A IN’TWHISTLIN’ DIXIE · snow. Christmas lights are still flashing on the front of a sad ......
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Transcript of A IN’TWHISTLIN’ DIXIE · snow. Christmas lights are still flashing on the front of a sad ......
FADE IN:
EXT.SAD OLD HOME - EARLY MORNING1 1
It's a cold and dewy winter morning somewhere in southern Mississippi. The sun is just beginning to rise on the horizon. The ground is covered in a fresh blanket of white snow.
Christmas lights are still flashing on the front of a sad old home. A faded plastic Santa and reindeer are on the roof.
On the front window there is a bright red and green banner proclaiming, Merry Christmas To All!
A rooster is crowing somewhere in the distance.
INT.SAD OLD HOME/BOY’S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING2 2
Two small boys are sleeping in the same bed. JOHN-JOHN (9) wakes his younger brother BEN (7).
JOHN-JOHNWake up. Ben, wake up. C'mon, let's go.
Ben yawns, wipes the sleep from his eyes and suddenly realizes what day it is.
Jumping from the bed, the two boys race down a small hallway to see what Santa has left them for Christmas. The family room is adorned in all the pitiful, yet colorful decorations of this festive season.
INT.SAD OLD HOME/LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS3 3
The boys stand in awe at the brightly wrapped gifts that sit under the decorated Christmas tree. A pitiable, worn out star sits shining atop the Christmas tree.
BEN(incredibly excited)
Look at all this stuff John-John. Oh-boy! Oh-boy!
JOHN-JOHNSanta!
BEN(playing with one of the Christmas lights on the tree)
(MORE)(CONTINUED)
We oughta wake up Momma and see if we can get to openin' this stuff up!
INT.SAD OLD HOME/HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS4 4
The boys run back down the hallway and into their parents bedroom. The boys father is asleep in the bed.
INT.SAD OLD HOME/MOMMA’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS5 5
MOMMA, (28) is an attractive, bleached blonde woman born and raised in the south.
MOMMA(whispering)
You boys get on out of here before you wake up your father.
BEN(whispering and overly excited)
Momma, Santa Claus was here and he left us a whole lotta things to open. C'mon. C'mon.
The boys are extremely excited now. Ben does a little dance. He pulls Momma by the hand out of the bedroom and toward the living room.
As Momma appears from the shadows of the bedroom. She's putting on a bathrobe and sporting a severe black eye that’s been there for some time. She's nervous and it oozes from her every movement.
JOHNNY SR., (late 30's) a middle aged, dark haired greaser, begins to toss in the bed.
Momma looks back toward her husband and tries to disguise the look of fear and concern that fills her eyes.
The happy faced little boys continue to pull their mother down the hall.
INT. SAD OLD HOME/LIVING ROOM - MORNING6 6
Ben turns an old transistor radio on that is sitting on a worn out coffee table. A DISC JOCKEY speaks:
DISC JOCKEY (V.O.)Seasons greetin's to y'all out there in radio land. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!
CONTINUED:3 3
BEN (CONT'D)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
2.
This here next little diddy is dedicated to all you good ol' boys and gals on this’n here beautiful Christmas mornin’. Hey folks, did Santa Claus come to town?
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, begins to play over the radio airwaves.
Ben jumps up and begins to do his excited dance.
John-John is at the Christmas tree sorting out the gifts.
JOHN-JOHNThis one’s for you Ben!
MOMMA(quietly)
Turn that thing down. You’ll wake your father.
JOHN-JOHNDo what Momma said.
Ben reaches over and turns down the radio.
John-John hands Ben one of his wrapped gifts.
The sound of a refrigerator door opening and fingers rustling through an ice tray is heard.
The boys eyes dart toward the kitchen.
Ice drops into a glass, liquid pours over the ice and it begins to crack.
John-John hands a gift to Momma.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Momma, this one’s for you.
Momma bends and kisses John-John’s cheek.
MOMMAWhy, thank you my precious li’l darlin’.
The sound of ice chiming in a glass draws nearer to the room.
Johnny Sr. steps from the shadow of the kitchen doorway holding a glass and a bottle of booze. He’s reeling, bitter and exceedingly sarcastic as he slams down a swig of his devil poison.
CONTINUED:6 6
DISC JOCKEY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
3.
The room goes silent.
JOHNNY SR.Ho! Ho! Ho! And a merry f’n Christmas to ya’ll too.
If looks could kill John-John’s old man would drop right on the spot.
Momma kisses her husband on the cheek apprehensively.
MOMMAMornin’ honey. I’ll get you your cup of coffee.
She exits the living room and enters the kitchen.
Johnny Sr. stumbles across the room moving the boys unopened gifts out of his way with every step. Ben stops opening the gift he holds. He’s frozen in fear.
As Johnny Sr. reaches Ben, he takes the half opened gift from the boy and sits down, holding it in his lap.
JOHNNY SR.Well, let’s see what Santa brought you for Christmas boy.
He opens Ben’s gift. It’s a toy fire engine.
JOHNNY SR. (CONT’D)What kinda fire to do expect to put out with just a toy? Boy!
John-John hands Ben another gift as he glares at his father.
JOHN-JOHNHere’s another one for you Ben.
Momma enters the room with a cup of coffee. She attempts to hand it to Johnny Sr. He ignores her. She cautiously puts it on the coffee table.
JOHNNY SR.Where the hell you get the money for all this junk?
MOMMASam, he wanted the kids to have a good Christmas.
CONTINUED: (2)6 6
(CONTINUED)
4.
JOHNNY SR.Correct me if I’m wrong but, I thought I told you to stay clear of Tarbell?
MOMMAPlease, honey not today.
He sets the bottle of booze on the coffee table.
JOHNNY SR.When I ask a question I expect an answer.
JOHN-JOHNYou leave Momma alone. Santa brought us them presents.
JOHNNY SR.(to John-John)
Children are to be seen and not heard.
BEN(quietly)
Don’t worry John-John he ain't gonna do nothin'. Not today. Not on the Lord’s day.
JOHNNY SR.(to Momma)
Woman, I asked you a question?
MOMMAIt's already been taken care of, just let it go.
Johnny Sr. lets the fire engine drop onto the floor.
JOHNNY SR.(mocking)
It's already been taken care of.
He stands and steps onto the fire engine, crushing it under his heel.
MOMMAPlease, Johnny let it alone. Just this once. It’s Christmas.
JOHNNY SR.I'll show ‘em what they get for Christmas.
He steps on one of the wrapped gifts. The sound of a squeaky toy comes from the smashed package.
CONTINUED: (3)6 6
(CONTINUED)
5.
Momma intervenes.
MOMMAPlease, Johnny!
He continues to smash packages with his feet.
John-John runs over to his father and begins to kick, punch and push him. The boy is flailing wildly as his father continues to stomp on the gifts.
JOHN-JOHNYou gotta ruin everything.
Johnny Sr. pushes the boy down.
MOMMAJohnny, please! Please, don't.
Momma rushes in and attempts to restrain her husband. Johnny Sr. grabs her by the hair and smacks her in the face.
JOHNNY SR.Woman, don’t you ever lay your hands on me.
Momma tumbles into the Christmas tree. She’s knocked unconscious as the tree falls over.
BENMomma!
Ben begins to cry softly.
JOHNNY SR.(turns to Ben)
I’ll give you somethin’ to cry about.
Ben runs to hide behind the curtain.
Johnny Sr. rips the curtain rod from the wall. Ben stands frozen in fear once again.
John-John steps in front of Ben in a protective and defiant posture. Johnny Sr. bends to his knees until he’s face to face with the boys.
JOHN-JOHNI ain’t afraid of you.
CONTINUED: (4)6 6
(CONTINUED)
6.
JOHNNY SR.(to John-John)
When I get back, you kids better have this mess cleaned up.
(to Ben)Or I'll really give you somethin’ to cry about.
Johnny Sr. turns to exit.
Ben rushes toward Johnny Sr. and grabs at his pant leg.
BENDaddy! Momma, she's hurt.
Johnny Sr., (while opening a squeaking screen door) grabs Ben by the face and pushes him back hard. The screen door slams shut behind him.
Ben falls back hitting his head on the coffee table and is knocked unconscious. The bottle of booze falls, spilling and spreading across the floor until it reaches the fire place.
The flames shoot back immediately and begins to consume Ben.
John-John grabs the torn curtain, runs to Ben and struggles to put out the flames.
EXT.SAD OLD HOME - CONTINUOUS7 7
Johnny Sr.’ in his old truck, he turns the key in the ignition and the radio blasts a country tune, drowning out the screams of his little boy.
He slams the truck into drive and it surges forward.
INT.SAD OLD HOME/LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS8 8
The fire swiftly becomes a raging inferno throughout the house.
John-John runs to the window.
The old trucks image reflects in the window as it pulls away.
JOHN-JOHN(shouting)
Daddy!
John-John runs to Momma and tugs at her robe.
CONTINUED: (5)6 6
(CONTINUED)
7.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Momma, get up. Momma, get up!
John-John tries to pull his mother out of the house. She's too heavy. He turns to his brother Ben. Struggling, John-John manages to drag him out of the burning home.
EXT.SAD OLD HOME - CONTINUOUS9 9
The home is now completely engulfed in flames.
Johnny Sr.’ old truck is in the distance as it roles down the snow covered dirt road.
Overwhelmed, John-John trips as he pulls his brother toward safety. Ben falls into his lap.
John-John stares in disbelief at the home that was once his.
JOHN-JOHN(teary-eyed and shouting)
Momma. Momma.
The plastic Santa and Reindeer melt into the roof as some of the Christmas lights continue to blink on the exterior of the home. Other bulbs burst from the heat of the flames.
Nearby NEIGHBORS arrive too late. Their silent gaze says more than words.
John-John stares into the fire.
The flames from the burning home are flickering in his eyes as tears stream down his face.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Them kids was right. There ain’t no such thing as Santa.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT.ACES 'N' EIGHTS - NIGHT10 10
The flame from a lighter that is lighting a cigarette burns in a twenty year older John-John’s eye’s. The cigarette smoke drifts across his face.
The Hank William's song, Your Cheatin' Heart is playing on the jukebox.
CONTINUED:8 8
(CONTINUED)
8.
John-John’s sitting in a crowded, country style bar where he has been drinking for quite some time. The bar is filled with empty beer bottles and cans.
BUDDY a feeble and mindless country boy with good intention is small talking with John-John.
BUDDY (V.O.)She ain't no good Johnny. I'm tellin' ya she just ain't never gonna be no good. Why do you wanna waste your time on a woman what’s already been with half the damn county.
JOHN-JOHNIt don't matter now. I just don't understand why Charlie would go and do a darn fool thing like that. Anybody else, but Charlie...
He's shaking his head in disappointment.
EXT.ACES 'N' EIGHTS - NIGHT11 11
John-John sits in his truck. To his surprise a giggling BECKI, a sweet little vixen leaves the bar arm in arm with CHARLIE, who has a guitar slung over his shoulder.
Charlie gives Becki a good whack on the ass. This eats into John-John as he watches Becki playfully jump into the driver side of Charlie's souped up hot rod. She scoots over and Charlie enters.
They drive off.
John-John punches the steering wheel of his car.
INT.ACES 'N' EIGHTS - CONTINUOUS12 12
Returning to the bar conversation.
JOHN-JOHNThe way I figure it, the only one I got left is my big little brother Ben. You know he's like a trusty old antique stopwatch. Whenever I see him he gets all wound up. Big Ben!
BUDDYWell, Ben's kin. But Becki... She ain't never been no good for you. If I was you I'da smacked the taste right out of her mouth a long time ago.
CONTINUED:10 10
(CONTINUED)
9.
JOHN-JOHNLet me tell you somethin' 'bout women you don't understand. I'm gonna teach you somethin' here. Some women are good and some are bad. And some men like them to be bad as hell. If you know what I mean! Sorta like the punishment we deserve for thinkin' we can ever own 'em. Then there are those who prefer women to be all messed up so's they can manipulate and control 'em.
BUDDYYeah I'll have to agree with you there but...
JOHN-JOHN(interrupting)
Let me finish what I was gettin' at.
BUDDYI'da knocked 'em both into next week.
JOHN-JOHNThat’s one difference between you and me. I could never hit a woman.
Their conversation is interrupted by TWO GOOD OLD BOYS that look like your average auto mechanics. They're arguing directly behind Johnny and Buddy over a dollar bet on a pool game.
FELLER ONEYou didn't call that shot.
FELLER TWOYou callin’ me a polecat? You sayin’ I’m a liar?
FELLER ONEI'm sayin' you didn't call that shot.
JOHN-JOHNScuse me. We'z talkin' over here and y'all is interruptin' our conversation.
FELLER ONEWell, excuse me J.J.
JOHN-JOHNThank you kindly.
The good old boys have a good laugh at his expense.
CONTINUED:12 12
(CONTINUED)
10.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Anyways, like I was sayin'...
The fools start up again.
FELLER ONEOoow. Don’t mess with J.J. He’s a loose cannon. He’s got a reputation bigger than the state of Texas.
FELLER TWOHis gal’s got quite a reputation herself.
The fools laugh it up.
JOHN-JOHN(to the bartender)
We need another round here.
The BARTENDER, a middle aged 1950's throwback with a beehive hairdo hands J.J. an unopened can of beer. He turns and throws it slamming it into the forehead of Feller Two knocking him silly.
The beer can spins overhead and gushes open, landing on the pool table spewing beer like Ol’ Faithful.
A fight ensues between J.J. and the fellers hanging with the pool player.
BUDDY(still seated)
If you need any backup J.J. you just give me a holler.
Buddy spits a wad of tobacco onto the floor, cracks open his beer and takes a long swig.
J.J. finishes off the last guy breaking a pool cue across his head.
Finally, he grabs his beer from the pool table as it stops spewing a fountain of foam. He takes a chug at it.
FELLER ONEGoddamn it J.J. I think you broke my arm.
BARTENDERJ.J. you owe me for that pool cue!
John-John walks toward the front door to exit.
CONTINUED: (2)12 1211.
EXT.ACES 'N' EIGHTS - NIGHT13 13
John-John exits, a DRUNKEN COWBOY entering the bar runs into him. The cowboy’s hat falls to the ground. John-John retrieves it.
JOHN-JOHN(apologetic)
Scuse me.
The drunken cowboy tips his hat.
J.J. jumps into his 30 year old souped up, faded black, Chevy P.U. truck.
He turns the key. The song, 55 Ford loudly plays over his radio. He cranks the volume and races off.
The trucks taillights trail off into the darkness.
EXT.RUN DOWN TRAILER PARK - DAY14 14
This is a place where nobody would want to live. John-John calls it home. He lives with his grandmother, MAW-MAW who spends her days watching television evangelists. Maw-Maw is wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.
Maw-Maw’s sitting on the front porch in an old rocker conversing with WILMA, an elderly retired meter maid who still wears her uniform. Both are fanning themselves from the miserable heat.
Through the window John-John can be seen putting Christmas ornaments on a pathetically worn out, fake Christmas tree. Wilma’s shaking her head.
MAW-MAWI can't tell you what he's up to. He's all too ornery to listen to a word I have to say. I just know that he ain't up to no good.
Wilma thinks John-John has gone off of his rocker.
WILMAI think he’s a few cards short of a full deck. It just ain't done. Maybe I'm the one whose crazy but... it just ain't done.
MAW-MAW(to John-John)
Johnny dear, it's awful hot out here. (MORE)
(CONTINUED)
12.
Could you be a darlin’ grandson and bring us some of that ice tea from the frigidaire?
