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FADE IN:

EXT. THEATER ENTRANCE - NIGHT

(Tired of being Alone by AL Greene plays) Crowds of people
entering double doors. Lots of chatter is heard
simultaneously. Two young kids hand out playbills to on-
goers. It is opening night and people are urgently entering
the doors.

INT. THEATER LOBBY - CONTINUOUS

More crowds of people enter from the stairs into the overly
packed lobby. The wall hung with inspirational quotes, a
series of actors' portraits. A playbill that says, "A foreign
fugitive".
CUT TO:

INT. STAGE - CONTINUOUS

A large, brightly lit stage set up to be a courtroom. The
room is empty and quiet. We hear faint noises of conversation
from behind the stage.
A door is cracked open from a stage door, it is JASON (25),
attentive and wide-eyed. Peeping his head out of the door
scanning the room.

INT. BACKSTAGE - CONTINUOUS

We see the empty audience seats as Jason glares into them.
Moments pass, he is still looking into the empty chairs.
People enter from the curtain and Jason rapidly shuts the
door.
Jason appears head-on, looks like a deer in headlights.
People rush by, ACTORS running their lines, others warming up
their voice, CREW gives out last-minute notes. The atmosphere
is quick and light but Jason is still.
JESSICA (26), assertive and strong is speaking to Jason but
he fails to notice.
JESSICA
Jason...Jason! Take your notes you
left them at the rehearsal last
night. Matthew needs you to read
them over.
 2.

JASON
Okay.
(Pause)
JESSICA
You look horrible, maybe I should
go talk to Kevin just in...
JASON
No. I'm going on. Tonight.
JESSICA
Sure...then go! Get in costume and
stop holding us up on the opening
night.
Jessica walks off as Jason is reading the note.
JASON
Yeah, I just wanted your...
Jason takes the note and crumples it into his pants pocket.
He Shuffles by actors as if not to be seen.
Jason is stopped by, MATTHEW (21), he appears bright, driven,
and in control. He is glowing in a white t-shirt. Leaving the
conversation he was having and approaches Jason.
MATTHEW
Jason! Excuse me one moment. Where
are you going? I want you to go
over that speech for me.

JASON
I was just gonna do that, I just
need to get some fresh air.
Jason starts to walk off.
JESSICA
3 minutes!
MATTHEW
Did you see the new notes I had for
you?
JASON
Yeah, I read them over.
MATTHEW
It makes sense right? About you
giving the speech to the fourth
wall?
 3.

 
JASON
Fourth wall... you got it.
Jason tries to exit again.
JESSICA
2 minutes!
MATTHEW
Look, you're gonna be okay, just
listen, relax and dont go get some
fresh air.
JASON
I don't know, maybe if I didn't
know that Derrick and...
MATTHEW
No, no it's fine, they're just...
they can't wait to see you. Very
excited and tonight there in for
one surprise.
JASON
Surprise?
JESSICA (O.S.)
House is open!
MATTHEW
I meant show, now I need you to get
dressed and go over that speech
some more, got it?
Matthew walks off and is bombarded by crew members.
JASON
Yeah... got it.
Jason begins to walk off but KEVIN (22) stops him.
KEVIN
You sure?
JASON
No I'm good, let's do it.
KEVIN
Alright, if you need me to go on
just say the word.
(Pause)
 4.

JASON
OK.
Jason walks to exit out the curtain.
KEVIN
Where you going?
JASON
Bathroom.
CUT TO:

INT. BATHROOM - LATER

A stall door, grimy and rusty from the edges burst open.
Jason dives headfirst into the toilet and pukes viciously.
This goes on for about a minute and a KNOCK is heard on the
door.
JASON
Yeah...
 
He sits against the wall, breathing heavily, and stares at
the ceiling. Another KNOCK is heard. Jason quickly gets up,
goes to the sink but turns back around and flushes the
toilet. He holds water to his face for a few seconds and
dries off.
Looking into the mirror at his reflection, Jason looks as if
he is alright as he exits the door.
Following Jason through the door of the bathroom, JOHN (in
his 50's), warm and comforting awaits him. He is well kept,
appears bright-minded, and has a father-like figure.
JOHN
Thanks... Hey, you're in the play
right?
Jason nods.
JASON
(With enthusiasm)
Yeah, I am.
JOHN
A lot of people seemed to show up
for you on opening night, huh?
 5.

