VERONA, TEXAS

by
Wyn6

FADE IN:
EXT. VERONA, TEXAS - MORNING
ABOVE A RURAL TEXAS LANDSCAPE.
A PIANO PLAYS ILL FLY AWAY. A YOUNG GIRLS VOICE SINGS THE
LYRICS over the piano.
A group of CARS, part of a FUNERAL PROCESSION, leave a
church, A BLACK HEARSE in the lead.
A cloud of dust billows behind the procession as car tires
disturb the red earth. Farms and houses dot this small,
AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY. GLIDE DOWN TO...
COUNTRY ROAD - CONTINUOUS
In front of a white house, a hard-worked, BLACK WOMAN and her
YOUNG SON, both in dark clothes, watch the procession pass.
The vehicles move past
PEOPLE stand alongside
a 1960 FORD F-100. The
procession as it heads

the small wooden house. Several more

the road. The last vehicle to pass is
people along the road follow after the
to...

EXT. CEMETERY - MOMENTS LATER

THE SONG CONTINUES. The procession stops. A DRIVER exits the
hearse and opens the rear. PALLBEARERS carry the casket to a
gravesite. More people, on foot, walk toward the cemetery.
Heat waves dance in the air and wrap about the gathered who
attempt to cool themselves with church fans. The caskets
placed above the grave as a man, PASTOR ROBERTSON, 50s, steps
forward.
The family, African-American, sit in the front row. ISAAC
MONTAGUE (pronounced: mon-tayg) 50, clean-shaven, his wife,
EVELYN MONTAGUE, late 40s, pretty but weary-faced.
Their sons, JEROME MONTAGUE, boyishly handsome, 24, JESSE
MONTAGUE, 10, and their cousin, BENNY MONTAGUE, late 20s.
The pastor opens his bible and reads, HIS WORDS MUTED UNDER
THE SONG. Everyone lowers their heads in prayer.
Pastor Robertson says his final words, which are followed by
a somber:

2.

ALL
Amen.
THE SONG ENDS. People move to place flowers on the casket,
console the family, and depart.
GRAVE DIGGERS lower the casket into the ground as most
mourners leave. After a few moments, only Jerome remains.
Solemn, he stands over the grave. Tears roll down his cheeks.
The grave diggers shovel dirt into the hole. Off Jerome.
EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - DAY
Several cars are parked on the lawn and in the drive of the
modest, white-washed, wooden house. A beautiful, ROSE GARDEN
filled with vibrant, red roses adorns the front of the house.
A middle-aged, black couple, VERNICE and CLAUDE, walk onto
the small wooden porch. Vernice carries a pot. Claude knocks
on the screen door. It opens and they enter into...
INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
...where several GUESTS pack into the small, hot house. Its
amazing this many people can find room to breathe let alone
stand or sit. They use various items as makeshift fans.
MOVE THROUGH THE MOURNERS. A rotary dial phone sits on a
small table in the living room. Isaacs on the phone.
ISAAC
(into phone)
Thank you and God bless yall.
He hangs up and takes a moment. He then moves around to hug
various friends and family. Jesse, a pudgy, little boy, walks
through the house, head down. Isaac catches his sons
shoulder and stops him.
ISAAC (CONTD)
You eat, boy?
Jesses attention remains on the floor as he answers.
JESSE
Aint hungry.
ISAAC
Son, you need to eat something.
Its plenty of food in there.

3.

ISAAC (CONT'D)
Some chicken, some roast, collards,
corn. Now g'on in there and let
Nell fix ya a plate.
Jesse never looks up.
JESSE
I can fix my own plate.
ISAAC
Fine. Fix ya own plate then.
Wheres ya mama?
JESSE
In her room.
Isaac sighs, bends down and hugs his son.
ISAAC
Ya know I love you dont ya, son?
JESSE
I know, Daddy. I love you, too.
Isaac straightens up and smiles. Jesse looks at his father.
ISAAC
Gon, now.
Jesse heads for the kitchen. Isaac calls after him.
ISAAC (CONTD)
And, chop some more ice while ya in
there.
JESSE
Aint none. Benny nem went to the
icehouse to get some mo.
ISAAC
(half to himself)
I don told them boys to stay out
of town.
Isaac closes his eyes and takes another moment.
BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Evelyn kneels on the side of the bed. She speaks softly in
prayer.

4.

EVELYN
Tell me this is your will, Lord.
Tell me you called my baby home for
a reason. Why, Jesus? Why? Whyd
you have to take him like that,
Lord?
The door eases opens and Isaac enters. Evelyn doesnt seem to
notice her husbands presence. He closes the door behind him.
EVELYN (CONTD)
Why, Lord?! Why?! Oh Lord, why?!
She bursts into muted sobs. Isaac moves to his wife and
kneels beside her. He takes her into his arms and rest his
chin on her head.
ISAAC
Oh, Evelyn.
EVELYN
I prayed everyday, Isaac. Everyday
he was over there I prayed that the
Lord would see him home safe. But,
where was he when he was dyin
here?! Where was he when they was
killin my baby?
Evelyn grasps her husbands clothes tightly as if to let go
would send her into a deeper spiral of sorrow. She cries and
cries... and cries.
Isaac doesnt speak. He holds onto his wife, closes his eyes,
and squeezes out tears. Off of them...
EXT. VERONA, TEXAS - CENTER OF TOWN - DAY
MOVE THROUGH the small town center, PAST a building, a faded
sign denoting it as: RAYS FILLING STATION.
The red-bricked VERONA COURTHOUSE, a diner with ELLIES
CAFE painted in white across its front window.
HOLD briefly on a sign posted in the cafes wooden and glass
door that reads: NO COLOREDS ALLOWED.
EXT. TUCKERS GROCERY - DAY
Several young, Caucasian men stand next to a RED PICKUP
outside the small wooden shack of a store. TYLER, the alpha,
late 20s, SAM, 20, GREG, 21, and BILL, 19. They are the
CALHOUNS.

5.

A SATEEN SILVER 1961 CHEVY IMPALA, driven by Benny Ralph,

pulls up to the store. ABRAHAM, 22, and JABBO, 18, get out of
the vehicle. Benny stays in the car.
BENNY
Yall dont be takin all day
neither. We got to get this ice
back to the house.
The boys head into the store. The Calhouns look on. Tyler
takes a drag on a cigarette as he stares intensely at Benny.
SAM
(under his breath)
Damn niggers are everywhere.
GREG
Yeah. Marchin into town with their
civil rights bullshit. I dont know
what the big deal is. Hell, I dont
even vote.
TYLER
Thank God.
GREG
Go to hell, Tyler.
Tyler smirks.
SAM
I got half a mind to go overe an
run em the hell outta o town.
TYLER
Do you?
He gestures toward Benny with his head.
TYLER (CONT'D)
Well, gon then.
Sam does nothing. Tyler turns back and continues to bore a
hole into Benny who thrums his fingers on the hard, plastic
steering wheel.
Benny glances over. He catches Tylers gaze momentarily, then
averts his eyes. A river of sweat runs down Bennys face.
Tyler takes one last puff, throws his smoke to the ground,
and crushes it with a boot heel. Abraham and Jabbo exit the
store with tall, glass bottles of Coca Cola.

6.

TYLER (CONTD)
(insincere)
Shame about that cousin of y'alls.
Gettin hanged in a tree and all.
My condolences.
Jabbo and Abraham stop cold. They turn to face Tyler.
GREG
Thought thats what monkeys did.
Hang from trees.
The other Calhoun boys find humor in this. Tyler manages a
small smirk.
But, their amusement is cut short. A coke bottle SMASHES on
the blacktop right next to Greg.
The other Calhouns gather themselves and rush Abe and Jabbo.
Tyler takes it all in with subdued amusement. Benny jumps out
of the car and rushes toward the melee.
BENNY
Abraham!
Tyler simply watches from his perch against the truck. Benny,
wide and stocky, thrusts himself into the middle of the
skirmish. He tries to hold Jabbo back.
BENNY (CONTD)
Jabbo! Come on!
A fist catches Jabbo in the face. He throws back. Benny
pleads to Tyler.
BENNY (CONT'D)
Help me break this up!
A SIREN CHIRPS. A police car comes to a stop in front of the
ruckus. SHERIFF EMERY BELL and DEPUTY DAN CAINES step out of
the vehicle and break up the fight.
SHERIFF BELL
Now, I dont care whos responsible
for this mess, Calhouns or
Montagues! Next time anything like
this happens, Im taking you all to
jail! Hear? And, Benny Ralph,
Tyler... I thought both you boys
had more sense than this.
Benny starts to say something before the Sheriff cuts him
off.

7.

SHERIFF BELL (CONTD)

I dont want to hear it. Bottom
line is, Im not gonna stand for
it.
A BLACK, FORD GALAXIE SEDAN pulls up, opposite the group.
JUDGE WINSTON CALHOUN II, 60ish, steps out.
JUDGE CALHOUN
What seems to be the problem here,
Sheriff?
SHERIFF BELL
Nothing for you to worry about,
Judge. We got it all taken care of.
(to boys)
Dont we, boys?
The disgruntled boys barely acknowledge the sheriff.
SHERIFF BELL (CONTD)
You Montagues get on home now.
The Montague boys, faces etched with anger, get into their
car and drive away. Tyler leers after them.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Now, Emery, if them Montagues go
stirring things up, I want-SHERIFF BELL
I wouldnt worry about it none,
Judge. I believe there was just a
misunderstanding. Its handled.
The Judge narrows his eyes, skeptical.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Fine then. Tyler, rest of you boys,
head on back to the house and help
with the preparations. And Emery...
Ill see you at the gala Friday
night?
The sheriff tips his hat to Judge Calhoun. Tyler jumps into
the truck with Greg. Sam and Bill climb into the trucks bed.
The truck pulls OUT OF FRAME followed by the Judges Ford.
The sheriff and deputy stare after the cars.

8.

EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - MORNING

A quiet, country morning. The sun has barely crested the
horizon. It bathes everything in muted orange light.
Jerome sits on the buckled and worn wooden porch of his
house, his head buried in a thick, black, leather-bound book.
A HARBOR BLUE 57 CHEVY, its windows fogged by the moist
morning air, rests in the dirt drive of the house. Bennys
car pulls behind it. Benny gets out and walks to the porch.
BENNY
Lil cousin.
JEROME
Benny Ralph.
Benny looks down at Jeromes book.
BENNY
What ya readin?
Jerome looks up from the book.
JEROME
Shakespeare. But, I aint really
reading it. Just sitting here
thinking more than anything else.
BENNY
Shakespeare. You always was the
smart one.
Benny sits down on the porch next to Jerome.
BENNY (CONTD)
Thinking bout Isaac Junior?
JEROME
(nods)
Man, sometimes I sit here and act
like hell come walking up that
driveway. I guess its easier for
me to pretend like he never came
home.
(closes the book)
I remember we used to write letters
back and forth when he was in Nam.
And, he would never talk about the
war. All he would ask was about us.
Hows Mama? Hows Daddy? Hows
Jesse? Whats going on with you?

9.

JEROME (CONT'D)
But, I remember this one time he
wrote me where he said he was
scared. I remember thinking, June,
scared? Junes not scared of
nothing. But, him he was scared
for. He said everyday the only
thing he could think about was how
much it would hurt us if he didnt
come home.
He gives the statement a moment to rest.
JEROME (CONTD)
My brother survived a war. And then
he come back home to get murdered
by the people of the country he
went to war for? I dont understand
this world, Benny Ralph. I mean,
this is home. Aint home supposed
to be a safe place?
Jerome opens his mouth to say something else, then shakes his
head. Benny studies his cousin.
BENNY
Yeah. Supposed to be. But,
sometimes God got something
different planned for us than we
got planned for ourselves.
JEROME
I just wish his plans was a little
closer to what we got planned.
BENNY
Dont we all, cuz? You just gotta
accept Gods will for what it is. I
aint saying thats easy. God knows
it was hard when I lost my mama.
Jerome acknowledges Bennys loss with a nod.
JEROME
I keep trying to tell myself that.
Its Gods will. But, it just dont
seem fair. It aint fair.
BENNY
You right. Life aint fair. We just
got to make the best of it we can.
Jerome gives Benny a weak smile.

10.

JEROME
I know.
Benny puts a hand on Jeromes shoulder and returns the smile.
BENNY
Well, glad to see ya back home,
even if its only for a lil bit.
Now, let me get on in here and help
ya daddy load this stuff up for the
church. Ill holler at ya later.
Aight?
JEROME
Aight.
Benny stands and walks into the house. Jerome remains in
quiet contemplation, his eyes across the dirt road that runs
in front of the house.
INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - DAY
Jesse walks toward the front door. Someone KNOCKS.
JESSE
Who is it?
MARCUS (O.S.)
(through door)
Marcus.
Jesse opens the door and the screen to MARCUS LANKFORD, 20s,
lean, wiry.
JESSE
(yells)
Jerome! Its Marcus!
Isaac walks INTO FRAME, stops and stares at Jesse.
ISAAC
Boy? What I don told you about
yelling through this house?
JESSE
I know. Dont yell.
ISAAC
If ya' know, learn how to go get
somebody.
(stares at Jesse)
Come on in, Marcus.

11.

MARCUS
Thats aight, Pastor Montague. Ill
wait out here.
Isaac nods and EXITS FRAME. Marcus looks at Jesse and grins.
MARCUS (CONTD)
Thats what you get, ol big mouth
boy.
JESSE
Shut up!
MARCUS
Say what?!
Marcus opens the screen and pretends to come after Jesse.
Jesse takes off through the house.
ISAAC (O.S.)
And, dont be running through this
house, boy!
Marcus smiles and lets the screen go. It slams. Isaac appears
and glares at him from inside. Marcus cringes. Oops.
EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - LATER
Marcus and Jerome sit in a LIME GREEN, 61 OLDSMOBILE
CUTLASS. "THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS" by THE MIRACLES, plays on
the radio.
MARCUS
Look, man. This yo last time to
see her befo she go move to
California.
JEROME
And, how we suppose to get into a
party at Judge Calhouns house?
MARCUS
My Aintie Idelia don worked for
Judge Calhoun since befo we was
born. She already told me she can
get me a job as a server and asked
me if I knew somebody else that was
interested. All you gotta do is say
yes.
JEROME
I dont know, man.

12.

MARCUS
What dont you know? Go to the
party, see the girl, and if you
lucky...
JEROME
It aint as easy as you think it
is, Marcus. Not for me it aint.
After everything me and Rosalyn
been through. Man, weve known each
other since grade school. Even then
we use to talk about getting
married, and having kids. We spent
over half our lives together. And,
now what? She moving to California.
Seeing her now just gon... It
dont matter. We both agreed that
seeing each other wouldnt be good
anyway.
MARCUS
(shrugs)
Fine. Dont go see the girl. Im
just tryin to help ya out, man.
JEROME
Why you care, anyway?
MARCUS
Shit, I dont. Im just tired of
seein you runnin round here with
yo lip all stuck out like yo mama
just whooped yo ass.
They both sit in silence for a long MOMENT. Marcus looks over
at Jesses bike which lies next to the porch and chuckles.
MARCUS (CONTD)
Remember that time we was about
fourteen and we was on our bikes
and we was comin back from town
and we had Jesse with us? I think
he was fo or five.
A quizzical look hits Jerome as if hes trying to recall.
And,
bike
that
you?
hill

MARCUS (CONT'D)
remember you was ridin that
that you got for Christmas
yo daddy put together for
And we came to that big ol
by the pond.

13.