JOHN-JOHN (V.O.)I'll tend to your needs just as soon as I'm finished in here Maw-Maw.
INT.LIVING ROOM - DAY15 15
John-John tops off the pathetic tree with a beautiful new star. He smiles and shakes his head with approval.
EXT.ROAD SHOT - DAY16 16
Sign reading: "MISSISSIPPI STATE MENTAL HOSPITAL. QUIET PLEASE!" The ghostly white and towering structure is noticeable in the distance.
EXT.HOSPITAL - DAY17 17
John-John makes a quick squealing stop in the hospital parking lot. He gives himself a wicked smile. He knows that he's done wrong.
He jumps out of his truck grabbing a football and a large package wrapped with Christmas paper. He kicks the truck door closed.
EXT.HOSPITAL - DAY18 18
The football and package make it difficult for John-John to ring the entrance buzzer. BZZZZ. BZZZ.
From the far end of the lengthy corridor SARAH, a blonde and appealing southern belle nurse slowly approaches the security window.
JOHN-JOHN(to Sarah)
C'mon. C'mon.
She smiles as she picks up a sign in sheet. She's glad it's John-John.
SARAHName please?
JOHN-JOHNYou know my gosh darn name Sarah. You do this every time I come here.
SARAHYour name sir?
CONTINUED:14 14
MAW-MAW (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
13.
JOHN-JOHN(kicking at the locked gate)
Let me in this goddamn nut house.
Sarah shaking her head in a practiced fashion unlocks the gate. John-John eyes the key ring as Sarah pushes the gate open and lets him in.
INT.HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS19 19
SARAHI do believe that its you who belongs here J.J. Your brother is well behaved.
John-John’s not hearing a word she has to say. He glances at the snoring JORDY, one of the muscle bound assistants who’s asleep in a chair.
SARAH (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Are you going to sign in?
She holds out a sign-in sheet as he walks on.
SARAH (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Won't you sign in for me just this once? Just this one time J.J.? Oh, J.J.
John-John walks down a long corridor. The cold gray-green walls and shiny white floor is no place that a sane man would want to call home. PATIENTS are peeking out of their rooms while others aimlessly pace the corridor.
J.J. greets JR.
JOHN-JOHNHowdy do Jr.? Don’t worry, I’m sure that insurance monies ‘bout to run out any day now.
And JEB.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)They still got you locked up in this loony bin Jeb?
DEWY, an eighty-eight year old black man, is being wheeled down the corridor by a good-looking and well endowed, southern bell NURSE. Dewey smiles at the first sight of J.J.
CONTINUED:18 18
(CONTINUED)
14.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Hey Dewey, you old kook ball. I'll bet your just about achin’ for that sponge bath ain't ya? How 'bout I trade you that sponge bath for what's inside this here box?
DEWEYNo way J.J! I might be crazy but I ain't nuts.
John-John slaps the nurse on the ass as she passes.
INT.HOSPITAL VISITING ROOM - CONTINUOUS20 20
John-John enters the visiting room where families are visiting some of the wards. He greets them kindly.
John-John passes through the visiting area into the courtyard.
EXT.HOSPITAL COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS21 21
It's bright, sunny, and green with beautiful trees and a flowery garden. The atmosphere is gay and the wards, grown men are wearing birthday caps with all the colorful array of an eight year old child’s birthday party.
The song, Boom Boom, Ain’t It Great To Be Crazy is playing on an old 45 rpm portable record player.
JOHN-JOHNHow're all you nuts doin'?
The wards laugh at anything he says. They love him. A fat, sweaty, middle aged nurse, MABEL oversees the party. She scorns John-John's words with a look of contempt.
John-John spots BEN from behind. Ben towers above everyone. He's part dancing and part happily jumping out of rhythm to the music with his familiar childhood dance. John-John approaches him.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Hey you, Shorty.
Ben turns around. He's deformed from the severe burns he received in the fire twenty years earlier.
Ben's slow witted and has been raised in this hospital since the incident. He's nothing like the hotheaded John-John. Ben's happy, caring and carefree.
CONTINUED:19 19
(CONTINUED)
15.
BEN(an excited yell)
John-John!
He leaps with joy
Mabel rolls her eyes.
MABELThat's Christmas wrapping. Today's his birthday. In case you need to be reminded, Ben was born on July 3rd. It ain't hardly Christmas in the middle of the summer.
JOHN-JOHN(being hugged and kissed by Ben)
It's Christmas everyday for Ben. Do you here me? Everyday!
BENThat's a present?
JOHN-JOHNIt's for you. Happy Birthday big buddy.
BENIt's mine?
JOHN-JOHNYep, it yours. Sides you see anyone here big enough to take it from you once you get your paws all over it?
Ben rips open the paper. It's four large boxes of Frosted Flakes. One of the wards cautiously takes the football from John-John.
BEN(shyly)
They're great.
Ben rips open a box from the wrong end. He begins to eat huge handfuls washing them down with his beloved Mountain Dew.
MABELWe'll put these away for now.
JOHN-JOHN(interfering)
He'll do fine as he is.
CONTINUED:21 21
(CONTINUED)
16.
Mabel backs off.
Sarah enters the courtyard with candles lit on a birthday cake. Happy Birthday Ben is spelled out on the cake. There are twenty-six lit candles.
They all begin to sing, Happy Birthday to Ben.
John-John is the loudest and the proudest. Ben, smiling, crunches away on Frosted Flakes. He half hides his face in embarrassment from all this attention being drawn toward him.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Blow out the candles Ben.
Ben breathes deep to blow out the candles. He blows a mouthful of chewed up Frosted Flakes all over the cake. The candles of course go out as well.
MABELOh dear, Ben. Oh my!
John-John gets a kick out of it. The rest of the wards laugh with him.
Sarah sets down her keys in the midst of all the party debris on the table and attempts to wipe the crumbs off of the cake frosting. It only makes it worse.
SARAHOh, forget it.
Sarah begins to cut the cake.
John-John eyes and manages to pocket Sarah's keys.
JOHN-JOHNHow many candles are on the cake Ben?
BENTwenty-five, I'm twenty-five years old today.
JOHN-JOHNYou're twenty-five all right but there are twenty-six candles on the cake.
BENHow come?
JOHN-JOHNThe extra one's for good luck. What's the cake say?
CONTINUED: (2)21 21
(CONTINUED)
17.
BENIt says Happy Birthday Ben.
JOHN-JOHNThat's what it says.
SARAHHere's some cake for you Ben.
BENNo cake. Frosted Flakes.
MABELIt's your cake Ben. The cake was made for you.
BENNo cake.
JOHN-JOHNLet it be. He don't want no cake.
The birthday party continues. Everybody's eating cake around the long table. Ben in contrast is eating his Frosted Flakes washing them down with Mountain Dew.
EXT.HOSPITAL COURTYARD - LATER SAME DAY22 22
John-John throws the football to Ben and it hits him in the chest falling to the ground. The other patients gang tackle Ben, piling on.
The football roles back at the feet of John-John. He picks up the ball and walks over to the wards who are still piled on top of Ben.
JOHN-JOHNOk. I got the ball. Everybody up. Time out.
All the wards jump up and begin to signal and shout time out.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Ben, it’s apparent you ain’t no wide receiver but a strappin’ ol’ boy like you would make one hell of a running back.
He begins to show Ben how to hold a football and run with it.
CONTINUED: (3)21 21
(CONTINUED)
18.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)You hold the ball like this and run. Remember the object is not to let anyone catch you. Now go.
Ben takes off.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)That's it. Run, Ben run. Faster! Don’t let no one catch you.
Ben runs around the yard in big circles over and over again.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)That's it! That’s it!
Some of the wards try to catch Ben. They’re obviously very excited in this, “Let's catch Ben game.”
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Way to go Ben. Way to go.
The chase continues.
EXT.HOSPITAL COURTYARD - DAY23 23
There's a trash can full of party debris. John-John takes out a book of matches and quickly lighting a match (one handed) and drops it into the can. The can begins to smolder.
The fire begins to grow in the can. J.J. returns to the chasing game.
The nurses and assistants notice the fire burning in the can.
MABEL(to one of the assistants)
Mercy me! Get a fire extinguisher quickly!
John-John slides over to Ben.
JOHN-JOHNRun Ben. Run. Keep runnin'. That's it. That's it. C'mon.
Ben is giggling and does not notice the fire. Many of the wards begin to stop playing the game. They watch as the assistants fight to put out the fire.
CONTINUED:22 22
(CONTINUED)
19.
John-John runs pushing Ben along toward the entrance to the visiting area.
They reach the long corridor and Ben stops in his tracks, seemingly lost in his own world.
The assistants race toward Ben and J.J.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Ben! C’mon. Let’s go. Don't let 'em catch you.
J.J. begins to tug and pull at Ben. Ben snaps out of it and begins to play the game of chase again.
John-John speeds up ahead of Ben passing the dozing Jordy. Jordy is startled awake. He jumps up just as Ben crashes into him knocking Jordy down hard.
INT.HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS24 24
John-John fumbles with the keys and finally manages to open the gate just in time for Ben to charge through it.
JOHN-JOHNLet's go. Let's go Ben. C'mon, c'mon. You're gonna get a touchdown.
They run toward the P.U. truck. Ben laughing and excited is oblivious to John-John's scheme. John-John opens the passenger car door and beckons Ben further on.
EXT.HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS25 25
JOHN-JOHNGet in the truck. Ben, get in. Don't let 'em catch you.
Ben runs full stride into the open truck door and falls down flat. The door is dented badly. Ben's still laughing wildly. John-John helps him up and ushers Ben into the truck.
The assistants and nurses run out the gate. They're too late. John-John patches out. He rides in circles around the driveway hootin' and hollerin' before taking off.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Yahoo!
Mabel's standing at the front gate with her hands on her hips and shaking her head. She's fuming.
Sarah hides her smile.
CONTINUED:23 2320.
INT.BLACK TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS26 26
JOHN-JOHNWave good-bye Ben. Bye-bye!
BENBye-bye!
John-John and Ben wave good-bye as they speed away. Sarah waves good-bye catching a stern look from Mabel.
JOHN-JOHNTouchdown!
BENTouchdown. Huh, touchdown?
JOHN-JOHNAnd a goddamn two pointer!
Ben suddenly understands that they've left the hospital. No words are spoken, it's apparent in his expression of confusion and excitement. John-John snickers.
The hospital diminishes in the distance.
INT.BLACK TRUCK CAB - DAY27 27
John-John and Ben are parked in the P.U. outside of a Piggly Wiggly convenient store. John-John's teaching Ben how to purchase a six-pack of beer.
JOHN-JOHN(holding some bills)
Now this is what you give 'em. And this is how much you'll get back.
(bouncing some coins off of his palm)
You give 'em this, and they'll give you back that. Close to it anyway.
John-John reaches behind the seat of the truck and pulls out an empty soda bottle. He tosses it out the window. He reaches back again and pulls out an empty beer bottle.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)This is what the bottle looks like, O.K.? You get six of 'em. You know how many six is right?
BENI can count to twenty-five.
(CONTINUED)
21.
JOHN-JOHNSure you can. That's why I'm sending you in to get the beers.
Ben looks at the store and then back to J.J. petrified.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Now go on and get the beers. Go get the beers Ben. Its O.K! I'll be watchin'.
Ben timidly leaves the truck.
BEN(counting)
One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six.
He turns back smiling and waving at John-John.
INT.PIGGLY WIGGLY - CONTINUOUS28 28
Ben enters the store. The door chains CLINK and CLANK. Ben stops to watch them until they stop making the racket. This place is completely alien to him.
BENGet the beers Ben. Go and get the beers.
Two employees behind the counter, a fat old redneck lady, LOUISE nudges a younger skinny geek of a man JED with his name tagged to his shirt.
They watch in morbid curiosity as the deformed Ben walks to the freezer looking at the empty bottle and finally matches it up with a six pack of beer. He's amazed he found them.
BEN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)(very pleased and shouting out to J.J.)
I got the beer. I got the beer. I got the beer.
Ben shouting out to J.J. who is now busy with a YOUNG THANG who is hanging into the truck while J.J. charms the pants off of her. She’s wearing a halter top, short shorts on her long colt legs, baby doll shoes and sportin’ a ponytail.
J.J. gives Ben the thumbs up.
LOUISE(sarcastically)
Will miracles never cease.
CONTINUED:27 27
(CONTINUED)
22.
Ben slumps down and quietly takes the six pack container out of the refrigerator and one by one counts the beer bottles putting them on the floor.
BENOne, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six.
LOUISE(to Jed)
I think there’s somethin’ seriously wrong with that boy.
When he finishes re-counting the beers over and over and places the empty container back in the freezer. He picks up the empty bottle and six single beers. On his way to the sales counter he drops one.
BENUh oh!
LOUISE(to Jed)
I think you should go and see what the hell is going on back there.
Ben goes back for another. He then passes a sales stack of Mountain Dew. He's never seen so many in his life. He freezes in his tracks.
He goes to the Mountain Dew display and attempts to pick up a twelve pack. He bites off more than he can chew, one of the beer bottles slips out of his grasp and crashes to the floor. Then another, then another.
LOUISE (CONT’D) (CONT’D)Hey, you! What in Sam Hill is goin’ on?
Ben's too overwhelmed to acknowledge her. He spots the Frosted Flakes and begins to move toward them.
He reaches up to grab a box of Frosted Flakes and knocks a box onto his head (teetering between the shelves edge and his head), balancing it as to not let it fall onto the floor.
Jed peeks around the corner. Louise peeks around the corner.
LOUISE (CONT’D)Jed, get the gun!
The boxes of Frosted Flakes tumble down around Ben.
CONTINUED:28 28
(CONTINUED)
23.
Ben tries to carry as many sodas and boxes of Frosted Flakes as he can.
Then he spots the candy aisle and beelines toward it. He's awed by the enormous display of candy.
LOUISE (CONT’D)(brandishing a broom)
Mister, you're gonna pay for this mess you made.
As Ben is reaching into the candy, he drops everything and runs, trampling the beer, cereal, soda, etc. Just then, Jed comes around the corner.
Jed steps into Ben's path. Alarmed and frightened Ben side steps Jed knocking over several magazines off of the magazine rack. Ben loses his balance, regains it and runs terrified toward the door.
Louise gives chase.
EXT.PIGGLY WIGGLY - CONTINUOUS29 29
J.J.’s already at the door, he’s there to protect the cowering Ben.
JOHN-JOHNWhat's wrong lady?
LOUISEWhat's wrong? What’s wrong! I’ll tell you what’s wrong. Take a look at this mess.
The aisle is in shambles.
JOHN-JOHN(consoling to Ben)
It's OK Ben. It's alright.
LOUISE(talking over J.J.)
I oughta call the cops on you. I oughta have you arrested.
JOHN-JOHNMa'am I'm sorry for the trouble we caused you.
LOUISEYou're sorry? You're sorry alright.
CONTINUED: (2)28 28
(CONTINUED)
24.
John-John enters the store. The bells CLING and CLANG. He sees the place is in complete disarray.
INT.PIGGLY WIGGLY - CONTINUOUS30 30
JOHN-JOHNLady, I said I’m sorry. I'll pay you for the damage.
(to Ben)I’m taking care of it Ben. Just calm down. It’s alright.
Jed begins to pick up the magazines and starts to place them on the rack.
John-John follows Louise to the register.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)About how much do you figure we owe you Ma’am?
LOUISEBetween the beer, the cereal, the soda pop and the candy. And look at all them magazines soakin' wet. I'll never be able to sell ‘em now.
John-John pulls out some money.
