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Three Rounds
by Dustin Martin (rcdustydoo@msn.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Sports   User Review: **1/2
This is a story about an early 1950's boxer name Joe "The Catcher" Rize. It's his first chance at the title. But once when it gets to the third round, something bad happens....


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



THREE ROUNDS

FADE IN:

INT. LOCKERROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
We open up to a man in his mid-thirties getting ready for
what appears to be a boxing match. He's big, buff, and has a
tattoo of a fire ring on his left arm. On him are red and
green boxing shorts. He's sitting down in a wooden chair.
His name is Joe "The Catcher" Rize.

He puts tape around his hands to tighten his grip. Once
done, he picks one glove at a time on his right side.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BATHROOM-LOCKERROOM-SAME - NIGHT
                                                            
He kneels down at the sink and is saying a prayer.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (Muttering)
Father, son, and the holy spirt
please guide me tonight with the
blessing of god himself who's
watching over me at this very
match. Amen.
                                                            
CU on the side of the doorway is his manager Rocco. Pretty
old, around in his late 60's. He taps on the door and
informs Joe.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
It's time Joe.
                                                            
Joe gets up on his feet and walks towards Rocco acting a
little jumpy like he's prepared.
                                                            
                       JOE
I’m ready, lets go.
                                                            
Both walk out together as the camera stays at the same
position.
                                                            
FADE TO BLACK:
                                                            
TITLE CARD: “THREE ROUNDS”
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO:
                                                            
 

2.

INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
We steadycam through the hallways of the arena. Old,
rundown, and dirty is the feeling of this part of the arena.

The crowds are cheering are at a low level then builds up.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
Now, remember what I told you,
keep your head up, protect your
ribs at all time. This guy main
goal is the ribs.
                                                            
                       JOE
The ribs, got it.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
Also, aim low.
                                                            
                       JOE
Aim low? Why aim low?
                                                            
                       ROCCO
That’s his weakness. The stomach
is a big spot to knock him out.
                                                            
                       JOE
So the stomach.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
I guess you can say so, he gets
tired quickly in the stomach.
                                                            
                       JOE
So hopefully this will help out my
career huh?
                                                            
                       ROCCO
By knocking out Walter Lemon will
be something to remember by.
                                                            
The camera pulls back to revile the crowded arena. People
cheering and clapping to the appearance of Joe Rize.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. ARENA - NIGHT
                                                            
Medium shot of Joe and Rocco.
                                                            
                       JOE
Well, this is it.
                                                            

3.

                       ROCCO
I’m proud of what you’ve done
under my training. It’s like one
giant novel coming to an end.
                                                            
                       JOE
Well lets finish the chapter
together.
                                                            
Both Joe and Rocco walk up towards the ring. Joe climbs over
the fence and steps into the ring. Jumpin’ up and down
getting ready.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO:
                                                            
One the other side of the arena is Joe’s contender, walking
out with his huge entourage and griming look of a smile.
This is Walter Lemon. He has black curly hair and thick
black eyebrows that look like somebody who has taken a
sharpie and thrown a line over his head. With grey trunks
on, he thinks he’s a bad ass.
                                                            
He climbs into the ring and sits down in the little stool.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
Joe turns over to Rocco who’s on the sidelines.
                                                            
                       JOE
You know Roc, this guy is pretty
dam big man. And you said he
killed a man in the ring before
right?
                                                            
                       ROCCO
Huh, something like that.
                                                            
                       JOE
Oh.
                                                            
CUT TO: CENTER OF THE RING-SAME
                                                            
The announcer is in the center of the ring. The microphone
comes down from the ceiling and the announcer takes it and
speaks to the crowds.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
Ladies’ and gentleman. Boys and
girls of all ages. Welcome to our
main event of the evening. On this
date June 12th 1953 is an event to
remember for days to come. On my
left corner in the red and green
            (MORE)

4.

