Home Screenwriting Products Screenwriter Community Screenwriting Store
ScriptBuddy - Screenwriting Software for the Web

Screenwriter Community

Back to List of Published Screenplays
View/Leave Feedback

OVERTURNED
by Ernie Johnson (authorernieroy@yahoo.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Drama   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

The game between the Archer High Bowmen was scheduled. It would be the last basketball game of the season, with only bragging rights for the winners. The game the bowmen would play; however, would not be played on any hardwood basketball court; their opponents would not be six-foot guards, centers, or forwards, but rather the elements of life itself. The rules, as such, were simple - SURVIVE.


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.



OVERTURNED

FADE IN:

INT. ARCHER HIGH SCHOOL GYM - DAY
                                                            
WHISTLE BLOWS
                                                            
                       COACH
Okay, men, come here.
                                                            
Both teams scamper to the sidelines
                                                            
                       COACH
Have a seat, guys.
                                                            
The coach paces in front of his team, his steps ECHO in the
gym.
                                                            
He grabs his stool, places it in front of his men, and sits
down.
                                                            
                       COACH
Here's where we stand, guys. The
Bucs are fast and they have a
passion for victory. Their record
speaks for itself. Outside of
Geronimo and Scoop, we don't
compare in height. We are as fast
on the court and our desire to win
is just as passionate. Their
primary weapon is their zone
defense and their height
advantage. Go back to the court
for another fifteen minutes of
scrimmage using the zone defense.
(To Tony)
Tony! I want to see you for a
moment before you go out there.
(To everyone)
Okay, guys, hit the court.
                                                            
The boys rush onto the court while TONY stays put.
                                                            
                       TONY
What's up, coach?
                                                            
                       COACH
I have a play I want you to
explain to your first squad. I
want to see if this play can short
circuit the Buc's zone defense.
            (MORE)

2.

                       COACH (cont'd)
They haven't seen this one.
                                                            
                       TONY
Let's see it.
                                                            
Tony watches as the coach draws up the play on his
clipboard.

Tony jogs out to court and huddles with his team.

Tony side inbounds the ball and Tony, from right guard
position, draws SCOOP and ROACH from their guard and left
forward positions.

The ball bounces under Roach's arm to ANGI who's left with
an easy lay-up.

They run the play again and it works the same.

On the third try, Scoop intercepts the pass and rushes down
the court for an unassisted dunk.

The coach's whistle BLOWS again as he scribbles notes on his
clipboard.
                                                            
                       COACH
Lay-ups and foul shots boys. Then
you kids get ready for the rally.
                                                            
The boys break up into drill lines when the ARCHERETTES
cheerleading squad enters the gym.

The disruption forces the coach to BLOW the whistle again.
                                                            
                       COACH
Okay, men, hit the showers. See
you at T & C's tonight.
                                                            
The coach heads for the door and the players break for the
locker room.

Tony stops to talk with ANN.
                                                            
                       TONY
Hi sweetheart. Are you still going
to T & C's after rehearsal?

                                                            

3.

                       ANN
I told FRANK that we'd help
decorate for tonight. ROXY and
LAURA will be there too.
                                                            
Angi walks over and places his arm around Paula.
                                                            
                       ANGI
Like to be my escort to the rally,
sweetie?
                                                            
                       PAULA
Don't sweetie me, you jerk. Get
your paws off me.
                                                            
She shrugs her shoulders, knocking his arm from them. She
steps back away from him.
                                                            
                       PAULA
      (sarcastically)
I have a ride anyway, but thanks.
                                                            
                       ANGI
Then can I give you a lift after
rehearsal?
                                                            
                       PAULA
Get Lost!
                                                            
Paula HUFFS and storms off to center court.
                                                            
Angi gives Tony a cocky smile as he passes him on his way to
the locker room.
                                                            
                       TONY
What was that all about, Ann?
                                                            
Ann SHAKES her head from side to side.
                                                            
                       ANN
      (chuckling)
Angi's being his everyday smug
flirt. I better get the rehearsal
started.
                                                            
                       TONY
I'll be waiting for you.
                                                            
Ann turns and heads towards center court.Tony heads to the
locker room.

PEGGY approaches Paula at mid-court.
                                                            

4.

                       PEGGY
      ((to Paula))
What do you have, that I don't?
                                                            
                       PAULA
In regards to what, Loverboy?
Whatever it is girl, I wish I
didn't have it.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
The reason I became a cheerleader
was so I could be around Angi.
                                                            
                       PAULA
Are you serious? You want to be
around Loverboy? Don't you know
the rep he has at school?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
I'm up for the challenge.
                                                            
                       PAULA
      (laughing)
Angi's more than a challenge, Peg.
If you want him, girl, then shoot
for the moon. No other girl that
I know of wants him.
                                                            
                       ANN
Okay, girls! Let's go through our
normal routine, and then I've got
one to add for tonight. When
we're done here, we can use
everyone's help decorating T & C's
for tonight's Rally Night.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. T & C'S - NIGHT
                                                            
FRANK locks the door and turns to his staff.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Okay, everyone, we've got ten
minutes. Let's get ready! Come
with me Harry.
                                                            
Frank shows HARRY to his table.
                                                            

5.

TEN MINUTES LATER
                                                            
Frank stands at the front door and unlocks it. He turns on
the outside lights. He sees the huge crowd as he opens the
door.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Talking to
       himself)
They're not all coming in here,
are they?
                                                            
Customers start pouring in through the now opened door.

The cheerleaders and the players are the first ones in,
followed by Coach Tolman and his wife BARBARA.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (To the Coach)
At this rate we'll be maxed out
before eight, I can only take
two-hundred and fifty.
                                                            
The coach checks his coat, along with his wife's.
                                                            
                       COACH
Relax, Frank. Most of the parents
will leave as soon as they eat.
We'd better grab a seat.
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's nice seeing you, Barbara. You
two have a great night.
                                                            
                       BARBARA
Thanks! The place looks
fantastic.
                                                            
Barbara follows her husband to their table.
                                                            
PRINCIPAL THATCHER stands at the only seat he sees
available, at Harry's table.
                                                            
                       HENRY
      (to the reporter)
Mind if I join you?
                                                            
                       HARRY
      (Looking up)
Be my guest, Henry. You can be my
first victim of the night. Have a
seat.
                                                            

6.

                       HENRY
      (sitting down)
Victim? What do you mean?
                                                            
                       HARRY
Maybe that's a tad intense, but
I'd like to get about five
interviews tonight and you can be
my first.
                                                            
                       HENRY
Knowing what you do for a living,
you old codger, I know that
anything I say will end up in
print, right?
                                                            
                       HARRY
But of course! It's my duty to
report what's happening. Where
you're the principal of the
Bowmen, our readers would like to
know your opinion on this game
next week
                                                            
                       HENRY
It will have to wait, Harry. The
Archerettes will be hitting the
floor in a minute, and then I have
a short speech. Take my comments
from that speech, okay?
                                                            
                       HARRY
Done deal!
                                                            
MARIA Alessio YELLS through the kitchen window.
                                                            
                       MARIA
Frank! It's eight o'clock.
                                                            
Frank removes his apron.
                                                            
                       FRANK
On my way, honey.
                                                            
Frank leaves the kitchen and heads to the dance floor. He
waits for the song to end. He flips the switch, silencing
the jukebox and he grabs the microphone.

The dance floor clears as Frank checks the microphone.

The cheerleaders assemble inside the game room, with Ann in
front.
                                                            

7.

                       FRANK
Could I have everyone's attention,
please? Welcome to Rally Night
here at the Town and Country.
Tonight we're all here in support
of our basketball team, the Archer
Bowmen, in a rally that we hope
will carry them to victory one
week from tonight.
                                                            
Everyone applauds.
                                                            
                       FRANK
The Archerettes are about to grace
our dance floor for a routine of
cheers. Let's give an Archer
applause to Ann, Paula, Linda,
Peggy, and Roxanne, the
Archerettes.
                                                            
Frank extends his arm towards the game room.

The Archerettes leave the game room and head onto the dance
floor, led By Ann, and they perform their routine of cheers.

As the Archerettes leave the dance floor Frank returns to
the microphone.
                                                            
                       FRANK
At this time I'd like you to
welcome Archer High Principal
Henry Thatcher, who has a few
words to say to you all. Mr.
Thatcher!
                                                            
Henry stands and heads to the microphone and receives a
comfortable applause from the patrons.
                                                            
                       HENRY
Good evening students, faculty,
family, and friends who've joined
us tonight at T & C's. I've been
known to be a bit long-winded, but
tonight's not my night, nor is it
my floor. This night belongs to
the ten young men we call the
Bowmen.
                                                            
Everyone cheers and applauds.
                                                            
                       HENRY
In their regular season the Bowmen
have proved themselves by winning
the divisional championships for
            (MORE)

8.

                       HENRY (cont'd)
the fifteenth time in my eighteen
year tenure as their principal.
Next week's game is a prestige
only game. For the Bowmen it will
be bragging rights if they can be
the only team to beat the other
for the third consecutive year. On
behalf of the faculty, and the
students who make our school so
special, we wish the Bowmen the
very best in Wilkinson next Friday
night. Thank you!
                                                            
Frank flips the switch on the jukebox. It springs to life
with another forty-five rotating on the turntable.

Peggy sits near the game room with Paula, LAURA, and LINDA,
and she starts tapping the table with her fingers.
                                                            
                       PAULA
      (to Peggy)
What in the world are you doing?
                                                            
Peggy's eyes are wide open and she stares at Angi.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Right now I’m keeping score and
conniving, all at once.
                                                            
                       LAURA
      (chuckling)
Keeping score of what, or better
yet, who?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
The number of girls Angi asks to
dance without success.
                                                            
                       PAULA
      (laughing)
Are you serious? For what reason?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
I can use this information to get
what I want. So far tonight,
unless I missed someone, the score
is twenty-four to nothing. I'd
say he's on a losing streak.
                                                            

9.

                       LAURA
You're still going after him?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
I sure am, and with both barrels
loaded. Tonight he's taking me
home, even though he doesn't know
it yet.
                                                            
Laura stares her in the face and grabs the edge of the table
with both hands.
                                                            
                       LAURA
Don't you know the reputation he
has?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Reputations, much the same as
rules, are meant to be broken.
It's time to make my move.
                                                            
Peggy stands and walks over to the jukebox. She scans the
new selections. She puts the quarter in the slot and pushes
the appropriate buttons. She then returns to her seat with
a big smile on her face.
                                                            
Linda CHUCKLES and SHAKES her head.
                                                            
                       LINDA
      (to Peggy)
What in the world are you doing?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
      (snickering)
Now I just sit and wait for the
Hully Gully to be played. I can
dance that as good, or maybe even
better than anyone in school. If
we're going to play a game, then
that game will be on my turf. That
turf happens to be the dance
floor.
                                                            
                       LAURA
He hasn't once asked you to dance,
Peg, so why should he ask now?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Is there any rule that says a girl
has to be asked by the guy?
                                                            

10.

                       PAULA
As a matter of fact, girl, there's
none that I know of. You've got
more spunk than I gave you credit
for. Maybe you are the one girl
who can tame Loverboy down to
size. Do you think he'll bite?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
If he wants to dance, as bad as I
think he does, he will. There's
my song. Wish me luck, girls.
                                                            
Peggy stands and heads to the table where Angi and Roach
sit. She extends her left arm towards the DANCE FLOOR.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
      (to Angi)
Would you care to join me for this
dance?
                                                            
Angi stands.
                                                            
                       ANGI
I'd love to.
                                                            
Angi and Peggy start to dance as the dance floor clears
around them.

When the song ends, everyone applauds.

A slow song drops onto the turntable and Peggy reaches for
Angi's hand and embraces him.

Angi's eyes lower and two rows of wrinkles form on his lower
forehead.

After nine dances Angi breaks free and turns to Peggy.
                                                            
                       ANGI
I need a drink. Can I get you
something?
                                                            
Peggy stands just off the dance floor, near her table.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Thanks, I'd like a large orange,
please.
                                                            
Angi heads to the counter.

Peggy heads to the front door and waits. Eight minutes
later she sees Angi with two drinks in his hand and he's

11.

looking all around for her.

Angi turns his head towards the coatroom and spots her
standing by the door, and works his way to her.

Angi hands Peggy her drink.
                                                            
                       ANGI
      (to Peggy)
I could use some fresh air. Would
you like to come out with me?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Sounds good to me.
                                                            
Angi opens the door to step outside.
                                                            
THE ENTRANCE RAMP
                                                            
Angi steps beyond Peggy and turns around to face her.
                                                            
                       ANGI
You're a very good dancer.
                                                            
Peggy stares him down as she takes a sip of her drink. Her
eyebrows rise as she lowers it from her mouth.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
      (sarcastically)
Oh, you mean you noticed. Why
then has it taken you over two
hours to notice me? Not only
that, but it was me who had to ask
you to dance, not the other way
around.
                                                            
                       ANGI
Well!
                                                            
                       PEGGY
      (in a huff)
Well what? Tonight’s not the
first night you’ve gone to a dance
alone, and unless you get mighty
darned lucky you’ll leave here the
same way. Tonight you’ve asked
twenty-four girls to dance and you
ended up sitting down because you
were refused each time.
                                                            

12.

                       ANGI
      (voice raised)
What are you, some kind of
detective and keeping an eye on
me?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
No, but I might believe I have a
good reason, if I were.
                                                            
Angi takes a sip of his soda.
                                                            
                       ANGI
And what might that be?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
The only reason I became a
cheerleader was because you were
on the team. I've done
everything, withing obvious
boundaries, to get you to notice
me. I'm a girl, or haven't you
noticed.
                                                            
Peggy thrusts her chest out for him to gawk at.
                                                            
Angi's face flushes a deep shade of red and he can't help
but stare.
                                                            
                       ANGI
Well!
                                                            
                       PEGGY
      (In a HUFF)
Is that the best response you can
come up with, Loverboy, or can't
you live up to your
self-proclaimed nickname? I'm
going inside. If you want it,
then come and get it. You have
five minutes. Be a second late
and you can forget it. Go home
alone again and see if I care.
                                                            
Peggy turns to head inside and abruptly stops and turns back
to face him.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Oh! Thanks for the drink.
                                                            
Peggy then turns back towards the door and storms off
inside.


13.

Angi stands there and reaches into his pocket for a
cigarette. After lighting it he talks aloud to himself.
                                                            
                       ANGI
I'd be a fool for not going after
her. She's headstrong and not
afraid to tell it the way she
feels it. I better get in there
before she changes her mind.
                                                            
Angi takes a few more drags and then snuffs the cigarette
out. He then runs inside.
                                                            
INSIDE THE DOOR
                                                            
Peggy stands near the counter talking with Coach Tolman and
his wife, as they prepare to leave.

