A PERFECT WORLD
Written by
JOHN LEE HANCOCK
December 1992 Draft
FOR EDUCATIONAL
PURPOSES ONLY
1 MUSIC UP. It's a tad eerie. If a Zydeco band died in a 1
bus crash this is the kind of music they'd play in heaven.
FADE IN ON:
WHITE SCREEN
which transforms to a milky white and eventually into a
bright high noon sun. A large black bird flies in circles
overhead. As it wipes the sun a bright flare causes...
CLOSEUP - PAIR OF EYES
to squint, then adjust to the light and finally open. They
look tired, but content, maybe even relaxed.
CLOSEUP - MAN
the owner of the eyes. Though we only see from his shoulders
to the top of his head, we can tell he's lying in a field.
His arm is propped behind his head as a pillow and he appears
to be resting comfortably. MUFFLED VOICES and WHISPERS fill
the air but they seem to come from another place. The man
doesn't notice them. His name is BUTCH.
A gust of wind blows Butch's hair a bit and a piece of straw
wipes across his forehead. Then, oddly enough, it is followed
by a dollar bill, which rests against his cheek, then skitters
across his face. It is followed by another and another, a
five, a ten, a single. Butch pays no attention. He's in
another world.
DISSOLVE TO:
2 EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - MADISONVILLE, TX. - DUSK 2
SUPERSCRIPT: OCTOBER, 1963.
A small country town. Normally quiet at this hour, the
street is tonight alive with trick or treaters dressed as
witches, goblins and superheroes making their annual door to
door rounds.
3 EXT. PERRY HOUSE - NIGHT 3
GLADYS PERRY, 30 going on 45 due to single motherhood and
having worked two fulltime minimum wage jobs the past ten
years, looks out the window with disgust and pulls the
curtains closed.
4 INT. PERRY HOUSE - NIGHT 4
Gladys retreats from the sparsly decorated living room to the
predictably drab linoleum kitchen. At the table, hands on
their laps, sit her children, NAOMI and RUTH, twin girls aged
10, and PHILLIP, a quiet boy of 8.
(CONTINUED)
2.
4 CONTINUED: 4
Gladys sets a casserole on the table and goes to the frig for
a container of milk. The children WHISPER to one another...
NAOMI
Judy Baumer is going as a twirler.
RUTH
But she's so fat. I'd go as Cinderella...
or Peter Pan.
NAOMI
Peter Pan's a boy. Tinker Bell's a girl.
Phillip could go as Peter Pan... 'cept
you gotta' fly.
Phillip smiles a bit at the notion.
RUTH
Phillip could go as a bump on a log.
The girls giggle and Phillip frowns.
PHILLIP
Why can't we go just once?
NAOMI
Caus' we jus' can't, ok?
Gladys sets milk and butter on the table and stares directly
at her son.
GLADYS
Our personal beliefs lift us to a higher
place. 'Sides, Halloween is nothing but
the Devil's work.
The DOORBELL RINGS. The kids gulp as Gladys turns and heads
for the door.
5 EXT. FRONT DOOR - NIGHT 5
MR. HUGHES, a 35-year-old family man is playing chaperone to
prepubescent versions of SUPERMAN, TINKERBELL, and a DANCING
SKELETON.
KIDS
(in unison)
Trick or treat!!!
Gladys simply stares at the children before looking to Mr.
Hughes.
GLADYS
I'm sorry but we don't take no part in
Halloween.
(CONTINUED)
3.
5 CONTINUED: 5
MR. HUGHES
Excuse me?
Phillip arrives at his mother's apron. He stares at the kids
with relish. In the near window, Ruth and Naomi steal a look
through the window.
GLADYS
We're Jehovah's Witness.
Superman locks eyes with Phillip.
SUPERMAN
Hey, Phillip Perry.
PHILLIP
Hey, Billy Reeves.
SUPERMAN
How'd ya' know it was me?
GLADYS
Go eat your supper, Phillip.
MR. HUGHES
Come on, kids. Let's go to the next
house. Sorry for the bother.
Gladys closes the door firmly and locks it.
6 EXT. HUNTSVILLE STATE PRISON - NIGHT 6
A green Impala pulls up to the main entrance and stops. A
GUARD steps from his office to greet the driver, LARRY, a
pudgy 55-year-old prison employee wearing a loud plaid jacket.
GUARD
Evenin', Larry. Forget somethin'?
LARRY
Goin' to Austin tomorrow. Gonna' take
some work with me.
GUARD
Work, work, work. When you and me gonna'
go out and grab a cold one?
LARRY
Sooner the better.
The gate opens and the Impala passes.
4.
7 INT. CELL - NIGHT 7
BUTCH HAYNES, a 38-year-old inmate who reeks with knowledge
procured from the wrong side of the tracks, but whose sad,
tired eyes bemoan a maximum of regret, stands on the top of a
cell bunk chipping at the ceiling.
JERRY PUGH, 29, rail thin, a punk who constantly licks his
lips, keeps watch at the door. An OLD TIMER sits on his bunk
and watches both with a cautious eye.
Butch chips through to something.
BUTCH
Damn if the old man ain't right.
Jerry smiles, turns and grabs the old man by the shirt.
JERRY
And this goes to the roof?
OLD TIMER
Used to... afore they walled it over.
JERRY
If it don't I'm gonna' rip your tongue out.
OLD TIMER
Get yer' damn hands off me!
Jerry laughs and joins Butch, who is already well on his way
to bending open a slot in a corrugated metal air shaft hidden
behind the wall.
8 EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT 8
Superman and Dancing Skeleton, no longer with adult super-
vision, fill water balloons at an outdoor water spigot.
SUPERMAN
Make 'em small so you can heave 'em.
9 INT. PERRY HOUSE - NIGHT 9
An assembly line at the kitchen sink as the twins wash and
Phillip dries the evening dishes. Gladys sits at the kitchen
table, reading religious pamphlets and keeping a watchful eye
over the process.
Several THUDS resound through the house.
PHYLLIS
What in the world?
Phillip jumps down off his stool and races into the living
room.
5.
10 EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT 10
Superman lofts a BALLOON and grabs another as the first hits
the door of the Perry house and SPLATTERS.
SUPERMAN
Bombs away!
Dancing Skeleton does his best Warren Spahn and tosses a wet
fastball at the door.
SKELETON
Here's your trick!
At the window, Phillip, his nose pressed to the pane, stares
expressionless at the onslaught. He barely flinches as a
BALLOON SPLATS only inches away. Gladys arrives and pulls
the curtains shut once more.
11A EXT. PRISON - NIGHT 11A
Butch kicks the top off a ventilator shaft and rolls onto the
roof. Jerry follows as Butch shimmies to the wall.
At the edge, Butch and Jerry survey the yard as a searchlight
routinely bathes the walls in a circle of light.
11B THEIR POV - GREEN IMPALA 11B
parked almost directly below them, next to the Administration
office of the prison.
JERRY
You'n'me must be livin' right, Butchie boy!
BUTCH
Let's get something straight. I don't
like you. As soon as we're on our way,
that's it.
JERRY
Who said I liked you?
Butch slides down and hangs from the ledge before dropping on
the roof of the building below.
12 INT. ADMIN OFFICE - NIGHT 12
A SOFT THUD causes a Guard to look up, but only momentarily as
he spots Larry departing, files in hand, waving goodbye.
GUARD
Have a safe trip now, Larry.
6.
13 EXT. YARD - NIGHT 13
Just as Larry reaches the Impala, Butch and Jerry leap down
and land on him. The spotlight showers them in a flash of
light as it passes by.
Butch cups his hand over Larry's mouth while Jerry reaches
into his jacket -- Bingo -- a shiny .38.
BUTCH
(to Larry)
Keep yer' mouth shut.
JERRY
(to Larry)
Gawd I'd love to blow yer' head off.
14 EXT. PRISON GATE - NIGHT 14
Larry, driving with his eyes straight ahead, stops at the gate
and waves a palm at the Guard, who opens without hesitation.
GUARD
'Night, Larry.
15 INT. CAR - FLOORBOARD - NIGHT 15
stuffed and hidden half on the floor and half under the mats
are Jerry and Butch.
JERRY
'Night, Larry.
16 OMITTED 16
16A INT. SMALL, WELL-LIT DINER - NIGHT 16A
A weathered finger drops a quarter in a jukebox.
MAN (O.S.)
B-5. Haven't heard that one in awhile.
The woman, MAE, 45, a dog-tired waitress, punches in the
numbers and returns to her post behind the counter. A
lonesome HANK WILLIAMS tune pours forth.
MAE
Not since last night. How's the pie?
RED GARNETT, 60, a grizzled but handsome Texas Ranger, sits
at the counter slowly chewing.
RED
Kinda rubbery. It was better yesterday.
(CONTINUED)
7.
16A CONTINUED: 16A
MAE
Same pie as yesterday. Not much call
for rhubarb. Sell one slice a day.
In the background we hear a SIREN. Red turns and watches a
police patrol car whiz past, lights on.
MAE
Yer off duty. Tell me, if I stopped bakin'
'em would you still come by every night?
Red, preoccupied, takes another rubbery bite.
RED
I don't know.
Mae smiles and turns her back to Red as she cleans the grill.
MAE
Naw, Red Garnett, you don't come in here
for the coffee and pie. You come in here
for the company. To see me.
Another patrol car races past. Red's eyes follow it.
16B ANGLE ON MAE 16B
MAE
Now that I've said that, I'll go one better.
What say I cook you dinner at my place
sometime? Steaks, baked taters, cold beer,
the works. Well?... I'm askin' you out.
She turns to face Red but he's gone. A coupla dollars lie
next to the half-eaten pie. All she can do is sigh.