MARCUS (CONT'D)
We start goin down it and you
stood up and bumped Jesse off the
back. Remember? And his butt fell
on the tire.
Marcus cant help but laugh.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
All you could hear was him
hollerin and that tire rubbin the
hell out that boys ass!
(makes the sound of the
tire rubbing)
And when you got to the bottom, he
jumped off the bike and start
runnin round yellin, my booty
burnin! Man, I cried laughin the
whole way down that hill! I was
laughin so hard I fell off my
bike, and it hurt, but I kept
laughin!
Marcus is in tears. Jerome grins and tries not to laugh.
JEROME
That wasnt funny, Marcus. The
brakes on that bike didnt work.
MARCUS
Neither did the handle bars, the
pedals, nothin on that bike
worked.
JEROME
(laughs)
And, I was trying to stop the thing
with my feet like Fred Flintstone!
MARCUS
Yeah!
They laugh harder.
JEROME
Man, I still feel bad about that.
MARCUS
I still get tickled every time I
think about it. How long was it
befo Jesse could sit up straight
after that?
JEROME
Shit, he cant sit up straight now!

14.

They just sit and laugh for a moment.

MARCUS
Man, we had some fun when we was
kids.
JEROME
I dont think Jesse would call that
fun. But, yeah we did. Sometimes, I
wish those days were still here.
Marcus turns to Jerome, a sincerity in his eyes.
MARCUS
Look, man. I just dont wanna see
the girl go and you dont get the
chance to say gbye.
Jerome smiles at his friend, conceding.
JEROME
What times the party, Marcus?
Off an approving MARCUS...
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - DAY
A young, handsome, Caucasian man stands at the front door of
this Victorian-styled home. Hes, PAUL, early 20s. The
Housekeeper, IDELIA, African-American, 50s, opens the screen
door.
IDELIA
Get on in here, Paul!
She gives him a big hug.
PAUL
Its good to see you again too,
Idelia.
He looks up to see Judge Calhoun coming down the stairs.
JUDGE CALHOUN
That you, Paul?
PAUL
Yes, sir, it is.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Well, Ill be. Good to see you,
son. What are you standing outside
for? Come on in.

15.

Paul enters into...

INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - CONTINUOUS
Smiling, the Judge moves to him. They hug. The Judge gives
him a few manly pats on the back.
PAUL
Thank you, sir and its good to see
you as well.
JUDGE CALHOUN
How have you been, son?
(teases)
And, it sounds like you picked
yourself up a bit of a yank accent.
PAUL
Really? I hadnt noticed. But, all
goes well, sir. And, I trust the
law of this land is being well
kept?
JUDGE CALHOUN
The sanctity of the courts is being
preserved for the future lawyers
who will judiciously serve to
protect the liberties of this great
country of ours. Such as yourself.
PAUL
Thank you, sir. I can only hope to
live up to such idealism.
JUDGE CALHOUN
I have no doubt that you will
someday make a fine lawyer, son. In
Texas, that is.
The judge starts off.
JUDGE CALHOUN (CONTD)
Come on, have a seat. Idelia get us
a couple of beers, would ya?
They move into...
KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Idelia grabs two beers from the icebox. The Judge gestures to
a chair at the table.

16.

PAUL
Thank you, sir.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Yale. So hows them Yankees
treating you, son?
PAUL
Well, I will say that Connecticut
is a little different than Texas.
To be honest, I dont think I would
ever have chosen Yale, if it wasnt
my fathers and Grandfathers Alma
Mater.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Well, theres no shame in following
in the proud tradition set by your
father and his father before him,
even if that tradition isnt a
Texas tradition.
Idelia moves over to the table, pops the tops with a bottle
opener, and sets the beers in front of the two men. They each
grab a bottle.
Thank you,
(turns
I can only
you aim to
evening?

JUDGE CALHOUN (CONT'D)

Idelia. Thatll be all.
to Paul)
assume by your presence
attend the gala this

PAUL
I wouldnt miss it for the world,
sir.
Paul takes a sip.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Well, Julianna's gone into town to
pick up a few last minute things.
She should be back directly.
The Judge takes a swig of his beer.
PAUL
Actually, I came to speak to you
and Mrs. Calhoun, sir.
Nerves vibrate his words. His eyes flit to the beer bottle he
spins around in his hand. Judge Calhoun follows Pauls eyes,
then looks him in the face.

17.

JUDGE CALHOUN
What about, Paul? Something the
matter?
Paul takes a sip to stall.
PAUL
No, sir. I have something that I
wanted to ask you, sir. But, I have
to admit that Im a bit nervous.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Paul, youre like a son to me. You
know that you can ask me anything.
Now, spit it out.
The young man takes a deep breath.
PAUL
Ive been doing some thinking while
Ive been away. A lot of thinking.
About Julianna and how much she
means to me.
He fidgets and shifts about in his seat.
PAUL (CONT'D)
And... I want to ask her to marry
me. I was hoping to get yours and
Mrs. Calhouns blessing.
The Judge stares at him for an uncomfortable beat then lets a
smile creep across his face.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Son, you dont know how happy it
makes me to hear that. I assure you
that Mrs. Calhoun and I could not
have chosen a better man for our
daughter. You do indeed have our
blessing.
PAUL
Thank you, sir. You dont know how
much that means to me. Actually, to
tell you the truth Im a bit
relieved.
(laughs)
Now, I just hope Julianna shares
your same enthusiasm.

18.

JUDGE CALHOUN
Dont you fret now, Paul. That girl
loves you. When do you plan on
asking her?
PAUL
I was thinking about asking her
tonight at the gala. With your
approval, of course.
The Judge takes a drink and puts a hand on Pauls shoulder.
JUDGE CALHOUN
I couldnt have thought of a more
perfect time to ask, myself. This
will certainly be a night for
celebration.
ANN (O.S.)
What are we celebrating?
Both look over as ANNABELLE (Ann) CALHOUN, a well-aged 50,
rounds a corner, two paper grocery bags beneath each arm.
Both men stand up from their seats.
ANN (CONTD)
Well, hello, Paul. This is a
pleasant surprise. How are you?
She sits the sacks on the counter.
PAUL
Good, maam. Good.
ANN
And, hows Yale?
She hugs him.
PAUL
Its good, maam.
The Judge eyes his wife, a marvelous grin on his face.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Ann. It seems Paul here has come to
ask for our little girls hand in
marriage. Looks like youre going
to have yourself a son-in-law.
Paul waits with bated breath, as they say.

19.

ANN
Well, I guess if he wishes to curry
favor with his future mother-inlaw, he could get some groceries
out of the car.
He can breathe again, even smile!
PAUL
Of course, Mrs. Calhoun.
A final sip of his beer and he exits. Ann peers at her
husband curiously. Off her look...
EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - EVENING
A CAR HORN blares. Benny sits in...
INT. BENNY RALPHS CAR - CONTINUOUS
...with Marcus. Both are dressed in black slacks and white
dress shirts.
BENNY
Where the hell is this boy? I
thought you said he was going.
MARCUS
He comin.
Benny blows the horn again. The screen door flies open and
Jerome vaults off the porch. He races to the car and jumps in
the backseat. Hes dressed the same.
MARCUS (CONTD)
bout time.
BENNY
You almost got left.
JEROME
Man, I didnt want to go in the
first place. I can go back in the
house.
Benny, irritated, looks to Marcus then directs his attention
to Jerome.
BENNY
Are you going or not?

20.

MARCUS
Yeah he goin. Drive on, Benny
Ralph.
Benny shakes his head, backs out of the dirt drive, and heads
down the road.
INT. CALHOUN RESIDENCE - JULIANNAS ROOM - EVENING
JULIANNA CALHOUN, 21, raven-haired, gorgeous, sits on a queensized bed. Ann sits next to her, a glass of red wine in one
hand. An exquisite ball gown is laid out next to the two.
JULIANNA
Mama, do I really have to be there?
Why does he insist on throwing
these things anyway?
ANN
If I have to be there, you have to
be there. And, he insists on
throwing them, because they make
him feel important.
JULIANNA
I thought thats why he became a
Judge.
Ann crosses her legs and holds her wine glass pretentiously.
ANN
(mocking)
You see, darling. When you are a
member of high society one must aim
to impress constantly.
Julianna laughs at her mothers antics.
JULIANNA
Verona doesnt have a high society.
He begs all these folks to come up
from Dallas and Fort Worth.
ANN
Now, now. Lets not go and spoil
your daddys self-important
evening.
Julianna stands and picks the dress up. She looks into a
floor length mirror, and holds the dress in front of her.
ANN (CONTD)
You know Pauls in town?

21.

Julianna puts the dress back onto the bed. She ignores the
comment. She stands in the mirror, takes some pins from the
dresser and pins her hair up.
ANN (CONTD)
Well..?
JULIANNA
I know. I heard yall talking.
ANN
Thats it? Thats all you have to
say?
JULIANNA
(snaps)
What else am I suppose to say?!
Yay! Pauls back in town, I cant
wait to get married, have children
and live happily ever after?!
ANN
Watch your tone.
JULIANNA
Sorry. But, Mama, I told you. With
Paul so far away at school it just
wont work between us.
Ann sits her wine glass down on the night stand, stands up
and helps Julianna pin up her hair.
ANN
Sweetie, youll be twenty-two in
three months. Dont you ever want
to get married and have a family?
JULIANNA
Of course I do, Mama. But, I want
that to be someone I choose, not
yalls choice for me.
ANN
Well, Pauls more your daddys
choice than he is mine. But, he is
a nice boy, comes from a good home,
hes going to a good school, and
hell make a fine husband one day.
They finish pinning and Julianna turns to face her mother.
JULIANNA
Maybe he will. But, I dont think
were meant to be.

22.

JULIANNA (CONT'D)
When I get married, it wont be
just because theyre nice, or they
come from a good family, went to a
good school, or have money. I want
to marry someone because we share
the same dreams, the same heart,
the same soul.
Ann rests her hands on Juliannas shoulders.
ANN
You remind me of me when I was your
age. So much to look forward to.
The promise of happiness, the
promise of love. But, the older I
got, life made it painfully clear I
wasnt promised anything. And,
sometimes when I look back I ask
myself what could I have done
differently. The choices I made.
The choices I didnt make. What was
right. What was wrong. What I would
change.
Ann huffs a regretful sigh, then faces Julianna toward the
mirror. They peer into the mirror. She holds her daughters
eyes with a motherly smile.
ANN (CONTD)
You know what I see when I look at
you?
JULIANNA
No.
ANN
A choice I made that I would never
change. Youve grown into beautiful
young lady. Not just on the
outside. But, here, too.
She places her hand over Juliannas heart.
ANN (CONT'D)
Ever since you were a little girl,
I knew you were special. Im not
just saying that because youre my
daughter. Im saying it because
its true. Ive never seen a bigger
heart more full of love than yours.
You deserve the world, sweetie. If
anybody deserves to find true love,
its you, Julianna. So yes, youre
right.

23.

ANN (CONT'D)
If you have the chance to marry for
true love, the only one that should
have the right to deny that is God.
But, theres no way he would deny
one of his most beautiful creations
one of his most precious gifts.
And, if anybody tries to tell you
any differently, you tell them to
take it up with your mama.
Julianna turns to her mother, the two women look at each
other, smile and hug.
JULIANNA
Of course I will, Mama. Thank you.
ANN
I love you, sweetheart.
JULIANNA
I know. I love you, too.
ANN
This wont make your daddy happy
seeing as how hes got the two of
you half way down the aisle. He
swears by Paul, you know?
JULIANNA
Then maybe he and Paul should run
off together.
A mischievous smirk finds its way to Anns mouth.
ANN
You know? I just might suggest that
to him.
The women share a laugh. A knock at the door cuts short their
revelry.
ANN (CONTD)
Who is it?
IDELIA (O.S.)
Idelia, Mrs. Calhoun.
ANN
Come in. The doors open.
The door opens and Idelia enters the room.

24.

IDELIA
I just wanna remind yall that the
guestll be arriving in a coupla
hours.
Idelia waits.
ANN
Then I guess we had better get
ready.
Ann strokes her daughters hair and brings her hand down to
cup her cheek. She smiles once more and starts off. She turns
back and picks up the wine from the night stand.
ANN (CONTD)
Cant forget this.
A sip. She leaves the room.
IDELIA
Dont take all day now, Miss
Julianna. You know how yo daddy
get.
JULIANNA
I wont, Idelia. And, yes, I know
how he gets. Thank you.
Idelia closes the door as she leaves. Julianna gives her
mirrored reflection one last glance.
INT. BENNY RALPHS CAR - EVENING
Benny and Marcus talk over the engines hum.
BENNY
You know good and well I aint
saying that.
MARCUS
Either way it go, Im gon make
like my man Jerome and move to
Dallas. Mo jobs. Mo women. Aint
that right, Jerome?
Jerome doesnt answer. Benny Ralph glances up at him THROUGH
THE REARVIEW MIRROR.
BENNY
You aight back there, cuz?

25.

JEROME
Oh. Yeah, Im good.
MARCUS
Naw. He back there thinkin bout
Rosalyn. Probably tryin to figure
out what he gon say to her to get
in her pants befo she move.
Benny rolls his eyes and Jerome smiles absentmindedly.
JEROME
You stupid, Marcus.
MARCUS
Hey, I know what you can tell her.
When you see her, walk right up to
her, look her dead in the eye and
say...
(sings Aint Too Proud to
Beg)
I know you wanna leave me, But I
refuse to let you go. If I have to
beg, and plead for your sympathy, I
don't miii-ind 'cause you mean that
much to me.
Benny joins in. He bobs his head and sings along.
MARCUS AND BENNY
Aint too proud to be-eeeg... sweet
darling. Please dont leave me
giiirl.
Benny backhands Marcus on the arm. Marcus feigns pain.
BENNY
Jerome, you need some new friends.
MARCUS
Shit, he need new kinfolk, too.
BENNY
Shut up.
Benny looks in the back seat where Jerome stares out the
window, somewhere else.
BENNY (CONTD)
(serious)
You sure you aight back there,
Jerome? Look like you got somethin
heavy on ya mind.

26.

A long moment slips by.

JEROME
I keep having this dream about
Isaac Junior. Almost every night.
FLASH CUT: EXT. FIELD - NIGHT
The SCENE is various SHADES OF GRAY, GRAINY, MURKY.
JEROME (V.O.)
I know its a dream, but it be like
Im right there with him.
It rains in sheets. The roaring torrent drowns out most other
sounds. Several WHITE MEN drag a BLACK MAN through the mud.
They kick him and beat him.
JEROME (V.O.)
Its raining and I can see them
dragging him through the mud...
kicking him, beating him.
A white man in a hat steps INTO FRAME behind the black man
who lies face down in the mud. The brim of the mans hat
droops under the weight of the rain, partially hiding his
face. He carries a rope tied into a noose.
JEROME (V.O.)
They put a rope around his neck. It
look like hes crying, but I cant
tell because of the rain. And all I
can do is watch.
The black man is on his knees. His heads down, and the downpour makes it hard to see his face. Several men circle him.
JEROME (V.O.)
I try to say something. I scream. I
yell. But, dont nothing come out.
I try to run to him, thinking I can
save him, but then the mud slows me
down. I reach my hand out to him,
but Im too far away. I look at
him, but its raining so hard I
cant even see his face no more.
TILT UP THE LENGTH OF THE ROPE to where it hangs over a large
tree branch.
JEROME (V.O.)
And, then all I can see is the
rope.

27.

THE ROPE tightens.