Angi looks at his watch and he sees that he has about a
minute left. He approaches the three of them.
                                                            
                       ANGI
Excuse me, coach, but could I
speak to Peggy a moment?
                                                            
                       COACH
Peggy! We better get going. You
have a nice night.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
You two do the same. Bye!
                                                            
Coach Tolman and his wife head to the coatroom.
                                                            
Peggy looks around.
                                                            
                       ANGI
      (to Peggy)
What are you looking for?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
I'm looking for a place where we
can talk, but it's still crowded
in here. You had your chance,
when we were alone outside. You
blew that chance when you
questioned my femininity. Now the
quietest spot is in the game room,
and you know everyone will be
listening in there.
                                                            
Peggy wears a smug look on her face as she shrugs her
shoulders.
                                                            

14.

                       ANGI
Well then let's go into the game
room.
                                                            
Angi grabs her hand and leads the way through the crowd and
past the dance floor. The last few steps are past the table
where Paula, Linda, and Laura still sit, before they reach
the game room.

Peggy walks by the table with her tongue in her cheek and
she wears a huge smile on her face.

Paula notices.
                                                            
                       PAULA
      (whispering to
       both girls)
What in the world is she up to?
                                                            
                       LAURA
      (speaking softly)
You're asking me? I don't know,
but that smile on her face looked
devilish.

                                                            
                       LINDA
Whatever it is, she's in the game
room talking to him now. Not only
that, but it appears as though
everyone's stopped playing games
in there, at least for the moment.
                                                            
                       PAULA
That means they're all listening
to everything that's being said.
I've got to give her some credit.
She's got a lot of moxie. If
their conversation is supposed to
be private, it sure won't be by
the time they leave that game
room.
                                                            
Moments later Peggy leaves the game room and returns to her
table and takes a seat.
                                                            
                       PAULA
      (to Peggy)
What's going on between you and
Angi?
                                                            

15.

Peggy licks her lips.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Well, girls, if I played my cards
right, then you won't have to
worry about Angi anymore.
                                                            
                       LAURA
What did you do to him?
                                                            
Peggy looks at Laura.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
You might get to find out in about
ten minutes or less, but then
again, maybe you won't.
                                                            
Angi exits the game room and works his way around the dance
floor and over to the jukebox.

Peggy sits in her chair and her fingers start tapping
against the table.

When the song ends, Angi reaches behind the jukebox and
flips the switch and shuts down the machine. He grabs the
microphone and taps the head. Sweat drips off his forehead
and into his eyes, and both hands shake.
                                                            
                       ANGI
Can I have everyone's attention
please?
                                                            
Angi waits.
                                                            
                       ANGI
In the two years I've been in high
school, I've built up a reputation
and not one I'm really proud of.
It's that reputation that has me
standing here right now. A few
minutes ago I asked Peggy Warren a
question. She wanted proof that I
meant it. If this doesn't prove I
want you to be my girl, then
nothing will. Will you be my
girl?
                                                            
Peggy gets up and RUNS to the dance floor as Angi replaces
the microphone and flips the switch to the jukebox.

Everyone APPLAUDS.

Peggy hugs him and looks him in the eyes.
                                                            

16.

                       PEGGY
I will now.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - GAME DAY - NIGHT
                                                            
The school bus pulls up in front of the high school gym and
stops.

NICK PERELLI opens the doors to the school bus.
                                                            
                       COACH
      (Standing outside
       the bus's doors)
Good evening, Nick. Are you ready
for the ride to Wilkinson?
                                                            
The cheerleaders start to board the bus.
                                                            
                       NICK
As ready as I can be.
                                                            
Reporter Harry Thompson approaches the bus.
                                                            
                       COACH
You go on next, Harry.
                                                            
The coach helps Harry on with the tripod and camera.
                                                            
                       COACH
Is that everything?
                                                            
                       HARRY
That's all of it, Jim, and thanks.
                                                            
Harry climbs aboard and grabs a seat in front of the
cheerleaders.
                                                            
The coach returns outside the bus.
                                                            
                       COACH
Okay, guys, let's get on board.
                                                            
CHIEF CONNORS approaches the Coach.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Is everything okay, Tom?
                                                            
                       COACH
As far as I know it is. I've just
had a strange feeling in my gut,
and for some unknown reason it's
            (MORE)

17.

                       COACH (cont'd)
stronger right now.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Weird, as in how?
                                                            
                       COACH
I'm really not sure.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Shake it off and I'll give you an
escort to Mountain Road and then
you're on your own. Kick some
serious butt down there, Jim.
                                                            
                       COACH
Thanks, Tom, we'll certainly try.
                                                            
The coach loads the water cooler, and the bag of balls with
the first aid kit aboard the bus.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. SCHOOL BUS - MOUNTAIN ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
The school bus starts the slow climb to the highest point on
Mountain Road. A thick layer of clouds suddenly surrounds
the bus. Nick slows down to ten miles an hour.

As he reaches the crest, Nick checks the brakes and the
pedal slams hard to the floorboards.

The bus is well on its way downhill. Nick pumps the brakes
but the bus continues to pick up speed fast.

Forty... forty-five... fifty miles an hour.

There's pandemonium inside the school bus.

                                                            
                       COACH
      (YELLING to Nick)
What's wrong?
                                                            
                       NICK
I've got no brakes.
                                                            
Nick looks again and they're going fifty-five, sixty,
seventy miles an hour.

Nick pulls hard on the emergency brake but it snaps.

18.


Seventy-five, eighty miles an hour.

Nick shuts off the engine. The solid wall of granite stares
him in the face at less than a hundred feet in front of the
bus.

Everyone braces for a crash.
                                                            
                       COACH
      (YELLING to
       everyone)
Brace yourselves!
                                                            
Eighty-five... ninety... miles an hour

Nick steers the bus into the left lane and turns slowly
towards the right. At the last second he turns the wheel
sharply to the left.

The bus flips to the right and the exposed tires slam hard
against the wall of granite.

The tires explode and catapult the bus across the road and
over the guardrail.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. THE SCHOOL BUS - LATER - NIGHT
                                                            
Tony comes to and lets out a deep GROAN. He gently touches
the side of his head.
                                                            
                       TONY
Oh man, what did I hit?
                                                            
Tony touches the large knot on the side of his head.
                                                            
                       TONY
Oh my God that hurts.
                                                            
He removes his hand quickly.
                                                            
                       TONY
Oh my God, what have we been
through?
                                                            
                       TONY
      (YELLING)
Can anyone hear me?
                                                            
He waits for a response.
                                                            

19.

                       TONY
Don't tell me I'm the only one
alive.
                                                            
Tony tries to sit up. A seat lies on top of his legs. Glass
covers his legs and stomach and blood trickles down the
sides of his face.
                                                            
                       TONY
Dad! Dad, can you hear me?
                                                            
Tony feels around slowly and finds bodies on both sides of
him and someone's head between his feet. He moves the seat
off his legs and slides it as slow as he can. He then tries
to slide himself up against the side of the bus.
                                                            
A MOAN comes from the rear of the bus.
                                                            
                       TONY
Who's that?
                                                            
Paula's MOAN becomes louder and more pronounced. Her voice
is shaky and broken.
                                                            
                       PAULA
      (broken voice)
It's... It's me, Paula. Is... Is
that you, Tony?
                                                            
                       TONY
Are you okay?
                                                            
                       PAULA
Not really. I can't move my right
arm and it hurts bad. I think I'm
bleeding. My arms and legs are
wet, but I'm not sure if it's my
blood or someone else's.
                                                            
                       TONY
I don't mean to sound cruel, but
don't worry about that right now.
As soon as I can I'll get someone
to check out your injuries. I've
got to somehow make sure we have
everyone.
                                                            
                       PAULA
Why? Everybody should be right
here.
                                                            

20.

                       TONY
If I'm right, the rear door to the
bus is missing and we might've
lost some of our friends out the
back.
                                                            
                       PAULA
Oh my God, Tony! What are we
going to do? Who's here now?
                                                            
                       TONY
I don't know. No one answers when
I call out and there's no light in
here for me to see a whole lot.
                                                            
Tears streak down the sides of Paula's face. She cries.

                                                            
                       PAULA
What are we going to do?
                                                            
                       TONY
I can't see a thing right now. Let
me work my way through everyone
who's around me and I'll try to
find the flashlight my dad carries
under his seat.
                                                            
                       PAULA
Please be careful.
                                                            
Tony's head hits one of the seats attached to the
floorboards above them.
                                                            
                       TONY
Ouch!
                                                            
                       PAULA
What happened?
                                                            
                       TONY
It looks like the bus is sitting
on its roof. I just bumped into
one of the seats above me.
                                                            
                       PAULA
Can this get any worse?
                                                            
Tony slowly works his way through the maze of bodies around
him.
                                                            

21.

                       TONY
I wouldn't ask that question if I
were you.
                                                            
Tony finally finds the driver's seat on the opposite side of
the bus from where he looked. His father's body is still
strapped into the seat.
                                                            
Tony shakes his father.
                                                            
                       TONY
Dad! Dad, wake up!
                                                            
                       PAULA
Is your dad okay?
                                                            
                       TONY
I don't know. I'll have to check
for a pulse. Hold on!
                                                            
He takes two fingers and finds his fathers neck. He touches
it gently on one side.

Tears flow from Tony's eyes.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (broken voice)
My... My dad didn't make it. He...
He's dead.
                                                            
                       PAULA
Oh my God, Tony, I'm sorry. Did
you find the flashlight?
                                                            
Tony wipes the tears from his eyes. He reaches up under the
seat his father is in and grabs the flashlight.
                                                            
                       TONY
Yeah, I got it.
                                                            
                       PAULA
Does it work?
                                                            
Tony flips the switch and the light shines. He takes it and
shines the light towards the floor of the bus.
                                                            
                       TONY
It seems like everyone's in a heap
down front here.
                                                            
Two more MOANS are heard.
                                                            

22.

                       PAULA
Who's that?
                                                            
Tony shines the light towards where he heard the sounds. He
sees that it's BACKBOARD and REBOUND who are making the
sounds as they come to.
                                                            
                       TONY
Tommy! Kenny! Are you guys okay?
                                                            
Rebound reaches to rub the sore on the side of his head.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
Man, like I have a king-sized
headache.
                                                            
                       TONY
Be careful when you guys move.
There's glass everywhere.
                                                            
Backboard tries to move a seat from across his chest.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
I'll be okay, I think. My knee is
sore, but I can move it. Once I
get that light over here, I'm sure
I'll be picking glass out of my
body. I'll be okay, I think.
                                                            
                       TONY
Be careful you two. It appears
everyone's rolled to the front of
the bus and we're sitting on its
roof. We overturned.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
Is everyone okay, man?
                                                            
                       TONY
I don't know. Right now all I
know is that there are four of us
alive.
                                                            
Backboard tries to sit up.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
Who's the fourth?
                                                            
                       TONY
It's Paula and she's near the back
of the bus.
                                                            
Rebound stands.
                                                            

23.

                       REBOUND
Hey, man, is she gonna be okay?
                                                            
                       TONY
It sounds like she might have a
broken arm, Tommy, and, like
everyone else in here, I'm sure
she's got cuts from the glass.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
So what's our next move.
                                                            
                       TONY
Can you give me a hand getting my
dad out of his seat. He didn't
make it.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
Sorry, my friend. I'm on my way.
Shine that light on the floor so I
don't step on anyone.
                                                            
                       TONY
Everybody's everywhere, so be
careful.
                                                            
Tony shines the light on the floor as Rebound and Backboard
work their way towards him.

The three men work together to lower Nick's body from the
upside down chair he's in.

As Nick's body is placed on the floor, more MOANS can be
heard from the middle of the bus.

Tony grabs the flashlight and shines it throughout the bus.

                                                            
                       TONY
Who's that?
                                                            
Ben tries to move two bodies from on top of himself.
                                                            
                       TONY
Is that you, Ben?
                                                            
                       JAMMER
Yeah it's me, alright, but this
body ain't meant ta take this
kinda abuse, man. My ankle hurts,
my head's poundin, and my ribs are
sore.
                                                            

24.

                       TONY
Be thankful if that's all that's
wrong, Ben. Watch out for all the
broken glass.
                                                            
ROXANNE tries to sit up with Paula's help.
                                                            
                       ROXY
Yeah, it's me Roxy. Is everyone
alive?
                                                            
                       TONY
I don't know yet. Are you okay?
                                                            
                       ROXY
I think so, once I get all the
glass outta my arms and legs.
Ouch!
                                                            
                       TONY
Okay, guys, this won't be easy,
but we need to try and sit
everyone up, one at a time. We
need to make a path in the center
of the roof, or floor, whatever's
underneath us. Be very careful
with the girls, please.
                                                            
Tommy and Ben start at the front of the bus and they lift
Roach's body up against it's side.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
      (to Tony)
Where's the coach?
                                                            
                       TONY
We'll find him Kenny. Right now I
need to find out who's alive and
who's missing.
                                                            
Kenny looks down and sees that Ann's next. He turns and
looks at Tony.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
Hey, man, it's like your
girlfriend.
                                                            
Ben and Kenny carefully lift Ann's body up and leans it
against the side of the bus.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (broken voice)
Is... Is she...?
                                                            

25.

                       JAMMER
Shine that firefly this way, man,
and I'll check.
                                                            
Ben checks for a pulse.
                                                            
                       JAMMER
She's alive, Tony. I'm just
guessin she's out cold. She is
breathin or her own, man.
                                                            
More MOANS are heard.
                                                            
                       TONY
Thanks, Ben!
                                                            
                       SCOOP
      (to Tony)
Hey, man, what can I do to help?
                                                            
                       TONY
Everyone's clumped together in a
heap at the front of the bus. When
we slid down the side of the
mountain we must've come down
front first. I can't tell for
sure, but I think we're sitting
flat at least.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
So what does that mean?
                                                            
                       TONY
It means we have to make space in
between everyone so that we can
walk in here.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (to Ben and Kenny)
Hold up you two.
                                                            
Both men stop.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
      (to Tony)
What's up?
                                                            
                       TONY
We have to start at the back of
the bus, guys. We need to make
some room. With everyone piled up
on top of each other, down here,
we won't have room for them all.
                                                            

26.

                       BACKBOARD
Does that mean we have to carry
them to the back?
                                                            
                       TONY
Well you can't drag them. There's
too much glass all over the place.
I'll shine the flashlight so you
and Scoop can do that. Be careful
where you put your feet.
                                                            
                       PAULA
      (YELLING)
Tony...!
                                                            
                       TONY
Yeah...!
                                                            
                       PAULA
I can see at least three seats
that were torn loose during the
accident. Anyone who can get back
here can sit on them. They're a
little shaky, but at least they're
soft seats and no glass.
                                                            
                       TONY
Thanks, Paula. Okay, guys, as
much as possible let the girls
have the seats. That will free up
some space down front here.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
I can see Laura Williams, Tony,
and Peggy’s right beside her.
                                                            
Rebound and Backboard carry Laura to the rear of the bus and
place her on one of the seats with Paula.