16C INT./EXT. PATROL CAR - NIGHT 16C
Red pulls up in front of a small house in a residential
section of town. Police cars are everywhere and several
officers are behind their vehicles, guns pointed at the house.
Red steps out of the car and is greeted by a POLICE SERGEANT,
about the same age as Red.
SERGEANT
Long time, no see. What are you doin'
here, Chief?
RED
Couldn't sleep. Whattaya got?
(CONTINUED)
8.
16C CONTINUED: 16C
They walk. Red arrives at a truck with a 10 gallon coffee
urn roped to the tailgate. He grabs a paper cup and pours.
SERGEANT
Guy holdin' his family hostage. She kicked
him out, served him divorce papers, he came
back drunk and pulled a .38. Fired two shots
but we don't think anybody's hit. Actually
you might know the guy from your sheriff
days. Hayden Webb. Been on suspension for
awhile. Ring any bells?
RED
Yeah. Lemme talk to him.
SERGEANT
No can do. Police jurisdiction.
Red tastes the coffee -- cold. He spits it out, pours the
contents of the cup on the ground and walks toward the front
yard. Sergeant follows.
RED
And how are you guys doin'?
SERGEANT
We got specific rules to follow in these
kinda situations, Red.
(gives in)
He won't talk. Jus' keeps yellin', crying
and waving his gun around.
Red moves forward into the yard.
SERGEANT
At least use the megaphone, you stubborn
jackass!
But Red ignores and arrives at the front door. He knocks.
RED
Hayden, this is Red Garnett. We worked together
a few years back. Mind if I come in?
The YELLING inside STOPS and the door opens a crack. HAYDEN,
35, distraught, peers out.
HAYDEN
'Evenin', Chief.
RED
Leave it to the P.D. They got a three-
ring circus out there and not one cup
of hot coffee. You mind?
Hayden mulls it over, then opens the door.
9.
16D INT. WEBB HOUSE - NIGHT 16D
On the couch sits Hayden's wife, JULIE, cradling her two kids,
an infant and an 8-year-old boy. Julie sobs. Her eye and
temple are bruised purple.
Red slowly enters, nods to Julie, takes off his hat and sets
it on a lampstand. Hayden has moved away from Red against
the wall. He holds the gun out at no one in particular.
HAYDEN
Julie, put a pot of coffee on.
She slowly gets up and moves to the kitchen, still weeping.
RED
Appreciate it. Jus' what is it you want,
Hayden?
HAYDEN
I dunno... I want my job. I want my family.
RED
What'd they suspend you for?
HAYDEN
I answer a call in South Austin. Girl
gettin' raped, that's the word. I bust
in the door, this lowlife is beatin' the
shit outta her with a tire iron. 'Help me,
help me,' she says. I take the guy down.
He bites me. I break his arm. Case closed,
right? No. She was his wife and they both
sue me and the department. The guy's about
to kill her and she sues me 'cause now he
can't pump gas. They have chump change in
the bank but they got the best lawyer in
town. Three months I'm goin' crazy. No
pay. Then my wife leaves me and I get
served divorce papers by John Reese -- a
sheriff's man. You know how embarrassin'
that is? What's happenin', Chief? I
mean, everybody's got a fuckin' lawyer!
Julie emerges from the kitchen and retakes her seat.
RED
You love her? Love the kids?
HAYDEN
Yeah.
JULIE
Then why do you hit me!
Hayden grips the quivering revolver tight and points it
at her. Red calms the situation...
(CONTINUED)
10.
16D CONTINUED: 16D
RED
You don't wanna shoot her.
HAYDEN
I swear to God I think I do.
RED
Naw, Hayden, I don't think so. I think you
love her. You know what else I think? That
you'd like a way out of this whole mess...
That's where I come in.
16E EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT 16E
Sergeant and other cops stand around and watch the house.
SERGEANT
Well, I'll be damned.
NEW ANGLE
The front door opens and Julie emerges with her two kids.
She takes a few cautious steps, then runs to the police.
16F INT. HOUSE - NIGHT 16F
Red sits on the coffee table, unloading Hayden's gun. He
opens the cylinder and drops the shells to the floor.
A calmer Hayden exits the kitchen with Red's coffee. Red
accepts it, takes a sip.
RED
Hits the spot.
Hayden starts to sob a bit. Red hands over a handkerchief
which Hayden accepts.
HAYDEN
No cuffs, huh, Chief?
RED
Okay. You ready?
Hayden nods, they stand. Red picks up his hat, sticks it
on his head, opens the door and holds it for...
Hayden, transfixed by the multitude of lights outside. He
gulps.
RED
We'll walk out together, okay?
Hayden steps back, looks at Red, then reaches behind his
back, underneath his shirt and pulls out a .22 pistol.
(CONTINUED)
11.
16F CONTINUED: 16F
HAYDEN
Any good officer has a back-up.
Red holds his palms out and takes a step toward Hayden.
RED
Lemme have it, Hayden.
Hayden points the gun at Red, freezing him.
HAYDEN
Was I a good officer, Chief?
Red nods.
HAYDEN
Was I a good deputy? The kinda man you
could depend on to do what's right?
RED
Yeah.
Hayden smiles.
HAYDEN
Thank you.
Then he turns the GUN on himself, swallows the barrel and
BLOWS his brains out.
DISSOLVE TO:
16G EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT (LATER) 16G
Hayden's dead, covered body is carried out the door. Julie
screams and sobs, still holding her crying children.
Red, looking pretty shook up, slowly exits the house. He
stops and looks at Julie and the kids. His eyes lock with
the little boy's.
COP
Got a call, Chief Garnett. They're
lookin' for ya downtown.
Red slowly walks away. The little boy's eyes follow him.
17 INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT 17
It's a small town version of a 7-11, kept open by an owner
anxious to cash in on the later night munchies of beer
drinkers. Good idea. Bad luck.
(CONTINUED)
12.
17 CONTINUED: 17
Jerry skims through a girly magazine, turning the pages with
the gun.
Butch, wearing Larry's plaid jacket, jimmies open the cash
register. He looks to the floor then to...
Jerry, who catches Butch's gaze, holds it, looks down at the
floor, then, smiling, looks back to Butch. He returns to
the skin mag.
Butch holds his stare at Jerry then, in one move, grabs a wad
of cash and hops over the counter and out of the store.
Jerry notices Butch leaving, grabs a handful of assorted
Brach's candies and hurries after.
JERRY
Hey, wait up!
Jerry's feet scurry through a pool of blood and past a
quivering hand.
18 INT. D.P.S. - TEXAS RANGERS HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT 18
It's very late, after midnight, and only a handful of people,
half of whom are cleanup crews, shuffle through the offices.
A light from an office at the end of the hall catches our
eye. A MUFFLED VOICE over the phone...
RED (V.O.)
I understan' your concern, Johnny.
19 INT. RED'S OFFICE - NIGHT 19
Red, behind a huge ranchstyle desk covered with files and
paper, sips coffee with one hand, works a buffalo nickel
through magician's paces with the other and balances the
phone receiver in the crook of his neck.
RED
(on phone)
Cons are creatures o' habit. Like old
coyotes, they'll crawl back into familiar
holes. Uh huh... Yeah... Sure yer' right.
Listen you go back to bed and I'll call you
in the A.M. with an update. I'll have the
files by then. Say hullo to the Mrs..
Red sighs, puts the PHONE back in the hook and stares at
it until it RINGS again.
20 INT. PERRY HOUSE - NIGHT (JUST BEFORE DAWN) 20
The CLANGING wind up alarm CLOCK reads 5:30 and Gladys opens
her eyes and gently quiets it with a touch. She groans and
rises, not happy but used to the daily ritual required of her.
13.
21 INT. PERRY LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 21
As the kitchen light comes on we see that the couch has been
opened up to a bed in which all three children sleep. The
twins sleep soundly but Phillip tosses and turns away from
the light.
22 EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT 22
The Impala creeps through the previously seen neighborhood
without its lights.
23 INT. IMPALA - NIGHT 23
Butch drives while Jerry scours the block.
JERRY
There's a Buick.
BUTCH
Don't want a Buick. Want a Ford.
JERRY
Ford's leak oil. A car's a car.
Butch puts on the brakes and brings the car to a stop.
BUTCH
Then take the Buick.
JERRY
Soon as we cross state line I'll do just
that.
(beat)
I'm tired of riding around. I'll check
down the block... for a Ford!
Jerry gets out, slams the door, lights a cigarette and walks
away.
Butch waits a few seconds, quietly turns the key one notch
and checks the gas ggauge. It reads almost empty. He taps
it with his finger but it doesn't budge. He sighs, looks up
and sees...
JERRY
as he checks one locked car, then feeling eyes on his back,
turns, looks at Butch, grins and disappears around a corner.
BUTCH discreetly exits the car himself, carefully closing the
door without a sound.
24 INT. PERRY KITCHEN - NIGHT 24
Gladys steps into a slip and snaps her bra while cracking eggs
into a skillet. By rote she salts, stirs, and pops bread into
the toaster.
14.
25 EXT. PERRY BACKYARD - SOMEONE'S POV - NIGHT 25
FROM BEHIND a fence, THROUGH the opened, screened windows we
see Gladys at work.
Phillip enters, dressed in cotton briefs and a T-shirt, drags
a chair from the kitchen table by the window and assists his
mother by buttering the toast.
POV MOVES CLOSER.
GLADYS
Thank you, Phillip. Go wake up your
sisters.
Phillip dutifully steps down and returns to the living room.
Gladys works to adjust her slip, then grabs plates and
silverware and takes them to the table.
JERRY
I take mine fried.
26 INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT 26
Gladys gasps at Jerry's face pressed against the screen, but
controls herself when he brandishes the pistol. He motions
for her to open the back door. She does. He slides into the
room and sits down at the table.