JEROME (V.O.)
It goes tight... Thats when I wake
up.
STAY ON THE ROPE as it moves erratically before it settles
into a smooth back and forth motion.
BACK TO SCENE
Jerome fixates on the night beyond the window.
Marcus and Benny share a glance. Rain dots the windshield.
Benny flicks on the wipers. Off the SQUEAKING WIPERS...
INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
The kitchen is abuzz with activity. Cooks prepare food.
Servers ready their trays and check their uniforms. PUSH
THROUGH the swarm of people.
Marcus, Benny Ralph, and Jerome all stand in the back. They
put on black vests. Marcus vest is a bit too big for him.
Idelia approaches.
IDELIA
Oh hey, Marcus baby. Glad yall
could make it.
They hug. Idelia kisses Marcuss cheek.
MARCUS
Hey, Aintie Idelia. I preciate you
gettin us on...
(tugs his vest)
...but these digs.
IDELIA
Youll get used to em. Aight now.
Grab a tray with hors doeuvres, or
wine. Dont matter. When you go
outside, move through the guests,
ask if anybody want anything. If
they do, give it to em, if they
dont, move on. Thats pretty much
it.
Jerome seems preoccupied as he looks at all the various
people in the kitchen.

28.

JEROME
Excuse me, Miss Idelia. Is Rosalyn
here yet?
IDELIA
I hadnt seen her yet, baby.
A man calls Idelia from the other side of the kitchen.
IDELIA (CONTD)
I gotta go. Yall take care and do
a good job now. Im countin on ya.
Idelia darts between the mass of folks and heads for the
other side of the kitchen.
MARCUS
(to Jerome)
Stop sweatin. Shell show up.
Jerome forces air through his nose and shrugs.
BENNY
Yall, stop talking and grab a
tray.
MARCUS
You aint my daddy.
BENNY
If you dont shut up and pick up
one of them trays, Im gon beat
you like I was.
Marcus sneers at Benny Ralph and picks up a tray. Benny
gestures to the door with his head. FOLLOW Jerome, Marcus,
and Benny THROUGH the door and into...
FORMAL DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
MOVE WITH JEROME through this elegant soire. BACHS PARTITA
NO.3 IN E MAJOR (PRELUDIO), wafts THROUGH the dozens of
GUESTS mingled about the room. Jerome passes...
ANN, a glass of wine in hand, WALKS and talks to a COUPLE.
They sally past...
THE JUDGE, in a black tuxedo and bow tie, MOVES about
personally seeing to each of his guests. He shakes a MANs
hand who turns to take a glass of wine from...
JEROME scans the room, peering between and around the cluster
of people. He spots a FEMALE SERVER, from behind.

29.

He walks toward her, navigating through the upscale swarm.

JEROME
Hey.
She turns to face him wearing a friendly smile.
FEMALE SERVER
Hi, Jerome.
JEROME
You seen Rosalyn?
FEMALE SERVER
Oh. She took sick. She aint gon
be here tonight.
Jerome tries to swallow the disappointment evident in his
face.
JEROME
Oh. Okay.
He drops his shoulders, turns around and heads for the
kitchen.
Julianna steps in front of him. An abrupt stop sends the
contents of his tray, a glass of wine, to the floor followed
by a mini deluge of Chardonnay.
JEROME (CONTD)
Im so sorry, maam. I didnt see
you.
He snatches a small, far from adequate, napkin from his tray,
kneels and dabs at the spill. Hes too busy with the mess on
the floor to notice the radiant beauty in front of him.
JULIANNA
Its my fault. I shouldnt have
stepped in front of you like that.
Jerome doesnt look up.
JEROME
I need to clean this up.
He wipes furiously.
JULIANNA
Server?
(waits)
Server?

30.

Finally, he looks up at the song-like voice calling to him.

Now, he cant help but catch a glimpse of her. Hes taken
aback. Shes every synonym for gorgeous rolled into one.
JEROME
Yes, maam?
A playful smile curls her lips.
JULIANNA
I still want a glass of wine.
JEROME
Yes, maam.
Julianna meanders off into the crowd to mingle. Jerome
stands, smitten. Hes lost in her, this Aphrodite.
A passing Idelia brings him back for the splittest of
seconds. He grabs her arm lightly.
JEROME (CONTD)
Miss Idelia?
IDELIA
What is it, baby?
JEROME
Who is that?
His eyes drink every drop of her: rose-colored lips painted
onto the canvas of her smile, obsidian hair that cascades
over her supple shoulders and frames the portrait of a face.
Beckoning pools of green that would drown any man that dare
their depths. What light...
IDELIA
(off his gaze)
Thats the judges daughter,
Julianna.
(notices his expression)
Whatchu want with her, Jerome?
JEROME
(to himself)
Julianna.
Jerome all but ignores Idelias question, and fixates on
Juliannas ascent of the staircase. She glances down to him.
This time he holds her gaze and she his.

31.

IDELIA
You best to mind yo bidness and
dont go lookin for no trouble.
Hear?
Jerome turns to Idelia for a brief moment, then someone calls
her away. Idelia gives him one last look and:
IDELIA (CONTD)
Lord, lord.
She EXITS. Jerome looks back at the stairs only to have a
wary Tyler block his view.
TYLER
Better listen to her, boy. Know ya'
place. And keep ya' eyes to
ya'self, hear?
(on the spill)
Now, go get something and clean
this here up.
Jerome seethes but tries to hide it as he wheels about and
marches into the kitchen. Tyler glares after him. He doesnt
bother to disguise his hatred.
Tyler fires another glance at the top of the stairs where
Julianna was. Off that...
JULIANNAS ROOM - LATER
Julianna sits at her vanity. She tilts her head to one side,
and brushes her hair in long, even strokes. She jumps!
Startled. Jerome stands in the doorway.
JULIANNA
What are you doing up here?
He raises a glass, unsure.
JEROME
Im sorry. I didnt mean to scare
you. I brought you that wine you
asked for.
Julianna sits the brush on the table. She rises, moves toward
him and studies him a moment. A grateful smile.
JULIANNA
Thank you.
She reaches out to take the glass from him. THEIR HANDS
TOUCH. She looks up at him, he draws his hand back.

32.

JEROME
If I profane with my unworthiest
hand.
She regards him oddly.
JULIANNA
What?
JEROME
Nothing. Im sorry. I need to get
back downstairs.
He turns to leave and she gently grabs his hand.
JULIANNA
Good pilgrim, you do wrong, your
hand too much. Which mannerly
devotion shows in this, for saints
have hands that pilgrims hands do
touch.
Jeromes eyes widen, a subtle hint of surprise on his face.
JEROME
You know Shakespeare?
JULIANNA
Not personally. I believe he passed
before I was born.
A faint smile at her wit.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
But, I do know his work. I adore
Romeo and Juliet, but The Tragedy
of Macbeth is my favorite.
JEROME
Ive always loved Othello.
Without a word they seem to acknowledge the others
appreciation of the Bard.
JULIANNA
Well, Othello...
(raises her glass and
smiles)
...I thank you for the wine.
JEROME
My--

33.

TYLER (O.S.)
Now, boy. I coulda swore I told ya
to mind ya place.
Jerome turns around to find a leering Tyler in the hall, a
sinister grin plays across his lips. Jerome steps quickly
into...
HALL - CONTINUOUS
Julianna follows.
TYLER
Thats whats wrong with ya niggers
these days. Guess ya never can have
enough rope.
JULIANNA
Tyler, please. I asked him to bring
me a glass of wine. Thats his job,
remember?
TYLER
Oh I dont think thats why hes
come up here at all. I think he
come up here to get him a white
girl. I hear darkies love em some
white meat.
Jerome stares down at the floor.
TYLER (CONT'D)
Naw, naw. Dont look down. Gon. Ya
can look at her. Ya got my
permission, boy.
JULIANNA
Tyler, leave him alone.
Tylers expression becomes dark and twisted.
TYLER
I said look at her. Lift ya head up
and look at her, boy. Aint she
pretty?
Julianna steps between Tyler and Jerome.
JULIANNA
Tyler, thats enough!
JUDGE CALHOUN (O.S.)
Whats the problem here?

34.

They all turn to see Judge Calhoun in the hall.

TYLER
The problem here is this boy dont
know his place.
JULIANNA
Daddy, he was serving me a glass of
wine and thats all, when Tyler
here started fooling with him for
no reason.
The Judge studies Jerome for a second.
JUDGE CALHOUN
You Isaac Montagues boy, aint ya?
JEROME
Yes, sir.
The Judge looks to Tyler, Julianna, back to Jerome.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Tylers right. Boy, you need to get
on back downstairs. If I catch you
anywhere else in my house other
than the dining room or the
kitchen, Im going to have the
sheriff arrest you for trespassing,
hear?
JEROME
Yes, sir.
Jerome and Julianna share a brief glance as Jerome heads down
the steps. Idelia stands about half way up the stairs and
glares at Jerome as he passes.
JUDGE CALHOUN
And Julianna... if you want to
drink, you need to do it downstairs
with everyone else.
JULIANNA
Yes, Daddy.
Tyler and the Judge exchange a knowing nod. Tyler heads
downstairs.
Judge Calhoun moves to the stairs. He looks to Idelia.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Idelia?

35.

IDELIA
Yessir, Judge Calhoun?
JUDGE CALHOUN
Make sure the help stays where they
belong, understand?
IDELIA
Yessir, Judge Calhoun.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Now, I need to get back to my
guests.
Idelia nods and smiles. She lets him pass down the steps and
starts down when:
JULIANNA
Idelia?
She turns back to look up at Julianna.
IDELIA
Yes, Miss Julianna?
JULIANNA
Who was that server?
Idelia looks down at the sprawl of guests, then back to
Julianna, concern etched on her face. Off her look...
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - PATIO - NIGHT
Julianna stands alone with her glass of wine. She stares out
into the darkness. Behind her, inside, the Judge and Paul
speak.
The Judge shakes Pauls hand. Paul takes a deep breath and
steps outside. He approaches Julianna from behind.
PAUL
Enjoying yourself?
She doesnt turn around, her gaze on the ground. She sighs.
JULIANNA
I guess.
He walks around in front of her. He bends down and cants his
head to catch her downcast eyes.

36.

PAUL
Well, I hear if you guess enough,
youre bound to be right one day.
JULIANNA
Paul.
She relinquishes a small laugh as she takes a sip of wine.
PAUL
Arent you even glad to see me?
JULIANNA
Of course I am, Paul. Im sorry.
Ive just been a little preoccupied
lately.
PAUL
Well, can I have a hug?
Offering him an anemic smile, she gives him a hug that seems
to hold little affection.
PAUL (CONTD)
So... do you plan on spending the
remainder of the evening outside?
JULIANNA
I dont know. I havent thought
that far ahead yet.
PAUL
I see. Well, allow me to keep you
company until your thoughts reach
that point.
She looks up and gives him a more sincere smile.
JULIANNA
It might be awhile.
Paul takes off his watch and puts it in his pocket.
PAUL
Time is no object. Ive got as long
as it takes.
They stand silently for a bit. Then:
JULIANNA
Hows Yale, Paul?
A perturbed huff through his nose.

37.

PAUL
I come back home and all everybody
wants to know is how is Yale. Yale
is Yale.
After a beat, his eyes and demeanor soften.
PAUL (CONT'D)
But, overall its been a good
experience.
JULIANNA
Im glad to hear that.
Paul regards her for a moment.
PAUL
Why are you being so formal with
me?
JULIANNA
What do you mean?
PAUL
You act as if weve just met or
something.
JULIANNA
If it seems like Im a bit out of
sorts... Im sorry, Paul. My mind
is... Im just-PAUL
Preoccupied. Yes, you said that.
You going to tell me?
JULIANNA
I dont really want to talk about
it right now.
PAUL
Since when can you not talk to me?
JULIANNA
Its not that. You know I can talk
to you. Youre one of my dearest
friends.
PAUL
I hope Im more to you than that.
At this, she sighs deeply.

38.

JULIANNA
Paul, were good friends.
Paul swallows the lump in his throat unable to hide that
Juliannas words have hurt him.
PAUL
I see.
JULIANNA
Paul, weve been over this. Ive
told you, anything other than
friends is just not gonna work.
Paul manages a pained smile.
PAUL
Youre right. Im sorry. What was I
thinking?
Her eyes drift somewhere between compassion and guilt. She
grabs his hand in both of hers.
JULIANNA
Paul.
He pulls away.
PAUL
No. Its all right. I understand.
Its my fault. Its my fault for
missing you everyday, thinking
about you all the time. Its my
fault for loving you and thinking
you could love me back. Its my
fault for coming here tonight to
ask you to marry me.
Julianna is taken aback by this revelation.
JULIANNA
Marriage? You were gonna ask me to
marry you?
A medley of emotion... pain, love, anger, reflects in the
young mans face.
JULIANNA (CONT'D)
Paul, I... I dont know what to
say. I love you just not the way
you want me to. Please try to
understand that.

39.

PAUL
Oh, I understand perfectly. I
understand what a fool I was. Ill
go now and leave you alone as you
seem to prefer it that way...
friend.
JULIANNA
Paul.
Paul walks past her and toward the house. The Judge opens the
door, a prideful smile on his face, a bottle of champagne in
his hands. The smile fades as Paul passes him. He looks out
at Julianna.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Julianna?
She doesnt turn to look at him.
JULIANNA
Not now, Daddy. Please?
The Judge looks back into his house at the guests, sighs and
closes the door.
Tears fall down Juliannas face. She cries softly. Jerome,
inside, watches her through the kitchen window.
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - LATER
The Gala is over and only the servers remain. Most have
finished cleaning up. Marcus and Benny make their way to
the...
ROAD - CONTINUOUS
...where the car sits.
MARCUS
You seen that one girl? The short
one with the curly hair? Man, she
was diggin on a brotha all night.
BENNY
That girl was cross-eyed. You
couldnt tell who she was looking
at.

40.

MARCUS
Man, she wasnt cross-eyed!
(thinks)
Was she?
Benny laughs and opens the car door. He stops and looks
around.
BENNY
Wheres Jerome?
MARCUS
In his skin.
BENNY
Funny, dummy. Now, seriously, where
is he?
MARCUS
Said he had to use the bathroom.
Hell be out directly.
BENNY
Well, he need to come on. Its
late, Im tired, and I got work
tomorrow.
MARCUS
Who work on Saturday?
BENNY
I do. Some of us got jobs.
MARCUS
Hah. You funny.
Benny leans over the roof and Marcus jumps up to sit on the
hood. They wait.
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - PATIO - MOMENTS LATER
The porch swing Julianna sits in squeaks with a timely
rhythm. Her eyes stare past her feet which scuff the ground.
JEROME (O.S.)
She speaks yet she says nothing,
what of that? Her eye discourses. I
will answer-Julianna looks up surprised to see Jerome a few feet away in
the yard. She jumps up and moves to him. She shoots a quick
peek at the door.

41.

JULIANNA
Are you out of your mind?! My daddy
is a man of his word. If he catches
you, hell have you arrested... or
shot.
She grabs him by the hand and leads him away.
JEROME
Im sorry. I dont even know why I
came back here. I got to go.
JULIANNA
Wait. Youre Jerome, right? Jerome
Montague?
A silent nod.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
Your brother was the one that..?
Again he nods.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
Im sorry.
JEROME
Why? Wasnt your fault.
JULIANNA
Im just saying, Im sorry for your
loss. I dont have any brothers or
sisters, and I cant begin to
imagine what its like to lose one.
A moment.
JEROME
Thank you.
JULIANNA
The sheriff arrested two of my
daddys cousins for it.
JEROME
Dont matter. Your daddys the
judge, all white jury, they wont
go to jail.
Julianna doesnt argue. The swing squeaks behind them as a
long moment passes, then:

42.

JEROME (CONTD)
Who was the guy out here with you
earlier tonight?
She gives him that playful smile again.
JULIANNA
You watching me now?
JEROME
I was in the kitchen.
JULIANNA
That was Paul. Hes just a friend.
JEROME
A boyfriend?
JULIANNA
Not for a long time.
Another awkward moment passes. Julianna admires her shoes.
Jerome looks everywhere but at her. Then:
JULIANNA (CONTD)
Ive never read Othello.
With that, he looks up at her.
JEROME
You should. Its Shakespeares best
work.
JULIANNA
Youve read all his work?
JEROME
Except for a few sonnets, yes.
JULIANNA
Then how do you know its his best?
JEROME
Okay. In my opinion, its his best
work.
She beams at him.
JULIANNA
Maybe you can read it to me some
time.
JEROME
Id like that.