Paula holds her friend's motionless body close to her.
                                                            
                       PAULA
I have her, Tommy. When you get
Peggy, bring her over to Roxy. She
can hold her.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
You got it, girl!
                                                            
Ben holds his ribs.
                                                            

27.

                       JAMMER
I feel useless, man.
                                                            
                       TONY
You’ll get your chance to help,
once we’re able to get things
organized a bit. Find a safe
place for now and grab a seat.
                                                            
Tony takes a quick head count near the back.
                                                            
                       TONY
That means there should be nine
people left, Kenny. Let’s not
move them any more than we have
to. Find the coach.
                                                            
Harry moves from underneath a body.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Tony! The coach is right here
beside me, son, and he’s not
moving any.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (to Harry)
Are you okay, sir?
                                                            
                       HARRY
I will be once you can get, I
think its Sparky off me.
                                                            
                       TONY
Be careful, guys, there’s glass
everywhere.
                                                            
Rebound and Scoop are very careful as they lift their
teammate’s body off the reporter and Coach Tolman.

Sparky comes to, as does Will, who lays flat on his back on
the floor. Both MOAN as Will tries to sit up.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
Man, like what's with all the
glass everywhere?
                                                            
                       TONY
Are you okay, Will?
                                                            

28.

                       GERONIMO
I don’t rightly know, Tony. I
can’t see much in here.
                                                            
                       TONY
None of us can right now. Be
careful but try to lean up against
the side of the bus for now, until
we can get a real light to see.
                                                            
                       SPARKY
Not to sound funny, at a time like
this, but now I know how a
basketball feels after a game.
                                                            
                       TONY
Well at least you’re with us. How
about you, Will?
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
Don’t fret none about this bull,
man. I hurt just like everyone
else in here does. My shoulder’s
sore, my head hurts, and right now
I'm tryin ta pull glass outta my
hands.
                                                            
                       TONY
Ben! Can you check on the coach
for me? I’ll go and check on Ann.
                                                            
Tony takes the six steps towards the front where Ann is
perched up against the side of the bus.

Tony lightly taps her face.
                                                            
                       TONY
Ann?
                                                            
Ann comes to, shaking her head.
                                                            
                       ANN
Huh? What...?
                                                            
                       TONY
It’s Tony, honey. Are you okay?
                                                            

29.

                       ANN
I don't know. Can you help me up?
                                                            
                       TONY
Take it easy, babes. You just
came to.
                                                            
                       ANN
How long have I been out?
                                                            
                       TONY
About a half hour, give or take.
                                                            
                       ANN
Where is everyone?
                                                            
                       TONY
It appears as almost everyone's
here and accounted for.
                                                            
                       ANN
What do you mean almost?
                                                            
                       TONY
I can’t be sure, until we’re able
to get an accurate head count, but
it appears we have two people
missing. I can't locate either
Linda or Harpo.
                                                            
Ann cries.
                                                            
                       ANN
Where's my dad, Tony?
                                                            
                       TONY
Easy, honey. He’s on the floor
beside Harry, but he’s
unconscious.
                                                            
Tears flow down the sides of Ann's face.
                                                            
                       ANN
He's not...dead...is he?
                                                            
                       TONY
No, honey, he's not, but we won't
know how bad he is until we can
get him near some light.
                                                            
                       ANN
What about the girls?
                                                            

30.

                       TONY
All the girls are accounted for
with the exception of Linda. Peggy
and Laura are with Paula and Roxy,
but they’re still out cold.
They’re alive so we’ll check them
when they come to.
                                                            
                       ANN
What happened to Linda?
                                                            
                       TONY
We can’t be sure of anything,
right now Ann, but the back door
to the bus is missing and it’s
possible she fell out of the bus.
There is a possibility Harpo did
too.
                                                            
                       PAULA
      (voice raised)
Tony...!
                                                            
                       TONY
Yeah...!
                                                            
                       PAULA
Both Peg and Laura came to.
Outside of some cuts and bruises,
they'll be okay.
                                                            
                       TONY
Thanks, Paula!
                                                            
Tony turns to face Ann.
                                                            
                       TONY
Want to be with your dad, honey?
                                                            
                       ANN
Yes, would you please?
                                                            
                       TONY
Take my hand and I’ll take you to
him, honey.
                                                            
Ann grabs his hand as he helps her stand up.
                                                            

31.

                       TONY
Watch your head. We’re sitting on
the roof and there are seats still
attached to the floor above us.
                                                            
Tony helps Ann to her father’s motionless body and she
kneels down beside him with caution and gently rubs his
head.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Tony! Listen to an old man, son.
                                                            
                       TONY
What do you need, Harry?
                                                            
                       HARRY
It’s not by choice, but rather by
circumstance, that you’ve been
thrust into this position, young
man.
                                                            
                       TONY
How so, sir?
                                                            
                       HARRY
For as of this moment at least,
Coach Tolman can’t be of help.
Your dad, I’m sorry to hear,
didn’t make it. I’m the only
other adult down here. My mind is
too slow and my body too frail to
be of any help to the bunch of
you. You, as the team captain,
have the responsibility of being
in charge to try and keep everyone
alive until help arrives.
Everyone, including me, will be
turning to you. You’ve already
shown your leadership
abilities in what you’ve been
doing so far.
                                                            
                       TONY
What do I do next, sir?
                                                            
                       HARRY
God gave you a brain, son.
Use it and you’ll have your
answer. You have five girls who
have nothing but their short
uniforms on. It’s lucky they all
wore sweaters. In any case they
            (MORE)

32.

                       HARRY (cont'd)
can’t remain in this cold weather
for very much longer.
                                                            
                       TONY
I see your point. I’m not ready
for all this, Mr. Thompson.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Whether you’re ready for it or
not, son, you have fifteen
teammates, cheerleaders, and two
adults, who have only you to turn
to. Your dad was a religious man,
Tony, and I’m sure you believe in
God.
                                                            
                       TONY
I do, but...
                                                            
                       HARRY
But nothing! Say a quick prayer
to this God and ask for his help
and guidance. Our lives depend on
it.
                                                            
                       TONY
I'll do that, sir.
                                                            
Tony stands up. He shines the flashlight towards the rear
of the bus.
                                                            
                       TONY
Kenny!
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
Yeah, Tony.
                                                            
                       TONY
Take the flashlight and give me an
accurate head count. I need to
know if everyone's here. If
anyone's missing, I need to know
who it is.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
Done...!
                                                            
Backboard heads to where Tony stands and grabs the
flashlight.
                                                            

33.

                       BACKBOARD
What's goin on man?
                                                            
                       TONY
I don’t know, yet, but the girls
aren’t dressed to stay inside this
cold bus for very much longer.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
I hear that. Let me take that
head count.
                                                            
Backboard starts at the front and takes a mental note of
everyone who remains inside. He then approaches Tony from
the rear of the bus.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
I hate ta say it, man, but we've
got three people missin.
                                                            
                       TONY
I didn’t want to hear that. Who's
not here?
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
Angi, Linda, and Harpo. What are
we going to do now?
                                                            
                       TONY
Follow me back Kenny. I want to
talk to everyone at the same time.
I need to sit down too, if there's
a seat available.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
There are still two chairs empty.
                                                            
Tony moves towards the back with caution.
                                                            
                       TONY
How's your dad, Ann?
                                                            
                       ANN
He has a pulse, Tony, and he’s
breathing on his own, but he’s
either unconscious or in a coma,
and I can’t tell which.
                                                            
                       TONY
I’m going to talk to everyone, in
just a minute, Ann. I’m hoping to
find a way we can get a fire going
            (MORE)

34.

                       TONY (cont'd)
so everyone can get warmed up, but
mostly for the girls.
                                                            
                       ANN
Thanks! They do need that right
now.
                                                            
Tony and Backboard continue towards the rear of the bus.
Tony finds an empty seat and sits down easy.
                                                            
                       TONY
Listen up, everyone! I don’t need
to tell you that it’s cold, and
not only that but there’s so much
glass in here that’s it’s not safe
for anyone to be able to sit down
with any degree of safety. I
didn’t ask for this when I was
chosen to be your team captain,
but someone has to be in charge
and Harry’s laid that burden on
me. I have to take a couple of
guys and find a safe place nearby
where we can start a fire. Warmth
is imperative.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
Who do you want to go with you,
Tony? I’d like to help, man.
                                                            
                       TONY
That’s good, because I do need
you, Will. Roach! Where you’re a
Boy Scout I’m going to need your
expertise in getting a place to
build and then start a fire.
                                                            
                       ROACH
I hope you have some way of
starting a fire.
                                                            
                       TONY
Can’t you do it by rubbing two
sticks together or something?
                                                            
                       ROACH
In a controlled environment where
the wood is dry I’d say yes, but
down here the wood is damp, the
weather is cold, and just the
            (MORE)

35.

                       ROACH (cont'd)
opposite of the conditions we have
at the Boy Scouts.
                                                            
                       TONY
Okay, then, what do we need?
                                                            
                       ROACH
Matches or a lighter! The rest of
the material I can get outside in
the area.
                                                            
                       TONY
That’s just it, Mickey, until
someone goes out there and looks
we have no idea what kind of an
area we’re in outside this bus.
                                                            
                       SPARKY
Then give me the flashlight and
let Will go with me. We’ll go out
there and see what we have and
where we stand.
                                                            
Tony hands the flashlight to Mickey.
                                                            
                       TONY
Be careful you two.
                                                            
Roach steps out the emergency door with the flashlight, with
Will following behind him.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
See what ya can do bout gettin a
lighter or some matches, Tony.
                                                            
                       TONY
Where the heck am I going to get
matches?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
      (to Tony)
I know it's a long shot, but I
know Angi smokes, and he'd have
matches.
                                                            
                       TONY
A long shot is correct. Angi's
amongst our three missing friends.
                                                            

36.

The inside of the bus fades as Roach and Will turn to the
left of the bus as they exit.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. WILKINSON HIGH GYM - NIGHT
                                                            
COACH TANNER locates the Wilkinson High Principal in the
bleachers.
                                                            
                       TANNER
Where are the Bowmen, Barry?
                                                            
                       BARRY
I know! I was wondering the same
thing myself. It's not like
Tolman to be late. I better go to
my office and call the Police up
there and see if they know
anything.
                                                            
PRINCIPAL FALLON heads towards the hall doors.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. PRINCIPAL FALLON'S OFFICE - NIGHT
                                                            
Principal Fallon sits down at his desk and thumbs through
his Rolodex. Finding the number, he dials the Archer Police
Department.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
Archer Police, SERGEANT STILLWELL.
Can I help you?
                                                            
                       BARRY
Sergeant! This is the Wilkinson
High Principal, Barry Fallon. It
may be nothing, sir, but it's now
almost seven o'clock and as of
three minutes ago, the Bowmen
haven't shown up here. Would you
have any idea if their bus left
Archer yet or not?
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
Chief Connors, escorted the bus to
Mountain Road at six o’clock, sir.
He came to the station and told me
personally that he saw them off.
He then went straight home. I
better give him a call. They
            (MORE)

37.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
should’ve been there long before
now and by six-thirty at the
latest. Thank you for the call,
Mr. Fallon.
                                                            
                       BARRY
I hope everything’s okay,
Sergeant. Let me give you my
number so you can call and let me
know.
                                                            
The Principal gives his phone number and hangs up. He sits
there and waits.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. ARCHER POLICE STATION - NIGHT
                                                            
Sergeant Stillwell immediately dials CHIEF CONNORS' home
number.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE (VO)
Connors' residence, can I help
you?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Mrs. Connors, this is John at the
station, ma'am. Let me speak to
the Chief, please, and hurry.
                                                            
                       CHIEF (VO)
What's wrong, John?
                                                            
                       JOHN
The Bowmen haven't arrived in
Wilkinson, sir.
                                                            
                       CHIEF (VO)
Now I know why you didn't use the
radio. Call everybody in. I'll
be there in ten minutes.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Sergeant Maureen Gleason and Patrolman Fred Tollard arrive
at the station simultaneously with Chief Connors.
                                                            
Chief Connors enters the main office.
                                                            

38.

                       CHIEF
Any word since you called me,
John?
                                                            
                       JOHN
None, sir, but I called the
Wilkinson P.D. and talked to a
Sergeant Coombs. He's contacting
Chief Talbot and advised me the
chief would contact you on your
car radio.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Good thinking, Sergeant! Who
called you initially?
                                                            
                       JOHN
A Barry Fallon, the Principal down
there.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Is he waiting for a call back?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yes, sir!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Call him back and let him know
that both police departments are
out looking for that bus. Make
sure he says nothing to anyone
down there or there’ll be a panic
by our people who went there to
see the game, understood?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yes, sir!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Maureen! Take car two and don’t
let anyone down Mountain Road
without my authorization.
                                                            
                       MAUREEN
Understood, Chief!
                                                            
The five-foot six Sergeant grabs the keys for car two and
heads out the door.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Fred! You come with me and drive
the cruiser.
                                                            

39.

The chief's eyes become red while he puts on a heavy jacket.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Let's go!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. CHIEF CONNORS' CRUISER - MOUNTAIN ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
As Patrolman Tollard enters Mountain Road, Chief Connors
switches to tac-two frequency on the radio.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Connors to Talbot, can you read
me, Jack?
                                                            
                       JACK (VO)
Affirmative, Tom, loud and clear.
I have my end secured and I've got
two of my people going to the high
school. Your people need to know
something, Tom. Over.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Yeah, you’re right, and thanks. I

was hoping to avoid a riot.
Anyway, Jack, work your way to me
and meet me at Lookout. Maintain
radio silence unless someone finds
something. Over!
                                                            
                       JACK
Ten-four. Talbot clear.
                                                            
Tom returns the radio to the cradle and turns to face the
patrolman.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Nice and slow, Fred, and use the
high beams. I'm looking for
anything; anything at all,
understand?
                                                            
                       FRED
Yes, sir...!
                                                            
Connors' cruiser heads south on Mountain Road. As they
approach the highest point, before the Danielson Hairpin
Curve, a heavy fog bank blankets the entire area.
                                                            

40.

                       JOHN
What do I do now?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Cut your speed in half. If we’re
going through this then they had
to as well. I’m afraid of what
I’ll see when we reach Danielson.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Well, sir, wouldn’t our people,
who went to the game, have gone
this way as well?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Come to think of it they would
have, and it’s pretty obvious they
didn’t see anything or we would
have been notified.
                                                            
The fog thickens as the cruiser approaches the crest of
Mountain Road.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Okay, Fred, keep your feet on
those breaks. Danielson Hairpin
is just ahead and the fog up here
is so thick you can almost cut it
with a knife. Stop right here and
let me out. I’ll walk it down to
Danielson,
                                                            
Chief Connors reaches for the flashlight. He zips up his
jacket and exits the car with the flashlight turned on.