                       ANNOUNCER (cont'd)
trunks is the challenger, at two
hundred and twenty four
pounds……Joe “The Catcher” Rize.
                                                            
The crowd with a great cheer heavenly applauds for Joe. It’s
like his greatest moments when he‘s on top of the world.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
And in the right corner, with
fourteen Consecutive wins and with
the knock out and killing of Alex
Tirocken, he was banished for two
years and in his comeback roll
tonight for your pleasure. Give it
up in the grey trunks and weighing
over two-hundred and seventy five
pounds……Walter “The Left Hook”
Lemon.
                                                            
The crowds are mixed. Some are booing and some are
applauding. Some spectators are even throwing drinks and
food.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO: MEDIUM SHOT OF JOE AND ROCCO-SAME
                                                            
Rocco leans over to Joe’s ear and whispers to him.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
      (Whispering)
It looks like we gotta take out
the trash tonight.
                                                            
                       JOE
Will have Walt do that for us.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO: WALTER LEMONS’ CORNER-SAME
                                                            
Walt is sitting in his corner having a last minute chart
with his manager.
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
He’s week, to week for you “Walt.”
You’ve dealt with much weaker
fighters before. Your strong,
powerful, and most of all,
unstoppable. Now who’s
unstoppable?
                                                            
(PAUSE)
                                                            
                       WALT
I’m unstoppable.
                                                            

5.

                       WALT’S MANAGER
Say it again.
                                                            
                       WALT
I’m unstoppable.
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
Again.
                                                            
                       WALT
I’m unstoppable.
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
      (Shouting)
Again.
                                                            
                       WALT
      (Shouting)
I’m unstoppable.
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
There you go. Now lets whop some
turkey leggin’ ass.
                                                            
Walt gets up out of his stool and hits his gloves together.
                                                            
CUT TO: JOE’S CORNER-SAME
                                                            
Joe’s getting a lecture from Rocco.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
Now remember Joe, don’t pay
Any attention to the audience
what so ever. Even towards that
Betty of yours. Your focus is
on Walt and only Walt. Do I have
myself clear.
                                                            
                       JOE
Yeah sure, no problem.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
Go get him kid.
                                                            
Rocco puts in Joe’s mouth guard into his mouth. Joe gets up
and looks around the arena. He’s looking for a certain
somebody. He finally spots her.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO: AUDIENCE-CROWD-MEDIUM SHOT
                                                            
Were looking at a beautiful brunette dressed for the fight.
This is Betty. She’s in her late twenties. She’s beautiful
like a Ingrid Bergman or a Grace Kelly but brunette.
                                                            

6.

Joe waves at her and she waves back.
                                                            
Both boxers walk towards each other and the referee is
between the two of them.
                                                            
                       REFEREE
I wanna nice clean fight, no
hitting below the belt. Obay my
commands at all times. Any
questions?
                                                            
Both nod no.
                                                            
                       REFEREE
Alright now touch gloves……
                                                            
Both Joe and Walt touch gloves.
                                                            
                       REFEREE
……alright lets get it on.
                                                            
Joe and Walt walk back towards there corner. They both give
a glare to each other.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO: ANNOUNCER’S BOOTH-SAME
                                                            
The Announcers are ready to cover the fight and the bell
rings!
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO: THE RING-SAME
                                                            
The bell has rung. Joe charges at Walt like a beast. He does
his first punch towards the head, then hits him once again
in the jaw. Walt replies that punch with a punch in the
shoulder. Joe is pushed back a little bit but charges once
again.


He tries to aim for Walt’s stomach, but suddenly “Walt”
blocks that punch and socks him in the head. Joe falls
against the ropes and leans on the ropes while Walt pounds
the shit out of him. The referee runs over and pushes Walt
off Joe.


Joe gets back onto his feet and is back for a comeback. He’s
punching Walt in the ribs but Walt is blocking them. Then
finally, he has a clear shot and socks him in the ribs. Walt
jumps out. Joe socks him again in the head, then all of a
sudden……



7.

……ding! The bell rings, and it’s the end of the first round.
Both Joe and Walt go back towards there corner.


