.
HARRY
(quickly)
Whatever.
Harry walks to the front of the TV CONSOLE, arms open.
HARRY (CONT'D)
What do you think of this, dad?
10.
Grandpa focuses on the TV Console for a few moments, then

nods in approval.
GRANDPA
Nice piece of furniture--but I thought
you bought a new set just last summer?
HARRY
(placing his hand on
top of the TV)
It's part of a new line I'm
selling...it's a Motorola, model twenty-
F-one...with the big twenty-inch screen,
a built-in am and fm radio and
phonograph...all housed in a rich,
hand-rubbed mahogany console.
GRANDPA
(holds his palms up to
Harry)
Oh, geese, son--spare me the sales
pitch!
Harry sits down next to his father.
HARRY
(serious)
Did you know there are already over
eight-million TV sets in the U.S.?
Grandpa nods, cautiously.
HARRY (CONT'D)
Everyone's going have one--and I'm
going to sell it to 'em!
GRANDPA
(hands up in front of
him)
I already have one.
HARRY
(excited)
I know, I know. But wouldn't you like
to have one loaded with a radio and
phonograph built right-in?
GRANDPA
Already have those, too!
11.
Harry runs up and squats in front of the TV Console.
HARRY
But, take a look at these controls!
He slides a WOODEN PANEL on the Console aside to show his

father the RADIO AND PHONOGRAPH.
GRANDPA
(loudly)
Wait!
(pointing at the TV)
Get him!
TV SCREEN - STOCK FOOTAGE
of Cleveland Browns' End, DANTE LAVELLI, running with the

FOOTBALL.
Harry realizes he's been missing the Football Game and quickly
slides the Wooden Panel back in place.
HARRY
Oh, damn--I forgot.
Harry sits back in his Chair, immediately fixed on the game

again.
HARRY (CONT'D)
This is a great game!
Grandpa glances at Harry, then lets out a sigh of relief. He

gives a curious Johnny another pat on the head, and receives
a giggle. He then turns his attention back to the Game.
Johnny, occupying himself by examining the CONTENTS of the

COFFEE TABLE in front of Grandpa.
GRANDPA
What's the score?
HARRY
Twenty-eight to twenty-seven, Rams,
forth quarter--but Graham has been
throwing a bunch of short passes for
Cleveland and they're walking up the
field...great championship playoff,
though!
12.
GRANDPA
Yes, I was listening to the first half
when...
HARRY
(interrupts)
...did you catch the divisional playoff
last week between the Rams and the
Chicago Bears?
GRANDPA
No, I had to take your mother to...
HARRY
(interrupts)
...first time ever there were deadlocks
in both conferences--Waterfield kicked
a field goal, and threw three touchdown
passes to Tom Fears to beat the Bears
twenty-four to fourteen!
GRANDPA
(pauses)
Sounds like I missed a good one.
HARRY
(sips his beer)
Great game...Crazy Legs Hirsch isn't
playing today, but Vitamin-Tee Smith,
Waterfield, and Fears are!
Harry and Grandpa both sit with eyes fixed on the TV screen.
Johnny scurries about when his eye catches the SHINY REFLECTION
of something under the Sofa where Grandpa sits. He drops to
his hands and knees. Weaving his little body between Grandpa's
legs, he reaches out and grabs Grandpa's Key Ring from under
the Sofa.
Johnny slowly stands up, then turns away to inspect his new
prize. He shakes them briefly to make a TINKLING noise, then,
while holding on to the Key Ring with both hands, places it
into his mouth and giggles. He continues to search the Room
for his next treasure.
HARRY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Damn--that's the sixth straight pass
in a row to Lavelli!
13.
GRANDPA
(consolingly)
Well, the Browns are playing at home.
HARRY
Yeah--and in snow flurries too...just
what California boys like to play in!
Grandpa laughs quietly.
HARRY (CONT'D)
(pleading)
Just stay in there for a few more
minutes, boys!
Harry looks at his father.
HARRY (CONT'D)
(serious)
This will be my Christmas present...at
last year's championship playoff, the
Philadelphia Eagles skunked the Rams,
fourteen-zip...in L.A.!
No reaction from Grandpa.
HARRY (CONT'D)
(disgusted)
Would have never happened if it hadn't
rained two inches the day before.
Grandpa nods, silently.
HARRY (CONT'D)
(determined)
But this year--it's the Rams...I know
it is.
Grandpa watches Harry make a toast at the TV with his Beer,

then does the same.
INT. DINING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Grandma and Liz are busy moving DISHES from a CHINA CABINET
to the DINNER TABLE.
The Cat is sleeping soundly on a SMALL THROW RUG placed under

a SPARE DINING TABLE CHAIR near the Far Wall of the Dining
Room.
14.
Trapper lies a short distance to the left of the Cat, watching

everything.
Johnny is standing a couple of feet away, and to the right,

from Grandpa. He's standing, wide-eyed, still holding the
Key Ring in his mouth, searching all around, when he spots
the sleeping Cat through the Dining Room Entranceway. He
immediately frowns from the painful memory of the day before,
when he was clawed by the untamed Cat.
P.O.V. -- JOHNNY -- CONTINUOUS
watching Grandma and Liz as they alternately pass each other

when one of them walks to the China Cabinet, while the other
walks to the Dinner Table.
as he concentrates on their movements.
as he watches Grandma and Liz in SLOW-MOTION, gauging their

movements.
removing the Key Ring from his mouth and standing perfectly
still, feet flat on the Floor.
as Harry stares at the TV screen. Grandpa takes a quiet sip

of Beer from his Glass, then places it onto the Coffee Table.
He glances over at the Baby and notices his peculiar,
unwavering stance.
Grandpa looks perplexed at the child's pose, then glances

through the Dining Room Entranceway to see what Johnny is
looking at, and back at the Baby.
GRANDPA
(softly)
Harry?
(still watching the
baby)
Harry turns to his father, then follows his eyes to Johnny.

15.
Johnny continues to stare at Grandma and Liz. He giggles,

then suddenly twists his little body to the right and rears
his right arm back holding the Key Ring in his hand, then
pauses.
Grandpa focuses on the familiar looking Key Ring dangling

from the baby's hand. He quickly slaps his trouser pocket
with his hand to check for his Key Ring, then, realizing Johnny
is about to throw them, instantly leans forward to grab them
out of his hand.
Johnny twists his body back to the left as he throws the Key
Ring as hard as he can.
falling forward onto his hands, while keeping his head up to

watch the flight of the Key Ring.
as Harry jumps out of his Chair and runs toward the Living
Room Entranceway. Grandpa sits, mouth open in disbelief.
Key Ring, as it fly's SLOW MOTION in-between Grandma and Liz,

in a rainbow-like arc along the entire length of the Dining
Room.
Johnny, watching the airborne Key Ring with a mouth-open smile.
Key Ring, now past Grandma and Liz, and following a perfect
path toward the hindquarters of the sleeping Cat.
as his head rises up and down, following the path of the Key
Ring.
CAT -- CONTINUOUS
Sleeping comfortably on the Rug under the Chair. Trapper is

within view, and watching the Key Ring as it hits the rear of
the Cat with a THUD.
16.
The SCREAMING Cat jumps straight-up and bumps it's head on

the bottom of the Chair. He flops the Rug behind him with
his spinning legs as he tries to run away.
Trapper BARKS at the hysterical Cat.
Liz drops a Dish onto the floor in the commotion.
as Johnny giggles.
Of Cat, getting traction in it's feet, then quickly

disappearing through the Kitchen Entranceway.
GRANDMA AND LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
in shock, and watching in astonishment.
Of Johnny, still giggling.
HARRY
(yelling)
Did you see that?
(to his father)
Did you see that?
GRANDPA
(shaking his head)
Unbelievable!
As Liz stands in shock.
LIZ
(angry)
What in God's name was that all about?
Harry is overwhelmed from what he saw. Johnny, not

understanding his father's behavior, take a few small steps
backward.
Grandpa removes his HANDKERCHIEF and wipes his forehead.

17.
GRANDPA
(flustered)
I don't think I've ever seen anything
like that!
Harry picks-up Johnny and starts dancing around the Living

Room with him. Johnny giggles at this father.
Of Liz, with hands on her waist, shaking her head.
LIZ
(disgusted)
Honestly!
Grandma and Liz start to put the Dining Room back in order.
Of Harry dancing around while holding Johnny.
HARRY
(excited)
Did you see him put his little body
into it?
Harry twists his waist several times, demonstrating to his

father.
Grandpa nods, still stunned by the incident.
Grandpa looks through the Dining Room Entranceway, as he puts

his Handkerchief back into his rear pocket.
As he runs up to the Key Ring still laying on the Dining Room

Floor, grabs them with his teeth, and runs through the Kitchen
Entranceway.
as Grandpa reacts to Trapper grabbing his Keys.
GRANDPA
(loud)
Hey! My keys!
18.
Grandpa jumps up from the Sofa and runs through the Dining
Room, and into the Kitchen, barely missing Grandma and Liz.
GRANDPA (O.S.) (CONT'D)

(yelling)
Hey!...Hey!
Harry is still dancing around the Living Room, holding a

giggling Johnny.
HARRY
(enamored with Johnny)
I can't believe it!--I just can't
believe it!
Harry makes throwing motions with his right arm, which Johnny
mimics.
Trapper runs out of the Kitchen still holding the Key Ring in
his mouth, with Grandpa chasing him.
Harry is dancing around holding Johnny.
Trapper runs barking around the Living Room with Grandpa in

tow, then jumps up against the Front Door with his paws and
knocks it open. Grandpa almost catches up with him when he
dashes out into the Front Yard, with Grandpa and Paulie chasing
after him.
Harry is still dancing around holding Johnny.
Grandpa and Paulie can be seen chasing Trapper outside through

the Living Room Windows.
Harry stops dancing and tightly hugs his adoring child.
HARRY (CONT'D)
(eyes closed)
What a Christmas present!--my son, the
quarterback...and the Rams taking the
Championship!
He starts dancing around with Johnny again.
FAVORING TV - STOCK FOOTAGE
of the BROWNS KICKING A SHORT FIELD GOAL IN SNOWY WEATHER.
The crowd CHEERS (O.S.) in response.

19.
SPORTSCASTER (O.S.)
...and the Cleveland Browns, about to
win it--thirty to twenty-eight, with
Lou Groza kicking an eleven-yard field
goal in the last twenty seconds of the
game...
Harry continues dancing around the Living Room holding Johnny.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. REMOTE AIRPORT -- DAY
FRANK BRENNER, a stocky, ex-war buddy of Harry's, pulls his

dusty 1954 FORD next to an OLD RUSTY AIRCRAFT HANGER and parks.
Harry sits beside him. A DUST CLOUD pours into the hot
interior of the Car as they search the Grounds through the
Windshield.
INT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS
FRANK
(wiping his forehead)
Couldn't you find a hotter place to
drive to in the middle of August?
Harry shrugs, then opens his Door and quickly steps over to
open Frank's Door.
EXT. REMOTE AIRPORT -- CONTINUOUS
As Frank exits the car.
FRANK
(looking around)
You sure this is the place we're
supposed to meet the guy?
HARRY
(excited)
Yeah--he should be around here,
somewhere.
(looking around)
He said, noon.
Frank takes another look at the Rusty Hangers, then turns to

Harry.
20.
FRANK
(concerned)
Harry, you know I like your idea, but
aren't there any others available,
somewhere?
HARRY
(assuring him)
Not for what we're getting it for.
FRANK
And you can get the soap at a discount?
HARRY
I sell the stuff...
(placing his hand on
Frank's shoulder)
...don't worry about a thing--it's all
arranged.
Frank is not entirely convinced. Harry continues.
HARRY (CONT'D)
Did you bring your half, partner?
Frank digs into his pocket and pulls out a SIZABLE WAD OF
HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLS.
FRANK
(reluctantly)
This is almost everything I have, Harry.
Harry produces a similar ROLL OF BILLS from his pants pocket

and holds it up to Frank's.
HARRY
(nods)
Company loan!
OLD MAN -- CONTINUOUS
wearing GREASE SMEARED OVERALLS, walking down a DUSTY DIRT

ROAD in their direction.
HARRY AND FRANK -- CONTINUOUS
as they both spot the Old Man walking toward them.

21.
FRANK
(wearily)
Is that him?
HARRY
(excited)
Yeah, I think that's him!
They walk toward the Old Man.
FRANK
(to Harry)
How come he wouldn't take our check?
HARRY
(trying not to look at
Frank)
He's--ah, giving us the cash price.
Frank looks blankly at Harry as they greet the Old Man.
OLD MAN
(extends his hand)
Afternoon, gents--glad to see you could
make it out here, today.
Harry and Frank shift the wad of Bills in their hands to shake.
HARRY
(shaking hands)
Glad to finally meet `ya...
(waves the wad of Cash
at Frank)
...this is my partner, Frank Brenner.
The Old Man looks at Harry's Money while he shakes Frank's

hand, then shrewdly turns away, acting uninterested.
OLD MAN
(walking toward a hanger)
Well--let's take a look at her.
Harry and Frank follow close behind the Old Man, still holding
their Money out in front of them.
The Old Man takes them to the front of a RUSTY OLD HANGER.
They watch as the Old Man fumbles with a MASS OF HEAVY CHAINS
SECURING A HIGH BAY DOOR, barely managing to unlock the HUGE
PADLOCK that's binding them.
22.
He pulls the Chains through TWO FIST-SIZED HOLES punched into

the CORRUGATED METAL and they fall CLANKING to the ground.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)

(huffing)
I maintain her myself...
(walking to the end of
the giant door)
...been doing so since she was retired.
Harry and Frank stand side-by-side, watching the Old Man.
The Old Man NOISILY shakes the GIANT SLIDING DOOR FREE, then
slowly pushes it open. A LARGE PLUME OF DUST, and TWO BATS,
emanate from the GAPING DOORWAY.
FRANK -- CONTINUOUS
watching the Bats flying madly above him.
FRANK
(softly)
Bats?
He turns back, facing the Doorway.
ANGLE (NOT REVEALING HANGER CONTENTS) -- CONTINUOUS
Harry and Frank, as they stand facing the Doorway.
HARRY
(loud)
Wow!
(walks forward, Money
in hand)
Frank's look turns to despair.
The Old man pauses, hands holding the STRAPS of his OVERALLS,
watching Harry.
OLD MAN
(proudly)
She's in perfect working order,
gentlemen...
(walks inside)
...lem'me show you how she works.
23.
FRANK -- CONTINUOUS
staring in disbelief.
FRANK
(puts is Money back
into his pocket)
Ahhh--just how old did you say she is?
Frank walks forward and OUT OF VIEW.
INT. HARRY'S HOUSE LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
A MAN'S WHITE DRESS SHIRT is laid out on an IRONING BOARD and

is being SPRINKLED WITH WATER. A HOT IRON presses down hard
on the COLLAR, causing an ERUPTION OF STEAM.
NEW ANGLE
FRANNY HARRINGTON, a cheery, blond-haired woman near Liz's

age, is a close friend and neighbor of the Flory's. She's
wearing a SLEEVELESS BLOUSE AND CAPRI'S while IRONING and
FOLDING CLOTHES with Liz. Liz wears a CHIFFON SUMMER DRESS.
Johnny, now five, and Paulie, nine, are playing together on

the SOFA while watching TV.
A TABLE FAN WHIRLS in the background.
Liz is Ironing while Franny folds Clothes and places them

into a BASKET.
Franny is curiously watching Liz Ironing. Liz has a restrained

smile on her face.
FRANNY
(wipes her forehead)
Lord, it's hot today!
(expecting a reply)
Fanny keeps watching Liz for a reply, but receives none.
FRANNY (CONT'D)
(notices Liz's hair)
So that's what you were up to this
morning--getting your hair done!
Liz smiles broadly and nods without looking at Franny. Liz

continues Ironing. Franny can't stand the suspense.
24.
FRANNY (CONT'D)
(impatiently)
Alright, Liz...
(getting her attention)
...you've been wearing that smile for
an hour now--what's going on with you?
LIZ
(laughing)
I'm sorry, Franny--I've been thinking
of the surprise I have in store for
Harry, tonight.
FRANNY
Oh!--so that's why your head's in a
cloud...
(anxiously)
...what's the surprise?
Liz walks over to a CHAIR and picks-up a PAPER BAG. She opens
the Bag and removes a BLACK LINGERIE and shows it Franny.
LIZ
(dangling the lingerie
from her finger)
I also went shopping this morning!
(winks)
FRANNY
Oh--that's lovely!
(to Liz)
For tonight?
Liz nods.
LIZ
(excited)
I got Harry's folks to watch the kids
tonight--and boy, do we need the break!
Franny beams at Liz.
FRANNY
Oh, how romantic...humph! I wish
Charlie would do something romantic
like he used to!
Liz returns the Lingerie to the Bag and continues Ironing.

Franny continues Folding Clothes, watching Liz.
25.
FRANNY (CONT'D)
(curious)
You mean there's still a spark after
ten years and two kids?
LIZ
(quickly)
Nine years...for all his crazy schemes--
he still has his charm...
(reflecting)
...and...
Liz stops herself from being embarrassed.
FRANNY
(demanding)
And what?
LIZ
(coyly)
And there's that feeling...
(turns away)
...oh, it's kind of silly.
FRANNY
(knowingly)
Oh, yeah--the feeling...men have the
feeling when they want to.
LIZ
(smiling)
No, no--not that...
(serious)
...you remember when they came back
after the end of that damned war...when
we waited for them to come home?
FRANNY
(reflecting)
Yes, I remember. Charlie and me were
married before he left--and all that
time I was never really sure if he
would ever come back.
LIZ
(consolingly)
I know. But, do you remember that
feeling you had when you saw him?
26.
FRANNY
(hand on her chest)
Of relief!
LIZ
Yes, of course...but, the feeling I
mean--was when Harry walked up to me
from out of all those men getting off
the ship without saying a word--and
took me into his arms...
(reflecting)
...he looked into my eyes for the
longest time...
(to Franny)
...I wanted him so much!
Liz stops and goes back to Ironing. Franny quietly watches

her.
LIZ (CONT'D)
(continues)
That feeling...I still get--I think we
both get, when he holds me that way.
Franny gives her a teary smile as she continues to work.
FRANNY
(soft)
You've never stopped wanting him like
that--have you?
Liz glances at Franny.
FRANNY (CONT'D)
You are the romantic one, Elizabeth
Ann!
LIZ
(smiling)
Occasionally--when I'm not chasing the
kids around, or trying to keep this
house clean.
Franny looks knowingly at liz.
FRANNY
(staring out the window)
I wonder what that Charlie is up to
today?
27.
Liz smiles appreciatively at her. They both continue with

their chores.
The RAUCOUS SOUND OF HEAVY MACHINERY (O.S.) comes from outside,

building up to a LOUD ROAR that fills the Living Room.
The women look at each other. The Kids run to a WINDOW to

look out.
FRANNY (CONT'D)
(loud, to Liz)
What can that be?
They both run to ANOTHER WINDOW and pull back the DRAPES just
in time to see an OLD, DUSTY, PREWAR FIRE ENGINE pull-up in
front of the HOUSE and come to a SQUEAKY stop.
FRANNY (CONT'D)
(loud, hands over her
mouth)
Oh my God--someone's house is on fire!
Liz leans her head out of the Window to get a better view of
the Fire Engine, then see's who's driving it.
LIZ
(staring)
Harry!
P.O.V. LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
of Harry standing in the open CAB of the Fire Engine while

HONKING the HORN and waving at Liz and Franny.
LIZ AND FRANNY -- CONTINUOUS
staring in disbelief at Harry and the Fire Engine.
EXT. FRONT YARD -- CONTINUOUS
of the Fire Engine parked on the STREET in front of Harry's

House. Frank drives his Ford past the Fire Engine, makes a u-
turn, then parks across the Street.
Excited NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS run up and gawk at the noisy Fire

Engine.
The old Fire Engine has a HUGE REEL containing the HOSE,
mounted above and directly in back of the OPEN CAB. WOODEN
LADDERS hang along both sides.
28.
A faint RIVERSIDE CITY SEAL, and the words, "Riverside Airport

Fire Control - Engine No. 2", Can barely be read on the SIDE
of the FADED RED BODY.
NEW ANGLE - FRONT OF HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
as Paulie and Johnny run out the FRONT DOOR to the Fire Engine
with Franny and Liz shouting commands behind them.
Liz waves the Kids aside.
LIZ
(loud)
Paulie, don't get too close!
(pointing to Johnny)
Stand back--don't get near that thing!
as he stands at the edge of the LAWN, in awe of the sight and

sound of the Fire Engine. Two MEXICAN KIDS the same age as
Johnny, run up and stand along side of him.
of Fire engine.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
as he stands in the Cab smiling at Liz. His hands are folded

across his chest, and his right foot rests on top of a CURVED
RAILING bordering the OPEN PASSENGER ENTRANCEWAY.
FRANNY -- CONTINUOUS
with her hands over her open mouth in shock as she looks-over
the Fire Engine.
LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
as she stands, hands on waist, glaring up at a proud Harry.
FRANK -- CONTINUOUS
as he walks to Liz's side of the Fire Engine and faces her.
LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
her arms waving in the air.

29.
LIZ
(loud)
What in heaven is this?
FRANK -- CONTINUOUS
turning around, and trying to look busy by examining a PANEL

containing GAUGES and CONTROLS located on the side of the
Fire Engine.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
arms stretched out, gazing down the length of the Fire Engine.
HARRY
(proudly)
This...is Big Red!
Liz folds her arms across her chest.
LIZ
(loud)
Big what?
Harry looks at Liz.
HARRY
(loud)
Big Red!
Liz looks over the decrepit Fire Engine, shaking her head.
LIZ
(loud)
And what are you doing with...
(arms waving)
...with this thing?
Frank looks over his shoulder at Liz, then Harry.
Harry looks proud.
HARRY
(loud)
I...we...
(to Frank)
...Frank and I--own it!
Liz looks in disbelief at Frank, then Harry.