JASON
Yeah, I guess they did.
(Pause)
JOHN
Well, let's hope you get a warm
welcome. Now if you'll excuse me I
shall use the... bathroom. Break a
leg kid.
JASON
(sincerely)
Yeah, I will... Thank you.
As John exits into the bathroom. Jason turns looking into the
empty lobby and smiles. As Jason begins to walk to the
downstairs door, the double doors are opened and he catches
something out of the corner of his eye.
It is DERRICK (43), solid and optimistic, yet has a naivety
to him, dressed in light colors, and JANE (43), appears to be
very shy and withdrawn, dressed in all black. They make eye
contact with Jason. Jason smiles, Jane checks her watch and
leads Derrick to the stairs.
DERRICK
Jason...What are you doing here, we
didn't know you came to watch your
brothers play?
JASON
Uh... yeah. Hi, Derrick...thought I
stop by.
DERRICK
That's great that... you're here.
(pause)
You look good!
JASON
Thanks...Hi mom.
JANE
(Politely)
Hi, Jason.
DERRICK
Why not sit with us? If your mom
would want to?
(Pause)
Jane checks her watch.
 6.

JASON
Oh, no that's fine I came with a
friend, so I wouldn't want to leave
him behind or anything...
DERRICK
That's great you have, I mean you
brought a friend with you...
Jane checks her watch again and leads off to the door.
JANE
I think the show is starting to
begin, let's get up there now,
don't want to be late.
DERRICK
Oh, let's try and say hi to Matthew
before his show starts.
(Pause)
So we'll see you up there then I
guess?
JASON
Yeah, you will.
DERRICK
It's good to see you again, Jay.
Jane begins to walk up the stairs as Derrick follows. Jason
stands still looking at them, Derrick gives him a wave.
Jason slowly walks out the double doors.

INT. THEATER LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER

Jane hesitantly reaches the top of the stairs and grabs a
hold of the rail.
DERRICK
What's the matter, are you okay?
JANE
Yeah, yeah I'm fine, I think I just
need to use the bathroom.
DERRICK
Are you sure you're alright?
JANE
(Defensively)
No, it's fine.
(MORE)
 7.
JANE (CONT'D)
Go and try and find Matthew, I'll
find you in the crowd.
DERRICK
Okay, I will.
Jane walks down the stairs still holding onto the rail as
Derrick walks off.

EXT. THEATER - MOMENTS LATER

Jason walks to the corner of the brick wall as he grabs a
pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He lights one and sits on
the ground looking at the sky, his eyes shift back and forth.
He looks down the long gravel road and shakes his head as he
takes another drag.
The door to the theater opens and it is Jane. She walks down
the steps as she pulls a pack of cigarettes from her purse
and lights one.
Jason notices and shuffles behind the corner, staring at her.
Time passes, he is glaring at her. They simultaneously smoke.
The door of the theater opens again and it is Derrick
followed by Matthew. Jane immediately puts out her cigarette
and embraces Matthew and they speak joyously. Finally, they
all three enter the doors.
Jason slowly walks to the doors, peeping in, and enters.

INT. BACKSTAGE - MOMENTS LATER

Actors rush to get dressed and Jessica frantically approaches
Jason.
JESSICA
Where have you been, we have a show
to run and you can't go off
meandering around five minutes
until showtime.
JASON
Sorry I just was...
JESSICA
Just get dressed Jason, please.
Jason scanning the room, actors and crew turn their heads
away from his eyes. Jason looks at Matthew, dressed in an
all-black suit, and approaches him.
 8.

MATTHEW
Hey, I need you dressed, like right
now. We only have... four minutes
until we go on.
Jason stares at Matthew, not saying a word.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
What's the matter? Did you hear me
I need...
JASON
They had no idea I was gonna be
here.
MATTHEW
...You know how she can be.
JASON
I just saw them.
(beat)
Why wouldn't you tell them that I'm
in your show, that you wanted me
in!
MATTHEW
(whispered)
Can we talk about this after?
JASON
I just wanted them to want to come
to the show knowing that I was in
it.
MATTHEW
(whispered)
Look, I'm sorry but now they do
know, and they're still here. Now,
please Jay, get dressed... for me.
We only have so much time left.
Jason begins to exit.
JASON
Fine. Thanks, Matt.
MATTHEW
Jay don't be like this...we're
here, we did it.
 9.

INT. PREPARATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Jason is seated, crouched over in a chair with his hands
wrapped around his face. Slowly he begins to put on a bright
orange jumpsuit, handcuffs. He takes a deep breath and exits.