Step by step the Chief’s eyes train on both the road and
guardrail, but no signs of school bus can be seen. He nears
to within fifty feet of the Danielson Curve and the fog bank
breaks but still no signs. He signals Patrolman Tollard to
stop and he climbs back inside.
                                                            
                       JOHN
What's the matter, Chief?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
It's damn cold out there tonight.
I didn't see as much as a piece of
broken glass or any tire marks. I
figured that if they got into any
kind of trouble, Fred, here is
where it most likely would have
            (MORE)

41.

                       CHIEF (cont'd)
happened. Head around the corner
to Lookout, please.
                                                            
Chief Talbot waits for them as they round the corner from
the Danielson Curve. Both Chief Connors and Patrolman
Tollard exit the cruiser and head over to the guardrail.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I take it by the expression on
your face that you’ve had as
little success as we did.
                                                            
                       JACK
Evening, Tom! I didn’t see a damn
thing the entire nine miles to
here. It’s like the whole bus just
vanished.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
A bus can’t just up and vanish off
the face of the earth, Jack. There
has to be some logical
explanation.
                                                            
                       JACK
What are you going to tell your
people when you get back to
Wilkinson?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Dammit, Jack! I have to tell them
the truth. We don’t know a thing.
I sure don’t want those people to
be out here tonight and have them
try to play detective and going
into these mountains looking for
them. Listen! I know this may
sound far-fetched, Jack, but as
police officers we do have to take
all possibilities into account.
                                                            
                       JACK
Go on, I'm listening.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
What if these kids have been
kidnapped?
                                                            

42.

                       JACK
That's totally absurd.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I was thinking the same thing. We
better head back to town. I have
to send my people home with firm
instructions not to go looking for
the bus until morning when we can
execute qualified search parties.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE OVERTURNED SCHOOL BUS - NIGHT
                                                            
After a quick check on the left side of the school bus both
Roach and Geronimo check the opposite side. As Roach passes
the light along the side of the bus he can make out the form
of his teammate Angi Rosetti pinned under the roof.
                                                            
                       ROACH
      (yelling)
Tony! It's Angi and it looks like
the bus is sitting on his legs.
                                                            
JUST INSIDE THE BACK DOOR
                                                            
Paula holds Peggy in her seat.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Oh my God, Tony, that's my
boyfriend.
                                                            
Peggy struggles to break free, but Paula holds her firm.
                                                            
                       TONY
You stay right here, Peggy. Paula!
Watch her and make sure she stays
put.
                                                            
Tony quickly jumps out of the back and turns to his right.
                                                            
BACK OUTSIDE
                                                            
Tony runs around to the side of the bus where Geronimo and
Roach stand over Angi.
                                                            
                       TONY
Is he...?
                                                            

43.

                       GERONIMO
He's got a pulse, man, but it's
weak. He can't stay under there
much longer, man.
                                                            
                       TONY
Will! See if you can find matches
on him, will you? I can't move
the bus off him until I get
everyone moved out of the bus
and I need a fire to give them
someplace to go to.
                                                            
Geronimo checks Angi’s jacket. He finds the matches and then
he checks inside the book.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
      (to Roach)
You've got four matches, man, and
that's it.
                                                            
Geronimo hands the book of matches to Mickey.
                                                            
Tony returns to the rear of the bus.
                                                            
                       TONY
I need someone to stay with Angi
for a while.
                                                            
INSIDE THE BACK DOOR
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Let me do it, Tony. He's my
boyfriend.
                                                            
                       TONY
Is she okay to go, Ann?
                                                            
                       ANN
You might as well let her go.
She's no worse than the rest of us
in here.
                                                            
                       TONY
Are you okay, Ann?
                                                            
                       ANN
Everyone down here needs heat,
Tony, and we all need to get our
wounds taken care of. We’re all
hurt, we’re all bleeding, and
until we get some light to see how
            (MORE)

44.

                       ANN (cont'd)
bad we are, we can’t stop all the
bleeding.
                                                            
                       TONY
I understand that. Peggy! Come
on!
                                                            
Peggy reaches for Tony's hand and steps out the back door.
                                                            
BACK OUTSIDE
                                                            
                       TONY
If it looks bad, don’t let on to
Angi, okay? Hold my hand and I’ll
take you to him.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Thank you.
                                                            
Tony and Peggy reach the side of the bus.
                                                            
                       TONY
Okay! Peggy will stay here with
Angi. You two go and get that fire
going as soon as you can. The
girls are freezing inside.
                                                            
Mickey and Will turn to go to the other side of the bus.
                                                            
                       ROACH
We’re on our way. Give us about
ten minutes.
                                                            
The flashlight appears as a mere speck of light as the two
men almost disappear from sight.

They reach a clearing, away from most trees.
                                                            
                       ROACH
      (To Will)
Does this look like a safe place?
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
Shine that light above us, man.
                                                            
Roach shines the light into the trees above them.
                                                            

45.

                       GERONIMO
It looks good ta me, man. What
d'ya need me ta do?
                                                            
                       ROACH
Grab me a handful of small sticks
that I can use for kindling. Once
the fire gets going I’ll need
larger pieces to throw some heat
and give off light.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
You got the matches, right?
                                                            
Roach nods his head as he assembles some light pieces to get
the fire started quickly.
                                                            
                       ROACH
I'll give you the flashlight in a
second.
                                                            
Mickey sets several sticks to ignite quickly and strikes the
first match. The dry leaves ignite fast and in a matter of
a minute the sticks above them start to catch. He adds more
and more of the dry kindling. He adds some of the larger
pieces of branches he can see nearby.
                                                            
Roach hands Will the flashlight.
                                                            
                       ROACH
Okay, Will, get me some bigger
pieces and quick. Get what you
can and fast. I'll keep the fire
going with what I have nearby.
                                                            
Will finds several good chunks of broken tree limbs. He
breaks them down with his feet and then snatches them in his
arms and brings them over to Roach.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
Use these for starters, man.
                                                            
FROM INSIDE THE BUS
                                                            
Tony sees the fire going.
                                                            
                       TONY
Ann! You and the girls get over
to the fire first. None of you
are dressed for this kind of
weather.
                                                            

46.

                       ANN
I want to stay with my dad, Tony.
                                                            
                       TONY
I'll make sure he's the next one
out of here, Ann, right after you
girls. I need you there so you
can check these girls out
thoroughly and do as much as you
can for them. I know we haven't
got much to work with so just do
the best you can. Whether you
want it or not, Ann, you're going
to become a nurse up close and
personal.
                                                            
                       ANN
Okay! Who's going over there
first?
                                                            
                       TONY
You, Roxanne, Laura, and Paula!
Check Paula out first. She might
have a broken arm. I’ll have the
guys bring out all the seats we
can. I have to try and get Angi
out from under this bus, but in
order to do that I have to have
the bus empty, and that means
everyone has to be out
of here to do that.
                                                            
Ann stands and leads the way.
                                                            
                       ANN
Okay, girls, let's get over by the
fire and get warmed up.
                                                            
More light shines inside the bus.
                                                            
                       TONY
Okay, guys, it will take us all to
get these seats out of here and
over to the fire. When we get
there, ask Ann where she wants
them.
                                                            
                       HARRY
What can I do for you, Tony?
                                                            
                       TONY
Stay right where you are, Mr. T.
As soon as we have a place where
you can sit one of us will help
            (MORE)

47.

                       TONY (cont'd)
you over to it, okay?
                                                            
                       HARRY
You’re doing just fine, son. Your
dad would be proud.
                                                            
                       TONY
Thanks, Harry! I’ve got to get
going. Okay, guys, grab one end of
a seat and someone grab the other
and let’s get these seats over
there.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
                       TONY
Scoop! Help Harry get over to the
fire, please! Sparky! Rebound! I
need you two to help me get the
coach over there.
                                                            
                       SPARKY
How are we going to do it? He’s
unconscious and we don’t want to
make things worse for him.
                                                            
                       TONY
You're right. Any suggestions
guys?
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
It’s a long shot, but if we get
one of those seats we just hauled
out of here, we could pick him up
and set him across it. We would
need more guys but someone will
have to hold his head up. I’ll go
back with Tommy and we’ll bring
back a seat and some
more help.
                                                            
When Backboard and Sparky return, Ben and Rebound are with
them Rebound looks at Tony.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
      (to Tony)
How do you want to do this?
                                                            

48.

                       TONY
I want two of you to hold the seat
so it doesn’t tip on us. Scoop
and Backboard will help me lift
him onto the seat.
                                                            
Tony repositions himself behind the coach’s head.
                                                            
                       TONY
You two lift his legs and I’ll
grab him under the arms and then
we’ll lift him carefully.
                                                            
Jim and Kenny bend down by the coach’s legs
and are ready to lift.
                                                            
                       TONY
On the count of three. One… Two…
Three.
                                                            
They lift the coach up and place his limp body across the
seat.
                                                            
                       TONY
Sparky! You hold his head while
we carry him over to the fire with
the others.
                                                            
                       SPARKY
I’ve got it, Tony!
                                                            
Sparky heads to the end where Coach Tolman’s head is and
holds it level.

With the sounds of breaking glass under their feet, the four
men lift the seat. Sparky holds the coach’s head while they
carry it over to the fire where Ann waits for them.
                                                            
                       ANN
We have two seats put together for
him, Tony.
                                                            
                       TONY
Okay, guys, one more time.
Rebound, pull the seat out from
under us, will you please?
                                                            

49.

As they lift the coach’s body off the seat Tommy slides the
seat away from them. They place the Coach’s body down on
the makeshift bed.

Scoop approaches his friend.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Tony!
                                                            
                       TONY
Yeah!
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Let the rest of us get your dad
out of there, man. You just tell
us where you want us to lay him
down.
                                                            
Tears start to flow down Tony's cheeks.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Kenny! Tommy! Sparky! Give me a
hand getting Mr. Perelli’s body
out of the bus, will ya?
                                                            
The four men make one more trip inside the almost empty bus.
Carefully the four men lift the motionless body of Tony’s
dad off the glass-riddled floor and carry it out. They see
Tony standing a distance away from the rest of the group and
carry him there.
                                                            
Tony kicks some of the brush away from where he wants his
dad placed.
                                                            
                       TONY
Right here, guys! Jim! Can you
and Tommy bring another seat to
the far side of the bus? Will!
I need you to join us. We’re
going to try and get Angi out now.

                                                            
FAR SIDE OF THE BUS
                                                            
They reach Peggy and can hear the two of them talking.
                                                            
                       TONY
Peggy! I want you to go to the
fire right now and get yourself
warmed up.
            (MORE)

50.

                       TONY (cont'd)
                                                            
                       PEGGY
But...
                                                            
Tony interrupts her.
                                                            
                       TONY
But nothing! As soon as we get
him situated by the fire, and Ann
has had a chance to do what she
can for him, then you can be with
him, but for now I want you to go
and get warm. Go on!
                                                            
Peggy stands and starts to head towards the back of the bus,
then stops to take another look back.
                                                            
Tony waves his hands at her.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (voice raised.)
Go on...!
                                                            
Peggy heads towards the warmth and light of the now roaring
fire and she passes Scoop and Rebound as they carry one of
the seats back towards the bus.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Be easy with him, guys. He’s in a
lot of pain.
                                                            
They continue on to where Tony waits for them.

Tony looks the situation over.
                                                            
                       JAMMER
Where do we start?
                                                            
                       TONY
I need to find the tire jack.
Jimmy! Do you have any idea where
the tire jack is inside the bus?
                                                            
                       SCOOP
I'm on it, man.
                                                            
Scoop heads to the rear of the bus and moments later returns
with the tire jack and handle.
                                                            

51.

                       SCOOP
I've got em. What're we doin?
                                                            
                       TONY
There’s a big tree up against the
door up at the front of the bus.
If we can somehow wedge the jack
up against it we might be able to
move the bus off him enough for
three of us to pull him free.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
It’s only gonna give ya bout
twelve inches, man.
                                                            
                       TONY
Then we better hope that will be
enough. We have to try it Jim.
Okay, Ben! You and Sparky brace
the base of the jack up against
the tree. Scoop! Find a safe
place to set it so it moves the
bus away from us and towards the
fire.
                                                            
Ben and Rich go over to the tree with the jack. Ben goes to
the far side.

Scoop wedges the top of the jack up against the door brace.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Are you ready, Tony?
                                                            
Rebound, and backboard grab Angi’s shoulders.
                                                            
                       TONY
Let’s do it! This might hurt
some, Angi.
                                                            
Angi almost screams.
                                                            
                       ANGI
Nothing can hurt as much as my
legs do right now. Get this bus
off me...!
                                                            
                       TONY
Let's do it, Jim.
                                                            

52.

Scoop cranks on the tire jack and the bus creaks as it
starts to move.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Let me know when he’s free.
                                                            
The bus moves with ease.
                                                            
                       TONY
I need a little bit more, Jim!
                                                            
Jim makes two more cranks on the jack.
                                                            
                       TONY
That’s enough! We have him.
                                                            
The three men slide Angi out from underneath.
                                                            
Eight minutes later they load Angi on a seat and carry him
back to the fire across from Coach Tolman.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. HALF-WAY DOWN THE MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Linda holds onto a hole in her side with her left hand.
                                                            
                       LINDA
      (voice raised)
Can anyone hear me?
                                                            
Danny lays up against a fallen evergreen, hidden by
branches.
                                                            
                       HARPO
I can hear you, but who's that?
                                                            
                       LINDA
I's Linda. Can you help me?
                                                            
                       HARPO
I’ll try, Linda. Hold on!
                                                            
Danny crawls out from under the branches.
                                                            
                       HARPO
Where are you, Linda? Keep
talking! I have a bad leg so just
keep talking.
                                                            

53.

                       LINDA
Is that you, Danny?
                                                            
                       HARPO
That’s me, girl.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Where’s everyone else?
                                                            
                       HARPO
I don’t know. I must have been
knocked out. When I came to I was
alone, sore, and cold. Are you
okay?
                                                            
                       LINDA
No! My head is pounding and I
seem to have cuts all over me. The
worst is this hole I have in my
side. I’ve been pressing my hand
against it to stop the bleeding.
Danny! Don’t let me die out here
alone, please!
                                                            
                       HARPO
You’re not going to die, Linda,
not if I can help it. Keep
talking so I can find you. I
can’t see very well in the dark.
                                                            
                       LINDA
You’re almost here. I can hear
your footsteps and your voice is
louder.
                                                            
Linda sees a vague form approaching her.

Danny sits down beside her,
                                                            
                       HARPO
Okay, I’ve got you, girl. Can you
walk?
                                                            
                       LINDA
No way! If I do I’ll lose blood
all over the place.
                                                            

54.