30.
LIZ
(loud)
You two bought this old thing...
(arms in motion)
...you bought this thing?
Frank turns his attention back to the Gauges, avoiding Liz.
Harry stands proudly, admiring the Fire Engine.
HARRY
(loud)
Yep--that's right...
(to Liz)
...we own it!
Liz is stunned, and furious.
LIZ
(yelling)
For what...with what!
HARRY
(loud)
With a sales advance I got from the
company yesterday.
(matter-of-factly)
I am their top salesman `ya know!
Liz folds her arms over her chest.
LIZ
(nodding)
Uh-huh...and for what?
HARRY
(loud)
For our business!
LIZ
(loud)
What business?
HARRY
(loud)
Our partnership--B and F Flight
Services...
(to Frank)
...we're gonna clean air planes!
31.
Frank lowers his head, then turns to Liz and smiles.
Liz looks stupefied at Frank, then at Harry.
LIZ
(loud)
What!
Harry leans on his right leg, confidentially revealing his

grand plan to Liz.
HARRY
(arm waving)
This babys' got a thousand-gallon water
tank and a high pressure hose...
(serious)
...we fill it with water and mix-in an
industrial soap, then go out to airports
and wash down their airliners!
LIZ
(nodding her head)
And what makes you think they're going
to let you into the airport with that
thing?
(pointing)
HARRY
(confident)
Already taken care of--I convinced the
people at Los Angeles Airport that I
could save them money by not wasting
flight fuel taxiing their planes to a
hanger to wash them...
(smiling, arms held out)
...we just drive Big Red up to where
they stand and hose `em down on the
spot!
Liz stands with her head cocked to the side, looking blankly
at Harry.
Harry and Frank watch Liz for her next expression.
A small smile gradually appears on Liz's face as she shakes

her head side-to-side.
LIZ
(to Harry)
Boy--what a schemer!
32.
Harry returns her smile. He quickly uses the moment to

demonstrate the Fire Engine to Liz.
Harry pulls several yards of Hose off the Reel behind him.
HARRY
(to Liz)
Lem'me show you how well she works!
LIZ
(cautioning)
Harry--not here!
HARRY
(confident)
Not to worry--the guy we bought it
from showed us how everything works!
Harry reels off a few more yards of Hose and stands steady in
the Cab, pointing the BRASS NOZZLE down the Street.
HARRY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Ok, Frank--let her go!
Frank checks the Gauges again, then throws a couple of LEVERS

on the rusty Control Panel.
The Hose starts to INFLATE, then a narrow jet of WATER shoots

out of the Nozzle knocking Harry slightly backwards, and making
a steady ARC of WATER a hundred feet long.
All heads turn towards the end of the stream of Water. The
Kids laugh and scream as they run and dance under the WATERFALL
in the middle of the Street.
Paulie starts to join them.
LIZ
(loud)
Paulie, you be careful in the street--
you hear me!
still standing at the edge of the Lawn, enthralled by the

sight of the big Fire Engine.
33.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
now used to the push of the Nozzle in his hands, playfully

swings the giant Stream of Water up and down the Street, with
the Kids chasing after the Stream wherever it goes.
FRANK -- CONTINUOUS
as he continues to examine the Gauges, and looks above and

beneath the big Fire Engine until he appears satisfied that
everything is working properly.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
growing weary playing with the Kids, gets mischievous.
He looks over his left shoulder across the Street at SOL

ROTHMAN'S HOUSE--the only one on the block with a TRIM GREEN
LAWN and MANICURED HEDGES.
INT. TV ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
of SOL ROTHMAN, a balding, middle-aged neighbor of Harry's.

He is always seen wearing a TERRY CLOTH HAT, even when indoors.
STOCK FOOTAGE OF A 1954 BASEBALL GAME is playing loudly on
the TV set, while he sits comfortably in a RECLINER, feet up,
smoking a CIGARETTE and drinking a can of BEER.
A ROTATING TABLE FAN cools the small TV room.
Sol roots for a base hit.
SOL
(loud)
Go! Go! Go!
A SPRAY OF WATER splashes hard against an OPEN WINDOW in the

TV room, interrupting Sol's game. He jumps out of his Recliner
and turns to see Water spraying through the WINDOW SCREEN.
SOL (CONT'D)
(loud)
Damned kids!
He runs to the Window.
SOL (CONT'D)
(angry)
Get away from that damned garden hose!
34.
He gets sprayed with Water.
SOL (CONT'D)
(furious)
Dammit!
He runs out of the TV Room, Cigarette still hanging from his

mouth.
EXT. FRONT OF SOL'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
as Sol storms out of his FRONT DOOR toward the open Window of
his TV Room.
SOL
(angry)
Damned kids!
He looks around his Trimmed Garden.
SOL (CONT'D)
(angry)
Where are you!
He hears the sound of SPLASHING WATER, stops, and looks

straight up. He is engulfed in a TUNNEL OF WATER, knocking
the Hat off his head, and dousing the Cigarette hanging from
his lips.
P.O.V. -- SOL -- CONTINUOUS
looking up at the Tunnel of Water, obscuring almost everything

else within view.
SOL -- CONTINUOUS
struggling to stay on his feet.
SOL
(confused)
What the...what the hell's going on?
The Water barrage stops. He looks like a drowned rat.
P.O.V. -- SOL -- CONTINUOUS
as his eyes come into focus while looking at a smiling Harry

standing in the Fire Engine with the Hose in his hands.
35.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
as he stands in the Fire Truck.
HARRY
(loud)
Cool off, Sol!
Harry holds the stream of Water down Street again.
Everyone laughs.
SOL -- CONTINUOUS
trying to comprehend the sight of Harry and the Fire Engine.
SOL
(confused)
What the...what the hell is that
doing...
(dawns on him)
...Harry!
LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
watching Harry.
LIZ
(loud)
Harry, stop that--they're our neighbors!
Harry shrugs his shoulders.
SOL -- CONTINUOUS
standing drenched, with his hands on his waist.
SOL
(shaking his head)
Harry Flory...now what?
He takes the limp Cigarette from his lips and throws it onto
the ground. He pulls the PACK OF CIGARETTES out of his SHIRT
POCKET, squeezes the water out of them, and throws them onto
the ground. He returns to watching Harry.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
still spraying the Kids down the Street. He glances over at

Liz who is keeping a watchful eye on the Kids.
36.
Now confident with handling the powerful Hose, he slowly tucks

it under his right arm while controlling the Nozzle single-
handedly. He playfully turns to Liz and waves his free hand
to get her attention.
Liz turns to see Harry acting like a show-off. She folds her
arms over her chest and shakes her head at him.
Harry then slowly lowers the Hose with his right arm until it
is just below his waist, and looks forward, holding his head
up. He looks over at Liz for her expression.
Liz searches Harry's face, the position of the Hose, then

back to Harry, finally recognizing the double entendre.
She yawns at Harry, then smiles.
Harry raises his eyebrows while leaning his head forward at

her.
He maneuvers the Hose over to his left arm, and while facing
forward, reaches behind himself for a CONTROL WITH A SMALL
KNOB. Keeping his eyes on Liz, he raises the Knob upward,
increasing the idle of the Fire Engine, thereby increasing
the flow of water out of the Hose.
Frank nervously watches the Gauges, and Harry.
Harry, just barely able to handle the push of the Hose by

himself, begins to maneuver it towards Liz while watching the
expression in her face.
Liz's sassy smile turns to panic when she sees the giant stream
of Water coming in her direction.
LIZ
(loud)
No!...don't you dare!
She walks backward, holding her hands up in front of her.
P.O.V. -- LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
as she watches the mischievous smile growing on Harry's face

while he struggles with the Hose.
LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
panicking.
37.
LIZ
(backing up)
I said, no--don't!
She turns and runs toward the House as fast as she can.
Harry laughs. He waits until she almost reaches the PORCH,

then clumsily swings the jet of Water around at Liz and catches
her in the lower back, sending her face forward, screaming,
into the GRASS.
The stream of Water catches the bottom of her Dress and throws
it up over her head, exposing her kicking legs and PANTIED
TUSH.
JOHNNY AND MEXICAN KIDS -- CONTINUOUS
laughing, while watching Harry and Liz play.
FRANK -- CONTINUOUS
as he notices Water spraying out of the GAUGES.
FRANK
(concerned)
Uh, Harry...Harry--I think we better
shut her down!
Harry, now realizing he may have gone too far, redirects the
stream of Water away from Liz. The Hose BUCKLES, almost
jumping out of his hands.
Harry is now being thrown around the Cab by the pressure of

the Hose and starts to lose control of the Nozzle.
EXT. PORCH -- CONTINUOUS
of Harry's House, as the jet of Water passes over SEVERAL

HANGING FLOWER POTS and instantly bursts them, BAM-BAM-BAM.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
struggling with the Fire Hose.
EXT. FRONT OF HARRY'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
as the jet of Water moves near the LIVING ROOM WINDOWS.

38.
INT. HARRY'S HOUSE LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
as one Living Room Window, then the other, LOUDLY implode

from the force of the water, BAM-BAM. The stream of Water
knocks over the IRONING BOARD, and BASKETS of FOLDED CLOTHES.
EXT. FRONT YARD -- CONTINUOUS
of Harry, struggling with the Fire Hose.
Frank panics. Water is shooting out of all the Gauges.
FRANK
(screaming)
Harry...shut the engine off--shut the
engine off!
laughing while watching his father.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
as he reaches behind for the Throttle Control while trying to

control the Hose. He finally gets a slippery grip on the
Knob, and it breaks off into his hand.
The Hose Buckles again, then the Nozzle works out of Harry's
grip. He hangs onto the Hose as the Nozzle wildly swings
about, banging into his chest with a THUD.
Frank runs for cover.
Harry tries to escape the OUT-OF-CONTROL HOSE by jumping out

of the Cab. He slips on the wet Curved Railing bordering the
Passenger Entrance and falls over onto the ground.
SOL -- CONTINUOUS
laughing as he watches Harry.
concerned about his father falling onto the ground.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
falling face down on his hands onto the WET ASPHALT. He

grimaces as he examines the LOOSE ASPHALT GRAVEL that is
embedded in the palms of his wet hands.
39.
He hears the sound of SCRAPING CANVAS AND BRASS coming at

him.
P.O.V. -- HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
as he sees the SNAKING Hose and giant spray of Water heading

right at him.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
as he jumps up on all four's when the Hose passes underneath

him.
laughing at his father's movements.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
jumping up and down on all four's, trying to avoid the wildly

Snaking Hose.
SOL -- CONTINUOUS
laughing hysterically.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
in a complete panic.
HARRY
(screaming)
Frank...shut it off--shut it off!
FRANK -- CONTINUOUS
running over to the opposite side of the Fire Engine and

reaches in to turn the engine off. The jet of Water slips
under the Fire Engine and swipes across Frank's feet, knocking
him onto his rear. He scrambles away, slipping on the Wet
Asphalt.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
still trying to avoid the Hose on all four's.
HARRY
(screaming)
Ow...ow, ow!
40.
As the Hose continues to beat against him.
LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
as she runs over to a wet Johnny, who is laughing

uncontrollably, and picks him up.
LIZ
(screaming)
Harry--you get rid of that damned
thing...
(running past Harry,
carrying Johnny)
...you hear me! Get rid of it now!
Harry looks at her incredulously while he crabs around on the

ground while avoiding the Hose.
SOL -- CONTINUOUS
still laughing.
SOL
(catching his breath)
...ah, Harry...`ya putz!
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
finally getting to his feet. He tries to run, but his LEATHER

SOLED SHOES slip on the Wet Asphalt.
The Hose snakes around and catches him on the rear, sending
him falling forwards onto the Asphalt again.
HARRY
(loud)
Ow!
ANGLE WIDE FROM ABOVE -- CONTINUOUS
of DRENCHED NEIGHBORHOOD. Harry is seen fighting to get to

his feet, then running away down the Street.
The Hose continues to spray uncontrollably while TRAFFIC is

stopped in both directions, with WINDSHIELD WIPERS running.
DISSOLVE TO:
41.
SERIES OF SHOTS
EXT. HARRY AND JOHNNY -- DAY
walking to the front yard. Harry spins a FOOTBALL in his

hands as an eager five-year-old Johnny tags along by his side.
EXT. HARRY AND JOHNNY -- CONTINUOUS
as Harry tosses the Football at Johnny. Johnny struggles to

hold the large Football in his arms.
Harry throws Football again which bounces out of Johnny's

arms.
as Harry throws the Football at Johnny which bounces off of

Johnny's face. Johnny cries as Harry rushes to him and wipes
his bloody nose with a HANDKERCHIEF.
as Johnny dodges the thrown Football.
as Harry throws a BASEBALL to Johnny. Johnny catches the

Baseball and tosses it back to Harry.
as a squatting Harry tosses the Baseball to Johnny.
Frannie drives by in a CAR, hollering and waving at them.

When Harry turns and waves back at her, he is hit in the
forehead by the Baseball thrown by Johnny, and is knocked
onto his rear. Franny reacts.
Johnny runs crying to his father. Harry consoles him.
as Johnny catches the Baseball. Johnny throws the Baseball

at the ground in front of a squatting Harry, which bounces up
hitting Harry in the groin, and sending him forward onto his
hands and knees. He holds his hand up at Johnny while he
bends over in pain.
42.
Johnny stands, puzzled, with his fingers in his mouth, watching

his father.
as Johnny is seen smiling, wearing a small FOOTBALL HELMET,

fearlessly catching the Football.
EXT. HARRY AND JOHNNY -- LATER
as Harry holds Johnny's hand with one hand, while holding the
KNOT on his forehead with the other. He limps as they walk
back toward the House to call it a day.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK -- DAY
Harry pulls his two-tone 1955 CHEVY up to a CURB and parks.

Johnny sits beside him holding onto a FOOTBALL. Harry exits
and walks over to Johnny's side to open his Door.
HARRY
(helping Johnny out of
the car)
Okay, sport...after months of hard,
and painful practice, you're ready for
the big league...
NEW ANGLE -- CONTINUOUS
of Harry and Johnny standing while facing a BUSY FOOTBALL

FIELD JAMMED WITH SEVERAL GROUPS OF KIDS.
HARRY (CONT'D)
...Pop Warner!
COACH BARNES, a fit looking man in his 40's, runs up to them

carrying a FOOTBALL.
COACH BARNES
(extending his hand)
'morning--I'm Coach Barnes.
Harry shakes his hand.
HARRY
Harry Flory.
Coach looks over and smiles at Johnny as he shakes Harry's

hand.
43.
COACH BARNES
(to Johnny)
And who's this?
HARRY
John Flory...your new quarterback.
COACH BARNES
Is that so? Well now--we'll see about
that.
Coach squats down and shakes Johnny's hand. Johnny fumbles

with the Football as he shakes hands with the Coach.
COACH BARNES (CONT'D)

Pleased to meet you, Johnny.
Coach takes the Football from Johnny's hands and tosses it up

to Harry, who catches it.

Here...
(hands his Football to
Johnny)
...try this one on for size.
Johnny takes the smaller Football into his hands and smiles,
then looks scornfully up at his father.
Harry looks at the Football, then back at Johnny and shrugs

his shoulders.
HARRY
(to Coach)
I thought you use a regulation football?
COACH BARNES
We do--a regulation Pop Warner football!
It's more practical for the little
guys.
Harry nods. Coach stands.

Let's try you out in a new junior pee
wee team we're just forming...
(leading Johnny toward
the field)
...see how 'ya like it.
44.
Johnny looks back apprehensively at his father as he walks

alongside of Coach.

(pointing)
You can wait in the stands with the
other parents, Mister Flory!
Harry waves at Johnny.
HARRY
(loud)
Get 'em, kiddo!
Harry takes a seat halfway up the STANDS, in full view of the

Football Field.
EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD -- CONTINUOUS
as the Coach herds a GROUP of EXCITED SIX-YEAR-OLDS together.
P.O.V. HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
as he watches the Coach barking lineup instructions to the

unruly Clan and hand picking Kids based on size. He then
picks the FATTEST KID to play center, and Johnny for
quarterback.
as the Coach moves the Kids in position for a practice play.
COACH BARNES
(loud)
All right..ready...set...hike!
When the Fat Kid hikes the Football, it gets stuck in-between
his chubby legs. The other Kids dog pile on top of him,
SCREAMING.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
cringing.
as the Coach blows his WHISTLE while pulling the Kids apart
from the dog pile.
45.
COACH BARNES
(loud)
All right, all right! Let's get back
into formation and try it again!
The Kids stumble around taunting each other for a moment,

then get back into position. The opposing Kids make faces at
the other Kids.

(loud)
Ready...set...hike!
The Football barely clears the Fat Kid's legs and plunks into
Johnny's waiting arms.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
as he quickly stands up.
P.O.V. -- HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
as all Screaming Kids attack the line. Johnny is completely

obscured by the pack of Kids while a SHORT KID runs down field
along the sideline.
Just as the Short Kid gets five yards away, an end-over-end

thrown Football pops out of the pile of Kids. The Football
flies a short arc and lands in the Short Kid's hands, knocking
him down onto the grass.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
slowly growing an enormous grin on his face.
as the Coach blows his Whistle while rounding-up the Kids.
COACH BARNES
(loud)
That was good--that was good! Let's
try that again.
Coach looks toward the Stands at Harry and gives him a THUMB
UP.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
still standing. He throws his arms up in the air, cheering.

46.
HARRY
(loud)
Go, kiddo!
He looks around at the other PARENTS staring at him, then

sits quietly.
JOHNNY - OVER THE SHOULDER -- CONTINUOUS
standing ready.
COACH BARNES (O.S.)

(loud)
Ready...set...hike!
The Fat Kid hikes the Football right into Johnny's hands.
Johnny pauses briefly, then throws the Football as hard as he
can.
HARRY -- CONTINUOUS
watching the flight of the Football.
CLOSE-UP -- FOOTBALL -- CONTINUOUS
in flight against a BLUE SKY BACKGROUND.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD -- DAY
as the Football is still in flight, then lands into the arms

of BRIAN, a trim, sixteen-year-old high school track runner,
and friend of Johnny's. He wears GOLD COLORED GYM SHORTS AND
A BLACK T-SHIRT. He keeps running after catching the Football
and circles around back towards Johnny.
BRIAN
(panting)
Nice toss, John!
(tosses the ball to him)
Johnny smiles as he casually flips the Football in his hands.
Johnny, now sixteen-years-old, is a strapping and athletic

boy. He's six-foot-three at a hundred and eighty-five pounds,
and inherited his father's good looks. He also wears GOLD-
COLORED GYM SHORTS AND A BLACK T-SHIRT.
It's lunch period, and STUDENTS are gathered around the

SCHOOL'S TRACK to eat and gossip.
47.
EXT. BLEACHERS -- CONTINUOUS
Several groups of KIDS are sitting among the BLEACHERS along

side of the Track EATING LUNCH.
NICK FAUST is a large, imposing kid, who's tough looks and

quiet demeanor make him appear much older than his seventeen
years. His lumpy physique conceals a rock hard interior, and
his no-nonsense attitude warns he cannot be intimidated.
Nick sits alone in the Bleachers, eating his lunch and reading
a BOOK, paying no attention to anything else.
LAURA HARRIS, a childhood friend of Johnny's, sits with her

GIRLFRIEND watching the Boys on the Field. They talk and
laugh between themselves as they eat lunch.
JOHNNY AND BRIAN -- CONTINUOUS
Brian is pacing around while tossing the Football back and

forth with Johnny. He glances at the girls in the Bleachers.
Johnny concentrates on his throwing.
BRIAN
You think Coach'll put you in tonight?
JOHNNY
Only if Gary has a heart attack...
(tossing the football)
...I don't think Coach is too concerned
about my personal goals.
BRIAN
Yeah, you've been warming the bench
for awhile, now...maybe you should try
defense like he want's you to.
Johnny shakes his head as he flips the Football in his hands.
JOHNNY
Maybe you should try sprints, Mister
Marathon.
Brian shakes his head.
BRIAN
Nope--not in the program!
48.
JOHNNY
(smiling)
Exactly.
Brian looks over at the Bleachers.
as Laura and her Girlfriend giggle to each other while watching

Johnny and Brian.
JOHNNY AND BRIAN -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny watches Brian smile at them.
JOHNNY
(waving the Football)
Let's see how fast and long you can go
for a pass, flash!
Brian smiles, turns, and jets down Field as fast as he can.

Johnny watches Brian's legs pumping madly and smiles. He
waits until Brian is about ten yards away, takes careful aim,
and throws a spiral straight at the back of Brian's knees.
BRIAN -- CONTINUOUS
as he tumbles head over heels into the turf with the Football
tangled in his legs. He falls over onto his rear, stunned,
and looks at Johnny.
as Laura and her Girlfriend laugh out loud. Nick continues

to read his Book.
laughing.
JOHNNY
(loud)
I hope you can run better than that,
track star!
BRIAN -- CONTINUOUS
fuming. He looks over at the Bleachers, then back at Johnny.

49.
BRIAN
(yelling)
I'll kill 'ya!
He jumps up, grabs the Football, and runs at Johnny.
still laughing. He pauses while watching Brian, let's out a

final laugh, then turns and runs OUT OF VIEW.
Brain runs INTO VIEW, throws the Football as hard as he can,

then runs OUT OF VIEW. The sound of the Football bouncing
off of a body with a THUD, then LAUGHTER, can be heard (O.S.).
EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD -- NIGHT
WIDE ANGLE of HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD lit by FLOOD LIGHTS.

The STANDS are filled with PARENTS and STUDENTS. A HIGH SCHOOL
BAND PLAYS LOUDLY over the CHEERING CROWD. CHEERLEADERS dance
at the SIDELINES.
HARRY AND LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
sitting in the Stands.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
sitting by himself, smoking a CIGARETTE.
LAURA -- CONTINUOUS
sitting by herself, quietly watching the Field.
with PLAYERS standing around huddled. The Football is placed

on the 18-YARD LINE.
SCOREBOARD -- CONTINUOUS
showing a score of "HOME 10, VISITORS 41, 1st Down, 3rd

Quarter."
EXT. SIDELINES -- CONTINUOUS
of COACH BARKER, a trim, balding man in his 50's, shouting

instructions from the sideline to GARY, the sixteen-year old
star quarterback of the FOOTHILL HIGH FIREBIRDS.
50.
His ASSISTANT COACH, a middle-aged man with a paunch, stands

beside Coach holding a CLIPBOARD.
with the Firebirds in possession of the Football. The Football

is hiked, and a blitz defense immediately sacks Gary, sending
him to the ground.
SIDELINE BENCH -- CONTINUOUS
of Johnny, in uniform, sitting quietly on the BENCH.
of Coach Barker shaking his head and throwing his arms up

into the air. The Assistant Coach looks concerned.
COACH BARKER
(loud, to Assistant
Coach)
Tell him to throw some inside passes!
The Assistant Coach signals to Gary from the Sideline as they

go into a huddle.
as the Football is hiked. A DEFENSIVE TACKLE quickly

penetrates the OFFENSIVE LINE and knocks the Football out of
Gary's hand as he rears back for a pass. The Firebirds
clumsily recover the Football.
EXT. STANDS -- CONTINUOUS
as Harry reacts, screaming at the Sidelines.
HARRY
(loud)
Pass protection! Pass protection!
Liz sits quietly by his side.
as Coach Barker watches in disbelief.
COACH BARKER
Damn!
51.
He paces back and forth, stops, then looks at the Scoreboard.
COACH BARKER - OVER THE SHOULDER -- CONTINUOUS
as he looks at the Scoreboard.
COACH BARKER
(to himself)
We're getting our butt's kicked...by a
Catholic school!
as the Football is hiked. Gary is knocked down hard to the

ground as he attempts a running pass and twists his ankle.
He yells as he grabs his leg.
as Coach Barker screams.
COACH
(loud)
No, damn it!
He signals a "Time Out" with his hands to the REFEREE, and

sends the Assistant Coach and the school DOCTOR, a casually
dressed man in his 60's, into the Field to tend Gary.
as the Assistant Coach and the Doctor consul Gary as the other
Players stand by and watch. They lift him up and carry him,
arms under his shoulders, back to the Sidelines.
as the Assistant Coach and the Doctor help a limping Gary to

the Bench. The Doctor removes Gary's SHOE and examines his
ankle as the Assistant Coach looks on. The Doctor shakes his
head as he begins to wrap the swollen ankle with a BANDAGE
AND ICE, while talking to the Assistant Coach.
COACH BARKER -- CONTINUOUS
as he paces back and forth. The Assistant Coach approaches

him.
ASSISTANT COACH
Doc says it's just a sprain...
52.
Coach Barker stares at him, expecting more.
COACH BARKER
And what?
The Assistant Coach hesitates.
ASSISTANT COACH
...and he says he should sit out a few
plays until he can get the swelling
down.
COACH BARKER
(loud)
Christ! We're down by twenty-one in
the third quarter and he should rest
awhile?
The Assistant Coach shrugs. Coach Barker looks quickly at

the Scoreboard, at Gary, grimacing in pain, then at Johnny,
sitting quietly on the Bench. They both approach Johnny.
COACH BARKER (CONT'D)

(reluctantly)
Okay, Flory--you're in for a couple of
downs until Gary recoups...see if you
can hang onto the ball for awhile.
Johnny slowly stands, slips his HELMET on, then silently walks
away.

