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Diamond in The Rough
by Travis Snell (tds_usmc@hotmail.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Organized Crime   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED



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.



DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

INT. MUSEUM - NIGHT
                                                            
LEBOWITZ breaks into a museum and steals the diamonds. You
dont see his face.
                                                            
 
INT. BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
In a bar we see SAMMY and RICK sitting and talking.
                                                            
                       RICK
So, I say "That's no lobster,
that's my wife!"
                                                            
RICK laughs. SAMMY just looks at him.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Rick, you are an awful joke
teller.
                                                            
                       RICK
      (downing a beer)
Well, I thought it was funny.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
You wish. Where's Jimmy?
                                                            
                       RICK
Looks like he's playing pool with
that guy over there.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Oh boy. I hope he didn't bet on
that game.
                                                            
POOL TABLE
                                                            
JIMMY has a glum look on his face as he sees the MAN sink
yet an other shot.
                                                            
                       MAN
Eight ball, corner pocket.
                                                            
The MAN makes the shot with ease.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Well, congradulations.
                                                            
JIMMY shakes the MAN's hand, and tries to pull his hand
away, but the man won't let him.
                                                            

2.

                       MAN
How about that money?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Oh, right. How much was the bet?
Fifty dollars, right?
                                                            
                       MAN
      (chuckles)
Try again.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Seventy five?
                                                            
                       MAN
      (annoyed)
Wrong again.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Could I have a hint?
                                                            
He squeezes JIMMMY's hand harder.
                                                            
                       MAN
Let me make it easy. Two hundred
dollars.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah, funny thing about that. I
don't really have that much. I was
kind of planning on winning, but
that backfired on me. Do you think
we could work out some sort of a
deal-
                                                            
The MAN, who is still holding on to JIMMY's hand, pulls
JIMMY's hand behimd him and shoves him into the pool table.
                                                            
BAR
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Oh, great.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Ow! Look I don't have it-ow!
                                                            
                       MAN
Unless you have two hundred
dollars, shut-up!
                                                            
SAMMY and RICK walk over to the pool table.
                                                            

3.

                       JIMMY
Ow!
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Hey! Get off of my brother.
                                                            
                       MAN
Oh, he's you brother? Well, your
brother is tying to cheat me out
of my money!
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Just let him go, man. I'll pay
you. How much is it?
                                                            
                       MAN
Two hundred dollars.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
      (to JIMMY)
Man, you are dumb.
                                                            
SAMMY reluctantly pulls out the money and puts it on the
table. The MAN picks it up and puts it in his wallet then
shoves JIMMY over towards SAMMY.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Let's go.
                                                            
They all walk off. RICK bumps into the MAN on his way out.
                                                            
OUTSIDE
                                                            
The three are walking to their car.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
      (to Rick)
Did you get it?
                                                            
                       RICK
      (holding up wallet)
Got it!
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Good.
                                                            
RICK holds up a the MAN's wallet. They all laugh.
                                                            
They enter the car and as they leave the parking lot the MAN
runs out to see them driving off. He waves his fist.
                                                            
 

4.

INT. RICK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
SAMMY, RICK, and JIMMY enter and sit down in the living
area. RICK throws the wallet on the coffe table.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Rick, I gotta tell ya' that was
one nice lift.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah, I wasn't sure you'd even
gotten it.
                                                            
                       RICK
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we all know I'm
great. Now, Jimmy,
      (picking up wallet)
I hope you picked a guy with a lot
of cash, a lawyer or something.
Cause if you didn't-
                                                            
                       SAMMY
-It's back to pickpocketing and-
                                                            
                       RICK
- and an other six months before
you can try an other confidence
scheme.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
      (taking the wallet
       from RICK,
       smiling)
Okay! I know the rules, let's just
see how much this guy had in his
wallet.
                                                            
JIMMY opens the wallet, looks disapointed, and throws down
two hundred dollars. A couple of seconds later he throws
down the empty wallet.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
That's it?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah.
                                                            
                       RICK
      (picking up wallet)
Wait, that's all the money there
is in there?
                                                            
Rick looks angry. He throws the wallet down.
                                                            

5.

                       RICK (Cont'd)
Jesus Christ!
                                                            
                       SAMMY
What? You didn't screen the guy
first?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
He was wearing a suit! I thought
he was a businessman.
                                                            
                       RICK
Even so. What is a businessman
doing, still wearing his suit, in
a bar, at six O'clock in the
afternoon, on a Wednesday? Why do
you think he got so mad when you
didn't have the cash?
                                                            
                       SAMMY
He had a bad day on the market. He
lost a bunch of money. Something
happened to that guy today, and
now he was broke. And how easy was
it to get him to bet two hundred
dollars on that game?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
      (thinks for a
       second)
Pretty easy.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Exactly, he new he was good at
pool, and he REALLY needed the
money.
                                                            
                       RICK
So basically he scammed you
without even knowing it. Even
though, you got the wallet, he got
the better of you.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
It's not a simple process. You
need to learn to think about all
these things. Be alert.
                                                            
A cellphone rings. SAMMY pulls it out of his pocket and
answers it as he stands up and walks around the room.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Yeah?...hey...tomorrow?...ok...ok.
                                                            

6.