JOHN-JOHNWill this about cover it?
LOUISE(shaking her head no)
That will do for the merchandise. But it ain't nearly gonna pay for all the cleanin' up Jed's gonna have to do.
John-John pulls out a little more money. Louise snatches it up.
LOUISE (CONT’D)Well, alright. Just get on out of here and don't you ever show your face in here again.
She opens the cash register. KA-CHING.
JOHN-JOHN(to Ben calmly)
C’mon let's get out of here Ben.
They start to move toward the door.
CONTINUED:29 29
(CONTINUED)
25.
LOUISEJust look at that J.C. Whitney catalog, special ordered for ol' man Joe. Now what am I gonna tell him happened to his magazine? Some tard came in here and tore the place up? You expect he'll believe that? Do you?
John-John stoops down picking up a beer and a mountain dew.
JOHN-JOHN(turning back to Louise)
Ma'am, if you ran them heffer cow legs of yours as much as you run them chicken lips, I'd say you'd be ‘bout as skinny as Jed over there and you wouldn't have to walk sideways through doorways like an ol' crab.
For once Louise is speechless.
John-John opens the door to leave and those darn bells start CLANGING on the door again. Ben slaps at them as if to say, shut-up. He doesn't like them anymore.
EXT.A BEAUTIFUL LAKE - LATER SAME DAY31 31
The sun is setting over a beautiful placid lake. Moss grows off of the cypress trees. Huge lily pads sparsely cover the surface of the water. John-John is drinking a beer. Ben of course is drinking his Mountain Dew.
J.J. sits on the ground while Ben stands towering over him.
JOHN-JOHNThe sun always shines beautiful over a smooth flat lake.
Ben turns and slightly grins acknowledging J.J.'s statement.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Looky there! Did you see that? That was a catfish jumpin' clear out of the water.
BENWhen are we going to see Momma? You said you would take me.
JOHN-JOHNYou want to see Momma? Well, let's go and see Momma.
CONTINUED:30 30
(CONTINUED)
26.
John-John downs his beer, stands and stretches.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Let's go boy.
John-John puts his arm around Ben and heads toward the P.U.
EXT.LAKE SIDE ROAD - CONTINUOUS32 32
The P.U. truck drives off down the road leaving us the view of the serene beautiful lake.
INT.MAW-MAW’S LIVING ROOM - LATER SAME DAY33 33
A sterile television EVANGELIST is blabbing in the background on the TV. John-John steps through the front door.
JOHN-JOHNLooky here Maw-Maw! Look what the cat dragged in.
Maw-Maw slowly turns and gazes at Ben. She jumps from her seat.
BENHi, Maw-Maw.
MAW-MAW(nervous)
Oh, my. You just can't take him whenever you please. Oh, Lordy.
JOHN-JOHN(laughs)
I just borrowed him some. I'm bringin' him back after his birthday.
MAW-MAWYou'll be bringin' him back right away if I have anything to say about it.
JOHN-JOHNNot yet. Not until we go and visit Momma.
MAW-MAWI better phone Mabel and tell her you'll be bringing him back immediately...
(a stern look at John-John)if not sooner.
CONTINUED:31 31
(CONTINUED)
27.
Through the plate glass window a Sheriff’s patrol car pulls up to the trailer.
UNCLE JIM, is a mild mannered man, tall and lanky. He’s a likeable fellow if not pushed to his limits. He’s also Momma's brother.
JOHN-JOHNAin't no need for that, Uncle Jim's here now. I'll straighten this thing out.
EXT.MAW-MAW'S PORCH - DAY34 34
John-John steps from the doorway and onto the porch. Ben is lurking behind the doorway and peeking out.
Uncle Jim's POV, he walks to the front porch.
JOHN-JOHNHey, Uncle Jim.
UNCLE JIMI gotta take him back J.J.
JOHN-JOHNNow hold on there. Not just yet, I promised him I'd take him to see Momma.
UNCLE JIMJ.J. you know you can't do that. You can't just take the boy whenever you please.
JOHN-JOHNI'll get him back just as soon as I can.
UNCLE JIMWell... I can say that I never saw ya. But you better get him back.
(tapping J.J.'s chest with his finger)
ASAP!
JOHN-JOHNAlrighty, I will. I said I will.
Jim turns to go.
UNCLE JIMOh, and one more thing. You better take care of that pool stick you broke over at Aces. If I was you...
CONTINUED:33 33
(MORE)(CONTINUED)
28.
I'd tone it down a bit. You tore those boys up pretty good last night. Sooner or later you're gonna push it too far.
JOHN-JOHNAin't cha even gonna say happy birthday to Ben?
UNCLE JIMHappy birthday Ben!
Ben smiles.
BENUncle Jim! Uncle Jim!
UNCLE JIMYes, Ben?
BENI'm twenty-five years old.
UNCLE JIMThat's real fine.
(to John-John)First thing in the morning!
JOHN-JOHNYeah, I heard ya.
UNCLE JIMJust do it.
Uncle Jim jumps back into his car and drives off.
JOHN-JOHN(to Ben)
C'mon, inside Ben. I got somethin' to show ya.
INT.MAW-MAW’S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS35 35
John-John takes Ben into the living room.
JOHN-JOHNI've got a real special surprise for you.
John-John leads Ben to the Christmas tree. Ben’s jaw drops as he beams in excitement, then his smile fades.
CONTINUED:34 34
UNCLE JIM (CONT'D)
29.
EXT.FLOWERY FIELD - DUSK36 36
John-John stops the truck, jumps out and begins to pick some wild flowers growing in a low-lying meadow.
Ben follows behind J.J. copying whatever he does.
EXT.GRAVEYARD - DUSK37 37
John-John and Ben slip through a hole in a fence. There are many headstones and grave sights. They walk through the graveyard until they draw near to Momma's headstone.
JOHN-JOHNThere's Momma. Over there by them trees.
BENMomma? Come out. Come out if ever you aren’t.
Ben runs past the gravestone.
JOHN-JOHNOver here Ben.
John-John bends down placing the flowers in the headstone vase. He begins to clear the weeds away. Ben runs over to J.J. still holding his flowers.
BENWhere is she?
JOHN-JOHNRight here. Understand? She's right here.
BENI don't see her.
JOHN-JOHNYou don't see her because she’s under the ground.
(he throws up his hands)She’s gone.
BENI don't see Momma.
JOHN-JOHNYou don't see her because she died. She died a long time ago. On that morning you got hurt bad. Do you remember now?
(CONTINUED)
30.
Ben doesn’t understand. J.J. stands up and puts his arms around Ben and holds his brother.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)(to Momma's grave)
So long Momma.
J.J. turns to leave.
Ben looks at the grave as if he now understands. He puts his flowers on the grave and picks a few weeds.
BENBye Momma.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT.SEEDY STREET - NIGHT38 38
John-John cruises into a seedy part of town. There's an adult bookstore, a XXX theatre, some small time street hustlers and pimps.
All the usual trash of the underworld of a much larger city is present. J.J. spots two sexy, SLEAZY WHORES, who are strutting their stuff.
John-John turns the truck around and yells out the window.
JOHN-JOHNDamn, did you get a load of her?
(to the street chick)Hey honey, is that thing specially wrapped for me?
John-John turns to Ben and realizes he's uncomfortable and looking the other way. He pulls over to the curb.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)What's wrong? Ain't you never been with no girl before?
Ben doesn't answer he continues to ignore John-John.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D) (CONT’D)You like girls don't you?
BENI like Sarah cause she always gives me extra candy.
JOHN-JOHNWell, that ain’t the kind of candy I’m talkin’ about. If you catch my drift.
CONTINUED:37 37
(CONTINUED)
31.
John-John begins to drive slowly toward the prostitutes.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Hey honey, come here. What's your name?
The two street girls, CINNAMON and SUGAR walk over to the truck and begin to flirt with John-John.
CINNAMONYou can call me Cinnamon. I'll give you my special rate sugar. Cause, you're awfully cute.
JOHN-JOHNIt ain't for me. It's for him. How much?
CINNAMON(shocked at the sight ofBen)
You ain't got enough money. Hell, Jimmy Swaggert ain't got enough money.
Cinnamon walks away. J.J. with looks that kill turns to SUGAR.
SUGAR(to John-John)
I ain't sayin' nothin'.
Sugar walks away too. J.J.’s about to explode. He patches out, turning the car around and startling the girls by running them off of the road.
Down the street he makes a quick stop and contemplates. The whores are yelling at him in the distance and throwing anything they get their hands on at the truck.
JOHN-JOHNI know just the place. You're gonna have a happy birthday after all.
INT.ACES 'N' EIGHTS - LATER SAME NIGHT39 39
John-John and Ben enter the bar. It's semi-crowded and everyone's staring at them. John-John speaks to the bartender who's wearing a cowgirl kinda outfit.
JOHN-JOHNGet me a drink.
(agitated to the patrons)What are ya'll looking at?
CONTINUED:38 38
(CONTINUED)
32.
John-John sits at the corner of the bar with Ben.
BARTENDERI ain't givin’ him a drink J.J. I was told by your Uncle Jim that if you showed your face in here to tell you to get that boy back to the hospital.
JOHN-JOHNWhere is she?
BARTENDERAnd when you gonna pay for that cue?
JOHN-JOHNDarlin', have I told you lately that I love you?
BARTENDERYou ain't gonna sweet talk your way out of this one.
John-John gives her the once over, looking her up and down.
JOHN-JOHNI only got two words to say 'bout you woman. Umm. Umm.
BARTENDERJ.J. you're terrible.
JOHN-JOHNNow, honey you be a real good girl and get ol' J.J. one of them beers. And while you're at it, bring Ben here a Mountain Dew. Go on, but move real slow. Cuz, I want to watch you shakin' while I'm a bakin'.
The bartender roles her eyes, shakes her head and walks away to get J.J. his beer.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)And put lots of cherries in that Mountain Dew.
John-John's ex-girlfriend Becki walks out on stage with her back-up band. (Charlie’s the guitar player in the band.) There's a thunderous, stomping roar from the local cowboy patrons. (Buddy is on drums.)
The hillbilly looking BAND MEMBERS begin to tune their instruments. Becki spots J.J.
CONTINUED:39 39
(CONTINUED)
33.
BECKIThis one goes out for you J.J.
The cowboy crowd teases John-John with a chorus of AWW SHUCKS. John-John waves it off.
The band strikes up Wanda Jackson's, SAVIN’ MY LOVE. John-John sneers at Becki as she croons exclusively for him.
BECKI (CONT’D)(singing)
I like a lot of lovin’. I like a lot of kissin’.
(she turns to Charlie)You ain’t gettin’ none you don’t know what you’re missin’.
(back to J.J.)I’m savin’ my love baby just for you. Yeah, I’m savin’ my love baby just for you. If you’re lovin’ me like I’m lovin’ you. I’d be willin’ to stick with you. I’m savin’ my love just for you. Yeah, I’m savin’ my love baby just for you.
JOHN-JOHNHooked line and sinker. C'mon Ben, let's move.
Ben grabs a handful of cherries and stuffs them into his mouth.
John-John and Ben exit the bar. Becki stops singing and runs to the door. The band continues to play.
EXT.ACES 'N' EIGHTS - CONTINUOUS40 40
Becki runs up to John-John as he walks to his truck.
BECKII'm really sorry for the fight we had the other night.
JOHN-JOHNI'll bet you are.
John-John continues to walk toward the truck.
BECKII'll do anything to make it up to you. Anything, you're li’l ol' heart desires. You know I just hate it when we bicker at each other.
CONTINUED: (2)39 39
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
34.
Especially when there are so many other things we could be doin’.
JOHN-JOHNYeah, I'll bet you was just bawlin' your eyes out.
BECKII was. I really was. I didn't sleep a wink.
JOHN-JOHNAww, honey, did I do that to you?
BECKI(pouting)
Umm hmm!
JOHN-JOHNLet me make it up to you. Let's get out of here. Just me and you.
BECKI(pointing toward Ben)
Well, what are we gonna do about him?
JOHN-JOHNJust you let me worry about that.
They get in the truck. Becki jumps in through the driver side. J.J. gives her a smack on the ass. Becki giggles. Ben gets into the truck. John-John jumps in.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)(to Ben)
Ben, I want you to meet Becki.
Ben’s still chewing a mouthful of cherries.
They drive off.
INT.BLACK TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS41 41
BECKISo this is your brother? Howdy Ben. How's things? Those burns sure are terrible. What a shame!
JOHN-JOHNBen, this here girl is gonna show you how to feel important. Ain't that right Becki? Real important!
CONTINUED:40 40
BECKI (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
35.
BECKIWhat do you mean?
JOHN-JOHNI mean anything I want. Anything my li’l ol' heart desires.
Becki's jaw opens wide in astonishment.
BECKIDo what? Now you just hold on. You just wait a cotton pickin' minute.
John-John slams on the brakes. He swings open his door.
JOHN-JOHNAnything my li’l ol’ heart desires?
BECKI(pouting)
Anything.
EXT.STREET - CONTINUOUS42 42
John-John guns it. The door slams closed by the force of the auto surging forward.
EXT.BRONCO’S BEDPOST - CONTINUOUS43 43
John-John pulls up to a seedy hotel. The sign out front reads: "BRONCO’S BEDPOST: HITCH UP FOR THE NIGHT." The neon vacancy sign is half burnt-out, but brightly lit.
INT. BLACK TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS44 44
John-John hops out of the truck. He turns, eyeing Becki and grinning from ear to ear enters the hotel office walking backwards.
EXT.BRONCO’S BEDPOST - CONTINUOUS45 45
John-John unlocks and kicks open the hotel room door. Becki and Ben enter the room. John-John stays outside.
JOHN-JOHNBen, listen here. Becki has a special birthday present just for you. So go on in and see what's waitin' for you.
BENA present for me?
Becki pouts.
CONTINUED:41 41
(CONTINUED)
36.
JOHN-JOHNThat's right Ben, just for you.
INT.BRONCO’S BEDPOST HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS46 46
Defeated, Becki looks pleadingly out to John-John. He's grinning from ear to ear, and as he’s closing the hotel door...
JOHN-JOHNIt shouldn’t take too long.
Triumphantly, J.J. folds his arms, leaning against a post.
INT.BRONCO’S BEDPOST HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS47 47
BECKI(perturbed)
Well, come here.
Ben steps toward Becki.
BECKI (CONT’D) Let’s get them britches off.
Becki starts to take off Ben’s shirt. She sees the terrible burns that cover his chest and arms. She takes pity on.
BECKI (CONT’D)That’s such a shame. A terrible, terrible shame.
Ben timidly looks away as she reaches forward to touch him.
BECKI (CONT’D)You know somethin’, if we clean you up a bit you might not look half bad.
She scruffs up his already scruffy hair.
BECKI (CONT’D)Let’s see what we can do with this.
Like a little girl playing with a new doll she wet combs his hair back. He looks alot better.
BECKI (CONT’D)There, nobody would hardly recognize you now.
Becki reaches in and kisses Ben on the cheek.
CONTINUED:45 4537.
EXT.BRONCO’S BEDPOST HOTEL ROOM - BARELY SUNRISE48 48
John-John opens the hotel room door. Becki's half-naked and dressing, still steamed at him.
INT.BRONCO’S BEDPOST HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS49 49
J.J. steps into the room.
JOHN-JOHNYou're right about one thing, there ain't nothin' you won't do. C'mon Ben get up. We're leavin’.
BECKIAnd to think I was cryin’ my eyes out over you.
JOHN-JOHNOh, you may have been ballin’, but you ain’t never shed a single tear.