(yelling)
And don't get fancy, just...
Coach Barker pauses, looks at the Assistant Coach, then shakes

his head.
Harry stands and cheers.
HARRY
(loud)
Yeah! Go Johnny!
Liz smiles.
53.
as Johnny enters the huddle. He looks around at the exhausted

Players. The Two Receivers, a TIGHT END, and a SPLIT END,
act energetic, but are unimpressed with Johnny.
JOHNNY
(confident)
We're going to get out of this hole
we're stuck in...
(to the two Receivers)
...you ends open set fast and circle
in at the goal post...
The Receivers laugh quietly to themselves.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
...all right! On forty-four!
(claps hands)
RECEIVERS -- CONTINUOUS
as they walk to formation.
SPLIT END
To the goal post the man says--sounds
like another drill!
The Tight End laughs.
SPLIT END (CONT'D)

Five says I'll beat you there!
They both exchange a "Low-Five," then get into position.
Johnny walks confidently up to the Center, looks around at

the line, then sets into position.
as Harry and Liz watch intensely.
as Coach Barker and the Assistant Coach watch, arms folded

across their chests.
to Johnny.
54.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Twenty-nine...fourteen...sixty-
three...forty-four!
The Football is hiked. Johnny steps quickly backward.
WIDE ANGLE -- CONTINUOUS
of receivers traveling down Field.
as a DEFENSIVE TACKLE gets through the Offensive Line and

runs straight at Johnny.
Johnny tucks the Football under his left arm. When the Tackle
reaches him, Johnny swings his right elbow out hard against
the Tackles rib cage, knocking the wind out of him, and sending
him flying onto the ground, gasping.
Johnny continues to step backward, looking down Field.
Another Tackle gets through the Offensive Line and lunges at

Johnny. Johnny tucks the Football under his right arm, then
leans forward and hits the Tackle hard head-on, knocking the
Tackle's feet out from under him, and sending him flat on his
back onto the ground, dazed.
as Harry smiles. Liz holds a HANDKERCHIEF up to her open

mouth as she watches.
as Coach Barker and the Assistant Coach look surprised at

each other, then back at the Field.
JOHNNY - OVER THE SHOULDER -- CONTINUOUS
as he looks down Field, takes a firm stance, then rears his

arm back and throws a perfect spiral that disappears high
into the evening sky.
RECEIVERS -- CONTINUOUS
as they circle-in together toward the center of the GOAL POST,

huffing. They exchange another "Low Five" as they meet under
the Goal Post.
55.
SPLIT END
All right!
Believing the play is over, they continue jogging back toward

the other end of the Field.
SPLIT END -- CONTINUOUS
looking forward, as he gets HIT HARD in the center of his

chest with the Football, making a loud THUD.
SPLIT END
(loud)
Ugh!
The Football bounces end-over-end into the air.
WIDER--FOOTBALL FIELD -- CONTINUOUS
as the stunned Split End recovers and clumsily lunges forward,

arms outstretched, keeping his eyes on the Football. His
legs drag forward as the Football flops into his arms.
He pulls the Football into his chest and stumbles backward

toward the goal line as the Tight End watches. When he crosses
the Goal Line, he falls forward onto his hands and knees in
pain, letting the Football bounce away as he MOANS.
The GOAL LINE REFEREE raises his arms over his head to signal
a touchdown.
The Tight End jumps up and down, screaming.
as the crowd CHEERS.
LAURA -- CONTINUOUS
as she cheers.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he remains still, but surprised.
as Coach Barker and the Assist Coach laugh and cheer between
themselves.
56.
SPLIT END -- CONTINUOUS
still on his hands and knees. The Tight End runs to him.
TIGHT END
(excited)
Great play, man! Great play!
The Split End, still on his hands and knees holding his chest
and moaning, waves his hand behind his back for his friend to
go away.
as the Firebird's cheer between themselves. Johnny stands

with his hands on his waist looking blankly down Field, then
nods.
as Gary looks concerned.
as the Firebirds successfully kick a FIELD GOAL.
as the score changes to Home 17, Visitors 41.
as an elated Harry continues to cheer. Liz looks concerned.
LIZ
(worried)
Harry, I--I think we should check on
Paulie, now.
HARRY
(preoccupied)
The games' just getting started now,
Honey--and there's only one quarter
left.
LIZ
But, he's been acting so funny, lately.
Harry tries to ignore her.

57.
HARRY
In just a couple more minutes, dear.
The Assistant Coach approaches Coach Barker standing at the

sideline.
ASSISTANT COACH
Doc says Gary can play now.
Coach Barker shakes his head.
COACH BARKER
Oh, no--that was a bad sprain...he
should rest longer.
The Assistant Coach smiles, then walks away.
HIGH SCHOOL BAND -- CONTINUOUS
playing, and enthusiastic Cheerleaders dancing.
as Johnny throws a quick pass to the Split End, hitting him

in his right side with a THUD.
as Coach Barker cheers.
COACH BARKER
(loud)
Yeah!
as Laura watches Johnny.
as the Football is hiked. Johnny throws a hard, straight

running pass to the Tight End.
as Coach Barker watches the game. Gary, now walking normally,

approaches Coach Barker holding his HELMET in his hand.
58.
GARY
Coach--I can play now!
Coach Barker keeps his eyes on the field.
COACH BARKER
No, no--that was a nasty sprain, Gary.
You need more time to recoup...
(pointing his thumb
behind him)
...take a seat.
now displaying Home 24, Visitors 44.
HARRY AND LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
leaving the Stands. Harry looks back still cheering Johnny.

Liz holds onto his arm tightly.
as Johnny throws a long pass.
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
as Players are removing their Uniforms and cheering between

themselves.
as Gary angrily throws his Helmet into his LOCKER.
as the two Receivers stand in front of their LOCKERS.
TIGHT END
(shaking his head)
I can't believe it! A twenty-four
point comeback in the last quarter to
win!
The Split End removes his SHIRT and PADS and painfully inspects
several BLACK-AND-BLUE BRUISES along his sides, and a LARGE
BLACK-AND-BLUE BRUISE in the center of his chest.
59.
INT. COACH BARKER'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
as Coach Barker congratulates Johnny, still in Uniform. A

LARGE WINDOW located behind Coach Barker's DESK provides a
view of the LOCKER ROOM.
COACH BARKER
(excited)
Really great game, John...
Coach Barker rests his arm over Johnny's shoulders. Johnny

is surprised by Coach Barker's change of attitude.

...and what an arm! I had no idea you
had that kind of power--where did you
learn to throw like that?
JOHNNY
(smiling)
My dad had something to do with it...I
started fairly young.
Coach Barker laughs, then gets serious with him. Coach Barker
leans against the front of his Desk, arms folded in front of
him.
COACH BARKER
John, I know this may be premature,
but I think you have the talent to
help take this team to the championships
this year...what can we do for you--
what else do you think you'd need?
JOHNNY
How about some pass protection? I
spent most of my time out there dodging
bulls, Coach.
Coach Barker nods.
COACH BARKER
I know, I know. We need to tighten-up
the offensive line...
(Johnny nods)
...problem is, all the big boys want
to play defense--and they stick together
like a fraternity.
Johnny looks down, shaking his head.

60.

And I can't blame them--you saw how
they pulled together when they got
inspired...and you provided a lot of
that inspiration, tonight, John.
Johnny smiles. Coach Barker walks around his Desk and sits
down in his Chair.

I'm afraid you'll have to find some
help, yourself...unfortunately, this
isn't the largest school in the county,
so we'll just have to make do with
more offensive drills for now...
Johnny remains silent.

...and don't you worry--our guys can
get pretty serious when they want to!
SEVERAL PLAYERS can be seen in the Locker Room through the

Window behind Coach Barker celebrating and jumping on each
other while in their UNDERWEAR.
ONE BOY walks into view and spots Johnny through the Office
Window talking to Coach Barker. He grabs TWO PROTECTIVE CUPS
off the Floor and straps them across his chest. He places
his hands on his hips and twists side to side at the waist
while smiling at Johnny.
Johnny focuses on the Boy, then smiles while nodding at Coach

Barker.
EXT. PAULIE'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT
as Harry and Liz knock on a FRONT DOOR in a VERY MODEST

APARTMENT COMPLEX.
LIZ
(concerned)
I know he's in there, Harry!
Harry continues knocking.
HARRY
Paulie--Paulie, open the door...open
the door, Paulie!
61.
Harry looks around the DIMLY LIT WALKWAY to make sure no one
is watching them.
LIZ
(impatiently)
Honey!
Harry grabs the Doorknob, looks over both shoulders, then

heaves his shoulder at the Door. The flimsy Door pops open
and they quickly step inside, closing the Door behind them.
INT. PAULIE'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
as Harry and Liz walk quickly through the CLUTTERED APARTMENT.
LIZ
Paulie! Paulie!
HARRY
I thought he lived with his schoolmates?
Liz walks into the HALLWAY toward the BEDROOM. Harry checks
the KITCHEN and finds TWO EMPTY GALLON BOTTLES OF CHEAP VODKA,
and a HALF-DRUNK GALLON OF MILK on the COUNTER TOP, along
with TRASH AND SOME ROTTING FOOD. He shakes his head, then
walks into the Hallway where Liz joins him.
LIZ
He's not in bed!
They both walk toward the Bathroom and find Paulie lying face
down and moaning on the Bathroom Floor.
LIZ (CONT'D)
(sobbing)
Oh, no!
HARRY
(disgusted)
I knew it--another binge!
Harry turns him over onto his back. Paulie's face is red and
swollen. He's perspiring and breathing rapidly. Harry tries
to shake him awake.
HARRY (CONT'D)
Paulie! Paulie! How long have you
been drinking?
62.
Paulie moans. He briefly opens his bloodshot eyes and tries

to mutter something.
PAULIE
I...I...nothing...
Liz gasps, holding her hands over her mouth.
LIZ
Harry, let's take him home...
She pleads with Harry.
LIZ (CONT'D)
...let's get him out of here!
Harry nods.
HARRY
Christ--twenty years old and already a
drunk!
Harry reaches under Paulie's arms and lifts him up.
HARRY (CONT'D)
(grunting)
C'mon, son.
INT. BATHROOM -- CONTINUOUS
as Paulie is dragged backwards by his arms OUT OF VIEW.
INT. POOLHALL -- NIGHT
filled with TEENAGERS playing pool. The Rolling Stone's song

"NO SATISFACTION" plays LOUDLY (O.S.). ONE POOL TABLE sits
on an ELEVATED PLATFORM and is in use by several OLDER MEN,
and Nick Faust.
Nick smokes a CIGARETTE and drinks a BEER while playing pool

with one of the Men.
Johnny enters wearing his LETTER JACKET, T-SHIRT, AND LEVI'S.

He's called over to a POOL TABLE occupied by SEVERAL KIDS,
and Brian. He's congratulated for his football victory, then
Brian hands him a POOL CUE to play a game.
Johnny looks around the hall as he chalks his Cue and spots
Nick playing with the older Men. He's impressed by Nick's
size and intimidating appearance.
63.
JOHNNY
(soft)
Hey, Brian...
(motions with his hand)
...who's the big guy?
Brian looks in Nick's direction.
BRIAN
Who? Faust?
Johnny nods.
BRIAN (CONT'D)
Where've you been, man?
Johnny continues to watch Nick.
BRIAN (CONT'D)
That's Nick Faust...
(warning)
...stay away from him, buddy.
JOHNNY
Why's that?
Brian breaks, pocketing a single ball.
BRIAN
Well, his family moved out here from
Chicago only a month ago...
(lines up a pool shot)
...and he just got out of juve from
putting two sailors in the hospital...
Johnny looks at Brian.
BRIAN (CONT'D)
...seems they stole his beach towel
when he was swimming at The Wedge and
wouldn't give it back to him...broke
the jaw on one guy, and almost killed
the other.
Johnny glances over his shoulder as Nick shoots a ball into a

pocket with a CRACK.
64.
BRIAN (CONT'D)
(warns)
Nobody talks to him--and nobody messes
with him...guy's an animal, man!
JOHNNY
(curious)
How old is he?
BRIAN
(laughs)
He's a Junior, just like us--even the
Seniors avoid him!
Johnny shakes his head.
BRIAN (CONT'D)
Funny thing too...I heard he carries a
three-oh average--guy's not as dumb as
he looks.
Johnny looks back at Nick.
JOHNNY
(surprised)
Look at the size of 'em!
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he lines-up an easy side pocket shot.
P.O.V. NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he focuses past the CUE BALL and see's Johnny standing,

holding his Cue, and staring at him.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he looks straight at Johnny with a scowl. He slams the

Ball hard into the Side Pocket with a loud BANG, knocking a
couple of CUE CHALKS and TWO QUARTERS off the edge of the
Pool Table. He slowly straightens up, keeping his eyes on
Johnny.
as he pauses, then looks down at the Pool Table in front of

him and spots a similar side pocket shot.
65.
He quickly takes aim at the Ball with his Cue Ball and shoots
hard, barely grazing the intended Ball, and slamming the Cue
Ball into the side pocket.
Johnny's Friends RAZZ him as he stands proudly, holding his

Pool Cue in hand, while trying to restrain a laugh. He looks
over at Nick in time to see him shake his head and turn away.
BRIAN (O.S.)
(laughing)
Nice scratch, Flory!
Someone (O.S.) throws a handful of POPCORN at Johnny's head

as he stands, still watching Nick.
INT. CLASSROOM -- DAY
with MISS SAMUELS, an attractive brunette in her thirties,

writing assignments on the BLACKBOARD in front of her English
Class.
Johnny sits nervously among the OTHER STUDENTS, chewing on a

fingernail, while bouncing one leg rapidly under his DESK.
Laura sits across the aisle from him, stealing an occasional
glance as he fidgets.
The SCHOOL BELL RINGS. The students quickly gather their

BOOKS AND LUNCH BAGS.
MISS SAMUELS
(loud)
...and don't forget--your survey on
the Mencken essays are also due tomorrow--
class dismissed!
Johnny quickly scribbles on his NOTEPAD, gathers his BOOKS,

then leaves the Classroom.
EXT. HIGHSCHOOL -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny places in Books into his LOCKER and shuts the Door.
He looks worried and concerned as he stares blankly at the
Locker.
as he walks around the rear of a CLASSROOM BUILDING where

STUDENTS hang out to sneak a smoke, and have lunch.
66.
A GROUP OF KIDS quickly hide their CIGARETTES in their hands

when they see Johnny, then continue smoking and laughing when
they recognize him.
Johnny pauses and looks around the area.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he sits on a bald spot in the grass while reading a BOOK,

and casually smoking a CIGARETTE.
KIDS walk by Nick, giving him plenty of room.
getting up the nerve to approach Nick. He takes a deep breath,

then marches up to Nick's side.
GROUP OF KIDS -- CONTINUOUS
mouth's open, watching Johnny.
JOHNNY AND NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny stands, being completely ignored by Nick.
JOHNNY
Faust.
Nick ignores him.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Hey, Faust!
Nick keeps reading his Book.
NICK
(soft)
Get lost, piss ant.
Johnny pauses, then takes another breath.
JOHNNY
Why do you waste your time with that,
big man--you should be playing ball?
Nick starts to get annoyed. He flips his Cigarette away with

his finger.
67.
NICK
(loud)
I said get lost!
KID
(shakes his head)
Oh--oh...that Flory must be nuts!
as Johnny looks around impatiently, then back at Nick. He

grits his teeth, then kicks Nick's knee hard with his Shoe.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Are you listening to me, Faust?
KID
(loud)
Oh--shhhit!
P.O.V. JOHNNY -- CONTINUOUS
as Nick quickly turns his neckless head at him with fire in

his wide open eyes.
as Nick instantly jumps straight up from his sitting position

and tackles Johnny hard at the waist, lifting him up into the
air.
both airborne, with Nick on top of Johnny.
KID
(loud)
Scratch one quarterback!
as Johnny lands backwards onto the Ground with Nick holding

on to him.
68.
Johnny hits the Ground with a resounding THUD and GRUNTS.
Nick straddles Johnny's waist and grabs the lapel of his

Jacket, lifting Johnny's head up while rearing his meaty fist
back to punch him.
grimacing.
flapping his arms wildly against the Ground while SCREAMING

madly.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he pauses, fist still held up, looking confused at Johnny.
as he pauses, looks up at Nick with one eye open, then

continues with his act.
as Nick releases Johnny's Lapel causing Johnny's head to bump

onto the Hard Ground.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Ow!
Nick stands up and steps away from Johnny. Johnny rubs the
back of his head and grimaces while lying flat on the Ground.
NICK
You're either fearless--or crazy, piss
ant.
Johnny looks up at Nick, still rubbing his head.
JOHNNY
Crazy--most likely.
Johnny slowly stands and brushes himself off.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
I wasn't sure what'd it take to get
your attention.
69.
Johnny continues to rub the back of his head.
NICK
What do you want, quarterback?
JOHNNY
(surprised)
You know me?
NICK
I've seen you around--what do you want?
JOHNNY
You!
Nick pauses.
NICK
For what?
JOHNNY
To guard.
NICK
To guard what?
JOHNNY
To guard me.
Johnny waits for his reaction. Nick silently folds his arms
over his chest.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
What I said back then...
(serious)
...I think you'd be magnificent on the
field, Nick--and I really do need your
help.
Nick is slightly taken by Johnny's sincerity and courage as

he looks him over.
NICK
What makes you think I want to play
football?
Nick picks up his Books and Bag Lunch from off the Ground.
JOHNNY
You'd be crazier than me not to!
70.
NICK
Yeah, you got an arm, all right--but
it won't do you any good without
protection by those slugs on your line.
Johnny nods, letting Nick make up his mind.
Nick pauses, looking up and down the Walkway.
NICK (CONT'D)
(warning)
I don't play defense.
JOHNNY
(smiles)
Neither do I!
Nick sighs and shakes his head as he looks at Johnny.
NICK
Friends...with a quarterback, yet.
Johnny beams. Nick looks at him expectantly.
NICK (CONT'D)
Well?
JOHNNY
Huh?
NICK
Let's go see Coach.
Nick starts to walk. Johnny eagerly walks along with him.
cheering to themselves.
walking together.
NICK
(looking straight ahead)
Bet you didn't know I could move that
fast--huh, piss ant?
Johnny feels cocky now that he made friends with Nick.

71.
JOHNNY
Nope! I didn't know anything so ugly
could move that fast!
Nick tosses the remains of his Bag Lunch at the back of

Johnny's head as he walks. A half-eaten APPLE pops out of
the wrinkled bag as it hits Johnny's head.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Ow!
Johnny grabs the back of his head again. Nick continues to

walk silently ahead.
Johnny playfully runs hard into Nick's side, not budging him
at all.
Johnny grabs his arm in pain as he walks along side of the

big man.
as Johnny, Nick, and the rest of the OFFENSIVE TEAM, run past
a smiling Coach Barker on the way out to the Field in front
of a CHEERING Crowd.
as the FOOTBALL is hiked. Nick knocks down TWO DEFENSIVE

TACKLES while Johnny completes a drop back pass.
COACH BARKER AND ASSISTANT COACH -- CONTINUOUS
as they smile and watch.
as Harry, without Liz, cheers Johnny on.
as the Football is hiked. Nick knocks down two more TACKLES,

then chases and knocks down a third TACKLE that gets through
the line. Johnny completes a running pass.
COACH BARKER AND ASSISTANT COACH -- CONTINUOUS
laughing to each other.

72.
as the Football is hiked. Nick easily blocks TWO VERY

APPREHENSIVE TACKLES as Johnny throws a long pass into the
air.
INT. LIVINGROOM -- DAY
of a FOOTBALL TROPHY being placed and carefully positioned

among SEVERAL SMALLER TROPHIES on a BOOKCASE SHELF. The
ENGRAVING reads "1965 High School Division Champions - John
Flory - Quarterback." The REFLECTION of Harry's smiling face
can be seen in the BRASS PLATE as he polishes the Trophy with
a RAG.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK -- AFTERNOON
as Johnny and Nick walk together. They both wear SWEAT SHIRTS
AND LEVI'S, and Johnny is flipping a FOOTBALL in his hands as
they talk. They walk by a PLAYING FIELD occupied by TWO TEAMS
dressed in FOOTBALL UNIFORMS. A small group of MEN sit in
the first rows of the BLEACHERS.
Johnny and Nick stop at a HANDRAIL and watch the Teams play.
An OLD COACH, wearing a CAP, a WHISTLE around his neck, and
holding a CLIPBOARD, notices them.
OLD COACH
Hello, boys!
Johnny nods. Nick watches the Field. The Old Coach eyes
Nick, then Johnny.
OLD COACH (CONT'D)

You boys play football?
Johnny nods.
JOHNNY
Varsity--we're seniors from Foothill
High.
The Old Coach smiles.
OLD COACH
Well, well--seniors from Foothill High,
eh? Have you seen semi-pros play
before?
Johnny shakes his head. The Old Coach looks towards the Field.
73.
EXT. FIELD -- CONTINUOUS
as the huge Football Players noisily CLASH together during a

play.
OLD COACH -- CONTINUOUS
smiling.
OLD COACH
(proudly)
Those are the Arkansas Warthogs,
boys...we're in town for an exhibition
game tomorrow!
Nick lets out a quiet laugh. The Old Coach looks at them
with a snide smile.
OLD COACH (CONT'D)

How would you varsity boys like to
spar with the team for a couple of
plays?
Johnny looks at the huge Football Players on the Field.
JOHNNY
Oh, well--I don't...
NICK
(Interrupts)
...we'll play.
Johnny stares at Nick. The Old Coach smiles.
OLD COACH
O-kay, boys--what positions do you
play?
JOHNNY
I quarterback...
(still staring at Nick)
...and he bumps heads.
OLD COACH
Fine, fine.
The Old Coach blows his Whistle interrupting the action on

the Field. The Players stop and look at the Old Coach.
74.
OLD COACH (CONT'D)

(loud)
We have a couple of varsity boys here
that want to bump heads with you guys...
(Johnny shrinks)
...let 'em in for a couple of plays!
as the Players laugh among themselves.
as he smiles while looking behind himself and winks at the

group of Men in the Bleachers, then looks back at Johnny and
Nick.
OLD COACH
Go ahead, boys...
(holds his arm toward
the field)
...knock yourselves out!
Nick, and a reluctant Johnny, jog out to the Field.
as Johnny walks into the middle of a group of massive-sized

Men.
as he looks-up at the huge Men.
as a smiling Player tosses the FOOTBALL underhanded to Johnny

while they get into formation.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he walks to the line snarling at TWO DEFENSIVE TACKLES.
TWO TACKLES -- CONTINUOUS
as they look confused at Nick, then to each other.