The man on the other end apparently hangs up on SAMMY.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
That was Hank. We have a meeting
at his place tomorrow at five.
                                                            
                       RICK
I don't trust that guy.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Neither do I, but he's the only
one who will hire us after the
whole thing with...well, you know.
                                                            
                       RICK
Yeah, I know.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Oh, damn. I forgot. I have a date
with Lisa tomorrow afternoon. I
can't go.
                                                            
                       RICK
Well, just reschedule with Lisa.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
I've done that twice already, and
I haven't seen her in almost a
month. How happy do you think
she'd be?
                                                            
                       RICK
Oh. Can't call Hank back can you?
                                                            
                       SAMMY
No, he calls me from a different
number everytime. He's never
answered when I called back.
                                                            
                       RICK
That's okay, I can go it alone.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
No, just take Jimmy with you.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yes!
                                                            
                       RICK
Aw, come on! I can handle it
alone.
                                                            

7.

                       SAMMY
No. Like you said, I don't trust
Hank. You're not going alone.
Jimmy goes with you.
      (beat)
I need a smoke.
                                                            
SAMMY walks outside as he pulls out a ciggarette. RICK is
standing in the room. He looks at JIMMY. The smile fades
from JIMMY's face. Then, RICK goes with SAMMY outside. JIMMY
sits for a minute, then he gets up and goes outside.
                                                            
 
EXT. RICKS'S BALCONY - NIGHT
                                                            
JIMMY enters. RICK and SAMMY are already there and smoking.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Guys, I...I can do it...I can do
it.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Well you better be able to cause
you're gonna do it.
                                                            
SAMMY and RICK exchange looks. SAMMY returns his attention
back to JIMMY. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his
car keys, hands them to JIMMY.
                                                            
                       SAMMY (cont'd)
Go, warm up the car, alright? Honk
when its ready.
                                                            
JIMMY takes the keys and walks out.
                                                            
                       RICK
Look, man. I know he's young and
all, but there's a point where you
have to start thinking...
                                                            
                       SAMMY
What?
                                                            
                       RICK
That maybe he ain't cut out for
this level of work. He just
doesn't seem to have it in him to
do what he needs to do.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
I know he's having trouble but
he's my brother.
                                                            

8.

                       RICK
Hey, thats great! And you won't
find a better burglar for a
hundred miles, he's got the
quickest hands around. But his wit
ain't as fast as his hands.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Hey, ours weren't always quick
either. We learned fast because we
had to. After Rick Senior died, we
were had to prove ourselves
quickly. But Jimmy was still a kid
then. Now we have to teach him.
                                                            
                       RICK
Yeah mate, but he lacks the
maturity. He can't focus. He can't
think on his feet.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
I know, but he's still my brother
and I'm not gonna give up on him.
I'll talk to him. I'll tell him to
keep his mouth shut tomorrow, to
just sit back and learn from it.
Alright?
                                                            
                       RICK
Alright. Just make sure he knows
to let me do all the talking.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Okay.
                                                            
JIMMY honks the horn.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
That's me. Gotta go.
                                                            
 
EXT. HANK'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
JIMMY and RICK pull up a block from the house start walking
towards the house.
                                                            
                       RICK
You remember what your brother
told you?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Ummmmm...leave the talking to you,
and... umm...
                                                            

9.

                       RICK
Shut-up.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah, that was it!
                                                            
                       RICK
Good! Now do it.
                                                            
They arrive at the front door. RICK knocks on the door.
Someone on the inside knocks back and the door opens. They
enter. JIMMY is visibly nervous.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
They walk out the front door. JIMMY looks more nervous than
before, and RICK is mad as a bulldog
                                                            
                       RICK
What part of shut-up didn't you
understand?!
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Rick, we can't do this.
                                                            
                       RICK
Yes we can.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
No no no, you don't get it. We
can't do this.
                                                            
                       RICK
Why not?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Because, we...the guy's in a wheel
chair, for Pete's sake!
                                                            
                       RICK
So?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
That doesn't seem wrong to you?
                                                            
                       RICK
Jimmy, you crossed the line from
right to wrong a year ago when you
started working with your brother
and I. The question now, should
not be right or wrong. It should
be when what's the prophet. Am I
right? Are you gonna let a chair
get between you and easy money?
            (MORE)

10.

                       RICK (cont'd)
Those people preach all over how
they want to be treated equally.
If that's what he wants that's
what I'll give him. It would be no
different if he was an olympic
athlete. If I'm mistaken please
correct me.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
      (under his breath)
You're right.
                                                            
                       RICK
I'm sorry, what was that? I
couldn't quite make it out.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
      (a little louder)
I said you're right.
                                                            
                       RICK
I'm sorry, one more time. There's
just that one word I can't really
understand.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
      (shouting)
I said you're right! God! How many
times do you need to hear it?!
                                                            
                       RICK
I'm just messin' with ya. Calm
down. But you know I'm right.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah, yeah. Can we discuss the how
and prophet now?
                                                            
                       RICK
Yeah, if he wants to let us back
in after your little outburst.
                                                            
RICK knocks on the door. It opens again. They go back into
the house.
                                                            
 
EXT. LEBOWITZ HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
SAMMY and RICK are siting in a car across the street from ED
LEBOWITZ's house. RICK has a camera and SAMMY has
binoculars.
                                                            

11.