BENJohn-John she was doing stuff.
(excited like a child out of breath)
She was touching me there.(pointing)
Right there!
John-John tosses a Mountain Dew at Ben.
JOHN-JOHNC'mon we're gettin' out of this town. For good!
BECKIDo what?
JOHN-JOHNGoin' West honey. Gonna break bread in the new land. And we ain't got no room for anyone else neither.
Becki begins to hit John-John.
BECKIYou're taking me with you.
JOHN-JOHN(grabbing her arms and laughing)
No, I'm not. I got me an appointment to keep.
(MORE)(CONTINUED)
38.
I'm gonna race with the devil and like I told you, there ain't no room for no stragglers. Not now. Not never.
As Ben and John-John exit the room.
BEN(to Becki)
You were touching me there.
JOHN-JOHNDon't make nothin' of it, she touches everybody there.
Becky picks up a hotel ashtray and wings it toward the door.
EXT.BRONCO’S BEDPOST HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS50 50
John-John closes the door. The ashtray slams into the door from the inside.
FADE:
INT.JOHN-JOHN'S BEDROOM - LATER SAME DAY51 51
John-John's asleep on the floor in his room. Ben's lying in his bed. J.J.'s awoken by the sound of a mail truck HONKING at a PACK OF DOGS congregated in the street.
John-John groggily looks out the broken windowpane.
The pack of dogs chases the mail truck out of view.
John-John wakes Ben.
JOHN-JOHNRise and shine big boy.
INT.KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS52 52
John-John walks into a beat up old kitchen and grabs a beer out of the refrigerator and opens it. He walks past a picture of Momma hanging on the wall. She's young, smiling and very beautiful.
Maw-Maw’s in the living room in an old rocking chair. She's watching a television evangelist as usual.
INT.MAW-MAW’S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS53 53
He sits next to her and kisses her cheek.
CONTINUED:49 49
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
39.
JOHN-JOHNMornin' Maw-Maw.
TV PREACHERGod has chosen you today in the name of Jesus to walk the righteous walk, to turn from the path of destruction and into the everlasting arms of the Messiah.
The preacher continues to blab.
TV PREACHER (CONT’D)Jesus, is the King of kings and the Lord of Hosts. He is calling on you right now to turn on bended knee and to drink from the everlasting fountain of his holy word...
JOHN-JOHNI hope you ain't sent him none of your social security check. Just look at them rings on his fingers. He's conned enough li’l ol' ladies out of their life’s savings to buy himself a one-way, first class ticket right to the entrance of them pearly gates.
Maw-Maw slaps J.J.’s arm.
MAW-MAWJ.J. you just hush.
JOHN-JOHNAahh, what's the use.
John-John shakes his head at the television and walks out onto the porch.
EXT.MAW-MAW’S PORCH - CONTINUOUS54 54
An old time version of, Somethin’s Got A Hold Of Me begins to play. The TV preacher’s voice can be heard even on the porch.
John-John notices that the mailbox red flag is up. He walks over and opens the box.
John-John looks inside of the mailbox. He pulls out a letter. Scratching his scruffy face fuzz he walks to the porch and sits down on the steps.
CONTINUED:53 53
(CONTINUED)
40.
Staring at the letter he holds it up to the sun. He hesitantly begins to open it. He does. He reads it silently, not really believing what he's reading.
Ben's now standing over his shoulder.
Uncle Jim's police car swiftly pulls up to the trailer. He jumps out.
UNCLE JIM(piqued)
I told you to bring him back to the hospital. Now didn't I? You told me you would do it first thing after you visited your Momma's grave. I don't like being made out to be fool. I'm gonna have to bring him back right now. Ben, get in the car.
Still holding the letter, John-John jumps up from the porch steps ready to square off with Uncle Jim.
JOHN-JOHNI can’t let you do that Uncle Jim.
Eye to eye, Uncle Jim and John-John square off.
UNCLE JIMGet out of my way boy. I oughta arrest you for interfering with the law, kidnapping and every other stupid thing that you've done lately. Ben, let's go! We're going back to the hospital where you belong. I'm taking you home.
Uncle Jim begins to lead Ben toward the car and sits him in the front seat.
J.J. grabs Uncle Jim by the arm attempting to stop him. Uncle Jim jostles J.J. off his arm. J.J. continues to get at Ben. Uncle Jim puts J.J. arm behind his back and against the police car. The letter falls to the ground.
In the struggle J.J.'s lip is cut. He's humiliated and hurt that Uncle Jim would do this. Uncle Jim forces J.J. to the ground. The side of J.J.'s face is pressed against the ground facing the fallen letter.
UNCLE JIM (CONT’D) (CONT’D)I’m sorry to do this to you J.J., but don’t ever interfere with my duty as an officer of the law.
CONTINUED:54 54
(CONTINUED)
41.
Uncle Jim lets loose of J.J.'s arm. He closes the car door. John-John jumps up and runs into the trailer.
INT.MAW-MAW’S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS55 55
J.J. grabs a double-barreled shotgun that hangs on the living room wall. He races back outside.
Maw-Maw screams aloud.
MAW-MAWJohnny!
EXT.MAW-MAW’S TRAILER - CONTINUOUS56 56
John-John aims the gun at Uncle Jim.
JOHN-JOHNGet on out. Get on out of here.
Maw-Maw runs out onto the porch.
UNCLE JIMGo on J.J., pull that trigger if you think you're man enough.
JOHN-JOHNOh, I'm man enough...
John-John cocks the trigger.
MAW-MAWDear Lord?
John-John BLASTS a shotgun shell into the mailbox. Ben covers his ears with his hands. Uncle Jim doesn't even flinch, but he’s a bit surprised.
MAW-MAW (CONT’D)Have you gone and lost your mind?
JOHN-JOHNCuz I got nothin’. And when you got nothin' you got nothin' to lose.
John-John recoils the shotgun.
He steps toward the police car and removes the frightened Ben from the passenger seat.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)C'mon Ben. Just leave us be Uncle Jim. This ain't got nothin' to do with you.
CONTINUED: (2)54 54
(CONTINUED)
42.
J.J. gestures with the gun for Uncle Jim to move on down the road. Uncle Jim turns to leave.
UNCLE JIMYou better think about what you’re doin’.
JOHN-JOHNWhat another speech?
UNCLE JIMHere's the speech. If you don't have him back at the hospital immediately. I'm gonna put an APB out on your ass. Let's see how you handle one of my deputies that ain't kin, someone that won't put up with your bs and bullshit.
Uncle Jim jumps in his car and slams the door. He drives off.
MAW-MAWWhat has come over you? You've been straddlin' that fence long enough. Now you get Ben back to the hospital where he belongs. And you don't show your face around here until you do.
Maw-Maw huffs and stomps back into the trailer slamming the door behind her.
J.J. wipes his lip, dusts himself off and looks at the letter on the ground. He picks it up.
JOHN-JOHN(to Ben)
You heard ‘em. Let's go.
J.J. jumps in the truck and tosses the letter on the dashboard.
EXT.COUNTRY ROAD - LATER SAME DAY57 57
John-John and Ben are hauling down a country road.
The Mississippi State Hospital sign becomes noticeable from the drivers POV.
J.J. hits the brakes. The truck tires SQUEAL to a dead stop. There's a fork in the road. One road leads to the hospital and the other one curves to the left.
CONTINUED:56 56
(CONTINUED)
43.
J.J. picks the letter up off of the dashboard. He smacks it in his hand gazing back and forth at the letter, the hospital and to Ben.
He guns it, taking the road to the left.
JOHN-JOHNYou know what day it is? Why, it's the fourth of July. Know what that means? It means that it's the day after your birthday. Naw, what it really means is fireworks explodin' in the sky.
Ben lights up like a Christmas tree.
BENFireworks?
JOHN-JOHNThat's right. There's gonna be lotsa fireworks. Lots and lots of 'em.
EXT.HILLTOP - NIGHT58 58
Fireworks explode in the skyline. Ben and John-John sit on a hillside enjoying the spectacular show. There's a feeling of melancholy. Silence prevails but is broken.
BENJohn-John when are you going to take me back to the hospital?
JOHN-JOHNDo you want to go back?
BENIsn't hospitals for sick people?
JOHN-JOHNJust take a look around you Ben, we’re surrounded by sickness.
BENI'm not sick. Am I?
JOHN-JOHNI've been saying that for years. But, who's listenin’ to anything that I got to say?
Another colorful explosion fills the sky.
CONTINUED:57 57
(CONTINUED)
44.
BENLook at that one.
(pause)Uncle Jim is very mad at you.
JOHN-JOHNI don't particularly care.
Another firework explodes in the sky.
BENLook at that one. Did you see that one?
Silence.
BEN (CONT’D) (CONT’D)Fireworks, huh? Boy, I sure do like fireworks. How come they don't have them every night?
JOHN-JOHNBecause, if there were fireworks every night this wouldn't be a special night and...
Ben lights up and interrupts.
BENAnd that means that if there wasn't any fireworks, then tonight wouldn't be a special night?
There is another aerial bombardment.
BEN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Look.
JOHN-JOHNYeah. They sure are beautiful.
BENBecki is beautiful too.
JOHN-JOHNYeah. It's a damn shame.
Fireworks continue to explode as the camera pulls back into an Extreme Long-Shot making the boys appearance insignificant.
EXT.HEP-R-SEF GAS STATION - DAY59 59
John-John pulls into the HEP-R-SEF gas station to fuel up.
CONTINUED:58 58
(CONTINUED)
45.
J.J.'s eyes locate Charlie's hot rod.
They jump out of the truck. John-John begins to show Ben how to pump gas.
JOHN-JOHNJust hold the handle down like this here 'n' I'll be back after I pay the man inside... a little visit.
J.J. goes to his glove box, pulls out a .45, putting it under his belt.
INT.HEP-R-SEF GAS STATION - CONTINUOUS60 60
Charlie sits behind the counter reading a Hot Rod magazine as J.J. enters.
J.J. walks up to the counter.
JOHN-JOHNHowdy, Charlie.
Charlie looks up and slowly pulls down the magazine. He tries to hide the guilty as sin look on his face as J.J. stares him down.
CHARLIEOh, hello J.J. what can I do you for?
JOHN-JOHNI just came in to get some gas.
Charlie begins to squirm as J.J fills the counter with items. J.J. points to a pair of sunglasses hanging on a rack.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Gimme them flies.
CHARLIEThese here?
Charlie points to a hideous pair of glasses that only Elton John would wear.
JOHN-JOHNNo, not them. Them over there.
Charlie hands J.J. a slick pair of wrap around Ray Bans. He puts them on. There’s a rack of T-shirts with different slogans.
CONTINUED:59 59
(CONTINUED)
46.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)What's the largest size shirt you got like that?
CHARLIEThis one?
Charlie points to a shirt that says, I’m A Little Devil But Grandma Still Loves Me.
JOHN-JOHN(shaking his head no)
Uh unh!
Charlie timidly points to the one next to it which reads, Paybacks A Bitch.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Uh huh!
While Charlie is taking down the shirt...
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D) (CONT’D)And while you’re at it throw in them beef jerky sticks as well.
CHARLIEAll of ‘em?
JOHN-JOHNYep, all of them.
CHARLIEThat's almost a whole damn box?
JOHN-JOHNWell, I wanted a whole damn box. So's I guess I'll have to settle for almost a whole damn box.
CHARLIEYou want anything else?
JOHN-JOHNYeah, one more thing. Charge it.
CHARLIEYou got a charge card?
JOHN-JOHN(he laughs)
Umm Hmm.
John-John pulls out his .45 and places it on the counter.
CONTINUED:60 60
(CONTINUED)
47.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Accepted in finer establishments the world over.
He spins the gun. Charlie eyes dart from the gun, to J.J. and back to the gun.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Charlie, you ever play spin the bottle?
CHARLIEUh, yeah.
The barrel continues to spin.
JOHN-JOHNWell, this is a variation on the theme.
The gun stops on Charlie. Just as Charlie looks up John-John socks him in the right jaw. WHACK.
Charlie wipes his painful jaw.
CHARLIEDamn, J.J. what in the hell was that for?
J.J. slugs him again. WHACK.
JOHN-JOHNThe same thing that was for.
Charlie is now holding both sides of his jaw. Charlie begins to spill his guts.
CHARLIEShe was all over me J.J. It wasn’t my fault. I told her. I told her.
JOHN-JOHNI'm sure you did. But you forgot one thing.
(J.J. grabs Charlie by the shirt)
She was my gal.
CHARLIEI tried to stop her...
JOHN-JOHNI'll bet you did. Now how much do I owe you Charlie?
CONTINUED: (2)60 60
(CONTINUED)
48.
CHARLIEForty-six, ninety three.
J.J. doesn’t say a word.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)Twenty two, fifty?
John-John picks up the gun and shoots out the video camera.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)On the house?
John-John turns to walk out the door then turns back.
JOHN-JOHNOh, one more thing. I almost forgot.
CHARLIEWhat! You ain’t gonna hit me again are you?
JOHN-JOHNThe money.
(he sticks the barrel up Charlie’s nose and cocks the hammer)
The money!
With the gun in his face, Charlie quickly opens the cash register and empties the drawer. John-John reaches under the counter and pulls out a 9mm hand gun.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D)(scolding)
Charlie?
CHARLIEHuh?
J.J. puts on a DEER tractor cap.
JOHN-JOHNNice gun!
EXT.HEP-R-SEF GAS STATION - CONTINUOUS61 61
In an agitated state Ben's still pumping the gas. It's spilling out on the ground in large amounts and all down his pants and shoes. There's a huge gas puddle.
J.J. nonchalantly puts the guns in his pants and walks over to Ben.
CONTINUED: (3)60 60
(CONTINUED)
49.
J.J. simply turns the pump nozzle off and helps Ben into the truck.
John-John gets into the truck and takes off.
EXT.HIGHWAY - DAY62 62
LONG-SHOT of John-John's truck heading west on I-10 passing a sign which states: "YOU'RE NOW LEAVING MISSISSIPPI, Y'ALL COME BACK NOW YA HEAR"
INT.BLACK TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS63 63
J.J. drives along the highway.
JOHN-JOHNWe got an important stop to make. One that you won't mind makin'. I'm sure of that.
(pause)I'm sure of that for sure.
INT.MUSKOGEE POLICE DEPT. - DAY64 64
The usual small town police station scene, cops pushing paper, a COUPLE OF DEAD BEATS being processed.
INT.UNCLE JIM’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS65 65
Uncle Jim is giving a lecture to a seemingly hard-core criminal.
UNCLE JIMCan you see yourself locked up like a caged animal, behind them barbed wired prison walls? Can you hear the sound of that cell door slamming shut? Do you want to spend the rest of your life like a rotating door, swingin’ in and out of a state run, correctional facility? Surrounded by hardened criminals? Murderers? Rapists...
The camera pulls back to reveal a YOUNG BOY with a baseball mitt on his left hand, a baseball cap and a baseball jersey. He sits motionless as Uncle Jim continues his harangue.
CONTINUED:61 61
(CONTINUED)
50.
UNCLE JIM (CONT’D)Child molesters? Now old man Sam says if you mow his lawn for the rest of the summer, he’s willing to forgive your debt and drop all charges for smashing that big ol’ plate glass window on his hardware store. And I think that’s a pretty good deal considerin’... What’s your take on it?
The boy sits frozen in silence.
UNCLE JIM (CONT’D)OK then... Now you get on out of here and I don’t want to ever see you in here again.
The boy still sits, frozen in fear.
UNCLE JIM (CONT’D)Go on! Get out of here before I decide to change my mind.