                       HARPO
Where’s this hole in your side?
                                                            
                       LINDA
It’s where my hand is, on my left
hip.
                                                            
Danny removes his jacket and then takes off his jersey.
                                                            
                       LINDA
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       HARPO
As long as I have an ounce of
energy left, I’m not going to just
let you lay there and die.
                                                            
Danny puts his jacket back on.
                                                            
                       HARPO
I’m going to make a tourniquet. I
hope that’ll stop the bleeding.
                                                            
                       LINDA
You’d do that for me?
                                                            
Danny rips the jersey.
                                                            
                       HARPO
The sacrifice is small compared to
your life.
                                                            
Linda lies on the ground and tears form in the corners of
her eyes.
                                                            
                       LINDA
I can’t believe you’re doing this
for me.
                                                            
Linda watches as Danny removes his sneakers.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Now what are you doing?
                                                            
                       HARPO
The only things I have,to use for
a gauze pad are my socks, so I’m
taking them off. Then I'll be able
to tie my shirt tight around your
            (MORE)

55.

                       HARPO (cont'd)
waist. After I stop that
bleeding, either I’ll have to drag
you over to the tree where I was
when you called me, or hope you
can walk there.
                                                            
                       LINDA
What's over there?
                                                            
                       HARPO
Shelter from this cold if nothing
else.
                                                            

Danny puts his sneaker back on and folds the sock into a
thick pad. He slides his hand down Linda’s side until he
feels where her hand is pressed tight against her body.
                                                            
                       HARPO
I'm going to help you sit up. Are
you ready?
                                                            
                       LINDA
Okay! I'm ready, I guess.
                                                            
Danny assists her until she's sitting upright.
                                                            
                       HARPO
Okay, girl, when I say now, I want
you to remove your hand and I’ll
put this pad up against that
wound. Then I can put my shirt
around you. Then I want you to put
your hand against the pad. I’ll
put my shirt over the pad and tie
it on the other side of you. Are
you ready?
                                                            
                       LINDA
I think so, yes.
                                                            
                       HARPO
Now!
                                                            
Linda moves her hand away from the wound. Danny quickly
replaces it with the makeshift gauze pad. He holds it tight
against the wound, Linda reaches down with her bloody hand
and presses it against the pad.
                                                            

56.

                       LINDA
This is all a waste of time. We’ll
never get help in time.
                                                            
Danny reaches around her waist with the cut jersey in his
left hand. He then reaches around with his right hand and
grabs the free end of the jersey. The widest part of the
shirt is just below the gauze pad. With a little
manipulation he slips the fabric over the gauze as she
removes her hand again and quickly returns her hand to her
side.
                                                            
                       HARPO
Be warned, I have to make this
tight if it’s going stop the
bleeding.
                                                            
                       LINDA
One more ache, is not going to
bother me. Do what you’ve got to
do.
                                                            
Danny takes the loose end and ties a knot tight enough to
hear Linda GROAN.
                                                            
                       HARPO
Sorry!
                                                            
Danny continues to tie knots until he’s out of material.
                                                            
                       HARPO
Okay, Linda, you can remove your
hand now.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Thank you! My hand was getting
numb, but I didn’t dare remove it
for fear I’d die.
                                                            
                       HARPO
I want to see if you can stand
now. I need to get you over to the
tree where we can huddle together
to keep warm. I also want to keep
an eye on you, or kind of anyway.
I didn’t go through all that to
let you die on me.
                                                            

57.

                       HARPO
Let me help you up.
                                                            
Danny stands up and moves behind her. He grabs her from
behind and under her arms. With a slow and gradual pull,
Linda is on her feet.
                                                            
                       HARPO
Now the question is, can you walk?
                                                            
                       LINDA
To where?
                                                            
                       HARPO
About twenty feet behind me!
There’s a huge tree on its side
and we have to get inside and
under the branches. That will
give us some cover from the cold
until help comes for us.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Let me put my right arm over your
shoulder, I’m going to need help
if I’m to get there. My legs are
sore and stiff. My gut feels like
it was hit with a bowling ball.
                                                            
                       HARPO
I’d carry you, but I have a bad
leg too.
                                                            
They carefully walk the short distance and Linda’s, battered
and bruised body is set down by the fallen tree.
                                                            
                       HARPO
I’m going to to drag you in with
me, because you don’t want to
dislodge the bandage on your side.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Okay, but take it easy on me, will
you please? Everything hurts,
and I do mean everything.
                                                            
Danny gets behind her and slowly drags her and braces her up
against the trunk of the tree.
                                                            

58.

                       HARPO
This may not be much better, but
it’s out of the cold, kind of.
                                                            
He removes his jacket and places it over her bare legs.
                                                            
                       HARPO
Here, you need this more than I
do.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Yeah, but you don’t have a shirt
on now.
                                                            
                       HARPO
The price of friendship! If you
don’t mind, Linda, could I hold
you close to me? We both need it
to stay warm.
                                                            
                       LINDA
After what you just did for me, I
couldn’t say no! Put those big
arms around me, but let me give
you a kiss first. You deserve
that much.
                                                            
Danny leans forward and Linda gives him a kiss, then he
cuddles close.
                                                            
                       HARPO
I hope you make it, Linda. You’re
a fantastic girl.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Thanks, That means a lot,
especially right now. What you
did for me you did with an
unselfish heart. If I don’t make
it, I’ll go to Heaven knowing that
there was one guy in my life that
did something for me and asked for
nothing in return. Thank you from
the bottom of my heart.
                                                            

59.

                       HARPO
You're welcome, Linda. I want
you to keep talking. I'm afraid
that if you don't, I'll lose you.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAMPSITE - NIGHT
                                                            
As Angi is brought over to the campfire, Peggy comes running
over to him.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
Is he okay?
                                                            
Peggy puts her hands to her face as she sees his bloodied
pant legs. Tears fill her eyes.
                                                            
                       TONY
He’s going to need attention,
Peggy. Where’s Ann?
                                                            
                       PEGGY
She’s checking Harry. I’ll
go and get her for you.
                                                            
Peggy runs over to Ann.
                                                            
                       PEGGY
They got Angi out from under the
bus and he needs some attention.
Tony needs you, now.
                                                            
Ann wipes tears from her eyes and heads over to Tony. She
looks at all the blood on both pant legs.
                                                            
                       ANN
      (to Tony)
What do we have?
                                                            
                       ANN
I have no idea what to expect
underneath those pants, Ann, but
it’s imperative you do what you
can to stop the bleeding at least.
                                                            
Ann tries to look through the blood stained pant legs.
                                                            

60.

                       ANN
I have no way of cutting his
pants.
                                                            
Tony grabs a torn section of Angi’s pant leg and rips it up
to his knee. He repeats the process to the right pant leg.
                                                            
                       TONY
Tell me what you need and I’ll do
my best to get it for you.
                                                            
Ann looks at Tony with a tear soaked face.
                                                            
                       ANN
I need what we haven’t got and
that’s an ambulance, but get me
some water if you can and have the
guys give me their jerseys. I
have to wash those cuts to see how
bad it is.
                                                            
                       TONY
Done! Sparky! Take the
flashlight and go back to the bus.
If we're lucky, the water cooler
didn't break. Rebound! Go with
him and get the ball bag. The
first aid kit should be inside.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Ya need anything else, man?
                                                            
                       TONY
Yeah! Go with them and find all
the lunch bags you can. When you
come back have one of the girls go
through them and check for glass.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
I'm on it.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
Smart thinking, Tony.
                                                            
                       TONY
It’s not going to be very much,
but right about now anything will
help.
                                                            

61.

The guys remove their jackets and are quick to take off
their jerseys and hand them to Ann. They replace their
jackets.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (to Ann)
The rest of the guys will give you
theirs when they get back from the
bus honey. Where's Will and
Mickey?
                                                            
                       ANN
They’ve gone to collect wood to
keep the fire going and hot, Tony.
Paula is tending to the fire right
now.
                                                            
Tony looks at Paula.
                                                            
                       TONY
What did you make a sling out of?
                                                            
                       ANN
I had to use her sweater. That's
all I had.
                                                            
                       TONY
I’m going to go and have Roxy or
Laura relieve her so she can rest
that arm.
                                                            
                       ANN
Tony! She volunteered. It keeps
her mind off her missing brother.
If she sits down too long she’ll
break down.
                                                            
                       TONY
Understood!
                                                            
Scoop, Sparky, and Rebound return from the bus.
                                                            
                       TONY
How'd you guys make out?
                                                            
Tony sees the cooler in Sparky’s hands, Rebound with the
ball bag, And Scoop with a handful of brown bags.
                                                            
                       SPARKY
Well the cap is cracked and we did

lose some water, but it’s still
            (MORE)

62.

                       SPARKY (cont'd)
heavy, so I think most of the
water stayed in.
                                                            
                       TONY
Good! Get it over to Ann and give
her your jersey.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
I took most of the balls out of
the bag, but the first aid kit’s
inside.
                                                            
                       TONY
Ann only needs the first aid kit,
so take it out and bring it to
her, please. Give her your
T-shirt too.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
There were only eight bags left in
the bus, man. The rest musta fell
out on the way down here.
                                                            
                       TONY
That doesn’t surprise me. We’ll
have to work with what we have
then. Give them to Paula. I’m
going to have one of the guys
spell her on the fire.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Ya got it. I'll give Ann my shirt
too.
                                                            
The two men head over to Paula.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (To Paula)
Would you like to do me a favor?
                                                            
                       PAULA
I’m keeping an eye on the fire.
                                                            

63.

                       TONY
I’ll have one of the guys watch
the fire for a while. It’s a man’s
job anyway.
                                                            
                       PAULA
Okay, but I have only one arm, so
what can I do to help?
                                                            
                       TONY
Jim has eight lunch bags with food
in it. I need you to check every
single bag and its contents for
glass. Open the food up if you
have to, but be careful. This is
all the food we have, okay?
                                                            
                       PAULA
Okay, and thanks, Tony.
                                                            
                       TONY
And by the way, I haven’t
forgotten about your brother and
Linda. I’ll have someone go to
look for them both soon, okay?
                                                            
                       PAULA
I haven’t said anything because
you’ve been so busy, but thanks.
                                                            
                       TONY
Rich! Watch the fire for a bit,
will you? I’ll have someone
switch off with you in a while so
you can get some rest.
                                                            
Tony turns and heads to Ann.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (to Ann)
How bad is it?
                                                            
                       ANN
I’m not a doctor, Tony, but I’d
have to think he has broken bones
in both legs. The cuts he has,
even though there was a lot of
blood on his clothes, seem to be
superficial but the real damage is
            (MORE)

64.

                       ANN (cont'd)
under the skin. I've wrapped both
legs, so the bleeding will stop
anyway.
                                                            
                       TONY
Do you have anything you can give
him for the pain in that first aid
kit?
                                                            
                       ANN
There were about two dozen aspirin
in the first aid kit, Tony, and I
only gave him two of them.
                                                            
                       TONY
How are you holding up?
                                                            
                       ANN
As long as my dad doesn’t die,
I think I’ll make it. I'm terribly
sorry to hear about your dad. Are
you okay?
                                                            
                       TONY
I've had to accept it. I'll be
fine. Has anyone looked at your
cuts?
                                                            
                       ANN
No, but mine are not all that bad.
Let me concentrate on those who
are really hurt, okay?
                                                            
                       TONY
I have no choice. I’m leaving
this end of it up to you.
                                                            
Geronimo and Roach return to the campsite with two armloads
of wood and Tony heads over to them.
                                                            
                       TONY
You guys need to take a break.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
Hey, man, there’s not enough wood
on this ledge to keep the fire
goin another hour.
                                                            

65.

Will drops the five good-sized pieces onto the ground.
                                                            
                       TONY
We're on a ledge?
                                                            
                       ROACH
Tony! We have no more than maybe
two hundred feet from the fire
out. The bus is up against the
side of the same ledge it came
down off, so there’s no room on
that side. At the edge of the
ledge is a drop off into some kind
of a valley below here.
                                                            
                       TONY
Then that means the only place we
can go to get some wood is above
us.
                                                            
                       ROACH
Not only that, but the only wood
on this ledge is pine, and that’s
a soft wood that burns really
fast. What would be good is birch
or oak, but there’s none of that
down here.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (sarcastically)
Wonderful!
                                                            
Tommy overhears the conversation and heads over to Tony.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
      (to Tony)
I’m the only one who’s qualified
to go up there. I’m a mountain
climber. Even though once I’m up
there, it’s a mountain, yes, it’s
not as tough as some places I’ve
climbed. I’m used to a lot
tougher than this.
                                                            
                       TONY
Then level with me, Tommy. Once
you’ve thrown down enough wood to
keep us going a while, do you
think you have the strength to
find Linda and Danny?
                                                            

66.

                       REBOUND
I can probably do it if one or
both of them is conscious. I’ll
be able to call them. If they can
respond, I can find them. It
would be a heck of a lot easier if
I had a torch of some kind to go
up there with. Without a moon out
tonight it’s sure to be as dark up
there as it was down here before
we got that fire going.
                                                            
                       TONY
How are we going to be able to
make a torch?
                                                            
                       SCOOP
I can answer that, man. Motor oil
from the engine of the bus. I’d
need a tee shirt and some wire.
The wire I can get from the engine
too.
                                                            
                       TONY
I’ll have to ask Harry if he’d be
willing to give us his tee shirt.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Do we still have paper cups in the
ball bag?
                                                            
                       TONY
I think so. Take a look and see.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
Tony! I won’t waste any more
time. I’ll head up to the ledge
and get some wood while Jim puts
those torches together.
                                                            
Tommy turns and heads towards the ledge above the campsite
with Tony right behind him.
                                                            
                       TONY
It’s not that high, but those
jagged rocks do look sharp.
                                                            

67.

                       REBOUND
I can get up there easy enough,
but getting down without a rope
will be tricky. Remember too,
when I get Danny and Linda there,
to the ledge, I’m going to need a
way for them to get down from
there.
                                                            
                       TONY
What am I supposed to use?
                                                            
                       REBOUND
There are eleven guys down here
including your dad and coach
Tolman. Each one of them wears a
belt on their pants. They are not
ropes, but they are just as
strong. Let me climb up there and
get that wood. Once I’ve thrown
down enough wood to keep you going
for a while, have the guys lug it
over by the fire. Then let them
all have a rest. When I get back
to this ledge, with Danny and
Linda, it’ll be time to go
back to work again.
                                                            
Tony turns and heads back to the quiet campsite.
                                                            
                       TONY
Will! I need two straight sticks
about three feet long. Tommy
needs them for torches.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
I'm on it, man.
                                                            
Tony heads over to Harry.
                                                            
                       COACH
I overheard you and Tommy talking.
I know what you need and if
you’ll help an old man you can
have my tee shirt.
                                                            
                       TONY
How can I help you, sir?
                                                            

68.