43.

IDELIA (O.S.)
Miss Julianna?
The both of them tense up at Idelias voice.
JULIANNA
Coming, Idelia!
(to Jerome)
You better go.
Jerome is hesitant to leave as if hell never see her again.
They peer deeply into one anothers eyes for a MOMENT.
IDELIA
Miss Julianna?!
JULIANNA
(answers)
Okay.
(to Jerome)
Go!
Jerome takes off and climbs over the back fence. Julianna
stares after him and off her look...
ROAD - MOMENTS LATER
Marcus and Benny wait.
BENNY
If this boy dont come on here.
MARCUS
I know. cuz them white folks gon
lynch him for puttin a hurtin on
they bathroom.
Marcus looks up to see Jerome trotting to the car.
MARCUS (CONTD)
Here he come.
BENNY
bout time, man. We thought you
moved in.
JEROME
Now, you know I wouldnt turn into
no house nigga without your
permission, Benny Ralph.
Benny looks at Jerome with mock anger.

44.

BENNY
Shut up and get in the car.
They all get into the car and drive off.
EXT. CHURCH - DAY
Several cars sit in front of the small white-washed church.
MOVE UP a short flight of uneven, stone steps which climb
toward the front door leading into...
INT. CHURCH - CONTINUOUS
A group of CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS sit within the church.
Isaac stands upon the pulpit, sweat pouring, in full hellfire
and brimstone preacher mode.
ISAAC
What Im saying to you, my brothers
and sisters is... we traveled a
long road but that road has not yet
come to an end! And as we continue
down that road, we will suffer
setbacks, we will suffer losses! I
and my family are a testament to
that! But we will suffer these
setbacks and losses with God at our
side! Our cause is just! Our ways
are just! And those who would deny
their fellow human beings the same
rights and privileges that they so
enjoy are unjust!
The group echoes with Amens.
ISAAC (CONTD)
But we must continue the fight. And
when I say fight, I dont mean with
fists, with knives, with guns! I
mean, we must use our faith in God
as a weapon! And should our enemies
bring weapons of steel, or weapons
of words to bear upon us, let us
remember Isaiah 54:17. And the Lord
said, No weapon that is formed
against ya shall prosper. And every
tongue that accuses you in
judgement, you will condemn. This
is the heritage of the servants of
the Lord, and their vindication is
from Me, declareth the Lord.

45.

He calms and takes a bit to look over the group.

ISAAC (CONT'D)
Through God and the strength he
bestows upon us, his children,
shall we rise up and overcome.
ALL
A-man!
ISAAC
Let us stand and join hands in
prayer.
They all stand, join hands, and bow their heads.
ISAAC (CONTD)
Dear Lord, give us the faith we
need to stand strong against those
who would see us fall. O Lord.
Give us the faith to face those who
would turn us away. Give us the
faith to live amongst those who
would see us dead, Lord. But, Lord,
most of all, let us lean on your
wisdom, O mighty Lord, to guide
us, to protect us and those we
love. For we know that through you,
all things are possible. A-man.
ALL
A-man!
The Reverend shakes hands, pats backs, and hugs those
gathered.
INT. CHURCH - LATER
The church is empty of all save Jerome, who sits in a front
pew. He stares, lost in thought. A door to the left of the
pulpit opens and out steps, DEACON LAURENCE WYNN, 54.
DEACON WYNN
Ya daddy almost done. He should be
out directly.
(waits)
Jerome?
At the sound of his name, Jerome snaps out of his reverie.
JEROME
Im sorry, Deacon Wynn. Im fine.
How you doing?

46.

The Deacon emits a slight chuckle at the inattentive Jerome.

DEACON WYNN
Im blessed, Jerome. Im blessed.
But, you. How you really doing?
JEROME
Im doing all right. I guess.
The Deacon sighs and sits down on the pew next to Jerome.
DEACON WYNN
Ya familys gone through a lot
recently. Ya lose somebody ya love,
its real hard.
He places a hand on Jeromes shoulder.
DEACON WYNN (CONT'D)
But, remember... youre never
alone. You got a good strong family
and Gods right there with all of
ya.
JEROME
Yes sir, Deacon. I know.
A silence passes between them.
DEACON WYNN
Well, my wifes got supper waiting
for me. Ill see yall tomorrow at
church.
JEROME
Okay, Deacon. See you tomorrow.
The deacon pats Jeromes shoulder and heads for the front
door. After a few moments the door to the side room opens
again and out steps Isaac.
ISAAC
You ready?
Isaac smiles. Jerome stands. They walk towards the front door
and out to...
EXT. CHURCH - EVENING - CONTINUOUS
Isaac locks the doors behind them.
ISAAC
Shoot!

47.

JEROME
What is it?
ISAAC
I forgot to tell Deacon Wynn to
have Sister Eula to send me some of
her peach cobbler.
Jerome smiles at this. Isaac smiles in return as they walk
down the short flight of steps and make their way to the car.
EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - NIGHT
Isaac sits on the front porch of the house, bathed in the
yellow glow of the sole porch light.
Jerome ENTERS FRAME and stares out of the screen door at his
father. It opens with a groan of protestation as Jerome steps
out.
He moves up and sits on the porch steps next to his father.
ISAAC
Hey, son.
JEROME
Hey, Daddy.
They sit for a long moment. Jerome looks over at the droopy
and dry roses of the rose garden.
JEROME (CONTD)
Im worried about Mama.
Isaac exhales his unspoken concern.
ISAAC
Ya mamas a strong woman. Shes
just going through a tough time
right now. We all are, son.
JEROME
All she do is stay in yall room.
ISAAC
We all grieve in different ways and
this is hers. A parent should never
have to bury their child, Jerome.
And I hope you never have to go
through what weve gone through.
Just give her some time. She know
she got two good boys thats still
here.

48.

Jerome nods. Isaac throws his arm around Jerome and hugs him.
ISAAC (CONTD)
Brother Baker tells me that
Rosalyns moving to Los Angeles
with her sister.
JEROME
(shrugs)
Yep.
ISAAC
What was that?
JEROME
What?
ISAAC
Thats it? Yep?
JEROME
If she moving she moving.
ISAAC
Now, is this the same girl you came
to me about when you was 16 years
old, talking about marriage and
kids?
JEROME
Yeah, but I guess it just wasnt
meant to be.
ISAAC
You sure are taking it well.
JEROME
You the one taught me that
everything in life dont always
work out the way we plan. Besides,
she aint the only girl in the
world.
ISAAC
Youll find somebody, son. You
wont even be looking. Godll just
put somebody in your life. And
before you know it, itll be the
best thing that ever happened to
you.
Isaac stands up and moves to the screen door.

49.

ISAAC (CONTD)
Dont stay up too long; we got
church in the morning.
JEROME
All right.
Jerome sits on the porch a moment longer.
INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - JULIANNAS ROOM - NIGHT
Julianna, on her bed, hovers over a book. Something strikes
her window. She looks up. Again something strikes the window.
She closes the book and eases off of the bed.
PUSH IN toward the window and out to...
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS
Jerome stands in the yard, a large book in one hand, a large
rock in the other. He draws back to lob the rock at the
window. The window slides up. Julianna leans over the sill.
JULIANNA
(whispers loudly)
What are you doing?!
He shrugs and holds up the book. Julianna snaps a peek over
her shoulder then back down at Jerome.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
(whispers loudly)
Stay there a minute. Im coming
down.
Jerome looks at the size of the rock he holds. He makes and
odd face and throws it aside. He waits.
A few moments later, the back door creeps open and out steps
Julianna. She looks behind her as she closes the door. She
whispers.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
What are you doing here?
Especially, at this time of night.
JEROME
(whispers)
You said you wanted to read
together, so here I am.

50.

JEROME (CONT'D)
If you want, I can come back in the
morning and knock on the front
door.
Jerome smirks and she smiles at his tongue-in-cheek remark.
JULIANNA
(whispers)
Well, we cant stay here. Come on.
She takes his hand and leads him away. HOLD on the door just
long enough to see Idelia as she peers out from inside.
EXT. CALHOUN GARDEN - LATER
Jerome and Julianna walk through the garden. The lights of
the house twinkle behind them. Vines twist about light-lined
low trellises, under which sits a bench.
JULIANNA
Ive been thinking about you.
She sits down.
JEROME
Is that a good thing or a bad
thing?
This makes her laugh.
JULIANNA
I dont know yet.
JEROME
What am I doing here? I mean-JULIANNA
Jerome? You came to read with me,
right?
He nods.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
Then lets just read.
Jerome takes a seat beside her and cracks open the thick,
hard-covered book. He flips to Romeo and Juliet. He looks
at her. She returns the glance, reaches over and flips a few
pages. She finds what shes looking for.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
I like this part.

51.

Jerome nods and reads:

JEROME
By a name I know not how to tell
thee who I am. My name, dear saint,
is hateful to myself, because it is
an enemy to thee. Had I it written,
I would tear the word.
Julianna leans closer to him. Jerome shifts uncomfortably.
She smiles faintly and reads:
JULIANNA
My ears have not yet
hundred words of that
utterance, yet I know
thou not Romeo, and a

drunk a
tongues
thee. Art
Montague?

Jerome drags his finger across the page as he reads.

JEROME
Neither, fair saint, if either
thee dislike.
JULIANNA
How camst thou hither, tell me
and wherefore? The orchard walls
are high and hard to climb; and the
place death, considering who thou
art, if any of my kinsmen find thee
here.
JEROME
With loves light wings did I oer
perch these walls. For stony limits
cannot hold love out. And what love
can do, that dares love attempt.
Therefore thy kinsmen are no let to
me.
JULIANNA
If they do see thee they will
murder thee.
They speak to each other as though they realize the truth of
their words.
JEROME
Alack, there lies more peril in
thine eye than twenty of their
swords. Look thou but sweet and I
am proof against their enmity.

52.

JULIANNA
I would not for the world they saw
you here.
JEROME
I have nights cloak to hide me
from their sight. And but thou love
me, let them find me here. My life
were better ended by their hate
than death prorogued wanting of thy
love.
JULIANNA
By whose directions foundst thou
out this place?
JEROME
By love, who first did prompt me
to inquire. He lent me counsel and
I lent him eyes...
He looks up and their eyes connect. He refocuses on the book
and tries to pick up where he left off.
JEROME (CONTD)
He lent me counsel and I lent him
eyes--
JULIANNA
I like this.
Jerome looks back up from the pages.
JEROME
Me too.
JULIANNA
Youll come and read Othello for
me, wont you?
JEROME
Ill read the entire book if thats
what you want.
JULIANNA
Id like that.
They continue to read. CRANE UP and to...

53.

EXT. MARCUS HOUSE - DAY

The sun beats down on this small, quaint dwelling. The heat
and humidity ripple over the road. Marcus, Benny, Abraham and
Jabbo sit outside in the bed of a truck, and drink.
An older woman, BIG MAMA LANKFORD, works in a small vegetable
garden at the front of the house. Bennys car pulls up. He
gets out and walks towards the others.
BENNY
Hey, Big Mama Lankford.
She waves.
BIG MAMA LANKFORD
Hey, baby.
The old woman stands and carries a large wooden basket into
the house.
MARCUS
I thought Jerome was with you.
BENNY
Nope.
MARCUS
Said he was comin over after
church.
JABBO
Naw. He said he had to carry Miss
Evelyn and Jesse over to the house,
and cook dinner first.
BENNY
Yeah. Him and Uncle Ike doing all
the house work, now. Since Isaac
Junior funeral, Aint Evelyn aint
been doing so good.
MARCUS
Think she gon make it to the
trial?
Benny shrugs. Just then Tylers red pick-up truck comes to a
stop on the road in front of the house, its engine RUMBLING.
Tyler scans the group, his eyes narrowed in hate. He takes a
drag from a cigarette.
BENNY
Yall, be cool.

54.

Marcus and Abraham stand up and move toward the truck. Marcus
faces the truck defiantly and throws his arms up.
MARCUS
What you want?! Shouldnt you be
hidin yo' face behind a hood?!
This our side of town, peckerwood!
Get the hell on!
BENNY
Marcus, be cool. It aint smart to
be messin with no judge kinfolk.
I dont
kinfolk
town.
(to
Get the

MARCUS
give a good damn who his
is. This aint his side of
Tyler)
hell on, whiteboy!

Tyler and Marcus lock gazes. Tyler takes another drag from
the cigarette and flicks it out of the passenger window
towards the Montagues. THE TRUCK RUMBLES DOWN THE ROAD.
Marcus and Abe glare in the trucks direction then walk back
to where the others are.
MARCUS (CONTD)
Goddamn peckerwood gon come over
here like somebody scared o his
ass.
Benny shakes his head.
BENNY
Marcus? Why you do stuff like that?
You know them white boys bad news.
They lookin for any excuse in the
world to hang a nigga, and you
gonna give em just the excuse they
need.
ABRAHAM
He on our side of town, Benny
Ralph.
BENNY
So! Why you think that matter? It
didnt matter for Isaac Junior.
Where you think they got him at?!
(waits, shakes his head)
When yall gonna learn?
He glares at them. Nobody says anything.

55.

JEROME (O.S.)
Was that Tyler Calhouns truck?
Jerome walks toward them. He never looks to them as he
focuses on the dust trail that follows Tylers truck.
MARCUS
Yeah. Over here tryin to scare
somebody.
(thinks)
Where you been?
JEROME
Home.
Jerome squints into the sunlight as he stares down the road.
Marcus looks at Jerome a moment then to the road. Benny looks
over at Marcus, and shakes his head again.
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Jerome stands near the gate on the side of the house. He
waits. His head swivels back and forth as he peers nervously
into the darkness. A NOISE.
Julianna stands at the back corner of the house and beams at
Jerome. He opens the gate, taking her in, and smiles back.
She steps through with a quick glance back.
JEROME
Come, Desdemona, I have but an
hour of love, of worldly matters
and direction, to spend with thee.
We must obey the time.
Jerome takes her hand and they rush off into the night.
INT. JEROMES CAR - LATER
Jerome and Julianna sit inside the car. Her head rests on his
shoulder. The book of Shakespeares works is open on the seat
between them. They read by flashlight.
JULIANNA
Boldness comes to me now, and
brings me heart. Prince Troilus, I
have loved you night and day for
many weary months.
JEROME
Why was my Cressida, then, so hard
to win?

56.

JULIANNA
Hard to seem won, but I was won my
lord, with the first glance that
ever... Pardon me. If I confess
much, you will play the tyrant. I
love you now, but not till now, so
much. But, I might master it. In
faith, I lie. My thoughts were like
unbridled children, grown too
headstrong for their mother. See,
we fools! Why have I blabbed? Who
shall be true to us when we are so
unsecret to ourselves? But, though
I loved you well, I wooed you not.
And yet, good faith, I wished
myself a man, or that we women had
mens privilege of speaking
first...
She stops.
JEROME
Whyd you stop?
JULIANNA
What do you want out of life,
Jerome?
JEROME
What do you mean?
JULIANNA
Thats what I mean. What is it that
you want to do with your life?
He gives it a moments thought.
JEROME
Nobodys ever asked me that before.
Another moment. A small laugh escapes him.
JULIANNA
What?
JEROME
When I was a kid, I used to dream
of being an actor. Me and my
brother would act out Shakespeare
plays for our parents. And, I was
always in the Christmas and Easter
plays at church.
Julianna pops up.

57.