The boy races out of the office. Uncle Jim holds back his laughter as the boy disappears.
KELLY, a young, handsome and muscular deputy enters Uncle Jim’s office knocking. He hands Uncle Jim a printout.
KELLYJim we got us some trouble.
Uncle Jim takes the printout and begins to read.
UNCLE JIMWhat is it?
KELLYIt's J.J.
UNCLE JIM(heightened state)
Goddamn it J.J. Put an APB out on him. I want the dern fool picked up before he goes and gets somebody killed.
EXT.HIGHWAY - DAY66 66
A LONG-SHOT of J.J.'s truck roaring down highway I-10, West bound. It's stirring up dust and revealing a COPPERHEAD SNAKE that was just run over by his wheels.
CONTINUED:65 6551.
INT.BLACK TRUCK CAB - DAY67 67
J.J.’s POV as the driver. Out of the corner of his eye he glances over as a car passes on his left. The driver is Johnny Sr. smoking a cigarette.
The passenger of the car is Momma wearing sunglasses which poorly hides her shiner and a Jackie O’ scarf. A young Ben (playing with a toy fire engine) and J.J. are in the backseat. The younger J.J. looks over at J.J. as the car passes.
CUT TO:
INT.BLACK TRUCK CAB - DAY68 68
A Semi-truck horn BLARES. J.J. snaps back to reality. He's driving full speed on the wrong side of the road and aiming for a head on collision with the Semi.
Like a train it barrels toward them. The horn becomes LOUDER. John-John swerves sharp quickly to the right.
EXT.BLACK TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS69 69
The truck loses control on the dirt shoulder. Spinning to a stop and in the opposite direction, engulfed by a cloud of dust.
INT. BLACK TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS70 70
The Semi's horn BLARES long past the incident. J.J. turns to Ben. Ben turns to J.J. who is cut on the forehead with blood beginning to trickle from his wound.
INT. BLACK TRUCK CAB - DUSK71 71
J.J.’s driving down a country dirt road. He spots a broken down home that looks like death wouldn't enter. He slows down.
EXT.OLD BROKEN DOWN HOME - CONTINUOUS72 72
J.J. and Ben slowly creep up to the home.
It's dimly lit but the television light is noticeable from a front window. J.J. peeks into the window and sees no one.
He opens the door and begins to creep inside with Ben following after.
52.
INT.OLD BROKEN DOWN HOME/LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS73 73
A couple of KIDS sleep on an old couch in front of a TV. J.J. motions to Ben to keep quiet.
J.J. and Ben fumble around inside this unknown home. Ben knocks over an old fruit jar that was sitting on a table. It CRASHES to the floor.
A woman’s voice is heard from an adjoining room.
NORMA JEAN (V.O.)(stern)
You boys get on to bed?
The woman opens the door to the adjoining room and is startled by the sight of Ben.
She grabs at a shotgun and as it comes into full view. She cocks the double hammer to pull the trigger.
John-John leaps, yanking at the shotgun. A shot BLASTS into the roof, knocking NORMA JEAN down and into the light.
Norma Jean's truly white trash but she's voluptuous, looking like the creature from the bleach lagoon.
Debris falls from the ceiling.
Norma Jean scrambles for the shotgun. J.J. steps onto the gun.
JOHN-JOHNI’m sorry to frighten you Ma’am. We don’t mean you no harm. We just want to get somethin’ to eat, rest for a while and then be on our way.
She releases the grip on the gun.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Damn, kids'll sleep through just about anything.
NORMA JEAN(casually)
If you're aimin' to steal somethin’ you came to the wrong place honey. Them's two are the only thing I got.
JOHN-JOHNWhere's their daddy?
(CONTINUED)
53.
NORMA JEANHow in the hell should I know.
J.J. peeks into the adjoining room.
NORMA JEAN (CONT’D)You boys done somethin’ wrong?
JOHN-JOHNWe'z just a menace to society Ma'am.
J.J. puts out his hand to help her up. She takes it and he raises her up.
Norma Jean stands up and brushes herself off.
NORMA JEANI got some left over stew. Will that do?
JOHN-JOHNThat’s fine. Sorry to inconvenience you.
She switches on the kitchen light and shuffles around a couple pots and pans.
She sets a couple of generic beers on the table.
BENCan I have a Mountain Dew?
NORMA JEANSorry sugar, I don’t have any.
Ben picks one up and sips it making a face like he just bit into an onion.
NORMA JEAN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Anyways, what you fella's done? Let me guess. Robbery? Escaped from prison?
JOHN-JOHNWorse than that!
NORMA JEANWhat could be worse than that? You killed someone?
Ben takes another sip and squints.
CONTINUED:73 73
(CONTINUED)
54.
JOHN-JOHN(chuckling)
Worse than that... Escaped from a loony bin.
She changes her demeanor from casual to concerned.
NORMA JEANOh, c'mon now sugar don't you be pullin' my leg like that. You're about to scare me out of my skin.
JOHN-JOHNThat don't sound like such a bad idea.
NORMA JEANI said my skin not my clothes.
John-John pulls her toward him. She slithers out of his grasp.
NORMA JEAN (CONT’D)What's your names anyway? You do got names don't you?
JOHN-JOHNThis is Ben and I'm J.J.
Norma Jean slides over to J.J.
NORMA JEANI'm Norma Jean. I was named after Marilyn.
JOHN-JOHNIf you was named after Marilyn then how come you ain't named Marilyn?
Ben sips his beer again.
NORMA JEAN(to Ben)
Honey, what on earth happened to you? You poor thing. Let me clean you up a bit.
She takes a wet towel and begins to wash-up Ben’s cut.
JOHN-JOHNWhat's in that garage out back? You got a car?
Norma nods her head no.
CONTINUED: (2)73 73
(CONTINUED)
55.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Are you positive?
NORMA JEANSweetie, everyone knows that only fools are positive.
JOHN-JOHNAre you sure about that?
NORMA JEANI’m quite positive.
JOHN-JOHNWell, I don’t exactly mean to change the subject but from where I’m sittin’ over here, you look like you got one hell of a chassis yourself.
Norma shakes her head no playfully. In between this cat and mouse head shaking, Ben is indecisive, shaking his head yes and no. Playing along.
J.J. shakes his head yes.
Norma shakes her head no, more intently.
J.J. shakes his head yes, very assertive.
INT.NORMA JEAN'S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING74 74
A cock crows.
John-John awakens from sleeping next to the Norma Jean. Her back is nude and her bottom is covered by the bedsheet.
INT.OLD BROKEN DOWN HOME/LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS75 75
John-John walks out into the living area and sees Ben in the corner asleep next to the two small boys. J.J. stretches.
EXT.OLD BROKEN DOWN HOME - CONTINUOUS76 76
J.J. walks out into the yard. He checks out the garage. It's empty. He spots an old barn out back and walks to it.
EXT.BARN - CONTINUOUS77 77
J.J. opens the barn door. Lo and behold, a beautifully restored, bright red, 57 Chevy P.U. truck with white interior. This truck is immaculate.
CONTINUED: (3)73 73
(CONTINUED)
56.
His facial expression shows, he knows that another woman lied to him.
He runs back toward the house.
INT.NORMA JEAN'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS78 78
J.J opens the door, walks rapidly up to the bed and kicks Norma Jean awake. She rolls over startled.
JOHN-JOHNWoman wake up.
NORMA JEANIs that any way to say good-morning?
JOHN-JOHNI thought you said you don't have a car?
NORMA JEANI don't.
JOHN-JOHNThen what do you call that in the barn?
NORMA JEANThere ain't no car in the barn. At least not the last time I looked.
JOHN-JOHNDon't play me for a fool. Who's is it?
NORMA JEANIt’s a truck not a car and its my husbands.
JOHN-JOHNHusband! I thought you told me them kids didn't have no daddy?
NORMA JEANEverybody has a daddy. And what I said was I didn't know where he was. And I don't. He's a trucker. He shows his face around here whenever he pleases. I been thinkin' 'bout runnin' off and leavin' him anyway.
JOHN-JOHNWell, then I guess you won't mind much if I borrow his wheels?
CONTINUED:77 77
(CONTINUED)
57.
NORMA JEAN(laughing)
I can't wait to see the look on his face when he shows himself and that things gone. He cares more for that darn truck than he ever cared for me and the boys.
INT.OLD BROKEN DOWN HOME/LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS79 79
John-John walks into the living room and nudges Ben who’s sleeping next to the kids.
JOHN-JOHNC’mon Ben, we’re hittin’ the road.
EXT.BARN - CONTINUOUS80 80
The red Chevy truck exits the barn. Norma stands on the porch with her kids.
The truck disappears down the road.
Norma smacks one of the kids on the ass.
NORMA JEAN(to the kids)
Git on in for breakfast.
EXT.HIGHWAY - DAY81 81
Hiding behind some old brush is a typical speed trap RADAR COP. The radar reads 88 m.p.h.
John-John speeds past.
The radar cop car pulls out of the brush, sirens WAILING.
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS82 82
JOHN-JOHNOh, lordy lordy, looky here. We got us some manipulation.
BEN(excited)
It's Uncle Jim!
JOHN-JOHNRight now I sure wish it was.
J.J.'s mind is racing a million miles an hour looking out the rear view mirror at the flashing lights. He pulls over.
CONTINUED:78 78
(CONTINUED)
58.
J.J.'s opens the glove box and removes the 9mm. He slips it onto the seat under his leg.
The radar cop approaches the truck.
EXT.ROADSIDE - CONTINUOUS83 83
A typical cop stance.
RADAR COPYou in a hurry to put out a fire?
JOHN-JOHNBad choice of words.
The radar cop realizes his blunder when he looks at Ben.
RADAR COPI'm awfully sorry. Just give me your license and registration, sir.
JOHN-JOHNWell, you see officer it's not my truck. It's a friends. Well, actually he ain't exactly what you'd call my friend either. He's my boss and he don't know that I got his baby.
RADAR COPWell, I'm assuming that you're in a bit of hot water right now with your boss mister.
J.J. hands the radar cop his license.
RADAR COP (CONT’D)I'll tell you what, if the vehicle comes up clean I'll let you go with just a ticket for speeding. How's that sound to ya?
JOHN-JOHNSounds mighty friendly of you officer. I'd sure hate to lose my job over joy ridin' the bosses pride and joy.
The radar cop goes back to his car and sits. He calls in his description. This is seen through the Chevy truck rear view mirror.
J.J. plays with the trigger of his gun.
The radar cop returns to the truck.
CONTINUED:82 8259.
EXT.ROADSIDE - CONTINUOUS84 84
The radar cop approaches the P.U.
RADAR COPWell, it comes up clean. Tell you what, I'm not going to write you a summons this time. Just be a bit more careful next time. Drive friendly!
The radar cop walks back to his patrol car. His radio begins to send a alert that is not audible for J.J.
Just as J.J. starts the vehicle.
The radar cop draws his gun and crouches behind his open door.
RADAR COP (CONT’D)(shouting to J.J.)
You, on the drivers side. Get out of the vehicle slowly. Make sure I can see both of your hands at all times.
J.J. doesn't know what move to make. He continues to toy with the handle on his 9mm.
J.J. hesitates, then slams the truck into reverse, tires squeal and smoke as the radar cop shoots out the rear window.
The truck rams the radar cop’s patrol car knocking him to the pavement. His gun flies across the roadway spinning to a halt.
The radar cop cringes in pain having injured his leg.
EXT.ROADSIDE - CONTINUOUS85 85
J.J. exits the damaged truck retrieving the radar cop’s gun. The radar cop grimaces in pain.
JOHN-JOHNYou had to go and do it didn't you? Now what am I going to do? What am I gonna do? You hurt bad?
RADAR COPMy leg. My leg!
JOHN-JOHNI guess I’m gonna have to kill you.
(CONTINUED)
60.
J.J. walks toward the radar cop with his gun cocked and drawn.
RADAR COPNo. Wait, wait. Let's work this thing out. Think of what you’re doin’. I got me a wife and a newborn at home.
JOHN-JOHN(laughing as he reaches the cop)
I always wanted to do that. Don’t worry, I ain’t gonna kill ya.
The truck horn BLARES. It's Ben, he's looking out of the shattered trucks back window at J.J. He's violently contorting and shaking his head no. Ben continues to lay on the horn.
J.J. grabs the radar cop by the collar and drags him to his patrol car. The radar cop grimaces in pain.
RADAR COP(yelling aloud)
It’s broken for sure.
J.J. rips out the radio. He helps the radar cop into the back seat. He shoots out a couple of the patrol vehicle’ s tires.
JOHN-JOHNI'm real sorry about this mister, but as soon as we get far enough down the road I'll be sure to phone you some help. It won't be too long. Scouts honor.
J.J. pushes the vehicle into the roadside shrubbery.
J.J. walks back to the truck.
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS86 86
J.J. jumps into the truck. He puts the radar cop's gun in the glove box.
JOHN-JOHNDamn, I'm startin' to develop quite a collection.
BENYou hurt a policeman. They're good and kind and Uncle Jim is a policeman too.
CONTINUED:85 85
(CONTINUED)
61.
Ben begins to space out. J.J. feels the remorse. More for putting Ben through this and less for his own actions.
JOHN-JOHNHe's all right. I didn’t hurt him. I promise, he’s OK.
BENI want to go home.
JOHN-JOHNOk, we’re gonna go home. We just got one more stop to make.
The truck surges forward.
EXT.RED TRUCK CAB - DAY87 87
The truck continues down a highway leaving in it’s wake a cloud of dust.
The scenery becomes more beautiful as they travel further North. Mountainous terrain and wide expanses.
They pass a sign that reads, Bob's Truck-Stop Ten Miles Ahead.
EXT.BOB’S TRUCK-STOP - CONTINUOUS88 88
They pull into Bob's Truck-Stop.
INT.BOB’S TRUCK-STOP - CONTINUOUS89 89
They enter. There's a few TRUCKERS sitting at the counter.
JOHN-JOHNThe bathrooms over there. You gonna be OK?
Ben shakes his head yes and holding his groin area, races clumsily into the bathroom.
John-John goes to the phone and dials 911.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D) (CONT’D)(phone conversation)
Listen, there's a police officer stuck in his car in the woods off of I-12 in...
John-John voice trails as he sees two New Mexico STATE TROOPERS enter the truck stop.
CONTINUED:86 86
(CONTINUED)
62.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)You better get someone out to Willis Canyon Road immediately there’s an injured officer and he needs some assistance.
One of the officers speaks to the WAITRESS.
STATE TROOPERDo you happen to know who owns that red truck out there?
WAITRESS(nodding no)
I’ve never seen them before... But, I saw them go into the restroom over there.
One of the troopers begin to walk toward the restroom/phone area.
John-John drops the receiver and pulls his gun. The trooper continues to walk toward the restroom/phone area. J.J. backs himself into the corner, his gun drawn and aimed.
The phone handle swings again and again into the hallway area as the trooper walks toward it.
As the trooper approaches the corner a RADIO DISPATCHER places an officer in distress call.
RADIO DISPATCHER (V.O.)We have an officer down on Willis Canyon Road. All officers in the vicinity respond immediately.
STATE TROOPER TWOForget it.
(Trooper One stops in his tracks)
Officer down. Let's go.
The two troopers rush out the door.
Ben exits the bathroom. J.J.'s in a firing position up against the wall.
INT.BOB’S TRUCK-STOP - CONTINUOUS90 90
As J.J. and Ben sit at a table, the waitress comes over to take their order.
CONTINUED:89 89
(CONTINUED)
63.