                       HARRY
Help me stand up, son. My leg is
quite stiff.
                                                            
Tony helps Harry stand and Harry removes his jacket and
shirt.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Here you go son! I hope it works
for you.
                                                            
Harry replaces his tailored white shirt and jacket.
                                                            
                       TONY
Thanks, Harry.
                                                            
Tony goes over to scoop and hands him the tee shirt.
                                                            
                       TONY
Here you go, Jim. Did you get the
oil okay?
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Yeah, man! I got three cups full.
I got some wire too.
                                                            
Geronimo hands Tony two sticks.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
      (to Tony)
This is the best I can find.
                                                            
                       TONY
Thanks. Well there you go, Jim.
Cut that shirt in two and don’t
pour the oil on them until
Rebound’s ready to go.
                                                            
Rebound drops wood to the ground behind them, while Paula
hands Tony the eight bags of food.
                                                            
                       PAULA
I’ve gone through all eight bags,
and I’d eat anything in there.
                                                            

69.

Tony heads over and places the food on the empty seat. He
then turns to the entire group,
                                                            
                       TONY
Listen up, everyone! Here’s
what’s going on. Outside of
Rebound, no one leaves the
campsite alone. I’m asking Laura
to ration the water out with
extreme caution. Once that’s gone
there is no more. Roxanne! I
want you to be in charge of what
little food we have. A little bit
for everyone. Once that’s gone,
we’re out. Paula! You and Peggy
give Ann a break watching her
father and Angi. Scoop’s making
two torches that Rebound can use
to find our missing friends. Right
now he’s throwing down enough wood
to keep us going for a while. Once
he grabs the torches I want all
the guys to pitch in and help lug
the wood over here near the fire
where I’m standing. Once the wood
is brought over I want all the
guys’ belts, including Angi, the
coach,
my dad and Harry. We need the
belts to lower our missing friends
from the ledge if they get found.
Then I want you all to get some
rest. I don’t know what shape
Danny or Linda will be in but I
pray they’re okay.
                                                            
Ben heads over to Tony.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (to Ben)
Do me a favor and check on Harry.
See if he needs anything.
                                                            
Tony takes a seat and sits down.
                                                            
TWENTY MINUTES LATER
                                                            
Rebound YELLS from the ledge.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
Okay, Tony, I'm ready.
                                                            

70.

Tony turns to Scoop.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
All set, man. Let's do it!
                                                            
Scoop grabs the two torch poles.
                                                            
                       TONY
Let me coat them before we go Jim,
then I’ll have you light just one.
Tommy can light the other when he
needs to.
                                                            
Scoop grabs one cup of crankcase oil and coats the tee shirt
on one of the torches. He repeats the process on the second
torch. He takes one and dips the oil-soaked end into the
fire and it ignites in seconds.
                                                            
Tony grabs the lit torch and starts towards the ledge, with
Scoop following behind him. He hands the lit torch up to
Rebound.
                                                            
                       TONY
Go as far as you can on one,
before you light the other second,
but don’t let it go out on you.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
I will. Wish me luck!
                                                            
Rebound bends down low to grab the lit torch. He grabs the
second one and then turns and starts to go up the path that
was created by the bus.
                                                            
Tony and Scoop turn and head back to the campsite.

Everyone can hear Rebound calling for their missing friends
and they turn their heads and look.
                                                            
                       TONY
I’m afraid of what he’ll find,
Jim. I don’t want to lose anyone
else.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Listen to me, Tony! I agree, man,
you’re in charge, but whatever
happened up there is not your
responsibility. I hope like hell
he finds them both okay, but we
both know that if they fell out of
            (MORE)

71.

                       SCOOP (cont'd)
the bus, as fast as we would’ve
been travellin down that hill,
then their chances of being alive
are slim. I don’t want to admit
it either, Tony, but we have
to be realistic.
                                                            
                       TONY
I know you’re right, Jim, it’s
just that…
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Let’s worry about that when the
time comes, but for now you have
people in the campground who are
hurting, me included. One thing’s
for certain.
                                                            
                       TONY
What's that?
                                                            
                       SCOOP
You best not lose your cool.
Almost anyone here would have lost
it already if not for your ability
to maintain stability amongst us
all. See, whether you realize it
or not, because you lost your dad,
it would've been very easy for you
to throw your arms up and say to
hell with it, but you didn't.
Instead you somehow gained
strength from your dad, man, and
that's a good thing. Go ahead and
sit down before you fall down.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Rebound and Harpo stand on the ledge behind where the bus
sits.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
      (YELLING)
Let’s get some help over here!
                                                            
Everyone in the campsite turns their heads towards the
ledge.
                                                            

72.

                       TONY
Tommy’s back, gang! Let’s get
some guys over there. Danny’s with
him.
                                                            
Tony turns to Ben.
                                                            
                       TONY
Keep an eye on the fire, Ben.
                                                            
                       JAMMER
I got it, Tony. You guys go and
help them down.
                                                            
Tony grabs the belt rope, as Scoop, Geronimo, Roach, and
Sparky follow him to the ledge.
                                                            
                       TONY
Did you locate Linda, Tommy?
                                                            
                       REBOUND
      (broken voice)
She… She’s here with us Tony, but
she didn’t make it. She died in
Danny’s arms shortly before I got
to him.
                                                            
Tears flow from Tony's eyes.
                                                            
                       TONY
I’m really sorry, Danny! How bad
are you hurt?
                                                            
                       HARPO
My right knee is quite sore and my
head hurts but I’ll live. How are
we going to get down from here? I
can’t climb down, not with my
knee.
                                                            
                       TONY
We’re going to try and do
something, Harpo. Sit tight for a
moment.
                                                            
Tony readies the belt rope.
                                                            

73.

                       TONY
      (to Rebound)
Let me throw these up to you. I
have them all hooked together to
save some time.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
I'm ready, man. Throw em up.
                                                            
                       HARPO
      (to Rebound)
What are they doing?
                                                            
                       REBOUND
We're gonna lower Linda's body off
this ledge, using the belts Tony's
gonna throw up here. Then I'm
gonna lower you down the same way,
but you'll have to help some.
                                                            
Tony heaves the belts as near to Tommy as he can.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
I've got em, man.
                                                            
Rebound unhooks only one of the belts.
                                                            
                       TONY
How are you going to work this,
Tommy?
                                                            
                       REBOUND
Danny and I are going to lower
Linda down first. After you guys
have her I’ll pull up the belts
and hook Danny up with them. Once
you have him I’ll throw the belts
back down and climb down from
here.
                                                            
                       TONY
Can you make it okay?
                                                            
                       REBOUND
Well there’s no one up here to
help me, man and I was able to
make it up here by myself. I
better be able to get down alone.
                                                            

74.

                       TONY
We're ready when you are.
                                                            
Danny slips one belt under Linda’s arms and hooks the two
ends. Rebound then takes one belt and slides the looped end
over and down until it locks the belt Danny holds. He
unravels the remaining belts.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
      (to Tony)
This isn't going to be easy.
                                                            
                       TONY
I didn’t think it would be. She
can’t help keep herself away from
the rocks.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
Geronimo and Backboard are the
tallest guys down there, so let
them get close to the ledge. I’ll
put her legs over first then
Danny and I will start to lower
her down. Once they can grab her
feet, they can pull her away from
the rocks.
                                                            
Linda’s legs are lowered over the edge, with her body face
down on the ledge.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
We're on it, man.
                                                            
The two centers step closer to the ledge,
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
We're ready!
                                                            
                       REBOUND
Get ready you two! We’re ready to
lower her down.
                                                            
Rebound and Harpo lift Linda's limp body up and over the
edge and start lowering her down, hand over hand on the belt
rope to the two men below.
                                                            
                       BACKBOARD
      (voice raised)
Two more inches and we have her,
Tommy
                                                            

75.

Backboard’s fingers barely touch the bottom of her feet.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
We got her, man. Her body's away
from the rocks. Let her down.
                                                            
The other guys gather close as her body nears the ground.
Tony unhooks the belt under her arms then hooks it back up.
                                                            
                       TONY
Take the belts up. Kenny! Will!
You two stay here and help Danny
get down. The rest of us will
take Linda over and place her
beside my dad.
                                                            
Tony, Roach and Sparky carry Linda's body and place it
beside Tony's dad. When they return to the ledge, Harpo is
unbuckling the belt around his waist.
                                                            
                       TONY
It's nice to have you back with
us, Danny. Okay, guys, help him
get over by the fire. Make sure
he gets something to drink and a
bite of the food. You guys can
stay there. I’ll stay here until
Tommy gets down.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
Tony, be honest with me, man. Do
you have enough wood to make it
until mornin?
                                                            
                       TONY
I really don’t think so, but
you’ve done too much already.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
I’d rather get it now, while I’m
here, than to climb down and have
to climb back up here in an
hour or so. There’s plenty of
wood up here. I’ll try to throw
down enough to keep us until
daybreak. By then I can see a lot
better and come back up here.
                                                            

76.

                       TONY
I’m not about to argue with you.
If we don’t have enough heat, the
girls will freeze. Call me when
you’re ready to come down.
                                                            
                       REBOUND
I’ll do that, man, but just make
sure everyone down there is warm.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. WILKINSON POLICE STATION - NIGHT
                                                            
Chief Talbot enters the station and wipes his forehead with
a handkerchief,
                                                            
                       PAUL
Any luck Chief?
                                                            
                       JACK
None Paul. It’s like they up and
disappeared. I’ve got to get on
the phone and round up enough men
to get five search parties to go
out there first thing in the
morning.
                                                            
                       PAUL
There’s a guy by the name of DAREN
HOPKINS, who came in here while
you were out with Connors. He’s
home on leave from the Marines and
he served on a search and rescue
helicopter in Vietnam.
                                                            
                       JACK
Where’s he from, sergeant?
                                                            
                       PAUL
He’s from Archer sir, but I knew
Chief Connors would be going crazy
all night so I willingly took all
the necessary information.
                                                            

77.

                       JACK
If what this kid says is true, and
we can get our hands on a
helicopter, then Tom might be able
to get some help from the air.
That could save valuable time and
possibly some lives as well. Get
me Fred Stoddard’s home phone
number, Paul. He just retired
from the Marines in September, if
I remember correctly. I’ll give
him a call and see what kind of
pull he still has with the
Marines.
                                                            
                       PAUL
I'm on it, sir.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. ARCHER POLICE STATION - NIGHT
                                                            
                       FRED
Chief! Frank’s opening T & C’s at
Five, so we can use it as a
command post.
                                                            
Chief Connors sits at his desk.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Good! Anyone who calls and wants
to go with us, have them meet us
at six o’clock. That will give me
time to set everything up. How
many called in and volunteered?
                                                            
                       KEN
We have thirty-six as of right
now.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Okay, so we draw the line right
there. That means seven men will
go out with each team. Maureen!
I’m going to have you man the
command post. Each one of us will
have a radio. We’ll use Tac-Two
frequency. That way we’ll keep
all our reports to ourselves.
            (MORE)

78.

                       CHIEF (cont'd)
                                                            
The phone RINGS and Patrolman Lahey picks up the receiver
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Archer Police, this is Patrolman
Lahey. Can I help you?
                                                            
                       JACK (VO)
Yes you can, Patrolman. Let me
speak to Tom, please. This is
Chief Talbot in Wilkinson.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Right away, sir!
                                                            
Patrolman Lahey turns to Chief Connors.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
It’s Chief Talbot from Wilkinson,
Chief.
                                                            
Chief Connors stands and heads to the phone. He grabs the
receiver.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Give me some good news, Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK (VO)
This is good news, Tom, but not
the news you’re looking for.
You’ve got a kid up there by the
name of Daren Hopkins. He goes by
the nickname Stretch.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Yes we do. He’s home, on leave
from the Marines. What about him?
                                                            
                       JACK (VO)
Knowing you'd be very busy at the
station, up there, he came into
our station tonight after you sent
everyone home. He was a spotter
aboard a helicopter used on search
and rescue missions in Nam. I’ve
had this kid checked out by a
retired General here in town.
Daren’s C.O. advised us to use his
            (MORE)

79.

                       JACK (cont'd)
expertise. This kid is good at
what he does.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
What good does that do us, Jack?
We don’t have a helicopter.
                                                            
                       JACK (VO)
You will have at seven-thirty in
the morning. A Lieutenant Barrows
is coming up to Archer in a
C-fourteen search and rescue
helicopter. Call this kid up and
have him meet the helicopter at
the parking lot in the Archer
Mall. Make damn sure he has his
service ID on him. Lieutenant
Barrows will check before he’s
allowed to board.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
How in the world can I thank you,
Jack?
                                                            
                       JACK (VO)
You just did. I have five teams
leaving here about seven-thirty in
the morning, Tom. What frequency
will you be using?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Tac-Two! Our units will be
numbered one through five! Yours
will be six through ten.
                                                            
                       JACK (VO)
Affirmative! Good-night!
                                                            
Chief Connors hangs up the phone.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Someone place a call to the
Hopkins home and get Daren on the
line for me.
                                                            

80.

                       CRAIG
At this hour, Chief? It’s
midnight, sir.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Wake him up, patrolman!
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Yes, sir!
                                                            
Patrolman Lahey finds the number and dials the Hopkins home.
                                                            
                       RITA (VO)
Hello! Who is this at this hour?
                                                            
                       CRAIG
I’m sorry, Mrs. Hopkins, but this
is the police station in Archer
ma’am. Is Daren there please?
                                                            
                       RITA (VO)
He’ll be right with you, officer.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Thank you, ma'am.
                                                            
                       STRETCH (VO)
This is Stretch. Is this Chief
Connors?
                                                            
Patrolman Lahey hands the phone to Chief Connors.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
It’s Daren Hopkins, Chief.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Daren! This is Chief Connors.
Make sure you have your service ID
on you in the morning. A
Lieutenant Barrows is flying up
here with a C-fourteen helicopter
and will check your ID before
you'll be allowed to board.
                                                            
                       STRETCH (VO)
Where and when do I meet it,
Chief?
                                                            

81.

                       CHIEF
Seven-thirty at the Archer Mall
Parking Lot.
                                                            
                       STRETCH (VO)
What frequency will you be using
sir?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Tac-Two! Use the code name Air
Search One. Make sure you have
your service ID.
                                                            
                       STRETCH (VO)
Yes, sir!
                                                            
Chief Connors hangs up and looks at his tired and weary
crew.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
MAUREEN! You take the desk until
four-thirty. Wake us all up at
that time. We’re going to try and
get a few hours sleep before we go
out looking for that bus.
                                                            
                       MAUREEN
I’m well rested anyway, sir!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. ARCHER MALL PARKING LOT - DAY
                                                            
Stretch arrives at the Archer Mall at seven-fifteen in his
military fatigues. He pulls out his service ID.
The whirring sounds from the double blades of a C-fourteen
helicopter he sees and hears coming from the east. He looks
up.
                                                            
Daren guides the helicopter to the ground. He heads to the
passenger side, and opens the door,
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Request permission to come aboard
sir?
                                                            
JACK BARROWS turns his head towards Daren.
                                                            

82.