JULIANNA
Me too! Well, not the church plays
part. But, I used to act out
Shakespeare for my mama all the
time. I remember sometimes I would
pretend I was Lady MacBeth and run
around the house screaming, Out!
Out! Damned spot!
(she giggles)
She would get so mad. And I would
just say, Mama, its in the play.
They share a laugh. Julianna smiles content and lays her head
back on his shoulder.
JULIANNA (CONT'D)
Im glad I met you, Jerome.
JEROME
Im glad I met you, too.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. JULIANNAS ROOM - NIGHT
Julianna and Jerome lie in bed together, the book between
them. They read, and throw infatuated glances at each other
as they look up every few moments.
JULIANNA
My dear Othello!
JEROME
It gives me wonder great as my
content to see you here before me.
O my souls joy! If after every
tempest come such calms. May the
winds blow till they have wakend
death! And let the labouring bark
climb hills of seas Olympus-high
and duck again as low As hell's
from heaven! If it were now to die,
'Twere now to be most happy; for, I
fear, My soul hath her content so
absolute. That not another comfort
like to this. Succeeds in unknown
fate.
JULIANNA
The heavens forbid. But that our
loves and comforts should increase,
Even as our days do grow!

58.

JEROME
Amen to that, sweet powers! I
cannot speak enough of this
content; It stops me here; it is
too much of joy: And this, and
this, the greatest discords be...
Jerome stops and closes the book. He peers deeply into her
emerald eyes and strokes her cheek with the back of his hand.
He leans toward her. She closes her eyes, leans toward him.
They kiss. A soft kiss. He pulls back to regard her for a
moment.
JEROME (CONTD)
...That e'er our hearts shall
make!
Jerome kisses her again. Slow, soft, a long MOMENT. He slides
the strap of her night gown over so that it slips off of her
shoulder.
She sits up. Love dances in her eyes as she slides the other
strap off. The top of her nightgown falls to her waist. He
drinks in her beauty.
She unbuttons his shirt, removing it. His hand traces an
imaginary line from her face to her neck and along her
shoulder. Her eyes close as she gives into his touch.
He kisses her shoulder then moves his hand back up to her
neck and gently brings her close to him, kissing her. Their
breaths come heavy as more clothes come off.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CALHOUN GARDEN - MORNING
Julianna strides gleefully through the garden, her fingers
brush lightly against the dew-veiled flowers that spring from
the moist earth.
From inside the house Tyler glares out at her.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - BEDROOM - EVENING
Evelyn lies in bed. Jerome sits on the bed and rubs her back.
A plate of barely touched food rests on a night stand. IN
FRONT of Evelyn as she lies there, eyes open.

59.

She doesnt move, she barely even seems as if shes

breathing. The only sign shes alive are the tears that run
down her face and onto the pillow.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. JULIANNAS ROOM - NIGHT
Julianna sits on the bed, the book of Shakespeare in her lap.
Her mother seated beside her, a glass of wine in her hand.
Ann lifts the cover of the book to read it.
ANN
Whats gotten into you lately?
JULIANNA
Mama, you know I like Shakespeare.
ANN
Not that. I dont know. You seem...
happy.
JULIANNA
(innocently)
Do I?
ANN
Now, Julianna. One thing you have
never been able to do was lie to
me. Youre my daughter and I know
you.
JULIANNA
Its nothing, Mama.
ANN
Look at me.
Julianna tries to avoid eye contact.
ANN (CONTD)
Julianna Marie Calhoun... look at
me.
Julianna sighs and turns to her mother. Ann grins knowingly.
ANN (CONTD)
Who is he?
Julianna tries to suppress her own steadily growing grin.
JULIANNA
Who is who?

60.

ANN
Its not Paul is it?
JULIANNA
No, Mama, its not Paul.
ANN
You know that boys called here
every night since the party? Are
you sure its not him?
JULIANNA
(playfully annoyed)
Yes, Mama.
ANN
Then who is it?
JULIANNA
Mama, please.
Ann discerningly studies Julianna for a brief moment.
ANN
All right. But, Im going to find
out.
Ann stands up followed by Julianna. Her mother hugs her and
kisses her forehead which she accepts with a smile.
ANN (CONTD)
Good night, Sweetie. I love you.
JULIANNA
I love you too, Mama.
She walks her mother to the door and watches her walk down
the hallway before closing the door behind her. She scurries
over to her closet and opens it.
Jerome stands there like a frightened child. She grabs his
hand and pulls him out of the closet near laughing.
JEROME
Oh you think thats funny?
JULIANNA
No, just the look on your face.
JEROME
If you was a black man hiding in
the closet of a white mans
daughter, youd have that look on
your face, too.

61.

Julianna giggles, kisses him hungrily and leads him to the

bed while taking his shirt off. She pulls him on top of her.
JULIANNA
O trespass sweetly urged. Give me
my sin again.
Again they kiss.
INT. CALHOUN RESIDENCE - JULIANNAS ROOM - EARLY MORNING
The two of them lie in bed sleep, Jerome on his back with
Julianna draped over his chest. Jerome stirs and slides
carefully out from under her. She wakes up.
JULIANNA
No. Dont go. Its not even morning
yet.
JEROME
Sweetheart, it is and I need to go.
She kisses him and throws her arm over him.
JULIANNA
Please.
Jeromes head falls back into the pillow. He stares up at the
ceiling in thought. She watches him.
JULIANNA (CONT'D)
What are you thinking about?
He strokes the hair back from her face and lifts his head to
look at her then sighs thoughtfully.
JEROME
Im asking myself what Im doing
here.
She caresses his chest with her fingers.
JULIANNA
You dont want to be here? With me?
JEROME
Of course I do. You know I do.
Just... after everything thats
happened and everything that might
happen, Im just wondering if this
is the best thing to do... for both
of us.

62.

Julianna sits up so that she can look him directly in the

eye.
JULIANNA
Is this what you want, Jerome?
JEROME
If it wasnt I wouldnt be here.
JULIANNA
Does anything about what were
doing seem wrong to you?
JEROME
No. As a matter of fact everything
about it seems right.
JULIANNA
Then whats your heart saying to
you, Jerome? Do you feel in your
heart that we should be together?
JEROME
Yeah. I do. More than anything else
in the world.
She leans forward and kisses him.
JULIANNA
Then lets not worry about anything
else, because nothing else matters.
They part to drink each other in. His lips to hers. She
slides her body on top of his and he wraps his arms around
her. Their bodies press against each other as they kiss.
IDELIA (O.S.)
Ms. Julianna? Breakfast ready.
JEROME
Shit!
JULIANNA
Oh God!
(tries to sound calm)
Okay, Idelia. Be down in a minute.
Jerome jumps up and throws on clothes as fast as he can.
Julianna leaps out of bed bedecked in her bedsheets, rushes
to the window and throws it open.
JEROME
The window?

63.

Jerome falls over putting his pants on and hits the floor
with a THUD. Julianna shushes him.
INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - DOWNSTAIRS - CONTINUOUS
Idelia stands at the foot of the stairs.
IDELIA
Ms. Julianna? You all right up
there?
She starts up the stairs.
JULIANNAS ROOM - CONTINUOUS
JULIANNA
Fine. Just getting dressed.
(to Jerome, hushed)
Go! Go!
Jerome looks out of the window and shakes his head. He climbs
partially out. He leans back in to kiss her.
JEROME
Ill see you later.
Sweetly, she smiles.
JULIANNA
You better.
He dangles himself from the sill and drops to the ground
below, falling backwards onto the dew moistened grass. She
winces as he hits the ground.
He beams, gazing up at her as if hypnotized. A KNOCK on the
door.
IDELIA (O.S.)
Ms. Julianna? You sure you all
right in there? Yo mother say
cmon now.
JULIANNA
(shoos him)
Go!
(to the door)
Im coming!
He races around the side of the house. Julianna shuts the
window and turns to lean against the sill. She closes her
eyes, elation spreads across her face.

64.

INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Idelia stands at the door, her ear slightly against it. She
pulls away, as the door opens and Julianna stands in the
doorway all-smiles. Idelia sighs, and shakes her head.
IDELIA
Hmph. Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus.
Idelia walks away, and leaves Julianna in the doorway
somewhat bemused.
EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - EVENING
The little ROSE GARDEN, sad, weary, struggling to go on. PUSH
IN on the sole kitchen window. Pale, yellow light spills out
of it and into the evening. CONTINUE into...
INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Isaac, Jesse, and Jerome are seated at the table. They eat.
ISAAC
Yall know tomorrows gonna be hard
for everybody, especially ya' mama.
Shes gonna need all our support,
and we gonna need each other.
JEROME
Aint no point in going. We already
know what the verdicts going to
be. Same thing it always is when a
white man kills a black man.
Isaac sets his fork on his plate and wipes his mouth with a
paper towel. He looks at Jerome and sighs heavily, defeated.
ISAAC
Jerome-A KNOCK at the door.
Isaac looks at his sons for a second then gets up and answers
the door. Idelia stands outside on the porch.
ISAAC (CONTD)
Evening, Sister Johnson.
IDELIA
Evenin, Reverend.

65.

ISAAC
Come on in.
IDELIA
No thank ya', Reverend. I aint
come to stay long.
ISAAC
Im afraid Evelyn is sleeping right
now.
IDELIA
Oh no, Reverend. I came to see
Jerome. Wanted to see if he was
interested in some more work.
She smiles past Isaac at Jerome. Isaac nods. He turns to look
at Jerome who stands and moves toward him. Isaac returns to
the table as Jerome steps outside to...
EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Jerome holds the screen door and lets it close slowly to
avoid slamming it.
JEROME
Im not real interested in being a
server, Miss Idelia.
Idelias face changes revealing a worried facade. She lowers
her voice.
IDELIA
I know you been seein Judge
Calhouns daughter.
Jeromes eyes reflect his surprise and then his concern.
IDELIA (CONTD)
Dont worry, I aint gon tell yo'
folks. Normally I dont meddle in
other folks bidness. But, Jerome,
you cant keep seeing that child.
Dont no negro have no bidness with
no white girl. And you most
definitely cant come to Judge
Calhouns house no mo.
(regards him)
Yo mama is one of my dearest
friends and I do not want to see
her lose another son.

66.

IDELIA (CONTD)
You know good and well whatll
happen to you if you get caught
foolin around with that girl.
JEROME
Yes, maam.
She takes one of his hands in hers.
IDELIA
Then please, Jerome, please. Im
just tellin you for yo own good,
baby. I dont want to see no harm
come to ya.
JEROME
Yes, maam. I know.
She smiles and nods, satisfied at this.
IDELIA
Ya a good boy, Jerome. Yo folks
don raised ya right.
A feeble smile from him.
IDELIA (CONTD)
Take care now.
JEROME
I will.
Idelia calls back into the house.
IDELIA
Reverend, Ill be seein ya on
Sunday.
Isaac, again, rises from the table and walks to the door.
ISAAC
Thanks for stopping by, Sister
Johnson. Yall take care.
Idelia EXITS FRAME. Jerome walks past Isaac and
the house.

back into

Isaac stares after his son, a hint of concern flashes across

his face.

67.

INT. VERONA COURTHOUSE - DAY

The gallery is full of faces weve come to know and others we
havent. Jerome and family, Benny, Marcus and the other boys
are seated on one side... in the back.
Julianna, Mrs. Calhoun, Tyler and the Calhoun boys are seated
on the other side with most of the whites.
Two white men are seated at a table, they are the DEFENDANTS.
Two PROSECUTORS sit at a table across from them.
Judge Calhoun sits on the bench at the front of the
courtroom. A JURY OF ALL WHITE MEN is seated off to the side
in the jury box.
An ATTORNEY, white (50s), in a gray suit and thick, black,
square-rimmed glasses, stands in front of them.
A thick, southern accent is wrapped around his words.
ATTORNEY
Gentlemen of the jury. This grisly
crime, was indeed a tragedy. A
mother has lost a son. Verona has
lost a member of its community.
But, what remains is this. The
prosecution has failed to prove
beyond a reasonable doubt that my
clients had anything to do with
this grisly crime. The burden of
proof lies with the State and
that... is a fact.
He measures his words as he makes eye contact with several
jurors.
ATTORNEY (CONTD)
So, gentlemen of the jury... when
ya go back into that room, I want
ya to make your decision based on
all the facts. But, if by some
strange reason ya cant make your
decision based on all the facts,
make your decision based on at
least one fact. The State has
failed to satisfy the burden of
proof. Thank ya.
The Attorney returns to the seat at the table next to his
clients.

68.

JUDGE CALHOUN
Gentlemen of the jury. Before I
send you to deliberate, I remind
you of the instructions you were
given earlier. This case is to be
decided on facts and facts alone.
Make sure you do so.
His words ring hollow as though hes merely going through the
motions. The judge raps his gavel.
INT. VERONA COURTHOUSE - LATER
The jurors file back into the courtroom and take their seats.
Hushed voices emanate from the people in the gallery.
BAILIFF
This court is now in session. The
Honorable Judge Winston Calhoun the
Second, presiding.
The Judge enters and takes his seat on the bench.
JUDGE CALHOUN
(to courtroom)
You may be seated.
(to the jury)
Mr. Foreman?
A man in the jury box stands. He is the FOREMAN.
FOREMAN
Yes, your Honor?
JUDGE CALHOUN
Has the jury reached a verdict?
FOREMAN
We have, your Honor.
The Foreman passes a piece of paper to the bailiff, who then
passes it to the Judge. He reads it and passes it back to the
bailiff.
JUDGE CALHOUN
The defendants will rise.
The defendants and their attorney stand. One of them seems to
smirk. The bailiff hands the paper back to the Foreman.
JUDGE CALHOUN (CONTD)
What say you, Mr. Foreman?

69.

The Foreman opens and reads the paper.

FOREMAN
On the charge of murder in the
first degree, we the jury find the
defendants... not guilty.
The volume of the courtrooms voices rise at the reading of
the verdict. The two defendants smile and shake their
attorneys hand.
Isaac shakes his head at the verdict. The only clue of
emotion from Evelyn are the tears that wind their way over
the lines of a weary face.
JUDGE CALHOUN
The defendants are free to go.
Gentlemen of the jury, the court
thanks you for your service. You
are dismissed. This court is
adjourned.
Most in the courtroom stand and file out. The defendants
receive congratulatory pats on the back from various people.
Jerome remains seated. He looks to the other side of the
courtroom to see Julianna. She looks almost as hurt as he
does. She moves toward the door.
Tyler moves past her and glances over at the Montagues. He
wears a contemptible grin of satisfaction.
Julianna stops in the aisle close to Jerome. He looks up at
her. Tears collect in his eyes and threaten to pour down his
cheeks. A fragile smile breaks through his mournful
expression. Their eyes hold each other.
Ann stops behind Julianna, and glances down at Jerome. As she
follows his eyes... it registers! She ushers her daughter
toward the door. Jerome watches them leave. Julianna glances
back a final time.
EXT. CALHOUN GARDEN - NIGHT
Julianna sits in the garden alone. The book of Shakespeare
rests in her lap. A black ribbon, a bookmark, protrudes from
the pages. Absentmindedly, she traces over the cover with her
finger.
From time to time she looks up and off into the darkness
beyond the garden, but always returns her eyes to the book...
sad eyes.

70.