WAITRESSWhat can I get you boys?
JOHN-JOHNJust some eggs, toast and coffee.
Ben tugs at J.J.'s sleeve. He points to the tiny boxes of Frosted Flakes.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D) (CONT’D)Yeah, some cereal as well?
WAITRESSCertainly.
J.J. notices a display of colorful boxes that look like gift wrapped goodies.
JOHN-JOHNHey, what you got in them boxes?
WAITRESSThem’s homemade pies.
JOHN-JOHN(to Ben)
We gonna have to gitch you one of them.
J.J. watches as another trooper speeds past the window, with red lights flashing.
DISSOLVE:
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - CLOSE TO SUNSET91 91
J.J. passes THE APOSTOLIC WAY church. Families begin to pile inside for a Sunday evening service.
EXT.LONG-SHOT OF STREET - CLOSE TO SUNSET
The quiet street is empty.
EXT.ROW OF TYPICAL HOUSES ON A QUIET STREET - SUNSET92 92
J.J. slowly drives up to a wood frame house and stops.
JOHN-JOHNWell, I'll be. This is it.
EXT.WOOD FRAME HOME - SUNSET93 93
The well kept home is quaint. It sits in a lower/middle class neighborhood.
CONTINUED:90 90
(CONTINUED)
64.
JOHN-JOHNSomeone’s doin’ fairly well these days. Fairly well! Fair thee well.
The front porch light is lit and there's no car in front of the home.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)This is going to be educational and inspirational.
EXT.WOOD FRAME HOME - SUNSET94 94
John-John and Ben are standing on the lawn of the home.
They walk up to the porch, which has a white porch swing. There is a welcome mat and J.J. looks down at it.
J.J. pushes the swing gently as if rocking a cradle. He knocks on the door. There's no answer.
JOHN-JOHNI guess we're welcome to hep-r-sef. See, it says welcome. Welcome, brother Ben.
(laughs)Well, let's go inside and have us a look see.
J.J. smashes a plate of glass in the door with his fist and unlocks it. The door wasn't locked but his hand is badly cut.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)The door wasn't even locked.
They enter the home.
INT.WOOD FRAME HOME - CONTINUOUS95 95
Incensed, J.J. strolls from room to room. He observes the knickknacks, knocking some over.
He steps on a squeaky toy and looking down, spots an array of children’s toys. He kicks some items out of his way as his father did on that Christmas morning.
J.J. stumbles upon a family photo, which is hanging in the dining room. The photo is of an older Johnny Sr., his WIFE and TWO YOUNG BOYS.
Ben calls J.J. from a room down the hall.
CONTINUED:93 93
(CONTINUED)
65.
BENJohn-John come here. Look at this!
He finds Ben playing with a DALMATIAN puppy in the boy's bedroom.
The room is bright. There are two single beds on each side of the room. J.J. bends down and pets the puppy.
JOHN-JOHNThat's a real nice pup Ben. If you want it, it's yours.
BENOh, I cannot take this pup. It belongs to some little children. I know that it belongs to some little children because this is the room where little children sleep. I cannot take the puppy. The little children will be sad when they come home and the puppy would be gone.
J.J. gets up in the middle of Ben's speech and walks into an adjoining room. It's the parent’s room.
J.J. rips one of the white pillow case covers and wraps it around his bloodied hand. There's a bible on the nightstand. A picture of Jesus hangs by the bed.
J.J. heads toward the kitchen door. He sees the shed outback.
EXT.WOOD FRAME HOME - CONTINUOUS96 96
J.J. goes to the shed. He picks up an old shovel and beats the lock off the shed door. He finds a bent up old can of gasoline by a lawn mower and heads back to the house.
INT.WOOD FRAME HOME - CONTINUOUS97 97
J.J. begins to spread gasoline throughout the house. Starting with the parent's room. He splashes gasoline on the bed and sets it on fire. The flames rise above the burning bed and onto the picture of Jesus.
J.J. moves into the children's bedroom. Ben watches and begins to understand what J.J. is doing.
JOHN-JOHNGrab that puppy and go outside.
BENNo!
CONTINUED:95 95
(CONTINUED)
66.
JOHN-JOHNJust do as I say.
Ben picks up the small puppy. He has the look of fear in his eyes as he holds the puppy tight. He runs back out into the front room. The fire has already begun.
J.J. spreads the remainder of the gasoline in the family room and he sees his own reflection in the long mirror that hangs on the wall. He throws the empty can into the mirror smashing it.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D)Let's go.
BEN(loudly)
No. John-John. No!
JOHN-JOHNLet's git. Now!
J.J. grabs Ben's arm and pulls him out the front door.
EXT.WOOD FRAME HOME - CONTINUOUS98 98
The house is now engulfed in flames and the fire burns in J.J.'s eyes. Ben rocks in place hugging the puppy as he cries.
Neighbors are alarmed by the fire. They silently stand by watching the flames rise higher and higher.
JOHN-JOHNBen, let's go!
Ben runs to the truck holding the puppy and gets in. He falls into one of his trances. John-John takes off. The fire is growing behind them as J.J. drives on.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Sunday evening. Church! They're at that goddamn church.
EXT.CHURCH - NIGHT99 99
J.J. pulls into the church parking lot.
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - NIGHT100 100
Ben is confused and frightened. J.J. takes the puppy and puts it behind the seat of the truck. He hands Ben the pie box.
CONTINUED:97 97
(CONTINUED)
67.
JOHN-JOHN(not angry, matter of fact)
C'mon, Ben it’s time to meet your maker.
EXT.CHURCH - NIGHT101 101
The small wooden building is a relic of it's past when Holy Rollers were a part of the American religious movement.
An old wooden cross stands tall and firm, directly in front of the path that J.J. takes as he enters the church. He stops in front of the cross.
There’s a sign that reads, REVIVAL MEETING TONIGHT: ALL ARE WELCOME.
John-John turns to Ben who is caring the pie box.
JOHN-JOHNKnow what this is Ben? This is the beginning of the end. They call it Armageddon. Let's go inside and partake in this holy annihilation.
INT.CHURCH - NIGHT102 102
The congregation is filled to overflowing.
The church interior looks like most drab churches.
The faithful MUSICIANS all males with short-cropped hair and dressed in long sleeved, white shirts and long thin ties play the song, Over In The Glory Land.
The whole congregation sings along to a feverish pitch. The churchgoers are truly faithful.
The WOMEN each with hair up in buns, are wearing long sleeve dresses that drape almost to the floor.
BROTHER TILDEN, wears a worn two piece Sears Polyester suit. He takes to the pulpit.
The congregation’s on their feet. Some are moved by the spirit speaking in tongues, others dance as the church is filled with a spiritually frightening frenzy.
J.J. and Ben enter and are greeted by a smiling BIG BURLY FELLOW.
J.J. hugs the fellow.
CONTINUED:100 100
(CONTINUED)
68.
JOHN-JOHNPraise the load.
BIG BURLY FELLOW(smiling)
Praise the Lord.
J.J. immediately begins to dance holy roller style down the aisle toward the front of the church. The congregation takes notice of his zealous spirit.
He then takes a younger woman that is wearing a white dress by the hand and begins to dance with her and spins her about over and over. She tries to pull away. He gets her white dress bloodied from his bleeding hand.
The congregation is appalled and the musicians one by one stop playing as silence falls over the church. J.J. continues to dance about.
JOHN-JOHNWhy’d you stop for?
The friendly big burly fellow walks over to J.J.
BIG BURLY FELLOWSir, would you mind steppin’ outside please.
J.J. pulls out his 9mm handgun and points it in the man's face.
Some of the congregation's women let out a scream, while others begin to pray aloud.
JOHN-JOHNIf you want, I'll see to it that you bust them pearly gates open right now?
The big burly fellow freezes in place.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Didn't think so.
J.J. begins to slowly walk toward the pulpit, giving the once over to the congregation.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)This is rich. This is real rich. The biggest congregation of contradiction I've seen since the fall of Jim Faker and Jimmy (I did) Swagger.
CONTINUED:102 102
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
69.
I can't remember being so touched since I heard Immoral Robert's begging for ten million dollars.
J.J. is now at the front of the church.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D) (CONT’D)(to the musicians and Tilden)
This will all be over before you know it. I just came to pay a visit to my dear ol’ paw. Johnny Sr. make yourself known.
J.J. gestures for the folks at the front of the church to get down and be seated.
The musicians and guest speaker leave the altar and go to their respective families.
From the second row a vaguely familiar, sober, spiritual man stands tall. Johnny Sr. has short-cropped hair it's no longer jet black and greased. He's graying and aging.
JOHNNY SR.I'm your daddy son.
Silence as the two swap looks at each other for the first time in twenty years. The man that J.J. once knew was not familiar to his recollection. This is obvious in J.J.'s expression.
JOHN-JOHNJohnny Sr. come on down. Hell, you may have already won 10 million dollars.
JOHNNY SR.Excuse me.
Johnny Sr. stoically makes his way past the row of worried faces. He walks tall, yet humbled to the front of the church. He stops in front of J.J. who's still behind the pulpit.
JOHN-JOHNWell, for once I’m speechless.
JOHNNY SR.I see you got my letter.
John-John reaches into his pocket.
JOHN-JOHNYou mean this letter, the one that starts out Dear John?
CONTINUED: (2)102 102
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)
(MORE)(CONTINUED)
70.
A dear John letter. Well, now I'm a John Deer tractor rollin' you over and a under.
J.J. throws the letter in his father's face.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)I got a special holiday gift just for you. And. Oh, I am gonna enjoy giving it to you. And I ain't just whistlin' a dixie melody.
J.J. steps down from behind the pulpit and continues.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Ben!
(to Johnny Sr.)You do remember Ben don't you? Ben, come on up here. Don't be shy. Come on up here and meet your daddy.
From the back row Ben stands and approaches the altar carrying the wrapped pie box.
Ben walks straight to his father and stops in front of him. There is a long pause.
Johnny Sr. explodes with tears, crying aloud.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Merry f’n Christmas.
J.J. hands the package to his father and then snatches it back.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Let’s see what Santa brought you for Christmas boy.
J.J. opens the box and pulls out his .45
J.J. spins his bullet chamber.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Can you name that tune?
He snaps the gun shut on his father’s forehead.
Overwhelmed with emotion Johnny Sr. slowly sinks to his knees uncontrollably sobbing.
JOHNNY SR.Dear God, what have I done?
CONTINUED: (3)102 102
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
71.
Ben kneels down to Johnny SR.
BENWhat's wrong? Why are you crying?
Ben takes Johnny Sr. by the hand. John-John kicks his father.
JOHN-JOHNI'll give you somethin' to cry about.
J.J. pulls Ben away from Johnny Sr.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)What is the matter with you? This is the man that ruined your life for Christ's sakes.
J.J. kicks his father again.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)How's it feel now that we're big enough to fight back? How's it feel now?
J.J. kicks him again.
Johnny Sr.' boy, BILLY (9) who is similar in age and features as J.J. as a child stands.
BILLY(crying out)
Leave my daddy alone.
JOHN-JOHNDaddy. That is such a wonderful word. Why, it's music to my ears. Now, I want you to let these people know what a wonderful Daddy you really are.
Preacher Tilden stands.
PREACHER TILDENThis man has hidden nothing from us.
JOHN-JOHNSave the preachin’ for the sermon preacher man.
PREACHER TILDENLet the man be, let God judge over this matter.
JOHN-JOHNWas I talking to you?
CONTINUED: (4)102 102
(CONTINUED)
72.
Precher Tilden doesn’t return an answer.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)(yelling now)
I said was I talking to you?
J.J. goes over to Preacher Tilden and grabbing his face, pushes him into his seat.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)No, I was not talking to you is the correct response.
JOHNNY SR.’ WIFE stands. She's a thin attractive woman with an upright posture.
JOHNNY SR.’ WIFEIt's true. He's a good man. He regrets the day he ever drank or hurt anyone of you. Especially your mother! If he could turn back the clock, God knows that he would. But he cannot.
JOHNNY SR.Forgive me son.
JOHN-JOHNForgive you? Look at what you have done to Ben. Look at what you did to your own flesh and blood.
JOHNNY SR.There's nothing that I can say for what I have done. I'm truly sorry.
J.J. grabs his fathers by the hair.
JOHN-JOHNYou’re sorry alright. Now, take a good look at that boy , because it will be the last time you’ll ever look at him again.
JOHNNY SR.I always knew that this day would come, just as sure as the sun would shine. But, I have to tell you something. Something, that doesn't much matter now.
JOHN-JOHNHumor me.
CONTINUED: (5)102 102
(CONTINUED)
73.
JOHNNY SR.Ben, is not my son!
J.J. doesn't wants to believe what he hears.
JOHN-JOHNYou're a liar. You're a goddamn liar. First you kill her and then you're tryin' to make Momma out to be a whore.
JOHNNY SR.Your mother was a wonderful woman Johnny. But Ben is not my son. He’s Tarbell’s son.
J.J. bends down grabbing the collar of his father's shirt.
JOHN-JOHNSay it. Say that he's your son.
JOHNNY SR.I'm sorry for any harm I may have caused that boy. But Johnny, he's not my son.
JOHN-JOHNAnd neither am I.
J.J. pulls back the hammer on the gun.
JOHNNY SR.If you have that much hatred in your heart, then do as you will son. I’ve made my peace with God.
Billy climbs over the pew.
BILLY(screaming frantically)
Daddy!
He runs to J.J. and begins to punch and kick him.
JOHNNY SR.’ WIFEPlease, in God’s name. No.
J.J. sets the gun to the temple of his father’s head. Johnny Sr. humbly looks down. J.J. pulls back on the trigger.
Suddenly a hand reaches in and places it onto the gun.
It's Ben's hand.
CONTINUED: (6)102 102
(CONTINUED)
74.
BEN(softly)
No, John-John, no more bad things.
Ben slowly lowers the gun to the ground.
J.J. and Ben exchange looks. Ben shakes his head no.
BEN (CONT’D) (CONT’D)No more bad things.
The church entrance flies open. It's a local SHERRIFF and DEPUTIES, guns drawn, Uncle Jim and Deputy Kelly.
UNCLE JIMDon't shoot!
J.J. grabs Billy.
JOHN-JOHNNice to see you Uncle Jim. I suggest you boys drop those guns and step back outside.
J.J. slowly heads for the front door taking the boy with him.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)(to his father)
Now it’s your turn to learn the meaning of sacrifice.
UNCLE JIMThis isn't going to accomplish anything.
JOHN-JOHNI disagree. It's goin' to get me out that door.
UNCLE JIM(to the local Sheriff)
Put down your guns.
The sheriff’s holster their pistols.
JOHN-JOHNNow back off!
They do.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Ben, let's go!
CONTINUED: (7)102 102
(CONTINUED)
75.
BENLet the little boy go. Let him go.
JOHN-JOHNC'mon, Ben. Let's go. Now!
J.J. grabs Ben and pulls him forward still holding Billy. J.J. slips past the cops.
EXT.CHURCH - CONTINUOUS103 103
J.J. makes his way to the truck, opens the door tossing the kid on the seat. J.J. shouts to Uncle Jim.
JOHN-JOHNUncle Jim, don't follow us. I'll let the boy go as soon as I know I'm safe away.
UNCLE JIMYou're a damn fool. You really got a death wish don't you boy?
JOHN-JOHNIf I die. I die. Anyway, I accomplished what I set out to do.
UNCLE JIMAnd what was that?
JOHN-JOHNTo give Ben one hell of a birthday. I guess I did that now didn't I?