27 EXT. ON STREET - NIGHT 27
A Ford sits in a driveway. In the far b.g. a back porch light
glares. Butch ENTERS FRAME, looks at the light, turns to the
Ford and starts to jimmie the lock. No luck. He rises and
looks to the light.
28 INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT 28
Jerry stuffs a piece of toast in his mouth, grins at Gladys
and makes a motion to the counter.
JERRY
A lil' on the bland side. Gimme' that
ketchup.
She picks up a bottle of Heinz and inches toward him. When
she gets close, he grabs her and forces her onto his lap. He
holds the gun to her throat and whispers in her ear.
JERRY
Don't got a man around here, do ya'?
29A INT. NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT 29A
MR. CUMMINGS, 70, puts on his glasses and peers through the
window.
15.
29B HIS POV - PERRY KITCHEN 29B
Gladys sits on Jerry's lap, thanks to .38 caliber coercion.
The convict's hands move freely over the frightened woman's
body.
30 INT. PERRY KITCHEN - NIGHT 30
JERRY
Feed me, sweet thing.
Her shaking hands raise a forkful of eggs to his lips. He
licks them once then gobbles with gusto.
Phillip enters the room and stops dead in his tracks.
JERRY
Well lookie here, you do got a man!
Jerry smiles at Phillip while he kisses and licks Glady's neck.
At once, Phillip darts across the room at Jerry, who backhands
the boy with his gunhand, sending Phillip sprawling.
Butch blasts through the door in an instant. With a swift
kick to the head, Jerry is knocked senseless onto the floor
against the cabinets.
The gun slides across the floor and lands at Phillip's feet.
JERRY
(holding his ear)
I'm bleedin'! You happy?
Butch gives Jerry an icy stare and kneels down to eye level
with Phillip. Butch looks at the gun and then at Phillip.
BUTCH
What's your name, boy?
PHILLIP
(scared shitless)
Ph... Phillip...
BUTCH
Well, okay Phillip. Reach down and pick
up that pistola.
JERRY
Give it to me.
BUTCH
(to Jerry)
Shut yer' mouth.
(to Phillip)
Pick it up and bring it over here.
(CONTINUED)
16.
30 CONTINUED: 30
Phillip reaches down and slowly picks up the gun by the handle.
He takes one step toward Butch, then another. Gladys,
petrified, sobs.
Phillip arrives armslength from Butch.
CLOSEUPS - PHILLIP AND BUTCH
BUTCH
Now say 'stick 'em up.'
PHILLIP
(hesitant)
Stick 'em up...
Butch laughs and then a NOISE from outside brings him back
to reality. He grabs the gun and spins to see...
MR. CUMMINGS
Standing outside the screen door, gun leveled. Before the old
man can utter a syllable, Butch grabs Phillip and points the
gun straight at Cummings. Jerry jumps up and grabs Gladys.
BUTCH
Put the gun down, old timer. You couldn't
hit me anyway. Probably shoot the boy.
The PHONE RINGS.
BUTCH
Leave it be.
The twins wiping sleep from their eyes, wander into the room.
NAOMI
Mama?...
GLADYS
It's all right, honey.
PHONE continues to RING. Cummings can't decide what to do
with the gun he's pointing at Butch.
JERRY
You deaf?!!!
BUTCH
Set it on the ground.
Cummings reluctantly obeys.
JERRY
We gotta' get the hell outta'here!
(CONTINUED)
17.
30 CONTINUED: (2) 30
PHONE still RINGS...
JERRY
Shut up!
In one fluid move he rips the phone from the wall. The
silence is deafening.
JERRY
(re: Gladys)
I vote we bring her with us.
BUTCH
No.
JERRY
How we gonna' get outta' here without a
hostage, tell me that? The whole goddam
neighborhood's awake.
BUTCH
We'll take the boy.
Silence. Gladys can't believe her ears. Then...
GLADYS
Nooooo!!!
Jerry tosses Gladys aside. She collapses onto the floor.
The TWINS instantly start to CRY.
Phillip winds up and hits Butch as hard as he can. Butch picks
him up, directs Cummings into the kitchen with the gun and nods
for Jerry to lead.
BUTCH
You'll get him back. I swear it.
31 EXT. FRONT YARD - DAWN 31
Butch, carrying Phillip, and Jerry emerge from the back of
the house and race back to the Impala.
GLADYS (O.S.)
Phillip!!!!...
Butch flips Jerry the gun, tosses Phillip into the passenger
seat, leaps over the hood and into the driver's seat. The
CAR STARTS and SQUEALS away.
Neighbors, aroused by the noise, exit their homes clad in
robes, nighties and curlers.
18.
32 INT. CAR - DAWN 32
Jerry FIRES a SHOT over their heads, sending them to the deck
or scurrying for safety.
JERRY
Ain't you folks ever heard of sleepin'
in?!!
33 EXT. PERRY YARD - DAWN 33
Cummings races from behind the house with the SHOTGUN,
levels it and FIRES a BLAST...
A nearby station wagon WINDOW SHATTERS. Rising from their
cover position, its owners look at Cummings with disgust.
OWNER
Nice shootin', Fred.
34 INT. RED'S OFFICE - DAY 34
Garnett, still in the same clothes, rests the phone receiver
in his ear while he shuffles through the files before him.
Red's deputy and boy friday, TOM ADLER, 40, lank, thinning
hair, with a face as soft as Red's is hard, warms up Red's
coffee with a jolt from the Chief's favorite plaid Thermos.
RED
(into phone)
Yes, Johnny, I do understand that...
The jabbering on the other end of the phone line continues
as Red's eyes squint to read the files.
INSERT - FILES
The first is Jerry's, complete with a grinning mug shot in the
upper right hand corner. There are several pages in the file,
but Red's fingers quickly peruse the top rap sheet before
turning to...
INSERT - SECOND FILE
It's Butch's and again Red's fingers start to move down the
page then they stop and move to the photo of Butch at the top
of the page.
RED'S FACE
A hint of recognition. The jabbering continues...
CLOSEUP - PHOTO OF BUTCH
A little younger than now. A younger con with the grim facade
of a man facing hard time.
(CONTINUED)
19.
34 CONTINUED: 34
RED
keeps staring at the photo, oblivious to the phone conversa-
tion he's "not having".
PHONE VOICE (V.O.)
Red? Red, you there?
ADLER
(a whisper)
Red?....
RED
(to Adler)
Huh?
ADLER
(a whisper)
He's talkin' to ya'.
PHONE VOICE (V.O.)
Have you heard a word I've said?!
Red comes to...
RED
(into phone)
Yeah, Johnny. Jus' thinkin' is all....
ADLER
(another whisper)
Press has been waiting almost an hour, Red.
Red nods then notices someone at the door and motions her
in... SALLY GERBER, 28, cute in a plain, no nonsense way,
with giant curls accenting her round face in step with the
latest hair fashions, enters the room, closes the door behind
her. She's nervous as hell but trying to hide it.
Red motions her to have a seat while he finishes his call.
RED
(into phone)
Yeah.... Clear as a bell... Mi' sabe.
Red hangs up the phone, takes a draw on the coffee mug and
looks again at the file. He seems lost in time.
ADLER
What'd he say?
RED
(distracted)
Who?
(CONTINUED)
20.
34 CONTINUED: (2) 34
ADLER
The Guvner', Red.
Red closes the file.
RED
Reminded me it's an election year.
Red turns his attention to Sally.
RED
You drink before noon?
SALLY
(confused)
Uh... no.
RED
Good. Last one I had was on a liquid diet.
SALLY
Last what?
RED
Secretary.
ADLER
(remembering)
Penny Munroe.
SALLY
I believe you have me confused. I'm here
from Huntsville. Assigned by Governor
Connally.
Red is confused. He turns a blank expression to Adler.
RED
Adler... what is this?
Adler searches the messy desk for something.
ADLER
Rings a bell, Red. Believ' they sent us
something about her this mornin'...
RED
Who sent?...
ADLER
... Guvner', Red.
Adler finds the telex message sheet he's looking for and hands
it to Red.
(CONTINUED)
21.
34 CONTINUED: (3) 34
ADLER
... Here it is.
SALLY
(introducing)
Uh, I'm Sally Gerber. Criminologist
with the State Prison System.
Sally offers her hand. Red, perusing the telex, ignores but
Adler shakes somewhat reluctantly, not sure if he's supposed
to like her or not.
ADLER
Tom Adler. Deputy. State Police...
System.
SALLY
It's a relatively new procedure but I
was assigned by Governor Connally...
RED
(reading from telex)
... 'to work with State law enforcement
officials in all affairs where penal
matters coincide with those of the State
Police.' It don't say nuthin' about...
SALLY
... It includes parole and work release
programs as well as penal escape situations.
The office PHONE BUZZES. Adler picks it up.
ADLER
(into phone)
On our way, Marge.
Adler hangs up the phone.
ADLER
Gettin' antsy, Red. You scheduled it.
Adler hangs up, grabs Red's tie and coat from a brass rung on
the wall and hands them over. Red puts down the telex, stares
at Sally and reluctantly attempts to make himself presentable.
SALLY
The idea is that an understanding of the
particular behavioral case histories
should, in parole situations, help the
subject to avoid habitual traps and, in
penal escape situations could, conversely,
identify those self-same traps as an aide
to apprehension.
(CONTINUED)
22.
34 CONTINUED: (4) 34
Adler stares at Sally then turns to Red with a "never heard
the like" look of amazement on his face.
Red, roguishly handsome in his tan, western cut blazer, clip
on tie and ten gallon hat, makes his way to the door. But,
before he exits...
RED
In the first place, Miss Gerber.
