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                               THE BLIND SIDE



                                 Written by

                              John Lee Hancock



                              Based on the book
                     The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game

                                     By

                                Michael Lewis




                                                            04/28/09
                         

                         

          1 OVER BLACK... 1
          A distinctly SOUTHERN VOICE...

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          There's a moment of orderly silence
          before a football play begins.
          Players are in position, linemen
          are frozen, and anything's
          possible. Then, like a traffic
          accident, stuff begins to randomly
          collide. From the snap of the ball
          to the snap of the first bone is
          closer to four seconds than five.

          2 EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD/GAME FOOTAGE - NIGHT 2

           We're watching footage of the 1985 Redskins/Giants Monday
           Night Football game. Lots of angles, faces, knuckles as the
           two teams line up, Redskins on offense, for the snap of the
           ball. As the play begins --

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          One Mississippi. Joe Theismann, the
          Redskins quarterback, takes the
          snap and hands off to his running
          back.
          JOE THEISMANN hands off to JOHN RIGGINS, who takes two steps
          forward, then turns and tosses the ball back'to Theismann.
          The footage PAUSES AND PLAYS like a coach breaking down film.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
          Two Mississippi. It's a trick play,
          a flea flicker, and the running
          back tosses the ball back to the
          quarterback.
          HARRY CARSON, the Giants linebacker sees that Theismann has
          the ball back and races toward him. Theismann steps up and
          to the side and Carson flies past.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
          Three Mississippi. Up to now the
          play's been defined by what the
          quarterback sees. It's about to be
          defined by what he doesn't.
          LAWRENCE TAYLOR carves a wide circle around the Redskins
          lineman trying to block him.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           

                         2 CONTINUED: 2
          The blocker dives frantically. at Taylor's ankles, and misses.
          Taylor leaps, arms raised, filling the sky behind Theismann.
          The image FREEZES.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
          Four Mississippi. Lawrence Taylor
          is the best defensive player in the
          NFL and has been from the time he
          stepped onto the field as a rookie.
          The frozen image of Taylor comes to life as he jackknifes
          Theismann's body.
          PLAYERS' FACES react to what they're seeing. Devastating.
          TAYLOR pops up from the pile and jumps around like a madman.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
          He will also change the game of
          football as we know it.
          WE ARE WATCHING the MNF feed and hear the ANNOUNCER'S VOICES.

          FRANK GIFFORD (V.0.)
          Again, we'll look at it with the
          reverse angle one more time. And I
          suggest if your stomach is weak you
          just don't watch.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          Joe Theissman never played another
          down of football.

          3 TEAM PHOTO OF THE 2005 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 3

          LEIGH ANNE'S. VOICE
          Now, y'all would guess that more
          often than not the highest paid
          player on an NFL team is the
          quarterback.
          The camera finds MATT HASSELBECK, Seattle's quarterback.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
          And you'd be right. What you
          probably don't know is that more
          often than not the second highest
          paid player is, thanks to Lawrence
          Taylor, a left tackle.
          The camera goes to WALTER JONES, Seattle's left tackle.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            3

                         3 CONTINUED: 3

           LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
          Because, as every housewife knows,
          the first check you write is for
          the mortgage and the second is for
          the insurance. The left tackle's
          job is to protect the quarterback
          from what he can't see coming. To
          protect his blind side.

          4 SERIES OF SHOTS 4
           "Famous" left tackles - Jonathan Ogden, Orlando Pace, Andre
          Gurode. Then we SEE SHOTS of their hands, feet, waists,
          etc., corresponding with ---

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          The ideal left tackle is big, but a
          lot of people are big. He is wide
          in the butt and massive in the
          thighs. He has long arms, giant
          hands and feet as quick as a
          hiccup.

          EXT. WEST MEMPHIS -- DAY 5

          A street anchored by project housing and littered with broken
          down cars and ne'er-do-wells. Lots of folks out, milling
          about, but our focus is on A TEENAGER in the distance, moving
          TOWARD US in SLO-MO while everyone else is at normal speed.
          He's extremely large, six and a half feet, but he carefully
          steps instead of strutting. His name is MICHAEL OHER.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          This is a rare and expensive
          combination the need for which can
          be traced to that Monday night game
          and Lawrence. Taylor. For on that
          day he not only altered Joe
          Theismann's life, but mine as well.
          As Michael continues toward us he begins to go OUT OF FOCUS --

          INVESTIGATOR'S VOICE (V.O.)
          Mr. Oher, do you know why I'm here?

                         (NO RESPONSE)
          Mr. Oher?...

          MICHAEL (V.0.)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            4

                         5 CONTINUED: 5

           INVESTIGATOR'S.VOICE (V.O.)
          Do you know, do you understand why
          I'm here?

          MICHAEL (V.0.)
          To... investigate.

          INVESTIGATOR'S VOICE (V.0.)
          Yes. To investigate. I'm here to
          investigate your odd...
          predicament.

          6 INT. NONDESCRIPT ROOM - DAY 6

          Looks like a government office. Not much more than a desk on
          either side of which sit INVESTIGATOR GRANGER, an African-
          American woman in a business suit, and Michael Oher. Michael
          slumps a bit, eyes the ground and rubs his hands on his knees
          - a nervous trait of his.

                         GRANGER
          Do you find it odd? Your
          predicament?

                         (NO RESPONSE)
          Michael?...

                         MICHAEL
          Iono [I don't know]...
          Investigator Granger sifts through her briefcase, pulls out
          files, documents - a good bit of evidence for whatever
          trouble Michael is in.
          She sits back, stares at Michael, as if trying to figure him
          out. Michael can't meet her gaze. He looks out the window,
          rubs his knees some more.

                         MICHAEL (CONT'D)
          Can I... can I leave now?

                         GRANGER

                         (WITH FINALITY)
          No. You can't.

          7 INT. ANCIENT FORD TAURUS _ DAY 7


          SUPERSCRIPT: TWO YEARS BEFORE
          Michael sits in the back seat, behind STEVEN HAMILTON, 14,
          and his father, BIG TONY, who drives.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            5

                         7 CONTINUED: 7
          Not a word is spoken as they drive through the streets of
          WEST MEMPHIS - poverty ridden.

                         8

          EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

          The Taurus exits into --

          9 EXT. SOMEWHAT NICER AREA OF TOWN.- DAY 9

          The Taurus passes an endless supply of churches and strip
          joints, all of which Michael's eyes take in.

          10 EXT. EAST MEMPHIS - INT/EXT TAURUS - DAY (LATER) 10

          We've gone from slums to nice neighborhoods - fathers and
          sons play baseball, kids tend lemonade stands, sprinklers
          keep the grass emerald green.
          Michael's face tells us he's never seen anything like this.

          11 EXT. WINGATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL -- DAY 11 

           The Taurus enters the parking lot filled with nice cars.

                          A12

          A12 INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY -- DAY

          Big Tony strides down the almost empty hallway, spots a door.

          12 INT. WINGATE - COTTON'S OFFICE - DAY 12 


                          
          BERT COTTON, football coach, cleans off his desk, ready to
          leave for the day. Big Tony knocks at the door.

                         BIG TONY
          They say you the coach.
          Cotton eyes Tony, offers a hand.

                         COTTON

                          
          Bert Cotton.

                         BIG TONY
          Tony Hamilton, but everybody call
          me Big Tony.

                         COTTON
          What can I do for you, Tony?

          13 EXT. WINGATE - SCHOOL GROUNDS - DAY 13 

          Steven and Michael eye the freshly painted buildings, the
          flowers, the new playground jungle gyms and outdoor hoops.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            6

                         13 CONTINUED: 13

                         STEVEN
          Sure is pretty, huh, Big Mike?
          Mike doesn't answer, just takes it all in. Steven sees and
          opens a container filled to the brim with balls - footballs,
          basketballs, four square balls.

                         STEVEN (CONT'D)
          Not even locked!

                         MICHAEL
          White people are crazy.

          14 INT. WINGATE - COTTON'S OFFICE - DAY 14 

          Big Tony and Cotton are mid-discussion ---

                         BIG TONY
          You see I promised my mama Boo, on
          her deathbed, that I would get
          Steven outta public and into a
          church school.

                         COTTON
          I appreciate that but I'm not
          involved with admissions.

                         BIG TONY
          I figured I'd come to you; seeing
          as you might need some players.

                         COTTON
          What sport does he play?

                         BIG TONY
          Anything with a ball. Good, too.
          He has Cotton's attention for a moment, then it passes...

                         COTTON
          Classes start in a week. It'd have
          to be for next semester.

                         BIG TONY
          I know what you're thinking, Coach,
          but I got money. I'm a mechanic at
          Wilson's Auto t'other side of town.

                         (ANOTHER TRY)
          What if someone drops out or moves?
          Could they get in then?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            7

                         14 CONTINUED: 14

                         COTTON
          "They?" You only mentioned one son.

                         BIG TONY
          Steven, yessir, but I brought
          another boy along.

                         COTTON
          Another boy?

                         BIG TONY
          Yeah, Big Mike. He stays on our
          couch sometimes. It's a bad deal.
          His mama's on the crack pipe and he
          ain't got nobody. He just wanted
          to come along with us today.

                         COTTON
          Would... Big Mike be an applicant
          as well?

                         BIG TONY
          Yeah, sure, why not.
          Cotton sighs, considers what to do.

                         COTTON
          They'd have to fill out
          applications and make an
          appointment for interviews.

                         BIG TONY
          I was hopin' you might just
          interview 'em now.

                         COTTON
          They're here?
          Big Tony points out the.window to the playground where Steven
          and Michael are playing one on one basketball.

                         BIG TONY
          The little ones Steven and the big

                         ONE'S --

                         COTTON
          Big Mike.

                         BIG TONY
          Yeah. That's right.

                         INTERCUT WITH:

                         

                         

                         

                         
            8

          15 EXT. WINGATE - PLAYGROUND - DAY 15 

          For a boy his size Michael can really move. He dribbles,
          fakes left, then falls away, making a long three pointer.
          Cotton's eyes get a little wider as he watches --
          Michael dribbles the ball between his legs, behind his back
          and jumps high, slamming the ball through the hoop. Big men
          aren't supposed to move like this.
          Cotton's lips are almost quivering --

                         COTTON
          Mother of God...

          16 INT. ADMINISTRATION OFFICE BOARD ROOM - DAY 16

           The Board of Admissions, eight or so men and women, are
           seated around a large conference table. By himself, at one
          end, sits Bert Cotton. 

                          COTTON
           Are there spots available or not?
           PAUL SANDSTROM, Principal, taps his fingers before... 

                          SANDSTROM 
          Technically, yes, in both grades.
          But we have a greater
          responsibility than just filling
          classrooms. Steven Hamilton's 
          paperwork looks acceptable and I
          believe he would be capable of
          succeeding here but the other kid --
          Sandstrom looks through papers for the name. 

                         COTTON
          Big Mike.

                         SANDSTROM 
          Michael Oher gives us no reason to
          believe, based on his record, that
          he would be successful here.

                         COTTON
          How bad could it be?
          Another board member, MRS. SMITH, pores over Michael's file,
          which is a mess. She finds facts and lays them out ---

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            9

                         16 CONTINUED: 16

          MRS. SMITH
          We're not sure exactly how old he
          is due to lack of records. He has
          a measured IQ of 80. That's 6th
          percentile. He's been enrolled in
          seven different institutions,
          including a gap of eighteen months
          around the age of ten when he
          apparently didn't attend school at
          all. He repeated first grade as
          well as second, there's no record
          of attendance in third, and in
          fourth grade --

                         COTTON
          So they moved him ahead without
          going to third grade. That says
          something.

          MRS. SMITH

                         (IGNORING COTTON)
          His attendance records are abysmal
          and his grade point average begins
          with a zero. Zero-point-six-
          Silence around the room. MRS. BOSWELL, a board member and
          science teacher, looks to the others.

          MRS. BOSWELL
          Everyone passed him along - gave
          him D's so they could hand their
          problem off to the next school.

                         COTTON
          Brave kid.
          (off their confusion)
          For wanting to come here. For
          wanting a quality education. An
          education denied him by the poor
          quality of the schools he's
          attended. Most kids with his
          background wouldn't come within two
          hundred miles of this place.

          MRS. SMITH
          Coach Cotton, we understand your
          interest in the young man's
          athletic abilities.

                         SANDSTROM
          He wouldn't be able to play until
          he got his grades up anyway.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 10

                         16 CONTINUED: 16

                         COTTON
          Forget sports! Look at the wall.
          He points to the crest on the wall. Beneath it: "NEIGHBORLY,

          ACADEMIC, CHRISTIAN".

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          Christian. We either take that
          seriously or we paint over it. You
          don't admit Michael Oher for
          sports, you admit him because it's
          the right thing to do.
          Their faces announce that he's made a point.

          17 EXT. WINGATE - DAY 17

          First day of class. Students, mostly blonde-haired and blue-
          eyed, wearing crisply laundered Abercrombie and Fitch, carry
          their backpacks through the school's arch and converse with
          friends they haven't seen over the summer.
          Michael ENTERS FRAME. Fills it up in fact. He stares at the
          arch. Beneath the school name we read "WITH MEN THIS IS.
          POSSIBLE, WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE". Michael takes a
          deep breath and enters. He carries his "school bag" - a
          plastic grocery sack.

          18 EXT. WINGATE - CAMPUS - DAY 18

          Just as before, Michael moves at A DIFFERENT SPEED than those
          around him. Makes sense because he is different. Not only
          the color of his skin but his size, his clothes (short pants
          and T-shirt), his eyes taking in the pavement - all point to
          the fact that he doesn't belong here.
          Small children from kindergarten and first grade give him a
          wide, cautious berth. He's noticed and ogled by everyone.

          19 INT. WINGATE - MRS. BOSWELL'S CLASS - DAY 19

          It's Mrs. Boswell's biology class and she's writing on the
          board in front of a full classroom when Michael enters. He
          pauses and all eyes go to him. Mrs. Boswell does her best to
          stifle a gasp as she first lays eyes on him. Then...

          MRS. BOSWELL
          Class, this is Mike Oher and he's
          new here so I expect you all to
          make him feel welcome.
          (with a warm smile)
          Mike, take any empty seat.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            11

                         19 CONTINUED: 19
          She urges him with a nod. Michael walks back and sits in the
          corner, looking terrified. He barely fits in the seat.
          Mrs. Boswell hands out a stack of papers to each row. As
          students pass them back to others...

          MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
          This is a quiz based on the
          information you learned last year
          in your science curriculum.

                         (OVER GROANS)
          Don't worry. It won't be graded. I
          just want to see how much of the
          information we need to hit again. 

                          
          Just answer whatever you know.
          The student in front of Michael hands a sheet back to him and
          eyes the size of his feet.
          The students start to work while Michael stares at the sheet
          like it's written in Greek. Mrs. Boswell watches him for a 

                          
          few seconds before turning back to her work.

          20 INT. WINGATE - HALLWAY - DAY (LATER) 20 

          A bell RINGS and kids leave classrooms.

          21 INT. WINGATE - MRS. BOSWELL'S CLASS - DAY 21 

          Michael sits alone while Mrs. Boswell collects the last of
          the papers. She walks over to Michael, looks down at his
          sheet. Nothing filled in, just his name scrawled at the top.
          She tries to decide how to deal with this then opts for --

          MRS. BOSWELL
          It's okay.

                         MICHAEL
          Can I leave now?
          She nods and watches him stand and walk away. She glances
          down at the sheet, turns it over and sees...
          A DRAWING on the back - a boat on an ocean. On the boat is a
          single, stick figure person. It's sweet but looks like a
          third grader drew it.

                         

                         

                         

                         
            12

          22 INT. BIG TONY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 22

          Michael lies on a tattered sofa. The lights are out but
          Michael's eyes are open, staring at the light emanating from
          beneath a closed bedroom door. We hear voices...

          WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S)
          Why he gotta always stay here?

          BIG TONY'S VOICE (0.S)
          Ain't got nowhere else.

           WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S)
           And how's that your problem? You
           the Red Cross all of a sudden?
           Michael tries to shut his eyes.

                          23 

          23 EXT. WINGATE - PARKING LOT - DAY

          School is out. Steven walks up to Michael...

                         STEVEN
          Hey, Big Mike, um... my Pops'
          girlfriend... she don't really want
          you to stay with us no more.
          Big Tony's Taurus pulls into the lot.

                         STEVEN (CONT'D)
          We can still give you rides if you
          want?

                         MICHAEL
          Naw, it's aright.
           Steven gets in the Taurus. Michael watches it drive away.

                          24 

          24 INT. WINGATE - GYMNASIUM FOYER - NIGHT

          A girl's volleyball game is in progress in the bg. As
          latecomers move en masse for entry into the gym, a small
          pretty lady on a cell phone moves.against the crowd; a salmon
          on a mission. This is LEIGH ANNE Tuohy. And she's pissed.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          (on cell phone)
          I don't care if Patrick Ramsey did
          approve the chair. He's an NFL
          quarterback not Martha frickin'
          Stewart.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 13

                         24 CONTINUED: 24
          She arrives at the concession stand and waits impatiently.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          There's a difference between Bunny
          Williams and Lazee-boy.

                         (TO VENDOR)
          Three large popcorns and two large
          diets.

                         (INTO CELL)
          When MTV Cribs comes to his house
          he'll be showing off his home
          theatre but all I'm gonna see is a
          brown Barca-lounger. I'm his
          designer, my name's on it. Deliver
          what I ordered!!!
          She hangs up angry, spots a friend nearby and her frown turns
          into a smile that could light up a cave.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT`D)
          Hi, sweetie! We're on the Kidspace
          committee together, aren't we?!
          It'll be a hoot!

          25 INT. WINGATE - GYMNASIUM -- NIGHT 25

          Leigh Anne's husband SEAN TUOHY, handsome, confidant, and
          their 10-year-old son, SJ, sit, watching the game.
          During a time out, Sean eyes the crowd, sees something odd.
          In the upper corner of the gym sits Michael, by himself,
          rubbing his knees. Others around him, all white, have moved
          away. He's a very large island in the lily white gym.

                         SEAN
          S.J., you know that kid?

                         SJ
          What kid?

                         SEAN
          Black kid. Up in the corner.

                         SI
          Be goes to high school here. His
          name is Big something... Big Mike.
          Sean eyes Michael suspiciously.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            14

                         25 CONTINUED: 25

                         SEAN
          He look like a volleyball fan to
          you?
          Leigh Anne, loaded up with refreshments, makes her way up the
          stands to her family. She has a nod, a smile, a bon mot, for
          everyone she passes. As she sits...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What'd I miss?

                         SEAN
          Collins got a dig.

                         SI
          It's girl's volleyball, Mom. You
          didn't miss anything.
          Leigh Anne gives him a look then stands and shouts --

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Collins! Move your feet!
          ON THE COURT - COLLINS TUOHY, a beautiful 16-year-old, sighs
          and gives her mother a look - "Don't embarrass me!"

          26 INT. WINGATE - GYMNASIUM - NIGHT (LATER) 26 

          The scoreboard tells us that the game is over. Fans file
          out. The Tuohy family waits in a group as the volleyball
          team exits the court.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Collins, we'll wait outside. And
          don't double condition in the
          shower - you still have homework!

                         COLLINS
          I'm going over to Cannon's house to
          study.