UNCLE JIMI'd say you gave him a helluva birthday J.J.
J.J. jumps in the truck and speeds off. Kelly and Uncle Jim stand in the church doorway.
SHERIFFIf you think I'm gonna stand here while he rides off into the sunset you got another thing comin’.
The Sheriff races for his car radio.
Uncle Jim turns to look into the church and Johnny Sr.’ wife is at his side weeping.
JOHNNY SR.’ WIFEMy baby! My child!
CONTINUED: (8)102 102
(CONTINUED)
76.
UNCLE JIM(to Johnny Sr.)
He burned down your house. There's nothing left.
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - NIGHT104 104
The truck is blazing down a country road.
Billy sits in stone cold and frightened silence between J.J. and Ben.
J.J. tries to break the ice with the kid.
JOHN-JOHNDon’t worry we ain’t gonna hurt you none.
Ben remembers the puppy. He reaches behind the cab and pulls it out from behind the seat. Ben pets the puppy, handing it to the boy.
The boy wipes away his tears and takes the puppy from Ben.
BILLY(still kinda crying)
That’s my dog.
BEN(to John-John)
I told you not to take things that doesn’t belong to you.
(to Billy)I told him.
Ben reaches out to pet the puppy. Billy shows a little trust by allowing Ben to pet the dog.
The frightened kid holds his puppy tight to his breast, like a security blanket.
JOHN-JOHNSo, what’s your name kid?
No answer.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)What’s the matter, cat got your tongue?
BILLYWhy was you tryin’ to hurt my father?
CONTINUED:103 103
(CONTINUED)
77.
JOHN-JOHNI wasn’t gonna hurt him. I was just trying to give him a scare.
BILLYBut, why? He’s my father.
JOHN-JOHNHe’s my daddy too.
BILLYI know. He’s always talkin’ about his big son. He’s always sayin’ how he’d like to see his big son again someday.
JOHN-JOHNReally? He said that?
BILLYYes.
JOHN-JOHNHe said that did he?
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - LATER SAME NIGHT105 105
Billy and Ben are fast asleep as J.J. continues to drive. He takes off his jacket and covers Billy with it.
EXT.DESOLATE AND RUNDOWN HOTEL - NIGHT106 106
The vacancy sign flashes.
INT.HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT107 107
J.J.’s carrying the kid over his shoulder. He dumps him onto one of the beds. The boy starts to wake-up.
The tired Ben immediately heads straight for the bathroom.
J.J. walks toward the TV and turns it on. He goes over to a chair and sits down and begins to flip through the channels with the remote that is chained to the wall.
J.J. stops channel surfing on an old TV show sitcom.
Billy gets off of the bed and walks over to the TV and turns it off.
JOHN-JOHNYou don’t feel like watchin’ TV?
BILLYWatchin’ that kinda TV is a sin.
CONTINUED:104 104
(CONTINUED)
78.
JOHN-JOHNWho put those thoughts into your head?
The kid shrugs his shoulders.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)I know what they’re gettin’ at, Maw-Maw’s always harpin’ on about too much TV is no good for you. But there’s plenty of good stuff to watch.
J.J. turns the TV back on.
He flips through various shows until he comes across a picture of Billy on the news. J.J. feels a bit shameful and continues to flip through the channels.
BILLYThat’s me! Why’d you turn it off!
Billy takes the remote and turns back to the channel.
A picture of J.J. appears on the screen replacing the picture of Billy.
TV NEWSCASTER (V.O.)John Sterling Jr. is a heavily armed man wanted for armed robbery, felony assault on a police officer, arson and kidnapping. If you have any information that can lead to the arrest of this man, contact your local authorities immediately.
BILLYYou really did all that stuff?
JOHN-JOHNApparently so.
Ben flushes the toilet and exits the bathroom.
BILLYLooks like you’re in big trouble. What are you gonna do?
JOHN-JOHNGet you somethin’ to eat. That’s what. You hungry?
The boys shrugs.
CONTINUED:107 107
(CONTINUED)
79.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)I’ll tell ya what. If you don’t give Ben here any trouble, I’ll go and round us up some grub. How’s that sound?
The kid shakes his head yes. Ben is by now over on the bed and playing with the puppy.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Ben, I’ll be back in a few minutes. Keep an eye on the kid for me will you?
J.J. exits the room. He leans against the door as if he has been backed into a corner.
INT.POLICE STATION - SAME NIGHT108 108
Cops fill a squad room.
The no-nonsense local police, SERGEANT YORK is prepping his officers for the nights breakdown. The squatty York sports a flattop crewcut with a mug that you'd mistake for a terrorizing bulldog.
The OFFICERS are anxious and noisy.
YORKAlright, everybody listen up.
The room quiets down.
An OFFICER begins to pass around mug shots of J.J.
YORK (CONT’D)We got a serious problem on our hands. This fugitive is armed and dangerous. We’ve got some serious obstacles to overcome in apprehending him. Namely, a nine year old boy hostage. And he’s also kidnapped his brother from a mental hospital back in Mississippi. Who knows what this guy is capable of doing.
York points to a map of this local community.
YORK (CONT’D)We know he’s still in the vicinity. It’s just a matter of time before we flush him out. This is our objective. We need road blocks at all points that lead out of the county. I don’t care if you bring him in dead or alive....
CONTINUED: (2)107 107
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
80.
but use all precautionary methods not to harm that kid. Now get out there and find ‘em.
The cops begin to disperse.
INT.HOTEL ROOM - LATER SAME NIGHT109 109
J.J. enters the hotel room with an array of candy.
Billy is watching a western (Billy the Kid) on the TV. He’s got the remote control glued to his fingers and it’s no longer attached to the wall
Ben is sound asleep in the bed, next to the puppy.
JOHN-JOHNI thought watchin’ that kind of TV was a sin?
J.J. sets the candy down next to Billy as if it’s a peace offering. He sits down next to the kid.
The kid’s engulfed in the gun battle that is taking place on the screen.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Hey, looky there. It’s Billy the Kid. Man, when I was your age I was crazy about Billy the Kid.
BILLYWho's Billy the Kid?
JOHN-JOHNWho’s Billy the Kid? Why, he's the most famous outlaw in the whole wild wild west. One time he was in a shoot out against the whole darn town. For somethin’ he didn't even do. I don’t remember how he got out of that one. But he did. That Billy the Kid, he always managed to come out clean.
BILLYMy names Billy.
JOHN-JOHNYou’re pullin’ my leg.
BILLYAm not.
The kids eyes are stilled glued to the set.
CONTINUED:108 108
YORK (CONT’D)
(CONTINUED)
81.
J.J. jumps up and emulates drawing two six shooters.
JOHN-JOHNWhy, Billy was known as the fastest gun that ever lived.
BILLYNo kiddin’?
Now J.J. has Billy’s attention. The kid opens up a candy bar and starts eating it.
JOHN-JOHNWould I kid a kidder? Tell you what, I’ll make you a deal. You get on over there next to Ben and get yourself some shut-eye... at the crack of dawn I’ll teach you how to shoot a gun just like ol’ Billy the Kid. Deal?
J.J. extends his hand toward Billy. With chocolate on the kid’s face and a look of trust, he takes J.J.’s hand and shakes it.
Billy crawls over next to Ben. He picks up his puppy and cuddles it.
J.J. watches as the boy falls fast asleep.
EXT. RUNDOWN HOTEL - NEXT DAY110 110
The red truck exits the hotel parking lot.
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS111 111
JOHN-JOHNSo, like I was sayin’ the crazy ol’ fool stepped out of the truck and right smack dab in the middle of a nest of moccasins. The only reason he never got bit was ‘cause he jumped up and down like he was some kinda crazy Indian on a war path.
BILLYMy paw did that?
Billy listens to J.J. as he continues to banter about his father, and the good times.
JOHN-JOHNYeah, them’s were the good ol’ days.
CONTINUED:109 109
(CONTINUED)
82.
BILLYI’m hungry.
BENYes, John-John. I am hungry too.
JOHN-JOHNThen how ‘bout we go and get us somethin’ to eat?
EXT.GAS STATION - CONTINUOUS112 112
J.J. pulls into a gas station.
JOHN-JOHNThis will only be a minute.
Across the street is a hamburger joint JOLLY O’S. A giant looming clown towers over the place.
BENJohn-John. Look! I want to go there. Over there.
BILLYMe too?
J.J. knows that if he goes in that place he might be recognized.
JOHN-JOHNI’m just grabbin’ us somethin’ quick so’s we can get to shootin’.
BENI really want to go over there.
JOHN-JOHNBen, we can’t.
BENHow come?
JOHN-JOHNWe just can’t.
Ben and Billy stare at the looming clown.
J.J. looks over at the hamburger joint.
EXT.JOLLY-O'S - CONTINUOUS113 113
J.J.’s truck pulls into a Jolly-O’s fast food hamburger joint. Ben is amazed at the sight of the clown head.
CONTINUED:111 111
(CONTINUED)
83.
BENLook! Look at that.
(Ben waves hello )High.
J.J. parks the vehicle.
JOHN-JOHNLet's go.
(to the kid)Hold it. You ain't gonna do somethin’ stupid are you?
BILLYDepends.
JOHN-JOHNOn what?
BILLYIf I can have anything I want.
JOHN-JOHNHow do I know I can trust you?
BILLYYou left me alone with Ben last night. He fell asleep didn’t he? I could have ran away. Or called 911. I know about things like that. Besides, you ain’t got much of a choice.
Billy hands the puppy to Ben.
JOHN-JOHNOh boy, you sure are pretty good at turning these things around.
INT.JOLLY-O'S - CONTINUOUS114 114
They’re standing at the counter ready to place their order. Only the boys face is visible from behind the counter. Ben has the puppy in his jacket.
JOHN-JOHNAlright! They got hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bacon and cheese burgers, avocado burgers and extra super spicy green chili cheese burger.
He looks down at Billy.
BILLYI want a chili-dog!
CONTINUED:113 113
(CONTINUED)
84.
JOHN-JOHNThey ain’t got no chili dog.
(to the counter person)Give us three cheeseburgers. Three fries and three chocolate shakes.
BILLYI don’t want no chocolate shake. I want a fountain drink.
BENI don’t want no chocolate shake neither. I want Mountain Dew.
JOHN-JOHNFine! I don’t particularly want one either. Give us three cheeseburgers. Three fries, two sodas and one cup of coffee.
BENJ.J., I don’t want any fries.
BILLYMe neither.
JOHN-JOHNFine! Give us three cheeseburgers, two fountain drinks and one cup of coffee.
INT. RED TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS115 115
Everyone’s chewing away on their burgers as J.J. drives.
He comes to a stop at a red light. He nervously looks around. He sees a costume shop.
JOHN-JOHN(chewing his burger)
Looky there. You know what a real cowboy needs before he learns how to shoot a gun?
Billy shakes his head no.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Some fancy cowboy duds.
The light turns green.
INT.COSTUME SHOP - CONTINUOUS116 116
Billy opens saloon doors from a changing booth looking like he’s stepping into a saloon.
CONTINUED:114 114
(CONTINUED)
85.
He’s decked out in full cowboy regalia including shiny new six shooters, boots and cowboy hat.
Ben steps out of the booth next to him. Ditto.
JOHN-JOHNNow that’s a cowboy.
EXT.STREET - LATER SAME DAY 117 117
J.J. turns onto a road and up ahead two cops have the street blocked off. Ben and Billy are distracted playing with their new toy guns.
BILLY(to Ben)
If I’m Billy the Kid, who you gonna be?
BENI’m Ben.
BILLYYou can’t be Ben. We’re playing cowboys and Indians. You gotta be somebody good.
J.J. makes a casually turn down another street to avoid the cops and drives on.
He runs into another road block. This time Ben and Billy notice. He makes another turn to avoid the police.
He comes upon a gas station and sees a phone booth. He pulls into the station.
BILLY (CONT'D)What’re we stopping here for?
JOHN-JOHNBilly the Kid. I got somethin’ to show you.
He exits the car and Ben and Billy follow.
J.J. walks over to a phone booth. He picks up an old bucket that is next to a littered fence, sets it in the booth and then picks up Billy and stands him upon the bucket.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)(talking like an old cowboy)
Kid. It’s time we divvy up the booty and go our own separate ways.
CONTINUED:116 116
(CONTINUED)
86.
BILLYWhat do you mean?
JOHN-JOHN(very seriously)
I mean your parents must be worried sick about you by now. You need to give them a call and let them know you’re alright and that they can come and get you. Adios Amigos. We’ll cross paths again someday.
J.J. closes the phone booth door and walks away toward the truck.
The kid opens the door and runs to J.J. he’s tugging onto J.J.’s pant legs and not letting him go.
BILLYI don’t want to go home. I wanta go shootin’.
JOHN-JOHN(grabbing and shaking the kid)
This ain’t no game kid. This is the real deal. You ain’t no cowboy. You ain’t no outlaw. Get the picture. Go home. Be a kid.
A cop car comes around the corner and sees J.J. shaking Billy. He puts on his flashing lights.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Ben! Let’s get the hell outta here.
J.J. beelines it toward the truck. He turns the key as Ben climbs over the tailgate and into the back of the truck.
The kid runs toward the truck as it surges forward. Ben extends his hand and pulls Billy into the back of the truck.
The police pursuit begins.
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS118 118
Racing down a rural street J.J. looks out his rearview mirror and spots the black and white in pursuit.
Ben and Billy clamor through the window and into the cab.
BILLYWhat are we going to do now?
CONTINUED:117 117
(CONTINUED)
87.
JOHN-JOHNHold on Billy boy. Just hold on.
EXT.STREET - CONTINUOUS119 119
More cops pick up the trail and are in hot pursuit.
J.J. turns into on coming traffic, which lets him out of the rural area and onto a main street.
Cars screech and squeal to get out of the way of the truck and the pursuing police vehicles.
J.J. skids into a rail taking out the rear fender of the truck.
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS120 120
BILLYThere's a whole bunch of ‘em now.
JOHN-JOHNHold on kid. It's gonna be a rough ride.
BILLYThink there's gonna be a shoot out? Ya hoooooo! I feel like Billy the Kid now.
Billy picks up one of the real guns and points it out the back window.
JOHN-JOHN(grabbing the gun from the boy)
What're you crazy? You’re gonna get your head blowed off.
Billy points his six shooters out the back window.
BILLYPow. Pow. C’mon Ben back me up!
Billy continues to shoot during the chase to the Janis Martin song, BANG BANG.
J.J. looks down at his fuel gauge, which is near empty.
EXT.STREET - CONTINUOUS121 121
J.J. turns down another back-street.
CONTINUED:118 118
(CONTINUED)
88.
The street is blocked. He spots two black and whites with flashing lights directly in his path. He hits the gas.
JOHN-JOHNHold on boys!
The truck rams through the two vehicles.
BILLYYee haw!
J.J. looks back down at the gauge. It's below empty now.
JOHN-JOHNLooks like we're gonna have to abandon ship.
J.J. turns down a dirt road with more than a few black and whites in hot pursuit.
A COWBOY riding a HORSE begins to cross the street directly in the truck’s path. The horse rears back and J.J. swerves to avoid hitting it.
He loses control and plows into the front of an old country store.
An elderly BLACK MAN, sippin’ a lemonade is sitting on a bench at the front of the store. He continues to sip his lemonade as the vehicle comes to a halt.
Meanwhile, the smoke clears and the elderly black man on the front porch get up and looks into the store at the store’s owner.
ELDERLY BLACK MANNathaniel, it apparent you gonna be busy here for a while. I’m a head over to Joe’s Place. I’ll see you later.