                       RICK
Hey, Sammy.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Yeah?
                                                            
                       RICK
Did you hear that joke about the
basketball hoop?
                                                            
                       SAMMY
No. How does that one go?
                                                            
                       RICK
Never mind. It's over your head.
                                                            
RICK tries to supress a laugh, but can't.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Jesus, Rick. You're the worst joke
teller on the planet.
                                                            
                       RICK
There is no possible way that you
can know that.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Well, you know what I mean.
                                                            
                       RICK
No! No I don't! Do you know
everyone on the planet?
                                                            
SAMMY laughs.
                                                            
                       RICK
SHHH! He's comming!
                                                            
RICK points at ED LEBOWITZ, a handicaped man, who is being
helped out of his car and into his wheel chair. RICK starts
snapping pictures rapidly. LEBOWITZ wheels to his door and
enters. The two look at each other and chuckle.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Okay, so, what good did that do
us?
                                                            
                       RICK
Not too much.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Yeah, we need to get inside of
there. Any suggestions?
                                                            

12.

                       RICK
I think I got an Idea.
                                                            
 
INT. RICK'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
RICK picks up his phone and dails a number.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ answers the phone.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Hello?
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Good afternoon, sir, my name's Tom
from Adam And Adams Exterminators.
I'm calling to let you know that
it's time for your annual termite
inspection. Would you like to set
up an appointment right now?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (sighs)
Yeah, sure. When's the soonest you
can come?
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Well, sir, we have a unit in your
area today. I can direct him to
your house at around Four O'Clock.
Would that be okay?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Yeah, sounds good. Send him over.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Okay, sir. Thank you very much and
have-
                                                            
LEBOWITZ hangs up on him.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
SAMMY stands in front of a mirror in his termite inspector
costume. RICK hands him a fake mustache.JIMMY paces back and
forth.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I just don't see why I can't do
it.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Look, we've been over this before.
                                                            

13.

                       JIMMY
I know, but I just wanna try it.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Hey, I'm your older brother and
you do as I say. Now, you had your
shot, and everything there was on
your terms. If you can't pull that
off, then why would I let you pull
a job where our names are being
associated.
                                                            
JIMMY is upset, he sits down.
                                                            
 
INT. LEBOWITZ HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The doorbell rings and LEBOWITZ answers. on the other side
is SAMMY dressed as a termite inspector.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Good afternoon, Mr. Lebowitz, I'm
here for the termite inspection.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Right, come in.
                                                            
SAMMY enters.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Are there any areas you're
specificly worried about.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Yes, acctualy, my library. I wanna
make sure the bookcases aren't at
any risk.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Alright, and which way would that
be?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Here.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ leads SAMMY to his library. SAMMY sees a glass case
with several expensive looking jewels in it. He then turns
his attention to the room looking in the corners and places
where he woud think termites would live.
                                                            

14.

                       SAMMY
Well, I don't see any signs here.
I'll just check the rest of the
house, if that's alright?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
That's fine.
                                                            
SAMMY walks into another room and sees a large display of a
gold coin collection.
                                                            
 
INT. JIMMY AND SAMMY'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
JIMMY, SAMMY, and RICK are crowded around a sheet of paper
which RICK is drawing on. He draws as he speaks.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Alright. The primary target, the
diamonds, he keeps in a glass case
in his home library. Here. But I
found something else. He's got a
coin collection of solid gold
coins in there. Right about here.
I'm figurin' if Jimmy and I both
go in then, Rick, you won't have
to distract him for that long.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Okay, okay, but how?
                                                            
                       RICK
Well, first I'll need to get him
out of his library. That's where
he spends most of his time.
                                                            
 
INT. LEBOWITZ HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
ED LEBOWITZ is sitting in his home library reading a book,
when he hears the doorbell. He reluctantly wheels himself to
the door to open it. Rick is standing in the doorway
disguised as a salesman. He has a briefcase and some
posterboard.
                                                            
                       RICK
Hello, sir. How are you doing
today?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Tired. So I think I'm going to-
                                                            
JIMMY picks the lock to the back door and enters.
                                                            

15.

                       RICK
      (cuts him off)
Well, of course your tired. You've
been pushing yourself around all
day in that old thing.
      (indicating
       wheelchair)
What if I dold you "you don't have
to self propel your wheelchair
anymore"?
                                                            
JIMMY makes his way to the front. He pokes his head around
the corner so RICK can see him. he starts to cross the room
behind LEBOWITZ.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (agrivated)
Really, I think I'm fine. I don't
need an-
                                                            
LEBOWITZ starts to turn around to close the door but RICK
stops him.
                                                            
                       RICK
      (cuts him off)
But sir, this could be a once in a
lifetime oportunity! You see, for
this month only, the company is
giving away FREE electric
wheelchairs. What do you say now?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
You're not going to take "no" for
an anwer are you?
                                                            
                       RICK
Not if you beat me with a baseball
bat.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (reluctantly)
Come on in.
                                                            
Rick enters and begins to set up his Posterboard. JIMMY
finds the diamonds and begins to pick the lock.
                                                            
                       RICK
You know, sir, there really isn't
any other chair around like this
one.
                                                            
SAMMY enters through the same door. That JIMMY came through.
He sneeks through the room next to the one LEBOWITZ is in.