SALLY
Sally, please.
RED
In the first place, Sally, it ain't a
'penal escape situation.' It's a manhunt.
Fancy words in a circle don't help much.
SALLY
And what does?
RED
A nose like a Blue Tick, a medulla with an
antenna and one helluva lot of coffee.
And with that he's out the door.
35 INT. PRESS ROOM - DAY 35
A throng of photogs and news writers stuff the undersized
room. The clamor settles when Red enters and steps behind
the lectern.
RED
Listen up, I'll only say it once. At
approximately ten o'clock last night two
inmates over to Huntsville, Robert 'Butch'
Haynes and Jerry David Pugh, escaped through
an air shaft, grabbed a prison employee's
car and got out through the main gate. At
approximately 1 A.M. we believe they robbed
a market outside of Cut-n-Shoot and killed
the store's owner.
REPORTER #1
Is the prison employee with them?
RED
Was when they left the prison.
Sally and Adler enter the room and stand beside the lectern
observing. Red notices them.
(CONTINUED)
23.
35 CONTINUED: 35
REPORTER #2
What's the rap sheet on these guys like?
RED
Long as Christmas eve to a kid. Haynes was
doin' 40 for armed robbery and Pugh was
ridin' 20 hisself for manslaughter and
assorted parole vios.
REPORTER #3
Is there any indication of...
RED
... Lemme' finish, Billy. This mornin'
another hostage was taken... from a private
home in Madisonville. A boy, age 8.
Grabbed him out of bed.
REPORTER #1
Any sex offenses on Haynes or Pugh?
RED
Yer' askin' if they're preverts. Well,
one is.
REPORTER #4
You got inter-agency cooperation on this?
RED
Texas Rangers as the criminal investigation
arm of the D.P.S. share responsibility with
the F.B.I. due to the kid being taken. But
I doubt they're out of bed yet.
A few chuckles.
REPORTER #3
Red, how do you plan to apprehend the
escapees?
RED
Officially I can only say we have a full
manhunt team on their trail and we'll
proceed with due haste.
REPORTER #3
And unofficially?
Red hesitates a moment, something's bothering him, then blurts
out...
RED
Unoffically? I'm gonna' hunt 'em like
the rabid dogs they are.
(CONTINUED)
24.
35 CONTINUED: (2) 35
Every hand in the place shoots up and Ad Lib questions fly
like bullets.
RED
That's all I've got but I'd like to
introduce ya' to Miss Sally Gerber.
She's straight from the Governor's
office. Knows all about psychological
profiles and the like. You probably
have some questions for her.
Red steps back and to one side. Sally is taken aback but then
warms to the idea and steps to the podium for her first press
conference, ready to take on the tough questions, to show off
a bit, but....
There are no questions. In fact there is utter silence as
every raised hand drops. Eyes stare.
Red sighs and starts to walk away.
RED
Look, fellas, I got work to do.
And he heads out the door, followed by Sally's eyes and every
reporter's in the room, who commence once again to yell out
questions and mob after the Chief. Every reporter, that is,
except one.
He's near the back of the room and he smiles and raises his
hand.
Sally, unsure what to do, looks to him...
SALLY
You have a question?
REPORTER
Yes I do.
Sally smiles a bit then puts on her serious face awaiting...
REPORTER
You doin' anything tonight?
Sally, steamed, glares at the guy and stomps out of the
room.
REPORTER
I'm serious!
36 INT. IMPALA - DAY 36
Butch is driving with Phillip in the front seat beside him,
still in his underwear. Jerry, in the backseat, leers at
Butch, aims out the window and FIRES ONCE.
25.
37 EXT. FIELD NEAR ROAD - DAY 37
An aluminum water tank spews a violent leak.
38 INT./EXT. CAR - DAY 38
BUTCH
We got a handful of caps and yer'
shootin' water tanks. He's a smart
guy, huh, Phillip?
Phillip doesn't move or change expression. Jerry smiles,
almost to himself, and FIRES TWICE more for the hell of it.
The ROOF of the Impala EXPLODES with two holes as the car
speeds off down the highway.
39 EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY 39
Red is finishing up with several reporters near the door to
the parking lot. Adler jumps in, holds up his hands.
ADLER
All right, that's it, boys. Chief's got
work to do.
Red and Adler move through the parking lot to SAUNDERS, 50, an
aide to the Governor. Saunder's seconds are a PHOTOGRAPHER,
young and energetic, and SUTTLE, 35, dark-haired, with a
cowlick.
Saunders shakes Red's hand and they turn to gaze upon...
'60-STYLE AIRSTREAM MOBILE HOME
parked in the middle of the lot hitched to the back of a new
Chevy truck. The Airstream is painted in state colors and
sports banners, decals and logos.
40 EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY 40
Saunders follows Red as he walks around the showpiece,
occasionally kicking a tire or two.
SAUNDERS
So whattaya' think?
Saunders motions for the Photographer to come closer and take
pictures. He moves in next to Red and poses as the camera
clicks.
SAUNDERS
We are very proud of this baby. Governor
Connally special ordered it so state
officials and dignitaries can ride in the
parade in Dallas. You know President
Kennedy's comin'?
(CONTINUED)
26.
40 CONTINUED: 40
RED
So I hear.
SAUNDERS
Latest technology, oversized engine,
complete kitchen and sleeping quarters,
gun racks, frig, stove, the works. Even
got a hot line phone straight to the
Governor's office.
Red stops circling and nods to Adler, who scurries away.
RED
Fine piece of machinery.
SAUNDERS
What's more, as soon as it gets back from
Dallas it will be at your requisitioned
disposal. Perfect for lots of situations
-- a headquarters on wheels.
Red smiles, walks up to one of the Lone Star decals and rips
it off.
RED
We'll take it.
SAUNDERS
Uh, Chief?....
Red rips off another decal. Adler and a few others start to
load equipment, guns and files into the motor home. In
addition they cart out unecessary items: mattresses, etc.
and stack them in a pile outside the motor home.
The Photographer continues to snap photos.
SAUNDERS
(to Red)
Whattaya' doin', Red?!
(to Photographer)
Stop takin' pictures!
Red does away with the parade banner. Saunders follows behind
and tries to reinstate the decal.
SAUNDERS
It's jus' not possible, Red. The Governor's
gonna' ride it in a campaign parade tomorrow.
RED
Guvner' hisself told me this manhunt was
top priority.
(CONTINUED)
27.
40 CONTINUED: (2) 40
Adler moves through the door to the RV carrying Red's favorite
desk chair. He's followed by BOBBY LEE, 20's, cocksure,
wearing a plain khaki uniform and boots.
ADLER
(to Saunders)
S'cuse me.
(to Red)
This here's Bobby Lee. He's a specialist
with the Feds. They want him to tag along.
Red stares hard at Bobby Lee, then nods. Bobby Lee steps
into the Airstream.
SAUNDERS
Please, Red, ya' gotta' believe me...
Red spots Suttle, 35, bright-eyed, with a cowlick, sitting at
the wheel of the Chevy truck.
RED
Who are you?
SUTTLE
Dick Suttle, the driver.
RED
Not anymore. Bradley.
BRADLEY, 35, glasses, moves to the truck and gets in.
Suttle shrugs and steps out.
Saunders stops Suttle and turns to Red.
SAUNDERS
This man stays with the vehicle wherever
it goes, Red!
RED
(to Suttle)
You know how to operate the gadgets?
SUTTLE
Yessir.
RED
(to Suttle)
Grab a seat.
Suttle sets himself in the passenger seat of the truck.
Sally emerges from the building, ticked off, carrying an
armload of file boxes, and makes a beeline for Red.
Saunders gently touches Red's shoulders; a final plea.
(CONTINUED)
28.
40 CONTINUED: (3) 40
SAUNDERS
Please Red, I'm beggin'. I mean, what am
I suppose to tell the Governor?
Sally arrives but before she can spit out a word...
RED
Tell John that Miss Gerber here checked
me out on it.
Red whistles and the ENGINE REVS. Red closes the door as the
motor home pulls away. Saunders runs beside the passenger
side window and yells in to Suttle, who stares out the window.
SAUNDERS
Not a scratch, you hear me, Suttle?
Not a scratch!
Saunders stops, breathing hard, next to Sally. She's
pissed and overloaded with files.
AIRSTREAM
about 20 yards down the way, comes to a stop. A second later
the door opens and the steps pop out.
Sally walks toward the bus but when she arrives at the door...
... LAUGHTER filters out of the Airstream. The Airstream
moves another 20 feet then stops.
Sally waits a full five seconds, then she blows the hair out
of her eyes and, against her better judgment, moves cautiously
forward, the file boxes getting heavier by the minute. Again,
when she gets close...
...the Airstream moves. Sally, boiling mad as her coiffure
wilts in the Texas sun, stops, and tosses down the file box
in anger.
The Airstream stops. LAUGHTER from inside and a few AD LIBS,
i.e. -- "Okay, Okay." More LAUGHTER. Red steps out the door,
turns his gaze back inside and the laughter and comments stop
on a dime. Smiling slightly he turns to Sally, moves straight
for the file box, picks it up and walks back to the Airstream.
When he arrives at the steps he turns, looks to Sally, who
stews and holds her ground.
RED
You comin' or not?
She hesitates only a moment before walking straight to Red,
grabbing back her file box and entering in front of him.
29.
41 OMITTED 41
42 INT. AIRSTREAM - DAY 42
Sally enters, balancing the boxes, and glares at the faces
surrounding her. A smiling Red, a grinning Adler messily
gorging on a cinnamon roll, a nervous KAISER, the radio man,
and, in the corner, a nasty smirk from Bobby Lee.
When the Airstream takes off again, she loses her balance and
drops one of the boxes. Adler and Suttle jump forward to help
but she gives them the evil eye.