INT. BACKSTAGE - NIGHT

(Mercy, Mercy Me By Marvin Gay plays) Actors lined up behind
the doors. Jason looks over at Matthew and glares defiantly
at him as Actors enter onto the stage.

INT. STAGE - CONTINUOUS

It is dimly lit and a bit eerie. Actors are getting into
their places. Jason sluggishly walks to the desk and looks at
the audience, deadpan faces glaring at him.
Jane looks directly at Jason and he faints to look away. He
sits next to Matthew and stares directly at the stage floor.
The audio of the play is heard faintly but all we see is
Jason, lost in thought.
JUDGE BICKHAM
We are here to address the case of,
The state vs Michael Doyle. The
jurors have been sworn in and we
can now begin the proceedings. To
the defendant, Mr.Doyle is charged
with, the murder of the second
degree of a minor and pleads not
guilty to the charges. Is that
correct Mr.Doyle...Mr.Doyle, do you
understand what I have just stated
to you?
Jason snaps out of it and scans the stage and then the
audience, all eyes are on him and he looks to JUDGE BICKHAM.
JASON
Uh, sir...
MATTHEW
My defendant is aware of the terms
sir and we can move forward to the
opening statements, thank you.
JUDGE BICKHAM
Good. So, the proceedings here
today are to address the new
evidence found in...
 10.

Jason avoids eye contact with Matthew as he stares at him.

INT. BACKSTAGE - LATER

The curtain is drawn for intermission and the Actor's exit
off the stage. Jason paces to the door first and is followed
by Matthew. Matthew grabs him on the shoulder.
MATTHEW
Jason, what's the matter? It wasn't
that bad.
JASON
Don't you touch me!

Jason storms off, out the backstage door, throws the cuffs on
the ground. The room is silent. Actors look to Matthew.
MATTHEW
All right, I need all of you
changed for Act 2, and... no,
that's all.
(Beat)
That's all, let's go, let's go
people we have a show to finish!
Actors scurry off down the steps. Matthew shakes a stage cart
and drops to the ground.

EXT. THEATER - MOMENTS LATER

Jason bursts through the backstage door and there is a crowd
of audience members chattering as they all look at Jason and
it goes quiet. Jason gives a half-smile and begins to walk by
them.
He struggles to get a cigarette from the carton as he turns
the corner. With the cigarette in his mouth, he stops in
place.
Jane stares at Jason and he stares back, there is silence.
Jason slowly turns around and begins to walk off.
JANE
Need a light?
(Pause)
JASON
Um... no, you don't have to do
that-
 11.

JANE
No, I can do that.
Jane extends out the lighter and Jason slowly grabs it.
JASON
Thank you.
(Pause)
I guess you didn't know that I was
actually in the play?
JANE
No, we never spoke about you...
JASON
Never?
JANE
Sorry, Jason, I didn't mean it like
that, of course, we spoke about
you.
JASON
Yeah... it's been a while I guess.
JANE
That's okay, it's good to see you,
with your brother again.
JASON
Yeah, it's good.
Jason steps a foot closer to Jane.
JANE
Well, maybe we should get going,
don't want to miss the show...
JASON
Maybe we can just talk for a
second, mom// I mean it's been two
years.
JANE
Oh, Jason, I think maybe it's time
I get back up there// Derrick is
waiting on me.
JASON
You're mad at me for not telling
you, I was going to leave?
 12.

JANE
Jason, this isn't a proper time to
talk about this. Now please, I must
get back-
JASON
I'm sorry, OK, I'm sorry I left, I
just needed to get away for a
while.
JANE
That's alright Jason, I'll be
seeing you up there now...
JASON
Just... would you say something to
me, please mom, something!
(Beat)
JANE
I'm sorry but I have to go back
in...goodbye now.
Jane paces up the steps and into the door. Jason slowly
begins to turnaround the corner and the audience members
stare at him.
JASON
Don't you people have a show to get
back to!
The audience members begin to walk to the theater doors and
Jason waits for them to all enter as he looks down the gravel
road.

INT. BACKSTAGE - MOMENTS LATER

We see Matthew alone, sitting on a chair, looking up at the
ceiling.
Jason slowly peeks his head from behind the door and spots
Matthew. He shuffles to the preparation room, opening and
closing the door behind him as if not to be seen.

INT. PREPARATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Jason frantically grabs his keys, sweatshirt, and heads for
the door. He begins to open it and we hear actors entering
from the backstage door and he quickly shuts it.
Jason starts breathing heavily and gagging. He grabs the wall
trying to stand up straight.
 13.