CRANE UP and PULL BACK as she waits... and waits... and

waits.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CHURCH - MORNING
The early morning sunlight streams through the stained-glass
windows in a million combinations of color, and lands on the
worn carpet and seat cushions of the pews. Jerome sits alone.
In quiet contemplation, his chin rests on interlocked
fingers. He stares past the empty pulpit, past the choir loft
and up to the large, gold crucifix suspended over the
baptismal tub. He stands up.
EXT. CEMETERY - MORNING
Jerome stands at the site of Isaac Juniors grave. He kneels
down and clears some overgrowth from the flat grave marker.
JEROME
Hey, June. Whats going on?
(half beat)
Were all good. Well, I wont lie.
Im worried about Mama. She aint
doing so good. She aint even
taking care of her rose garden no
more. And you know how she love
that rose garden.
(snorts a laugh)
Sometimes, I think she love it more
than she loves us. Daddy say shell
be all right, though. She just need
time. But, you know hes always the
one to see the light. Me? I aint
so sure. But, we looking out for
her.
He pauses in thought, then grins
JEROME (CONTD)
I met this girl. White girl. Judge
Calhouns daughter. Now, I know
what youd say. I should know
better. I probably shouldnt even
be fooling with her. Thing is, I
think I love her.
(thinks)
I know I love her. Dont ask me how
it happened, man. It just did.

71.

JEROME (CONTD)
I met her at a party and there was
just something about her. Shes
different from any girl I ever met.
But, I havent seen her in two
weeks. Not since the trial and I
dont know if I should see her at
all. Common sense say leave her
alone, but my heart...
He shakes his head and looks down at the grave.
JEROME (CONTD)
(voice cracks)
Thats why I need you, June. You
always knew the right thing to do.
You was always there for me. So now
what am I supposed to do without
you? I need you, man. Please, just
tell me what to do.
HOLD ON him.
INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - HALL - DAY
Jerome walks down the hall and stops at the door of his
parents room. He opens the door and peers into the room.
His mother lies there. She looks at him a brief moment,
closes her eyes and turns over.
Jerome sighs and shuts the door.
EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - LATER
Jerome pushes a wheelbarrow from around the side of the
house, inside of which is wooden toolbox and a bag of
fertilizer. He stops in front of the dying rose garden and
takes a pair of pruning shears from the toolbox.
Jesse steps out of the house and plops down on the porch. The
wooden surface groans under his weight.
JESSE
What you doin?
Jerome prunes the dead and dried petals away.
JEROME
Tending Mamas rose garden. What it
look like?

72.

JESSE
Its dead, though.
JEROME
Naw, it aint dead and it aint
going to die neither. Im going to
tend to it til Mama ready to tend
to it herself.
JESSE
When thats gon be?
JEROME
Shell be up and about directly.
Jesse watches a moment.
JESSE
Can I help?
Jeromes eyes soften as he looks at his little brother.
JEROME
Come here.
Jesse gets up and moves over to Jerome.
JEROME (CONTD)
Hand me that bag of fertilizer.
JESSE
I wanna do what you doin.
Jerome looks at him and hands him the shears.
JEROME
Aight, Im going to trust you with
these. Now, only cut off the brown
ones and the dry ones, and be
careful. You kill Mama rose garden
and shes going to kill you.
JESSE
(irritated)
I know.
JEROME
Then after this we need to add some
fertilizer, and after that water.
And, they need to be watered
everyday. Can you do that?

73.

JESSE
I know how to water plants. I aint
no dummy.
JEROME
(smirks)
Yeah, but you a knucklehead.
He shoves Jesses head playfully.
JEROME (CONTD)
Go on now. We got a lot to do.
Jerome grabs the bag of fertilizer as Jesse prunes.
INT. CALHOUN RESIDENCE - JULIANNAS ROOM - NIGHT
BEHIND Julianna at her window. She gazes into the dark of
night. Tears roll down the cheeks of her reflection. A knock
at the door. She heaves an anguished sigh and wipes her face.
JULIANNA
Who is it?
ANN (O.S.)
Its me, Sweetie.
JULIANNA
Come in.
Julianna moves to sit on the bed as the door opens and her
mother steps into the room.
Mrs. Calhoun slides over to the bed and sits next to her
daughter. She brushes her hand down the length of Juliannas
hair.
ANN
Paul just called for you.
Julianna starts to protest, but Ann cuts her off.
ANN (CONTD)
I told him you were sleeping. You
know thats the third time tonight
hes called? Julianna, you need to
tell him youre seeing someone else
now.
JULIANNA
I know.
She studies her daughters face.

74.

ANN
I havent said anything to you
about this, but... Julianna? The
Montague boy?
Julianna turns to face Ann.
JULIANNA
How long have you known?
ANN
Since the trial.
JULIANNA
Mama, if youve come in here to
tell me Im making a big mistake
and to ask me not to see him
anymore, I-ANN
(interrupting)
Julianna Marie, do you think that
Im your daddy? You should know me
better than that. But, it does hurt
me that you didnt trust me enough
to tell me.
JULIANNA
Im sorry, Mama. I do trust you. I
just didnt know what you would
say.
Ann strokes her daughters hair.
ANN
Sweetie, the only thing I care
about is youre happiness.
JULIANNA
I am happy, Mama. Ive found
somebody that I love and that loves
me.
ANN
That may be. But, contrary to
popular belief, love doesnt
conquer all. You know how people
around here feel about a white girl
seeing a negro boy. And worse...
what some of them would do if they
found out.
Julianna opens her mouth to say something, but Ann raises a
hand to silence her.

75.

ANN (CONT'D)
Now, I know you think you know what
youre doing, and maybe you do.
But, Id be lying if I said I was
100% all right with this. I just
dont want to see anybody get hurt,
let alone my little girl. I cant
make you stop seeing him. So,
please, sweetie, just promise me
youll be careful.
JULIANNA
I promise, Mama.
Julianna leans over and lays her head on Anns shoulder as
Ann returns to stroking her hair.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - EVENING
Jerome is hard at work in the rose garden. Jesse pops open
the screen door. He and Isaac step out.
JESSE
See, Daddy?
Isaac looks the, now blooming and vibrant, garden over and
nods his approval. He looks to Jerome.
ISAAC
Thisll make ya' mama real happy,
son.
JESSE
Daddy, I helped, too.
Isaac smiles at Jesse and rubs his head.
ISAAC
I know you did. And ya' mamas gon
be real proud of you, too. Now g'on
inside and get washed up for
dinner.
Jesse bounds inside with an ear to ear grin. Isaac and Jerome
look at each other. Isaac smiles and nods proudly at his son.
ISAAC (CONTD)
Dont be too long. Foods on the
table.

76.

JEROME
Aight. Ill be in directly.
Isaac turns and walks back in the house.
Jerome steps back and looks at the newly sprung and
recovering roses, the faintest of smiles on his lips. He
snatches up the toolbox, sits it on the porch and heads in.
EXT. CALHOUN GARDEN - NIGHT
Julianna sits with her head down. OVER HER SHOULDER the book
rests in her lap.
A HAND ENTERS FRAME and lays a rose on top of the book.
Julianna looks up to see Jerome. She plucks the rose from the
book, closes her eyes and inhales its scent deeply.
JEROME
That which we call a rose...
JULIANNA
(looks up to him)
...by any other name would smell as
sweet.
She smiles widely, stands and throws her arms around his
neck. A sigh of relief escapes her. He closes his eyes,
returns her embrace, and holds her tightly as if he were
afraid to let her go.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
I missed you so much.
JEROME
I missed you, too.
They stand locked together, simply holding each other. For
that moment, nothing else matters. Then:
JEROME (CONTD)
Will you go somewhere with me
tomorrow?
Her eyes closed:
JULIANNA
Anywhere.
They stay in each others arms.

77.

EXT. ROAD - DAY

Jeromes 57 Chevy pulls up along the ragged, blacktop road
outside the cemetery. The engine stops. Jerome gets out of
the car and goes around and opens Juliannas door.
She gets out and takes a long glance at the small, quaint
cemetery. Julianna carries a single rose in her right hand.
Jerome reaches his hand down to her and she slips hers inside
of his.
They walk toward...
CEMETERY - MOMENTS LATER
Hand-in-hand they walk between the various graves until they
reach Isaac Juniors grave. Jerome looks down at the marker,
then up to Julianna, a smile.
JEROME
This is my brother, Isaac Junior.
She looks down and smiles.
JULIANNA
Nice to meet you, Isaac.
She bends down and places the rose atop the small, gray,
granite marker.
JEROME
June, this is Julianna. The girl I
told you about.
(to Julianna)
These past few weeks this has been
my sanctuary. I come here to think
or just to be by myself.
JULIANNA
I can see why you come here. In a
way its kinda peaceful. I guess
some people wouldnt see it that
way, but I like it here.
Jerome nods.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
So what do you think about when
youre here?

78.

JEROME
Actually, I talk to my brother
mostly. He was always there for me.
When I was afraid to talk to my
parents or I couldnt talk to
anybody else... he was always
there. So, now I come here and I
talk to him.
JULIANNA
Sometimes, I wish I had a brother
or sister. Its always been just me
and my parents. My daddy was always
more interested in being a judge
than being a father. But, my mama
was always there for me, like your
brother was for you.
Jerome looks at her a moment then snorts a laugh.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
What? Is that funny to you?
JEROME
No. I was just thinking about how
me and June used to get into
trouble all the time for fighting
when we were little. And, every
time my mama would make us go
outside and get a switch off a
tree, then shed tear our butts up.
Its funny. Seems like that would
be a bad memory. But, every time I
think about it, it makes me smile.
A sudden sadness seems to fill his eyes.
JEROME (CONTD)
I miss him, Julianna. I miss him a
lot.
JULIANNA
Hes still with you. I can see
that.
A comforting smile finds its way to her face. They stand in
silence a moment.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
I was afraid you didnt want to see
me anymore. I thought that maybe
you hated me.
He pulls back to regard her seriously.

79.

JEROME
What? What makes you think that I
could hate you? Because of your
kinfolk? Because of who your daddy
is?
She looks down as if shes afraid to answer.
JEROME (CONT'D)
Julianna, I love you. Im happier
with you than I thought I could be
with anybody ever. It dont matter
to me who your daddy is. And, what
happened to Isaac, whether your
kinfolk did it or not, doesnt have
anything to do with you. After
everything that don happened, I
just needed some time.
(regards her)
Julianna, look at me.
After a moment, she does.
JEROME (CONTD)
Do you love me?
JULIANNA
I love you more than words can
wield the matter.
JEROME
Then like you said, nothing else
matters. Only the way we feel about
each other. I love you and you love
me and cant nobody take that away
from us. You understand?
She smiles and nods relieved. He regards her for a moment
then kisses her. Jerome puts his arm around her as she rests
her head against his shoulder. They seem happy.
INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Jerome walks past the door. HOLD... he appears back in the
doorway.
JEROME
Mama?
Standing at the window is Evelyn Montague. She peers out and
admires the rose garden now in full bloom. Jerome steps into
the room.

80.

EVELYN
Hey, baby. You did a good job. Its
beautiful.
JEROME
Well, Jesse helped a little bit.
He smirks.
EVELYN
I know.
He moves next to his mother.
JEROME
And, youre beautiful too, Mama.
She beams with pride and love at her boy, the tears
collecting in her eyes no longer pools of sadness. He puts
his arm around her and they share a long moment together.
EXT. BENNY RALPHS CAR - NIGHT
Benny, Marcus, and Jabbo stand on the side of the road next
to Bennys car. A set of headlights light up the rural
darkness. Jerome, with Abraham in his passenger seat, pulls
up alongside Bennys car.
They exit the car. Jerome carries a round, metal gas can.
MARCUS
Took yall long enough.
JEROME
I didnt run out of gas.
MARCUS
Me neither. I just got in the wrong
car.
Marcus flicks a thumb at Benny. Benny doesnt say anything.
Jerome moves to the back of the car and pours the gas into
the tank. Another set of HEADLIGHTS.
A red pickup truck comes to a stop on the opposite side of
the road. Its Tyler Calhoun. Greg sits on the passengers
side. Several boys including Sam and Bill sit in the trucks
bed.
Jerome and company come to attention.
JEROME
Shit.

81.

BENNY
Yall, be cool.
Tyler looks at the group, a smug smirk on his face.
TYLER
You boys need some help?
BENNY
Naw. Im pretty sure we got it.
TYLER
Well, looks like yall in a little
bit of trouble to me.
Tyler steps out of the truck. The other boys in the bed hop
out, holding bats, tire irons, and such.
Marcus steps to the front of the group.
BENNY
Marcus, be cool.
Jerome steps forward with Marcus.
JEROME
Tyler, we aint looking for no
trouble.
TYLER
Shut your mouth, boy. Aint gonna
take no lip off no nigger, hear?
You think I dont know what you
been doing? Sneaking round with my
cousin.
MARCUS
Nigga?! Who you callin nigga?!
Probably wanna save ya cousin for
yoself.
Marcus starts across the road.
MARCUS (CONTD)
Imma slap the taste out yo mouth,
white boy!
Both sides tense up as if waiting for the inevitable. As
Marcus reaches Tyler, Jerome rushes to grab him. Tyler
doesnt so much as flinch.
JEROME
Marcus, come on, man. We dont need
this.

82.

JEROME (CONT'D)
Lets just gas the car up and go
home.
Tyler looks on, amused.
TYLER
Thats right. You best listen to
that boy, boy!
Marcus puts his hands up, nods and backs off. He turns away,
then that quick he wheels about and slams his fist against
Tylers jaw. Tyler stumbles backwards. This sets the others
in motion and a melee ensues.
MARCUS
Come on, white boy! What you wanna
do?!
Marcus hits Tyler again. This time he draws blood.
JEROME
Marcus!
Benny Ralph knocks various members of the Calhoun family
about as they fight the other boys. Jerome steps in front of
Marcus and shoves him back.
Marcus tries to struggle past Jerome.
JEROME (CONTD)
MARCUS, GODDAMN IT! STOP!
This gets everybodys attention. Marcus stops and looks at
Jerome, droplets of rain fall on his face.
JEROME (CONTD)
Get back in the car and lets go
home!
TYLER
Im for you, nigger!
Marcus shoves Jerome aside. A GUNSHOT. Jerome sprawls to the
ground.
Everybody stops dead. Still. The rain falls harder now.
Jerome, wide-eyed, mouth open, looks at Tyler, who holds a
.38 REVOLVER.
Marcus walks over to the front of Jeromes car and leans
against it.
BENNY
Marcus?

83.

MARCUS
Im aight. Im aight.
He collapses to the ground. Jerome scrambles to his feet and
runs to his side.
Tyler looks stunned. He slowly releases his grip on the
revolver and lets it drop into the road.
TYLER
(to the others)
Get in the truck.
SAM
Tyler?
TYLER
Get in the goddamn truck!!
The Calhoun boys race for the truck. They hop inside. Tyler
floors it and the truck speeds off down the road.
The Montagues gather around Marcus, who sits against the car.
Jerome kneels beside him and holds him. A spot of blood on
Marcus shirt grows larger as he struggles to get up.
MARCUS
Damn you Montagues and Calhouns.
JEROME
Come on we got to get you some
help.
Marcus breaths are heavy, labored. The rain pours.
MARCUS
Take me home, Jerome.
Marcus tries to get up, but slips back down.
JEROME
Naw. We got to get you a doctor.
(to others)
Yall help me get him up.
Marcus grabs Jeromes arm as he struggles to breathe.
MARCUS
Jerome... take me home.
Jerome looks down at his friend, a sad imminence in his eyes.

84.

JEROME
(voice breaks)
Naw, man. We got to get you some
help.
(to others)
We got to get him some help.
Marcus chest rises, and falls one last time.
JEROME (CONTD)
Marcus?
Jerome shakes Marcus as if that will somehow bring him back.
JEROME (CONT'D)
Marcus?!
(waits)
Naw, Marcus. Naw. Naw, Marcus. Naw!
Jerome breaks down. He rests his head against that of his
life long friend and he cries. The rain falls and he cries...
and cries.
After a long moment, Benny Ralph reaches down and puts his
hand on Jeromes shoulder. Jerome looks up.
BENNY
Jerome... We gotta get him-Whatever it is in Jeromes eyes stops Benny cold.
JEROME
Take him home, Benny Ralph.
Jerome stands up. Benny recognizes something in his face.
BENNY
Jerome?
Jerome walks out to where the gun lies in the road. He stares
down at it. Benny and the other boys lift Marcus body up and
move towards Bennys car.
BENNY (CONTD)
Jerome?
Jerome picks the gun up and moves to his car door.
BENNY (CONTD)
Jerome!
Jerome glowers at Benny with a quiet rage, a look of fierce
single-mindedness.