SALLY
I've got it.
She kneels down to pick it up and feels eyes on her. She
looks up to the men staring at...
Her skirt, raised a bit, exposing a thigh.
She calmly stands and looks to Adler, a piece of cinnamon roll
dangling on his chin.
SALLY
You've got shit on your face.
Red can't help but smile as Adler wipes at his face.
43 EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY 43
The IMPALA BLASTS along, kicking up dust and dispersing crows
as it heads into a one light township. It slows, however,
before the main part of town and slides to a stop near a pay
phone booth.
44 INT./EXT. IMPALA - DAY 44
JERRY
Why the hell we stoppin'?
BUTCH
You said you had a cousin near here.
JERRY
So?
BUTCH
So give him a call. See if we can shack
there til' things cool down.
Jerry thinks it over, leans forward and, in one quick swipe,
grabs the keys from the ignition. Then he laughs and crawls
out on his way to the phone booth.
(CONTINUED)
30.
44 CONTINUED: 44
In the b.g. we see Jerry strut to the phone booth and pore
through a thin directory. Phillip steals a glance at Butch,
who watches his rear view mirror and grits his teeth.
PHILLIP
Why'd he take the keys?
BUTCH
So I won't leave him.
PHILLIP
(a tad hopeful)
Would you leave him?
BUTCH
Oh yeah.
In the b.g. Jerry rips the 20 page phone book in half and
returns to the car, half pleased with himself. He tosses
the keys to Butch, who starts the car and drives off.
JERRY
Musta' moved. Prolly' couldn't have heard
'em anyway. Goddam ear's still bleedin'.
You ever try that shit again...
BUTCH
What?
JERRY
What?
BUTCH
You were in the middle of threatenin' me.
JERRY
(from the movies)
Ain't a threat. It's a fact.
Butch reaches over, takes Phillip's hand and places it on the
steering wheel.
BUTCH
Here kid, take the wheel.
Phillip, scared at the prospect, nevertheless does his best
to see over the dash and keep the wheel straight. Butch
turns back over the seat to confront Jerry.
BUTCH
In two seconds I'm gonna' break your nose.
That's a threat...
(CONTINUED)
31.
44 CONTINUED: (2) 44
Before Jerry has time to snicker Butch hits him full in the
face and grabs the gun. Blood spurts from Jerry's nose and
the injured man cups his hands over the wound.
Butch spins and retakes the wheel from a frightened Phillip.
BUTCH
... And that's a fact.
Instead of expressing outrage, Jerry slinks back down in the
seat wearing a look of pure hatred.
JERRY
I'm gonna' kill you for that.
BUTCH
And that's a threat. Beginnin' to
understand the difference?
Somethin' catches Butch's eye and he turns and slows down and
turns into...
45 EXT. RURAL STORE - DAY 45
The Impala brakes to a dusty stop near the front of the store,
which is bordered by a giant hay field.
46 INT. IMPALA - DAY 46
BUTCH
Okay, Phillip, listen up. I'm gonna'
run in here and get some smokes.
JERRY
Get beer.
Butch hands Phillip the revolver.
BUTCH
Here, hold it like this.... And point it
right between his eyes.
JERRY
What the hell?...
BUTCH
(to Phillip)
If he so much as moves you pull the trigger
... right here... Put your finger on it.
Jerry snickers and then laughs maniacally. Butch reaches
over and cocks the pistol. Jerry's guffaws stop on a dime.
JERRY
Yer' a fuckin' crazy man.
(CONTINUED)
32.
46 CONTINUED: 46
BUTCH
And that's a fact. I believe yer
gettin' the hang of this.
Butch steps out of the car and heads for the market.
47 INT. STORE - DAY 47
Butch enters. A short fat man with a fishing cap is sweeping
up.
BUTCH
How-do. Where's yer' sodees?
MAN
Hot in the first aisle. Cold in the
back, in the cooler.
48 INT. IMPALA - DAY 48
Phillip's slightly shaking hands hold the pistol pointed
directly at Jerry's head.
JERRY
You ever shot a gun before, boy?
No answer. Phillip steals a glance at the store, anxious for
Butch to return.
JERRY
Powww!!!... It'll knock you on your ass.
PHILLIP
Be quiet, mister.
JERRY
Naw. You ain't never shot no gun before.
Livin' in a house with three split tails...
no Daddy around. You'll prolly' grow up
queer, you know that?
A bead of sweat rolls down Phillip's cheek.
JERRY
Now I'm gonna' lean up here real slow,
okay? So we can talk.
Jerry raises his hands, palms up and slowly leans forward in
the back seat. Phillip's hand quivers but he doesn't pull
the trigger.
JERRY
There we go. Now we can have a 'man to
man.' You are a man, ain't ya'?
33.
49 INT. STORE - DAY 49
Butch dumps a six pack of RC Colas, a handful of Moon Pies,
a handful of beef jerky and some gum on the counter.
50 INT. IMPALA - DAY 50
Jerry's chin is on the front seat now and his arms are draped
over it.
JERRY
Those are cute little underwears you got
there, boy. Say does your mama sew yer'
name in 'em, initials or anything?
Jerry's hand slowly reaches down to the white briefs. He
places one finger in the front elastic waistband and slowly
pulls it open.
JERRY
Whatcha' got in there?
Jerry sneaks a peek.
JERRY
Kinda' puny, ain't it?
Phillip, diverted, looks down. In a flash Jerry grabs the
gun.
JERRY
The hand is quicker than the eye.
Jerry flicks open the revolver, spins it -- empty slots.
JERRY
(re: Butch)
That sonofabitch. Hell's bells, no
shells.
51 INT. STORE - DAY 51
The Old Man puts down his broom and ambles to the register.
OLD MAN
This be all for ya'?
BUTCH
This and a carton of Chesterfields.
(beat)
Are those .38 shells? Gimme a box.
The Old Man puts the cigs and shells on the counter and starts
to tally the bill on a notepad.
(CONTINUED)
34.
51 CONTINUED: 51
OLD MAN
With deposit comes to four dollars eighty.
Butch reaches in his pocket and extracts the wad stolen from
the convenience store. The Old Man takes note. Butch
selects a five and places it on the counter.
OLD MAN
Land's sake. What line of work you in?
The Old Man bags the goods, but Butch takes the shells and
puts them in his coat pocket.
BUTCH
Used cars. Buy 'em, fix 'em up. Sold a
Cadillac down in Madisonville this mornin'.
OLD MAN
Don't say.
52 INT. IMPALA - DAY 52
Jerry puts his gun hand around Phillip's neck and pulls the
sobbing boy closer. Jerry rests his face on Phillip's neck.
JERRY
Come over a little closer.
As Jerry groans, Phillip seizes the moment and bites Jerry
hard on the ear. Jerry screams and drops the gun, which
Phillip picks up and carries with him as he scurries out of
the car and into the hay field.
Jerry, in pain, now with both ears bleeding, crawls out of
the back seat and gives chase.
53 EXT. FIELD - DAY 53
Phillip, still sobbing, runs for his life in the hay, which
is a full foot taller than he.
JERRY
no longer stumbling, now grinning maniacally, gives chase,
whistling as if calling for a lost puppy.
JERRY
I'm gonna' find you boy. You best come here.
PHILLIP
gun in hand, stumbles, falls, gets up, keeps running. He falls
again and crawls to a stop. He wipes his tears and balls up
on the ground trying to make himself invisible.
35.
54 EXT. STORE - DAY 54
Butch exits with a grocery sack. When he sees the car doors
open he dumps the groceries in the front seat and looks to
the field.
HIS POV
The hay rustles as Jerry moves through the field.
55 EXT. FIELD - DAY 55
Jerry, crouching, moves through the field -- eyes peeled for
any sign of Phillip.
Phillip lies still. He hears the hay rustling near him and
he looks up, squares his body and points the revolver at...
Butch, who spots him, motions for him to stay put and holds
out his hand for the gun. Phillip hands it over and watches
while Butch reaches into the plaid jacket pocket, extracts a
few shells and loads the .38.
JERRY
a little frustrated now, but still moving forward.
JERRY
(a whisper)
Hey boy. Hey boy. You better hope I
don't find ya'.
He spots something -- a dash of color -- and begins to crawl
faster. He parts a thick batch of hay and looks up into the
gun barrel and eyes of ...
BUTCH
squatted down, who levels the revolver and closes one eye.
Jerry laughs.
JERRY
Whatcha' gonna' do? Hit me with it?
Butch reaches into the coat pocket with his free hand and
shows a shell or two. Jerry's grin drops.
JERRY
(pleading)
Me'n you are friends!!!!
BUTCH
Thick as theives.
PHILLIP
hears a GUNSHOT and runs for his life back toward the store.
36.
56 EXT. PARKED IMPALA - DAY 56
Phillip runs to the car and hides behind the tire opposite the
store and field. In the b.g. we see Butch emerge from the
field and walk toward the car.
The Old Man, who also heard the shot, emerges from the store
with a baseball bat. Butch arrives at the car, spots the Old
Man and levels the revolver at him. Phillip is relieved when
he hears Butch's voice instead of Jerry's.
BUTCH
(to Old Man)
You got a phone?
OLD MAN
Naw.
BUTCH
Then go inside and lie down til' we're gone.
The Old Man meekly does so. Butch goes to the car door, opens
it and motions to a frozen stiff Phillip.
BUTCH
Well... Get in.
57 EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY 57
The truck and Airstream barrel down the highway.
58 INT. AIRSTREAM - DAY 58
The place is a functioning mobile headquarters now. Adler on
the short wave and tacking up a map, Bobby Lee still in his
corner, Red and Sally sitting across from one another at the
"kitchen table".