Looking frantically around the room, he paces and starts

hyperventilating. He drops to the ground, struggling to keep
it together and a KNOCK is heard on the door, and the knob
giggles repetitively and finally stops.
Jason puts on his sweatshirt and throws the hood over his
head. He comes to the door and puts his ear to it and slowly
cracks the door open and looks through it.
We see actors rehearsing their lines and Matthew faced the
opposite of him speaking to Jessica.
Jason quietly creeps out the door and heads to the downstairs
door. He quickly opens the door and slams it behind him.
Matthew quickly looks over to the downstairs door, it is
closed.

INT. BACKSTAGE - LATER

Matthew gives direction to an actor as he is interrupted by
BEN, the second lead, Matthew barely listens.
BEN
Hey, Matt can I talk to you.
MATTHEW
Not now, Ben.
BEN
Just for a second... I need to talk
to you.
MATTHEW
What Ben, what.
Ben pulls Matthew along to the preparation room and opens it.
BEN
Look.
MATTHEW
What?
BEN
You're brother, well he just left.
(Beat)
I think I should be the lead for
this scene man, I knew he wasn't
gonna stay!
Matthew pushes past Ben and quickly exits out the downstairs
door.
 14.

Jessica, looking at Ben defiantly.

JESSICA
What did you just say?
BEN
(smiling)
Jason just left.
The crew and actors stop and stare at each other.

EXT. THEATER - MOMENTS LATER

Jason with his head down walks down the gravel road. We see
Matthew pacing around a corner spotting him.
MATTHEW
Hey! Hey, what are you doing?
JASON
What does it look like?
MATTHEW
We still have one more scene
left...Jason?
JASON
You can finish without me.
Matthew finally catching up to him.
MATTHEW
What do you mean, finish without
you? You can't just leave we have
one more scene to do, Jason.
JASON
No,you have one more scene left.
MATTHEW
Jason...what are you doing man,
you're gonna up and leave the play
like this.
JASON
You got me into this and I can't do
it. I'm sorry but I'm going now.
(Beat)
MATTHEW
You're not gonna leave me hanging
like this again...are you?
 15.

JASON
I never left you hanging...
MATTHEW
Yes, you did! And now the one time
you can show the decency to be here
for me...
JASON
This isn't about you!
MATTHEW
... and for your family, you want
to leave, Again!
JASON
(walking off)
Don't you yell at me, I'm still
your brother, don't forget that.
MATTHEW
My brother... A real fine brother
you've been to me Jay. Leaving me
in the dirt and not telling anyone
where you were going.
JASON
I didn't leave because of you!
MATTHEW
That's right! You left because of
mom...
JASON
No, it's not about her...
MATTHEW
...That's exactly what this is
about! You can't take seeing her
because you feel guilty but she
feels just as guilty as you do. And
now your gonna leave and never to
be heard from for another two
years, you selfish piece of shit!
JASON
Selfish! I'm not leaving you, I'm
not leaving them, I'm leaving this
shit... I don't want to be an
actor! I never wanted this! I want
some fucking peace in my fucking
head, for once and I can't get it
here!
(Beat)
(MORE)
 16.
JASON (CONT'D)
I couldn't stand to be around her
anymore, never showing me the time
of day and obsessing over you...
MATTHEW
She never obsessed over me...
JASON
That's all she did. And me, She
refused to recognize me as her son
and instead treated me how my piece
of shit father treated her!
(Pause)
MATTHEW
So this is how you want it to be?
JASON
Matthew, please just stop and let
me leave.
MATTHEW
Excuse me? What did I hear because
it sure seems like you can't just
do one more thing for me, not like
you ever did much but just, for
once Jason, I'm begging you...Come
back inside with me...
JASON
...I cant! I cant! I can't do this
anymore Matt, I got my... goddamn
mother out there watching me fail
once again and my brother having to
save my ass. People looking at me
in the audience... look I'm better
off where you found me.
MATTHEW
Don't you say that shit, you're my
brother for chrissake. Look at me,
it doesn't have to be like this, we
can make this right again?
JASON
It was never right for me only
right for you! What do you want me
to do, she doesn't want me here,
she never wanted me anywhere!
MATTHEW
She needs you, she might not
realize it but she does.
(MORE)
 17.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
She hasn't been right since you
left. She doesn't sleep, she barely
eats...
JASON
She was like that even when I was
there!
MATTHEW
But not like this Jay, not like
this.
(Beat)
JASON
She looked at me like she didn't
even know who I was... she couldn't
just speak to me like I was her
son. She refused to just look me in
the eye and tell me the
truth...that she doesn't love me
anymore.
MATTHEW
She loves you, Jay... I love you,
Derrick loves you, we all do.
(Beat)
Jay...I just wanted my big brother
back and now you're here and I want
you to stay, please.
(pause)
you got people in there that care
about you
JASON
...Yeah?
MATTHEW
Yes really, you got family in
there, friends... We all want you
here jay, please don't go now,
please don't.
(Pause)
Jason stands there in tears looking at Matthew and they
embrace. Holding each other tightly.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
I love you man.
JASON
I love you too.
Jessica bursts around the corner in a panic.
 18.