75.
as Johnny pauses while standing in position looking at the

line of Men ready to attack. He holds his hands-up to make a
"T" sign to call a "Time Out," and looks in the direction of
the Old Coach.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Hey, Coach...Coach!
The Old Coach looks at Johnny.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
How about some gear?
The Old Coach smiles.
OLD COACH
(loud)
What's that--you want some gear?
The Old Coach reaches into a large DUFFEL BAG next to him and
pulls out TWO HELMETS. He walks onto the Field and tosses a
Helmet to Johnny and Nick.
OLD COACH (CONT'D)

Here 'ya go!
as he examines the BATTERED AND GOUGED HELMET.
as he slips on the Helmet and gets into position.
JOHNNY
(sarcastically)
Gee--thanks, Coach.
Johnny looks at both ends of the line, at Nick, then straight

ahead.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Hup one...hup two...hup--hup!
The Football is hiked hard into Johnny's chest, sending him

back a couple of steps.
76.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as the Two Tackles run into him. Nick holds them back
momentarily, surprising them, then gets shoved down to the
ground on his back.
as he immediately gets knocked to the ground by Two Tackles.
as he turns to the Men behind him and laughs.
as Nick quickly gets back up. The Two Tackles watch him,
surprised.
grimacing, from getting the air knocked out of him. He slowly

rises, then quietly brushes himself off.
He exchanges looks with Nick.
JOHNNY
(angry)
Let's try that again.
He gets back into formation.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
Hut one...hut two...hut--hut!
The Football is hiked, and he immediately fakes a pass, then

runs to the left side, avoiding the Tackles.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
grabbing one Tackle and shoving him sideways into another,

until all three of them go down.
completing an inside pass to a HALF-BACK before getting hit.
nodding in approval.
77.
OLD COACH
Not bad--nice toss trap pass!
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he and the Two Tackles stand together.
TACKLE
Nice play, kid!
Nick remains silent.
as the Football is hiked. Johnny dodges the TACKLES and throws

a long pass to a SPLIT END.
silently nodding his head as he watches. He turns around and

smiles at the Men behind him.
as the Men sit, quietly surprised.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK -- DUSK
as the Players walk off the field. Several Players pat Johnny
and Nick on the back as they remove their Gear.
The Old Coach applauds Johnny and Nick, then smiles and waves
at them as he leaves the Park.
OLD COACH
(loud)
Come by again, anytime, boys!
A haggard Johnny waves back at the Old Coach. Nick doesn't

bother to respond.
JOHNNY AND NICK
as they walk slowly to a BIKE RACK. Johnny holds in a grunt

as he bends over to unlock the CHAIN on his TEN-SPEED BICYCLE.
Nick stands silently watching him. Johnny pulls the Bike
from the Rack.
JOHNNY
Nice game, huh?
78.
He tries to hold back the pain he's feeling in every muscle

in his body.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
Maybe we'll catch them here next weekend
and really kick those farm boy's butts!
Nick nods. Johnny lifts his leg up to mount his Bike, then
stops half way from the pain.
He decides to walk the Bike by it's Handle Bars.
NICK
Well, see 'ya around.
Nick quickly walks away in another direction.
JOHNNY
Later, Nickey!
WIDER -- CONTINUOUS
of Johnny, limping, as he slowly walks his Bicycle down a

DIMLY LIT SIDEWALK.
EXT. STREET -- CONTINUOUS
as Nick opens the SQUEAKY DOOR to his faded-blue 1956 CHEVY

NOMAD STATIONWAGON. He GRUNTS as he slides in behind the
STEERING WHEEL and slowly closes the Door. He stops half-way
while reaching to insert the KEY into the IGNITION. He pulls
on the Steering Wheel with his left hand, moving his whole
body forward allowing him to insert the Key into the Ignition
Switch to start the Car.
NICK
(quietly laughing)
Semi-pros!
He shakes his head for a moment, moans, then laughs again.

He slowly moves the COLUMN GEARSHIFT into Drive.
REAR OF CHEVY NOMAD -- CONTINUOUS
as it pulls slowly away from the Curb.
as the FOOTBALL is hiked. Johnny throws a long pass.

79.
as Coach Barker stands, arms folded, watching the game. The

Assistant Coach approaches him and speaks into his ear. They
both turn around.
of TWO STANDING MEN. One man is watching the game with

BINOCULARS and talking, while the other writes on a CLIPBOARD.
as Coach Barker and the Assistant Coach smile and nod at each
other. They turn their attention back to the game.
as Players cheer while removing their Uniforms.
PLAYER
(excited)
I can't believe we kicked their butts
again!
ANOTHER PLAYER
(removing his shoes)
More like Nick kicked their butts...I
almost felt sorry for those guys!
INT. COACH BARKER'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny and Nick stand, still in UNIFORM, facing Coach

Barker.
COACH BARKER
...and if you two keep playing like
that, we may just win the nationals
this year!
Johnny nods while looking at Nick.
JOHNNY
(confident)
We might be able to arrange that, Coach.
Coach Barker smiles.
COACH BARKER
And I'll tell you something else...
80.
COACH BARKER (MORE)

(serious)
...we spotted a couple of scouts in
the stands, tonight--and with your
GPAs, I can almost guarantee an athletic
scholarship to any school you'd want...
Johnny and Nick look at each other.
COACH BARKER (O.S.) (CONT'D)

...the both of you could write your
own tickets!
SERIES OF SHOTS -- COLLEGE DAYS
EXT. COLLEGE FOOTBALL FIELD -- DAY
CLOSE-UP of a REFEREE'S face, LOUDLY BLOWING A WHISTLE.
EXT. COLLEGE FOOTBALL FIELD -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny and Nick play in a PRACTICE GAME WITH TEAMMATES.
INT. CLASSROOM -- DAY
of Johnny and Nick STUDYING.
EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD -- DAY
as Johnny and Nick play in a BOWL GAME.
as Johnny and Nick cheer with the TEAM at end of a BOWL GAME.
as Harry and Liz stand and cheer.
INT. FRAT HOUSE -- NIGHT
as Johnny and Nick attend a WILD PARTY.
INT. TV NEWSROOM -- DAY
as Johnny and Nick are featured on the CHANNEL 3 "EYE ON

COLLEGE SPORTS" SHOW.
81.
of SEVERAL MEN standing quietly in back of a WIRE FENCE near

the SIDELINES, watching the Players with BINOCULARS, and taking
notes on a CLIPBOARD.
EXT. FIELD -- DAY
on commencement day. A BANNER strung across a PODIUM reads,

"University of California, Fullerton -- Class of 1970." Johnny
and Nick are dressed in GOWNS and MORTARBOARDS as Harry, Liz,
and Paulie congratulate them. Laura watches Johnny from the
background, smiling.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CAR -- DAY
as Johnny drives Harry in a 1970 FORD LTD through the STREETS

OF CENTURY CITY. Johnny, now 21, is dressed in a DARK SUIT,
and Harry, in his early 50's, wears a MADRAS JACKET and PIN
STRIPED SLACKS.
HARRY
I still can't believe you want to sign
with the Cougars!
Johnny smiles.
JOHNNY
We already talked about that, dad.
HARRY
Yeah, but I still don't believe it!
You had a chance to go with the Rams,
for Christ sakes! For what?--that
hardheaded pal of your's?
JOHNNY
Nick's been a good friend, and I need
him...
(Harry shakes his head)
...and nobody knows how I move in the
pocket better than he does--and he can
hit!
HARRY
Yes, son,--but the Rams!
Johnny smiles and shakes his head.

82.
JOHNNY
They wouldn't take us together--it's
something Nick and me agreed on a long
time ago, dad.
Harry pauses.
HARRY
They could of used you this year, too...
Harry looks out the Window.
HARRY (CONT'D)
...well, it might be good if you played
with another team for a while until
you've learned the ropes--then you can
move up later on.
Johnny smiles as he continues driving.
Harry points out the Window as they approach a TALL, GLASS

BUILDING. A ROUND METALLIC LOGO in the shape of a COUGAR'S
HEAD is prominently displayed above the ENTRANCE OF THE
BUILDING.
INT. LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny and Harry exit an ELEVATOR. They are impressed by

the LUSH FURNISHINGS, and a TROPHY DISPLAY covering an ENTIRE
WALL. Harry examines the Trophy Display, while Johnny walks
over to a HUGE WALNUT DESK where an attractive blond SECRETARY
is busy talking on the Phone. He exchanges words with the
Secretary, then she motions with her hand for them to take a
seat. Johnny walks over to his father.
Harry leans his head sideways towards Johnny while staring at

the Trophy Display.
HARRY
(softly)
You notice they don't have anything up
for the nineteen-sixty-five
season...Rams kicked their butts that
year forty-four to...
The Secretary interrupts.
SECRETARY
(loud)
Mister Reynolds can see you now!
83.
Harry and Johnny smile and nod at the Secretary, then walk
towards a LARGE SET OF DOUBLE DOORS.
INT. OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny and Harry enter a RICHLY DECORATED OFFICE. MISTER

REYNOLDS, a well-dressed, seasoned businessman in his 50's,
sits behind an elegant EXECUTIVE'S DESK. COACH GREEN, a
balding, pudgy man in his 40's, leans against the Desk, arms
folded. JAMES OSBORNE, a young lawyer type in a THREE-PIECE
SUIT, stands quietly behind Mister Reynold's CHAIR.
Mister Reynolds immediately rises and walks over to Johnny

and Harry.
MISTER REYNOLDS
(enthusiastic)
John--come in, come in...
(shaking hands)
...glad to meet you, John, we've been
expecting you!
JOHNNY
Pleased to meet you, Mister Reynolds.
MISTER REYNOLDS
Please, call me Bob...
(looks a Harry)
...and who's this?
JOHNNY
(smiling)
This is my personal manager--and father,
Harry Flory.
MISTER REYNOLDS
(shakes hands)
Nice to meet you, Mister Flory.
HARRY
(nods)
Bob.
MISTER REYNOLDS
(turning to Coach Green)
This is Jay Green, head coach for the
California Cougars...
They shake hands.

84.
Mister Reynolds motions to James Osborne with his hand.
MISTER REYNOLDS (CONT'D)

...and this is James Osborne, one of
our team lawyers.
They exchange nods.
Mister Reynolds shows Johnny and Harry toward a plush BLACK

LEATHER AND CHROME SOFA. A GLASS AND CHROME COFFEE TABLE is
positioned in front of the Sofa.

Please--have a seat, gentlemen!
Johnny and Harry sit together on the Sofa. Mister Reynolds

remains standing.

As you know, the Cougars are an old
and well established franchise
originally formed here in California...
(to Harry)
...we pride ourselves on our devotion
to the game, and to the fine athletes
that comprise the membership of our
organization.
HARRY
(nodding)
We know that, Bob, we've been devoted
Cougar fans for years.
Johnny clears his throat.
MISTER REYNOLDS
Good! Then I'll get right down to
it...
(folds his arms)
...John, we're looking very forward to
having you and Mister Faust as members
of the team, and you possibly backing-
up quarterback Steve Manning.
Johnny and Harry look at each other.

That's right.
85.
MISTER REYNOLDS (MORE)

Since the seasons' about to start, I
thought you could jump right into team
practice, then maybe participate at a
non-critical time during game play if
you feel you're ready...
(Johnny nods)
...and from what I've been hearing,
you and Nick appear to be almost ready,
now!
JOHNNY
Yes, Sir, I think so--after I get to
know the team, and they get to know me
and Nick.
MISTER REYNOLDS
I don't see any problems there...
(to Coach Green)
...do you Coach?
COACH GREEN
Well, depending on how practice goes,
and how compatible John...
MISTER REYNOLDS
(interrupting)
...fine, then. I have an afternoon
appointment with Mister Faust--I'm
sure he's probably thinking along the
same lines as you, John.
Johnny nods. Coach Green looks annoyed.
Mister Reynolds walks behind his Desk and sits.

Great, then--down to business. I had
Mister Osborne put together a
comprehensive contract for you--I think
you'll find it very satisfactory.
James Osborn carries his BRIEFCASE over to Johnny and removes

the CONTRACT: a THICK, MANUSCRIPT-LIKE DOCUMENT BOUND BY
BRASS FASTENERS. He plops it down onto the Glass Table.
Johnny picks it up with both hands and leans back into the
Sofa. Johnny and Harry stare in awe at the sizable Contract.
86.

Go ahead and browse through it when
you like...
(lighting a CIGAR)
...it contains pretty much the standard
agreement we offer to all of our
players.
JOHNNY AND HARRY -- OVER THE SHOULDER
as Johnny and Harry stare at the Contract, then turn to each

other. Harry immediately removes a PEN from his Coat Pocket
and holds it in front of Johnny.
as Johnny and Nick practice plays with the COUGAR TEAM. Johnny
demonstrates his skill as a passer and is quickly accepted by
his new TEAMMATES.
Nick's quiet ferocity on the line gains him the immediate

respect from the other OFFENSIVE LINEMEN.
SCOTTY, Coach Green's chubby 12-year-old son, hands out CUPS

OF WATER to the PLAYERS ON THE BENCH. Coach Green, resenting
the owner's favoritism for a rookie, watches Johnny with
contempt.
EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM -- DAY
as Johnny and Nick run out onto the FOOTBALL FIELD. They are
captivated by the sight and sounds of the HOWLING fans as
they jog in-between a path formed by two rows of rallying
CHEERLEADERS.
as Harry, Liz, and Paulie stand and cheer.
as Johnny watches the game from the Bench.
showing the Cougars leading the MINNESOTA VIKINGS 37 to 10 in

the third quarter.
87.
EXT. SIDELINE -- CONTINUOUS
as Coach Green receives a PHONE CALL on the SIDELINES. He's

seen arguing into the PHONE. He hands the Phone to an
ASSISTANT, then walks over to the Bench.
Coach Green points to the Field as he speaks to Johnny. Johnny

runs out onto the Field.
as Johnny throws a short pass to a RUNNING BACK who gains ten

yards.
as Johnny throws long pass to the TIGHT END who gains 25 yards.
as Johnny throws a fast pass through the arms of TWO DEFENSIVE

BACKS to the Tight End in the back field for a TOUCHDOWN.
as Harry and Paulie jump up and cheer.
as the PLAYERS on the Bench stand and cheer Johnny.
SCOTTY
as he cheers along with the COACHING STAFF along the Sidelines.
as the team congratulates Johnny.
as Coach Green stands expressionless, watching the Football

Field.
INT. OFFICE -- NIGHT
as Johnny and Nick attend a WIN PARTY. Several TEAM PLAYERS

with WIVES or GIRLFRIENDS, WOMEN from the cheerleader's staff,
and Mister Reynolds and Coach Green are present. More PEOPLE
are being served FOOD AND DRINKS AT A TABLE BY CATERERS.
88.
STEVE MANNING, the tall, ruggedly handsome star quarterback,

is the center of attention.
CINDY JENNINGS, an attractive blond, is the oldest member of

the Cougar's Cheerleader's Staff, and her roommate, SUSAN, a
pretty brunette, stand together watching Johnny and Nick while
sipping champagne.
Mister Reynolds is offering a toast.
MISTER REYNOLDS
(holding glass)
...and to Steve Manning, who again
provided the guiding force to lead the
Cougars to another record victory...
Everyone CHEERS AND TOASTS STEVE.

(to Johnny)
...and also to our new recruits, John
Flory and Nick Faust--Gentlemen, rarely
have I seen the trust and devotion you
two give each other out on the
field...with your skills and enthusiasm
for the game of football, I know you're
going to raise the standard of game
play for the Cougars, and help bring
us closer towards the goal that we are
all so working very hard for--the
Superbowl!
Mister Reynolds raises his GLASS and TOASTS, as everyone

APPLAUDS Johnny and Nick. Coach Green reluctantly Toasts the
rookies.
Johnny and Nick smile and return the Toast.
CINDY -- CONTINUOUS
as she stares devilishly at Johnny while she sips her

CHAMPAGNE.
INT. DRESSING ROOM -- DAY
as Cindy ties her SHOE LACES. SEVERAL CHEERLEADERS are

arriving carrying their MAKE-UP KITS and CLOTHING BAGS.
Cindy is already dressed in her CHEERLEADER'S OUTFIT. She

sits in front of a MIRROR BRUSHING HER HAIR.
89.
Susan enters wearing her STREET CLOTHES and HANGS HER BAG IN
HER LOCKER. She sees Cindy already dressed and ready for
work.
SUSAN
(to Cindy)
You left so early this morning--what's
up?
CINDY
(preoccupied)
Oh--I just wanted to get in here and
ready to go out onto the field.
SUSAN
What's the rush? Pregame doesn't even
start for another hour, yet?
Cindy smiles.
CINDY
I've got plans.
Susan starts to undress.
SUSAN
For what?
CINDY
(smiles)
A certain rookie quarterback.
Susan stops, and turns to Cindy.
SUSAN
Cindy, no! You don't mean Johnny, do
you?
Cindy continues brushing her hair.
SUSAN (CONT'D)
Damn it, Cindy, you know we're not
suppose to fraternize with...
CINDY
(interrupts)
...I don't care. I'm thinking of the
future, Susan...
90.
CINDY (MORE)
(to Susan)
...and what do you intend to do when
the organization doesn't want you
anymore?
SUSAN
There's plenty we can do--start a new
career, a family...
CINDY
Not me! I like this lifestyle--and
I'm going to make sure that it
continues.
Susan shakes her head.
SUSAN
But you could be released--and no other
team would take you then.
CINDY
(smiles)
That won't matter much if I'm married
to a player, now, will it?
SUSAN
(pleading)
But we all look up to you, Cindy--why
chance all those years you've worked
for some rookie football player?
Cindy throws her HAIRBRUSH at the Mirror as she stands.
CINDY
(yells)
I'm going to get him, Susan--he's mine!
Everyone watches as Cindy furiously grabs the POMPOM out of

her Locker and marches out of the Dressing Room.
EXT. GAME PLAY -- DAY
as Johnny throws a long pass to a RECEIVER for a TOUCHDOWN.
as Harry and Liz cheer Johnny.
CLOSE HARRY -- CONTINUOUS

91.
with SEVERAL BLACK-AND-BLUE BRUISES COVERING HIS ARMS.
INT. STADIUM TV BOOTH -- CONTINUOUS
as DAVE, a tanned, good looking man in his 30's, and BOB, a

gray haired man in his 60's, announce the plays. They both
wear BURGUNDY-COLORED SPORTS JACKETS with a CHANNEL 3 LOGO ON
THE BREAST POCKET, and BROADCASTING HEADSETS.
DAVE
Well, Bob, it look's like they're giving
Flory a good work-out today.
BOB
Yep! I really like the way the Cougar
organization get's their rookies right
into the game--no straddling the bench
for any of them!
DAVE
Especially when they're that talented
and motivated--I hope the first string
shares that philosophy!
BOB
I dunno, Dave!
as the Cougars kick a FIELD GOAL.
of Scotty trying to balance several DRINKING CUPS of water in

his arms. He slowly walks to the Bench and hands a Cup to
each Player. Nick TRIPS THE BOY as he walks by, sending him
face down onto the Ground. Nick laughs. Scotty gets slowly
back up and is soaked. He frowns at Nick as he walks away.
Coach Green glares silently as Nick continues to laugh.
as the Cougars run off the CHEERING field at the end of the
game.
JOHNNY AND CINDY -- CONTINUOUS
making eye contact as Johnny walks by the line of Cheerleaders.

Nick notices them.
92.
EXT. STADIUM PARKING LOT -- LATER
as Nick walks out of the STADIUM BUILDING carrying a DUFFEL

BAG.
He sees Johnny and Cindy walking together.
P.O.V. -- NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as Cindy opens the PASSENGER DOOR to her 1969 MUSTANG for

Johnny. They kiss briefly, then Johnny sits inside. Cindy
closes Johnny's Door and walks over to the driver's side and
gets in.
INT. JOHNNY'S APARTMENT -- DAY
as the PHONE RINGS, waking Johnny in BED. He answers the

Phone still half asleep.
JOHNNY
(yawning)
Hello?
LIZ (V.O.)
Johnny?
JOHNNY
Hi, Mom.
LIZ (V.O.)
Johnny, I'm afraid we're not going to
be able to see you in Dallas this week.
JOHNNY
(grabbing his head)
Huh?
LIZ (V.O.)
It's your father--he's had a bad sore
throat now for days and I finally talked
him into seeing a doctor this afternoon--
so we won't be...
Johnny hears a CLICK (V.O.) over the Phone as Harry pick's up

the extension.
HARRY (V.O.)
(hoarse voice)
...more like nagged me into submission!
93.
LIZ (V.O.)
Harry, you get back into bed!
HARRY (V.O.)
See! Oh, don't worry about me, son,
I'll be fine--you just roll into Texas
tomorrow and kick those bovine's butts!
Johnny smiles.
JOHNNY
(laughs)
You're starting to sound like a Cougar
fan, dad.
HARRY (V.O.)
Why not--they have the best quarterback
in the league!
JOHNNY
(yawning)
Okay, dad, but I'll miss you and mom.
HARRY (V.O.)
We'll be watching!
LIZ (V.O.)
You be careful, Johnny. We love you!
JOHNNY
I love you, too.
HARRY (V.O.)
Play well, son.
JOHNNY
I will, dad--bye.
Johnny hangs-up the Phone. He glances at the PICTURE FRAMES

of his Family on the NIGHT STAND, smiles, then roll's over
and falls back to sleep.
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
as the Cougars return during the half-time break. The Players

are jubilant as they enter the LOCKER ROOM congratulating
each other. COACH FREEMAN, a tall, graying man in his 50's,
is talking quietly on a PHONE hanging next to a LOCKER. He
looks at the Players and spots Johnny.
94.
COACH FREEMAN
(yelling)
John...John...
(getting his attention,
then holds the Phone
up)
...for you!
Johnny walks over and Coach Freeman hands him the Phone.
JOHNNY
Thanks, Coach...hello?
No one answers.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
Hello, who's there?
The players make a lot of noise HOLLERING to each other.