                       JACK
Let me see your ID, Sergeant!
                                                            
Stretch hands the Lieutenant his service ID card. He checks
the card and hands the card back.
                                                            
                       JACK
Come aboard, sergeant!
                                                            
Daren boards, takes a seat and closes the door.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Thank you, sir!
                                                            
                       JACK
I’ve been given orders to follow
your instructions unless there’s a
safety issue. This is my ship,
son, and I make the final
decisions, understood?

                                                            
                       STRETCH
Understood, sir!
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay, Daren, where this is not a
military operation, for now let’s
dispense with the military
formalities, okay? My name is
Jack.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Thanks, Jack! That’ll make things
a lot easier. Everyone calls me
Stretch.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay, Stretch, where are we
heading?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
A mile southwest, there’ll be a
road that winds around Hadley
Mountain.
                                                            

83.

                       JACK
And we're looking for a school
bus?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
I will be, yes. I’ll let you take
care of flying this bird.
                                                            
Barrows lifts the helicopter up and over the town of Archer.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Can I use the radio, Jack?
                                                            
                       JACK
What frequency?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Tac-two!
                                                            
The pilot reaches over and changes frequencies.
                                                            
                       JACK
All set!
                                                            
Stretch picks up the radio receiver and keys the mike.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Archer Command this is Air Search
One. Come in command. Over!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
This is Archer Command, Air Search
One. Over!
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Air Search One, we're making our
first run from Archer to
Wilkinson. Has the ground search
begun from Archer yet? Over!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
Affirmative, Air Search One! They
should be starting their foot
search any moment now. Over!
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Roger, Command Post! Air One,
clear!
                                                            

84.

                       MAUREEN
Command clear!
                                                            
MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
                       STRETCH
There’s the search teams from
Archer, Jack. Can we move this
bird out away from the road about
a hundred yards or so?
                                                            
The pilot makes an adjustment to the stick and veers the
helicopter west and over the valley below Hadley Mountain
and straightens it out when he reaches the approximate
distance.
                                                            
                       JACK
Is that better?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Much better, thanks. If our bus
is down there it won’t be up near
the road somewhere. That terrain
is steep on this side of those
guardrails.
                                                            
                       JACK
There’s a set of binoculars in the
box beside you, Stretch.
                                                            
Stretch reaches into the box and pulls out the pair of
binoculars.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Thank you! Let’s take it slow,
Jack. We may not be able to see
them, but if they’re alive, they
can sure hear us.
                                                            
                       JACK
What good would that do?
                                                            
The pilot steers the helicopter out from the Danielson
Curve.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Well thinking logically, if they
were to have a fire going they’d
want to make it smoke so we can
see them, but there are way too
            (MORE)

85.

                       STRETCH (cont'd)
many ifs.
                                                            
                       JACK
Better you than me.
                                                            
The pilot steers the helicopter around towards Valleyside
Lookout.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAMPSITE - DAY
                                                            
Tony tends the fire as the helicopter flies overhead. The
campsite comes to life. They all start YELLING and
SCREAMING.
                                                            
Geronimo YELLS with his hands around his mouth.
                                                            
                       GERONIMO
We’re down here!
                                                            
Tony YELLS to his teammates and friends.
                                                            
                       TONY
Hold on! They’re up there looking
for us but there are too many
trees blocking their view.
Everyone grab a handful of leaves
and brush.
                                                            
They hear the whirring sounds wane as it heads south and
away from them.
                                                            
                       TONY
They’re sure to come back here.
When they do, we’ll make sure
this fire smokes like crazy.
They’ll be able to see the smoke
and hopefully see us as well.
                                                            
                       LAURA
Then what?
                                                            
                       TONY
I’m not sure, but I’d guess there
must be some people combing this
mountain looking for us right now.
                                                            

86.

                       GERONIMO
If that’s the case, man, then they
can contact the people on the
ground and tell them where we are.
                                                            
Will grabs a big handful of dead pine needles, as do others.
                                                            
                       TONY
Get as much as you can, but be
quiet. When I hear them coming
back, then throw all You’ve got
onto the fire and hope like hell
it sends up a smoke signal.
                                                            
Tony Listens.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. AIR SEARCH ONE - DAY
                                                            
Daren Keys the mike.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Air Search One to Command Post.
Come in, Over!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
This is Archer Command, Air Search
One. Go ahead, over!
                                                            
                       TONY
We just made our first pass over
the entire stretch of Mountain
Road, Sergeant, and we’ve seen
nothing out of the ordinary. Over!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
Roger, Air Search One! Make
another pass and if possible have
the pilot get lower into that
valley. I know safety will be his
first concern. Over!
                                                            

87.

                       TONY
We copy, Command. We’re starting
our second run. Over and out!
                                                            
Daren turns his head towards Jack.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
How much lower can you get this
bird?
                                                            
                       JACK
From what I’ve seen of the
terrain, it appears as though
everything below that road is
Valley. There’s no reason I can’t
drop another hundred feet or so.
After we get to Danielson, though,
I’ll have to bring her up to where
we were when we made the first
pass.
                                                            
Barrows makes an adjustment to the stick and the helicopter
lowers a hundred feet.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
I’ll let you use your judgement.
                                                            
Daren places the binoculars to his eyes as the chopper heads
northward.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAMPSITE - DAY
                                                            
Tony begins to hear the faint sounds of the helicopter’s
blades. He raises his right hand.
                                                            
                       TONY
Okay everyone, when I drop my hand
throw it all on the fire.
                                                            
Almost everyone has a handful of leaves, pine needles and
sticks ready to throw on the fire.
                                                            
Tony drops his hand and everything is tossed onto the fire
at once. Smoke quickly rises through the heavy foliage.
                                                            

88.

                       TONY
Keep throwing stuff on but don’t
smother it so it goes out.
                                                            
Tony stirs the hot embers underneath.

Smoke fills the campsite and filters through the thick
branches above them.

Sounds of the helicopter come closer and louder as the
chopper nears Valleyside Lookout.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. AIR SEARCH ONE - DAY
                                                            
                       JACK
Stretch! Put those glasses down
and look out there, two o’clock.
                                                            
Jack points to a location out to their diagonal right,
                                                            
                       JACK
That has to be them.
                                                            
Stretch drops the binoculars onto his lap and looks out in
front of the helicopter.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
That’s them, Jack! Who else would
be down there?
                                                            
Stretch brings the binoculars back to his eyes and focuses
on the area around the smoke.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
That’s not the bus on fire.
Someone’s alive on that ledge.
That fire is almost a good fifty
yards north of where the bus sits.
Do you have an external speaker
on this bird?
                                                            
Jack flips the switch to the external speaker.
                                                            
                       JACK
You’re all set. Go ahead!
                                                            

89.

                       TONY
Hello down there! Don’t make that
fire smoke any more. We can see
you and help will be on its way
shortly.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAMPSITE - DAY
                                                            
Those on the ledge start to cheer.

Tommy hugs his Rebound,
                                                            
                       REBOUND
You did it, Tony! You said that’s
what we needed to and it worked.
                                                            
Tears flow from Tony’s eyes as members of the team and
cheerleaders come to him with gratitude.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. AIR SEARCH ONE - DAY
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Switch that back to the radio
please.
                                                            
Jack switches back to Tac-Two.
                                                            
Daren immediately keys the mike.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Air Search One to Archer Command
Post. Code Red! I repeat Code
Red. The bus has been spotted and
there are survivors.
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
Air Search One, this is Archer
Command. What's the location of
the school bus. Over!
                                                            
                       STRETCH
The bus is on a hidden ledge about
a thousand yards below the
Danielson Hairpin Curve, Sergeant.
            (MORE)

90.

                       STRETCH (cont'd)
Over!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
How can you be sure there are
survivors, Search One? Over!
                                                            
                       STRETCH
They were able to signal us with a
smoke signal on our second pass.
The fire is almost fifty yards
north of the overturned school
bus. Over!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
Search One! Did you say the
school bus is overturned? Over!
                                                            
                       STRETCH
That’s affirmative, Archer
Command. Over!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
Can the pilot land at Valleyside
Lookout? Over!
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Wait one, Archer Command. Over!
                                                            
Jack adjusts the stick and the helicopter lifts up from the
valley. He takes a good look at Valleyside Lookout.
                                                            
                       JACK
It will be a little tight, but I
can set it down there.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Go ahead and set it down and I’ll
let them know.
                                                            
Daren keys the mike.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Air Search One to Archer Command.
Air Search One is setting down.
Over!
                                                            

91.

                       MAUREEN (VO)
Roger, Air Search One! Have the
pilot shut down. He’ll be there a
while before he’s needed again.
Command Post clear!
                                                            
                       STRETCH
We copy, Command. Air Search One
clear and out!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. TEAM ONE SEARCH TEAM - DAY
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
Archer Command Post to all units.
Code Red! I repeat, Code Red. The
missing school bus has been
sighted below the Danielson
Hairpin Curve. It appears there
are survivors but it’s not known
how many. All units converge on
Danielson. Team Six Leader, pick
up Sergeant Hopkins on your way to
Danielson. He’s with the
helicopter at Valleyside Lookout.
Over!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Team One Leader to Archer Command.
Come in, over!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
Go ahead, Chief. This is Archer
Command. Over!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Go to Phase Two, sergeant. I'll
be clear until I've had a chance
to talk to Daren Hopkins. Team
One Leader, clear!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
Ten-four, Chief! Archer Command,
clear!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 

92.

EXT. DANIELSON HAIRPIN CURVE - DAY
                                                            
Stretch gets out of Chief Talbot's cruiser and heads
straight to Chief Connors.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Hi, Chief!
                                                            
Chief Connors stands at the guardrail above the bus.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Daren! I need you to tell me
everything you can about where
they are. Spare me nothing, son,
because I have to figure out how
we’re going to get them out of
there and to hospitals where they
can be treated.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Oh wow! Well they’re sitting on a
hidden ledge that has to be about
two hundred yards long and maybe
two-hundred yards wide at the
widest point.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
How do you know someone’s alive?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
The bus is located sitting on its
roof about one hundred and fifty
feet from where the fire was going
when we spotted it. Those people
down there deliberately made that
fire smoky, chief, so we’d be able
to spot where they were. All I
could see on that ledge was
evergreen trees from one end to
the other.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Okay! Were you able to see anyone
at all?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
No, sir! There were too many
overhanging branches in the way
for us to be able to see through,
but I was able to make out the
yellow from the bus, as the front
            (MORE)

93.

                       STRETCH (cont'd)
of it was near the edge on the far
left side of the ledge. I was
able to discern that it’s
definitely sitting on its roof,
sir.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I need you to think with an open
mind. Where you were the only one
of us who’s been down there, what
suggestions can you make for us to
be able to get your friends off
that ledge?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
I do have a suggestion, sir, but
you don’t have the right equipment
here to do it.
                                                            
Chief Connors YELLS.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Tell me what the hell I need,
Daren, and I’ll damn sure get it
here.
                                                            
Chief Talbot puts his arm over Tom's shoulder.
                                                            
                       JACK
Tom! Take it easy. He’s on your
side, remember?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I apologize, Daren! What do you
suggest?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
You’ll need ten good men with
chain saws who are experienced at
cutting down trees. The trees by
the edge, they can drop into the
valley below. The rest of the
trees will have to be cut so they
fall away from what we’ll use as a
landing site for the helicopter to
go down there and lift them out.
                                                            

94.

                       CHIEF
Is that possible?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Possible or not, chief, it’s safer
than for you to go down there and
transfer those people out of
there any other way. You can’t
believe you can carry those people
up that steep hill and have them
survive it. You’re talking about
almost a thousand yards uphill.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I don’t know where we’ll get that
many men with chain saws who know
what they’re doing.
                                                            
                       JACK
Excuse me, Tom, but we have a
sawmill the other side of town
with just what you need, Cramer
Industries. I had two of their
people with me on the search teams
this morning.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Where are they now?
                                                            
                       JACK
I sent all my teams to the Coffee
Palace in case they’re needed.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Can you have one of your men go to
the mill and see what they can do?
                                                            
                       JACK
I’ll call right now. Hold on!
                                                            
Chief Talbot reaches for his radio and keys it.
                                                            
                       JACK
Search Team Six Leader to Team
Nine Leader. Come in Paul. Over!
                                                            

95.

                       PAUL (VO)
Go ahead, Chief. This is Coombs.
Over!
                                                            
                       JACK
Put Daniels on. Over!
                                                            
                       FRED
This is Fred, Chief. What can I
do for you?
                                                            
                       JACK
Fred! Take Paul with you and go
to your boss. What we need down
here are ten good men who know how
to cut trees down; experienced
tree cutters with their
chain saws. I need them as soon
as possible. Over!
                                                            
                       FRED (VO)
I’ll do what I can for you, chief.
There should be more than twenty
men at the mill at this hour.
                                                            
LATER THAT MORNING
                                                            
Chief Talbot approaches Connors by the guardrail.
                                                            
                       JACK
Tom! We've got the men to cut
those trees down. They're on
their way and should be here in
about fifteen minutes.
                                                            
Connors looks down the hill, with his radio in his hand.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Thanks, Jack!
                                                            
                       SIMMS
Team One Leader, this is Shattuck
Paramedic Unit One. Come in,
please. Over!
                                                            
Tom keys the mike on his radio.
                                                            

96.

                       CHIEF
Go ahead Paramedic Unit One. This
is Chief Connors. Over!
                                                            
                       SIMMS
We’ve cleared the Wilkinson
roadblock, sir, and should be
there in six to seven minutes.
Over!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Copy that. How many of you are
there? Over!
                                                            
                       SIMMS
Only two of us, sir. We’re the
only two paramedics in the state.
Over!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Roger. Over and out!
                                                            
A scowl forms on Connors face. He turns to his search
teams.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Listen up! As much as I hate to
say this, I want all of you to
head back to town. If you want to
go home and get your wives, feel
free to do so and then return to T
& C’s and wait together. Once we
know anything Sergeant Gleason
will tell you. I’m in touch with
her by radio. Please! I
understand these are your kids. If
it were my own I’d feel the same
way.
                                                            
Tom watches the faces of his townspeople. The uncertainty
of their children’s lives, shows as they turn and load
themselves into six cars. Slowly they begin to pull out and
head north towards Archer.
                                                            
                       JACK
That had to hurt, Tom!
                                                            

97.