JESSICA
Matthew, we go on in... 2 and half
minutes! We need you two right now!
MATTHEW
OK!
She exits begrudgingly and Matthew looks at Jason and nods
his head to the door and smiles.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
Ready?
JASON
Yeah.
(Pause)
Hey what did that direction mean,
giving the speech to the fourth
wall?
MATTHEW
You speak to the audience.
CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE - LATER

Matthew, dressed in a lightly colored suit, and Jason, in the
orange jumpsuit, in line with his head down.
KEVIN
Guess you decided to come back, 2
minutes later and it was showtime.
JASON
(Bluntly)
Fuck off.
He smiles and looks over to Matthew who smiles back at him.
(Flying High by Marvin Gay) leads them on stage, Matthew nods
to Jason and he nods back.

INT. STAGE - LATER

There is silence in the court as the Judge shuffles papers on
his desk.
JUDGE BICKHAM
OK, now at this time we will allow
the defense, Mr.Doyle to give his
statement to the jury.
(MORE)
 19.
JUDGE BICKHAM (CONT'D)
Mr.Doyle, you will have three
minutes of open dialogue and no
more, do you understand son?
JASON
Yes, I do your honor.
JUDGE BICKHAM
Then please approach the podium.
Jason defiantly stands and walks to the podium.
JUDGE BICKHAM (CONT'D)
The floor is yours, Mr.Doyle.
JASON
Your honor... people of the court.
I stand here today convicted of a
crime that, that man over there
seems to be certain that I
committed. Murder...of an innocent
child, who could in no way possible
do any wrong to anyone. A child who
wanted to be cherished by her
peers, to have her own life
someday. Experience joy,
laughter...love. I can understand
that.
(beat)
But standing here before you I say,
do you see me as a man of hatred
and disgust by what that man thinks
of me? I'm sure the majority of you
do but I know there are the few out
there who might think otherwise
because of the faith they have in
another human being to know right
from wrong and even though I do
believe to know the difference, I
have made wrong in my life but I
stand here... right here now, to
say that I can forgive... forgive
the ones who see me as not what I
am and I don't see a reason why we
can't... understand each other.
Thank you.
(Pause)
Silence. Then suddenly an eruption of applaud rains over the
stage.
Jane is moved to tears and holds Derricks' hand tightly as
she smiles at Jason.
 20.

Jason stands with a faint smile on his face but it is

interrupted by the sound of a GAVEl, pounding and Jason
proceeds to his seat.
Jason sitting smiles at Matthew as he smiles back.
JUDGE BICKHAM
Order! Order in this court right
now!
(pause)
Now to bring this case to an end we
must first hear the verdict from
the jury. Has the jury reached a
verdict?
Jane suddenly rises off-balance holding a piece of paper.
There is silence and she looks around at the audience.
JANE
Yes.
JUDGE BICKHAM
Go ahead and give the verdict to
the bailiff.
JANE
(softly)
OK.
The BAILIFF grabs the verdict from Jane and brings it on
stage to Judge Bickham.
JUDGE BICKHAM
Now if the defense can stand.
Matthew and Jason rise out of their seats, simultaneously.
JUDGE BICKHAM (CONT'D)
And now can Madam clerk, publish
our verdict.
MADAM CLERK (30), bright and beautiful grabs the verdict.
MADAM CLERK
The state of Pennsylvania vs
Michael Doyle, case number
0887374cf as of the charge of
second-degree murder. We the jury
find the defendant, not guilty.
 
(Free At Last by Al Green plays) The crowd stands and erupts
into applause. Jane and Derrick hold hands. Jason and Matthew
move center stage, hold hands, and bow.
 21.

OVER BLACK credits roll.