Johnny covers his other ear with his hand.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Hello?
LIZ (V.O.)
Johnny...it's me.
JOHNNY
Who--mom, it that you?
LIZ (V.O.)
Yes, Johnny it's your mother.
JOHNNY
Mom, what is it? I can barely hear
you!
LIZ (V.O.)
Johnny...I'm sorry to call you right
now, but...
JOHNNY
What is, mom? What's wrong?
LIZ (V.O.)
...it's your father...
(sobs)
...he has cancer!
95.
Johnny freezes.
JOHNNY
(yells)
What! What do you mean?
LIZ (V.O.)
(weeping)
When I took him to the doctor--he
couldn't even swallow...they put him
in the hospital and ran some tests...he
has leukemia, Johnny!
(she cries)
JOHNNY
How? What? I thought he just had the
flu or something?
LIZ (V.O.)
(weeping)
I know...they ran some blood tests and
found it was leukemia.
Johnny pauses, staring blankly.
LIZ (V.O.) (CONT'D)

Johnny, can you come home?
JOHNNY
(confused)
Yes, I...no--I'll catch the next plane
right after the game, okay, mom?
LIZ (V.O.)
(weeping)
I'm so sorry, sweetheart!
JOHNNY
(consoling)
No--don't worry, mom. Dad's a pretty
tough guy, you know. He's going to be
all right.
LIZ (V.O.)
(weeping)
All right, honey--I'll see you soon,
okay?
JOHNNY
Okay, mom--I'll see you tonight.
96.
Johnny hangs-up the Phone and pauses, trying to comprehend

what he had just heard.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- NIGHT
as a cheerful Harry is surrounded by Johnny, Liz, Paulie, and

DOCTOR SLOAN, a graying, 50 year-old hematologist wearing a
WHITE LAB COAT.
Harry is sitting attentively on the edge of his BED wearing

PAJAMAS while Liz holds his hand.
DOCTOR SLOAN
...so we'd like to start you on
consolidated chemotherapy tomorrow,
Harry, and get you into remission as
soon as possible.
Harry nods.
LIZ
Doctor, what are the chances of putting
it into remission?
DOCTOR SLOAN
(smiles)
Aside from the disease, Harry's in
pretty good physical condition--I don't
really think that will be much a
problem.
Liz looks concerned.
DOCTOR SLOAN (CONT'D)

Our goal, Liz, is to keep him there.
(to Harry)
I'll check on you tonight, Harry, all
right?
HARRY
(smiles)
Fine, Doctor--and thanks.
Harry shakes hands with Doctor Sloan.
DOCTOR SLOAN
(smiles)
You're welcome, Harry. Nice to meet
everyone.
97.
Doctor Sloan leaves the Room.
HARRY
(to Johnny)
What are you hanging around here for--
you've got another game to win, sport!
JOHNNY
Dad, I'm going to stay for awhile...
HARRY
(interrupts)
...like hell you are! Can't you see--
I'm fine!
Johnny watches his father.
HARRY (CONT'D)
Look--when I came here yesterday I
choked trying to swallow water. They
pumped an antibiotic into me and
overnight--it's gone! I've never felt
better!
JOHNNY
Yes, but dad, these treatments you're
going to start tomorrow...
HARRY
(interrupts)
...are going to be long and boring,
and I don't need you here to hold my
hand...
(to Liz)
...that's what I have your mother for!
Harry kisses Liz's hand. Liz smiles at Harry. Johnny looks

hesitantly at Harry.
HARRY (CONT'D)
(assuring)
Honestly, son, get back to your team--
they need you worse than I do right
now. I'll see you when you're playing
at home again...and maybe show you a
couple of moves that I might of left
out when you were five!
Johnny smiles.
98.
INT. BANQUET ROOM -- NIGHT
as the PLAYERS and STAFF of the California Cougars celebrate

another victory.
Cindy and Susan stand quietly together in the corner of the

room sipping CHAMPAGNE.
Johnny is helping himself at the PUNCH BOWL, while Nick, Steve,

and SEVERAL OTHER PLAYERS, are talking between themselves.
DEBRA, a tall blonde cheerleader, approaches Johnny with

sympathy in her eyes. Cindy and Susan watch her.
DEBRA
Hi Johnny.
Johnny turns and smiles to her.
JOHNNY
Hello Debra, how are you?
DEBRA
Fine. Johnny, I just heard about your
father--I'm so sorry.
JOHNNY
Thank's for the concern, Debra, but I
think he's going to be fine.
Debra smiles.
DEBRA
You know, my father had therapy for
the same thing last year.
Johnny turns to her with interest.
JOHNNY
Really? I don't know that much about
it. How successful is it?
DEBRA
It's very successful. They put him
into remission within a week!
JOHNNY
Wow--I didn't know something like that
was so easy to cure.
99.
DEBRA
It's not, Johnny. Are you familiar
with the disease?
DEBRA (CONT'D)
Would you like to talk about it?
JOHNNY
(interested)
Yes--please...
Johnny leads her towards a SOFA and they sit.
CINDY -- CONTINUOUS
as she angrily watches Johnny and Debra engaged in conversation

on the Sofa. She takes a sip of Champagne, then clenches her
teeth together as she glares at them. Cindy slams the
CHAMPAGNE GLASS onto a NEARBY TABLE and is about to leave,
when she notices Steve staring at her from across the Room.
She pauses and looks back at him suggestively. Steve smiles
at her. She removes a COMPACT from her PURSE and powders her
face.
SUSAN
(warning)
Cindy--what are you doing?
CINDY
(smiling)
Why play around with second string
when you can have the star attraction?
SUSAN
(warns)
Cindy!
P.O.V. -- SUSAN -- CONTINUOUS
as she watches Cindy place the Compact back into her Purse
and walk seductively up to Steve and smile. They talk for a
moment, then turn and walk together out of the Room.
100.
as he looks past Debra and notices Steve and Cindy leaving

together.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he watches Steve and Cindy walk past him.
SUSAN -- CONTINUOUS
as she watches Steve and Cindy walk past her. Her eyes catch
the view of Nick, and her mouth drops open in awe of the big
man.
She walks up to Nick and stands in front of him, eyes

transfixed on his rugged face.
NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as he continues to look in the direction of Steve and Cindy.

He looks straight forward, then tilts his head down to see
Susan staring affectionately up at him.
CLOSE -- NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as his eyebrows quickly rise.
INT. PAULIE'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT
as Liz watches Harry struggling to lift a drunken Paulie off

the KITCHEN FLOOR. Harry's clothing hangs loosely from his
haggard body, and his thinning hair flops over his drawn,
sweaty face.
Liz watches in tears as Harry, breathing heavily, tries to

drag Paulie across the Kitchen Floor.
as Johnny talks to Liz on the PHONE while sitting on his BED.
LIZ (V.O.)
...he's been taking those damn
treatments for months now--and they're
tearing him apart!
101.
JOHNNY
(consoling)
I know, Mom--but they're keeping the
leukemia in remission.
LIZ (V.O.)
(weeping)
You should have seen your father trying
to move Paulie--he could barely lift
him off the floor!
Johnny holds his head with one hand as he talks to Liz.
JOHNNY
Isn't he feeling any better, though?
LIZ (V.O.)
(weeping)
He can't taste anything! He's lost so
much weight...now he just sit's there
in his chair--staring!
JOHNNY
(pauses)
I know, Mom--I know.
Liz continues weeping (V.O.) over the Phone.
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
as Mister Reynolds makes an announcement to a group of anxious

NEWS REPORTERS, and TV CAMERAS. He sits at a CONFERENCE TABLE
with DOCTOR BAKER, a distinguished looking man in his 60's,
and Coach Green. A MICROPHONE is placed in front of each of
them. A CALIFORNIA COUGARS LOGO hangs on a Wall behind them.
Coach Green does not look happy.
MISTER REYNOLDS
...so it's with great disappointment
that we have to announce that Steve
Manning will be out the rest of the
season due to the back injury he
received from today's game.
A fury of CAMERA FLASHES and questions erupt from the group

of Reporters.
102.
REPORTER #1
(yelling)
Isn't there some treatment or therapy
that can get him back on his feet soon--
why is the Cougar organization so quick
to write Manning off?
MISTER REYNOLDS
(loud)
Who said we're writing him off...
DOCTOR BAKER
(interrupts)
...Mister Manning sustained a very
serious injury to his first, second,
and third lumbar vertebra--in fact, he
isn't showing any feeling in his legs
and waist...of course, he'll receive
the best therapeutic and convalescence
care available, and we are very
optimistic about his recovery.
MISTER REYNOLDS
(interrupts)
...and both Steve, and his wife, Tanya,
are in good spirits--and they know
everyone is looking forward to seeing
him back on the field where he belongs.
REPORTER #2
(yelling)
But what about Flory--is he really
ready to assume the responsibility of
team leader when he's only been playing
this season?
MISTER REYNOLDS
We have the greatest confidence in
John's abilities to lead the team for
the remainder of the season, and...
INT. CINDY'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
as Cindy and Susan watch the Cougar's announcement on the

TELEVISION while sitting on a SOFA.
Cindy is furious. She jumps-up and shouts at the Television.

103.
CINDY
(yelling)
His wife, Tanya! That bastard! That
God-damned bastard!
Susan watches quietly as Cindy angrily paces the Living Room.
CINDY (CONT'D)
(yelling)
Big football star! He knock's me up
telling me I'm the only one he loves--
and the son-of-a-bitch was married all
the time...and everyone kept it quiet!
SUSAN
(calmly)
Cindy...
Cindy stops and shouts at Susan.
CINDY
(interrupts)
What! What do you think I can do now!
The heros' in a wheel chair...
(points to the TV)
...with his loving wife at his side,
and I'm supposed to feel sorry for the
bastard?
SUSAN
(staring at Cindy)
Cindy?
CINDY
(screaming)
What about me! I'm pregnant and out
of a job because of him--and I can't
go back...
SUSAN
(interrupts)
...Cindy--what about Johnny?
Cindy stops her tirade and looks at Susan.
CINDY
(loud)
What about Johnny?
104.
SUSAN
Well, you were with him right before
Steve, weren't you?
Cindy nods.
SUSAN (CONT'D)
So, how does he know he didn't get you
pregnant?
Cindy thinks for a moment, then smiles.
CINDY
He doesn't know--except he saw me
leaving with Steve that night...I made
sure of that!
SUSAN
Doesn't matter...what if Johnny thought
the child was his--and how could he
dispute it if you threatened to make
it public?
Cindy sits down next to Susan.
CINDY
That's right. He's the star now, and
he's single--it would be an
embarrassment to him and to the team
if they found out he's responsible for
an illegitimate child!
Susan nods.
SUSAN
And they'd do anything to keep that
from getting out--including...
CINDY
(interrupts)
...pressuring him to marry...
(to Susan)
..or buying me off to keep quiet!
Cindy and Susan laugh together.

105.
CINDY (CONT'D)
(contemplating)
Yea...I think that just might work.
INT. OUTSIDE MISTER REYNOLD'S OFFICE -- DAY
as James Osborne quickly escorts Cindy by the arm through the

DOUBLE DOORS of Mister Reynolds Office, and towards the
ELEVATOR. Cindy furiously tries to pull her arm away as she
screams.
CINDY
(yelling)
Let go of me you bastard!
(struggling)
I said, let-me-go!
James Osborne continues silently rushing her towards the

Elevator Doors. She swings her PURSE at him, causing him to
walk even faster.
CINDY (CONT'D)
(yelling)
You can't treat me like this, dammit--
who the hell do you think you are!
He presses a BUTTON, and the Elevator Doors open immediately.

He shoves her into the Elevator and presses a BUTTON inside
as she continues to strike him with her Purse.
CINDY (CONT'D)
(yelling)
You bastards haven't heard the last
from me!
(the elevator doors
start to close)
I'll ruin him--you hear me! I'm 'gonna
ruin him!
James Osborne calmly straightens his TIE, smooths his hair

back in place with his hands, then promptly turns back and
walks OUT OF VIEW.
INT. OUTSIDE LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
as REPORTERS and PORTABLE TV CAMERAS crowd around the COUGAR

PLAYERS as they return from another victory. They all flock
towards Johnny as he and Coach Green walk into the HALLWAY
LEADING TO THE LOCKER ROOMS.
106.
REPORTER #1
(struggling to hold a
microphone at Johnny)
John...John! How did you feel the
first day out on the field as team
leader? Did you get the support you
expected from your teammates?
Johnny smiles at Reporter #1.
JOHNNY
(walking)
We won.
REPORTER #2
(loud)
You were down by ten in the second
half and barely rallied a field goal
victory in the forth quarter--that's
not the kind of win margin the Cougars
were accustomed to when Steve Manning
was playing!
Johnny stops and turns towards Reporter #2.
JOHNNY
Look--just like within any organization,
there's going to be a period of time
needed for adjustment...We've all had
to get used to Steve's sudden absence,
but I believe were all thinking along
the same lines of continuing with the
Cougar's philosophy of maintaining a
winning attitude, and hard team work.
CINDY -- CONTINUOUS
as she quickly makes her way unnoticed through the crowded

Hallway.
INT. OUTSIDE LOCKER ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
REPORTER #1
(loud)
Coach Green! How is the coaching staff
dealing with a rookie team leader?
Isn't Manning's absence having an impact
on play management and moral?
107.
COACH GREEN
Yes--we miss Steve's skills out on the
field, but John's ability to lead the
team is supported by...
Cindy stands next to a TV CAMERAMAN and starts to scream.
CINDY
(yelling)
That bastard got me pregnant--he got
me pregnant!
The Reporters and TV Cameras turn towards Cindy.
REPORTER #2
(loud)
Who got you pregnant, Miss--who?
Cindy points towards Johnny.
CINDY
(yelling)
He did--that bastard John Flory! He
got me pregnant then told me to
disappear--just like that, he told me
to go away!
Coach Green motions to two SECURITY GUARDS. They both run up

and take Cindy by the arms and pull her away as she continues
to kick and scream.
CINDY (CONT'D)
(yelling)
He's not going to get away with it--
you hear me? You're not 'gonna just
brush me aside!
Johnny looks at Cindy with dismay. The TV CAMERAS turn back

at Johnny. Everyone is quiet.
REPORTER #1
(holding a Microphone
towards Johnny)
Is what the young lady said true, Mister
Flory? Is she telling the truth?
Johnny looks confused.

108.
JOHNNY
(puzzled)
No--ah, of course not. I have no idea
what she's talking about.
REPORTER #2
(quickly)
Wasn't that the Cougar cheerleader
that was dismissed recently over some
sort of a behavior conflict, Mister
Flory?
Johnny is still in shock.
JOHNNY
(confused)
Huh? No--I don't know.
Coach Green leads Johnny by the arm towards the LOCKER ROOM
DOORS.
COACH GREEN
(to Reporters)
That's it, boys. We'll see you all in
Pittsburgh.
INT. HARRY'S HOUSE LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
as Liz and Johnny watch the NEWS on TV while Paulie sleeps on

a SOFA.
Johnny is restless. He stands and grabs his COAT off of a

LIVING ROOM CHAIR.
JOHNNY
(low)
I'm going to check on dad real quick--
I'll be right back.
Liz continues to quietly watch the TV while holding a TISSUE

to her eyes.
INT. HOSPITAL -- NIGHT
as Johnny enters a CORRIDOR leading to HARRY'S ROOM. As he

passes the NURSE'S DESK, a NURSE stands and follows him into
Harry's dimly lit Room.
Johnny stops in shock when he see's Harry lying in BED, his

eyes rolling to the top of his head as he MOANS deeply with
109.
every labored breath. The Nurse walks past Johnny and checks
the BLOOD and MORPHINE BAGS hanging on a STAND next to Harry's
Bed.
The Nurse turns and quietly smiles at Johnny as she quietly

exits the Room. Johnny watches her leave, then turns to his
father.
He steps to the side of Harry's Bed and sits. He watches his

father as he lies fighting to stay conscious. Johnny tries
to say something, but a lump in his throat prevents him from
speaking.
Johnny quietly holds his father's hand and reflects.
DISSOLVE TO:
DREAM SEQUENCE
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD CARNIVAL -- NIGHT
as Harry and Johnny approach the HAMMER AND BELL. Johnny,

five years-old, watches as Harry takes the BIG HAMMER in his
hands and swings it up above his head. His biceps flex as he
slams it down hard onto the LEVER. The Bell RINGS and all
heads turn in his direction. The CARNIVAL MAN hands Harry a
LARGE CIGAR. Harry motions to the Carnival Man for the SMALL
PORCELAIN CLOWN that Johnny is looking at on a SHELF. Harry
hands the Clown to Johnny as several TOUGH LOOKING MEN standing
around laugh at him. The Carnival Man looks approvingly at
Harry and Johnny. Harry takes Johnny's hand and walks proudly
away.
Johnny looks up affectionately at his father while holding

onto Harry's hand.
DISSOLVE TO:
JOHNNY'S FACE -- CONTINUOUS
as tears flow down his cheeks.
as he looks at Harry's RED SWOLLEN HAND which lies motionless

in his hands.
110.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny sits quietly in his Chair watching his father while

Harry continues to Moan.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
of Johnny leaning sideways against the Wall opposite Harry's

Bed. His head is lowered, and he has his hands in his Coat
Pockets.
Johnny looks at his WATCH, then Harry, and down again, knowing
it will be the last time he sees his father.
Johnny walks around to the side of Harry's Bed and pauses

while holding onto the BED RAIL. He slowly leans down and
tearfully kisses his father on the cheek, then quickly turns
and leaves.
FAVORING HARRY
as a tears flow from his open, staring eyes when Johnny exits
the Room.
EXT. FRONT OF HARRY'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny walks towards the House. He stops when he see's an

UNUSUALLY LARGE AND BRIGHT FULL MOON hanging over the Roof of
the House. He sighs, slowly nods his head, then enters the
House.
INT. LIVING ROOM HARRY'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny enters the LIVING ROOM. Liz is still sitting in

front of the TV holding a TISSUE tightly in her hands, and
Paulie has gone to bed.
LIZ
(tearfully)
Is he any better?
Johnny pauses, not wanting to upset her further with Harry's

condition.
JOHNNY
(low)
The same.
Johnny walks towards his Bedroom.

111.
LIZ -- CONTINUOUS
as she nervously watches the TV while clutching the Tissue in

her hands.
INT. BEDROOM -- NIGHT
BLACK SCREEN. A light KNOCKING ON A DOOR is heard.
PAULIE (O.S.)
(whispering)
Johnny...Johnny?
A CLICK, followed by the LIGHT OF A TABLE LAMP ILLUMINATES

JOHNNY'S BEDROOM. He's in BED, and looks around the Room
with slits for eyes.
He glances at the CLOCK on his NIGHTSTAND. It's 3:10 A.M.
JOHNNY
(low)
Yes.
Paulie cracks the Bedroom Door slightly open.
PAULIE
(tearfully)
Johnny, the hospital called...
(weeps)
...dad just passed away--mom says to
get dressed so we can go there.
Johnny looks at Paulie.
JOHNNY
(consoling)
All right, Paulie, I'll be there in a
minute, okay?
Paulie nods quietly, then softly closes the Bedroom Door.
Johnny slowly pulls the BED SHEETS back and swings his feet
onto the Floor. He sighs deeply in relief, then silently
lowers his head.
INT. LIVING ROOM HARRY'S HOUSE -- DAY
as FRIENDS are gathered together after Harry's funeral to

console Liz, who sits in a LIVING ROOM CHAIR. Johnny
circulates thanking everyone for their support.
112.
Laura approaches Johnny, then kisses and hugs him.
LAURA
(weeping)
I'm so sorry, Johnny--everyone loved
Harry, you know.
Johnny tries to hold back his emotions.
JOHNNY
(holding Laura)
I know...
(looks around living
room)
...look at all his friends that showed
up to pay their respects.
Laura looks sadly into his eyes.
Johnny looks at Paulie sitting on a Sofa.
PAULIE -- CONTINUOUS
sitting alone on the Sofa with a blank stare in his eyes.
INT. LIVING ROOM HARRY'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny pauses.
JOHNNY
I don't know what else I can do for
them--other than being here as long as
I can.
Laura looks at Paulie.
LAURA
(smiling)
I know what I can do for you, now--let
me help, okay?
Johnny returns her smile. Laura walks over and sits next to
Paulie on the Sofa and consoles him.
Johnny looks at his mother, who is being fussed over by SEVERAL

OLD FRIENDS, then at the BOOKCASE where his many TROPHIES are
displayed.
113.
BOOKCASE -- CONTINUOUS
of a collection of Trophies on Book Shelves.
smiling, as tears form in his eyes.
INT. CINDY'S APARTMENT -- DAY
as she watches the end of a Cougar FOOTBALL GAME on TV from

her Sofa. She's six months pregnant, and smoking a CIGARETTE
while drinking a HIGHBALL. She gets more and more agitated
when she see's JOHNNY IN A PLAY.
A REPORTER interviews Johnny as they walk together on the