                         SI
          Can I go.to the Johnson's for
          dinner? They invited me.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What's so awful about our house?
          Sean smiles, shakes his head as SJ and Collins leave.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            15

                         26 CONTINUED: 26
          Sean's eyes go to the upper stands where he sees Michael,
          alone, walking slowly, then bending down, picking something
          up, taking a few more steps and repeating the process.
          Picking up left-over bags of popcorn.
          Sean considers this for a second before leaving.

          27 INT. WINGATE - TEACHER'S LOUNGE - DAY 27 

          Teachers drink stale coffee and chew on donuts.

          FIRST TEACHER (BOB)
          Well, the big guy's been here a
          month and he ain't cutting it in my
          class.

          SECOND TEACHER (APRIL)
          Why would Admissions do this? It's
          not fair to us or the boy.

          THIRD TEACHER (GLENDA)
          Just setting him up to fail.

                         BOB
          I don't think he has any idea what
          I'm teaching.

                         GLENDA
          And how would you know if he did?
          He won't even talk.
          Mrs. Boswell can't contain herself.

          MRS. BOSWELL
          He writes.

                         APRIL
          His name. Barely.
          Mrs. Boswell goes to'her purse, pulls out a crumpled page.

          MRS. BOSWELL
          He threw this in the trash can.
          (reads from the page)
          "I look and I see white everywhere:
          white walls, white floors, and a
          lot of white people. The teachers
          do not know I have no idea of
          anything they are talking about. I
          do not want to listen to anyone,
          especially the teachers.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           16

                         27 CONTINUED: 27

           MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
          They are giving homework and
          expecting me to do the problems on
          my own. I have never done homework
          in my life. I go to the bathroom,
          look in the mirror and say, "This
          is not Michael Oher."
          (a pause for effect)
          He entitled it "White Walls."
          The room is dead quiet.

                         BOB
          How's the spelling?
          Mrs. Boswell stuffs the page back in her purse and leaves.

          28 INT. WINGATE - CAFETERIA -- DAY 28 

          Sean and Coach Cotton sip coffee while all around them
          students eat their lunches. They are looking at Michael, who
          sits by himself without a tray in front of him.

                         COTTON
          If he makes his grades he'll be
          eligible in the spring.

                         SEAN
          If he makes his grades.

                         COTTON
          But boy-hidey, just look at him.
          Cotton is admiring Michael's size but Sean sees something
          else. He stands, walks over to Michael, who barely looks up.

                         SEAN
          What did you eat for lunch today?

                         MICHAEL
          Here in the cafeteria.

                         SEAN
          I didn't ask where you ate, I asked
          what you ate.

                         MICHAEL
          A few things.

                         SEAN
          Do you need some money? For lunch?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            17

                         28 CONTINUED: 28

                         MICHAEL
          I don't need any.
          Sean walks back over to Coach Cotton.

                         SEAN
          Buy him a semester lunch pass and
          put it on my bill.
          (off Cotton's look)
          He's hungry.

                         COTTON
          You could tell that by looking at
          him?

                         SEAN -
           I didn't grow up all that different
           from him. At public school they

                          
          give you free lunch, Bert. And
          when food is finite, you'd be
          surprised how much time you can
          spend thinking about it..

          29 INT. WINGATE - MRS. BOSWELL'S CLASS - DAY 29 

          Mrs. Boswell distributes a test to the class.

          MRS. BOSWELL
          You'll have one hour. If you
          finish early put it on my desk and
          sit quietly.
          She looks at the class as they begin to work, then sees
          Michael just staring at his test. She sighs, makes a
          decision, rises and walks over.

          MRS. BOSWELL (CONT`D)
          Mike, come with me.

          30 INT. WINGATE - SMALL ADJACENT ROOM - DAY 30 

          Filled with supplies and a small desk. Mrs. Boswell points
          and he sits.

          MRS. BOSWELL
          You can take the test back here
          away from everybody else. I'll sit

                          
          in there so if there's anything you
          don't understand you can ask.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            18

                         30 CONTINUED: 30
          Michael's eyes go to the page in front of him. He rubs his
          hands on his knees and stares. Mrs. Boswell waits a beat
          then scoots her chair over next to him.

          MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
          Mike, how about I ask the questions
          and you tell me the answers or as
          much as you know.
          She looks at his hands - huge next to hers - then reads:

          MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
          Protozoans are classified based on:
          a) how they get their food, b) how
          they reproduce, c) how they move,
          or d) both a and c.
          Michael just stares. After a long moment

                         MICHAEL
          Iono...

          MRS. BOSWELL
          Just try. Ask questions if you
          don't understand.
          But still Michael stares at the page. The look on her face
          says she's about to give up when
          He lifts his eyes to her and points to --
          -- the question on the test - specifically to the word
          "classified".

          MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
          "Classified". It means how things
          are grouped together.

                         MICHAEL
          Like our "class"?

          MRS. BOSWELL
          Exactly. This science course is
          classified based on what grade
          y'all are in. Eleventh.
          Michael nods understanding.

          MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
          Okay, Mike, you ready to answer the
          question?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            19

                         30 CONTINUED: 30
          He looks at her.

          31 INT. WINGATE - TEACHER'S LOUNGE - DAY 31

          Same group of teachers. Mrs. Boswell bursts through the
          door, holding the test.

          MRS. BOSWELL
          He knows it!

                         BOB
          Who knows it and what does he know?

          MRS. BOSWELL
          The material. Michael Oher. I
          gave him this test verbally.
          She holds up the test -- marked with a large red "C".

                         APRIL
          On how big a curve?

          MRS. BOSWELL
          He's been listening the whole time.
          It's amazing what he's absorbed.
          And, trust me, he's listening to
          you, too. Okay, so his reading
          level is low and he has no idea how
          to learn in a classroom, but...
          (makes her point)
          I'm not saying he's going to pass
          but Big Mike is not stupid.

          32 EXT. WINGATE - CAMPUS - DAY 32 

          School is out and Michael walks among the kids of all shapes
          and sizes. Two little Kindergarten girls'try and swing
          themselves. Michael stops nearby, watching them.

                         MICHAEL
          They're stuck, not sure if they should talk to this
          "stranger". They jump off the swings and run away.

                         SI (OS)
          Smile at 'em.
          Michael turns to see Si nearby, watching him.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 20

                         32 CONTINUED: 32

                          SJ (CONT'D)
          It lets them know you're their
          friend. Did you know that even
          little kids born blind smile?
          They've never seen anyone do it
          before but they smile anyway. So
          it's universal. That's why it
          works. Not that you should fake it
          or anything... You're Big Mike,
          right?
          Sean holds. out a fist for Mike to "knock" and the two walk
          toward the school entrance.

                         SJ (CONT'D)
          I'm Sean, but everyone calls me Si --
          that's for Sean Junior because my
          father's name is Sean. Sean Tuohy.
          He was a basketball star at Ole
          Miss, point guard, and now he owns
          like a million Taco Bells.
          Leigh Anne's car pulls up to the pick up/drop off and Si
          starts toward it.

                         SJ (CONT'D)
          Manana'.
          Michael smiles at the kid, who smiles back.

          33 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR - DAY 33

          Leigh Anne notices Michael as she drives past him.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Who's that SJ?

                         SI
          Big Mike.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Get your feet off my dash.

          34 EXT. WINGATE - PICK UP/DROP OFF - DAY 34

          Michael watches Leigh Anne's car disappear.

          SANDSTROM (O.S.)
          Big Mike?...

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            21

                         34 CONTINUED: 34
          Michael turns to see Paul Sandstrom, the principal.

          35 EXT. WINGATE - DAY (A FEW MINUTES LATER) 35 

          Michael and Sandstrom sit on a bench.

                         SANDSTROM 
          Mike, I just got a call from
          someone at the police department.
          (off Michael's look)
          Do you remember the story in the
          papers awhile back about the man
          who fell off an overpass?
          (Michael shakes his head)
          No one knew who he was and they're
          not sure if he jumped, or if... at
          any rate he passed away.
          Sandstrom struggles with how to say the words. 

                         SANDSTROM (CONT'D) 
          Mike, the man... was your father.
          Michael takes this in. without showing emotion.

                         SANDSTROM (CONT'D) 
          They've been looking for someone to
          notify and came across your name on
          our registry. I'm really sorry,
          son.

                         (NO RESPONSE)
          Were you close?
          (Michael shakes his head)
          When did you last see him?

                         MICHAEL
          Iono.

                         SANDSTROM
          I'll try and find out where he's
          buried. Maybe we could go visit?
          Michael nods, then rises and walks away.

          36 EXT. ANOTHER STREET - DAY (LATER) 36

           Michael sits at a bus stop with his bag, rises as a bus stops
           in front of him.

                         37 OMITTED 37 

                         

                         

                         

                         
          The Blind Side -- Yellow Draft - 04/15/09 22

          38 INT. LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT 38 

           Pretty seedy. Michael walks to a sink in the back, opens his 
          plastic sack, pulls out an extra T-shirt and starts to wash
          it.
          A WOMAN, the only other patron, reads a magazine. When he
          turns to look at her, she becomes quite nervous. She sets
          down the magazine and walks outside.
          It seems Michael was expecting this because as soon as she
          leaves he takes his wet T-shirt, wrings it-out, walks to her
          dryer and tosses the shirt inside to dry with her things.

          39 EXT. LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT (LATER) 39 

          Michael sits in the corner, his head resting against the
          window, trying to sleep. 

                         DISSOLVE TO:

          40 EXT. WINGATE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT 40 

          A banner over the arch reads: THANKSGIVING PAGEANT TONIGHT!
          Kids in costume - Pilgrims, Indians, turkeys - race out the
          door to greet their proud parents. Si, in an ornate
          headdress looks for and spots Sean and Leigh Anne waving.
          They walk away together toward the parking lot.

          41-42 OMITTED 41-42

          43 INT. SEAN'S BMW - PARKING LOT - NIGHT 43

          As they exit the parking lot--

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Turn on the heat!

                         SEAN
          I don't know where it is.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          It's fifteen degrees, you've had
          this car a month and you don't know
          how to turn on the heat?!
          (as she turns it on)
          What would you do without.me?

                         SEAN
          Lots of things you'll never know
          about.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            23

                         43 CONTINUED: 43
          They trade a look and a smile. Sean puts a.hand on her lap.

                         SI
          Get a room.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Si, don't let this go to your head
          but I thought you were very
          convincing in the role of... uh...

                         SI
          Indian Number Three. I tried out
          for the Chief but they gave it to
          Andy Sung. I can't be sure but I
          think there was some multi-cultural
          bias thing working.

                         SEAN
          Or maybe they just thought he'd
          make a better Chief.

                         SI
          Dad, he's like Chinese.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          And you're Irish. If you weren't
          the Chief how come you got the
          headdress?
          Si hesitates a bit before --

                         SI
          Dad, I'm gonna need a few more of
          those free Quesadilla tickets.

                         LEIGH ANNE

                         (LAUGHS)
          And where does the acorn fall?

                         SEAN
          Don't laugh too hard. The
          Quesadilla saved our ass.

          A44 EXT. STREET - NIGHT A44

          Sean's car stops at a red light and Michael crosses in front
          of them, wearing just his shorts and short sleeved shirt.

          B44 INT. SEAN'S CAR - NIGHT B44

          Leigh Anne notices Michael --

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            24

          B44 CONTINUED: B44

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What is he wearing? It's below
          freezing. What's his name again?

          SEAN AND SJ
          Big Mike.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Where's he going?
          She gives Sean a look. Sean rolls down his window.

                         SEAN
          Hey, Big Mike!
          Michael stops in the crosswalk, looks to the car.

                         SEAN (CONT'D)
          Where you headin'?

                         MICHAEL
          Gym.._.
          Sean nods, rolls his window back up and drives as the light
          turns green.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          The gym? It's nine o'clock.
          No answer to this. They drive another half block,before --

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Turn around.
          Sean sighs, knowing better than to argue.

          44 EXT. STREET - NIGHT 44

          The BMW pulls to a stop alongside Michael. Leigh Anne gets
          out, walks up to Michael.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Big Mike, my name is Leigh Anne
          Tuohy. My kids go to Wingate. You
          said you're going to the gym?
          Michael slowly nods.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          The school gym's closed.
          Michael takes this in but doesn't respond.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            25

                         44 CONTINUED: 44

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Why were you going to the gym?
          (again no answer)
          Big Mike?! Why were you going to
          the gym?

                         MICHAEL
          Because... it's warm.
          This hits her all at once. She bites her lip.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Do you have anywhere to stay
          tonight?
          Michael eyes the ground, then nods.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Don't you dare lie to me.

          45 INT. SEAN'S BMW - NIGHT 45

          Sean and SJ watch the discussion without hearing any of it.
          Leigh Anne looks to Sean, then back to Michael.

                         SEAN
          I've seen that look many times.
          She's about to get her way.
          Leigh Anne makes her way back to the car, with Michael in
          tow. She opens the back door and he gets in next to SJ in
          his headdress. Leigh Anne climbs into the front seat, closes
          the door. Sean is looking at her.

                         SEAN (CONT'D)
          Where we going?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Home.

          46 EXT. RITZY NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT 46

           The car enters the driveway of a beautiful home and stops.

          47 INT. SEAN'S BMW - NIGHT 47

           Michael's eyes are frozen at the sight. To him it looks like
          a mansion. Hell, it IS a mansion.

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 26

          48 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT 48

          Collins, in her pjs, talks on the phone while watching TV and
          listening to the stereo. She wears a tangerine cleansing
          masque on her face. When the family enters behind her --

                         COLLINS
          How'd the dork do in the play?
          She turns to see... Sean, Leigh Anne, SJ in headdress and
          Big Mike.

                         COLLINS (CONT'D)
          Um... okay...

          49 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT (LATER) 49

          Leigh Anne lays out pillows, sheets, blankets on the couch.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I'd give you the guest bedroom but
          it's full of sample boxes. And the
          sectional in the family room slides
          apart when you sleep on it. At
          least that's what Sean says.

                         MICHAEL 
          Mr. Tuohy sleeps on the couch? 

                         LEIGH ANNE 
          Only when he's bad. There's a
          powder room right there and we're
          upstairs if you need us.
          The two share a look, then...

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Sleep tight, honey.
          She leaves. Michael is dumbfounded, stares at everything in
          the room, then sits on the couch.

                         SJ
          Psst...
          SJ is in the doorway to the kitchen.

                         SJ (CONT'D)
          If you can't sleep, my room is the
          first one at the top of the back
          stairs. I got X-Box, Madden,
          everything.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 26A

                         49 CONTINUED: 49
          Michael nods then smiles. SJ smiles back, gives a thumbs up
          and disappears. Michael's eyes go to a coffee table book

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            27

                         49 CONTINUED: 49
          NORMAN ROCKWELL. On the cover is "FREEDOM FROM WANT" -
          picturing a family sitting around a dinner table.

          50 INT. TUOHY HOUSE -- SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 50

          They lie in bed, awake.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Was this a bad idea?

                         SEAN
          What?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Don't lie there and pretend you're
          not thinking the same thing as me.

                         SEAN
          Fine, tell me what you're thinking
          so I can know what's supposed to be
          on my mind.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          How well do you know Big Mike?

                         SEAN
          In case you haven't noticed he
          doesn't have much to say. What's
          the big deal? It's just one night.
          (after a beat)
          It is just one night, right?..
          Leigh Anne?...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Do you think he'll steal anything?

                         SEAN
          I guess we'll know in. the morning.
          He rolls over to go to sleep. Leigh Anne just sits, stares.

          51 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - DAY 51

          Leigh Anne finishes teasing her hair. Sean rides an exercise
          bike. Before she leaves the room...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          If you hear a scream call the
          insurance adjustor.

                         

                         

                         

                         
            28

          52 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - COLLINS' BEDROOM - DAY 52

          Leigh Anne enters Collins' bedroom. Very "teenage girl" but
          a mess - clothes everywhere. Leigh Anne opens the curtains
          throwing light into the room.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Up and at 'em.
          Collins groans. Leigh Anne picks up a few pieces of clothes.
          on her way out and groans at the mess. We stay with her as
          she re-enters the hallway, walks and opens the door to --

          53 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SJ'S BEDROOM - DAY 53

          Just as messy but not all clothes. Leigh Anne almost trips
          on a series of wires connecting games to a large screen TV.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Sean Junior!
          She opens the shades.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Clean this place up before you come
          downstairs. You hear me?
          Si crawls out of bed and Leigh Anne exits the room and starts
          down the stairs, almost afraid of what she'll find.

          54 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 54

           Leigh Anne stops, stares --
          The couch is totally back to normal and the sheets, blankets
          and pillows are neatly stacked in almost military precision.
          No sign of Michael.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Mike? Big Mike?!
          Nothing. She hears a DOG BARKING in the neighborhood and
          moves to the window to look out.

          55 EXT. TUOHY HOUSE - DAY 55

          Michael, plastic sack in hand, walks away. Leigh Anne exits
          the front door, spots Michael and tries to catch up.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Big Mike!

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 29

                         55 CONTINUED: 55
          He stops, turns. Leigh Anne walks over.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Where are you going?

                         MICHAEL
          Iono.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Are you spending Thanksgiving with
          your family?
          Michael shakes his head.

          56 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN -- DAY (LATER) 56

          Leigh. Anne carves turkey onto a tray and takes it into...

          57 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM -- DAY 57

          Leigh Anne sets the turkey on a serving table alongside the
          rest of the Tuohy Thanksgiving feast.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Come and get it!
          Sean sits at the TV,"watching an Ole Miss football game,
          while SJ plays.video games on another. Collins chats on her
          cell. Michael sits off to the side, taking it all in.

                         SEAN
          SJ, Ole Miss is about to score!

                         SI
          Which means they're about to
          fumble.
          They all shuffle over, grab plates, start piling on food.
          Sean loads his plate and heads back to the couch.

                         SEAN
          Looks great, hon.
          Collins plate is pretty delicately apportioned.

                         COLLINS
          I see a lot of starch.
          SJ jams turkey into a roll and lathers on cranberry sauce -
          creating an easy to eat sandwich. He walks away.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            30

                         57 CONTINUED: 57
          Michael stares - he's never seen so much food. Leigh Anne
          hands him a plate. He gingerly puts a slice of.turkey on it.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          As much as you want.

                         (WALKS AWAY)
          Oh, the potato salad!
          With no one watching him, Michael shoves two rolls into his
          pants pocket and finishes filling his plate.
          Leigh Anne reenters to see Michael sitting at the dining room
          table, alone, not touching his plate.
          Her eyes go to the rest of her family, shoving down food and
          playing games. She makes a decision, grabs the remote and
          turns off the TVs.

          58 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY 58

          The entire family sits at the table. Rockwell would be proud.

                         SI
          Why are we eating in here?
          Leigh Anne holds out her hands.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Shall we say grace?
          The Tuohy family plus Michael hold hands.
          Collins stares at her tiny hand intertwined with Michael's.
          As Leigh Anne prays Michael tries to emulate behavior without
          closing his eyes, taking it all in...

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Heavenly Father. We thank you for
          all your many blessings on this
          family. We thank you for bringing
          us a new friend. And we ask that
          you look after. us in this holiday
          season and never let us forget just
          how very fortunate we are. Amen.
          A chorus of Amens and they all dig in. Michael is unsure at
          first how to correctly use the silverware. He picks up the
          fork and Leigh Anne nods, "that's right". She eyes Michael's
          stained shirt.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            31

                         58 CONTINUED: 58

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Big Mike, do you like to shop?
          (off his look)
          Because tomorrow I think I'm gonna
          have to show you how it's done.

          59 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR -- DAY 59

          Leigh Anne drives and Michael sits shotgun.