16.

He bumps into a table and knocks off a crystal candle
holder. It shatters.
                                                            
JIMMY hears the candel holder break in the other room and
hurries up to finish his job. He removes the Jewelry from
the case and places it in a backpack.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Could you hold on a second?
                                                            
LEBOWITZ leaves the room, goes to a drawer, and pulls out a
handgun. JIMMY leaves the same way he came. LEBOWITZ goes to
the room where SAMMY is, and points the weapon at SAMMY, who
freezes scared. JIMMY gets in RICK's car.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Don't move.
      (pause)
Are you alone?
                                                            
SAMMY nods his head nervously. LEBOWITZ thinks for a second,
then peeks into the next room. RICK and all his stuff is
gone.
                                                            
RICK'S CAR
                                                            
RICK runs up, throws all his stuff in the back, and gets in
the car.
                                                            
                       RICK
Did you get them?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Got'em.
                                                            
                       RICK
Did you hear that glass break?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah.
                                                            
                       RICK
He found Sammy.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What are we still doing here? We
have to go get him!
                                                            
JIMMY tries to get out, but RICK holds him back.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What are you doing? We have to
help Sammy!
                                                            

17.

                       RICK
We can't help him now.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
He needs our help!
                                                            
                       RICK
There's nothing we can do.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
My brother's in there!
                                                            
                       RICK
I'm sorry!
                                                            
RICK starts the car. They drive away. LEBOWITZ looks out his
window in time to see the car leave.
                                                            
 
INT. RICK'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
JIMMY and RICK sit silently on the couch staring at nothing.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I just never thought we would get
caught.
                                                            
                       RICK
I did.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
You think about everything.
                                                            
                       RICK
Sooner or later, it was bound to
happen. The only thing we can do
now is hope he doesn't rat us out.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Sammy would never do that.
                                                            
                       RICK
You'd be surprized.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
We shouldn't have sent him in
there. I could've gotten both
items.
                                                            

18.

                       RICK
No, Jimmy. Don't regret. Your job
wasn't to save Sammy. It was to
get the Diamonds, and you got
them.
                                                            
There is a pause. JIMMY stands up.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I just- I need to know more. I
need to know what he's doing, what
they're doing to him.
                                                            
                       RICK
You could go visit him.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Rick, you're a genius.
                                                            
                       RICK
I know that. Now go find out
everything you can from Sammy.
                                                            
JIMMY opens the door.
                                                            
                       RICK
Wait. Be sure to put on a happy
face. We don't want him thinking
that we're crying for him.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Got it.
                                                            
JIMMY exits.
                                                            
 
INT. COUNTY JAIL - DAY
                                                            
SAMMY sits in an interrogation room. JIMMY enters.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Mom always said you'd end up in
prison.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
What are you doing here?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What? I can't come see my own
brother?
                                                            

19.

                       SAMMY
I suppose it's okay. What's going
on?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I came to ask you that same
question. What have you told them?
                                                            
                       SAMMY
I confessed to doing it alone.
They also linked me to some other
jobs we did, which I confessed to
doing alone.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Wow. I'm proud of you.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Thanks, man.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Anything else?
                                                            
                       SAMMY
No not really. My sentence is six
months.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Oh, great. That'll be a while.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Yeah, well, it's my fault that I'm
in here. I'll worry about that.
You need to be concerned about
finding those diamonds.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What are you talking about? I have
them.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
How?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I took them.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Wait, you took them from the glass
case in his library, right?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah, where else?
                                                            

20.

                       SAMMY
Lebowitz told the cops that the
case was empty because he sold
them yesterday.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Why would he say that? Unless they
were stolen. Oh my God, Sammy this
is huge! Lebowitz got those
diamonds stolen.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
What if he finds out it was you
and Rick?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I gotta go.
                                                            
                       SAMMY
Yeah, you do!
                                                            
JIMMY runs out into the parking lot. He gets in his car and
drives off. As he does so, it begins to rain.
                                                            
 
INT. LEBOWITZ HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
LEBOWITZ is siting in his house when BENITO MANONI puts his
hand on LEBOWITZ's shoulder. He turns around scared.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
What the-
                                                            
                       MANONI
Hiya Eddy! How ya doin'?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
I'm doing alright. How about you?
                                                            
                       MANONI
Cut the crap. You know why I'm
here. Where are they?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
What?
                                                            
MANONI goes from content to mad. He grabs LEBOWITZ by the
collar.
                                                            
                       MANONI
      (gritted teeth)
Don't screw with me.
                                                            

21.