Football Field after the game.
REPORTER
(holding a MICROPHONE
towards Johnny)
John--it looks like you and the team
had really gotten together to produce
another Cougar victory!
JOHNNY
Yes--I'd like to think we've overcome
Steve's absence, but we all have him
in mind when we're out here on the
field.
REPORTER
I hear he's responding very well to
therapy--is there a chance he'll be
back before the end of the season?
JOHNNY
That would be great!
REPORTER
(hurrying)
Congratulations on the win, John--it's
obvious your great athletic gifts were
the contributing factor for the win
today!
JOHNNY
(nods)
Thank you.
114.
Cindy jumps off the Sofa and screams at the TV.
CINDY
(loud)
I've got a gift for you--you bastard!
She angrily throws her HIGHBALL GLASS at the TV, which misses
and SHATTERS AGAINST THE WALL behind it.
INT. JOHNNY'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT
as Johnny is awakened in Bed by a RINGING telephone. He turns

on a night stand LAMP and answers the PHONE.
JOHNNY
(wearily)
Hello?
LIZ (V.O.)
(worried)
Johnny?
JOHNNY
Yes, mom.
LIZ (V.O.)
(weeping)
Johnny, I think your brother's been
drinking again--would you please help
me bring him home?
Johnny moans while running his hand over his face.
JOHNNY
Mom, I played a game today and I'm
really beat--can't it wait?
LIZ (V.O.)
But he doesn't answer the phone--I
don't know if he's passed out on the
floor, or out on a street someplace!
JOHNNY
(sighs)
Okay, mom, okay. I'll be over to pick
you up in a while.
LIZ (V.O.)
Okay, sweetheart. I'll be waiting for
you!
115.
JOHNNY
All right, mom. See you in a little
bit.
Johnny hangs up the Phone, then sighs again.
EXT. FRONT OF HARRY'S HOUSE -- NIGHT
as Johnny pulls Liz's 1970 FORD LTD up the DRIVEWAY. Liz

sits next to him, and Paulie sits moaning in the Back Seat.
LIZ
(opens car door)
I'll set the bed up so you can take
him right in, okay?
Johnny nods. Liz closes the Car Door and walks toward the
HOUSE. Johnny shuts the engine off and looks at Paulie in
the REAR VIEW MIRROR. Paulie is swollen red from the effects
of the alcohol, and slowly shakes his head while moaning.
JOHNNY
(disgusted)
Why do you do keep doing this, Paulie--
you're not hurting anyone but yourself.
Paulie becomes agitated and tries to talk.
PAULIE
(fidgety)
You--you remember when we were
kids...and we used to visit Uncle Carl
and Aunt Margaret in LA...Uncle Carl
(sobs)
...he raped me!
Paulie cries. Johnny stares into the Rear View Mirror in

disbelief, then looks blankly out the Car Window.
DISSOLVE TO:
DREAM SEQUENCE
EXT. FRONT OF UNCLE CARLS''S HOUSE -- DAY
as a five-year-old Johnny jumps into the Back Seat of Harry's

1954 CHEVROLET. Nine-year-old Paulie sits at the other end
of the Seat, quietly weeping to himself. Johnny playfully
pokes Paulie's leg with his finger and makes faces at him.
Paulie continues crying softly, ignoring Johnny.
116.
as he turns and looks out of the SIDE CAR WINDOW at Uncle

Carl's FRONT PORCH. He see's Harry angrily shouting and
shaking his finger at Uncle Carl, seated in a CHAIR looking
up at Harry, through the SCREEN DOOR.
Harry storms out of the House with Liz, crying into a

HANDKERCHIEF, behind him.
INT. HARRY'S HOUSE LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
as Johnny helps Paulie by the arm through the FRONT DOOR and
into the BEDROOM. Liz takes Paulie's SHOES off and makes him
comfortable in Bed. They leave and walk into the Kitchen.
Liz turns on a PORTABLE TV SET, then sits at the KITCHEN TABLE

while Johnny washes and dries his hands at the SINK. Johnny
is irritable.
JOHNNY
(upset)
I just found out after all these years
what's been bothering Paulie--he said
Uncle Carl raped him!
Liz nervously watches the TV, avoiding Johnny.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Is that true...is it?
LIZ
(dismissing it)
Oh--he told us that--and your father
really questioned Uncle Carl about it,
too...he said he didn't do anything to
Paulie!
JOHNNY
(loud)
And you believed him?
Liz starts to cry into her TISSUE.
LIZ
(crying)
He swore to us that he didn't do
anything!
117.
JOHNNY
(scolding)
Why would a kid make-up something like
that?
Liz continues crying into her Tissue, avoiding Johnny. Johnny

yells at her in frustration.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Christ!
Johnny storms out of the Kitchen, leaving Liz alone.
EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD SIDELINE-- DAY
as Coach Green and Johnny talk during a game.
COACH GREEN
(warning)
...and I want to tell you that Mister
Reynolds is becoming very concerned
about the noise Cindy is making--and
I'm getting fed-up with your buddy
Faust's attitude toward my son!
Johnny becomes defensive.
JOHNNY
I have nothing to do with how Nick
conducts himself--or what Cindy happens
to have on her damned mind!
COACH GREEN
(points his finger at
Johnny)
I hold you responsible--and your mentor
is starting to have some doubts, like
he should have months ago!
JOHNNY
(loud)
You have doubts about my playing
ability?
COACH GREEN
No! I have doubts about your character,
mister--and that's what separates a
great player from all the rest!
118.
Johnny stares silently at Coach Green for a moment, then

quickly turns and walks OUT OF VIEW.
as PLAYERS are exiting to the Field.
Scotty is picking-up TOWELS when he see's Nick undressing in

front of his LOCKER. Nick spots Scotty at the same time,
causing Scotty to flinch from his angry looks.
NICK
Well, chubby, what are you doing in
here--this place is for men, not fat
little boys!
Scotty turns to walk away, avoiding Nick's glare. Nick grabs

his arm to stop him.
NICK (CONT'D)
(angry)
Don't walk away from me, tubby, when
I'm talking to you!
SCOTTY
(struggling)
Let me go!
NICK
(loud)
Oh--you want to go, fat boy...
(slams Scotty against a
locker)
...you want to go?
Scotty is terrified. Nick slams him against the Locker again

and he starts to cry.
NICK (CONT'D)
(yelling)
What! Are you crying, sissy boy...do
you want your momma?
Nick continues to shove Scotty around, then slams the palm of

his hand against his face, BLOODYING HIS NOSE.
Scotty is stunned. He cries louder while trying to avoid the

giant man, causing Nick to become more angry.
119.
NICK (CONT'D)
(yelling)
I'll teach how to be a man, fat boy!
Nick raises his big arm in the air to back hand the boy.
NICK -- OVER THE SHOULDER -- CONTINUOUS
as he swings violently at Scotty's face with the back of his

hand.
A loud SLAP is heard.
P.O.V. NICK -- CONTINUOUS
as Nick looks up to see Johnny standing next to him while

holding his HELMET by the Face Guard. His hand was caught by
Johnny, still holding on to him.
As Nick pulls his hand away from Johnny and stands back.
Johnny looks at the terrified boy and calmly checks his Bloody
Nose.
JOHNNY
What's wrong, Nick--didn't you get
enough out on the field?
Nick is fuming. His huge chest is heaving from the adrenaline,

and sweat is running out of every pour. His wide open eyes
stare madly at Johnny.
NICK
(loud)
Stay out of my damned business,
quarterback!
Johnny looks Nick in the eyes.
JOHNNY
(warning)
Stay away from him, Nick--he's just a
kid.
Scotty stands completely still and quiet as he watches the

two gladiators argue.
120.
NICK
(screams)
Who do you think you are telling me
what to do!
Johnny pauses, staring at Nick.
JOHNNY
(low)
Stay away from him.
Johnny stands prepared for Nick's next action. Nick stares

wildly at Johnny, then suddenly lunges at him with both giant
arms outstretched.
Johnny instantly swings his Helmet up as hard as he can,

catching Nick squarely on the chin, and sending him backwards
into the air. Nick lands on his back with a THUD, his chest
heaving while lying unconscious.
Johnny looks at Nick, then at the wide-eyed boy.
SCOTTY
(wiping the tears from
his eyes)
He--he scared me!
Johnny looks at Nick lying on the Floor.
JOHNNY
(Nods)
He scares me too, son.
He looks at the BROKEN HELMET in his hand, then tosses it

into a TRASH CAN next to the Lockers.
Johnny takes a fresh TOWEL from a RACK then squats down and
wipes the BLOOD from Scotty's nose as he tries to calm him
down.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(consoling)
What happened back there, Scotty--don't
let it bother you...
(looks at him)
...sometimes athlete's get so wound-up
for a game, they go kind'a crazy
afterward's--you've got to know when
to keep your distance from them.
121.
Scotty looks at Johnny and nods.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(smiles)
Now, go get Doc and we'll take care of
Nick, all right?
Scotty looks appreciatively at Johnny.
SCOTTY
(smiles)
Thanks, Johnny.
Johnny tosses the Towel onto a PILE OF TOWELS on the Floor.
JOHNNY
Go on, now!
Scotty walks away, looking back at Nick lying on the Floor.
Johnny walks over to Nick and watches him for a moment. Nick's
chest is still heaving, and a TRICKLE OF BLOOD seeps out of a
corner of his mouth.
Johnny inspects the contents of Nick's Locker and finds a

BOTTLE OF PILLS. He reads the LABEL, shakes his head, then
tucks the Bottle into his Pants.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- DAY
as Johnny enters Nick's Room. Nick is laying in BED, wearing

a NECK BRACE, and a WIRE around his jaw. He stares coldly at
Johnny.
JOHNNY
(smiling)
Hi, Nickey--how 'ya doing?
Nick stares silently at Johnny. Johnny doesn't bother to sit

down.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
I'm awfully sorry that had to happen,
Nick, but you could of got yourself in
a lot of trouble roughing that kid up.
Nick remains expressionless.
Johnny removes a BOTTLE OF PILLS from his Jacket and holds

them up.
122.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(angry)
Was it this stuff? You know there's
no place for this crap in the game,
Nick!
He throws the Bottle onto Nick's Bed. Nick takes the Bottle
and places it under his covers while staring angrily at Johnny.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(smiles)
I hope you'll be out of here, soon.
Your sub's been getting knocked down
more than I have...the whole team misses
you.
Nick is cold and silent. Johnny's smile diminishes.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
Well, I hope to see 'ya soon, Nick.
Nick continues to stare at him. Johnny pauses, then turns

and leaves as Nick watches.
INT. WEDDING CHAPEL -- DAY
as Liz, FRIENDS, and VISITORS congratulate Paulie, and his

new wife, JENNY, a beautiful brunette wearing a LONG, FLOWING
WEDDING GOWN. Paulie and Johnny wear TUXEDOS.
LAURA AND HER HUSBAND -- CONTINUOUS
sitting in a PEW watching everything. A WEDDING RING can be

seen on Laura's finger. Her Husband, RICHARD, appears restless
as he looks at his WATCH. Laura is watching Johnny.
JOHNNY AND PAULIE -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny shakes Paulie's hand.
JOHNNY
(smiles)
My brother, the accountant!
Paulie laughs.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
You got a CPA, and a wife, for only
fifteen bucks a semester--not bad!
123.
PAULIE
(smiles)
Yeah--we'll see what that G.I. loan
actually costs in the long term!
Johnny and Paulie watch Jenny as she thanks her friends.
JOHNNY
She's beautiful, Paulie.
Paulie nods.
PAULIE
(watching Jenny)
She's a lifesaver, Johnny.
Johnny looks at Paulie, then smiles.
as Johnny throws a completed pass against the GREENBAY PACKERS.
Before the huddle, Johnny pauses and looks towards the stands.
DISSOLVE TO:
DREAM SEQUENCE
of Harry and Liz cheering Johnny on.
DISSOLVE TO:
as Johnny saddens, then turns his attention back to the game.
as Dave and Bob announce the game for television.
DAVE
Well, it looks like Faust has completely
recovered from his water skiing mishap!
BOB
Yep--and I bet Flory, and the rest of
the Cougar team, are glad to have the
Rockman back in there, too!
124.
as Nick watches the movement of the DEFENSIVE LINE carefully.

He see's two hot young DEFENSIVE TACKLES plan moves between
themselves, and watches them during the next play.
Johnny concentrates on his passing, leaving the blocking to

Nick, and the rest of the OFFENSIVE LINE.
At the next play, one of the Hot Tackles lines up near Nick
as they get into position. Nick glances at Johnny, then gets
into position.
Johnny leans directly behind the center.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Twenty-four, forty-two, twenty-eight,
hut-hut...hut!
The FOOTBALL is hiked, and Nick moves away, bouncing into his
own man, leaving a gaping hole in the OFFENSIVE LINE for the
Tackle to run through.
The other Hot Tackle makes it through the Offensive Line at

the same time.
as he steps back and rears his arm for a long pass. He's hit
hard on both sides simultaneously by the Tackles in mid-air.
Johnny grimaces with pain as the Tackles bounce off of him,

and all three fall hard onto the ground as the FOOTBALL tumbles
away.
The Packers retrieve the Football.
The two Tackles rise quickly and "High-Five" each other.

Johnny doesn't get up. Nick smiles.
DAVE
(excited)
...and Flory is sacked hard and is
down at the twenty-three yard line!
125.
as Coach Green laughs to himself. He waves the SIDELINE

PERSONNEL to wait. Scotty looks concerned at Johnny laying
on the Field. He looks scornfully up at his father.
COACH GREEN
(smiles)
Maybe that'll make 'em a little more
humble!
as Dave and Bob watch the field with BINOCULARS.
DAVE
I don't know about you, Bob--but from
here it looked like Flory was Red-Dogged
by one of his own team mates!
BOB
Uh-huh.
laying unconscious on the Field by himself. He's laying face

down, with his head turned sideways.
BLACK SCREEN: -- CONTINUOUS
with a LOUD HIGH-PITCHED RINGING SOUND simulating ringing in

the ears.
SLOW FADE IN:
of a SIDEWAYS, GROUND LEVEL VIEW THROUGH HIS HELMET OF THE

PEOPLE IN THE STANDS AS THE RINGING SOUND LESSENS.
ANGLE -- JOHNNY -- CONTINUOUS
as he blinks his eyes, then struggles to his knees.
as Scotty tries to run out to Johnny. Coach Green notices

him.
126.
COACH GREEN
(warning)
Stay put, Scotty.
Scotty looks up at his father, then quickly scurries away to

the Field while carrying a TOWEL.
as the smiles on the two Hot Defensive Tackles diminish when

Johnny gets to his feet.
as he slowly stands up. He painfully removes his Helmet,

then eyes the Two Hot Defensive Tackles.
He looks at his Sideline to see Nick turn away from him, and
Coach Green smiling.
He looks down and see's a teary-eyed Scotty hold a Towel out

to him. Johnny smiles and takes the Towel from him.
The crowd CHEERS.
They both walk back as the Sideline Personnel finally run out
to the Field to help them.
Johnny looks at Nick as he walks past the Bench. Nick silently

stares back.
COACH GREEN
(loud)
You walk out of this game, hot shot,
and you've had it!
Johnny keeps walking.
INT. STADIUM EXECUTIVE SUITE -- CONTINUOUS
as Mister Reynolds watches the Field with BINOCULARS. He

reacts in anger. His AIDE, a young man dressed in a SUIT,
stands nearby.
MISTER REYNOLDS
(yelling to his Aide)
Get Coach Green on the field phone--
now!
127.
ESTABLISHING SHOT -- DAY
of Los Angeles Airport-1973.
INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL 12 -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny, Paulie, and Jenny see Liz off on a trip. Liz tries
to control her emotions.
LIZ
Your Aunt Margaret is expecting me in
a few hours...
(to Johnny)
...now--the new owners are moving into
the house, so you won't have to worry
about repairs anymore.
JOHNNY
(sad)
Mom--why do you have to go--you know
we all need you right now?
LIZ
I'm just in the way now, sweetheart--
and your Aunt is very ill and needs me
to help care for her...
JOHNNY
(interrupts)
...and so do we!
(pauses)
I know I shouldn't have said some
things, but I didn't mean...
Liz places her fingers over Johnny's mouth, then gently kisses
him.
LIZ
(in tears)
You both have your own lives, now...
(forces a smile)
...and besides, I'm not that too old a
gal to start over again, you know...it's
just for awhile.
A voice announcing Liz's flight sounds over the P.A. system.

128.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)

Flight one-oh-five leaving for Boston
is now boarding at gate twelve--please
have your tickets ready...
PAULIE
(in tears)
Mom...
Liz kisses Paulie and hugs him.
LIZ
I love you!
She hugs Jenny.
LIZ (CONT'D)
I love you--please take good care of
each other!
Jenny smiles at Liz, then nods.
She hugs Johnny and cries softly with her face against his
chest.
LIZ (CONT'D)
(crying)
I love you, Johnny!
JOHNNY
(in tears)
We love you, mom!
Liz slowly pushes herself away from Johnny and starts to walk
away.
LIZ
(in tears)
I've got to go, now--please take care
of yourselves--I'll call you when I
get settled in.
They watch as Liz walks up the RAMP to the ENTRANCE OF THE

PLANE, then stops and waves to them, still crying. She then
turns and disappears into the Plane.
They stand for awhile watching where Liz disappeared, then

turn away to leave. Paulie remains standing, watching his
mother's Plane with tears in his eyes.
129.
Johnny walks back to Paulie and gently grabs the COLLAR OF

HIS JACKET and pulls him.
JOHNNY
(soft)
Come on, Paulie.
They both slowly turn and silently walk OUT OF VIEW.
as Johnny talks on the PHONE to his manager, BRENT, while

sitting on his BED.
BRENT (V.O.)
...I'm sorry, kid, but nobody want's
to touch you...your walking out of a
game, and the stink that Cindy chick
is making has marked you as not worth
the trouble...but I'll keep trying,
kid--maybe some endorsements...
Johnny looks at the PICTURE of him and Harry on his NIGHT

STAND.
JOHNNY
(low)
Maybe it's just as well.
BRENT (V.O.)
What's that, John?
JOHNNY
Nothing. Thanks for your help, Brent--
I'll talk to you later.
BRENT (V.O.)
Sure thing, kid--anytime.
Johnny hangs-up the Phone. He looks around his SPARSELY

FURNISHED APARTMENT and slowly shakes his head.
EXT. SMALL APARTMENT BUILDING -- DAY
as Johnny follows a 1973 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL with his 1965

FORD PICK-UP next to a CURB and parks.
RITA, and older, well-dressed woman, exits her Lincoln and

meets Johnny in front of and OLD APARTMENT BUILDING IN A RUN-
DOWN NEIGHBORHOOD.
130.
It contains TWO APARTMENTS ABOVE, AND TWO BELOW, whose primary

occupants are Mexican. Several LOW-RIDER CARS are parked in
front, and SPANISH MUSIC can be heard (O.S.). TWO MEXICAN
MEN are sitting on FOLDING CHAIRS in front of an APARTMENT
while drinking BEER.
Rita guides Johnny to a STAIRWAY leading up to a CORNER

APARTMENT.
RITA
Now this apartment, Mister Flory, was
recently painted, and comes completely
furnished.
Rita and Johnny climb the Staircase. Rita removes a LARGE

KEY RING from her PURSE and opens the Door. They both enter.
INT. APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Johnny steps into the middle of the LIVING ROOM and surveys
the EARLY 1960's FURNISHINGS. The LIVING ROOM AND KITCHEN
SHARE THE SAME ROOM. A NARROW HALLWAY LEADS TO THE BEDROOMS
AND BATHROOM.
RITA
It's a small two-bedroom, but it's
clean, the utilities are included, and
the price is right!
Johnny nods as he looks around the shabby dwelling.
EXT. SMALL APARTMENT BUILDING -- CONTINUOUS
as Rita and Johnny walk towards their Cars. The sound of a

BEER CAN bouncing on a cement walkway, and a baby CRYING, can
be heard (O.S.).
RITA
I can show you a nice apartment in an
area with a better element if...
JOHNNY
(interrupts)
...no--this will be fine.
Rita nods.
RITA
(entering her Lincoln)
All right, then.
131.
RITA (MORE)
If you'll follow me back, we'll sign
the contract and you can move in
whenever you like.
Johnny nods, takes another look at the Apartments, then enters

his Truck.
EXT. USED CAR LOT -- DAY
as a TV CAMERA CREW are preparing to shoot a commercial.

Johnny is dressed like a COWBOY, complete with SIX-GUNS, and
is having MAKE-UP applied. The Car Lot owner BILL BUCKHEIM,
an aging, overweight man, is also dressed like a COWBOY, and
stands next to Johnny talking to a young SCRIPT GIRL.
The DIRECTOR, a middle-aged man wearing SUNGLASSES and a GOLF

HAT, shouts commands to the Crew.
DIRECTOR
(loud)
All right! Everyone take your places!
The Crew scurries around, and Johnny and Bill face the TV
Camera.
DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
(loud)
And--Action!
Bill fires his GUN into the air, and Johnny FLINCHES.
BILL
(loud)
Howdy folks, I'm Buffalo Bill Buckheim
for Bill Buckheim Ford in the city of
Downey...
(to Johnny)
...and this is my sidekick, Cody!
Johnny nods nervously at the Camera.
BILL (CONT'D)
...Cody is really football great John
Flory, who's 'gonna help me tame the
high prices of these fine used cars we
have today!
They both face a LINE OF USED CARS.

132.
BILL (CONT'D)
(motions with his hand)
Take this nineteen-sixty-five Mustang
with only sixty-three thousand miles...
(looks at the PLACARD
on the Windshield)
...twenty-eight hundred dollars--not
in your life, Partner! Cody!
Bill looks at Johnny as they both draw their Guns and FIRE at
the MUSTANG. Johnny's Gun goes off late.
A Crew Member JERKS A WIRE and the Placard flies off the
Windshield at the SOUND OF A RICOCHET (O.S.), revealing the
number "1750" WHITEWASHED onto the Windshield of the Mustang.
BILL (CONT'D)
That's right--only seventeen-fifty for
this beau-ti-ful filly...
(holsters his gun)
...and that's just a small sample of
what you can expect here at Buffalo
Bill's car corral...Cody!
Johnny looks for the Camera, then turns towards it.
JOHNNY
(nervous)
That's right, Buffalo Bill...
(imitating a Texas drawl)
...so come-on down to Downey, folks,
and get'cha a bang-up deal on a used
car now!
Johnny fumbles trying to spin the Six-gun in his hand, then

holsters it.
DIRECTOR
(loud)
Cut! Prepare for set two, everyone!
Bill turns to Johnny and places his hand on his shoulder.
BILL
That was fine, John---you're a natural.
But let's be a little more assertive
next time, okay son?
Johnny nods, then looks down in shame as Bill walks away.

133.
INT. HOSPITAL DELIVERY ROOM -- DAY
as Cindy gives birth. Susan stands by, holding Cindy's hand,

as she lays restlessly on a GURNEY, MOANING and BREATHING
HEAVILY while trying to force the birth along.
DOCTOR
(leaning in front of
Cindy's spread legs)
Relax, Miss Jennings--let it come on
it's own!
She continues to push with each contraction.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Please Miss Jennings--please relax!
CINDY
(shouting)
Get it out...get it out of me!
The Doctor continues working.
DOCTOR
It's almost here, now...
(reassures)
...just one more push!
Cindy holds her breath and grunts deeply.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
That's it...that's it!
She grunts again, then sighs in relief.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
We have him now!
A SLAP (O.S.), then CRYING (O.S.) is heard.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Very good, Cindy--it's a healthy baby
boy!
The NURSES clean the Baby, then weigh and wrap him in a SMALL
BLANKET.
A Nurse brings the Baby over to Cindy. Cindy pushes the Baby
away.
134.
CINDY
(catching her breath)
Take me back to my room!
The Nurse tries to hand the Baby to Cindy again, and she pushes
it away.
CINDY (CONT'D)
(shouting)
I said take me back to my room!
SUSAN
(loud)
She said, take her back!
The Nurses look at each other, then at the Baby as an ORDERLY

wheels Cindy out of the Delivery Room.
EXT. HOSPITAL ENTRANCE -- DAY
as Cindy rushes out of the ENTRANCE DOORS carrying the BABY

in her arms. Susan drives-up in Cindy's MUSTANG and picks
them up. They quickly drive away.
INT. JOHNNY'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT
as Johnny and FOUR FOOTBALL PALS PLAY POKER ON A KITCHEN TABLE.