Joe sits down in his stool while Rocco puts a towel around
his neck. He also pours water on his face. He has a cut lip
on his face. Blood is dripping down towards his neck.
                                                            
CUT TO: WALT’S CORNER-SAME
                                                            
Walt sits down on his stool and his manager gives his some
water. He spits it back out.
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
Your doin’ good for a first round.
                                                            
                       WALT
I’m unstoppable.
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
That’s right. You are unstoppable.
And this shmuck is not going to
stop you, now is he?
                                                            
                       WALT
No. I’m gonna stop him from
winning.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO: JOE’S CORNER-SAME
                                                            
Rocco’s whipping off the blood on his lip.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
Do you think this guy’s tough?
                                                            
                       JOE
No.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
Will you let this loser win your
title shot that you deserve?
                                                            
                       JOE
No.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
So get up there and defend what
your fighting for. A shot to the
big leagues.
                                                            
Rocco puts in Joe’s mouth guard and Joe gets up.
                                                            

8.

SMASH CUT TO: RING-SAME
                                                            
A nice pretty lookin’ women is holding up the round cards.
She’s walking around the ring with a card that says “Round
2”. She walks out of the ring.


The Bell rings. “DING!” Both Joe and Walt meet once again.
Walt throws the first hit into Joe’s jaw. Joe replies back
with a hit in the jaw to Walt. Now the sweet pours down on
both of the fighters faces’. But none of them are even close
to being tired. They just both fight like real men.


Joe finally gets a hold of Walt and throws him onto the
ropes. Joe with out stopping punches Walt over and over
again. It looks to be that he’s gonna knock him out. Walt’s
getting tired it seems. The referee pulls him off.
                                                            
                       REFEREE
Alright! Alright! Get off
of him.
                                                            
Joe is pulled off of “Walt”. The referee is holding on to
his shoulder. Joe shrugs off.
                                                            
                       JOE
I’m not finished with you!
                                                            
Joe goes for the hit. But is blocked by Walt. Walt blocks
the punch and socks down. BAM! Joe’s on the ground. The
audience is in shock of aw! Joe’s lying on the ground
looking up the ceiling.


The sound is silent. There’s now sound, the referee walks
over towards Joe and starts the count down. But in slow
motion.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO: AUDIENCE-BETTY-SAME
                                                            
His girlfriend Betty has a deeply sadden look. She covers
her face with her gloved hand.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO: RING-SAME
                                                            
Were looking from Joe’s POV. Everything is in slow motion.
                                                            
                       REFEREE
      (Slow Motion)
1……2……3……4……5……6……
                                                            

9.

Now the speed is picking up. Joe is now on his feet. The
crowd goes nuts.
                                                            
                       REFEREE
He’s up. Lets fight!
                                                            
But once Joe is up and running, the bell rings. DING! Joe
and Walt go back towards there corner. Both sit down on
there stools.
                                                            
CUT TO: JOE’S CORNER-SAME
                                                            
Joe has a black left eye. Rocco puts a raw piece of meat on
it to heal the pain. He’s also cleaning out his nostrils
with a cue tip. Blood is pouring out of nose.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
      (Angry)
What the fuck is wrong with you,
huh? Come on, get your shit
together.
                                                            
                       JOE
I’m trying I’m trying.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
It looks like your not trying
buddy. But I do have to say that
was one hell of a few punches you
did there sport.
                                                            
                       JOE
Yea, I guess they were huh?
                                                            
CUT TO: WALT’S CORNER-SAME
                                                            
Walt’s manager gives him some water and Walt spits it out in
a silver bucket.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
Good Walt. Take the beating
and knock him out. That was
a good strategy. Now, I want
you to kill him!
                                                            
                       WALT
Really?
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
Show the whole world who’s
the “King of the Ring”.
                                                            

10.