                         MICHAEL
          I qot clothes.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          You "have" clothes.. And an extra T-
          shirt in a plastic bag does not a
          wardrobe make.
          He looks out the window.

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
           Okay, fine, let's go get 'em. Just
           tell me where I'm going.
           No answer. Frustrated, she pulls the car over to the curb
          and puts it in park.

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Tell me everything I need to know
          about you.
          He still stares out the window.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Who takes care of you?

                         (NO ANSWER)
          A mother? Do you have a mother?

                         (NO RESPONSE)
          A grandmother maybe?
          Nothing. Leigh Anne turns off the car.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Look, Big Mike, we can do this the
          easy way - or we can do it the hard
          way. Take your pick.
          He eyes the floor.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Fine. Tell me one thing I should
          know about you. One thing!

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            32

                         59 CONTINUED: 59
          After a beat...

                         MICHAEL
          I don't like to be called Big Mike.
          She wasn't expecting this, nods her head.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Okay. Mike or Michael?
          (off his shrug)
          Tell you what, from now on, to me,
          'you're Michael. So,... Michael,
          where we headed?

          60 EXT. HURT VILLAGE HOUSING PROJECT - DAY 60

          An expansive beehive of rotting housing. It's the place we
          saw when we first laid eyes on Michael and nothing's changed.
          Leigh Anne's car stops at one of the complexes.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          This is where your mother lives?
          He nods and she opens her door.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Okay, let's go.
          He forcefully reaches across her and closes the door,
          catching her off guard.

                         MICHAEL
          Don't get out!

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Who's going to help you with your
          clothes?

                         MICHAEL

                         (POINTED)
          Don't get out of the car.
          Michael gets out on his side and takes care to push the lock
          before he closes the door.
          She watches as he walks toward the structure, then notices
          several of the local ne'er-do-wells eyeing her. she locks
          the doors again, just for luck.

                         

                         

                         

                         
            33

          61 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 61

          Michael walks slowly past a few gang-bangers on the steps.
          The obvious leader, ALTON, eyes him.

                         ALTON
          Big Mike! Where you been?!
          Michael ignores, keeps walking.

                         ALTON (CONT'D)
          And who's that fine piece o' thing
          driving you around?
          One of Alton's minions, DAVID, sits nearby. Michael sees
          him, nods.

                         MICHAEL
          Hey, David.
          David, a little embarrassed to be with Alton, nods back.

          62 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DIFFERENT APARTMENT - DAY 62

          Michael arrives at an apartment and stops, taken aback. On
          the door is an EVICTION NOTICE and padlock.
          He reads from the eviction for several seconds.
          An Addict down the way fires up and slumps into bliss.

          A63 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - MINUTES LATER A63

          With Leigh Anne's car in the bg., Michael, hidden from view
          slumps against a wall, looking lost - the first real emotions
          we've seen from-him.

          63 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR - DAY (LATER) 63

          She watches as Michael approaches the building with nothing
          in his hands, and makes his way back to the car. She unlocks
          it and he crawls inside. After a pregnant moment...

                         MICHAEL
          She wadn't home.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          We can come back.
          Michael takes this in, looks out the window.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            34

                         63 CONTINUED: 63

                         MICHAEL
          She prolly moved to a nicer place.

          64 EXT. BIG AND TALL SHOP - DAY 64

          Wrong side of the tracks. Michael and Leigh Anne cross the
          street toward the shop.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I've lived in Memphis my whole life
          and never been anywhere near here.
          You're going to take care of me,
          right?

                         MICHAEL
          I got your back.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          That's good to know. Thank you.
          As they start to walk, Leigh Anne reaches up and takes
          Michael's arm. He holds it out for her.

          65 INT. BIG AND TALL SHOP - DAY (MOMENTS LATER) 65

          An AFRICAN AMERICAN SALESMAN directs Leigh Anne and Michael.

                         SALESMAN
          Everything I got to fit him will be
          -right here.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          This is it? If this is all you got
          why's it say "Big and Tall" on the
          sign?

                         SALESMAN
          Big and Tall. You need "Bigger and
          Taller".
          He walks away. She starts to pore through the small rack.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Anything you like?

                         (HE SHRUGS)
          The one thing I know about shopping
          is that if you don't absolutely
          love it in the store, you won't
          wear it. The store is where you
          like it best.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           35

                         65 CONTINUED: 65

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          And before you choose something
          think about yourself wearing it and
          ask yourself: Is this me?

                          
          She finds one shirt, holds it out.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D) 

                          
          What about this?

                          
          He shakes his head, "no".

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)

                         (ANOTHER SHIRT)
          This isn't atrocious.

                         SHE 
          He shakes his head again. After a beat he points.
          almost laughs.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          This one? This is the one you
          like?
          He nods, completely sure.

          66 EXT. WINGATE - DAY 66 

          Drop off area. Leigh Anne's car pulls up and SJ, Collins and
          Michael get out.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Have a great day. Learn something!
          They say a few good-byes, get out and walk toward the arch.
          Only then do we see what Michael is wearing: a GARGANTUAN

          ORANGE AND MAROON STRIPED RUGBY SHIRT.
          Leigh Anne shakes her head, watching him walk away. A car
          behind her HONKS. She checks the rear view mirror --

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Don't get your panties in a wad.

          67 INT. TONY RESTAURANT - DAY 67

          Ladies who lunch. The right sort doing their thing. Leigh
          Anne sits at a table with three friends, BETH, ELAINE and
          SHERRY. They sip on lemon water and nibble at salads.

                         BETH
          The best part about Paris was the
          food.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 36

                         67 CONTINUED: 67

                          BETH (CONT'D)
          They use sauce like we use gravy. I
          had to join a gym the day'we got
          back.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Any of y'all spent much time on the
          other side of town?

                         ELAINE
          On the freeway.

                         SHERRY
          Where exactly are you talking
          about?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Alabama Street... Hurt Village.

                         BETH
          Hurt Village -- that sounds like a
          threat.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          You're not far off.

                         SHERRY
          It would "hurt" me to go there.

                         ELAINE
          It would certainly hurt your
          reputation to go there.

                         BETH
          (tongue in cheek)
          I'm actually from there but didn't
          mind hard work and look where I am
          now.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Eating an eighteen dollar salad.

                         BETH
          And it's a little soggy to be
          honest.

                         SHERRY
          Such a shame.

                         BETH
          (re: her salad)
          Yes it is.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            37

                         67 CONTINUED: 67

                         SHERRY
          Civil rights was responsible for
          some good things but those programs
          - building ugly, low cost housing.
          I mean how could you be creative if
          you lived there? It's stifling.

                         ELAINE
          Did you know that black men were
          employed at a higher rate before
          those programs? It's a fact.

                         BETH
          They're not "black", Elaine. The
          term du jour is African-American.

                         ELAINE
          And what if they're from Jamaica,
          or like Bermuda.

                         SHERRY
          Then they're BerMUDian-Americans.
          They all cringe and laugh.

                         ELAINE
          So, why are you asking about the
          projects, Leigh.Anne? Another one
          of your charities?

                         BETH
          A project for the projects. That's
          catchy. Money would raise itself.
          (off their laughs)
          Don't laugh. Count me in, Leigh
          Anne.
           And they laugh harder. Leigh Anne smiles, biting her lip.

          68 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT 68

          SJ and Michael sit at the island doing their homework.

                         SI
          It can't be that hard.

                         MICHAEL
          Oh, yeah?...
          Si looks at the Michael's notebook.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            38

                         68 CONTINUED: 68

                         SI
          There are different parts of a
          sentence and you just have to draw
          lines showing what they do.
          Sean stops by the refrigerator for a cold drink while he
          talks on his cell...

                         SEAN

                         (INTO CELL)
          They're gonna get rid of those
          stores in Florida... I'll look it
          over now but I need the sales
          figures by tomorrow morning.

                         SJ
          Dad, you remember how to diagram
          sentences?

                         SEAN
          Nah.
          Sean starts to leave, then stops at the door, turns around,
          sighs and walks over. He leans in over Michael.

                         SEAN (CONT'D)
          Let's see...

                         MICHAEL
          You don't have to help.
          (off Sean's. look)
          I mean if you're busy or somethin'.

                         SEAN
          I know.
          (points to page)
          Think of a sentence like a football
          team. This is a noun here, see?
          That's like the team name or what
          they're known for - whether they're
          a running team or a passing team.
          And this is the verb. That's what
          makes 'em go - like a star player --
          maybe a quarterback, maybe a
          running back. And this is an
          adjective - everybody oohs and ahs
          over adjectives but they're not as
          important as verbs.

                         SI
          They're like wide receivers.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            39

                         68 CONTINUED: 68

                         SEAN
          Or kickers.
          Michael just stares at them.

                         SEAN (CONT'D)
          You have no idea what we're talking
          about, do you?

                         MICHAEL
          Not exactly.
          They all laugh.

                         NEARBY
          Leigh Anne watches, fixated on the image of the three. Sean
          has an arm on Michael's shoulder. She smiles, almost sadly.

          69 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT (LATER) 69

          Leigh Anne hands over clean sheets and pillows to Michael,
          who starts to make the bed.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Do you want to stay here, Michael?
          He keeps working.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Because if you want to... stay...
          for awhile... longer... I'll try
          and find some time to figure out a
          bedroom for you.
          He stops, turns to her. She walks over, examines the
          structure of the couch. It sags a bit.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          I mean, look at this, you've
          practically ruined a.ten thousand
          dollar couch.
          She moves closer to him. Her face softens.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Do you want to stay here, Michael?

                         MICHAEL
          I don't want to go anyplace else.
          She's a bit befuddled by the response.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            40

                         69 CONTINUED: 69

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Well,... alright then.

          70 INT. WINGATE - BOARDROOM - DAY 70 

          Leigh Anne sits in a chair reading through Michael's file.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I see here on the admission that
          we're Michael's contact for medical
          emergencies?
          Mrs. Smith (from the admissions meeting) sits with her.

          MRS. SMITH
          Sean wrote that in last week. We
          needed a contact number and the
          ones listed weren't in service.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Love that man.
          Leigh Anne pulls out another sheet, hands it over...

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT`D)
          What's this?

          MRS. SMITH
          The state makes schools measure for
          career aptitude in eighth grade. It
          came with his'file.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          They try to figure out what a kid's
          going to be in the eighth grade?
          What does. it say about Michael?
          Mrs. Smith nods and reads over Michael's results.

          MRS. SMITH
          Doesn't look promising. Spatial
          relations - third percentile..
          Ability to learn - fifth
          percentile.
          (sees another number)
          It's funny though. He tested in
          the 98th percentile in one
          category.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Which one?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            41

                         70 CONTINUED: 70

          MRS. SMITH
          "Protective instincts."
          Leigh Anne smiles and hands the file back.

          MRS. SMITH (CONT'D)
          It's just so sad.
          Leigh Anne considers this, then...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Yes, it is sad. So sad. But he
          either doesn't know it or doesn't
          think so and it's my job, and your
          job, to make sure he doesn't find
          out.
          (off Mrs. Smith's look)
          Michael Oher doesn't feel sorry for
          himself and I'll be damned if he
          starts to because of the way we
          treat him.
          (again off her look)
          "Darned."

          71 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - DAY 71

          Now turned into Michael's room, with an armoire, a chest of
          drawers, night stands, the whole nine yards. The bed is a
          massive futon in an ornate stand.
          Leigh Anne and Michael stand in the doorway.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I had to put half my samples in
          storage but well, anyway, back
          there's a desk.
          (points as she talks)
          Chest o'drawers. Night stand.
          Lamps. Alarm clock. Bed. Sean
          says a lot of pro athletes use
          futons if they can't find a big
          enough bed.
          Michael doesn't dare touch anything, just stares in awe.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Well, try it out. See if it feels
          okay.
          He gingerly moves to the bed; touches it.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            42

                         71 CONTINUED: 71

                          MICHAEL
           It's mine?

                          LEIGH ANNE
           Yeah.
          (off his look)
          What?

                         MICHAEL
          Never had one before.

                         LEIGH ANNE

                         (CONFUSED)
          A room to yourself?

                         MICHAEL
          A bed.
          We can see this unsettles her. She turns away a bit, trying
          to contain herself.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Well, you got one now.

          72 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY 72

           She leaves the room, walks down the hall and enters --

          73 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - DAY 73

          She.closes the door behind her, sits on the bed and starts to
          tear up. She fights it unsuccessfully.

          74 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY 74


          OUTSIDE THE DOOR
          Michael stands, unsure what to do.

          75 INT. WINGATE - ADJACENT ROOM - DAY 75 

          Mrs. Boswell gives Michael - in a RED AND BLUE RUGBY SHIRT -
          an oral test...

          MRS. BOSWELL
          Define Osmosis, Michael.

                         MICHAEL
          I think I know that. It's when
          water...

                         

                         

                         

                         
            43

          76 INT. WINGATE - MRS. BOSWELL'S CLASS - DAY (LATER) 76 

           Mrs. Boswell grades the paper and puts C+ at the top.

          77 INT. WINGATE - HISTORY TEACHER'S CLASSROOM - DAY 77 

           Michael, this time wearing a GREEN AND GOLD RUGBY SHIRT, is
           orally tested by GLENDA... 

                          GLENDA 
          Name the combatants in the battle
          of Waterloo.

                         MICHAEL
          I know that. The little guy,
          Napoleon was on one side and...

          78 INT. WINGATE - GLENDA'S CLASSROOM - DAY (LATER) 78 

           Glenda marks down a C- 

          79 INT. WINGATE - SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY 79 

          Michael, in another rugby shirt, this one BLACK AND YELLOW,
          carries a tray and sits with SJ, who starts laughing.

                         MICHAEL
          What?

                         SJ
          Enough with the rugby shirts. You
          look like a giant bumble bee.
          Collins walks by with friends and glances but ignores them.

                         GIRL STUDENT
          Who's the big guy hanging around
          with your little brother?

                         COLLINS
          Just another one of Mom's projects.

                         GIRL STUDENT
          That must get incredibly old.
          Collins' look says, "yes it does."

                         80 OMITTED 80 

          81 INT. WINGATE - BOB'S LITERATURE CLASS -- DAY (LATER) 81 

          Bob grades Michael's paper. He writes "D".

                         

                         

                         

                         
            44

          82 INT. SEAN'S BMW - NIGHT 82

          The whole family, including Michael, rides in the car. SJ
          points out fast food restaurants along the way --

                         SI
          That Taco Bell. The KFC catty
          corner. The Long John Silvers on
          the next block.

                         MICHAEL
          You own all of 'ern?

                         SJ
          Yeah. We've got hundreds.

                         COLLINS'

                         (CORRECTING)
          A hundred and fifteen.

                         MICHAEL
          Is that why Mr. Tuohy don't have to
          go to work?

                         SEAN
          Hey, hey now. I'm working even
          when I'm not working.

                         MICHAEL
          And y'all eat at those places for
          free?

                         SI
          All you want. It's awesome.

                         MICHAEL
          What do y'all do with the leftover
          food? At the restaurant?,

                         SEAN
          Well, we have to throw some of it
          away. What's already been cooked.

                         MICHAEL
          That's too bad.

                         SEAN
          Yeah, I'd rather sell it.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            45

                         82 CONTINUED: 82

                         SI
          Seems like you could give it away
          or something? You should check
          into that, Daddy.
          Leigh Anne and Sean share a look and a smile.

                         SEAN
          All right, I will.

                         MICHAEL
          Why ain't we eatin' at one of yours
          tonight?

                         SEAN
          .Because tonight is a special
          occasion.

                         SJ
          What?

                         SEAN
          I talked to Coach Cotton today.
          Michael's grades improved enough
          that he can do spring'training for
          football in March.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Isn't that great?

                         SI
          Oh, man, you are gonna crush some
          people!
          Michael almost smiles, a little unsure.

          83 EXT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT 83

          Sean's car pulls up to the valet. As the family gets out
          Leigh Anne notices a bookstore next door and starts for it.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I've got a design book I need to
          get. Sean, go check on our
          reservation.

                         SEAN
          They'll seat us when we walk in the
          door. You can get the book after
          dinner.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            46

                         83 CONTINUED: 83

                         LEIGH ANNE
          (already walking away)
          They might be closed by then.

                         COLLINS
          I need some new magazines.
          SJ shrugs and joins the girls, as does Michael. Sean watches
          as his family deserts him.

          84 INT. BOOKSTORE - NIGHT 84

          Leigh Anne finds the book she's looking for and walks through
          the stacks looking for her kids, plus Michael. She finds
          them all together in the children's section, laughing.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Come on, your dad's already PO'ed.
          Collins holds up a book. Sendak's WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.

                         COLLINS
          Remember this one, Mom? You read
          it to us like a thousand times.
          She softens, walks over, takes the book.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          "And he gnashed his terrible teeth
          and roared his terrible roar.-

                         SI
          I always liked this one.
          He holds up THE STORY OF FERDINAND.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Yeah, me too.
          Leigh Anne sees Michael left out, but interested.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Michael, your Mama ever read either
          one of those to you?
          He just stares at her, the answer obvious.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          No one ever...

                         

                         

                         

                         
            47

          85 EXT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT 85

          The Tuohy family exits and waits for the valet.

                         SEAN
          Now that was a good steak.

                         COLLINS
          Thanks, Daddy.

                         MICHAEL
          Thanks.

                         SEAN
          You're welcome.
          As the car pulls up everyone walks toward it except Michael
          who notices something else --
          AT THE SIDE DOOR: A BUSBOY steps outside for a smoke.
          Michael absently walks over.

          SEAN (CONT`D)
          Michael?...
          Leigh Anne touches Sean's arm, silencing him. They watch as --
          Michael greets the busboy. They stand a few feet apart
          talking. They nod at each other and after a few seconds --
          They hug.
          Leigh Ann is amazed. She's never seen affection in Michael.

          86 INT. SEAN'S BMW - NIGHT (MINUTES LATER) 86

          As they drive home.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Who was that boy you were talking
          to, Michael? At the restaurant.

                         MICHAEL
          Marcus.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He works there?

                         MICHAEL
          Yeah.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           48

                         86

                         86 CONTINUED:

                         LEIGH ANNE
          And how do you know Marcus?

                         MICHAEL
          He's my brother.
          Complete silence in the car. Leigh Anne finally breaks it --

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Well, I'd like to meet him someday.
          Would that be okay with you?

                         MICHAEL
          I don't know where he stays.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          When's the last time you saw him,
          Michael?

                         MICHAEL
          When I was little mebbe.

                         87

          87 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT

          Collins sits on the floor in the hallway near a door, smiling
          sadly and secretly listening to ---

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          "Once upon a time in Spain, there
          was a little bull --"

                         A88

          A88 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT - SAME

          A strange sight. Leigh Anne, SJ and Michael all sit on
          Michael's huge futon as Leigh Anne reads THE STORY OF
          FERDINAND. No one enjoys this more than Leigh Anne...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          "...and his name was Ferdinand.
          All the other little bulls he lived
          with would run and jump and butt
          their heads together, but not
          Ferdinand. He liked to sit just
          quietly and smell the flowers"...

                         88

          88 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

          Leigh Anne and Sean sit in bed. Sean puts his book on the
          night stand and leans over to give Leigh Anne a kiss. He
          notices her smile...

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 49

                         88 CONTINUED: 88

                          SEAN
           What?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Huh?

                         SEAN
          Why are you smiling?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I don't know. I'm just happy.
          Really happy.

                         SEAN
          Does. this happiness have anything
          to do with Michael?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          No. It has everything to do with
          Michael.
          Sean smiles, kisses her, turns off the light. She snuggles
          next to him and kisses the back of his neck.