In the rear section of the Airstream Red's chair and a mini
office for the Chief have been put together.
ADLER
Got a spot on 'em. A store right outside
of Benhur. About 20 miles from here.
Adler sets down the mike, sticks a tack on the map and stands
back.
RED
All right. Push the roadblock on 288
north by 50 miles.
Kaiser calls in the instructions. (NOTE: Kaiser's radio
transmissions are not scripted but go on a lot of the time
we're in the Airstream. In addition, his and Adler's direc-
tions and missives to Bradley in the truck are not all
scripted.)
(CONTINUED)
37.
58 CONTINUED: 58
ADLER
Ya' figger' they're that far along?
RED
Hell, I dunno'and neither do they. They're
jus' happy to be out. It's a high speed
Sunday drive to them.
ADLER
Sunday drive. I like that. Never heard
you use that one before, Red.
Sally is watching Red and listening to all of this with a
troubled look on her face. Red notices...
RED
Somethin' eatin' at you?
SALLY
It's... perhaps premature, but do you have
an auxiliary roadblock plan for when they
split up?
Everyone stares. No one ever questions Red.
ADLER
What makes you so sure they won't stay
together?
Sally hesitates. Red notices...
RED
You got somethin' to say, spit it out.
SALLY
Their situation is one of accommodation.
They won't be together long.
Silence. Sally continues.
SALLY
Haynes and Pugh are opposites. Haynes is
a criminal's criminal -- armed robbery,
mano y mano confrontation. Pugh, on the
other hand, has a rap sheet littered with
molestation and petty crime. They'll
split sheets soon.
ADLER
(still on attack)
What about the hostages? They gonna' flip
a coin to see who gets to keep who?
Red rises and walks to the sink. He rinses a spoon.
(CONTINUED)
38.
58 CONTINUED: (2) 58
SALLY
It's happened before. Either way it's a
dilemma they'll address soon.
(beat)
That's why we should address it now.
She looks to Red. He refuses to return her gaze.
RED
We don't have a dilemma. And neither do
they. They'll keep one hostage... and get
rid of one, if they haven't already.
SALLY
Okay... which one?
RED
If there's a SNAFU, who's John Q. Public
more likely to give a rat's ass about --
an innocent boy or a goddam bureaucrat.
Red wipes the water off the spoon on his shirt and walks to
his office in the back. Adler, Bobby Lee and Kaiser chuckle
lightly at their boss's snubbing of the female upstart in
their midst. Sally's face glows a bright red.
59 INT. MOTOR HOME - BACK OFFICE 59
Red sits in his office chair, pulls out the spoon and pours
Geritol from a bottle into his coffee. He doesn't even look
up when Sally enters, a stern look on her face.
SALLY
We need to talk, Chief Garnett.
RED
Call me Red.
SALLY
Red.
(beat)
Why are you so hell-bent on embarassing me?
RED
I'm hell-bent on one thing. You hang
around long enough you'll find that out.
Til' then a tough backside and a sense of
humor will get you through a lot.
SALLY
I have a fine sense of humor, but the one
thing I won't do is be your straight man
so you can play hero to a bunch of morons
who think you're some kind of hillbilly
Sherlock Holmes.
(CONTINUED)
39.
59 CONTINUED: 59
Red sips from the mug calmly then groans, his face contorted.
RED
Awful. Arthur Godfrey says it keeps ya'
young, but I'm not sure it's worth it.
SALLY
I'd like an answer.
RED
This yer' first time out of an office?
She refuses to answer.
RED
Thought so. What'd ya' expect ya' signed
on for?
Adler, Bobby Lee and Kaiser all watch the discussion, smiles
on their faces. Sally abruptly closes the door.
SALLY
You think I'm what? Some dumb schoolgirl
who wandered into the boy's locker room?
Well you're wrong. I don't mean to boast,
but I happen to be one of the two most
intelligent people involved in this fiasco.
RED
Didn't ask that. Asked what you expected.
SALLY
I expected to be allowed to do the job
assigned to me by the Governor.
RED
I happen to like the Governor, hunt quail
together every year. But deep down he and
I know that win, lose or draw this is my
ship, not his.
SALLY
The Governor as chief executive officer
of this state bears ultimate responsibility
for...
RED
... Bullshit. Responsibility lies with the
one that loses sleep; the one with the most
ulcers. This mess turns bloody -- and it
might -- all it's gonna cost the Governor
is a few votes! Me, I'm the one that's...
(CONTINUED)
40.
59 CONTINUED: (2) 59
Red catches himself about to get too personal. He takes
another swig of his coffee/geritol. Sally softens her stance.
SALLY
You're the one that what?
But Red side-steps.
RED
Tell ya' what. You think I'm makin' a
wrong turn you speak up. Might not agree,
but I'll listen. As far as stepped on
toes and wounded pride, I'll buy everyone
a drink when we head for home. Not until.
I got more to worry about.
(beat)
That sound fair to you?
SALLY
Yes.
RED
Well okay then.
Sally turns, about to leave.
RED
So who's the other one?
SALLY
Other one?
RED
If yer' one brain, who's the other?
SALLY
Haynes. He was tested in prison.
60 INT. IMPALA - DAY 60
Butch drives and catches an occasional glance at Phillip who
sits quietly, but who, too, steals looks at his captor
between swigs of RC Cola.
He finishes off the bottle. Butch reaches in the sack for
another, pops the top on the dashboard and hands it to
Phillip.
PHILLIP
Thankyew.
(beat)
Are you gonna' shoot me?
BUTCH
No. Me'n you are friends.
(CONTINUED)
41.
60 CONTINUED: 60
Butch realizes that in Phillip's eyes he and Jerry were
probably friends.
BUTCH
If I was choosin' a runnin' buddy, I'd
take you over him any day of the week.
61 EXT. RURAL STORE - DAY 61
The RV slides to a stop in the gravel parking lot which is
full of state and local police. Red exits first, followed
by the others. A LOCAL SHERIFF walks up to greet.
RED
We got a positive I.D.?
LOCAL SHERIFF
Yessir, with only the boy as hostage. But
not five minutes ago we found something else.
62 EXT. HAY FIELD - DAY 62
PAN FROM a fingertip UP an arm and TO the face of Jerry Pugh.
A clean bullethole has left him with a third eye, a bloody
back and an entourage of late summer flies. We hear the
CLICK of a photographer's CAMERA.
BOOM UP TO Red, Local Sheriff and other bystanders.
RED
Least now we know who's in charge.
63 INT. IMPALA - DAY 63
Butch notices that Phillip is pretty somber as he tugs on
another RC.
BUTCH
Whattaya' thinkin' about?
PHILLIP
Nuthin'.
BUTCH
If I guess you tell me?
Phillip nods.
BUTCH
You thinkin' about yer mama?
Phillip sits still. That was it.
Butch brings the car to a stop. He points to the horizon.
Desolate.
(CONTINUED)
42.
63 CONTINUED: 63
BUTCH
I hear ya', Phillip, but look around. I
can't very well leave you here, can I?
64 EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY 64
The Impala rests in the fork of a dirt road.
65 INT. IMPALA - DAY 65
BUTCH
Lemme' ask you somethin'. You right or
left handed?
Phillip meekly holds up his right hand. The car races
forward.
BUTCH
Then that's the way we'll go. You ever
ridden in a time machine before?
Phillip shakes his head.
BUTCH
Sure you have. Whattaya' think this is?
PHILLIP
A car.
BUTCH
Yer' lookin' at this thing bassackwards.
This is a 20th Century time machine.
I'm the captain and you're the navigator.
Butch points forward through the dash.
BUTCH
Out there... that's the future.
Butch taps on the rearview mirror.
BUTCH
Back there... that's the past. If life's
moving too slow and you wanna' project
yerself into the future you step here on
the gas. See?
He does so and the Impala surges forward.
BUTCH
And if yer' enjoyin' the moment yer' in,
well hell, just step on the brake here
and you can slow it down.
(CONTINUED)
43.
65 CONTINUED: 65
Butch brings the car to a complete and dusty stop.
BUTCH
This is the present, Phillip. Enjoy it
while it lasts.
Then he laughs uproariously and steps on the gas.
66 EXT. ROAD - DAY 66
The Impala spins out, kicking dirt in all directions.
BUTCH (V.O.)
Yessir. Time travelin' through Texas! We
got to find us a Ford. My daddy always
drove Fords, you know that?
67 INT. AIRSTREAM - DAY 67
The Airstream sits in the parking lot of the store. Bradley
and Suttle sit up front in the truck.
INT. TRUCK - DAY
Bradley turns the knob on an intercom speaker system next
to the radio.
SUTTLE
It's an intercom speaker system. You can
get and give instructions to and from the
rear of the vehicle.
BRADLEY
How's it work?
SUTTLE
You push the power button but if you've
got the volume turned up...
Bradley pushes the power button. The SYSTEM SQUAWKS LOUDLY
and then CREAKS TINNILY. Speakers blown.
SUTTLE
... you'll blow the speakers. Sheeeit...
INT. AIRSTREAM - DAY
Red cringes, his ears still ringing from the squawk, and turns
to stare at the front of the RV.
(CONTINUED)
44.
67 CONTINUED: 67
INT. TRUCK - DAY
BRADLEY
(quiet; to Suttle)
This thing's prolly' got a warranty.
You oughta' make a list of all the
things that are wrong.
INT. AIRSTREAM - DAY
Red shakes his head and stands in front of the map, placing
thumbtacks at crossroads indicated by the circle mark.
ADLER
That oughta' put his pecker in a sling,
huh, Red?
(remembers Sally)
Sorry, ma'am.
SALLY
(ignoring Adler)
Shouldn't these be roadblocked as well?
She points to several other unmarked roads.