                       WALT
I can’t.
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
Why not?
                                                            
                       WALT
I’ll get kicked out of the
commision for sure.
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
Trust me, it’ll be better for
Your career. And plus, we can
leave this god for saken country.
Will go to London, or even East
Germany. What do ya say? I know
you can kill him, you’ve done
before and you can do it again.
                                                            
Walt gets up from his stool.
                                                            
                       WALT’S MANAGER
That’s my boy.
                                                            
CUT TO: RING-SAME
                                                            
The Ring girl goes around the ring with a huge card saying
“Round 3”. She gets out of the ring.

The bell rings. DING! And both fighters cross paths once
again. Walt’s the one with first hit. He hits Joe smack in
the face. Joe replies with a hit in the ribs. Walt comes
back with a another hit in the face. This is his power point
to really knock him out. Or even worse. Kill HIM!


Joe is energized back and is non-stop hitting Walt
constantly in the stomach and in the ribs. He’s like a wild
animal let loose from his cage. Non-stop beating and
kicking’ his ass. Time fly’s by it seems. The referee pulls
back Joe and Walt is leaning over the ropes.


Joe is walking back towards the other side of the ropes.
Walt gets up like a cheetah and goes for the kill. Joe turns
around and within a second, BAM! Walt punches Joe smack in
the face. His neck twist around like it’s being broken. He
falls and his neck lands on the ropes.


The crowd is booing and throwing things at Walt. Like food,
snacks and beer too.
                                                            

11.

SMASH CUT TO: AUDIENCE-BETTY-SAME
                                                            
She’s surprised along with the rest of the crowd. She’s
tearing up.
                                                            
                       BETTY
      (Yelling)
NOOOOOOOOOOO!
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO: RING-SAME
                                                            
Joe’s lying down on the ground twitching kind of while Rocco
runs to his side. A crowd of people are running on towards
the ring. It’s like a zoo of wild animals out of there
cages.
                                                            
FADE OUT TO WHITE:
                                                            
FADE IN:
                                                            
 
EXT. CEMETERY/RAINING - DAY
                                                            
The wind is blowing softly, not a sound to be heard.
Drizzling with rain. Rocco has an umbrella covering over him
and Betty. Rocco and Betty are leaning over the small grave
stone of what remains of Joe “The Catcher” Rize. In scripted
on the tombstone says, “Joe Rize September 27, 1927 to June
12, 1953.”


Rocco has on a black nice jacket throws a red rose flower,
as does Betty who’s dressed in black. She cries on Rocco’s
shoulder while Rocco tries to comfort her. He looks up
towards the sky.
                                                            
POV/ROCCO-SKY-SAME
                                                            
He’s looking up at the darken grey sky.
                                                            
FADE TO WHITE:
                                                            
FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. LOCKERROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Rocco is sitting down on a bench. He turns his head towards
the direction of the restroom. It reviles Joe saying his
prayers as it was in the beginning. So this whole story that
was happening was a dream all along in Rocco’s head.


12.


Rocco gets up and walks over to the restroom and leans over
the side of the door. He knocks on it.
                                                            
                       ROCCO
It’s time Joe.
                                                            
Joe gets up from his praying.
                                                            
                       JOE
I’m ready, let’s go.
                                                            
Both walk out of the locker-room together. The camera stays
still where it’s mounted.
                                                            
SMASH CUT TO BLACK:
                                                            


THE END


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From Bobby Date 5/19/2009 **
The ending was good, but the dialogue seemed to forced, also, i'm not a pro boxer but isn't there weight classes? And i've never seen a fighter look out to the audience and wave to his girl, normally they are to "in the moment" to look through an audience

From Brandon Date 8/21/2005 **1/2
This is a good short film. Watch the spelling and terminology. It's always helpful to give a physical description of the characters right away. I was relieved to find that this was a dream. If the story ended at the funeral, it would not have worked. There is still room here for more. If the story is basically "A man envisions what could happen...the end." then you can see more can be played with. Even if it's just a conversation at the end about the manager trying to convince him maybe he should step down, or something. But this script is a lot better than some of the others on here.

From Kevin Date 8/8/2005 ***
powerful stuff

From Paul Shannon Date 8/8/2005 ***
Interesting. Too short for a feature, but good scripting.


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