85.

JEROME
Take him home, Benny Ralph.
With that Jerome opens the car door, and gets in. Benny and
the others put Marcus into the backseat of the car.
BENNY
Jerome!
The car races down the road and into the night.
Benny runs into the road and yells after him.
BENNY (CONTD)
Jerome!!
EXT. SAM AND GREGS HOUSE - NIGHT
The rain is heavy. Sam stands near his porch and Greg is just
beyond the truck. Tyler rolls the window down and:
TYLER
Greg. Not a word. Make sure you
tell your brother.
Greg, in shock, nods absently. He turns for the house.
TYLER (CONTD)
Hey.
(waits)
Hey!
Greg turns back.
TYLER (CONT'D)
It was just another nigger.
Tyler takes the last drag of a cigarette and flicks it out of
the window. He gives Greg a final look, rolls the window up
and drives away.
INT. TYLERS TRUCK - LATER
Tyler drives. YOU REALLY GOT ME NOW by the KINKS, blares on
his trucks radio. His windshield wipers throw the rain
aside. The trucks headlights illuminate the darkness ahead.
Tyler reaches down and changes the station. Another SONG
comes on the radio.
HEADLIGHTS!

86.

Tyler looks out of his passenger side window. Throws an arm

up defensively.
CRASH! Shattered glass showers the trucks interior.
EXT. A VERONA ROAD - CONTINUOUS
The truck spins, passenger side, into a ditch. Jeromes car
bounces backwards from the impact and comes to rest on the
road.
The front end of the car is crushed. Coolant and steam escape
the smashed radiator. The SONG can still be heard coming from
Tylers radio.
Jeromes car door opens and Jeromes foot steps out.
INT. TYLERS TRUCK - CONTINUOUS
Tyler slowly lifts his head from the steering wheel. Blood
and bits of glass cover his face. The SONG plays. He shakes
his head and looks at the weeds and brush that protrude
through his broken passenger window.
The passenger side mirror is bent in towards the cabin. Tyler
studies his battered face in it. Startled by Jeromes image
in the mirror, he turns to face him.
A VERONA ROAD - CONTINUOUS
FROM BEHIND the truck, Jerome raises his arm.
GUNSHOT... GUNSHOT. GUNSHOT. GUNSHOT. GUNSHOT.
MUZZLE FLASHES, SEEN THROUGH THE TRUCKS REAR WINDOW, follow
each shot. THE CLICK of the hammer dropping on a spent round.
Jerome looks at the gun. His hand trembles in a mix of anger
and horror.
JEROME
Fortunes fool.
He drops the gun onto the trucks vinyl bench seat, runs back
to his car, gets in and tries to restart it. The car wont
start. He jumps out and tears down the wet, country road.
The trucks headlights illuminate the drops of rain as they
fall past. CRANE UP as the SONG plays into the night.

87.

INT. MARCUS HOUSE - NIGHT

Marcus body lies on the couch. Blood is everywhere. Big Mama
Lankford, draped over the body, wails uncontrollably.
Benny rubs her back and shoulders as the other boys stand in
the living room in grief-stricken silence.
Ms. Lankford caresses her grandsons face, and smears his
blood as she does so. A MOMENT.
EXT. A VERONA ROAD - NIGHT
Jeromes car and Tylers truck still sit at the scene. It
rains. A police car pulls up. Deputy Caines steps out and
approaches the car. He shines his flashlight into the car,
and sees its empty.
He looks to the truck and moves over to it. He shines the
flashlight into the cab. He stumbles back a few steps upon
seeing Tylers body. He races back to his car to call it in.
INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - NIGHT
The Sheriff waits just inside the door of the Calhouns
house. The SOUND of the RAIN can be clearly heard outside.
Idelia walks down the steps.
IDELIA
The judgell be right down.
The sheriff nods. Idelia goes into...
KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
...and remains by the door, a worried look etched onto her
face.
JUDGE CALHOUN (O.S.)
Hello, Sheriff. What brings you by
at this hour?
Idelia listens.
INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - CONTINUOUS
Judge Calhoun descends the steps toward the waiting Sheriff
Bell.

88.

SHERIFF BELL
(lowers his voice)
Well, Your Honor...
(sighs)
...we found Tyler dead in his truck
out on 377.
The Judges knees buckle. The sheriff moves toward him, but
the Judge waves him off. The Judge composes himself.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Dead? How?
SHERIFF BELL
He was shot to death. We found a
gun in his truck.
JUDGE CALHOUN
He didnt..?
SHERIFF BELL
(shakes head)
No, sir. Pretty sure it was murder.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Murder? Emery, who..?
SHERIFF BELL
It looks like it may have been the
Montague boy, Jerome.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Looks like?
SHERIFF BELL
We found his daddys car at the
scene. Both Tylers truck and the
car were pretty banged up.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Where is he?
SHERIFF BELL
Like I said, hes out on 377.
JUDGE CALHOUN
No. I mean the Montague boy. Where
is he? Do you have him?
SHERIFF BELL
No, sir, Judge. We dont. Not yet.
Deputy Caines is going to head out
to look for him once I get back to
the scene.

89.

The Judge stands in stunned silence a moment.

JUDGE CALHOUN
I need to see for myself.
SHERIFF BELL
I understand. I can carry you over-JUDGE CALHOUN
No. Ill take my own car.
SHERIFF BELL
All right.
The Sheriff turns and exits the house. The Judge opens a
closet and grabs his coat.
ANN (O.S.)
What are you going to do?
Judge Calhoun closes the closet door REVEALING his wife who
has obviously heard the entire conversation.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Dont you worry none. Ill be back
directly.
The Judge grabs his keys off a hook on the wall and makes for
the door.
ANN
Hes been seeing Julianna, you
know?
The Judge stops dead.
ANN (CONTD)
The Montague boy. Hes been seeing
her and she says they're in love.
The Judges bushy brow furls down and his eyes fill with
disapproval and rage.
ANN (CONTD)
What are you going to do, Winston?
He gives her a look of finality, throws his coat on, and
walks out into the wet night. Ann walks to the door and
watches her husband leave. Idelia exits the kitchen, just as
Julianna appears at the top of the stairs.
JULIANNA
Mama? What did the Sheriff want
with daddy?

90.

Julianna starts down the steps. Idelia looks between the two
women, a mixture of emotions on her face. Ann offers her
daughter a frail smile.
ANN
Just law business, sweetheart. Now
go on back to your room.
JULIANNA
Mama? Why was he here?
She reaches the bottom of the stairs to stand in front of
Ann. Ann strokes her hair and smiles in an attempt to pacify
her. Julianna is now close enough to see the tears in her
mothers eyes.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
Mama, what happened?
She looks away from Julianna, then turns back to her.
ANN
Tylers dead, sweetie.
Julianna shakes her head in disbelief.
JULIANNA
What? No.
ANN
Im afraid he is, sweetheart.
Thats what the Sheriff came to
tell your daddy.
Julianna burst into tears.
JULIANNA
How? How?
Ann pauses a long moment as if deciding whether or not to
tell Julianna the rest of the news.
ANN
Jerome killed him.
Julianna stops cold. We can almost hear her heart plummet to
the pit of her stomach. She stares at her mother in shock and
horror.
JULIANNA
Thats not true. Mama, thats not
true.
Ann steps closer to her daughter.

91.

ANN
Oh, Sweetheart. Im sorry.
JULIANNA
He wouldnt do that, Mama. I know
him and he wouldnt hurt anybody.
Hed never hurt anybody.
Tears roll down Anns cheek as she pulls her daughter into
her embrace.
ANN
Im sorry, Sweetie. I am so sorry.
Julianna pulls away.
JULIANNA
No. It wasnt him. It wasnt him!!
Julianna turns and dashes up the stairs before Ann can say
anything to comfort her. She looks up at her daughter as she
flees and starts after her.
ANN
Julianna?
IDELIA
Maam?
(shakes her head)
Let her be.
Ann sighs heavily and nods. A DOOR SLAMS. Idelia and Ann hold
each others gaze for a moment.
ANN
Idelia, go on and take the rest of
the night off.
IDELIA
Mrs. Calhoun, that aint necessary.
I can stay and-Ann clasps Idelias hand.
ANN
Its all right, Idelia. Well be
fine.
IDELIA
But, Maam-ANN
Go on now.

92.

Idelia smiles faintly, nods and reluctantly heads down the

hall. Ann stands near the stairs. She glances up. A MOMENT.
EXT. A VERONA ROAD - NIGHT
The Sheriffs car pulls up next to the coroners wagon and
comes to stop. He exits. Deputy Caines approaches him and
whispers something into his ear.
The Judges car rolls to a stop. He steps out of his car
utterly in shock. He looks over to Jeromes car, as he walks
toward Tylers truck. Deputy Caines places a hand on the
Judges shoulder as he nears the truck.
DEPUTY CAINES
You might not wanna go any closer,
Judge.
The Judge looks down at the Deputys hand and then back up to
glare at him.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Get your hands off me, Deputy.
The deputy releases him without a further word. The Judge
walks over to the truck and looks inside. He gasps slightly,
his hand to his mouth, as he turns away. He moves away from
the truck. The Sheriff walks over to him.
JUDGE CALHOUN (CONTD)
I told my sister Id take care of
him. He was her only child.
SHERIFF BELL
Im sorry, Judge. I know its hard
to lose family.
The Judge nods. Then without another word, he walks to his
car, gets in and drives away. The sheriff stares after him.
EXT. MARCUS HOUSE - NIGHT
The rain comes down in buckets. Benny Ralph walks out of the
house, a determined look on his face as he marches towards
his car. Jabbo runs out onto the porch.
Benny gets into the car and drives away as Jabbo looks after
him, concerned.

93.

EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - NIGHT

Idelia knocks on the door.
ISAAC (O.S.)
Who is it?
IDELIA
Sister Johnson, Reverend.
The door opens. Isaac stands there a smile on his face.
ISAAC
If you come to see Jerome again, he
aint here right now. He...
Isaac notices the expression on Idelias face. He steps out
of the house slowly, closes the door behind him.
ISAAC (CONT'D)
Sister Johnson, is everything okay?
Her tone is just short of panic.
IDELIA
The Sheriff came to Judge Calhoun
house tonight. He say Tyler Calhoun
got shot dead.
ISAAC
Thats terrible.
IDELIA
And, he say Jerome did it.
Isaac pauses as the news hits him.
ISAAC
Well... thats gotta be a mistake.
Jerome left to carry some gas over
to Benny Ralph. Abraham was with
him.
IDELIA
Im just tellin you what the
sheriff said, Reverend. Say it
happened out on 377.
The Reverend simply stands there, stunned.
IDELIA (CONTD)
Jeromes been seein the judges
daughter too.

94.

ISAAC
What?
Another blow.
ISAAC (CONTD)
Sister Johnson, how long you known
about all this?
IDELIA
Im sorry, Reverend. I don known
for a little while now. And I
didnt tell ya', Reverend, cause I
thought I could make him listen. I
tried to tell him he shouldnt be
seein her. I tried to tell him.
Isaac looks as though he wants to say something and even
opens his mouth, but nothing comes out.
IDELIA (CONTD)
The girl took the news pretty hard
when she heard. The Judge don
found out they been seein each
other, too.
Isaac is so taken aback he just doesnt have words. A moment
goes by and he manages to stammer out:
ISAAC
I need to find my son.
A cars headlights illuminate both figures on the porch and
briefly illuminates one on the side of the house. Its
Jerome. The car comes to a sudden stop and Benny Ralph jumps
out.
BENNY
Uncle Ike! Uncle Ike!
He runs toward the house.
INT. JUDGE CALHOUNS CAR - NIGHT
RAIN. The SOUND of windshield wipers. A man, call him ELI,
leans into the car window, which is down. He wears a hat. THE
BRIM DROOPS UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE RAIN, PARTIALLY HIDING
HIS FACE.
ELI
Dont worry. Well find him.
The Judge rolls up the window. The car drives off.

95.

EXT. A VERONA ROAD - NIGHT

The sheriff inspects the scene.
SHERIFF BELL
Dan, go on out to the Montague
house and call on Isaac.
Caines nods. Just as he turns to leave. Benny Ralphs car
pulls up to the scene. Isaac and Benny step out with that
same deer-in-the-headlights look as everybody else. The
sheriff and Deputy Caines approach them.
SHERIFF BELL (CONT'D)
Isaac, Im sorry. But, it looks
like your boy killed Tyler Calhoun.
ISAAC
And, Tyler killed Marcus Lankford.
SHERIFF BELL
We know. I got the word just a
little bit ago.
Isaac looks around at the horrific scene before him.
ISAAC
Wheres my son, Sheriff?
SHERIFF BELL
I was hoping you could tell me. The
fact is, the judge probably has
people looking for him right now
and hed be better off if we found
him first.
ISAAC
(half to himself)
This just dont make sense.
(to Bell)
Tell me what I can do.
SHERIFF BELL
I tell you what. Go with Deputy
Caines here. Go to all the places
you think he might be and see if
you can find him and talk him into
turning himself in.
Isaac nods.
ISAAC
Thank you, Emery.

96.

The sheriff returns the nod. Isaac and Benny Ralph, escorted
by the deputy, make their way to his car and get in. As they
pass, Isaac stares out of the window at the mangled 57
Chevy.
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - NIGHT
A dripping wet Jerome walks up to the front door and knocks
loudly.
JEROME
Julianna?!
(waits)
Julianna?!
He backs off the porch and looks up to the second floor.
JEROME (CONTD)
Julianna?!
He goes back to the door and bangs away. The door swings
open. Ann stands in the the doorway.
JEROME (CONTD)
Excuse me, maam. I need to see
Julianna.
ANN
Boy, have you lost your mind?
Ann steps fully out onto the porch and shuts the door behind
her.
JEROME
I gotta talk to her.
ANN
Jerome, listen to me. The best
thing you can do for you and
Julianna is leave.
JEROME
I dont mean no disrespect, Mrs.
Calhoun, but I need to see her.
Jerome moves towards her and she thrusts her hand against the
wall and moves to block the door.
ANN
My husband is out looking for you
right now. If he finds you...
Jerome...

97.

ANN (CONT'D)
I dont know you and I dont know
what happened with you and Tyler.
But, I trust my daughter, and I
know she loves you. Do you love
her?
JEROME
Yes, maam, I do.
ANN
If thats true and you do love her,
Jerome... youll leave.
After a long moment, Jerome nods and backs away, his eyes
filled with loves pain. Ann goes in and closes the door.
Jerome walks off of the porch and back into the rain toward
the road.
He stops. He turns to the house.
JEROME
No.
He runs around to...
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS
...where Juliannas bedroom window is. He searches the soaked
grass. He snatches up a rock and stares at the window of...
JULIANAS ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Julianna sobs into her pillow. CLACK. The rock strikes the
glass.
JEROME (O.S.)
Julianna!
Her head snaps up. She wipes her face, and cocks an ear
toward the window. Then:
JEROME (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Julianna?!
She leaps out of bed, bolts to the window, throws the
curtains aside, and slams the window open.
Below stands her rain-soaked love. Thank God! Then... Oh God!
JULIANNA
Please tell me you didnt kill
Tyler.

98.