RED
Sooner or later he'll get on a main road.
We don't got the manpower to roadblock
every farm to market.
ADLER
In a perfect world, Miss Gerber, we'd lock
arms and thrash the bush til' he turned up...
SALLY
In a perfect world things like this wouldn't
happen in the first place.
Adler hears something on his headset, turns to Red.
ADLER
Locals are heading out. Wanna' follow?
RED
Let's sit tight. He'll turn up.
68 EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY 68
The Impala travels slowly along the road until it edges to a
stop by the entrance to a small farmhouse with a truck and
car parked in a long dirt driveway. A farmer on a combine
works a small field.
45.
69 INT. PLYMOUTH - DAY 69
BUTCH
Ok, Phillip, we're gonna do some car
shoppin'. You ever play cowboys n' Injuns?
See that Ford sedan? Now I want you to
sneak on over there like an Injun and take
a peek and see if the keys is in it.
Phillip hesitates.
BUTCH
Don't have to if you don't wanna... but
I'd appreciate it... You bein' the new
navigator and all.
Phillip thinks it over then opens the door and slips out.
BUTCH
Hey, Phillip, check for a radio, too.
70 EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY 70
Phillip, still in his skivvies, legs cut up and muddied from
his escape from Jerry, sneaks up to the car and quietly peers
into the open window.
The keys dangle when his small hand touches them.
Phillip closes the door, looks around and then runs pell-mell
to the passenger window of the Impala.
PHILLIP
It's got keys and a radio. I checked.
BUTCH
Good man.
Phillip holds his crotch and stamps his feet.
PHILLIP
Can we stop at a fillin' station.
BUTCH
What for?
PHILLIP
Number one.
BUTCH
This here's nature, Phillip. Pee in the
ditch.
Phillip scrambles to the ditch to relieve himself while Butch
steps out of the Impala, tosses the keys into the field and
walks toward the Ford.
(CONTINUED)
46.
70 CONTINUED: 70
The FARMER stops his tractor and notices Butch and Phillip.
Phillip, despite his prior urgency, is having trouble coaxing
relief.
Butch slides into the Ford, pumps the gas pedal and turns the
key. The ENGINE GRUMBLES and DIES.
The Farmer is walking now, slowly and then at a trot as he
realizes what's happening.
Phillip finally starts to pee.
Butch cranks again and again but the Ford is flooded.
BUTCH
Start, you sonofabitch!
The Farmer runs faster, comes closer...
FARMER
Hey, that's my car! Hey!!!
Butch floors the gas to clear the flood and the ENGINE finally
STARTS. He throws it into reverse and peels out backwards
into the road beside the ditch where Phillip continues to
relieve himself.
BUTCH
Get in the car, Phillip!
The Farmer, only 30 yards or so away, is racing toward them
madder than a wet hen.
Phillip tries to hurry but the RC continues to run through
him.
BUTCH
Phillip! Get in the car!
Phillip pulls his underwear up and races to the car. He leaps
into the open passenger door at the same moment Butch steps on
the gas and the Farmer arrives and grabs onto the door as it
closes.
71 INT. FORD - DAY 71
The CAR is SCREECHING down the road but the Farmer holds on
for dear life and auto. He claws at Phillip, who does his
best to fend off flailing hands and fingers.
Butch reaches under the seat for and grasps the pistol.
Phillip sees what's about to happen and bites the Farmer's
hand as hard as he can.
(CONTINUED)
47.
71 CONTINUED: 71
FARMER
Aaaaaayyyyyy!!!!
The Farmer releases his grip on the door and falls backward,
summersaulting into the adjacent ditch.
Butch places the gun back under the seat.
BUTCH
Goddam, boy, how many RC's did you drink
anyway?
PHILLIP
Four.
Butch shakes his head and laughs.
BUTCH
One thing's for sure. You got one helluva
set of chompers.
72 INT. TRUCK - DAY 72
Sitting still. Bradley tries to light a cigarette with
the lighter but gets no heat.
BRADLEY
(to Suttle)
Lighter don't work. Put that on the list.
INT. AIRSTREAM - DAY
Bobby Lee sits alone in the back corner of the main room of
the RV. He just sits and stares, occasionally smiling
cynically at Sally.
Adler takes the latest info off the radio while the others
listen in.
ADLER
(into radio)
Highway 16 north. Four miles south of
Desdemona. Got it.
(to Red)
Stole a vehicle.
Kaiser radios up front, the ENGINE STARTS and the Airstream
moves.
RED
(to Adler)
What kinda' shape's it in?
(CONTINUED)
48.
72 CONTINUED: 72
ADLER
What's that?
SALLY
The Ford he stole.
ADLER
Owner told the locals they only drove it
to church, but it does have a bad emergency
brake.
(to Sally)
How'd ya' know it was a Ford?
SALLY
He likes Fords.
Adler looks at the map.
ADLER
Looks like you was right, Red. He's off
the farm to market and onto a spur.
Whattaya' wanna' do?
RED
Beef up the I-20 roadblock.
Adler gets more news through the headsets.
ADLER
What's that?
(beat)
Red, the locals wanna' know if they're to
take a clean shot if they get one?
Red stares out the window for what seems like an eternity...
RED
No.
Adler looks quizzically at Red and pulls off the headphones...
RADIO VOICE (V.O.)
Come back...? Come back Mobile One.
Adler, are you there...?
RED
Tell 'em what I said.
ADLER
(into mike)
Uh... no.
RADIO VOICE (V.O.)
Was that a negative?
(CONTINUED)
49.
72 CONTINUED: (2) 72
ADLER
No, er, yes. No means negative. Same
thing. Over.
Red sees Sally peering at him over the top of her file. He
glances around at the other sets of eyes.
RED
I don't want some half-ass Sergeant York
taking pot shots with a deer rifle.
Adler puts the headphones back on.
Bobby Lee smirks a bit.
SALLY
It's the only thing to do. He's got the
child with him.
Red gives her a look that says, "Don't defend me".
BOBBY LEE
(to Sally)
I suppose you figger' he'll jus' give up.
SALLY
Maybe, maybe not.
BOBBY LEE
Well now there's a safe bet.
SALLY
I'll give you a safe bet. The boy's
in better hands now than he was.
RED
The third eye Pugh's sportin' on the way
to the morgue shouts otherwise.
Sally flashes Red a look back. Bobby Lee rises and moves
past Red on his way to the toilet.
BOBBY LEE
(casually)
Then why not shoot to kill.
Red just stares at Bobby Lee as the younger man moves slowly
past him to the toilet.
Adler on the radio...
(CONTINUED)
50.
72 CONTINUED: (3) 72
ADLER
(to Red)
They've forwarded the stolen vehicle license
to the roadblocks. You still wanna' go to
the farm?
Red pulls out a package of Red Man chewing tobacco and mulls
over the question while he slaps a wad into his cheek.
RED
Yeah. I gotta' hunch.
73 INT. FORD - DAY 73
BUTCH
You got blue eyes don'tcha', Phillip?
Never met a blue-eyed Phillip before.
Who you named after?
PHILLIP
My daddy.
BUTCH
You and your old man get along all right?
PHILLIP
Yeahsir.
BUTCH
Toss the ball around, play grab-ass in the
yard, that sorta' thing?
PHILLIP
Nawsir.
BUTCH
Why the hell not?
PHILLIP
He ain't around, really.
BUTCH
Well he is or he ain't. When's the last
time you saw him?
Phillip shrugs.
BUTCH
Me'n you got a lot in common, Phillip.
The both of us got blue eyes, we both
like RC Cola and neither one of us has
an old man worth a damn.
(CONTINUED)
51.
73 CONTINUED: 73
PHILLIP
(a bit defensive)
My Mama says he'll prolly' come back.
Prolly' when I'm ten or so.
BUTCH
Well... she's lyin' to ya' pure and
simple. He ain't never comin' back.
Disappointment registers on the boy's face.
BUTCH
Guys like us, Phillip, we gotta' be on
our own. Seek foolish destiny, that
sorta' thing.
74 EXT. GAS STATION - DAY 74
The Ford pulls off the dusty road and into the lone pump in
this dilapidated petrol mirage. A BUCK TOOTH BOY, 15, in
overalls steps to the window.
BOY
What can I do ya' for?
BUTCH
(to Phillip)
Tell him your name.
PHILLIP
Phillip.
BOY
Fill-er-up it is.
The attendant starts to pump the gas.
BUTCH
See there! All you gotta' do is say your
name and people are waiting on you hand
and foot. Like a goddam king or somethin'.
Phillip can't help but smile at the notion.
75 EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY 75
Bradley and Suttle lean against the parked RV, chatting.
BRADLEY
You responsible for engine maintenance
on this thing?
SUTTLE
Uh, yeah. I'm the full time driver.
(CONTINUED)
52.
75 CONTINUED: 75
Bradley shakes his head. "Too bad".
SUTTLE
What? Why?
BRADLEY
You notice how it keeps wanting to slip a
bit goin' into second. Feels to me like
somebody's been a little heavy-footed with
the clutch.
(beat)
I'd take care of that if I was you.
PAN TO: an ambulance door opens and the Farmer, strapped in,
is rolled toward it as his wife, sobbing, attends to him.
Several local police scour the surrounding field, walking
four feet apart, looking for what they hope they won't find.
Red leans on the trunk of the Impala, chews and spits on the
ground. He sniffs the air. Unsavory. Adler strides up from
the field.
ADLER
No bodies this time, thank Gawd.
RED
You got the keys to this thing?
ADLER
Uh... naw...
RED
Get me a crowbar.
(to Sally)
You might wanna' wait in the boat.
SALLY
No thank you.