                         SEAN
          Oh...
          He gets the message, rolls over and kisses her on the lips.

                         SEAN (CONT'D)
          Happy's good.
          As their amorous activities continue...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I think we should start a charity.
          For kids like him.

                         SEAN
          (his mind elsewhere)
          Sure, okay.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Maybe fund a program at Wingate.

                         SEAN
          Absolutely...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Are you even listening to me?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            50

                         88 CONTINUED: 88

                         SEAN
          I try to concentrate on one thing
          at a time.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          You knew I was a multi-tasker when
          you married me.
          She kisses him and they roll over, laughing.

          89 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 89

          The Tuohy family, dressed nice, poses in front of a blue'and
          red artificial Christmas tree adorned ENTIRELY WITH OLE MISS
          ORNAMENTS. They are posing for a photograph.

                         PHOTOGRAPHER
          Okay, big smiles everyone!
          FLASH! Leigh Anne smiles but notices ---
          Michael sitting on the couch by himself.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael! Come over here and get in
          the next one.
          Sean gives her a look like she's crazy.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          We don't have a single picture with
          him.
          (off Sean's sigh)
          Oh, come on. It's not like I'm
          gonna put it on the Christmas card.
          Michael moves in behind the family, dwarfing them.

                         PHOTOGRAPHER
          Okay, really big smiles. One, two,
          three... say Rebels!

                         FLASH TO:

          THE TUOHY FAMILY CHRISTMAS CARD - INCLUDING MICHAEL

          90 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - DAY 90

          New Year's Day. Sean, Si and Michael watch football.
          Collins sits on the couch reading. Leigh Anne comes in the
          front door with groceries.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            51

                         90 CONTINUED: 90

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Who's winning?

                         SI
          Tennessee.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Too bad. Who are they playing?

                         SEAN
          So you root against Tennessee no
          matter who they're playing?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Yep. With gusto.

                         SI

                         (TO MICHAEL)
          She can't stand Tennessee.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Collie-bell, I thought you were
          going to your boyfriend's?

                         COLLINS
          I'm just gonna hang around here
          today.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I like that.

                         SEAN
          Coupla messages on the machine.
          She pushes PLAY on the message machine.

                         MESSAGE MACHINE
          Hey, Leigh Anne, it's Patrick
          Ramsey.

                         INTERCUT WITH:

          A91 INT. WASHINGTON REDSKINS LOCKER ROOM - DAY A91

           PATRICK RAMSEY, on his cell phone, near his locker...

                         PATRICK RAMSEY
          You sent me these measurements for
          clothes and I posted 'em in the
          locker room for donations but
          there's a problem.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
          The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 52

          A91 CONTINUED: A91

           PATRICK RAMSEY (CONT'D)
          I mean, are you sure the sizes are
          right, because there's nobody on
          our team who's that big? Gimme a
          call.

          BACK TO SCENE:.

          B91 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - DAY B91

          Leigh Anne chuckles as the next message begins --

                         MESSAGE MACHINE
          Hey, Sean, hey Leigh Anne, it's
          cousin Bobby. Happy New Years!

                         INTERCUT WITH:

          C91 INT. COUSIN BOBBY'S HOUSE - DAY C91

          Bobby sits in his recliner, talks on phone...

                         COUSIN BOBBY
          Listen, I've had about five cold
          ones so'I'm just gonna go ahead and
          ask... Who's the colored boy in
          y'all's,Christmas Card?

          BACK TO SCENE:

          D91 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - DAY D91

          Leigh Anne and Sean look at each other and laugh.

          ELAINE (V.0.)
          Leigh Anne, you looked teeny-tiny
          next to him.

          91 INT. TONY RESTAURANT - DAY 91

          Leigh Anne sits at a table with her lunch buddies. They're
          finishing up and are all laughing hard except Leigh Anne.

                         ELAINE
          It was like you were Jessica Lange
          and he was King Kong.

                         SHERRY
          I taped your card to, the fridge.
          The next morning Frank almost
          gagged on his orange juice.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            53

                         91 CONTINUED: 91

                         BETH
          Does Michael get the family
          discount at Taco Bell? Because if
          he does Sean's gonna lose a few
          stores.
          More laughter.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Look, he's a great kid.

                         ELAINE
          I say just make it official and
          adopt him.
          Big laughs at the "crazy" idea.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He'll be eighteen in a few months.
          (off their confusion)
          So, I mean it wouldn't make much
          sense to legally adopt him, right?
          They realize she's thought about it and stop laughing. After
          an awkward beat of silence...

                         SHERRY
          Is this some kind of white guilt
          thing, Leigh Anne? I mean
          charity's the Lord's work but...

                         ELAINE
          What will your daddy say?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Before or after he turns over in
          his grave? Daddy's gone five years
          now, Elaine, and to make matters
          worse you were at the funeral. You
          wore Chanel with that awful black
          hat.
          Before Elaine can attack --

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Look, here's the deal. I don't need
          any of y'all to approve of my
          choices. But I do ask you to
          respect them. You have no idea
          what this boy's been through.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           54

          91, CONTINUED: 91

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          And if this is going to be a
          running diatribe I can find an
          overpriced salad a lot closer to
          home.

                         SHERRY
          I'm so sorry, Leigh Anne. We
          didn't intend to --

                         ELAINE
          No, we didn't, really --

                         BETH
          I mean, what you're doing is so
          great. To open your home to him.
          You're changing his life.
          Leigh Anne smiles to herself, realizing...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          No. He's changing mine.

                         ELAINE
          That's awesome for you, but... what
          about Collins?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What about Collins?

                         ELAINE
          Aren't you worried, even just a
          little?
          (off Leigh Anne)
          I mean he is a boy, a large, black
          boy, sleeping under the same roof.
          Leigh Anne stares at them, shakes her head then grabs the

                         CHECK ---

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I've got this.
          (rises; to the group)
          Shame on you.
          And strides away.

          92 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - COLLINS' ROOM - NIGHT 92

          Collins is reading in bed. Leigh Anne knocks, enters and
          sits on the edge of the bed.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            55

                          92

                         92 CONTINUED:

                          LEIGH ANNE
           Be honest with me now, okay?
           Collins nods, having no idea what her mother is about to say.

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Is Michael being here weird for
          you?

                         COLLINS
          They're stupid kids, who cares what
          they say.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What kids?

                         COLLINS
          At school. They're juvenile.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          And what do the juvenile kids say?

                         COLLINS
          It's really not worth repeating.
          And don't worry about SJ - he loves
          the attention. He introduces
          Michael as his big brother.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What about you?

                         COLLINS
          It's fine.
          (off Leigh Anne's look)
          I mean, you can't just throw him
          out on the street.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I can make other arrangements.
          (off Collins' hesitance)
          Just let me know. Okay?...
          Leigh Anne kisses Collins goodnight.

                          93 

          93 EXT. WINGATE - PLAYGROUND - DAY

           Michael walks up to the two little Kindergarten girls from
          before, sitting in the swings. He smiles. They smile back.

          FIRST LITTLE GIRL
          Hi Mike.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            56

                         93 CONTINUED: 93

                         MICHAEL
          Hi. Need a push?
          They giggle and Michael pushes them, one arm each until
          they're flying high and squealing.

                         NEARBY
          Collins watches.

          94 INT. WINGATE - LIBRARY - DAY 94 

          Collins is sitting with her friends, laughing and whispering.
          She notices Michael enter and walk to a table with a book.
          He sits alone while every other table is full.
          Collins sighs, makes up her mind and stands with her books.

                         FRIEND
          Where are you going?
          Collins walks away toward Michael.

                         FRIEND (CONT'D)
          Collins?
          They are aghast when they see Collins set down her books
          across from Michael and sit.

          AT MICHAEL'S TABLE
          Michael is confused. She looks at him and shakes her head.

                         COLLINS
          Quit looking at me like that. I
          mean, we study together at home.
          Eyes in the library are on the pair as they start to read.

          95 EXT. WINGATE -- PRACTICE FIELD - DAY 95 

          Several players, in full gear, drag equipment out onto the
          field under the watchful eye of Bert Cotton. Sean Tuohy sits
          in the nearby stands.
          Michael carries four blocking dummies to the center of the
          field and tosses them like they're pillows. Cotton smiles.

                         COTTON
          You know how much those things
          weigh? This kid's gonna make us
          all famous.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           57

                         95

                         95 CONTINUED:

                         SEAN
          Easy, Bert. It's only the spring
          and he hasn't even been through his
          first practice.

                          (LATER) 96 

          96 EXT. WINGATE - PRACTICE FIELD - DAY

          Michael is lined up at defensive tackle. The offense breaks
          the huddle and Michael just stands there. He notices the
          other defensive linemen get in a stance and kind of squats a
          bit. When the ball is snapped he just holds his hands out,
          keeping the blocker from getting close to his body.
          The running back races right past him and into the secondary.
          THE WHISTLE BLOWS and Cotton races up to Michael.

                         COTTON
          Okay, Mike, you fought off the
          block but you've got to shuck him
          and make the tackle. You got it?

                         NEXT PLAY
          Michael gets down in a his stance and when the ball is
          snapped he gets under the blocker and lifts him up like WWF.
          The quarterback goes back to pass and sees Michael lumbering
          toward him with the lineman on his shoulders.
          The Quarterback's eyes go wide and he races out of the pocket
          and throws and incomplete pass. ANOTHER WHISTLE.

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          Shuck the blocker, Mike!
          Michael gingerly sets the lineman on the ground.

          IN THE STANDS
          Leigh Anne shows up, sits next to Sean.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          How's he doing?

                         SEAN
          Doesn't quite have the hang of it
          yet.

          SERIES OF SHOTS:
           Michael tries to crawl under the blocker.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         58
           

                          96

                         96 CONTINUED:

                          COTTON
           No!
           Michael drops back and tries to intercept a pass.

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          No!
           Michael holds a blocker off him with one arm and looks
          skyward as a flock of birds flies overhead.

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          No! No! No!

          97 EXT. WINGATE - PRACTICE FIELD - DAY (AFTER PRACTICE) 97 


                          
          As players leave the field, Bert Cotton walks and talks with
          Leigh Anne and Sean...

                         COTTON
          Most kids from bad situations can't
          wait to be violent and that comes
          out on the field. But this kid, he
          doesn't seem to wanna hit anyone.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          (almost to herself)
          He's Ferdinand the Bull.

                         COTTON
          What?

                          LEIGH ANNE
          Nothing.

                         COTTON
          I thought for sure he was gonna be
          a player. I can't believe I used
          up my chits to get him in school.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I thought you said it was your
          Christian duty?
          He gives her a smirk.

                         SEAN

                          
          Look, Bert, he's never even played
          before.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            59

                         97 CONTINUED: 97

                         COTTON
          And he won't in the fall if he
          doesn't improve a lot before then.

          98 EXT. WINGATE - PRACTICE FIELD - DIFFERENT DAY 98 

          Si, holding a sheet and wearing a whistle, stands before
          Michael. No one else'is around.

                         SI
          This is your summer workout sheet.
          First it says to warm up and get
          loose.
          (off Michael's look)
          Well, go ahead, get loose.
          Michael moves his arms around a bit then stops.

                         SJ (CONT'D)
          You loose?

                         (MICHAEL NODS)
          Okay, next is five one hundred yard
          runs to stretch out your legs.
          Michael grimaces.

                         MICHAEL
          Let's go home, play some video
          games.

                         SI

                          
          Look, everybody at. Wingate is
          expecting you to be a star football
          player. You don't want to let them
          down, do you?

                         MICHAEL
          Iono..

                         SI
          What about Dad and Mom?
          (off Michael's look)
          'Cause you see, in our family,
          everyone's an athlete. Dad was a
          basketball star, Collins plays
          volleyball and runs track. Me, as
          you know, I do it all and Mom,...
          well, Mom was a cheerleader, which
          doesn't exactly count but don't
          tell her I said that.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            60

                         98 CONTINUED: 98

                          MICHAEL
           Okay...
           Michael moves to the line. Si raises his whistle and blows.

                          99 

          99 EXT. WINGATE PRACTICE FIELD -- DAY


          SERIES OF SHOTS - DIFFERENT DAYS:
           SJ holds a blocking dummy and Michael fires out, hitting
          the dummy and sending Si flying.
           Michael does ten yard "back and forths" as Si times him.
           Michael does push ups as SJ lowers himself to count.
           Michael does crab crawls.
           WIDE - SJ runs Michael through his workout. He blows his
          whistle and Michael collapses on the ground - dead tired.

          100 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LEIGH ANNE'S WORKSPACE - NIGHT 100

          Leigh Anne goes through sample boxes and matches swatches.

                         MICHAEL
          Mrs. Tuohy?
          Michael stands nearby.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I hear "Mrs. Tuohy" I look over my
          shoulder for my mother--in-law. Call
          me Leigh Anne or Mama or almost
          anything else.

                         MICHAEL
          Will you help get me something?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What?

                         MICHAEL
          Driver's license.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Why do you need a driver's license
          when you don't have a car?

                         MICHAEL
          You have a car.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         61
           

                          100

                         100 CONTINUED:

                         LEIGH ANNE
          That I use to haul y'all all over
          creation with.
          He doesn't say anything but doesn't leave either. Leigh Anne
          puts down the swatches, turns to him..

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Why do you want a license, Michael?

                         MICHAEL
          Something to carry. With my name
          on it.
          She locks eyes with him. This time he holds her gaze.

          DMV EMPLOYEE (V.0.)
          Address?...

          101 INT. DMV OFFICE - DAY 101

          Leigh Anne and Michael sit across from a DMV EMPLOYEE typing
          on her computer. Leigh Anne holds out her driver's license.

                         DMV EMPLOYEE
          Is this his address as well?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Yes. He lives with us.

                         DMV EMPLOYEE
          Are y'all his foster parents?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          No.

                         DMV EMPLOYEE
          His legal guardians?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          oh... no.
          The Employee does a search on the computer. As she types...

                         DMV EMPLOYEE
          Does he have a Social Security
          card?
          Leigh Anne looks to Michael, who shakes his head.

          DMV EMPLOYEE (CONT'D)
          Birth certificate?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            62

                         101 CONTINUED: 101

                         LEIGH ANNE
          We tried to find one for school,
          but...

          DMV.EMPLOYEE
          You don't know which city, which
          county, which hospital?...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          How big a problem is this?
          DMV Employee looks to Leigh Anne.

                         DMV EMPLOYEE
          There's nobody named Michael Oher
          in the system. Another last name
          perhaps?
          Leigh Anne again turns to Michael, who shrugs.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Look, I'll sign something saying he
          lives with us and we'll pay for the
          insurance; whatever it takes.
          (off her look)
          What's it gonna take?
          Off the Employee's look --

          102 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S MASTER BATH - NIGHT 102

          As they get ready for bed. Sean rinses his mouth --

                         SEAN
          You wanna do what?!

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Don't pretend you didn't hear me.

                         SEAN
          Shouldn't we at least talk about
          it?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What do you think we're doing? And
          don't act like I'm going behind
          your back. I know you put us down
          as his medical contact at school.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            63.

                         102 CONTINUED: 102

                         SEAN
          There's a big difference between
          paying for a broken arm and being
          legally responsible for someone.
          Someone we barely know.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          And that's another thing. We have
          to find out more about his past.

                         SEAN
          He won't talk about it. He's like
          an onion; you have to peel it a
          layer at a time.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Not if you use a knife. What if we
          sent him to a child psychologist?

                         SEAN
          Do you really expect Big Mike --

                         LEIGH ANNE

                         MICHAEL ---

                         SEAN
          -- expect Michael to lie down and
          talk about his childhood like he's
          Woody Allen or something? Michael's
          gift is his ability to forget.
          He's mad at no one and doesn't
          really care what happened in the
          past.
          This puts her on her heels.

                         LEIGH'ANNE
          You're right.

                         SEAN
          (like he's never heard

                         THESE WORDS)
          Excuse me? "You're right?"
          (off her grimace)
          How'd those words taste coming out
          of your mouth?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Like vinegar.
          She moves to him, holds him.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            64

                         102 CONTINUED: 102

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          At least promise me you'll think
          about it.

                         SEAN
          Alright.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          "Alright" you'll think about it or
          "alright" we should do it?

                         SEAN
          Is there a difference?

          103 INT. CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES OFFICE DAY 103

          Leigh Anne sits in a crowded waiting area, talking on her

                          
          cell phone. She's been here awhile.

                         LEIGH ANNE

                         (INTO CELL)
          Just tell Rodney to hold the
          chiffonier for me and I'll get by
          after while.

                         TO
          She hangs up and, exasperated by the wait, rises and walks
          a counter, pushing past someone --

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          I'm not cutting, just asking.

                         (TO EMPLOYEE)
          I've been waiting for over an hour
          and I look around and all I see is
          people shooting the bull and
          drinking coffee. Who runs this
          place anyway?
          The "heard it all" EMPLOYEE points to the wall with a
          government seal and a large portrait of President Bush.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Well I'd have it in shape in two
          days, I can tell you that.

                         EMPLOYEE
          I'm sure you would. How can I help
          you?
          She turns to the man waiting behind her.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He was first.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         65
           

                          103

                         103 CONTINUED:

          MAN IN LINE
          No, you go ahead. I think I. want
          to hear this.

                         EMPLOYEE
          Me, too.

                         LEIGH ANNE

                         (TO EMPLOYEE)
          I do not appreciate the attitude.

                         EMPLOYEE
          Ma'am, you can tell me what you
          want or I'll make sure you wait all
          day. How. Can. I. Help. You?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I'd like to become a legal
          guardian.

                         EMPLOYEE
          Lord look over that child.

                          (LATER) 104

          104 INT. CRAMPED OFFICE - DAY

          A haggard MANAGER, let's call him RONALD, sits across from
          Leigh Ann. He looks at a flimsy file.

                         RONALD
          There's very little on Michael.
          Most of his files have been lost.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What is in there?

                         RONALD
          A few case notes.
          (holds one sheet up)
          This one describes an incident
          where officers forcibly removed
          Michael and six half-siblings from
          Denise Oher's care when Michael was
          seven. Quite a scene evidently.
          They had to split up the kids. And
          it's far from the worst.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Where is she? His mother?

                         RONALD
          Dunno, but if you find her we have
          a bunch more files we could add to.

          (CONTINUED.)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            66

                         104 CONTINUED: 104

                         LEIGH ANNE
          How many children does she have?

                         RONALD
          At least a dozen, probably more.
          With her drug arrest record my
          guess would be she can't even
          remember.
          Leigh Anne absorbs this.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          We'd need her permission though,
          .right?

                         RONALD
          No. Michael is a ward of the
          state. Just apply and get a Judge
          to sign off on it.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          So you would give him away without
          even telling his mother?
          Ronald shrugs.

          105 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 105

          Looks the same as before except for the'blonde woman walking
          between the buildings.
          Leigh Anne spots and checks a list of tenants posted. She
          can barely see through the cover as someone has scrawled "C
          Block" on it.

          106 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 106

          The one Michael visited before. Leigh Anne summons her
          courage and knocks on the door. And again. No answer.
          A VOICE comes from the apartment behind her --

          MAN'S VOICE (O.S.)
          Who you lookin' for?!
          Startled, Leigh Anne turns and sees Alton approaching...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I'm looking for Denise Oher.

                         ALTON
          Dee Dee don't stay there no more.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            67

                         106 CONTINUED: 106

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Do you know where she might be?