He exits the porch.
INT.RED TRUCK CAB - CONTINUOUS122 122
J.J. snaps out of a daze while the PATRONS of the business begin to converge toward the vehicle.
J.J.’s head smashed the windshield of the vehicle and gave him a nice cut on his head. A thick piece of wood from the structure of the building pushed through the windshield.
A few police vehicles swiftly surround the building and begin to take position outside of the store.
CONTINUED:121 121
(CONTINUED)
89.
J.J. looks over onto the seat next to him, Ben is holding Billy’s head. Billy’s knocked unconscious with a bleeding head injury. Ben looks at his hands which are covered with the kids blood.
BENJ.J. what did you do?
J.J. shakes the unconscious boy.
JOHN-JOHNBilly! Oh no, not the kid.
EXT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS123 123
Police and militia begin to dig in.
A group of crazy LOCAL BOYS start taking crack shots, firing indiscriminately into the store. BLAM, BLAM.
The police join in shooting up the store.
INT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS124 124
Bullets whiz into the store exploding cans and packaged goods.
J.J. ducks from the volley of gunfire while the store patrons begin to hit the deck.
JOHN-JOHN(shouting)
Ben, get that kid out of this truck and keep your damn head down before it gets shot off.
Ben carries Billy out of the truck as he dodges gunfire.
J.J. begins crawling under the debris, across the floor and over to Ben and Billy. J.J. takes the kid from Ben.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Everybody keep your heads down.
The store’s owner NATHANIEL, another elderly black man that exaggerates about everything is positioned further down on the same aisle as J.J.
NATHANIELYou must be crazy mister! Look at what you done did to my store.
CONTINUED:122 122
(CONTINUED)
90.
JOHN-JOHNEverybody behind the counter now! Move it!
NATHANIELUh mmm, ain’t no way I’m gettin’ behind that counter with you. You're that crazy fool on TV what’s shot up half the damn county.
Everybody else scrambles behind the counter.
JOHN-JOHNMister you got two choices. Get behind that counter with the rest of us or stay out here and take your chances with them good ol’ boys.
J.J. moves behind the counter carrying the kid.
The store owner looks at J.J. and then out the store and then crawls quickly behind the counter.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D)(to Billy)
Kid. Kid? Everything is gonna be alright. Just hang in there. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.
BILLYDon’t let them take me J.J. It’s a trap. Remember, when the whole town was against Billy the Kid for something he didn’t even do?
SHERRY, the store owner’s daughter, a good looking woman with a tough interior begins to blast J.J.
SHERRYLook, I know you bit off more than you can chew. But, there’s a child’s life on the line.
BENJ.J., you did many bad things. But you did not kill anyone. If you let Billy die, then he will never see his puppy again.
BILLYJ.J., I’m scared.
CONTINUED:124 124
(CONTINUED)
91.
SHERRYHe’s lost a lot of blood. Look at him J.J. You need to make the right decision and you need to make it fast.
EXT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS125 125
Sergeant York screeches up to the front of the store and he steps out of his vehicle. From York’s POV it looks like a shooting gallery at a county fair.
YORK(to his officers)
Hold your fire. Hold your fire!
The officers stop shooting.
YORK (CONT’D)(to one of his officers)
Goddamn it Bobby Joe, what in the hell are you tryin’ to do, cost me my job?Get these gun toten’ local yokels back and keep them back.
(to the other cops)I said get these sons a bitches out of here.
The officers begin to push the local yokels back.
Uncle Jim's car screeches to a halt, pulling up to the front of the building. He jumps out flashing his badge.
UNCLE JIMWhat've we got?
YORKWe got a hostage situation right now. We don't know how many.
UNCLE JIMHe's my nephew. If he'll cooperate with anyone it'll be with me. I know J.J. better than anyone. He may be crazy as all hell. But he's not a homicidal maniac.
YORKLet's see? We got armed robbery and assault. A cop with a broken leg, a burnt down house, kidnap victims. And this whole damn mess here. But he’s not a homicidal maniac?
CONTINUED: (2)124 124
(CONTINUED)
92.
UNCLE JIMJust try to keep him calm.
YORKYou've been monicodlin’ him for days. What makes you think he'll cooperate with you now?
UNCLE JIMYou got a better idea? I need some time. I have an idea I'm sure that’ll end this whole mess.
YORKYou got exactly five minutes to convince me.
(speaking into a bullhorn)We’ve got the place surrounded. It’s time to give yourself up.
INT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS126 126
J.J. pointing to a couple of the store patrons that are now HOSTAGES.
JOHN-JOHN(shouting out to the cops)
I’m sending people out. Don’t shoot!
YORK (V.O.)(shouting to his men)
Hold your fire!
JOHN-JOHNYou, you. Get goin’.
The couple get up and run out the door.
SHERRYThat boy is bleeding terribly.
JOHN-JOHNYou got a first aid kit in here?
She nods her head yes, pointing to the bottom of the desk drawer.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)(frantic)
Well, don’t just sit there get me somethin' to stop this bleeding.
CONTINUED:125 125
(CONTINUED)
93.
With one sweep of his arm he clears a table behind the counter that was displaying cigarettes and booze. J.J. lays Billy down gently on the table.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)It wasn't supposed to turn out like this kid.
BILLY(in and out of consciousness)
This ain’t the kind of shootin’ I was expecting.
The boy blacks out. Sherry opens up a first aid kit.
SHERRYWhat are you going to do just let the kid bleed to death?
JOHN-JOHNShut up. Shut the hell up. I got big enough problems on my hands without any of your lip.
SHERRYThat kid needs medical attention or he'll die!
BENJ.J. don’t let Billy die.
JOHN-JOHN(to Sherry)
That kid is my brother. Ain’t nothin‘ gonna happen to him. Nothin’!
SHERRYIn case you haven't noticed it already has.
JOHN-JOHNOne more word out of you and I’ll toss you out to those trigger happy cops.
J.J.'s applies a bandage to Billy's head. The bleeding is getting worse. J.J.'s gun is within inches from the grasp of Sherry.
She eyes it intently, reaching over and taking the bandage from J.J. instead.
SHERRYGive me that.
CONTINUED:126 126
(CONTINUED)
94.
Grabbing the bandage she starts to work on the boy.
The phone rings.
JOHN-JOHNYeah! Look my brother got hurt in the crash. No not Ben, my kid brother.
(pause)I don't know.
(to Store Owner)How many we got here?
NATHANIELFive all together.
JOHN-JOHNFive. No, nobody else is injured except Billy. Look, get the kid a doctor quick. He’s bleedin’ all over the place and I can’t make it stop.
(pause)Get a doctor here. Now!
J.J. hangs up the phone.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT'D) (CONT’D)Old man, as soon as the doctor gets here. You go.
NATHANIELI ain’t got no problem with that, but what about my daughter?
JOHN-JOHNShe stays with me.
SHERRYIf anything happens to that boy they’ll hang you to the nearest tree. Mark my word.
JOHN-JOHNYou just better pray that they don't mess with me. I already don't like you anyhow.
EXT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS127 127
York fidgeting, looks down at his watch.
YORK(to Uncle Jim)
That’s it. I’ve given you your chance.
CONTINUED: (2)126 126
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
95.
(to Jim Bob)Get your boys prepared.
UNCLE JIMYou’re out of your mind. You’ll get everybody killed in there.
(to one of his officers)Get him out of here.
They grab Uncle Jim and start pulling him away.
Johnny Sr. appears, looking at the red P.U. truck sitting in the store and buried in the debris. He accepts the inevitable with a deep breath and a lowered head.
YORKWho in the hell is this?
UNCLE JIMIt’s J.J.’s father.
YORKThis is a hell of a time for a family reunion.
JOHNNY SR.Let me talk to my son.
Uncle Jim tries to hand Johnny Sr. the bullhorn. Johnny Sr. does not see the gesture. He walks toward the store.
INT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS128 128
It’s not looking good for the kid.
JOHN-JOHNKid, hang in there. They got a doctor coming to help you. Just hang in there.
BILLY(barely audible)
J.J., I don’t want to die.
JOHN-JOHNYou ain’t gonna die. I won’t let you.
SHERRYHe’s lost a lot of blood. Look at him J.J. You need to make the right decision and you need to make it fast.
CONTINUED:127 127
YORK (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
96.
Ben pushes J.J. away from the boy. He tries to pick up Billy but J.J. interferes. Ben pushes J.J. away and instinctively J.J. goes for his gun.
Sherry’s father bee-lines it for the door.
J.J. shoots one shot toward him. Sherry screams as her father makes it to safety.
EXT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS129 129
Nathaniel runs out of the store and past Johnny Sr. who is standing near the entrance.
INT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS130 130
J.J. turns back to see Ben standing with Billy in his arms.
JOHN-JOHNPut him down Ben.
BENI will not let Billy die.
Ben starts to walk through the myriad of debris.
JOHN-JOHNBen, put him down!
Ben continues to walk on.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)Ben!
J.J. points his gun at Ben’s back. His hand tremble’s terribly.
SHERRYYou’d shoot your own brother in the back?
Ben exits the door holding the child.
EXT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS131 131
Ben walks straight over to Johnny Sr. and hands the child over to him.
The ambulance sirens can be heard screaming as they approach screaming in the distance.
CONTINUED:128 128
(CONTINUED)
97.
BILLYIt ain’t J.J.’s fault paw. He was taking me home and then them cops started shootin’ at us.
JOHNNY SR.That’s one mighty fancy cowboy suit you got there son. Just hang in there. Everything’s going to be alright.
BILLYJ.J. didn’t mean no harm.
JOHNNY SR.I know he didn’t.
The ambulance arrives and Johnny Sr. walks straight toward it. He lays his son on the stretcher.
BILLYJ.J. needs your help.
JOHNNY SR.That’s why I’m here.
He kisses his son on the forehead and turns back to the country store.
INT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS132 132
JOHN-JOHN(howling animalistically)
Ben!
J.J. turns the gun on Sherry. Teary eyed she stares him down. He motions with the gun for her to leave.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)(defeated)
Get out.
She looks toward the front exit.
JOHN-JOHN (CONT’D)(almost wailing)
Get out of here.
Sherry stands and with one last look at J.J. she turns to go.
Sherry turns back.
CONTINUED:131 131
(CONTINUED)
98.
SHERRYYou did the right thing letting the boy go.
JOHN-JOHNI ain’t never done the right thing. Not once in my life. Get out of here before I change my mind.
SHERRYYou take care J.J.
J.J. watches as Sherry leaves.
The phone rings. He rips it from the wall. J.J. falls to his knees crying as he pounds his fists onto the floor.
J.J. sits back as sweat begins to pour down his brow. He’s a trapped animal and he knows it. He looks out the window and sees the sun setting on the western horizon.
JOHNNY SR. (V.O.)Johnny! Johnny, it's your paw.
J.J. wipes away the tears that are streaming down his face.
JOHN-JOHNWhat are you doing here? I should have finished you off. I should have killed you when I had the chance. I suppose you think I wanted this to happen? I suppose you think I wanted the boy to get hurt? Maybe you think I want him to die? Well you're wrong. You're wrong once again.
EXT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS133 133
JOHNNY SR.I don’t believe you set out to do any harm Johnny. Not to the boy, not to anyone. This all just got out of hand.
INT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS134 134
J.J.’s eyes well up with tears.
JOHNNY SR. (V.O)It's over Johnny. None of this would have ever happened if I were the father I should have been.
CONTINUED:132 132
(CONTINUED)
99.
JOHN-JOHNIt's too late for all that now. I got me a date with destiny and she's looking purdier 'n' purdier by the minute.
EXT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS135 135
JOHNNY SR.That isn’t going to accomplish anything. What happened to that boy of mine that always stood up for what was right?
INT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS136 136
JOHN-JOHNHe’s gone daddy. Long gone.
J.J. snaps one of the cartridges into the 9mm.
JOHNNY SR. (V.O.)I’d say it’s time he showed himself again.
JOHN-JOHNI didn't mean for all this to happen. I just wanted to hurt you. I wanted to hurt you like you hurt me and Ben.
EXT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS137 137
JOHNNY SR.I know that. I wish I could make it all better. Listen Johnny, I’ll make a vow before you and God almighty, if you come on out right now, I promise you I'll take good care of Ben. He'll have a good home and the love he deserves. You got my word.
JOHN-JOHN (V.O)I guess I sure did it this time. Funny thing that's not so funny is, I ended up worse than you. But the truth of the matter is now I have to answer for what I done.
JOHNNY SR.You know how they say, you can’t never teach old dogs new tricks. Well, this ol’ dog still has a lot to learn.
CONTINUED:134 134100.
INT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS138 138
The sun peaks into the office.
Signs of fatigue in J.J. are evident. He slumps against the desk playing with his gun.
BEN (V.O.)John-John can we go home now?
JOHN-JOHNYeah, Ben. Time for you to go home.
J.J. watches as the flashes of the police lights cause a strange swirling pattern bouncing off of the office walls.
He peeks out of the window and sees the sun sinking into the mountains.
Slowly he starts his journey past the debris-scattered aisle carrying the 9mm in his right hand.
EXT.COUNTRY STORE - CONTINUOUS139 139
J.J. exits the country store.
YORK(frantic)
Drop the gun!
UNCLE JIMHold your fire.
Every gun is fixed on J.J. Some of the firing pins can be heard as they’re snapped back into firing position.
YORKDrop the gun now!
For what seems like an eternity J.J. walks toward his father with the gun dangling at his side.
YORK (CONT'D)Drop the gun!
UNCLE JIMDon’t nobody shoot! Damn it J.J. drop the gun.
The sound of more firing pins being pulled back is heard.
UNCLE JIM (CONT’D)Hold your fire. Hold your fire!
(CONTINUED)
101.
J.J. stops in front of his father almost face to face. He’s sobbing like a little kid.
Finally, he drops the gun and falls into his fathers arms. He weeps terribly as Johnny Sr. pats him on the back.
JOHNNY SR.(almost whispering)
It’s over.
Bobby Joe races toward the gun and retrieves it.
BOBBY JOEIt wasn’t loaded.
Uncle Jim breathes a sigh of relief as he drops his head.
The officers rush J.J. tearing him from his fathers arms and toss him roughly to the ground. They cuff his hands behind his back.
The cops grab Ben and attempt to cuff him while J.J. is being dragged to a black and white.
JOHN-JOHN(wailing)
He ain’t got nothing to do with this.
YORKLet him go.
The cops comply.
J.J. passes the ambulance where Billy is being worked on. J.J. breaks free and runs to Billy’s side.
JOHN-JOHNBe strong little brother.
J.J. is grabbed again and thrown into the back of a cruiser.
The sound of a puppy crying is heard. Ben turns his attention to the truck. He walks to the truck and pulls the puppy from it.
BEN(yelling to Billy as the ambulance door is closing)
Don’t worry Billy, I’ll take good care of your puppy.
The ambulance pulls away.
CONTINUED:139 139
(CONTINUED)
102.
Uncle Jim takes Ben and leads him toward his car. Officer Kelly opens the backseat door for Ben.
Johnny Sr. takes Uncle Jim by the arm and stops him.
JOHNNY SR.A hospital ain’t no place for a boy to call home.
Uncle Jim understands. Johnny Sr. reaches out for Ben. Ben takes his hand.
Uncle Jim enters the vehicle with Officer Kelly and they drive off.
As Johnny Sr. and Ben turn to go, the cruiser that’s transporting J.J. begins to role.
J.J. watches Ben walk off with Johnny Sr. as the cruiser carries him away.
FADE OUT.
CONTINUED: (2)139 139103.