                       LEBOWITZ
Alright...alright, alright. I got
them.
                                                            
                       MANONI
Good.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
But...
                                                            
                       MANONI
But? I don't like but.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (optimisticly)
They...its kinda funy, they were
stolen from me.
                                                            
                       MANONI
      (smiling)
Oh yeah?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (relieved)
Yeah.
                                                            
The two progress into laughter led by MANONI.
                                                            
                       MANONI
Hahaha stolen! Ha! Who'd a thunk
it? The thief of a thief.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ is relieved beyond imagination. Soon MANONI's
laughter stops to the sound of him pulling out his pistol.
He grabs LEBOWITZ by the hair and points the bun in his
face.
                                                            
                       MANONI
You think I'm gonna buy that
crap?! Do you honestly think that
I'm gonna believe that someone
came in here and took those things
without you noticing? What kind of
a retard do you think I am? Now,
you better tell where they are
before I blow you brains out,
cause I will. I got no problem
spilin' your blood.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (scared)
I swear to you, Benito, on my
mother's grave, they were stolen.
                                                            

22.

MANONI makes a move like he is going to hit him.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (desperately)
-but I got - I got one of the
guys...I got one of the guys...who
stole them. I...I have him...in
jail.
                                                            
                       MANONI
You turned him over to the cops. I
oughta kill you where you are,
right now. You never never NEVER
go to the cops, you stupid
ignorant...UGH! But unfortunately,
you have something I don't. You
know who dis guy is. So I'ma gonna
do you a little favor. I'm gonna
let you fix dis little screw up.
You gonna get these things back.
Your gonna find dis little prick
and steal them back.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Can't I just steal another set of
diamonds?
                                                            
                       MANONI
NO!...Let me axe you somethin'.
You ever had a daughter?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
No.
                                                            
                       MANONI
Well I do. And I love her more
than anything in the world. She's
about to turn nine in a week and a
half. And when I took her to a
museum and she saw those diamonds
on exibit, she said to me, "Daddy,
I want those for my birthday." Do
you understand what that means?
That means that she gets them. You
got one week to get me those
things, and if you don't? Well,
we'll get into that later.
                                                            
MANONI snaps his fingers and JACOB CARTER comes out from
behind the corner.
                                                            

23.

                       MANONI
This is my nephew, Jacob Carter.
He's gonna watch you and make sure
you ain't cheatin' me out on this.
I'll see you in one week.
                                                            
MANONI leaves. CARTER and LEBOWITZ are left.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Who's the guy?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Who?
                                                            
                       CARTER
The guy who you caught.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Oh...his name was uh Samuel
Cotiani.
                                                            
                       CARTER
I've heard that name before. He
works with a guy...who is he?...
Richard somthin'...Richard Marsh!
                                                            
 
INT. RICK'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
JIMMY throws the bag of jewels on the table in front of
RICK.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Stolen.
                                                            
                       RICK
Yeah, I know. I helped. Remember?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
No. Lebowitz got them stolen
before we even thought of it.
                                                            
                       RICK
Are you sure?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Positive.
                                                            
                       RICK
Oh, damn.
                                                            

24.

                       JIMMY
Yeah. And, I've got a feeling we
just messed with the wrong guy.
                                                            
                       RICK
Oh, we deffinatly messed with the
wrong guy. We have to get those
diamonds back to Hank as soon as
we can.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
How? We can't get a hold of him.
Wait, we know where he lives.
                                                            
                       RICK
No, we don't. He's gone from that
place by now. Did you see all the
boxes?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Wait? He moved?
                                                            
                       RICK
Yeah, he moves all the time.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What?
                                                            
                       RICK
He's wanted all over the place.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Oh, so how are we going to get a
hold of him?
                                                            
                       RICK
I don't know.
      (beat)
Wait a minute. Sammy's phone. He
left it in my car. Hank calls it
to let Sammy know where to meet
him.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Perfect.
                                                            
OUTSIDE
                                                            
SAMMY's phone sits on the passenger seat of RICK's car. A
car pulls up next to it. LEBOWITZ steps out of the car and
stands on his own two feet. He walks to the door of RICK's
apartment with CARTER, following him. He knocks on the door.
                                                            

25.

INSIDE
                                                            
RICK calmly gets up and looks out his window and turns away
looking very scared.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What?
                                                            
                       RICK
Lebowitz is outside.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What?
                                                            
                       RICK
Lebowitz is out there and he's not
in his wheel chair.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What are you talking about?
                                                            
                       RICK
I'm talking about he's standing!
                                                            
                       JIMMY
You mean he's not?
                                                            
                       RICK
Apperently not! Get the diamonds!
                                                            
RICK rumages around and comes up with two handguns. He hands
one to JIMMY.
                                                            
                       RICK
Here take this!
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I don't know how to use that!
                                                            
LEBOWITZ knocks the door again.
                                                            
                       RICK
You point it and pull the trigger!
Now take it!
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Alright!
                                                            
JIMMY takes the gun and, without thinking, shoots the door
twice.
                                                            
                       RICK
What the hell are you doing!?!?
                                                            

26.