                         ALTON
          Chances are she ain't gone far.

                         (SMILES)
          I seen you before. You with Big
          Mike now. You wanna come in for a
          wine cooler or sumthin'?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          No, I can't, but thank you.

          107 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - PLAYGROUND - DAY 107

          Leigh Anne speaks with a mother trying to keep her son from
          hurting himself on a rusty slide. The mother points to
          another building.

          108 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - BUILDING E -- DAY 108

          A door opens revealing DENISE OHER in a ratty robe.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Hi. Mrs. Oher?

                         DENISE OHER
          You from the state?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          No. My. name is Leigh Anne Tuohy and
          your son Michael lives with me.
          And my family.
          Denise takes this in.

          109 INT. HURT VILLAGE - DENISE'S APARTMENT - DAY (MINUTES LATER) 109

          Leigh Anne sits on the edge of a filthy couch and eyes.the
          room. There are sleeping pallets on the floor and empty wine
          and beer bottles strewn around.

          DENISE OHER (O.S.)
          How is my boy, how's Big Mike?

                         LEIGH ANNE

                         (CALLS OUT)
          He's fine. He's doing well.
          (after a beat)
          When did you move from the other
          building?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            68

                         109 CONTINUED: 109
           Denise emerges from the back of the apartment, adjusting a
          wig on her head, making herself "presentable."

                         DENISE OHER
          Awhile back. This is temporary.
          Friends let me stay here.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          When did you last see Michael?

                         DENISE OHER
          Iono. We might have some wine in
          the kitchen, if...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          No, no that's very kind but...

                         DENISE OHER
          How many foster kids you got living
          with you?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Oh, I'm not a foster parent to
          Michael. We were just helping him
          out.

                         DENISE OHER
          State don't pay you nothing?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          No.

                         DENISE OHER
          And he lives with you?
          (Leigh Anne nods)
          And you feed him?.

                         (ANOTHER NOD)
          Buy him clothes, too?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          When I can find them in his size.

                         DENISE OHER
          You a fine Christian lady.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I try to be.

                         DENISE OHER
          This is all real nice what you're
          doing, but don't be surprised if
          one day you wake up and he gone.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
          . 69

                         109

                         109 CONTINUED:

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What do you mean?

                         DENISE OHER
          He's a "runner". That's what the
          state called him after they took
          him from me.
          (off her look)
          Every foster home they sent him to,
          he'd slip out the window at night
          and come looking for me. No matter
          where I was that boy would come
          find me, take care of me.

                         (AN EXPLANATION)
          I've had some . health problems.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Mrs. Oher, was Michael born under a
          different name?
          Denise tries to remember. After a few seconds...

                         DENISE OHER
          Proctor. That was his Daddy's last
          name.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Where is he, the father, if you
          don't mind me asking?

                         DENISE OHER
          Ain't. seen him since he left.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          And when was that?

                         DENISE OHER
          Week after Mike was born.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Do you have Michael's birth
          certificate?
          Denise sighs, looks around at the mess, shakes her head. And
          then, unexpectedly, starts to cry softly.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          It's okay, Mrs. Oher.. I'll figure
          it out.
          Leigh Anne walks over, kneels and takes Denise's hands.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            70

                         109 CONTINUED: 109

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          You'll always be Michael's Mama.
          Would you like to see him?

                         DENISE OHER
          No... Not this way.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          People lose birth certificates.
          It's nothing to be ashamed of.

                         DENISE OHER
          It's Williams.
          (off Leigh Anne's look)
          His last name's Williams. Couldn't
          even remember who the boy's father
          is.
          Leigh Anne bites her lip'and puts her arms around Denise, who
          hugs back.

                         DISSOLVE TO:

          110 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY 110

          The entire Tuohy family sits with Michael at the table.

                         SEAN
          Michael, we have something to ask
          you.

                         MICHAEL
          What?

                         SEAN
          Leigh. Anne and I would like to
          become your legal guardians.

                         MICHAEL
          What's that mean?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Well, what it means is, we want to
          know if you'd like to be a part of
          this family?
          Michael looks to a grinning SJ, to Collins who nods and
          smiles, then to Leigh Anne...

                         MICHAEL
          I kinda thought I already was.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         71
          

                         110

                         110 CONTINUED:
          Leigh Anne feels a wave of emotion, nods to him, then races
          away to go and gather herself.

                         - "I
          Michael looks to Sean for an explanation. Sean shrugs
          can't explain her to you."

          111 A CAMERA FLASH (IN DMV OFFICE) 111
          When it clears we see MICHAEL'S FACE - on a DRIVER'S LICENSE.

                         112

          112 EXT. TUOHY HOUSE - DAY

          Michael, blindfolded, is led outside by the entire family.
          When Leigh Anne pulls if off, Michael gasps at the sight of -
          A NEW TRUCK in the driveway.

                         SEAN
          Is that the one you wanted?
          He just stands there, staring. Sean hands him the keys.

                         SEAN (CONT'D)
          Well, hell, take it for a spin.
          (off Michael's look)
          Go on.

                         SI
          Can I go, too?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          okay, but Michael?...
          (off his look)
          Be careful.
          Michael smiles and he and SJ get inside the truck.

                         COLLINS
          He wanted a truck?!

                         SEAN
          Michael thinks he's a redneck.

                         113 

          113 EXT. WINGATE - PARKING LOT - DAY

          Michael drives up in his new truck, parks it carefully.
          At the drop off Big Tony's car sputters away, leaving Steven
          at the curb. Steven notices Michael and walks over, eyeing
          the truck.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            72

                         113 CONTINUED: 113

                         MICHAEL
          Tenth grade tough?

                         STEVEN
          Naw.
          (points to truck)
          This really yours?

                         MICHAEL
          Yeah.

                         STEVEN
          They just give it to ya'?

                         MICHAEL
          Yeah.
          After a beat...

                         STEVEN
          You're right. white people are
          crazy.
          And they walk off together to class.

          114 INT. WINGATE - BOB'S LITERATURE CLASS - DAY 114 

           Students seated, including Michael, listen to Bob, who stands 
           at the front of the classroom. 

                         BOB
          You are now seniors.
          Congratulations. But with that 
          distinction comes responsibility.
          This will be one of your tougher
          courses because my job is to
          prepare you, at least most of you,
          for the rigors of college Freshman
          English. You are each holding a 
          class study guide which details
          assignments. I won't remind you
          what is due and when. Read the
          materials and come prepared. At
          the end of the year you will each
          choose one of our literature
          assignments and present a written
          dissection of the piece.
          The faces in the classroom tell us this is a tough course.

                         

                         

                         

                         
            73

          115 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY 115

          Dozens of.condiment jars and bottles are lined up on the
          table. SJ has the football playbook open and is explaining
          formations to Michael.

                         SI
          See, you're the ketchup, here at
          Left Tackle. On the weakside.

                         MICHAEL
          I'm not that weak, SJ.

                         SI
          it just means there are more
          blockers on the other side. It's a
          compliment, really.

                         MICHAEL
          A compliment for a condiment.

                         SJ

                         (CHUCKLES)
          Good one.
          (back to work)
          So the first play is simple.
          "Gap." It just means you block
          whoever is in front of you, or the
          person on your inside shoulder if
          you're not covered by a defender.
          (points to condiments)
          I'll be the running back and you
          show me what you're supposed to do.
          Ready... . Hike!
          SJ, using both hands, moves Cayenne pepper back a bit, then
          "hands off" to Cinnamon who "runs" toward Michael (Ketchup).
          Michael moves the bottle forward, pushing back Mustard, then
          Relish, as well as toppling a bottle of Vanilla Extract.

                         SJ (CONT'D)
          Open lane to the end zone. All
          there is to it.
          Si slides Cinnamon forward. The bottle flies off the end of
          the table and crashes on the ground just as --
          Leigh Anne walks down the stairs, purse in hand --

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What is going on here?!

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            74

                         115 CONTINUED: 115

                         MICHAEL
          Cinnamon just scored.

                         SI
          We're going through the playbook.
          Michael got moved to offense..

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Well, when you're finished, put the
          players back in the spice cabinet.

                         SJ
          No problem. Actually, Mom, we were
          waiting for you. The new Madden
          came out and me and Michael want to
          go get it.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Honey, I've got a meeting in ten
          minutes.

                         MICHAEL
          I'll drive.
          off her look --

          116 INT. MICHAEL'S TRUCK - DAY 116

          Michael drives while SJ searches for music on the radio.

                         SI
          Look for Walker Street. That's
          where we take a left.
          Si finds a hip-hop station and they both groove to the beat,
          dancing in the seats.

           SJ (CONT`D)
           That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
           As the beat reaches a crescendo --
           Michael instinctively throws a big arm in front of SJ as --

          117 EXT. INTERSECTION - SAME 117

          THE-truck CRASHES into the side of a VAN.

          118 INT. RUG SHOP - DAY 118

          Leigh Anne, with a client, is looking at rugs with the owner.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           75

                         118

                         118 CONTINUED:

                         LEIGH ANNE
          This is not a twenty thousand
          dollar Oushak, Jerry. The borders
          are different widths, it's been
          altered.
          Leigh Anne's phone rings. As she answers

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          We'll give you nine tops.

                         (INTO PHONE)
          Hello ...
          The look on her face changes --

          119 EXT. INTERSECTION - DAY 119

          A massive traffic jam. Leigh Anne pulls her car right onto
          the median, gets out and starts running. She passes stopped
          cars and weaves past bystanders on her way to:

          THE COLLISION INTERSECTION
          As she approaches she sees -- Michael's truck -- the front end
          is smashed -- The Van - its side caved in -- And --
          Michael sitting on the curb, crying. She races over --

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael!
          He looks up, sobbing.

                         MICHAEL
          I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Where's SJ?!

                         MICHAEL

                         (POINTS)
          Go help him! Please go help him!
          Leigh Anne turns to see a group of PARAMEDICS kneeling around
          a body. She gasps, races over and looks down at --
          Si, whose face is bloody. He spots Leigh Anne and sits up.

                         SI
          Mom, do you think the blood will
          come out of my shirt?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           76

                         119

                         119 CONTINUED:

           LEIGH ANNE AND PARAMEDIC - MINUTES LATER

                          
           While the paramedics attend to an obviously fine SJ, Leigh 
           Anne and a FIREMAN eye the deflated airbag.

                          

                         FIREMAN
          An airbag deploys at 200 miles per
          hour. Your son's too small to sit
          in the front seat.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He's okay, though, right?

                          

                         FIREMAN
          Busted lip, some facial bruising.

                          
          When an airbag strikes a child his
          size it usually means a fractured
          face, a broken neck or worse. It's
          almost like the airbag started at
          him then changed direction.
          Defective or something. Very, very
          lucky.
          Leigh Anne nods thanks and looks to Michael, still on the
          curb, eyes on the ground. She walks over, kneels down.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael, it wasn't your fault. It
          could have happened to anybody..
          He doesn't look up. She almost gasps when she notices --
          HIS ARM - red, bleeding, a large burn from the wrist all the
          way up to the sleeve, which is also singed.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Michael, your arm... what happened?
          He looks up and into her eyes...

                         MICHAEL
          I stopped it.

                         120 

          120 EXT. WINGATE - STANDS/PRACTICE FIELD - DAY

           SJ sits in the stands videotaping -- [NOTE: We integrate SJ's
          video with live action].
          ON THE FIELD: Michael skips to the line and gets down in his 
          stance. On the snap Michael pushes the tackle, JAY COLLIS,
          who rolls, gets by Michael and makes the tackle.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            77

                         120 CONTINUED: 120

                         COTTON
          0her! You've got a hundred pounds
          on Collis and you can't keep him
          out of our backfield?!

          IN THE STANDS
          Leigh Anne sits down next to SJ.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What's. with the camera?

                         SI
          Michael does better when he can see
          what he's supposed to be doing.

          ON THE FIELD
          The quarterback drops back to pass. Michael backpedals. When
          the Defender tries. to go around him, Michael grabs him.with
          one big paw and throws him to the ground. A WHISTLE BLOWS.

                         COTTON
          Holding - left tackle!
          He gets right in Michael's face, grabs his jersey.

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          You can only grab in here -- at the
          tits, you got it?! You grab out
          here or here, we're gonna get
          flagged and I'm gonna get pissed.
          Leigh Anne grimaces, shakes her head.

                         NEXT PLAY
          At the snap of the ball Michael tries to pass protect, pushes
          the Defender who tries left, right, then slides past Michael
          and sacks the quarterback.

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          Move your feet, son! Keep 'em
          moving! Back to the huddle!
          Cotton addresses an ASSISTANT COACH...

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          Well at least he'll look good
          coming off the bus. The other team
          will be terrified 'til they realize
          he's a marshmallow.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           78

                         120

                         120 CONTINUED:
          As they chuckle, Leigh Anne strides past, onto the field.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Gimme a minute, Bert.

                         COTTON
          We're in the middle of practice,
          Leigh Anne!

                         LEIGH ANNE
          You can thank me later.
          Bert just watches as Leigh Anne walks straight to the huddle
          and pulls Michael aside. The other players turn to watch.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Do you remember just after we met,
          and we went to that horrible part
          of town to buy you those dreadful
          clothes?

                         (HE NODS)
          And I was a little scared and you
          told me not to worry, that you had
          my back?. Do you remember that?

                         MICHAEL
          Yes ma'am.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          If anyone tried to get to me you
          would have stopped them, right?

                         (HE NODS)
          And when you and Si were in that
          car wreck, what did you do to that
          airbag?

                         MICHAEL
          I stopped it.
          Leigh Anne points to the offense.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          This team is your family. And you
          have to protect them --
          (points to defense)
          --from those guys.
          She walks over and grabs the QB, pulls him out.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Tony is your quarterback. You
          protect his blindside.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            79

                          120

                         120 CONTINUED:

           LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          When you look at him, think of me.
          How you have my back. How you have
          his.
          She grabs BOBBY, a short stump of a running back.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          oomaloompah here is your tailback.
          When you look at him think of SJ
          and how you'd never let anything or
          anyone hurt him. Do you understand
          me?

                         MICHAEL
          What about Mr. Tuohy and Collins?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I suppose they can be on the team,
          too. Are you going to protect the
          family, Michael?

                          
          He nods. She nods back and walks away, past Bert Cotton.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Yelling at him won't help. He
          doesn't trust men. In his
          experience they pretend to care
          about you 'til they disappear.
          Cotton chuckles.. She walks over and sits next to SJ, who has
          the video camera in his lap.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          You're gonna wanna get this.

          INTERCUT VIDEO AND LIVE ACTION:
           At the snap Michael drives the defender into the dirt.
           Michael drops back, knocks down one defender, then takes
          on another while Tony completes a pass.
           On a sweep to his side, Michael pushes three defenders
          away, clearing an alley for Bobby to blast through.

                          
          Bert shakes his head, turns to Leigh Anne --

                         COTTON
          What'd you say to him?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           80

                         120

                         120 CONTINUED:

                          LEIGH ANNE
           You should get to know your

                          
           players, Bert. He tested 98
           percent in protective instincts.

                          
          (off Bert's look)
          I told you you.could thank me
          later.
          (a beat for effect)

                          
          It's later, Bert!

                         COTTON

                         (BY ROTE)
          Thank you, Leigh Anne.

                         121 

          121 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM -- NIGHT

           Packed'house - bands, banners, cheerleaders.
          IN THE STANDS: Sean, Leigh Anne and SJ take their seats and
          check out the raucous crowd.

                         SEAN
          So much for home field advantage.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          You ever seen so many rednecks in
          one place?

                         SJ
          Nascar, not even close.

                         122 

          122 INT. WINGATE - LOCKER ROOM -- NIGHT

          Coach Cotton is addressing his team before the game.

                         COTTON
          On the schedule it says this is a
          home game but don't be deceived,
          gentlemen. Three fourths of the
          people in the stands are here from
          Milford. They'll be loud and rowdy
          and a lot of 'em drunk. Keep your
          helmets on 'til you're on the
          sidelines. I don't want anyone
          getting beaned with a whiskey
          bottle.

                         (BEAT)
          Grab a knee.
          And the team huddles for their prayer...

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            81

                          122

                         122 CONTINUED:

                          COTTON (CONT'D)
          For we can...
          (team repeats each phrase)
          Do all things...
          Through Jesus Christ...
          Who strengthens us...
          Each and every day...

                          
          And may God... Bless the Crusaders!
          As they rise to leave--

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          Oh, one more thing. The reason
          Milford traveled all that way to
          come here is they expect to whup
          your ass. Whup your ass and have a
          party in your house. Whup your
          ass, have a party in your house and
          piss on your mama's new couch. Is
          that gonna happen?
          The team erupts with a chorus of NO'.s and HELL NO!s.

          123 EXT. WINGATE - EDGE OF STANDS - NIGHT 123 


                          
          As the Wingate Crusaders exit the dressing room they find
          themselves next to the Milford Lions ready to take the field.
          The cocky Milford players eye the Crusaders.

                         MILFORD PLAYER

                          
          Hey, Crusaders, y'all gonna turn
          the other cheek or just bend over?!
          Another Milford player, #66, spots Michael.

                         MILFORD #66
          Would y'all look at the size of
          that buck!

                          
          Milford takes the field. Jay Collis, to Michael...

                          

                         JAY COLLIS
          Pay 'em back on the field.
          Coach Cotton raises a hand and the team moves forward to
          squeeze through an entrance onto the field. Above them
          Milford fans look down and jeer, toss sodas at them.

                         

                         

                         

                         
          The Blind Side -- Yellow Draft - 04/15/09 82

          124 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM - NIGHT 124 


                          

                         MILFORD DAD
          Damn, that ain't fair! They got a
          big ole' black bear playing for
          'em! What is this, a circus?!

          IN THE STANDS

                          
          Leigh Anne, Sean and SJ cheer as Wingate runs onto the field.
          A chorus of BOOS comes from the stands behind them.

          MILFORD DAD (CONT'D) 
          There's the Lions and here come the
          Christians!
          SJ turns and gives a dirty look --

                         LEIGH ANNE
          SJ, eyes forward! Sticks and
          stones...

          ON THE FIELD

                          
          The ball is kicked off and Bobby, the Crusaders tailback
          takes it in at the five yard line. He makes one player miss
          then is dragged down by a swarm of defenders at the twenty.

                         COTTON
          Let's go 0!
           The offense runs onto the field and huddles. The Milford
           defense waits, slapping each other and building to a frenzy.
          Number 66 from before is the defensive end on Michael's side.
          Wingate breaks huddle and #66 sees him. 

                          MILFORD #66
           Look whose fat black ass I get to
           kick all night long.
          At the snap #66 sidesteps Michael and sacks the QB.

                          MILFORD #66 (CONT'D)
          (as he walks by Michael)
          All night long, fat ass. All night
          long.

          IN THE STANDS
          Leigh Anne and Sean share a look and cheer on the team.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
          The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -04/15/09 83

                         124

                         124 CONTINUED:

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Come on, Michael!

          ON THE FIELD

                          
          Wingate breaks huddle and as they get into their stances #66
          calls a switch. He moves inside and the linebacker moves
          outside. Michael looks at the move, confused.

                          
          Hut! Tony, the Wingate QB starts to drop back but hands off
          the ball on a draw to BOBBY, the Oompaloompah.
          Michael, unsure which player to block, just stands there
          while they both crush Bobby.
          The Milford players high five and both give Michael a
          shoulder as they pass him.

          NEXT PLAY - BALL SNAPS
          Michael hits #66 square in the numbers, putting him on his
          heels. But he's quick as a cat and jumps to bat down a pass.