A single shaded LIGHT hanging from a corner of the KITCHEN
ceiling illuminates the Room, and a BABY can be heard softly
CRYING (O.S.). TOMMY, a running back, sits at Johnny's right,
while RON, another running back, sits at Johnny's left. DOUG
and JAMES, guards, both sit across from Johnny. The Table is
covered with BEER CANS, ASHTRAYS, and POKER CHIPS.
Johnny is dealing.
TOMMY
(throws TWO CARDS onto
the Table)
Two cards for the world's best running
back, please!
Johnny smiles while looking at Tommy as he deals TWO CARDS to

Ron.
TOMMY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Hey!
135.
RON
(smiles)
You got that right!
Everyone laughs as Ron slides the Two Cards over to Tommy.
JOHNNY
(deals himself)
Dealer takes two.
Johnny arranges the Cards in his hands.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
Bet heavily, gentlemen--I've got rent
to pay this week!
Ron throws a BLUE CHIP into the middle of the Table.
RON
I'll bet two bits...
(looking around the
apartment)
...that 'otta cover it.
Johnny smiles.
PAUL
(looking around)
Yeah--I hope my car is safe out there!
DOUG
(laughing)
They don't steal German cars in this
neighborhood!
The Baby's CRYING gets louder. Paul, James, and Tommy each
throw a BLUE CHIP into the POT.
Tommy looks over his shoulder at the neighbor's Wall.
TOMMY
What's with those people, Johnny--don't
they have anything better to do?
Johnny pauses while looking at his Cards.

136.
JOHNNY
(throws TWO BLUE CHIPS
into the Pot)
They're all right--I'll bump it up a
half.
RON
(throws his CARDS into
the pot)
Not today!
Doug and James also throw their CARDS into the Pot.
TOMMY
(throws TWO BLUE CHIPS
into the pot)
I'll call the bluff...
(shows his CARDS)
...Queens and Tens!
Johnny throws THREE DEUCES onto the Table and reaches for the
MONEY.
JOHNNY
Three ducks!
Tommy shakes his head. Doug gets up and walks toward the
REFRIGERATOR.
DOUG
Anyone for another beer?
Johnny and James raise their hands.
Tommy gets up and stretches. He walks over to a WINDOW and

pulls back a CURTAIN, then peers outside.
TOMMY
I don't see you car outside, Johnny--
did someone around here borrow it?
JOHNNY
(smiles)
That was the first thing to go...got a
good price for it, though--and a job
at the dealership I sold it to.
Doug hands them a BEER and sits.

137.
DOUG
Yeah--I caught that commercial on TV
the other night--can't you find another
game somewhere, Johnny?
JOHNNY
(soft)
I'm afraid that's all over with.
His friends remain silent.
TOMMY
You know, the team's been off since
you left, and that damned Faust has
been...
Doug gives Tommy a look, stopping him.
Johnny slides the CARDS over to Ron and he starts to shuffle.
JOHNNY
(smiles)
Anytime you guys are ready--the bank
is now open!
Tommy walks toward the hallway.
TOMMY
I'm 'gonna hit the head.
The Crying gets LOUDER as Tommy approaches the Hallway. It

gets VERY LOUD when he passes one of the BEDROOM DOORS.
He pauses and listens for a moment, then slowly opens the

Door.
INT. BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
of a crying BABY wrapped in a BLANKET and placed on top of a

CARDBOARD BOX in the CLUTTERED BEDROOM/STORAGE ROOM. Tommy
backs slowly out of the Bedroom.
TOMMY
(loud)
Ah, Johnny--I think you'd better come
in here!
138.
Johnny, Paul, Doug, and Ron meet Tommy in the Hallway. They
stand at the Door and stare into the Bedroom.
JOHNNY
(loud)
What the hell is that!
Doug walks in and examines the Baby.
DOUG
It's a baby--what'd you think it was?
JOHNNY
(in shock)
What's it doing here?
They enter the Bedroom.
Doug picks-up the Baby and holds it in his arms. A SLIP OF

PAPER falls to the Floor. Tommy picks-up the Paper and reads
it.
TOMMY
(shakes his head)
That Bitch!
(hands the Paper to
Johnny)
This might explain it.
Johnny reads it.
JOHNNY
(confused)
I can't believe it--how'd she know
where I lived?
Doug tries to pacify the Baby.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
What am I supposed to do with a kid?
DOUG
Find it's mother, Johnny--find her
now! We'll watch him 'till you get
back.
Johnny nods while looking at the Baby.

139.
TOMMY
(to Johnny)
Do you remember where she lives?
JOHNNY
(nods)
Yeah--it's not too far...I'll bring
her back here.
Johnny throws the Paper onto the Floor and quickly exits.
CLOSE -- PAPER -- CONTINUOUS
as the men leave the Bedroom. The Paper reads, "You two
bastards deserve each other."
EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny pulls his PICK-UP in front of an APARTMENT COMPLEX

and parks. He jumps out and runs down a WALKWAY.
He stops in front of APARTMENT NUMBER 19 and RINGS THE

DOORBELL, then bangs on the Door with his fist. He BANGS
again and the Door quickly swings open.
Susan stands holding the Door.
SUSAN
(loud)
What do you want?
JOHNNY
Where's Cindy?
SUSAN
(sarcastic)
Oh--now you want to talk to her, huh?
Well, she doesn't live here anymore!
JOHNNY
(yells)
What do you mean she doesn't live here--
she left her kid in my apartment!
Susan smiles and nods.

140.
SUSAN
(sarcastic)
That's right you bastard--we went
through the entire pregnancy, just to
leave you with a little present!
Johnny is stunned.
JOHNNY
How could she do something like that?
SUSAN
(loud)
She lost everything because of you--
get out of here!
She tries to slam the Door, but Johnny holds it.
JOHNNY
(desperate)
Tell me where she's living--she has to
take it back!
SUSAN
(loud)
Get away, dammit--or I'll call the
police!
JOHNNY
(insisting)
Tell me!
The Door quickly swings wide open. Nick stands in the Doorway
next to Susan. Johnny looks at Nick in disbelief. Susan
stands with her arms folded over her chest.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(soft)
Nick.
Nick stares silently at him.
Johnny looks at Nick, then Susan, then back at Nick with

disappointment.
SUSAN
(warning)
Get out--and don't bother us again!
141.
Johnny is speechless. He takes a couple of steps backward

while watching them in astonishment.
The Door slams hard.
Susan smiles at Nick as she walks away.
SUSAN
I don't think we'll be hearing from
him anymore--come-on, Nickey, let's go
back to bed and forget about that loser!
Nick stands waiting next to the Door. He watches it, expecting

to hear a knock.
EXT. FRONT DOOR -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny stands looking at the Door.
JOHNNY
(sad)
Nick.
Nick places his hand on the Doorknob, hoping to talk to Johnny.
EXT. FRONT DOOR -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny slowly turns and walks away.
as Nick continues to wait, then lowers his head.
SUSAN (O.S.)
Nickey--come to bed, honey!
Nick pauses, then turns and slowly walks OUT OF VIEW.
INT. JOHNNY'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny enters his FRONT DOOR.
The MEN are gathered around fussing with the Baby placed on
the Kitchen Table. They see Johnny enter.
142.
TOMMY
(to Johnny)
Doug ran down to the market and got
some formula for the kid--he was really
starving.
Johnny steps wearily up to the Table. The men sense what

happened.
TOMMY (CONT'D)
Where is she, Johnny?
Johnny stares at the Baby.
JOHNNY
(soft)
She's gone.
TOMMY
What--where'd she go?
JOHNNY
I don't know--she just left.
TOMMY
Well, we can't leave the baby here!
Johnny takes the Baby in his arms.
DOUG
(to Johnny)
Tommy's right--we'll have to call the
police into it.
Johnny stares at the gurgling Baby and pauses.
JOHNNY
(soft)
No.
TOMMY
(loud)
What do you mean, no--you can't take
care of an infant...you've never raised
a child before!
JOHNNY
(to Doug)
You've raised a couple of kids?
143.
DOUG
Yes, sons--but it's a huge
responsibility, Johnny, and quite
difficult to do on your own.
TOMMY
Come on, Johnny, you can't be serious--
how do you know the child is even yours?
Everyone knows she was screwing around
with Manning!
JAMES
(loud)
Tommy!
Tommy pauses.
TOMMY
Look, Johnny--you can't just take a
child like that!
Johnny stares into the Baby's eyes.
JOHNNY
The kid has less than nothing, Tommy--
he stays...
(to Tommy)
...all right?
Tommy sighs as he shakes his head, then nods at Johnny.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(to Doug)
Could you put a list of things together
for me, Doug, and what I need to know
to get through these first few weeks?
DOUG
(nods)
Okay, Johnny--and Alice and I will be
here when you need us.
The others nod in agreement. Johnny smiles appreciatively.
Tommy looks at the Baby and shakes his head.
TOMMY
Kids' getting one hell of a start in
life.
144.
CLOSE -- BABY'S FACE -- CONTINUOUS
as the Baby gurgles.
INT. GROCERY STORE COUNTER -- DAY
as Johnny unloads BABY FOOD from his SHOPPING CART ONTO THE
COUNTER.
The Baby CRIES while laying in the CHILD'S SEAT as irritated

PEOPLE stand in line behind them. The woman CASHIER watches
Johnny as she rings-up the GOODS.
INT. BEDROOM -- NIGHT
as Johnny is awakened by the CRYING Baby. The CLOCK says

3:30.
He wearily gets out of Bed, then stubs his toe with a CRACKING
sound against a WOODEN CHAIR, sending it half-way across the
Bedroom.
JOHNNY
(yells)
Ow! Ow! Ow!
He quickly limps around in a circle.
INT. KITCHEN -- DAY
as Johnny changes the Baby's DIAPER while it cries.
There are left over FOOD and TRASH lying about the KITCHEN.
He removes a VERY LOADED DIAPER from the CRIB, and carefully

flings it toward a SMALL TRASH CAN next to the KITCHEN COUNTER.
The Diaper misses, with the SOUND of it PLOPPING AND

SPLATTERING onto the Floor.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Oh--shit!
Johnny looks at the Baby and grimaces as he grabs a PAPER

TOWEL from a PAPER TOWEL HOLDER mounted under the CUPBOARDS.
The Paper Towels stream off the Holder as he walks toward the
Trash Can OUT OF VIEW.
145.
JOHNNY (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Ugh!
INT. LIVING ROOM -- DUSK
as Johnny places a fifth of WILD TURKEY BOURBON and a SIX-

PACK OF BEER onto the KITCHEN TABLE. The Baby is CRYING (O.S.)
in it's CRIB.
He turns-on the TV which plays a GAME SHOW (STOCK FOOTAGE),

then walks to the STOVE and removes a Baby's BOTTLE from a
PAN OF WATER. He tests the MILK by spurting it against his
wrist, then walks over to the Crib.
He places the NIPPLE in the Baby's mouth and holds it up so

he can eat.
JOHNNY
(irritated)
Here, dammit.
He watches as the helpless Baby drinks from the Bottle, getting

more irritated.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
I don't even know if you're mine, for
Christ's sake!
He tosses the Bottle into the Crib and the Baby immediately
starts to CRY again. He flips the Baby's BLANKET over it's
head in frustration, then grabs the Bottle of Bourbon and a
can of Beer from the Table and sits down in front of the TV.
He opens the Bottle of Bourbon and takes a sip, then pops-

open the can of Beer and takes a gulp.
INT. LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
as the Baby continues to Cry.
Johnny drinks from the Bottle of Bourbon, then lights a

CIGARETTE. COLUMBO (STOCK FOOTAGE) plays on the TV.
The only light in the room comes from the TV.
INT. LIVING ROOM -- LATER
as the Baby Cries.

146.
Johnny drinks from the HALF-EMPTY BOTTLE OF BOURBON and

drunkenly laughs while he watches the JOHNNY CARSON SHOW (STOCK
FOOTAGE) on TV.
INT. LIVING ROOM -- LATER
as Johnny is passed-out in front of the TV.
The sound of STATIC from the TV fills the Room.
The MOSTLY EMPTY BOTTLE OF BOURBON drops from Johnny's hand

as he awakens in a drunken blur. The sound of a POLICE SIREN
whines softly (O.S.).
He looks dizzily around the Room, then pauses.
JOHNNY
(slurring)
Huh--that's not right!
He slowly pushes himself out of his Chair and stumbles in a

panic across the Room knocking into FURNITURE on the way to
the Crib.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
as he TURNS ON THE HANGING LIGHT over the baby's Crib and

quickly pulls down the Blanket.
CLOSE -- BABY -- CONTINUOUS
as the Baby lies completely still and silent in a twisted

position, mouth open.
as he reels in shock.
JOHNNY
(loud)
No!
Tears immediately stream from his eyes as he leans over the

Crib, grabbing onto the Handrails.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(crying)
No--God no!
147.
as the shaking of the Crib awakens the sleeping Baby and it

yawns.
as Johnny tearfully sighs after seeing the Baby move. He

reaches into the Crib with one hand.
as the back of Johnny's hand lightly brushes against the Baby's

cheek. The Baby leans his little head affectionately against
Johnny's fingers.
as Johnny removes his hand from the Crib and SOBS while slowly
collapsing to his knees onto the Kitchen Floor.
He cries to himself while looking around the Kitchen. He

see's COCKROACHES crawling around the left-out PLATES of FOOD,
and TRASH laying about everywhere. He breaths faster as he
becomes angry, finally going berserk.
Johnny stands and grabs a KITCHEN CHAIR and slams it hard

onto the KITCHEN TABLE.
as a Mexican family sitting outside in FOLDING CHAIRS next

door to Johnny's Apartment, look towards his Door.
INT. JOHNNY -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny continues swinging the Chair around the Apartment

knocking LAMPS and FURNITURE onto the Floor.
The Baby starts to CRY (O.S.).
JOHNNY
(raging)
No! No! No!
He continues to swing the Chair, then finally collapses onto

the Floor, breathing heavily and sweating.
He stumbles to his feet and grabs the Baby from it's Crib,
then rushes toward the Front Door.
148.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(panicking)
Out of here--I've got to get you out
of here!
He pulls the Front Door open with one hand, then kicks the
SCREEN DOOR open with his foot.
as Johnny gets a few steps outside, then pauses. He looks

desperately around the DARKENED STREET.
JOHNNY
(cries)
Nowhere to go--there's nowhere to go!
ROMAN, a Mexican man in his 30's, runs up to Johnny and tries

to take the Baby away from him.
ROMAN
(consoling)
It's okay, man--it's okay!
JOHNNY
(panicking)
'gotta go--we've 'gotta go!
Roman manages to get the Baby away from Johnny, then calls
his Wife, MARIA, to take him.
ROMAN
(loud)
Maria--agarra el nino...el nino!
Roman hands the Baby to Maria and she quickly takes him into
their Apartment.
Johnny stumbles near the Doorway, then becomes agitated as

Roman tries to hold him up against the Wall.
JOHNNY
(cries)
I've got to go!
ROMAN
Go, man--go...
(assures Johnny)
...the Baby's okay, man, we'll be here--
go!
149.
Johnny stumbles down the STAIRWAY and runs to his TRUCK.
Roman, and other NEIGHBORS watch as Johnny drives off.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH -- NIGHT
as Johnny pulls his Truck close to a Curb in front of a CHURCH

and parks. He opens the Door and jumps out.
INT. BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
as FRED, a middle-aged man, and his wife, CATHY, sleep in

Bed. The sound of a TRUCK DOOR CLOSING wakes Fred. He looks
at the CLOCK, then carefully gets out of Bed, trying to keep
from waking up Cathy.
He slips on his BATHROBE and SLIPPERS, then quietly walks out

of the Bedroom.
EXT. FRONT OF FRED'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
as a PORCH LIGHT turns on. Fred walks out of the FRONT DOOR
while keeping his eyes on the Church across the street.
P.O.V. -- FRED -- CONTINUOUS
as he watches Johnny quickly walk towards the CHURCH ENTRANCE.
EXT. FRONT OF FRED'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
as he grabs a GARDEN HOSE and turns on the WATER.
He quickly steps over to a FLOWER BED and waters while watching

Johnny.
as he watches Johnny approach the CHURCH DOORS.
He grabs the Door HANDLES and pulls on them, only to find

them CHAINED together from the inside. He looks at the Tall
Doors in disbelief, then yanks on them again and again.
FRED -- CONTINUOUS
as he stares at Johnny.
He waves the SPRAY OF WATER quickly back and forth over the
Flower Bed.
150.
as Johnny gives up on the Church Doors.
He slowly stumbles backwards to a BRICK PLANTER and sits down,

crying into his arms.
FRED -- CONTINUOUS
as he watches Johnny.
His expression turns solemn as he watches another man grieve

and understands.
P.O.V. FRED -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny composes himself.
He stands, looks towards the Church, then soberly walks back

to his Truck.
He glances emotionless at Fred as he enters his Truck.
FRED -- CONTINUOUS
as he glances back at Johnny, then looks down at the Flower

Bed while holding the Hose still.
P.O.V. FRED -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny starts the Truck and pulls away.
FRED -- CONTINUOUS
as he watches Johnny's Truck, then walks over and turns the

water off.
CATHY
(from the doorway)
Anything wrong, honey?
FRED
(low)
No, nothing--go back to bed, sweetheart.
He looks down the Street, then at the church. He walks back

inside the House.
A door softly CLOSING is heard, then the porch LIGHT goes

out.
151.
EXT. JOHNNY'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny parks his Truck.
Roman sits in his CHAIR in front of his Apartment drinking a

BEER.
Johnny slowly climbs the Stairs and wearily sits in a Chair

next to Roman. He glances through the OPEN DOOR of his
demolished Apartment and sighs.
ROMAN
(staring forward)
You all right, man?
Johnny silently nods.
ROMAN (CONT'D)
The baby's okay, man--Maria just got
him to sleep.
Johnny looks silently up at the EVENING SKY.
ROMAN (CONT'D)
(glances at Johnny)
You look like you could use something
to eat...
(towards his Door)
...Maria--Menudo por favor!
Maria appears with a BOWL OF MANUDO and a SPOON and hands it

to Johnny. Johnny slowly takes it from her.
JOHNNY
(low)
Gracias, Maria.
Maria smiles at him. Roman kisses her hand as she walks back
into their Apartment.
ROMAN
Eat up, man--it's good for you. I'll
tell you what's in it later.
Johnny starts to eat.
JOHNNY
(soft)
I know what's in it.
152.
Roman smiles.
Roman looks nervously around the APARTMENT GROUNDS, then turns

to Johnny.
ROMAN
(low)
Is that your baby, man?
Johnny pauses, then shakes his head.
JOHNNY
(soft)
I don't know.
Roman shakes his head.
ROMAN
(looks around)
Damn, man.
Maria appears at Roman's SCREEN DOOR.
MARIA
(soft)
Esta bien?
ROMAN
(to Maria)
Si, Maria, bete a dormir.
Maria smiles, then turns and walks OUT OF VIEW.
Johnny finishes the Menudo. He leans back in the Chair and

exhales.
JOHNNY
(closes his eyes)
Now what happens?
Roman looks at him.
ROMAN
What happens? Life happens, man--what
else?
Johnny nods, then quickly falls asleep. The Spoon slips from
his hand and falls to the Floor. Roman picks it up and
carefully removes the Bowl from Johnny's lap and places them
onto a SMALL TABLE next to him.
153.
He sits back in his chair and lights a CIGARETTE.
ROMAN (CONT'D)
(soft)
About time, man...
(looks up at the sky
while taking a puff
from his Cigarette)
...I didn't think you'd ever shut up.
EXT. FRONT OF USED CAR LOT -- DAY
as SEVERAL PICKETERS march along the STREET IN FRONT OF BILL

BUCKHEIM'S USED CAR LOT. Their PLACARDS read "American Indian
Anti-defamation League Says: NO MORE INJUNS!"
EXT. USED CAR LOT -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny practices his SIX-GUN twirling while BEING MADE-UP

for another commercial.
Bill and Johnny stand dressed in their COWBOY OUTFITS in front

of a COVERED WAGON with ARROWS stuck into it.
The DIRECTOR quiets everyone.
DIRECTOR
(loud)
Quiet everyone--and action!
Bill and Johnny shoot their GUNS into the air.
BILL
(loud)
Howdy folks! This is Buffalo Bill
Buckheim here again with my sidekick
Cody John Flory...
(Johnny tips his HAT
towards the Camera)
...we're here dodging arrows and
shoot'in down inflation to bring you a
great deal on a used car now!
JOHNNY
(nervous)
That's right, Buffalo Bill--and we got
a posse of great cars just waiting for
you...
154.
Two STAGE HANDS dressed as INDIANS holding TOMAHAWKS jump in

front of the Camera.
Bill reacts to the Indians.
BILL
(loud)
...watch out, Cody!
Bill quickly draws his Gun and shoots one of the Indians and
he falls to the ground.
Johnny clumsily draws his Gun and shoots at the Other Indian,
but it doesn't fire.
The Other Indian nervously pauses as he looks back and forth

at Johnny and Bill.
Bill looks at Johnny, then quickly draws his Gun again and
SHOOTS the Other Indian. He falls dead to the Ground.
BILL (CONT'D)
(glaring at Johnny)
Whew--that was close, Cody...but we
got 'em...
(turns to the Camera)
...and we'll get you too, with our
guarantied low prices provin' Buffalo
Bill ain't no Indian trader...so come-
on down to Downey, folks...
JOHNNY
(breaks in)
...where we'll help 'ya, not scalp
'ya!
DIRECTOR
(loud)
Cut--that's it!
Bill gives Johnny a disappointed look, then turns and walks

silently away as Johnny watches him.
CAMERA MONITOR -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny turns to the Camera with a deadpan face, then holds

his Gun up to his head and pulls the Trigger. Nothing happens.
155.
as Johnny prepares to feed BUDDY, now a one-year-old, blond

haired, blue eyed, toe head.
A KNOCKING ON THE DOOR IS HEARD. Roman walks in.
ROMAN
(loud)
Hey--what's happen'in. What are you
guy's up to?
Johnny removes SEVERAL JARS OF BABY FOOD from the CUPBOARD

and places them onto the KITCHEN TABLE.
Buddy waddles around the LIVING ROOM.
JOHNNY
Hi, Roman--have a seat. We're just
getting ready to put-on the feed bag!
ROMAN
(sits)
Oh--man, you're starting to sound like
that dude in your commercials!
Johnny laughs as he gets some SILVERWARE from a KITCHEN DRAWER.