                       JIMMY
Pointing and pulling the trigger!
                                                            
                       RICK
Not now! You're going to get us
killed! We have to get out of
here!
                                                            
RICK goes onto the balcony and climbs down pulling JIMMY
with him.
                                                            
OUTSIDE
                                                            
LEBOWITZ and CARTER look at the holes in the door. CARTER
kicks down the door and enters with his gun ready. He sees
the open window and looks out of it. He sees JIMMY and RICK
runing around a corner. He turns to LEBOWITZ.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
I'll catch them in the car.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ gos to the car and drives in the direction of JIMMY
and RICK. They are spotted running into an ally. The car
pulls up to the ally and the window rolls down. JIMMY and
RICK are hidden.
                                                            
                       RICK
I'll distract him. You go to my
car and get the phone.
                                                            
RICK stands up and starts running across the ally with his
gun up ready to fire.
                                                            
A pistol comes out of the car window and fires one shot.
RICK drops. LEBOWITZ runs out with his gun. He checks RICK's
wounded body, looks around for a bit and gets in the car.
The car drives off. JIMMY runs up to RICK. He kneels beside
him. RICK is still alive.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
You're gonna be just fine Rick,
you're gonna be okay, I'm going to
help you, you're gonna be alright.
                                                            
                       RICK
      (strugling)
No no no.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What do you mean "no" I'm gonna
get you help.
                                                            

27.

                       RICK
      (strugling)
Stop. I'm as good as gone.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
No, no you're not, you're gonna be
fine!
                                                            
                       RICK
      (strugling)
Listen! You can't stop them on
your own. Get the phone. When Hank
calls you tell him everything. Get
him to help you.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
We'll have time for that later,
right now, we need a hospital.
                                                            
                       RICK
      (fading out)
Get that phone. You need help.
                                                            
He dies. JIMMY reluctantly gets the keys out of RICK's
jacket pocket. He sneeks off.
                                                            
PARKING LOT BY SAMMY'S CAR
                                                            
LEBOWITZ follows CARTER out of the building. JIMMY is
hidding around the corner.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Did you get a look at their car?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Only a glimpse as they were
leaving.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Can you regognize it?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
We parked next to it when we came
in.
                                                            
They aproach the car and set it on fire. It burns as they
leave and JIMMY watches, hidden.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - DAY
                                                            
JIMMY walks down the street, solemnly, as the daylight
fades.
                                                            
 

28.

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
JIMMY walks in and sits down and stares at nothing.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I need help.... I need help.
                                                            
JIMMY picks up the phone and starts dialing a number.
                                                            
 
INT. AIRPORT - DAY
                                                            
JIMMY is sitting in the lobby of the airport. AMANDA steps
through the security checkpoint. JIMMY sees her and
aproaches her.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Amanda?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Is that you Jimmy?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Hey!
                                                            
They embrace.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Wow, it's been a long time!
                                                            
                       JIMMY
It sure has! Look, we need to get
going. Sammy is in jail and-
                                                            
                       AMANDA
      (cuts him off)
Sammy's in jail?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
What about Rick?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
He's....he's dead.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Oh, my God. How?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I'll catch you up on the way. We
gotta go.
                                                            

29.

He takes her lugage and leads her out the door.
                                                            
 
INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
AMANA and JIMMY are sitting down in the room.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Okay. So you stole from a
handicaped guy, but he wasn't
really handicaped. And he's a
thief. Am I right so far?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
And the handicaped guy caught
Sammy and sent him to jail while
you still thought he was a
handicaped guy. Then you found out
he wasn't handicaped and after
that he...killed Rick.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Right. And now I'm pretty sure
he's after me.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Oh. You're in trouble.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Okay. That, right there, does not
help.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
I'm sorry, but I'm your cousin,
not your therapist. It's not my
job to make you feel good.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Can we just focus on getting me
out of this mess?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Good idea. So, what do you know
about this guy?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Well, I thought I knew plenty, but
it turns out I was wrong. So,
let's start with nothing, except
that he's trying to kill me. But I
think we're safe in here. I don't
            (MORE)

30.

                       JIMMY (cont'd)
think he knows where I am.
                                                            
The phone rings. JIMMY answers.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Hello?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (disguised voice)
Hello, sir, this is the fron desk.
We have a package for you from a
Mr. Franklin. He said to tell you
that he is Samuel Cotiani's
atourney.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
      (thinks)
Ok, I'll be down there in a
minute.
                                                            
He hangs up.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
What was that?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I'm not really sure, but I think I
need to go downstairs for a
minute. You gonna be alright here?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Yeah.
                                                            
JIMMY goes to a drawer. He opens it. There is the handgun
RICK gave him. He picks it up and thinks for a second, then
puts it back down and closes the drawer. He leaves the room.
                                                            
 
INT. MOTEL LOBBY - DAY
                                                            
JIMMY walks into the lobby somewhat cautiously. He goes to
the receptionists desk. He sees no one there but when he
looks over the counter, the receptionist is dead on the
floor.
                                                            
JIMMY looks around franticly. LEBOWITZ enters. JIMMY runs
out. He give chase.
                                                            
 

31.