                          

                         REFEREE
          Fourth down !
          The crusaders offense leaves the field. #66 follows behind
          Michael, taunting him.

                         MILFORD #66
          And don't come back unless you want
          me to embarrass your black ass!

                         COTTON
           Get back to your own bench, 66!
          66 laughs and struts away. Cotton goes straight to the ref.

                          COTTON (CONT'D)
          Did you hear what he said? Are you
          gonna just let that kinda talk go?!

                         REFEREE
          Ever heard of the First amendment,
          Coach? Get back to the sideline.
          Cotton takes a deep breath, then turns to Michael, who has
          been beside him the whole time.

                         COTTON
          Look, son, 66 is quick, so just
          focus on his belt buckle.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           84

                         124 CONTINUED: 124

                          COTTON (CONT'D)
          Where it goes he goes. And block
          'til the whistle blows. All right?
          Michael nods and takes a seat on the bench. Cotton hears
          something and realizes it is his cell phone. He looks at the
          number calling. and answers...

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          Hello?...

          IN THE STANDS
          Leigh Anne is on the phone.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Enough with the trick plays, Bert.
          Just run the dang ball.

                         AND 
          Bert, on the field, turns to the stands, shakes his head
          hangs up angrily.
          Behind the Tuohys, the Milford fans are in a frenzy.

                         MILFORD DAD
          That's my boy Jimmy, number 66. He
          is kicking that blue gum's ass!
          Leigh Anne can't restrain herself. She rises, turns

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Hey crotch mouth! Yeah, you! Zip
          it or I'll come zip it for ya!
          Sean pulls her back down to her seat.

                         SI
          Sticks and stones?

          ON THE FIELD
          The Milford offense is moving the ball
           a draw play for ten yards.
           a screen pass for twenty.
           an option play - the QB pitches out and the tailback turns
          the corner and runs all the way to the end zone. The
          scoreboard reads: "HOME 0 VISITORS 7".

          ON THE SIDELINE

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            85

                         124 CONTINUED: 124
          Bert Cotton gathers his forces.

                         COTTON
          It's all right. Settle down.

          ON THE FIELD
          The Crusaders have the ball at the twenty. They break from
          the huddle, get over the ball and the play starts. It's a
          sweep left and Michael pulls to lead for Bobby. 66 fends off
          Michael and keeps moving, forcing a pileup near the sideline.
          Michael and Bobby are at the bottom of the pile.
          66 extricates himself from the pile and gives Michael a
          little kick as a cherry on top.

                         MILFORD #66
          Big black pile of nigger crap!
          Cotton is nearby, hears this, races straight over to the Ref.

                         COTTON
          Ref, you gonna do something about
          this?! He kicked my boy in the
          head and cussed him!
          The Ref throws a flag.

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          Thank you!

                         REFEREE
          Unsportsmanlike conduct on Wingate!
          Fifteen yards. Shut up or you'll
          get another fifteen.

                         COTTON
          What happened to the first
          Amendment?!
          Cotton throws his hat and another ref throws a flag.

                         COTTON (CONT'D)
          This young man plays for my team
          and I will defend him like he's my
          own son! Against you or any other
          redneck sonofabitch!
          Michael watches, dumbfounded. He walks over to the livid
          Cotton and pulls him backwards, looks him in the eye.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            86

                         124 CONTINUED: 124

                         MICHAEL
          Don't worry, Coach. I got your
          back.
          Cotton cools down. Michael trots out onto the field.
          Halfway there he stops, looks back at Cotton and smiles.

                         REFEREE
          Second and 38.

                          

          IN THE CRUSADERS HUDDLE
          Michael looks to Tony.

                         MICHAEL
          Try Gap.

                         TONY
          Coach called a pass.

                         MICHAEL
          Gap.

          AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
          As Wingate lines up, 66 is at it again.

                          MILFORD #66
           Your coach always do your fightin'
           for you? He your Massa?-
           Michael gets in his stance and on the snap of the ball powers
           forward. We've never seen him so quick, neither has 66 who
           dips a hip to keep from being plowed over. The ploy rights
          66 but the damage isn't over as Michael now has him "in the
           fit" grabbing his jersey, "between the tits." --
          Bobby races through the hole and into the secondary --
          Michael keeps pushing 66 back, picking up speed until 66 is
          airborne save every third step of Michael's when he touches a
          toe to the ground like a ballerina --
          Bobby cuts to the sideline --
          Michael is running full speed with 66 now and he keeps going
          past the sideline--
          Past Collins and the rest of the cheerleaders while --
          Bobby makes the opposite corner and heads for the end zone ---

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Yellow Draft 04/15/09 87

                         124 CONTINUED: 124
          Si is on his feet, filming Michael --
          Michael keeps going, past the track and toward the fence
          separating the field from the parking lot --
          Just as Bobby races into the end zone --
          Michael chucks 66 into the air. 66 hits the fence hard and
           lands in a heap. Michael turns and walks back to the field.
          As he passes Collins she gives him a high five.

                         COLLINS
          Way to go big bro!
          A referee signals touchdown then notices Michael walking back
          and 66 lying slumped at the fence.
          The Ref throws a flag.

                         COTTON
          Now what?! Was he holding?

                         REFEREE
          Uh, no.

                         COTTON
          Did he hit after the whistle?

                         REFEREE
          I don't believe so.

                         COTTON
          Then what's the flag for?

                         REFEREE
          I dunno... . Excessive blocking.

                         COTTON
          You're kidding me.
          The Referee ignores and returns to the field to assess the
          penalty. 66, now on his feet, limps back onto the field.
          Michael looks at him and 66's eyes go straight to the dirt.
          Cotton walks up to Michael.

                         MICHAEL
          Sorry, Coach. I stopped when I
          heard the whistle.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           88

                         124

                         124 CONTINUED:

                         COTTON
          Where were you taking him, Mike?

                         MICHAEL
          To the bus. It was time for him to
          go home.
          Cotton smiles proudly and slaps Michael on the ass.

                         COTTON
          Attaboy, Michael Oher. Attaboy!

          IN THE STANDS

                         --
          Leigh Anne stands and turns to face the Milford fans

                         LEIGH ANNE
          See number seventy-four? Well,
          that's MY son.!
          The Milford fans don't know what to make of this. Leigh Anne
          sits down with a self-satisfied smile.

          ON THE FIELD - A SEQUENCE:
           Tony throws a touchdown pass --
           66 submarines and Michael pushes him down with one hand --
           Bobby is off to the races with a screen pass. Touchdown! ---
           And another touchdown --
           Scoreboard reads: VISITORS 7 HOME 35
           66 limps off the field, shamed and another player takes
          his place. The SCRUB, terrified, looks to Michael.
          AT THE SNAP the Scrub flinches and hits the dirt. The play
          goes to the other side and Michael reaches a hand down to
          help the Scrub up and to his feet.

                          12 5

          12 5 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SJ'S ROOM - DAY

          Si has the video of Michael up on his computer. A "burned
          DVD" pops out and SJ puts it in a distinctive case.

                         126

          126 INT. TOM LEMMING'S RECRUITING OFFICE - DAY

          A hub of activity. Move past a SECRETARY answering phones --

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            89

                         126 CONTINUED: 126

                         SECRETARY
          Tom Lemming Recruiting, please
          hold... Tom Lemming Recruiting,
          please hold...
          And land on TOM LEMMING, the foremost college talent
          forecaster in the country.

          TOM LEMMING .
          Did the monthly recruiting updates
          get mailed?

                         SECRETARY
          Coach Saban wants his Fed Exed.

                         TOM LEMMING
          Does he really think getting it one
          day early is gonna give LSU a leg
          up?
          An ASSISTANT hurries up.

                         ASSISTANT
          Have you filled all the slots for
          the Army All Star Game?

                         TOM LEMMING
          Yeah, why?
          The assistant hands over the distinctive DVD marked MICHAEL

          OHER - THE TERMINATOR!

                         ASSISTANT
          You might want to open one up.

          127 EXT. SEAN'S OFFICE - DAY 127 

          Lemming walks along with Sean and Coach Cotton toward Sean's

                          
          office.

                         TOM LEMMING
          Every year there are a dozen
          running backs in the high school
          ranks who will make it to the NFL.
          Quarterbacks maybe three or four.
          But left tackles, true left
          tackles, they're freaks, gifts from
          the gods. A great one only comes
          around every four or five years.
          Mike's the best I've seen in ten.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            90

                         127 CONTINUED: 127

                         COTTON
          You're kidding?

                         TOM LEMMING
          I don't kid about guys who'll get
          fifty million or more to play
          football.

                         COTTON
          And you think that could be
          Michael?

                         TOM LEMMING
          Oh, yeah. The embarrassing thing
          is it's my business to know every
          prospect in the nation but if you
          hadn't sent me that DVD I would
          have never heard of him.

                         SEAN
          What DVD? I didn't send a DVD.

                         TOM LEMMING
          You're Sean Tuohy, right?
          Sean "gets it", trades a look with Cotton.

                         SEAN
          Si.

          128 INT. WINGATE - SEAN'S OFFICE - DAY 128 

          They arrive at an empty office where Michael sits. He stands
          and Lemming eyes him like a piece of meat...

                         TOM LEMMING
          Wow. Just wow.
          Lemming breaks out a measuring tape and smiles.

          129 INT. WINGATE - SEAN'S OFFICE/HALLWAY/OUTSIDE THE DOOR - DAY 129 

           Sean and Bert stand outside and talk... 

                         COTTON
          Tom Lemming runs the biggest
          recruiting service in the nation.
          He practically created an industry.
          Every college coach subscribes to
          his newsletter. One word from him
          and... This is big, Sean.

                         

                         

                         

                         
            91

          130 INT. WINGATE - SEAN'S OFFICE - DAY 130 

          Lemming sits across from Michael...

                         TOM LEMMING
          Mike, I came all the way from
          Chicago just to see for myself.
          And now that I have, I'd like to
          extend to you an invitation to play
          in the Army High School All
          American game at the end of the
          season.
          He places an application on the desk. Michael stares at it.

          131 INT. WINGATE - SEAN'S OFFICE - DAY (A FEW MINUTES LATER) 131 

          The door opens and Lemming comes out shaking his head.

                         TOM LEMMING
          I don't want to offend but... does
          Mike have special needs?

                         SEAN
          Well, he eats a lot.

                         TOM LEMMING
          No, I meant, is he mentally... off?

                         SEAN
          No, no, he's just...

                         COTTON
          Shy. Really shy.

                         TOM LEMMING
          Because the only thing he said to
          me was "No." Said it three times;
          every time I asked him if he'd like
          to play in the Army All Star game.
          I get lobbied by every player,
          every father, every coach to get
          into this game.
          (hands over application)
          Let me know if he changes his mind.
          Lemming walks away. After he's gone, Michael emerges.

                         SEAN
          Why didn't you fill out the
          application, Michael?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 92

                         131 CONTINUED: 131

                          MICHAEL
           I don't wanna join the Army.
           Sean and Coach Cotton crack up.

          132 INT. SABAN'S OFFICE - DAY 132


           SERIES OF SHOTS INTERCUT WITH SJ'S VIDEO OF "THE PLAY" ON

                          LEMMING'S WEBSITE:
           NICK SABAN watches on a computer --

          133 INT. TUBERVILLE'S OFFICE - DAY 133 

           TOMMY TUBERVILLE and other AUBURN coaches watch -- 

          134 INT. NUTT'S OFFICE - DAY 134 

          HOUSTON NUTT and ARKANSAS coaches watch ---

          135 INT. HOLTZ'S OFFICE - DAY 135

          LOU HOLTZ and SOUTH CAROLINA COACHES watch --

          136 INT. FULMER'S OFFICE - DAY 136

           PHIL FULMER and other TENNESSEE coaches watch.

                          PHIL FULMER
           I want him! I want him bad.

          137 EXT. WINGATE - PARKING LOT - DAY 137

           A CADILLAC races into the parking lot and hurriedly parks in
          a spot. Phil Ful
          mer, in a bright orange Tennessee shirt,
          jumps out and starts to trot toward

          138 EXT. WINGATE -- FIELD -- DAY 138

          Leigh Anne helps coach the cheerleaders, including Collins.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Kick higher, Collins. Point your
          toes!
          Leigh Anne notices Fulmer.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          What in the world?...
          (to the squad)
          Y'all keep practicing.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 93

                         138 CONTINUED: 138
          She strides toward the football practice field.

          139 EXT. WINGATE - PRACTICE FIELD - DAY 139

          Leigh Anne arrives to see a group of coaches, all wearing
          shirts and hats emblazoned with school logos. They chat and
          watch as the Wingate football team finishes calisthenics.
          One ASSISTANT COACH, from. Southern Miss, sees Fulmer racing
          up.

          SOUTHERN MISS COACH
          Shoot, man, Fulmer's here. I might
          as well go home.
          Fulmer smiles at the assembled coaches, shakes a few-hands.

                         FULMER
          Drove all the way from Knoxville to
          come see for myself.
          Leigh Anne slides in near the group so she can eavesdro

          CLEMSON ASSISTANT COACH
          Heck, I drove from Clemson, that's
          nine hours!
          Bert cotton walks over, shakes Fulmer's hand, leaving the
          other coaches shaking their heads.

                         COTTON
          Coach Fulmer, it's a real honor.

                         FULMER
          Coach Cotton I been keeping an eye
          on your program. Y'all doing a
          fine job down here. Wouldn't be a
          bit surprised to see you coaching
          at the next level real soon.
          Cotton's smile tells us he'd like that a lot.

          FULMER (CONT`D)
          Is that him? Is that O'Hair?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          It's Oher. Like a paddle in a
          boat.
          Fulmer notices Leigh Anne, grunts then turns back to Cotton.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            94

                         139 CONTINUED: 139

                         FULMER
          If you could run him through a few
          drills, we'd sure appreciate it..
          .Cotton gives Leigh Anne a look that says, "get out of here."
          She shakes her head -- "I'm not going anywhere."
          Cotton blows his whistle and the team approaches.

                         COTTON

                          
          Board drill. Big Mike and Jay

                          
          Collis. Best on best.
          An Equipment manager lays out a plank and Jay Collis sighs
          and lines up, one foot on either side of the board. Michael
          slowly moves into position opposite him.
          The coaches all inch closer and crane their necks to see.
          Leigh Anne is now right in the middle of them. Fulmer gives
          her a look that says,,"Who the hell are you?"
          Cotton blows his whistle, Michael fires out and it's over in

                          
          an instant. Collis is pancaked under Michael, who gets up
          and offers a hand.
          The coaches are frozen - as if they've witnessed a miracle.

                         FULMER
          (almost to himself)
          Force equals mass times
          acceleration.
          Then, all at once, the coaches pull out their cell phones and
          start poking digits and jabbering: "You won't believe it!"
          "You gotta see this!" "He's a freak of nature!"
          The Clemson coach strides away.

                         COTTON
          Where are you going, Coach?

                         CLEMSON COACH
          Back to South Carolina. I've seen
          more than enough. If he can qualify
          with his grades you tell Michael
          Oher that Clemson wants him.

                         FULMER
          Good luck with that, Brad!
          Fulmer smiles wide then turns to look once more at Michael.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            95

                         139 CONTINUED: 139
           Leigh Anne watches him watch Michael.

          140 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY 140

           Leigh Anne, distressed, has books and pamphlets spread out in
          front of her. Sean walks in, takes in the sight.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Did you know that to be eligible
          for a Division One scholarship
          Michael's gonna need a 2.5 GPA?

                         SEAN
          Really?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          His ACT is low and I don't see him
          doing any better if he retakes it.

                         SEAN
          What's his GPA now?

                         LEIGH ANNE

          1.76.

                         SEAN
          Not bad really, when you consider
          where he started.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He needs to make A's this year.
          (off Sean's laugh)
          I'm serious. And that might not
          even be enough.

                         SEAN
          So he goes to Junior College.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Most inner city kids that go to JC
          drop out in a year. His shot at
          the pros would go out the window.

                         SEAN
          Pros? Are we even sure he's gonna
          get college offers?
          She walks over to the answering machine, presses "Play."

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 96

                         140 CONTINUED: 140

          ON THE MACHINE
          Hello, my name is Nick Saban and
          I'm the head football coach at
          Louisiana State University...
          (Leigh Anne fast forwards)
          Tommy Tuberville, Auburn
          University...
          (fast forwards again)
          We're very interested in having
          Michael over to Knoxville for a
          visit.

                         SEAN
          Phil Fulmer, from Tennessee?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          There are twenty more.
          She holds up a stack of mail - envelopes and Fed Exes.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          And these. Fifty of 'em.

                         SEAN
          Any from Ole Miss?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          They won't recruit until they hire
          a new coach. But none of it
          matters unless he makes his grades.

                         SEAN
          So, what do we do?

          141 INT. WINGATE - TEACHER'S LOUNGE - DAY 141

          Leigh Anne speaks to the assembled teachers.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          So here's the plan. E-mail me all
          assignments and let me know what
          Michael has to do to make an "A".
          There is laughter in the room.

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          Okay, fine, a B plus. And if
          anyone knows of a good tutor I'd
          love to hear about 'em.

          MRS. BOSWELL
          I think I know someone.

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision -- 04/28/09 97

          142 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 142

          Leigh Anne sits with MISS SUE, a no nonsense prospective
          tutor wearing an Ole Miss sweatshirt.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I understand that you applied for a
          teaching position at Wingate?

                         MISS SUE
          I wasn't religious enough for 'em.
          I'm a spiritual person, Mrs. Tuohy,
          but I have certain,. shall we say...
          doubts.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I appreciate your honesty, Miss
          Sue.

                         MISS SUE
          What's the situation with Michael?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He needs to do better in school.

                         MISS SUE
          Obviously. But why the big push?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He's in line for a football
          scholarship if he gets his grades
          up.

                         MISS SUE
          Is he considering Ole Miss?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He'd better be.

                         MISS SUE
          I'd love to work with him.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          When do you want to start?

                         MISS SUE
          Mrs. Tuohy there's something you
          should know about me. I don't tell
          many people, but it's something I
          feel you should be aware of before
          you hire me.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 98

                         142 CONTINUED: 142

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What's that?

                         MISS SUE
          I'm a Democrat.

          143 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN -- NIGHT (LATER) 143

           Leigh Ann and Sean sneak looks at Miss Sue and Michael at the
           dining room table.

          AT THE TABLE
          Michael stares at a problem in Geometry book, then...

                         MICHAEL
          I don't understand it.

                         MISS SUE
          Yet. You don't understand it yet.
          How big is your head, Michael?

                         MICHAEL
          Big.

                         MISS SUE
          And what's in there?

                         MICHAEL
          A brain.

                         MISS SUE
          A brain. Full of knowledge - like
          a file cabinet with maps; shortcuts
          for figuring things out. You will
          learn this, Michael Oher because
          I'm here to help you use those maps
          and reach your destination. Like 
          Sacagawea helped Lewis and Clark. 

                         MICHAEL 
          Sacagawea?

                         MISS SUE
          We'll get to that. And the history
          books have it wrong, but all you
          need to you know is that I'll get
          you there. Do you believe me? Do
          you trust me, Michael?

                         MICHAEL
          Yes, Miss Sue.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 98A

                         143 CONTINUED: 143

                         MISS SUE
          Try it again.
          He goes back to the book.

          SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE
          Sean shakes his head.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 99

                         143 CONTINUED: 143

                          SEAN
           Who'd a thought we'd have a black
           son before we knew a Democrat.