He turns to Roman.
JOHNNY
(serious)
I really want to thank you and Maria
again for taking care of Buddy all
this time--you don't know how much
you've help him and me.
ROMAN
(dismissing it)
Forget it, man! Neighbors help
neighbors.
JOHNNY
But you've been great friends too,
Roman--I don't know how...
ROMAN
(interrupts)
...listen, man--it's tough enough
getting by these days...raising kids
doesn't make it any easier--I know!
156.
Johnny smiles appreciatively.
Roman looks at Buddy.
ROMAN (CONT'D)
(smiles)
Hey, the little guy's getting up there,
huh?
Johnny nods.
ROMAN (CONT'D)
In fact, I think he's starting to
resemble you!
Johnny laughs.
JOHNNY
How's that! He's got blond hair and
blue eyes!
Roman pauses.
ROMAN
(smiles)
Character, man...He acts just like
you!
Johnny smiles. He turns to Buddy.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Come-on, Buddy--time to eat!
Buddy is searching through a SMALL BOOKCASE.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(loud)
Buddy--come here!
Buddy ignores him.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(to Roman)
You know, I think he might be a little
deaf--he hardly ever comes to me when
I call him.
Roman turns to Buddy.

157.
ROMAN
Buddy, vamos!
Buddy immediately turns around and waddles over to Roman.

Roman hugs him.
ROMAN (CONT'D)
(to Johnny)
Hey--he comes to me, man!
JOHNNY
(laughs)
Oh, great! I have a bilingual one-
year-old!
Johnny picks-up Buddy and carries him to the Kitchen Table.

He sits down, placing Buddy on his lap, and tucks a SMALL
TOWEL under Buddy's chin.
Johnny opens a JAR of CHOPPED BEETS and feeds Buddy with a

SPOON. He watches Buddy eat.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(to Roman)
Listen, Roman...is this the way it's
suppose to work--I put food in, and it
comes back out again?
Roman watches food DROOL from Buddy's mouth.
ROMAN
(nods)
Yep...apparently, some of it gets
absorbed.
Johnny opens another Jar.
JOHNNY
(reads the label)
Let's see...creamed carrots.
Roman grimaces.
ROMAN
When I was his age, man, I was already
eating frijoles and peppers--feed him
something good!
Johnny take a spoonful of Carrots from the JAR and holds it

in front of Buddy's mouth.
158.
Buddy looks around, then at the Spoonful of Carrots and jerks

his head back, hitting Johnny hard in the mouth with a THUD.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Uuh!
The Spoon drops out of his hand and falls CLANKING onto the
Floor. Johnny is momentarily stunned, then blinks his eyes
while trying to shake his head clear.
ROMAN
(laughs)
And that means--I'm full, Daddy!
Buddy appears oblivious to the incident.
Johnny checks his mouth with his fingers and finds it BLEEDING.
He softly touches the back of Buddy's head, checking for
damage.
Buddy instantly looks straight up as Johnny quickly moves his

head back.
INT. LAURA'S APARTMENT -- DAY
of a BUFFALO BILL'S USED CAR COMMERCIAL showing on TV.
PAN BACK showing Laura watching the TV from her SOFA with an
astonished look on her face.
She sadly watches with tears forming in her eyes as Johnny

playacts through the Commercial with humiliation.
LAURA
(soft)
Johnny.
LAURA -- CONTINUOUS
as she reaches for her PERSONAL PHONE BOOK on a COFFEE TABLE.
She softly weeps as she thumbs through the listings, then

picks-up the PHONE and dials.
LAURA
(trying to keep from
crying)
Hello, Paulie--this is Laura...I'm
fine, how are you and Jenny doing?...oh,
159.
LAURA (MORE)
I'm so glad to hear that--how far is
she along?...that's wonderful!...Paulie,
do you have Johnny's phone number--I'd
really like to talk to him?...Uh-huh...
(writes in her Phone
Book)
...okay, I got it...Paulie, how is
he?...yes, I know--I saw him on
TV...supporting Buddy?...who...oh...oh,
no!...how could she...no, I...
(cries to herself))
...all--all right, Paulie, you take
care of yourself, too...I'll see you
soon--bye.
CLOSE -- LAURA -- CONTINUOUS
as she hangs-up the Phone and stares blankly while tears flow
gently from her eyes.
as Johnny sits solemnly in the front of the TV watching

HOLLYWOOD SQUARES (STOCK FOOTAGE).
Buddy sits in his HIGH CHAIR next to Johnny, playing with his
TOYS.
Johnny turns and stares quietly at Buddy.
The phone RINGS.
Johnny picks-up the PHONE on a SMALL TABLE next to him.
JOHNNY
Hello?...yes...who?...oh, hi Laura...I'm
okay, how've you been?...yes, it is
good news about Jenny--I think they're
going to be okay...huh?...tomorrow
night?...well, if it wouldn't be any
trouble...sure, I'd like to see you
too...okay, eight o'clock...ah, Laura,
I'm gonna' have to bring a friend...he
did...no, he likes that just fine...okay--
let me write it down...
160.
JOHNNY (MORE)
(he fumbles for a PENCIL
and a piece of PAPER
then writes)
...all right--see you tomorrow
night...bye.
Johnny hangs-up the Phone and turns to Buddy.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(smiles)
Well, Buddy--looks like we have a date
tomorrow night!
His smile diminishes and he silently watches Buddy play.
INT. LAURA'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT
as Laura prepares a SPAGHETTI DINNER in her KITCHEN. There

is BREAD and HEADS OF LETTUCE on the COUNTER TOP. She burns
her finger on the LID covering a POT OF BOILING WATER. She
strains the Spaghetti, then mixes-in the SAUCE and covers the
Pot.
She opens the REFRIGERATOR, revealing a full stock of BEER

and WINE. She nervously wipes her hands in her APRON, then
sets the KITCHEN TABLE.
She sets PLATES and SILVERWARE with care, pausing at the

position where Johnny will sit. She then places a SMALLER
SETTING where Buddy will sit, and smiles.
She quickly removes her Apron and pats her Hair into place,
then walks to the FRONT DOOR and opens it.
Johnny enters, holding Buddy with one hand, and his HIGH CHAIR
and a PAPER BAG with the other.
LAURA
(restraining herself
from kissing Johnny)
Johnny--it's great to see you, again!
Johnny looks briefly at Laura and smiles, then maneuvers the

High Chair, and Buddy, through the Door.
161.
JOHNNY
Hello, Laura, it's nice to see you,
too.
Laura looks up at Johnny and smiles, then down at Buddy.
LAURA
(kneels down in front
of Buddy)
And who's this?
JOHNNY
That's Buddy.
Laura smiles and fusses over him, then picks him up and holds
him. Buddy hugs her.
Johnny notices how Buddy takes to her.
LAURA
(kisses Buddy)
Johnny--he's beautiful!
Buddy giggles, eating it all up.
JOHNNY
(smiles)
Don't spoil him, now--he doesn't get
that much attention at home!
Laura gently flips Buddy's curly hair with her fingers, then
carries him towards the Kitchen.
LAURA
(to Buddy)
Well then, we'll just have to do
something about that, won't we!
She turns to Johnny as she walks.
LAURA (CONT'D)
Come in--come in!
Johnny closes the Door then carries the High Chair to the end
of a SOFA and sets it down.
He places the Paper Bag on the Kitchen Table.
Laura sets Buddy down and he immediately starts to examine

everything.
162.
JOHNNY
(removes a SIX-PACK OF
BEER from the Bag)
I brought something to drink, if that's
okay?
LAURA
(biting her lip)
Oh, yes--I was hoping you'd bring
something!
She takes the Beer from him and walks to the Refrigerator.
She smiles at Johnny, then opens the Refrigerator Door just
enough to cram the Beer in.
LAURA (CONT'D)
Would you like one?
JOHNNY
Please--and for yourself, too.
She opens TWO CANS OF BEER and hands him one. They both take
a sip.
Johnny looks shyly around her Apartment, then sits down on

the Sofa. He watches Laura tend to the Pots on the Stove.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
Nice apartment--have you been here
long?
LAURA
Yes--since my divorce a year ago.
Johnny looks down.
JOHNNY
Oh, I'm sorry.
LAURA
(quickly)
I'm not!
Johnny looks at her.
JOHNNY
I remember seeing you with someone at
Paulie's wedding...was that...
163.
LAURA
(interrupts)
...Richard--I didn't think you had
noticed.
She stops herself. Johnny looks down at the can of Beer in

his hands.
She turns to Johnny.
LAURA (CONT'D)
(apologizing)
I'm sorry, Johnny, I didn't mean to...
JOHNNY
(interrupts)
...we seem to be apologizing to each
other.
Laura pauses, then continues preparing the Meal.
LAURA
It wasn't much of a marriage, with him
gone on business all the time.
Johnny looks at her.
JOHNNY
Didn't you love him?
Laura gets tense.
LAURA
(loud)
Of course I loved him--but what was I
suppose to do when...
Laura stops herself, leaning onto the Counter trying to

suppress her emotions.
Johnny silently damns himself for opening his big mouth.
BUDDY -- CONTINUOUS
as he knocks over some KNICKKNACKS on an END TABLE while

exploring.
INT. LAURA'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
as Johnny quickly stands up.

164.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Here now!
He runs over to Buddy and picks him up and he starts to cry.

Laura instinctively starts toward Buddy, then stops herself
when she nears Johnny.
Johnny places Buddy into his High Chair as Laura watches them.
LAURA
(smiles)
Oh--that's all right!
Johnny tries to calm Buddy down. He removes a RATTLE and

some TOYS from a Pocket on the High Chair, then places them
on a Tray in front of Buddy.
JOHNNY
Come-on, sport!
He shakes the Rattle for a moment, then hands it to Buddy.
Buddy takes it and smiles at Johnny.
LAURA
(smiles)
You really have a way with him!
JOHNNY
(watching Buddy)
Yeah, we've been through some times,
together.
Laura looks sympathetically at both of them.
LAURA
(soft)
Has his mother been around at all?
Johnny shakes his head. Laura frowns.
Laura finishes with the Pots and wipes her hands on a TOWEL.
LAURA (CONT'D)
Shall I turn-on the TV?
Johnny nods.
165.
She walks to a PORTABLE TV across from the Sofa and turns it

on. A BASKETBALL GAME (STOCK FOOTAGE - 1973) plays.
She returns to the Counter and prepares the SALAD.
LAURA (CONT'D)
Everything will be ready in a couple
of minutes!
JOHNNY
It smells good, Laura!
She smiles turned away from him.
Johnny watches Laura for a moment, then stands.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(looks around the
Apartment)
What do you do, Laura?
LAURA
I'm working as a paralegal for a law
firm in Santa Ana.
JOHNNY
(nods)
Hmmm--do you enjoy it?
LAURA
(nods)
Oh, yeah--it gets pretty hectic,
sometimes, but it's always interesting.
Johnny see's a BOOK SHELF on the other side of a DIVIDER THAT

SEPARATES THE KITCHEN FROM THE LIVING ROOM.
He walks over to the Shelf and looks at several PICTURE FRAMES

containing group SNAPSHOTS OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND SCHOOL CHUMS.
JOHNNY
(loud)
I didn't know there were so many of
you!
LAURA
(smiles)
Oh, yes--there are Harris's that span
the entire globe, I'm afraid!
166.
Laura laughs, then stops suddenly and takes a quick breath.

She put's her hand to her mouth and closes her eyes.
Johnny continues to search the Book Shelves, when he see's a

TROPHY CUP standing on a SMALL NOOK below the Shelves.
He picks up the Trophy and reads the ENGRAVING, which says:

"1969 Collegiate Football Championship Winners -- John Flory --
Quarterback."
Johnny stares at the Trophy, then towards Laura. He carries

the Trophy into the Kitchen.
JOHNNY
(cold)
Where did you get this?
Laura sighs as she slowly opens her eyes and turns sadly to
Johnny.
LAURA
I...I asked your mother for it while
helping her pack before she left--I
hope you don't mind, Johnny?
Johnny stares at her, then lowers his eyes.
JOHNNY
(soft)
Of course I don't mind, Laura.
He turns and places the Trophy back onto the Table, then stares
at it for a moment.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(solemnly)
Seems like it was such a long time
ago.
Laura silently watches him as he walks back to the Sofa and

slowly sits down. He quietly takes a sip of his Beer.
BUDDY -- CONTINUOUS
involved with the Basketball game on the TV.
LAURA -- CONTINUOUS
as she finishes-up the Salad, then wipes her hands with the
Towel.
167.
She takes her Beer and sits across the Sofa from Johnny.
She impatiently watches the Basketball game on TV, then turns

towards Johnny.
LAURA
Johnny?
Johnny continues to watch the TV, just as nervous as she is.
She tries to get his attention.
LAURA (CONT'D)
Johnny? Do you ever think back when
we were kids...in the old neighborhood?
LAURA (CONT'D)
(smiles)
I do...when you use'd to play ball
with Harry in the front yard...your
pranks...and Harry's crazy schemes!
Johnny looks down.
JOHNNY
Please, Laura--that was a long time
ago.
Laura looks at Johnny.
LAURA
It wasn't that long ago, Johnny--I
even remember when you use'd to protect
me in grade school.
Laura stares at him. She nervously leans closer to him.
LAURA (CONT'D)
I've always loved you, Johnny--did you
know that?
Johnny looks down, shaking his head. He sighs, then turns to

her.
JOHNNY
I have nothing to offer you, Laura...
168.
JOHNNY (MORE)
(Laura shakes her head)
...I mean nothing--I haven't got a
regular job, no prospects, no career...
(motions towards Buddy)
...I don't even know if be belongs to
me, or not!
Laura slides closer to him.
LAURA
Johnny, that's not important.
JOHNNY
(loud)
Not important! What do you mean it's
not important? How can you...
Johnny stops himself, then becomes silent.
Laura looks into his eyes.
LAURA
It doesn't matter, Johnny--we're still
young, and we can deal with those things
together...
(beat)
...it's not like we don't really know
each other.
Johnny shakes his head. He looks at Laura and gently touches

her face as tears form in her eyes, then he stops.
He turns back toward the TV.
JOHNNY
It's not fair dumping everything on
you--you've been such a good friend,
Laura, but I love you too much to...
Johnny quickly stops and closes his eyes.
Laura holds her hands to her mouth and takes a deep breath
while watching Johnny. Her eyes are filled with emotion.
BUDDY -- CONTINUOUS
as he plays with his Rattle. The Rattle makes a CLICKING

sound when he shakes it.
169.
He puts the Rattle into his mouth as he watches the Basketball

game on TV.
P.O.V. BUDDY -- CONTINUOUS
as he watches CLOSE-UPS of the BASKETBALL flying through the

HOOP on TV.
JOHNNY AND LAURA -- CONTINUOUS
as they sit staring blankly down at their Beers. They turn

their attention blankly towards the TV.
BUDDY -- CONTINUOUS
as he concentrates on the TV, then turns his head to look at

something distant.
He becomes completely still, then, while staring, he rears

his right arm back, gripping the Rattle by the handle, and
pauses.
as Johnny watches the TV.
He realizes the Baby is quiet and turns towards him.
Laura turns towards Johnny.
Johnny looks at Buddy's curious pose, then see's the Rattle

he's about to throw.
JOHNNY
(reaches for the Rattle)
Buddy, No!
BUDDY -- CONTINUOUS
as he heaves the Rattle as hard as he can, jerking the SQUEAKY

High Chair slightly aside from the swing of his body.
as they watch the Rattle, open mouthed, as it flies in the

air.
170.
RATTLE -- CONTINUOUS
as it flies a SLOW-MOTION path end-over-end, across the Room

towards the Book Shelves on the Living Room Wall.
BUDDY -- CONTINUOUS
as he giggles.
as it hits the edge of the Trophy Cup in SLOW-MOTION and

bounces straight-up, spinning into the air.
with a surprised look on their faces.
as it spins in the air, then drops straight down into the

center of the Trophy Cup, RINGING it.
BUDDY -- CONTINUOUS
giggling out loud.
as she covers her mouth with both hands.
Johnny stares at the Trophy, closes his eyes, then nods.
He turns to Buddy, who is still giggling.
Johnny leans towards Buddy and gently takes his head into his
hands and looks affectionately into his eyes.
Buddy stares quietly back at Johnny.
JOHNNY
(smiles)
You ARE my son, sweetheart.
Buddy smiles.
Laura, in tears, lays her arm gently across Johnny's shoulders

while pulling on his left arm with her other hand.
171.
Johnny raises his head up, eyes closed, and takes a deep
breath. He turns to Laura with eyes filled.
In a flood of passion, he grabs her by the shoulders and pulls

her close to his chest as he stands. She looks tearfully
into his eyes.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
Laura...Laura, I love you!
They hug and kiss in a release of emotion.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
(sobbing)
I do love you, Laura...I love you so
much!
Laura cries uncontrollably while kissing Johnny.
LAURA
Yes, sweetheart--I know you do...I've
always loved you...always!
They kiss each other madly, then Johnny gently takes her face
into his hands.
JOHNNY
(looks into her eyes)
God, I need you, Laura--we both need
you!
She throws her arms around his neck and hugs him dearly, as
tears stream over the smile on her face.
LAURA
(crying)
Yes, sweetheart, yes--I need you too,
Johnny...
(sobbing)
...My precious, Johnny!
They continue to kiss while they embrace.
WIDER ANGLE, as Johnny and Laura embrace while Buddy entertains

himself, playing with the Toys in the Tray of his High Chair.
DISSOLVE TO:
172.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK -- DAY
as Johnny drives a 1973 CAMARO up to a CURB and parks. Buddy

sits in-between him and Laura.
Johnny exits and walks around the front of the Car, while
Laura brushes her hair in the Rear View Mirror.
PEOPLE are walking towards the Park.
Johnny looks over at the Park and smiles as he walks around

and opens Laura's Door. Johnny watches silently as Laura
turns and steps out of the Car.
Laura walks up to Johnny and puts her arms around him.
CLOSE -- JOHNNY -- CONTINUOUS
as he pauses while staring into her eyes for the longest time.
She cocks her head curiously as she looks up at him. He gently

brushes her shining hair with the back of his hand, then gives
her a long, deep kiss.
She lowers her left cheek onto his shoulder, eyes closed, and
places her right hand against his chest.
When she opens her eyes, she see's the SUN GLISTENING OFF THE
TINY DIAMOND IN HER WEDDING RING. She rotates the Ring with
her thumb, smiling appreciatively.
P.O.V. LAURA -- CONTINUOUS
as she focuses past the Wedding Ring, to Buddy, sitting quietly

on the edge of the Car Seat, smiling at them.
LAURA -- CONTINUOUS
as she smiles at Buddy, then walks over and helps him out of
the Car and closes the Door.
Johnny takes Buddy by the hand.
JOHNNY
Come-on, Sport--there's something I
want to show you.
CLOSE -- BUDDY -- CONTINUOUS
as he looks up at Johnny while he holds onto his hand.

173.
EXT. PARK -- CONTINUOUS
Johnny and Laura put their arms around each other as they
walk towards the Park.
WIDE ANGLE -- CONTINUOUS
of Park, as Johnny, Laura, and Buddy slowly walk toward the

ENTRANCE OF A NEIGHBORHOOD CARNIVAL.
ROLL CREDITS

Harry&#39;s Kid

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"HARRY'S KID"

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- NIGHT

HARRY FLORY, a pale and haggard 55 year-old man, lies in BED.

SUPER TITLE -- "Harry's Kid"

Harry struggles to speak in-between Moans.

with labored breathing. He lies restlessly in Bed.

SERIES OF STOCK BLACK AND WHITE NEWSREEL FOOTAGE SHOTS - "End

STOCK FOOTAGE SHOT - B&W - WWII

Dancing in the streets.

STOCK FOOTAGE SHOT - B&W - WWII

Ticker tape parades.

STOCK FOOTAGE SHOT - B&W - WWII

STOCK FOOTAGE SHOT - B&W - POST WWII

New factories being built in a time of prosperity.

STOCK FOOTAGE SHOT - B&W - POST WWII

New track home construction projects in Southern California.

EXT. CHRISTMAS TREE LOT -- DAY -- B&W

Families browsing around a Christmas Tree Lot. TWO KIDS play

CLOSE KIDS - B&W

Playfully throwing Snow at each other.

FADE-TO COLOR - KIDS

One Kid spits ARTIFICIAL SNOW out of his mouth.

The Kids are playing next to a BOOTH where a MAN sprays

A BANNER above the Booth reads "This Year Buy a California

INT. BEDROOM GRANDPARENT'S HOUSE -- DAY

STENCILED CHRISTMAS TREE on BEDROOM WINDOW.

A 1950'S TV BROADCAST OF A FOOTBALL GAME (O.S.).

SUPER TITLE -- "Christmas Eve, 1950"

GRANDPA FLORY (60s), a distinguished and fit looking gentleman,

Grandpa straightens his BOW TIE and nods in approval, then

INT. LIVING ROOM

GRANDMA FLORY (60s), a graceful and elegant woman, tidies-up

She switches-on the power to a RADIO CONSOLE.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC (O.S.)

She turns-off the Football Game playing on the TELEVISION.

Grandpa reacts to the abrupt program change.

He continues to adjust his Tie in the Mirror.

Grandpa stares blankly at the Bulging Closets in the Mirror.

GRANDMA (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Finishes fiddling with his Tie.

CLOSE-UP - HAT STAND

Grandpa's hands slowly closing around the neck of the STYROFOAM

INT. LIVING ROOM HARRY'S HOUSE -- DAY

HARRY FLORY (30s), sits in front of the TELEVISION immersed

One-year-old JOHNNY explores the contents of the Living Room.

TRAPPER, the family's GOLDEN LABRADOR, lays at Harry's feet.

Harry immersed in the Game.

LIZ (O.S.) (CONT'D)

The Browns complete another pass.

He stands, eyes on the TV, and backs-up to the PHONE.

The DOORBELL RINGS (O.S.).

TRAPPER AND THE CAT

Raise their heads.

Reaches behind himself and picks-up the Phone.

He starts dialing the Phone, exchanging glances between the

The DOORBELL RINGS (O.S.).

LIZ (O.S.) (CONT'D)

He stands with the Phone to his ear, staring at the TV.

LIZ (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Harry looks at the Phone in his hand, then holds it back up

He hangs-up the Phone and rushes to the Front Door.

ANGLE - FRONT DOOR

Liz appears at the Living Room Entryway wiping her hands on

Grandpa hands Harry his UMBRELLA, and removes his FEDORA.

Harry's Kid

Harry's Kid