EXT. MOTEL - DAY
                                                            
JIMMY runs outside. LEBOWITZ is following him. He finds
himself in a corner. LEBOWITZ takes advantage of that. He
throws a few punches at JIMMY which he dodges. He manages to
escape and runs around a corner. He waits there against the
wall. He thinks as LEBOWITZ aproaches at a speedy pace. When
LEBOWITZ comes speeding through, JIMMY clothslines him. He
is amazed at what he has just done. He stands there as
LEBOWITZ squeels in pain. Carter comes around from behind
JIMMY and bashes him over the head with a handgun. JIMMY is
knocked out cold. LEBOWITZ gets up with a bloody nose. Him
and CARTER exchange looks of dislike.
                                                            
CARTER and LEBOWITZ pick up JIMMY and carry him to their car
where they put him in the back with a tied up and gaged
AMANDA
                                                            
 
INT. LEBOWITZ BASEMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
JIMMY wakes up tied to a chair with LEBOWITZ standing in
front of him.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Good morning sleepy head.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ punches JIMMY in the face, knocking him on the
floor. JIMMY screems in pain.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (shouting)
Where the hell are they?!
                                                            
                       JIMMY
      (mockingly)
I hid them in Rick's grave.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Look, pal, your friend died and
your brother went to jail over
those jewels. So stop screwing
around with me and tell me where
they are!
                                                            
LEBOWITZ kicks JIMMY in the side, causing him to slide on
the floor. LEBOWITZ get close to JIMMY's face.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (whispers)
You gonna tell me now?
                                                            

32.

                       JIMMY
      (mockingly)
Not if you're gonna be such a jerk
about it.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ slaps JIMMY.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (shouting)
I will kill you!
                                                            
LEBOWITZ punches JIMMY in the stomach. He coughs up blood.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (shouting)
I will kill you!
                                                            
JIMMY just looks at him.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Fine, I won't kill you. I'll just
make you wish I would.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ pulls his arm back to punsh JIMMY.
                                                            
 
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
AMANDA sits on the bed, tied and gagged. She is struggling
to get free. CARTER sits in a chair in the corner reading a
news paper.
                                                            
                       CARTER
You know, even if you do manage to
free yourself, I'm here to tie you
back up.
                                                            
AMANDA says somthing that is muffled under her gag.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Yeah, that's why I gagged you. I
don't want to hear it.
                                                            
He turns back to the paper. AMANDA yells at him a few times
through the gag and then gives up and flops on the bed in
tears.
                                                            
CARTER gets up and sits on the bed.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Are you going to be quiet?
                                                            
AMANDA does nothing.
                                                            

33.

CARTER removes the gag. Suddenly, AMANDA springs to life and
starts headbutting him.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
I'll kill you! You creep! I'll rip
you-
                                                            
CARTER shoves her back and forces the gag back in her mouth.
                                                            
                       CARTER
I said are you going to be quiet?
                                                            
AMANDA relaxes and nodds her head. CARTER removes the gag
again.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Good.
                                                            
He goes back to the chair.
                                                            
                       CARTER
I need to ask you some questions.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
What?
                                                            
                       CARTER
What do you know about the
diamonds?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
What diamonds?
                                                            
                       CARTER
I'm asking the questions, and you
know what diamonds.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
I don't know what you're talking
about.
                                                            
                       CARTER
You mean you don't know anything?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
No.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Okay then. I guess you're usless.
                                                            
CARTER pulls out a gun and fires right next to AMANDA's
head. She screems and ducks.
                                                            

34.

                       CARTER
Let's get this straight. Your
life's not important to me. That
was your one and only warning
shot. And if you don't answer my
questions you'll get the second
shot between the eyes. Got that?
                                                            
AMANDA nodds.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Now, where are the jewels?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
The ones Jimmy stole from you?
                                                            
                       CARTER
From me? Who do you think I am?
You think Ed Lebowitz?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
You mean you're not?
                                                            
                       CARTER
Haha. Thank God I'm not. He owes
my uncle those Diamonds. Im just
here to make sure he gets them.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
So, who are you?
                                                            
                       CARTER
My name's Jacob Cater. Now, back
to my question. Where are the
diamons?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Jimmy didn't tell me.
                                                            
CARTER pulls out his pistol and aims it at AMANDA's head.
She puts her hands in front of her face and ducks.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
      (yelling)
He didn't tell me!
                                                            
She is in tears. CARTER slowly lowers his gun.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Okay. I believe you.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
You do?
                                                            

35.

                       CARTER
Yeah.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
      (pause)
What now?
                                                            
                       CARTER
Now, you just have to pray that
Jimmy cracks before Lebowitz beats
him to death.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
What are you doing to him?
                                                            
                       CARTER
I'm not doing anything, but Ed is
giving him quite the treatment.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Let me talk to him.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Why? So you two can plan an
escape? I don't think so.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
No. I can convince him to tell you
where the jewels are.
                                                            
                       CARTER
Why should I believe that?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Would you want your girlfriend to
be beaten to death?
                                                            
 
INT. LEBOWITZ BASEMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
LEBOWITZ is beating JIMMY when the door opens. In come
CARTER with AMANDA. AMANDA looks at JIMMY and runs to him.
                                                            
                       CARTER
She decided to cooperate. She is
going to get the information out
of him.
                                                            
CARTER and LEBOWITZ begin talking.
                                                            

36.