76A INT. TRUNK - DAY 76A
But it's black as night. A CROWBAR CRANKS at the lock until
the trunk blasts open like a bottletop. A blast of light
gives way to the silhouetted faces of Red, Adler and Sally,
who turns and walks away in nauseous disgust.
RED
Well....
THEIR POV - OPEN TRUNK
In it lies the crumpled, bent, bloody remains of Larry, the
prison employee, the original hostage.
RED
... there's our bureaucrat.
53.
76B RED 76B
spits a chaw, turns and walks to the RV. Near the entrance
Sally is heaving.
RED
(to no one in particular)
It's sure nice to know the boy's in good
hands.
Sally straightens herself, ready to bite back, but Red's
face is soft. He offers a handkerchief. She takes it.
RED
Gallows humor, Sally. Without it we'd
all be heavin'.
77 EXT. SMALL TOWN (NOODLE, TEXAS) - DAY 77
The Ford slides down the Main Street and into a side alley
next to a Department Store.
78 INT. FORD - DAY 78
BUTCH
You ready to get out of those skivvies
and into some britches?
Phillip nods.
BUTCH
Well all right then. But first we gotta'
come up with some A.K.A.'s, fake identities,
ya' know. Names to call each other when
we're around other folks.
(beat)
Go ahead and think one up. Whatever name
you want.
Phillip is amused by the sport of it all.
PHILLIP
Any name I want?
79 EXT. STORE FRONT - ESTABLISHING - DAY 79
A small time Dry Goods store with a sign over the entrance
proclaiming: "FRIENDLY'S - The Friendliest Store in Texas!"
80 INT. FRIENDLY'S - DAY 80
A small, well-organized country dry goods store with a dozen
or so aisles carrying everything from DDT to used boots.
(CONTINUED)
54.
80 CONTINUED: 80
A long counter at the front of the store is backed by a small
office with a large glass window that gives the Manager, MR.
WILLITS, 45, bespectacled, anal-retentive, a clear view of the
store. A nuclear family with two kids exits the store just as
Butch and Phillip enter. Butch holds the door open and smiles
at them. They say "thanks" but can't help but notice Phillip,
cowering behind Butch, still clad in his underwear. He hides
behind a nearby display which reads: Cast Your Vote For
Friendly's Friendliest Clerk!
A clerk, LUCY, 30, holding a handful of shoeboxes notices
their entrance. She's schoolmarmish with a smile that looks
like it's painted on.
LUCY
Well, hello there and welcome to Friendly's.
Looks like the little fella' needs some pants.
BUTCH
As a matter of fact. Shoes and new skivvies,
too. He'll tell you his size. Go with the
lady, Buzz.
Phillip, still in somewhat of a daze, doesn't recognize his
own "name".
BUTCH
Buzz!
Phillip snaps to, cracks a smile at Butch and follows the lady
to the children's section of the store.
LUCY
Buzz, what a cute name. Like a bee.
BUTCH
walks past the cash register, gives the clerk behind the desk
a wink and proceeds to an aisle which features hardware, rope,
tape, nails, etc. He stoops and grabs a shank...
... with his hands he grips the rope tight and jerks it taut.
CHILDREN'S AISLE
Lucy is holding jeans up to Phillip's waist.
LUCY
It'd be easier if I knew your size, but
we'll get it right.
Phillip's eye catches something...
(CONTINUED)
55.
80 CONTINUED: (2) 80
HALLOWEEN COSTUME DISPLAY
on a circular rack with shelves. Hanging prominantly is a
Casper the Friendly Ghost costume. Above it a sign reads:
"MARKED DOWN - Get the Jump on Next Year!"
CLOSEUP - PHILLIP
mesmerized by the display.
BUTCH
takes a roll of electrician's tape. He tears off a strip,
attaches it to the back or his hand and tugs. It holds tight.
LUCY
kneeling, looking for sizes, selects a pair and turns to find
Phillip gone. She spins around and smiles when she sees...
PHILLIP
wearing the Casper mask.
LUCY
Why look. It's a friendly ghost. Say 'Boo.'
PHILLIP
(unconvincingly)
Boo.
LUCY
Not very scary but you'll have a whole
year to work on it if your Daddy lets
you have it. Good price, too. What'd
you go as this year?
PHILLIP
A bandit.
81 EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY 81
A local police car cruises slowly, spots the Ford parked in
the alley and comes to a halt.
82 INT. POLICE CAR - DAY 82
The cop, TERRANCE, 25, who only started last month after he
flunked out of Texas A&M, checks the plates against a notepad
on his dash.
TERRANCE
(realizing his find)
Aw... shit...
83 INT. FRIENDLY'S - DAY 83
Butch, with a handful of supplies, including the rope and
tape, makes his way to the register.
(CONTINUED)
56.
83 CONTINUED: 83
He's greeted there by PAULA, to whom he earlier winked. She's
25, country cute, and wears a fake smile that rivals Lucy's.
Butch reaches for and tries on a pair of sunglasses.
BUTCH
Whattaya' think?
PAULA
Look good.
He adds them to the pile of stuff.
PAULA
Will that be all for you today?
Butch nods and hands over the goods.
BUTCH
You folks are about the grinninest bunch I
ever seen.
Paula laughs, then drops her grin, looks behind her to see
Mr. Willits is watching, and whispers...
PAULA
Old Man Willits holds a contest ever'
month. The friendliest clerk gets a
$20 bonus.
(beat)
There's a ballot box at the front.
BEHIND GLASS
Mr. Willits adjusts his black and white TV and settles on a
local news broadcast.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
(on TV)
... the hunt continues for Butch Haynes,
who escaped last night from the maximum
security unit over in Huntsville. Haynes,
six-one, 185 pounds, with brown hair is
considered armed and dangerous. He was
last seen...
CHECKOUT COUNTER
Paula checks Butch's items as Lucy and Phillip emerge from an
aisle and drop a pair of jeans and sneakers onto the counter.
LUCY
Here's the clothes, but Buzz has his
heart set on a Halloween costume for
next year. It is half off.
(CONTINUED)
57.
83 CONTINUED: (2) 83
MR. WILLITS
pays more attention to Butch as the newscast continues.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
... Haynes is believed to have an
8-year-old boy with him as hostage.
CLOSEUPS - BUTCH AND WILLITS
Each checking out the other.
BUTCH
(to Phillip)
We'll get it next time. Go get in the
car, son.
84 EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY 84
Terrance pulls his black and white to one end of Main Street
and parks it across the street, blocking it.
TERRANCE
(into radio)
Okay, Pete, I'm all set down here. You?
ANOTHER COP
PETE, 40, probably Terrance's uncle, slides his black and
white to the opposite end of the street and puts it in park.
PETE
(into radio)
Copasetic. Let's just keep him tied
up til' the state boys get here.
85 INT. RV - DAY 85
Adler takes the urgent message off the radio and turns to the
group...
ADLER
They've got him penned down in Noodle,
north of Abilene.
86 INT. FRIENDLY'S - AT COUNTER - DAY 86
Paula bags the items, including the jeans.
CLOSEUP - WILLITS
staring straight at Butch.
CLOSEUP - BUTCH
shakes his head at Willits -- "Don't even think about it".
(CONTINUED)
58.
86 CONTINUED: 86
PHILLIP
walks toward the front door but stops short when he sees,
once again, the Halloween display.
BUTCH
pays Paula, then stuffs a $20 in her blouse.
BUTCH
You are truly the friendliest clerk I
ever met.
She blushes a "thank you" as Butch makes a hasty retreat to
the door.
PAULA
(an afterthought)
Thank you for shopping Friendly's!
87 EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY 87
Butch exits the store, spots the blackandwhites, and slides
into the middle of a group of old-timers moving down the
sidewalk at a leisurely pace.
88 INT. FRIENDLY'S - DAY 88
Phillip stands at the costume display, looks around, then
grabs a Casper costume carton, stuffs it under his T-shirt
and walks quickly to the door.
89 EXT. SIDE ALLEY - DAY 89
Butch slides away from the Old Timers and into the Ford.
90A INT. FORD - DAY 90A
Butch checks the back seat. No Phillip, no Buzz. He checks
the rear view mirror and sees...
90B IN REAR-VIEW MIRROR 90B
Pete, his cherry top spinning, pulls in behind Butch, blocking
his entrance to the main street.
91 EXT. SIDE ALLEY - DAY 91
Butch throws the Ford into reverse and steps on the gas.
Pete not expecxting this kind of pace, at least not from the
get-go, leaps into his back seat.
The Ford rams into the black and white pushing it backward
into a lightpole and a truck. The TRUCK'S OWNER, carrying
mulch from the feed store, watches as his truck slides
toward him.
(CONTINUED)
59.
91 CONTINUED: 91
TRUCK OWNER
Dammit, Pete!!!
92 EXT. FRIENDLY'S - DAY 92
Phillip steps out the door. He spots the crash and watches
as...
The Ford blasts back into the alley in a hail of dust.
93 INT. FORD - DAY 93
Butch, driving like a maniac, turns into the back alley and
steps on it. All at once he mashes on the BRAKES and comes
to a SQUEALING stop.
HIS POV
The alley is a dead end.
BACK TO SCENE
Butch rips the CAR into reverse and SQUEALS all the way back
to the original side alley.
94 EXT. FRIENDLY'S - DAY 94
Phillip stands frozen, scared, not knowing what to do but
keeping a look out on the street for the Ford.
95 INT. FRIENDLY'S - DAY 95
Lucy and Paula peer from behind the counter at Phillip and
the fracas taking place in the street.
LUCY
I knew something was wrong from the get-go.
They spot Phillip standing a few feet in front of the door.
PAULA
Look, he left his little boy.
LUCY
And look, the little rascal has... he's
no better than...
PAULA
What?!...
LUCY
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