          144-145 OMITTED 144-145

          146 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FOYER - DAY 146

          The doorbell RINGS and Leigh Anne fixes her hair before she
          opens it to --
          NICK SABAN, a handsome man wearing a sport jacket and LSU rep
          tie. Leigh Anne is immediately taken with him.

                         NICK SABAN
          And you must be Leigh Anne.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Yes, Coach Saban, that's me. Leigh
          Anne. Touhy.

                         NICK SABAN
          Please, call me Nick. What an
          incredible home. Love the Windsor 
          valances.

                         LEIGH ANNE

                         (VERY IMPRESSED)
          Thank you. You obviously have good
          taste.

                         NICK SABAN
          Let's just say I appreciate
          quality.
          Michael and SJ walk in.

          NICK SABAN (CONT'D)

                         (EYEING MICHAEL)
          And I know it when I see it.
          (offers a hand)
          Michael, I'm Nick Saban. And you
          must be SJ. I hear you have quite
          a jump shot, young man.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Nick, why don't you and Michael go
          into the living room to talk.

                         MICHAEL
          Can SJ come?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            100

                         146 CONTINUED: 146

                         SABAN
          Absolutely. I'll recruit the both
          of you.
          As they walk away, Collins approaches...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I find him extremely handsome.

          147 INT. TUOHY HOUSE- LIVING ROOM - DAY (LATER) 147

          Michael and SJ sit across from Saban.

                         SABAN
          So, as soon as possible we'd like
          to get you down to Baton Rouge.
          We've got a great thing going,
          Michael and we plan on winning a
          bunch more National Championships.
          Whattaya' say, will you commit to a
          visit?
          Michael turns to SJ, who raises his hand.

                         SI
          Can I ask a question?

                         SABAN
          Sure.

                         SJ
          My brother and me are very close.
          I'm worried that if he goes off to
          school I won't see him so...

                         SABAN
          Go on.

                         SI
          I guess I was just wondering how
          much access I'd have to him.
          Saban smiles at the kid's moxie.

                         SABAN
          Tell you what, SJ. Michael comes
          to LSU I'll get you an all-access
          pass. How's that sound?

                         SJ
          Sounds good.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 101

                         147 CONTINUED: 147

          SERIES OF SHOTS:

          148 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM - NIGHT 148

          Michael pancakes an opponent --

          149 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 149

          Michael and Miss Sue study --

                         MISS SUE
          You know this stuff. Just be
          logical.

          150 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FOYER - DAY 150

          HOUSTON NUTT walks in the Tuohy front door --

                         NUTT
          Hi, I'm Houston Nutt from Arkansas.

          151 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM - NIGHT 151

          Michael pancakes another defender --

          152 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM -- DAY 152

          Miss Sue high fives Michael after a quiz --

          153 INT. TUGHY HOUSE - FOYER - DAY 153

          Phil Fulmer walks in, recognizes Leigh Anne

                         FULMER
          This is a beautiful home, Ma'am.
          He is startled to see --
          Michael, in briefs, racing down the stairs, carrying Collins,
          who is holding his pants away from him.

          154 INT. WINGATE -- CLASSROOM - DAY 154

           Mrs. Boswell grades Michael's paper, writes "B" at the top.

          155 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM - NIGHT 155


           A SCOREBOARD: CRUSADERS 44 VISITORS 0

          156 NEWSPAPER HEADLINE - DAY 156

          A HEADLINE: CRUSADERS TO PLAY FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 102

          157 INT. WINGATE - LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT 157

          Michael and Coach Cotton hold up a championship trophy

          158 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FOYER -- DAY 158

          Coaches, one after another, enter the Tuohy home --

                         COACHES

                          
           Hi, I'm Tommy Tuberville...Hi,

                          
           I'm Lou Holtz...

          159 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 159

           SJ asks them each his question ---

                         SI
          What level of access can I expect?

          160 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 160

          Coaches, one after another, up the ante ----

                         TOMMY TUBERVILLE
          Your own locker right next to
          Michael's.

                         HOUSTON NUTT 

                          
          Access to the Letterman's Lounge.

                         LOU HOLTZ
          (with a wink)
          A Gamecock headdress. Real
          feathers.

                         PHIL FULMER
          We'll run arm in arm onto the field
          and you can do the coin toss
          thingie at the first game.

                         SI
          Sounds real good.

          161 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY 161

          Michael studies with Miss Sue, in her Ole Miss sweatshirt.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Yellow. Draft -- 04/15/09 103

                         161 CONTINUED: 161

                         MISS SUE
          Have you decided yet, Michael?

                         MICHAEL
          No, Miss Sue.

                         MISS SUE
          But you like Tennessee?
          (off his nod)
          It's a good school. Not at the
          academic level of Ole Miss but they
          do have an outstanding science
          department. You know one of the
          things they're famous for?
          (he shakes his head)
          They work with the FBI to study the
          effects of the soil on decomposing
          body parts.
          Michael is a bit lost.

          MISS SUE (CONT'D)
          When they find a body the police
          want to know how long they've been
          dead. The fine department at
          Tennessee helps them. They have
          lots of body parts - arms, legs,
          hands - from hospitals and medical
          schools. Do you know where they
          store them?
          (Michael shakes his head)
          Right underneath the football
          field.
          Michael's eyes widen a bit.

          MISS SUE (CONT'D)
          So, while it's fine and dandy to
          have 100,000 fans cheering for you,
          the bodies you should be worried
          about are right underneath the
          turf. Set to poke up through the
          ground and grab you.
          She raises a clawed hand (think "CARRIE") to make her point.
          Michael is completely freaked out by this.

          MISS SUE (CONT'D)
          But it's your decision where you
          play football. Don't let me
          influence you.

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side Green Revision - 04/28/09 104

          162 INT. TUGHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 162

          Ole Miss Coach, ED ORGERON, talks with Leigh Anne.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Congrats on gettin' hired, Coach.

                         ED ORGERON
          Thank yew, Ma'am. Ole Miss is my
          dream job.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Coach 0, you're coming a little
          late to the party but we're diehard
          Rebels so I'm gonna give you a
          frickin' road map, okay?

                         ED ORGERON
          Yes 'm.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          LSU is out. Everybody knows
          Saban's going to the NFL. So when
          he comes for his visit to Ole Miss,
          don't take him to some titty bar
          and give him tequila shots. He'll
          have nightmares for weeks. Feed
          him Italian - he likes Fettucine
          Alfredo - take him to a movie - but
          not Chainsaw massacre because he'll
          just cover his eyes - and put him
          to bed by ten. You got it?

                         ED ORGERON
          Yes'm. What about Tennessee?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          It breaks my heart but they're
          still in the hunt. Fulmer offered
          SJ a sweet deal.

                         ED ORGERON
          I hear the kid can really pepper
          the gumbo.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He's his daddy's boy.

                         

                         

                         

                         
            105

          163 INT.. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY (LATER) 163

          Orgeron sits with Michael and SJ.

                         ED ORGERON
          You a Ole Miss tackle, son. I'm
          buildin' my line, buildin' my team
          aroun' you. Make your parents
          proud, come to Oxford, get that
          sheepskin and help us win the SEC.
          Michael nods, turns to SJ. Before SJ can raise his hand --

          ED ORGERON (CONT'D)
          And for you, Si, here's what I can
          do. At Ole Miss we have The Grove
          by the stadium. And the team walks
          it before the game, surrounded by
          thousands of fans. It's a sacred
          ritual. And I'm in front.

                         SI
          ("that's it?")
          Seen it a thousand times.

                         ED ORGERON
          Ever seen it from the front of the
          line? Next year, you and me --
          leading the team.

                         SI
          Tennessee offered to let me run on
          the field and flip the coin.

                         ED ORGERON
          I'll throw in a sideline pass.
          Si considers this, smiles and nods.

          164 INT. WINGATE - LIBRARY -- DAY 164 

          A press conference is under way. Photographers push to get a
          shot of --
          Michael, at a table, stares at three caps -- Tennessee, LSU
          and Ole Miss. He smiles and selects an Ole Miss hat.

          165 INT. PHIL FULMER'S OFFICE - DAY 165

          Fulmer watches the press conference on TV. He tosses a piece
          of chalk against the wall.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            106

                         165 CONTINUED: 165

                         FULMER
          This stinks to high heaven.

          166 INT. WINGATE - BOB'S LITERATURE CLASS - DAY 166 

          Leigh Anne and Bob have a chat in the empty classroom.

                         BOB
          I will not give a student a grade
          he, or she, doesn't deserve.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          He needs a B. What's he gonna have
          to do to "deserve" that?

                         BOB
          Right now Michael's doing C minus,
          D plus work. His best chance at
          improving is with the written essay
          at the end of the year. It counts
          for a third of his grade.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          That's it. We're sunk.

          167 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT 167

          Miss Sue works with Michael at the table.

                         MISS SUE
          Why not write about "Great
          Expectations"? You're a lot like
          Pip. He was poor, an orphan and
          someone sort of found him. You
          should be able to relate to that.
          Michael shrugs. Sean is nearby, watching NBA basketball.

          MISS SUE (CONT'D)
          Fine, let's go through the reading
          list. But you have to pick one,
          Michael.
          (reading from list)
          "Pygmalion"... "A Tale of Two
          Cities"... "The Charge of the
          Light Brigade"...

                         SEAN
          (almost to himself)
          "Half a league, half a league, half
          a league onward." I love that one.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Yellow Draft --04/15/09 107

                         167 CONTINUED: 167

                         MISS SUE
          Fine, you do this and I'll watch
          basketball.
          Miss Sue walks over, takes the remote from Sean, who rises.

                         SEAN
          "All in the valley of Death rode
          the six hundred". They call LSU's
          stadium Death Valley because of
          this story. Alfred, Lord Tennyson
          is writing about Ole Miss-LSU.

                         MICHAEL
          You're kidding?

                         SEAN
          No. It's a great story.

                         MISS SUE
          It's a poem.

                         SEAN
          "Forward the Light Brigade!"
          That's like the offense. "Charge
          for the guns'he said." That's the
          end zone. "Into the Valley of
          Death rode the six hundred."
          He knows it by heart and even miss Sue is impressed.

                         SEAN (CONT'D)
          "Forward the Light Brigade! Was
          there a man d±smay'd? Not tho' the
          soldier knew someone had
          blundered."

                         MICHAEL
          Someone made a mistake?

                         SEAN'
          Yeah, their leader, their coach.

                         MICHAEL
          Why would they go ahead if they
          knew he messed up?

                         SEAN
          "Theirs not to make reply, theirs
          not to reason why, theirs but to do
          and die: Into the Valley of Death
          rode the six hundred."

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            108

                         167 CONTINUED: 167
          It hits Michael. He takes a moment, looks right at Sean.

                         MICHAEL
          They all gonna die, aren't they?

                         SEAN
          Yeah.

                         MICHAEL
          That's really, really sad.

                         SEAN
          I think you just found something to
          write about.
          Michael opens his notebook, picks up a pen.

          MICHAEL (V.0.)
          Courage is a hard thing to figure.
          You can have courage based on a
          dumb idea or a mistake, but you're
          not supposed to question adults, or
          your coach, or your teacher because
          they make the rules. Maybe they
          know best but maybe they don't.

          SERIES OF REPEATED SHOTS:

          168 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - REPEATED SHOT - DAY 168

          Michael moves through the tough crowd.

          MICHAEL (V.0.)
          It all depends on who you are,
          where you come from. Didn't at
          least one of the six hundred guys
          think about giving up and joining
          with the other side? I mean,
          Valley of Death, that's pretty
          salty stuff.

          169 EXT. WINGATE - REPEATED SHOT - DAY 169 

          Michael walks under the arch for the first time.

          MICHAEL (V.0.)
          That's why courage is tricky.
          Should you always do what others
          tell you to do? Sometimes you
          might not even know why you're
          doing something. I mean, any fool
          can have courage.

                         

                         

                         

                         
            109

          170 INT. LAUNDROMAT - REPEATED SHOT - NIGHT 170

          Michael leans against the wall and tries to sleep.

          MICHAEL (V.0.)
          But honor, that's the real reason
          you either do something or you
          don't. It's who you are and maybe
          who you want to be. If you die
          trying for something important then
          you have both honor and courage and
          that's pretty good.

          171 INT. WINGATE - BOB'S LITERATURE CLASS - DAY 171 

          Bob sits at his desk, reading Michael's. essay. As he turns
          to the last page...

          MICHAEL (V.0.)
          I think that's what the writer was
          saying. That you should try for
          courage and hope for honor. And
          maybe even pray that the people
          telling you what. to do have some,
          too.
          Bob, visibly moved, sets down the essay and smiles.

          172 INT. WINGATE --- AUDITORIUM - FOYER - DAY 172 


                          
          Graduation day and Sean sits beside an empty seat in the

                          
          quick filling auditorium. He sees Leigh Anne marching up the

                          
          aisle, a big smile on her face. she pushes down the row and

                          
          plops down in the seat next to him.

                         SEAN 

                          
          What?

                         LEIGH ANNE

          2.52.
          (off Sean's' look)
          Michael's final GPA. Got it off
          Paul's computer. He did it, Sean.
          He did it!

                          
          Sean grins, then...

                         SEAN
          Wait a minute. You broke into the
          principal's computer?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            110

                         172 CONTINUED: 172
           She ignores him and opens her program, letting Sean know that 
           is precisely what she did. 

          173 INT. WINGATE - AUDITORIUM - DAY (LATER) 173 


                          
          Graduation ceremonies. Paul Sandstrom reads the names and

                          
          the graduates move across the stage to get their diplomas.

                          
          As each student walks across the stage a BABY PICTURE of their
          is PROJECTED. 

                         SANDSTROM 
          Michael Jerome Oher.
          Even though no one is supposed to clap, a spontaneous round
          of APPLAUSE gives Michael pause as he accepts his diploma.

                          
          Projected behind him is a picture of the cutest African-

                          
          American infant the world has ever seen.

                          

          ON SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE

                         SEAN 
          Where'd you find a baby picture of 
          Michael? 

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Scanned it off an Internet ad for a
          toddler boutique.
          (off his look)
          Tell a soul and I'll rip your
          tongue out.
          IN THE CROWD: The Tuohys, Big Tony, Miss Sue, Bob and the
          other teachers all clap.

          174 EXT. WINGATE - OUTSIDE THE AUDITORIUM -.DAY 174 

          Michael, diploma in hand, shakes Sean's hand. Sean moves
          close, looks him in the eye. 

                         SEAN
          I want you to know something.
          You'n me, okay?

                         (BEAT)
          I never believed you could do this.
          But you did. And I'm as proud of
          you as I am ashamed of myself. I
          should know better. I'll never
          doubt you again, Michael.
          Michael smiles, nods, gives Leigh Anne a little hug then raps 
          knuckles with Si and high fives Collins.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            111

                         174 CONTINUED: 174

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Excuse me young man, but I think I
          need a proper hug.
          He smiles and moves to her. Off their embrace

          175-176 OMITTED 175-176

          177-182 OMITTED 177-182

          183 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY 183

          Leigh Anne and Sean go over Ole Miss pamphlets with Michael.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          You'll be living in Deaton Hall --
          here. You'll have a meal plan and
          you'll go to Johnson commons to
          eat.

                         SEAN

                          
          Johnson Commons has all you can eat
          self-serve ice cream.

                         MICHAEL
          As much as you want?

                         SEAN
          Yep, that's how Mama put on her
          freshman ten.
          Leigh Anne rolls up a pamphlet and whacks him hard on her way
          to answer a RINGING PHONE.

                         LEIGH ANNE
           Hello... This is Mrs. Tuohy...
           As she listens she gives Sean a look - "This isn't good".
          184 INT. BUttDING HALLWAY - DAY 184
           Leigh Anne walks with Michael.

                          

                         LEIGH ANNE
          They just want to ask you a few
          questions. You've got nothing to
          hide, Michael.
          They arrive at a door, open it.

                         

                         

                         

                         
            112

          185 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY 185

          Sits Investigator Granger in the room we've seen before. She
          rises, professional, but not smiling.

                         GRANGER
          Mrs. Tuohy? Mr. Oher? My name is
          Jocelyn Granger and I'm the
          Assistant Director of Enforcement
          for the NCAA.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Please call me Leigh Anne.
          Leigh Anne shakes her hand and she and Michael move to the
          chairs.

                         GRANGER
          Mrs. Tuohy, I'd prefer to speak
          with Michael alone.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          How long will this take?

                         GRANGER
          Awhile.
          Michael starts rubbing his knees, nervous as hell.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael, I'll be outside.
          Leigh Anne pecks his cheek and exits, giving Michael one last
          look before she leaves.

          186 EXT. BUILDING - DAY 186

          Leigh Anne sits on a bench, talking on the phone.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I've got a bad feeling about this,
          Sean. This broad is tough. Oh,.
          Susie's on the other line.

                         (CLICKS OVER)
          Hey... . what does the client
          want?... But that's tacky... You
          know what, fine, if she wants her
          living room to look like a bordello
          make it happen.
          She hangs up, checks her watch and looks toward the building.

                         

                         

                         

                         
            113

          187 INT. NONDESCRIPT GOVERNMENT-LOOKING ROOM - DAY 187

          The interrogation is ongoing...

                         GRANGER
          Your parents are friends with Coach
          Bert Cotton, correct?

                         MICHAEL
          Coach is a good guy.

                         GRANGER
          Were you aware that Coach Cotton is
          accepting a job at Ole Miss?
          (Michael shakes his head)
          And that this job offer came after
          you signed with them?
          (no response from Michael)
          Sean Tuohy, your legal guardian
          went to Ole Miss.

                         MICHAEL
          He played basketball.

                         GRANGER
          And Mrs. Tuohy attended Ole Miss as
          well.

                         MICHAEL
          She was a cheerleader.

                         GRANGER
          Is it safe to say that Ole Miss is
          their favorite school?

                         (MICHAEL NODS)
          Do they like any other
          Universities?

                         (MICHAEL SHRUGS)
          What about, say Tennessee?

                         MICHAEL
          They can't stand Tennessee.

                         GRANGER
          So they wouldn't be happy if you
          chose to play football there?

                         MICHAEL
          No.

                         GRANGER
          And your tutor...

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            114

                         187 CONTINUED: 187

                          MICHAEL
           Miss Sue.

                         GRANGER
          Miss Sue is an Ole Miss grad, too.

                         (MICHAEL NODS)
          Did Miss Sue try to persuade you to
          attend Ole Miss?

                         (MICHAEL NODS)
          Did you know that the Tuohys make
          generous donations to Ole Miss?
          That even Miss Sue makes donations?
          That the:Tuohy's have a condo in
          Oxford so they can attend as many
          athletic events as possible? That,
          in fact, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy
          are by our definition "boosters."

                         MICHAEL
          What's that mean?

                         GRANGER
          A booster is someone with an
          abnormal interest in a school's
          sports. Someone who-contributes
          financially to the University's
          athletic program.
          Michael doesn't answer, just keeps rubbing his knees. Then
          comes the part we've heard before...'

                         GRANGER (CONT'D)
          Mr. Oher, do you know why I'm here?

                         (NO RESPONSE)
          Mr. Oher?...

          MICHAEL (V.0.)

                         GRANGER
          Do you know, do you understand why
          I'm here?

          MICHAEL (V.0.)
          To... investigate.

                         GRANGER
          Yes. To investigate. I'm here to
          investigate your odd...
          predicament. Do you find it odd?
          Your predicament?