                       AMANDA
      (quietly)
Jimmy you have to tell him. He's
going to kill you.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
He'll kill me even if I do tell
him.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
There's a chance that he'll let us
go.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ and CARTER's background conversation develops into
an arguement.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
No. I can't.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Why not, Jimmy? Why can't you just
tell him?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
If I tell him, Rick will have died
in vein.
                                                            
JIMMY and AMANDA share a look of understanding.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
What am I going to do?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Your smart, you figure it out.
Besides, he looks lonely enough to
fall for the femme fatal.
                                                            
CARTER pushes LEBOWITZ back a few steps.
                                                            
                       CARTER
You know why don't you just
shut-the hell-up?!
      (long pause)
She's done here!
      (to AMANDA)
Is he gonna talk?!
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Yeah. When pigs fly.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ punches him in the face. AMANDA tries to go to him,
but CARTER holds her back and pulls her out the door as
LEBOWITZ continues to beat JIMMY.
                                                            
 

37.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
CARTER leads AMANDA into the bedroom.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
What's up with you and Lebowitz?
                                                            
                       CARTER
Shut up.
                                                            
He begins to put the handcuffs back on her.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
You know it was kind of impresive.
                                                            
He tightens the handcuffs.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Big strong man, standing up for
himself. That sort of thing can
make a woman go crazy.
                                                            
She casually walks behind him, she begins massaging his
shoulders. In a split second, she slings the handcuffs
around his neck and pulls. He struggles but can't breath. he
eventually falls limp. AMANDA looks afraid. She checks his
pulse to find that there is not one. She begins to tear up.
After a minute, she stops herself and leaves the room.
                                                            
 
INT. LEBOWITZ BASEMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (tierd)
Look, this can't go on forever.
Just tell me where they are.
                                                            
JIMMY sits silent. He looks as though he is about to break.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
I'm sick and tired of hitting you.
I want this to end just as badly
as you do.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ pulls his arm back to hit JIMMY again. the doorbell
rings. LEBOWITZ stops. He looks between JIMMY and the door.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
You're not going anywhere.
                                                            
He hurries to the front door.
                                                            
 

38.

INT. FOYER - NIGHT
                                                            
LEBOWITZ walks towards the door very nervously and answers
it. On the other side is the mafia leader, BARRY MONONI,
with one of his henchmen.
                                                            
 
INT. LEBOWITZ BASEMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
AMANDA comes in through the door and unties JIMMY.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
We have to hurry. Who knows how
long he might be.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Good. Can you get through that
window?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I think so.
                                                            
JIMMY is hurt and can't walk well.
                                                            
 
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
MONONI and his henchman are siting on a couch and LEBOWITZ
is siting in a chair across from them.
                                                            
                       MANONI
I dont know why you have me
sitting down here chatting. You
know why I'm here. Where are they?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (nervously)
I...I don't quite have them.
                                                            
The henchman stands up.
                                                            
                       MANONI
You What?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Wait, wait, wait. I have something
just as good. I have the guy who
stole them from me. Just follow
me.
                                                            
LEBOWITZ gets up and begins to walk towards the basement.
MANONI does the same reluctantlly.
                                                            

39.

                       LEBOWITZ
I promise you Benito, you won't be
unsatisfied.
                                                            
                       MANONI
Where's my nephew?
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (indicating)
He's in there with the girl, but
don't worry about her, she's
useless. You have to see the guy.
He won't tell me anything, but
maybe he'll talk to you.
                                                            
                       MANONI
      (to HENCHMAN)
Check his story.
                                                            
the henchman walks off towards the room.
                                                            
 
INT. LEBOWITZ BASEMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
AMANDA is trying to help JIMMY out the window.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Ow! don't touch me there.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Well what can I do then?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I can get out on my own.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Not fast enough.
                                                            
JIMMY pulls himself out of the window.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
There! You happy now?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
No! You need to help me out of
here.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Okay, here. Take my hand.
                                                            
AMANDA takes JIMMYs hand and uses it to help herself out of
the window.
                                                            
 

40.

INT. LEBOWITZ BASEMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
LEBOWTZ opens the door, and walks into the room.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
Here he is.
                                                            
He looks at the empty chair.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
      (searching
       franticly)
Where did he go? Where the hell
did he go?!
                                                            
MANONI looks at him very annoyed. Then the HENCHMAN walks in
with CARTER's body.
                                                            
                       HENCHMAN
He's dead.
                                                            
MONONI pulls out a fancy handgun and poits it at LEBOWITZ,
who cowers.
                                                            
                       LEBOWITZ
No! Please! I swear, I don't know
what happened! He was here. I
swear to God!!
                                                            
MONONI shoots LEBOWITZ.
                                                            
                       MANONI
I don't like people who swear.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY
                                                            
"Six Months Later" shows. We se JIMMY, SAMMY, LISA and
AMANDA get out of a car and walk over to a grave. JIMMY is
using a cane.
                                                            
Subtitle: "Sammy served his six months in the state
penitentary for attempted robery. When he got out, he
retired so he could get married to Lisa."
Subtitle: "Jimmy kept working. He is now one of the most
successful con artists in America, along with his accomplice
Amanda."
Subtitle: "Rick still rests peacefully. The diamonds are
buried with him in his grave."
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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