JEROME
I just came to tell you Im sorry.
Tears stream down her cheeks once more. He turns to leave.
JULIANNA
Why?
He turns back.
JEROME
He killed my friend. He killed
Marcus. He wouldve killed me if...
Silence. The only sound the rain. Again, he turns to leave.
JULIANNA
Where are you going?
JEROME
I dont know.
JULIANNA
Im coming with you.
JEROME
No, I-JULIANNA
Jerome! Im coming with you.
He closes his eyes. A resigned sigh escapes.
JEROME
Meet me at the cemetery in an hour.
Bring some clothes.
She nods and closes the window. Jerome darts back out to...
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - CONTINUOUS
A car pulls up. Paul gets out. He sees Jerome come from
behind the house. He walks toward him.
PAUL
Hey? Hey?! What are you doing?!
Jerome pays him no mind and keeps moving. Paul hustles to
catch up to him. He follows him.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Im talking to you! What were you
doing back there?!

99.

Paul grabs Jerome, but Jerome jerks away.

JEROME
Get yo goddamn hands off me!
PAUL
You best watch your mouth, boy. Im
calling the sheriff.
Jerome tries to leave. Paul grabs him and Jerome shoves him
hard.
PAUL (CONTD)
Nigger, Ill--!
Jerome turns around and lays into Paul. Paul stumbles back
and takes a wild swing, connecting, followed by another.
Jerome ducks the third, grabs Paul, and pushes him into the
middle of the yard.
He repeatedly punches Paul, drawing blood. Paul regroups just
as Jerome tackles him. They fall to the ground and Paul hits
his head on one of the stones that encircle a small tree.
Jerome rises to his hands and knees. His hand slides from
under Pauls head. He watches the rain rinse the blood away.
His eyes fall back to Paul who lies motionless.
JEROME
One writ with me in sour
misfortunes book. Im sorry.
A foot strikes Jerome hard across the face. He sprawls into
the waterlogged grass of the front yard. He is kicked and
kicked again.
He lies there slow to move. Eli and JACOB, reach down and
grab him. He struggles until a gun is thrust under his chin.
TILT UP as Jerome strains to eye the guns owner... Judge
Calhoun.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Stand up!
The two men jerk Jerome to his feet. Several other MEN and
vehicles are nearby. The Judge goes over and checks Paul. He
turns, bloody murder in his eyes, to look at Jerome.
JUDGE CALHOUN (CONTD)
You dare come to my house you
murdering, black sonovabitch?! We
put your brother in his place, and
now we gonna put you in yours!

100.

The Judge takes two quick strides. The butt of his revolver
smashes against Jeromes temple. Jerome goes limp.
Eli and Jacob chuck him into a truck bed and tie him up.
Eli glances at Pauls body in the front yard.
ELI
(to the judge)
What about im?
JUDGE CALHOUN
Hes dead.
ELI
Well we caint just leave im heah.
Judge Calhoun nods. Two of the men grab Paul and put him into
the bed of another pick-up. They drive away. The Judge takes
a glance at his house, enters his vehicle and drives off.
INT. CALHOUN RESIDENCE - JULIANNAS ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Julianna hurriedly throws clothes into a small suitcase. She
opens the door of her room and looks both ways down the hall.
She creeps down the steps and toward the front door. Julianna
rummages through the drawer of a small table near the door.
ANN (O.S.)
Julianna, what do you think youre
doing?
Julianna looks up to see Ann at the top of the stairs. She
snatches a set of keys from the drawer and dashes outside.
ANN (CONT'D)
Julianna! Julianna! You come back
here now!
Ann hurriedly, but carefully, descends the steps.
ANN (CONT'D)
Julianna!! Dammit!!
She chases her out to...
EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - CONTINUOUS
Julianna scuttles through the rain, with purpose, to a 63
STUDEBAKER LARK DAYTONA CONVERTIBLE. her nightgown sticks to
her body as the rain soaks through it. She unlocks the door,
swings it open and jumps inside.

101.

Ann is right behind her.

ANN
Julianna, you get back in this
house!
She starts the car as Ann reaches her. Ann pounds on the wet
glass of the window.
ANN (CONTD)
Julianna, I am your mother and you
will listen to me! You will get out
of that car and back in that house,
right now!
Julianna rolls the window down part way. She looks at her
mother through her tears.
JULIANNA
Its all my fault, Mama.
Ann regards her daughter for a moment.
ANN
(softens)
No. No. Sweetheart, its not your
fault.
JULIANNA
Yes it is. Its my fault that
Tylers dead. Its my fault that
Jerome is in trouble. I never
shouldve loved him. But, I do.
ANN
I know, sweetheart. I know you do.
Just get out of the car and come in
the house and we can talk about it.
All right?
JULIANNA
Im sorry, Mama.
Julianna backs out of the driveway, and takes off down the
road. Ann calls after her.
ANN
Julianna!
She hikes up her night gown and races back inside.

102.

INT. DEPUTY CAINESS CAR - NIGHT

The rain makes it difficult to see the road despite the
incessant work of the windshield wipers. The deputy drives,
with Isaac on the passengers side and Benny in the back.
DEPUTY CAINES
Isaac? Do you have any idea where
else he could be?
ISAAC
Weve looked everywhere I can think
of, Deputy Caines.
DEPUTY CAINES
Well, I guess well just have to
double back then.
The deputy cuts the wheel and turns the car around.
EXT. FIELD - NIGHT
A pickup truck comes to a stop near a copse of trees. The
Judges car and several other vehicles pull up around the
truck. Eli gets out of the truck with the Jacob and lowers
the tailgate.
Jerome lies in the bed awake, blood and rain on his face. Eli
reaches for him and Jerome flinches. Eli laughs.
ELI
Come on heah, boy. We aint gon
hurt ya none.
Jacob laughs as well. He and Eli drag Jerome out by his feet.
He falls out of the bed and hits the drenched ground hard. He
fights as they drag him through the mud.
They kick him and drag him toward a tree.
INT. DEPUTY CAINESS CAR - NIGHT
The hum of the cars tires on the road and the rain almost
drown out the three mens silence. Deputy Caines sighs in
frustration.
DEPUTY CAINES
Well, guess we can get on back and
tell the sheriff we aint found
him. Lets hope the judge aint
either.

103.

ISAAC
Wait. Turn left up here.
Isaac points to a small road ahead. The deputy looks at him
oddly, but does what he says.
EXT. FIELD - NIGHT
Jerome is on his knees in the mud. Eli fits a noose around
Jeromes neck. Jerome appears to cry, but it rains so hard we
cant tell.
JEROME
Please, dont do this.
Jacob has tied the other end of the rope onto the trucks
hitch. Judge Calhoun looks on. An expression of resignation
comes over Jerome.
He bows his head and closes his eyes.
JEROME (CONTD)
Please, Lord. Forgive me for
anything Ive done against your
will. Maybe I shouldve lived my
life better, Lord. I dont know.
All I ask is that you please watch
over my family, and keep em safe,
Lord. Just look after em please.
(pauses)
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Jerome looks up from his prayer to see the Judges eyes on
him. They hold each others gaze for a long moment before:
JEROME (CONT'D)
I only wanted to love her.
The Judges eyes soften as if he realizes Jerome truly does
love his daughter.
Eli nods to the man in the truck. The truck starts off, and
pulls Jerome into the air. He chokes and gasps, kicks and
wriggles as he strains against the rope.
EXT. CEMETERY - MOMENTS LATER
Julianna pulls in and leaps out of the car.

104.

JULIANNA
Jerome?!
(no answer)
Jerome?!
She moves back and forth, anxious, waiting. Her concern seems
to grow with every step she takes.
EXT. FIELD - MOMENTS LATER
Jerome, suspended from the tree, struggles in vain.
Judge Calhoun, a remorseful look in his eyes, watches Jerome
struggle. He looks as if he wants to stop it... opens his
mouth to say something then he just... turns away.
EXT. CEMETERY - MOMENTS LATER
Julianna stands in the rain, illuminated by the headlights of
her car. She waits. Her head suddenly snaps up, the dread
clear in her face.
JULIANNA
Oh God.
She races back to the car, jumps in, and slams the door.
INT. DEPUTY CAINESS CAR - MOMENTS LATER
Isaac, Benny, and the deputy all ride in silence. Then:
ISAAC
Make this right, up here.
DEPUTY CAINES
Isaac theres nothin out here
cept...
The deputy turns to Isaac. A disturbing realization.
Isaac looks to the deputy, then sorrowfully closes his eyes.
EXT. FIELD - MOMENTS LATER
The Judge and his men stand around. Some even laugh. The
Studebaker barrels off the road and into the field and slides
to a stop. Julianna flies out of the car.
JULIANNA
DADDY, NO!!

105.

The Judge looks up.

JUDGE CALHOUN
(half to himself)
The hells she doing here?
He moves to intercept her. At the sight of Jerome hanging
from the tree, Julianna SCREAMS as if her heart had been
wrenched from her chest.
The Judge grabs her before she reaches her love. She tries to
push past him.
JULIANNA
No! Daddy, no! Daddy, no! Jerome?!
Jerome?!
She screams his name... he doesnt answer. He hangs there
limp, motionless... Jerome is dead.
Her father turns her away from the body of the man she loves.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Julianna, I-JULIANNA
Why?! Why, Daddy?! Why?!
He holds her to him and looks up at Jerome.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Im sorry, sweetheart.
JULIANNA
No youre not! Youre not sorry!
JUDGE CALHOUN
(sincerely)
Yes... Yes I am.
JULIANNA
I loved him, Daddy. I loved him.
Whyd you do it? Just tell me why.
This father tears up at the broken-hearted girl before him.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Julianna, sweetheart. Im... sorry.
JULIANNA
Dont say that! Because, youre
not. Youre not sorry.

106.

In an instant, she grabs the Judges revolver from his waist

band. She backs off and points it at him, then waves it
toward the other men, who draw back.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Julianna, I said I was sorry,
sweetheart. Theres no need to do
this. Give me the gun.
JULIANNA
You killed him! Sorry dont mean
nothing to me!
Judge Calhoun approaches her slowly. She thrusts the gun
toward him.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
Get away from me!
JUDGE CALHOUN
Julianna, please. We can talk about
this. Just give me the gun,
sweetheart.
She backs farther away and closer to where Jerome is.
JULIANNA
No! Dont you understand? I loved
him and he loved me and you killed
him.
She glowers at him.
JULIANNA (CONT'D)
I hate you.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Sweetheart, please dont say that.
You dont mean that.
Eli approaches her from her blind side.
JULIANNA
Yes, I do. You killed the only man
Ive ever loved and the only man
thats ever loved me.
JUDGE CALHOUN
I love you, sweetheart.
JULIANNA
Then why, Daddy? Why did you kill
him?

107.

She waits for an answer that doesnt come.

JULIANNA (CONT'D)
You killed him and he never did
anything to you.
(shouts)
Any of you!
Eli makes his move... Julianna turns and... GUNSHOT! A pained
scream escapes from him as he falls to the ground, clutching
his leg.
JULIANNA (CONTD)
I hate you! All of you! I hate you!
JUDGE CALHOUN
Julianna, goddamn it! Just give me
the gun!
(softens)
Please, sweetheart, just give me
the gun.
Julianna drops to her knees overcome by all thats happened.
Her arm drops, and rests the gun in the mud.
JULIANNA
I loved him. And he loved me.
The Judge walks toward her, his hand out.
JUDGE CALHOUN
Its okay, sweetie. Everythings
gonna be okay.
She looks up at him, her soaked hair stuck to her face, and
tears in her eyes.
JULIANNA
He didnt deserve to die. You do. I
hate you.
GUNSHOT. That quick, Julianna has shot herself in the chest.
She collapses into the mud.
A BEAT of stunned silence. A womans BLOOD CURDLING SCREAM
from O.S.
The Judge races to his daughter. He drops to his knees and
lifts her up. Blood soaks through her rain-drenched clothes.
JUDGE CALHOUN
No.
(chokes up)
No. No. No.

108.

He rocks her back and forth repeating himself. Ann races INTO
FRAME and pushes the Judge away.
ANN
Get away from her, you bastard!!
Get away from her!!
She pushes him and pushes him until he falls back defeated,
laying himself in the mud.
Ann picks Juliannas head up and lays it in her lap. She
strokes the wet, matted hair from her daughters face.
ANN (CONTD)
Sweetie, its Mama. Its Mama,
sweetie. Im here. Everythings
going to be all right, Mamas here
now.
(breaks down)
Oh, no. Sweetheart. No.
She cries for a long moment. She glares up at Judge Calhoun.
ANN (CONTD)
You did this. My daughters dead
because of you.
She cries some more as she caresses Juliannas face.
More headlights. Another car pulls in. Its Deputy Cainess
car.
INT. DEPUTY CAINESS CAR - CONTINUOUS
The three men look on in disbelief.
ISAAC
Please, God. No.
Isaac and Benny exit the car to...
EXT. FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Isaac and Benny Ralph move towards the scene. Deputy Caines
stays behind and calls on the radio. Isaac moves through the
men and past the fallen Judge who remains on his knees.
The rain has let up. Isaac looks up at the body of his son,
tears fill his eyes. His gaze follows the rope to the truck
hitch.

109.

He turns to Benny who walks toward the truck. Jacob moves

toward Benny. The Judges gaze catches him. He concedes.
Benny unties the rope, and slowly lowers Jeromes body down
into his heartbroken fathers arms.
Isaac lays his son beside Julianna and regards him a moment.
A father. A mother. Their children gone.
There are no words.
CRANE UP and HOLD ON the two dead lovers, bodies side by
side, their hands touch. A portrait in tragedy.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - DAY
The house sits quiet, tranquil. SLOW PUSH IN ON THE ROSE
GARDEN to see that it is withered and dried... its dead.
FADE TO:
EXT. VERONA - A PARK - DAY
TITLE CARD: Present Day
About fifty or so CITIZENS of fair Verona are gathered. A
podium sits in front of the group. The MAYOR and PARK
COMMISSIONER stand at the podium.
MAYOR
So, today we look to remember that
tragic event which took place on
this site all those years ago. And
we hope that this will give some
closure to those who were affected
by it. As for the rest of us let
this be a memorial for the
appreciation of one another and our
many differences.
(to the commissioner)
Commissioner.
The commissioner steps forward.
COMMISSIONER
Thank you, Mayor. Now, its time
for the dedication part of our
ceremony.

110.

COMMISSIONER (CONT'D)
For that I would like to introduce
some very important members of our
community. Please, let me get a big
round of applause for Isaac and
Jesse Montague and Ms. Annabelle
Calhoun.
The crowd erupts into applause and soon a standing ovation.
The commissioner steps under a familiar copse of trees. He
nears something covered by a tarp.
Jesse, now in his late fifties, rolls an elderly, wheel chairbound Isaac toward the commissioner. Ann, in her late
eighties, makes her way to the front as well.
COMMISSIONER (CONTD)
Citizens of fair Verona. From
henceforth, we dedicate this site
as Montague - Calhoun Memorial
Park.
The commissioner removes the tarp to reveal a large, granite
shingle with a bronze plate that reads with the parks name.
The crowd continues to applaud as Jesse leans down to whisper
something to Isaac. Isaac nods. Ann looks down and takes hold
of Isaacs hand. Tears fill their smiling eyes.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL A PARK with a playground, picnic tables,
a softball diamond and basketball court. PULL BACK and CRANE
UP as children stream into the park.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A VERONA ROAD - DAY
Tall pine trees set into the side of red clay hills, birds
chirp and cicadas sing, along this rural Texas road.
A large sign reads: WELCOME TO VERONA, TEXAS. Below it, ever
so gently in the breeze, sways a sculpted bed of vivid, red
roses.
HOLD ON this for a long MOMENT then...
FADE OUT.
THE END