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            115

                         187 CONTINUED: 187

                         GRANGER (CONT'D)

                         (NO RESPONSE)
          Michael?...

                         MICHAEL
          Iono...
          she sifts through her briefcase, pulls out files, documents -
          a good bit of evidence for whatever trouble Michael is in.
          She sits back, stares at Michael, as if trying to figure him
          out. Michael can't meet her gaze. He looks out the window,
          rubs his knees some more.

                         MICHAEL (CONT'D)
          Can I... can I leave now?

                         GRANGER

                         (WITH FINALITY)
          No. You can't.
          Michael's building up anxiety by the second.

                         MICHAEL
          What do you want, ma'am?

                         GRANGER
          What I want, what my job is, is to
          discern whether something untoward
          occurred in your recruitment to Ole
          Miss.

                         MICHAEL
          Unto...

                         GRANGER
          I want the facts. I need the
          truth.

                         MICHAEL
          I didn't lie...

                         GRANGER
          And I want to know what you think
          about all this.

                         MICHAEL

          THINK ABOUT WHAT?!
          It's the first time we've ever heard Michael raise his voice.
          It echoes in the room. Granger lets it die before she leans
          forward and continues...

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            116

                         187 CONTINUED: 187

                         GRANGER
          The NCAA fears that with your
          recruitment a door might be opened
          that boosters from lots of schools
          in the south will become legal
          guardians for young athletes
          without means and funnel them to
          their Alma Maters.
          Michael still doesn't get it, shakes his head.

                         GRANGER (CONT'D)
          I'm not saying I believe it and I'm
          not saying I don't, but there are
          many people involved with this case
          who would argue that the Tuohys
          took you in, fed you, clothed you,
          paid for your private education --

                         MICHAEL
          (almost to himself)
          No...no...no...

                         GRANGER
          -- bought you a car and paid for a
          tutor all as part of a plan to
          insure that you played football for
          the University of Mississippi.
          Now Michael understands. He stares at the floor for a long
          time then quickly stands and makes for the door.

                         GRANGER (CONT'D)
          Michael, we're not finished.
          But he's gone.

          188 EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING - DAY 188

          Leigh Anne sees Michael exit the building. Once he's outside
          he moves in circles, gesticulating and talking to himself.
          Leigh Anne races over --

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael, what's wrong?
          He looks at her, glares really; upset.

                         MICHAEL
          Why'd you do it?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            117

                         188 CONTINUED: 188

                          LEIGH ANNE
           What?

                         MICHAEL
          All along you wanted me to go to
          Ole Miss.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Well, of course, but...

                         MICHAEL
          Why did you do this for me?!

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What?

                         MICHAEL
          Everything! Was it for you or was
          it for me? Was it so I would go to
          school where you wanted?! Was it
          so I would do what you wanted?!

                         LEIGH ANNE
          No, Michael...

                         MICHAEL
          (points to building)
          That's what she thinks! Is she
          right?!
          (her own words)
          Don't you dare lie to me!
          Leigh Anne digests this, takes a breath...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael, look... I can see where,
          where some people might...
          Her inability, for the first time, to articulate, hits
          Michael in the face.

                         MICHAEL
          I'm not stupid!
          He turns and walks away.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael?!
          But she doesn't move, just watches him go.

                         189 OMITTED 189 

                         

                         

                         

                         
            118

          190 INT. TUGHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT 190

          Sean and Leigh Anne sit at the kitchen table while Collins
          and SJ pace in the living room.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          (on her cell)
          Well if he comes by there let me
          know. Thanks.

                         COLLINS

                         (ON PHONE)
          Michael, please call me and let me
          know you're okay.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Text him SJ.

                         SEAN
          Keep it light. Tell him you're
          gonna take his truck for a spin if
          he doesn't get in touch.
          SJ starts texting. Leigh Anne and Sean stare at each other.

          A191 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND'LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT A191


                         (LATER)
          Sean sits in bed and Leigh Anne paces.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I should have followed him.

                         SEAN
          You had no way of knowing he'd
          disappear.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Was he right?
          (off Sean's look)
          What he said about us?

                         SEAN
          Leigh Anne, be sensible. We gave
          clothes to a boy who had one pair
          of shorts. We gave him a bed. To
          hell with the NCAA, I'd do it again
          tomorrow.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            119

          A191 CONTINUED: A191

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What about the rest of it - all the
          stuff we did to make sure he got a
          scholarship? A scholarship to Ole
          Miss.

                         SEAN
          He could go wherever he wanted, he
          knew that.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Did he? Did you ask him? 'Cause I
          know for sure I never did.
          Sean considers this, then beckons.

                         SEAN
          Come here, honey.
          She moves to him. He puts his arm around her, kisses her
          forehead.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Am I a good person?
          (off his look)
          Not a joke. Not rhetorical.

                         SEAN
          You're the best person I know.
          Everything you do, you do for
          others.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Why is that?

                         SEAN
          (with a smile)
          I have not a clue. You obviously
          get some sick satisfaction from it.
          She looks at him. There's truth in his words.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Sean... what if he never comes
          back?

          191 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - NIGHT 191

          Michael makes his way toward Building "C", passing some of
          the same faces we've seen before.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            120

                         191 CONTINUED: 191
          Alton opens his door to make a transaction with an addict'and
          spots Michael.

                         ALTON
          That you Big Mike? Get your ass in
          here.

                         MICHAEL
          I'm looking for Moms.

                         ALTON
          Your Mama? Oh, I seen Dee Dee
          around. She usually stop by for a
          taste around this time. Tell you
          what, I'll get you a forty and
          we'll chop it up 'til she get here.
          Michael hesitates. Alton smiles, beckons.

                         192 OMITTED 192

          193 INT. HURT VILLAGE - ALTON'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 193

          Shitty but with good electronics. There are maybe eight
          people in the apartment - partying, drinking, getting high.
          Michael steps inside. Alton points to a chair. A stoned out
          couple smokes on the adjacent couch.
          Next to them an INFANT cries in a broken down crib. In the
          other corner of the room sits David, the young man we met
          before. Michael nods and David nods back. Alton hands
          Michael a beer.

                         ALTON
          It's good to see you, Big Mike.
          You lookin' fit. I heard you
          playin' some ball.

                         MICHAEL
          Yeah.

                         ALTON
          But you know that rich kid football
          ain't like the public school
          league. People packing knives in
          their socks. Back in the day I was
          a quarterback. You knew that,
          right? At MLK.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            121

                         193 CONTINUED: 193

                         MICHAEL
          Yeah, I heard.

                         (TO DAVID)
          You still playing ball over at the

          JC?

                         DAVID
          Naw.

                         ALTON
          He with me now! I'll open a spot
          for you, too.

                         DAVID
          Got tired of going to class. Always
          somebody tellin' me what to do.

                         ALTON
          Turn it up, bitch!
          David jumps up and cranks the volume on a RAP SONG until the
          beat is bouncing off the walls. Michael sips the beer; rubs
          his knees.

                         ALTON (CONT'D)
          You stayin' to the other side of
          town, that's what Dee Dee said.
          Said you got a new Mama. She fine,
          too. I seen her when she come to
          see Dee Dee.

                         MICHAEL
          She came here?

                         ALTON
          She got any other kids? She got a
          daughter?

                         (MICHAEL NODS)
          You tap that?
          Michael sets down the beer, rises to leave.

                         ALTON (CONT'D)
          Where you going? Sit down. I
          wanna hear about your fine white
          sister. 'Cause I like me some
          mommy/daughter.

                         MICHAEL
          Shut up.
          Alton steps in front of Michael, raises his hands ---

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            122

                         193 CONTINUED: 193

                         ALTON
          Shutup?You tellin' me to shut
          up?I'llcap your fat ass. Cap
          yourass,drive east and pay a
          visittoyour Cracker Mama and her

                         SWEETLITTLE --
          Michael shoves him hard. Alton unprepared for the force,
          flies back against the wall. On the ground he reaches in his
          belt for his gun, but just as he gets it out --
          Michael slaps it away. He picks up Alton and throws him
          across the room. The party comes unhinged as Michael grabs
          Alton, holds him against the wall with one hand while
          pounding him with the other. Blood flies from Alton's face -
          eighteen years of subdued rage coming out in seconds.
          TWO OTHER GUYS grab Michael from behind and one --

          STICKS A GUN IN MICHAEL'S TEMPLE
          Michael screams like a banshee, spins, grabs them and tackles
          them over the couch. An errant round FIRES into the ceiling.
          A table flies and the crib smashes.
          Michael looks to David, frozen in the corner, then over to
          the SCREAMING child on the floor.
          He grabs his head and heaves, trying to make it all stop -
          the music, the screams, the crying. The shots PULSE to the
          music and. are INTERCUT WITH:

          194 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 194


          PULSING FLASHBACK IMAGES
          MICHAEL, AGE SEVEN, and several half brothers and sisters in
          front of Hurt Village as Child Protective Services herds them
          away from Denise Oher. She's screaming, the kids are crying.
          Michael breaks away and runs to Denise.

          SEVEN YEAR OLD MICHAEL

          MAMA!! 1 1
          He grabs her waist and is pulled away by an officer.

          FLASHBACK ENDS. BACK TO SCENE AT...

                         

                         

                         

                         
           The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 123

          195 INT. ALTON'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 195

           Michael looks at the blood on his hands and shirt and
           stumbles out of the room, terrified.

          196 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - HALLWAY/MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 196

           Leigh Anne stands at the doorway to Michael's empty, very
           neat room. She stares, missing everything about him.

          197 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR - DAY 197

           Leigh Anne drives around, looking for Michael at Wingate. 

          198 EXT. WEST SIDE OF MEMPHIS STREET - DAY 198 

           The streets of west side of Memphis. And finally -- 

          199 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 199

          Leigh Anne approaches the complex. Alton, his face bandaged,
          sits on the stoop with his crowd. A mother holds the
          unharmed baby.

                         ALTON
          He gone.
          Leigh Anne stops, looks to Alton.

                         ALTON (CONT'D)
          But you tell him I'll be seeing him
          around. You tell him he'll get his.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael was here?

                         ALTON
          Last night. Sneaked me then took
          off like a little bitch. So you
          tell him, sleep with one eye open.
          Yod'hear me, bitch?'
          Leigh Anne steps closer to Alton, stares him down.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          No, you hear me, bitch. You
          threaten my son you threaten me.
          You so much as cross downtown
          you'll be sorry. I'm in a prayer
          group with the D.A., I'm a member
          of the NRA and I am always packing.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            124

                         199 CONTINUED: 199
          She taps her tiny purse. Alton laughs.

                         ALTON
          What you got in there, a .22? You
          got yourself a Saturday Night
          Special?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          And it shoots just fine all the
          other days, too.
          She turns on her heels and strides to her car.

          200 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR - DAY 200

          When she gets in she's so nervous she hyperventilates. Her
          phone RINGS and she opens the tiny purse revealing nothing
          more than a wallet and the phone. She recognizes the number
          and answers...

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael?!!!

                          MICHAEL'S VOICE
           Mama?...

          201 EXT. LAUNDROMAT - DAY 201

           The one where Michael spent the night. He sits inside. 
          Leigh Anne pulls up, stops and they lock eyes.

          MICHAEL (V.0.)
          You think the police gonna come and
          get me?

          202 EXT. CURB - DAY 202

          Leigh Anne sits on the curb with Michael.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I'd imagine the last thing anybody
          at Hurt Village wants is cops
          snooping around.
          (after a beat)
          I swore I'd never ask but... how'd 
          you make it out of there, Michael? 

                         MICHAEL
          When I was little and something
          awful was happening, my Mama would
          tell me to close my eyes.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            125'

                         202 CONTINUED: 202

                          MICHAEL (CONT'D)
          She was tryin' to keep me from
          seeing her do drugs or other bad
          things. And she'd say, "keep 'em
          closed till I say so." And then
          when she was finished or the bad
          things were over she'd say, "now
          when I count to three, you open
          your eyes and the past is gone, the
          world is a good place, and it's all
          gonna be okay."

                         LEIGH ANNE 
          You closed your eyes. 
          He nods. She shakes her head, amazed at the kid. They stare 
          out at the street, then...

          LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
          You know, when I was driving all
          over Kingdom Come looking for you I
          just kept thinking about one thing.

                         (BEAT)
          Ferdinand the bull. Everyone
          assumed because he was big that he
          wanted to fight in the ring. But
          he just wanted to sit under a tree
          and smell the flowers.
          (right at him)
          I know I should have asked this a
          long time ago but do you even wanna
          play football? I mean, do you even
          like it?'
          Michael considers this. 

                         MICHAEL
          I'm pretty good at it.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Yeah, you are.

                         (A BEAT)
          Sean and I have been talking and
          Michael, if you're gonna accept a
          football scholarship we think it
          should be from Tennessee.
          (off his look)
          And I promise you I will be at
          every game cheering for you.

                         MICHAEL
          Every game?

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            126

                         202 CONTINUED: 202

                         LEIGH ANNE
          But I will not wear that gaudy
          orange of theirs because it's not
          in my color wheel.

                         MICHAEL
          You want me to go to Tennessee?

                         LEIGH ANNE
          I want you to go wherever you want.
          It's your decision, Michael. It's
          your life.

                         MICHAEL 
          What if I wanted to flip burgers? 
          She takes this in, swallows hard and 

                         LEIGH ANNE 
          Your decision; your life.
          Michael smiles. 

                         MICHAEL
          Okay.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Okay, what?

          203 INT. NONDESCRIPT GOVERNMENT-LOOKING ROOM - DAY 203

           Michael is at another session with Jocelyn Granger. 

                         MICHAEL
          I'm sorry I left the other day.

                         GRANGER
          You were pretty upset.

                         MICHAEL
          You ask a lot of questions.

                         GRANGER
          I'm trying to get to the bottom of
          this.

                         MICHAEL
          But all the questions you asked
          were about why everybody else
          wanted me to go to Ole Miss.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            127

                         203 CONTINUED: 203

                         GRANGER
          Okay...

                         MICHAEL
          You asked about everybody but me.
          You never asked why I wanted to go
          there.

                         GRANGER
          Alright, fine, Michael... why do
          you want to go to Ole Miss?

                         MICHAEL
          It's where my family goes to
          school. It's where they've always
          gone to school.
          Granger considers this, stares at Michael, then almost, just
          almost, smiles.

                         DISSOLVE TO:

          204 EXT. OLE MISS DORM - DAY 204

          Cars are unloaded as parents and siblings move their kids
          into the dorm. Tearful good-byes and lots of picture taking.
          Leigh Anne and.Sean walk from the dorm toward the car, giving
          last words of advice. SJ and.Collins are there, too. 

                         LEIGH ANNE
          College is going to be a different
          experience for you. There are lots
          of distractions.

                         SEAN
          Just have fun.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          There'll always be some nimrod in
          the dorm who wants to play video
          games all night, or goof off on the
          internet.

                         SEAN
          You're gonna have a great time. I
          know I did.
          Leigh Anne gives Sean a look - "You're not helping."

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            128

                         204 CONTINUED: 204

                         LEIGH ANNE
          You'll spend lots of time at
          practice which means you have to be
          very dedicated to your studies.

          MISS SUE (O.S.)
          Relax, Mama.
          Miss Sue walks up carrying papers.

          MISS SUE (CONT'D)
          Just got back from the library
          where I reserved a private cubicle
          for the semester.
          (hands sheets to Michael)
          Here's your class schedule and our
          study hall hours.
          She reaches in her purse for her keys.

          MISS SUE (CONT'D)
          Now, if y'all don't mind I'm gonna
          go move into my new apartment. 
          She walks away.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Thank you, Miss Sue.

                         MISS SUE
          Yeah, yeah, yeah... 
          Sean and Michael and SJ eye a GROUP OF ATTRACTIVE COEDS 
          sashaying past. SJ does a little dance move and laughs.

                         SEAN
          Have a lot of fun.
          Leigh Anne notices their looks.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          Michael Oher, you listen to me. I
          want you to enjoy yourself but you
          need to know that if you get a girl
          pregnant out of wedlock I will
          climb in the car, drive here to
          Oxford and cut off your penis.

                         SI
          (sotto: to Michael)
          She means it.

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            129

                         204 CONTINUED:

                         204

                         MICHAEL
          Yes ma'am.
          Leigh Anne gives Sean a look that says, "let's get on the
          road." Sean offers a hand; Michael shakes it. Collins high
          fives him. SJ offers a fist; Michael knocks it.
          Leigh Anne, tearing up, nods and gives Michael a quick hug.

                         MICHAEL (CONT'D)
          Thank you, Mama.
          Overwhelmed, she turns for the car with a little wave.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          The 78'll be a parking lot. We
          should go.
          She gets inside and closes the door for privacy.
          Sean, SJ, Collins and Michael stand there, watching her cry.

                         MICHAEL
          Why does she always do that?

                         SEAN
          She's an onion, Michael. You have
          to peel her one layer at a time.
          Michael walks over to the car, knocks on the window. She
          rolls it down, dabbing tears from her eyes.

                         LEIGH ANNE
          What?

                         MICHAEL
          I need a proper hug.
          She gets out of the car and holds him for a long time.

                         DISSOLVE TO:

          SERIES OF STILL PHOTOS:

                         205 NEWSPAPER HEADLINE

                         205

          "LOCAL YOUTH SHOT AND KILLED"

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          I read a story the other day about
          a boy from the projects. No
          daddy, in and out of foster care.

                         (MORE)

                         (CONTINUED)

                         

                         

                         

                         
            130

                         205 CONTINUED:

                         205

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
          He'd been killed in a gang fight at
          Hurt Village.

                         206 NEWSPAPER PHOTO

                         206
          A newspaper photo of a dead boy from the.projects. Then
          another headline, another young, black face. Another and
          another, until the last headline shows a photo of David,
          Alton's minion - his face full of shining promise.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          In the last paragraph they talked
          about his superb athletic skills
          and how different his life might
          have been if he hadn't fallen
          behind and dropped out of school.
          He was twenty-one years old the day
          he died. It was his birthday.

          207 STILL PHOTO OF HURT VILLAGE

                         207
          Lonely, falling apart.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          That could have been anyone. It
          could have been my son, Michael.

          208 STILL PHOTO OF OLE MISS CAMPUS

                         208
          Beautiful on a fall day. And then THE STILL COMES TO LIFE
          and Michael, books in hand, ENTERS FRAME walking. It's like
          the other Michael/crowd shots with one difference - this time
          he moves at the same speed as everyone else.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          But it wasn't. And I suppose I
          have God to thank for that. God
          and Lawrence Taylor.

          A209 INT. SEAN'S CAR - DAY


                         A209
          As the family drives home from Ole Miss, we notice that Leigh
          Anne is very still. And very content. She closes her eyes.

          FADE TO BLACK.

          LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
          One Mississippi...

                         

                         

                         

                         
            131

                         209 SUPERSCRIPT:

                         209 
          Michael Oher was a freshman All-American in his first season
          and, with help from Miss Sue, made the Dean's List.
          Collins followed in her Mom's footsteps and became a
          cheerleader at Ole Miss.
          Sean and Leigh Anne still live in Memphis.

          FADE UP ON:

          210 EXT. THE GROVE -- DAY


                         210
          Game day and Coach 0 and SJ walk together, leading the team
          to the stadium.

                         211

          SUPERSCRIPT: SJ RECEIVED EVERYTHING HE WAS PROMISED. 211

          FADE TO BLACK.



Blind Side, The



Writers :   John Lee Hancock  Michael Lewis
Genres :   Drama


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