                       CHIEF
It did, Jack, but they’d do me
more harm than good down on that
ledge, not to mention how tough it
would make things on the
paramedics.
                                                            
                       JACK
I was wondering if or when you
were going to send them back.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I wasn’t, at first, but with
fourteen men from Cramer, the two
paramedics, plus two of you and my
officer and I, there’s enough help
down there. Here comes that
paramedic unit.
                                                            
The rescue vehicle pulls near the inside of the curve, but
far enough away from the granite wall to access both sides
of the vehicle.

Both Chiefs walk over to the paramedics as Lauren Gallagher
exits from the driver’s side.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
You’re a woman!
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Yes, sir, I am, but I’m only one
of two fully qualified paramedics
inside the state. The other is my
partner. I’m Lauren Gallagher and
my partner is Paul Simms. Who’s
in charge here?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I’m Chief Connors, ma’am, and I’m
in charge.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Has anyone been down there with
these people yet?
                                                            

98.

                       CHIEF
Not yet! I’ve been waiting for
you to get here. I also have some
men who are coming to saw down
some trees so the helicopter can
lift those people off that ledge.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Lives can be lost in a matter of
minutes, Chief. My partner and I
are going down there as soon as we
have our equipment. Who’s going
down there with us?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I’ll go down with you, Miss
Gallagher. Jack! Keep in touch
by radio. Daren! Go back to the
helicopter and wait for my
instructions, please!
                                                            
Tom assists the two paramedics with their gear.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
      (To Paul Simms)
You seem to have a rolling
hospital in this thing.
                                                            
                       SIMMS
To do what we have to do, Chief,
this rescue vehicle has to be just
about that.
                                                            
Paul hands Tom two rolled up stretchers.
                                                            
                       SIMMS
Are you ready, Lauren?
                                                            
THE DESCENT FROM DANIELSON
                                                            
Chief Connors and the two paramedics start their descent
down into the bowels of Mount Hadley.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Chief Connors sees the shattered remnants of tires that peer
above the ledge.
                                                            

99.

                       CHIEF
There's the bus!
                                                            
Paul Simms lowers his gear and points to their right.
                                                            
                       SIMMS
Everyone’s over there, chief.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Oh my God and some of them are
alive!
                                                            
Chief Connors drops the two stretchers and brings both hands
to his mouth.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
      (yelling)
Tony!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAMPSITE - DAY
                                                            
Tony looks towards the ledge, as do others who are awake.
                                                            
                       TONY
      (voice raised)
Their here guys! Kenny! Watch the
fire for me, will you? Tommy!
You, Scoop, and Will come with me.
Everyone else stay where you are.
                                                            
Backboard gets off his seat and takes over watching the fire
as Tony and the others go to the ledge.
                                                            
Scoop reaches the ledge first.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
Man, like are you guys a sight for
sore eyes.
                                                            
Tony, Rebound, and Geronimo joins him below the ledge.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I’m glad to see everyone made it,
Jimmy.
                                                            
Tony wipes his face with his right hand.
                                                            

100.

                       TONY
We all didn’t make it, Mr.
Connors.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Tell me when we get down below?
How do we get down?
                                                            
                       REBOUND
I can tell you, chief!
                                                            
Rebound and Scoop assist the paramedics first, and then help
lowering their gear to the ground.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Who’s been in charge down here?
                                                            
                       TONY
I have ma’am! My name is Tony.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Tony! My name’s Lauren Gallagher
and this is Paul Simms. We are
known as paramedics. That means
we are almost like doctors but
instead of at a hospital, we’re in
the field. I want you to take us
to those who are hurt the worst.
                                                            
                       TONY
Follow me!
                                                            
Tony takes the two paramedics over to the fire where both
Coach Tolman and Angi remain laid out on the double seats.
                                                            
                       TONY
This is Coach Tolman. He’s been
unconscious from the start. That’s
Angi Rosetti, one of the
basketball players. We had to
pull him out from underneath the
bus. These two are the worst,
then there’s Harry Thompson. He
has something wrong with his
heart. He told me not to tell
anyone in the campsite, but you’re
like doctors so I thought…
                                                            

101.

                       GALLAGHER
Paul! Have Tony take you to Harry
Thompson, and right now.
                                                            
Paul goes with Tony to a seat at the far side of the fire.
                                                            
                       TONY
Harry!
                                                            
Tony shakes the elderly sports reporter.
                                                            
                       TONY
Harry wake up!
                                                            
                       SIMMS
Let me in there, Tony!
                                                            
Tony steps aside and Paul checks for a pulse. Three times
in different places he tries to find a faint pulse, but
finds nothing. He CALLS out to his partner.
                                                            
                       SIMMS
Lauren, get over here!
                                                            
Gallagher comes towards him running.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
What is it, Paul?
                                                            
Paul stands to face her.
                                                            
                       COACH
See if you can find a pulse. I
can’t.
                                                            
Lauren tries several times. After three unsuccessful
attempts, she checks his body. She then looks up at Tony,
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
I’m sorry, Tony, but he’s been
gone for about an hour.
                                                            
Tony buries his face in his hands and once again tears fall
from his eyes.
                                                            
Chief Connors sees two bodies lying on the ground, away from
the rest of the group by the fire. He looks at Rebound,
                                                            

102.

                       CHIEF
      (to Rebound)
Who didn't make it?
                                                            
                       REBOUND
Nick Perelli and Linda Johnson,
sir!
                                                            
Tom places his hand on Rebound’s shoulder.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Thanks, Tommy!
                                                            
Paramedic Gallagher CALLS out to Chief Connors.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
      (raised voice)
Chief!
                                                            
Tom heads to where Lauren kneels on the ground.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Yes, Miss Gallagher. What’s
wrong?
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Mr. Thompson didn’t make it. It
appears he died sometime within
the last hour or so.
                                                            
Tom doubles his fist.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
You better get someone over here
to help you. He needs to be
placed with the others.
                                                            
Tom heads over to Scoop.
                                                            
                       SCOOP
I can make it, man. What do ya
need, Chief?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Give me a hand and help me move
Harry, will you. He didn't make
it and I have to get him with the
others.
                                                            

103.

Miss Gallagher returns to Coach Tolman and Ann is by his
side.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
You must be Ann! I hear you’ve
been the nurse down here.
                                                            
Lauren kneels down beside Ann’s father.
                                                            
                       ANN
I did the best I could with what
little I had to work with.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Paul! I want you to check the
young man on the other seats
behind me. Is the connection
ready to Shattuck?
                                                            
                       SIMMS
It’s all set Miss Gallagher.
                                                            
Paul hands Lauren the radio and then goes to check on Angi.
                                                            
Stepping back and away from the students, Chief Connors
grabs his radio and keys the mike.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Team One Leader to Team Six
Leader. Come in Jack. Over!
                                                            
                       JACK (VO)
Go ahead, Tom. This is Talbot.
Over!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
When those men arrive with the
saws make sure someone brings down
a rope. There’s a ledge you have
to climb down from and it’s about
ten feet high. A rope will make
it easier. Over!
                                                            
                       JACK (VO)
Roger, Tom! I have a manila rope
in my car. I'll bring it down
when we leave here. How bad is it
down there?
                                                            

104.

                       CHIEF
Better than I thought I’d find,
but we did lose three people. We
lost one this past hour. Over and
out!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. DANIELSON CURVE - DAY
                                                            
Sergeant Coombs pulls the cruiser up the hill and parks away
from the curve, while the truckload of men pulls up behind
him. Chief Talbot heads to his own cruiser and removes the
manila rope, as the men alight from the rack body truck.
                                                            
Chief Talbot throws the rope over his shoulder.
                                                            
                       JACK
Listen up, guys! I’ll lead the
way. There’s a ledge down there
that we’ll need this rope to climb
down from. Once we get down there
I’m going to ask Fred to be in
charge of cutting the trees and
clearing an area for a landing
pad. Okay, men, let’s go! Paul!
Go to the helicopter and once we
start bringing people up, help get
them into the ambulances so they
can get to hospitals and treated.
                                                            
The second group starts their descent from Mountain Road
with fourteen chain saws, three cans of fuel, and a rope.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Talbot leads the group onto the ledge above the campsite. He
looks at what's left of the school bus.
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh my God! Ken! Take one end of
this rope and secure it tight to
one of those trees, will you?
                                                            
KEN BELLOWS unravels the rest of the hundred feet of rope
and ties one end to a tree.
                                                            

105.

                       BELLOWS
All set, Chief. This end’s
secure.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay, guys! One at a time go
ahead and climb down. Once you’re
all down there we’ll lower the
saws and fuel. Fred! You go
first so you can head over and
assess what needs to be done and
how.
                                                            
                       FRED
On my way.
                                                            
The fourteen men lower to the ledge and Chief Talbot pulls
up the loose end of the rope. He ties off five of the chain
saws and starts lowering them down to the men who wait just
below him.
                                                            
Once Chief Talbot is on the lower ledge, he goes over to
Tom.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAMPSITE - DAY
                                                            
                       JACK
Have you seen the inside of that
bus, Tom?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
No I haven't. What I've witnessed
on this ledge, is enough to make
my skin crawl. I have to
commend these young people for
their bravery and camaraderie
under the most adverse of
conditions.
                                                            
                       JACK
Just a little insight, Tom! Every
window throughout the bus is out,
only four seats remain bolted to
the floor above them, and shards
of glass are strewn about the roof
that’s now an excuse for a floor.
                                                            

106.

Both chiefs head over to where Coach Tolman still lays on
the seat.
                                                            
Lauren kneels beside the coach with her radio in her hand.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
PM Unit One to Southwick! Over!
                                                            
                       DOCTOR (VO)
This is Doctor Paulsen at
Southwick, Unit One. Go ahead.
Over!
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Doctor! I have a male Caucasian,
age approximately forty-five.
Victim is unconscious at this time
and he’s been unconscious for over
fourteen hours. Vital signs are
weak but stable. There are no
physical signs of blunt force
trauma. Over!
                                                            
                       DOCTOR (VO)
Roger, PM One! Can you administer
oxygen? Over!
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Negative, doctor! We’re down the
side of a mountain, on a ledge and
were unable to carry the oxygen
down with us to this location.
Over!
                                                            
                       DOCTOR (VO)
How soon can you transport victim?
Over!
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
We are over a thousand yards down
the side of a mountain, doctor,
and men are clearing a landing pad
for a helicopter to come in here
and lift these people out, but a
close estimate is about an hour.
Over!
                                                            

107.

                       DOCTOR (VO)
Administer Saline, normal drip. As
soon as possible get the victim
under oxygen. Keep a close eye on
those vital signs. Over!
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Roger, doctor. We have a second
victim, doctor. He’s a teen-aged
male Caucasian with blunt force
trauma to both legs. He was
thrown clear of the interior of
the bus then the bus landed on top
of both legs. Vitals are normal
but he’s in severe
pain. Over!
                                                            
                       DOCTOR (VO)
Splint the legs for
transportation. Administer a shot
of codeine, sixty
milligrams, to relieve some of
that pain. Transport both victims
as soon as you can. Over!
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Roger, Southwick! All the others
have cuts and bruises comparable
with the type of accident they’ve
been involved in. I do have one
teen-aged female with a broken
arm. It’s been immobilized.
Over!
                                                            
                       DOCTOR (VO)
Understood. Any changes, PM Unit
One, call me. As soon as you can,
transport the serious victims here
to Southwick. The rest can go to
Edgewater. Over!
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Copy Southwick. PM Unit One
clear!
                                                            
Chain saws hum in the background.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
How are they, Miss Gallagher?
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Let me medicate them first, chief.
                                                            

108.

Lauren sets the saline drip up for Coach Tolman.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
I want this man to be on the first
trip out of here, Chief. I need
to get him on oxygen as soon as is
humanly possible.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
He will be!
                                                            
Connors watches her stick the needle into the coach’s arm.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Do you have someone who can hold
this bag up for me?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
His daughter is over on one of the
seats. I’ll go and get her.
                                                            
Tom heads over to where Ann sits.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Are you up to the task of helping
your dad?
                                                            
Ann smiles.
                                                            
                       ANN
How?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Miss Gallagher just gave him an
injection and she needs someone to
hold the bag so the medicine can
go into your dad’s body.
                                                            
                       ANN
I want to do it!
                                                            
Ann gets up and the Chief takes her over to Lauren.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Miss Gallagher! Ann will hold
that for you.
                                                            

109.

                       GALLAGHER
Hi, Ann. Just hold the bag above
his body so the medicine can drip
where it needs to go.
                                                            
Tom grabs his radio and keys the mike.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Team Leader One to Air Rescue One.
Come in. Over!
                                                            
                       STRETCH (VO)
Team Leader One this is Air Rescue
One. Go ahead. Over!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
How long can that bird stay in the
air? Over!
                                                            
                       STRETCH (VO)
Safe time In the air is two and a
half hours once we’re airborne.
Over!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Warm that bird up. We’re about
ten minutes away from being ready
to land that thing. Over and out!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. AIR RESCUE ONE - DAY
                                                            
Pilot Barrows fires up the helicopter.
                                                            
Stretch grabs the radio and keys the mike.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Air Rescue One to Archer Command
Post. Come in. Over!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN (VO)
Go ahead Air Rescue One. This is
Archer Command. Over!
                                                            

110.

                       STRETCH
Send the four ambulances from
Wilkinson to just south of
Lookout. Leave Lookout for a
landing pad for Air Rescue One.
The ones from Archer, have them
converge just north of Lookout.
Over and out!
                                                            
                       MAUREEN
Roger, Air Rescue One. Command
clear!
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAMPSITE - DAY
                                                            
The fire is snuffed out. The last tree is cut down and six
of the team makes light work of cutting it into smaller
pieces and roll the remnants away from the makeshift landing
pad.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (To Connors)
You better get that bird in the
air. Our guys are just about done
here. If he can’t set that
helicopter down here then he’s
no pilot.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I agree, and thanks for
everything.
                                                            
Tom reaches for the radio and keys the mike.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Team Leader One to Air Rescue One.
Come in Air Rescue One. Over!
                                                            
                       STRETCH (VO)
Go ahead Team Leader One. This is
Daren. Over!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
There’s enough room to set a small
plane on this ledge, Daren. Get
Air Rescue One airborne and set it
down so we can get these people
out of here. Over!
            (MORE)

111.

                       CHIEF (cont'd)
                                                            
                       STRETCH (VO)
Ten-four, chief! Air Rescue One
airborne. Over and out!
                                                            
 
INT. AIR RESCUE ONE - DAY
                                                            
Rescue One lifts off Lookout and lowers into the valley.
Daren watches carefully as the pilot swings the aircraft
around and approaches nose first.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
They gave you plenty of room to
land.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yes they did. I want you to do me
a favor. When I get close to the
ground I want you to step out onto
the runner. I’ll be close enough
for you to jump down to the ground
from there. Guide me in so the
runners don’t hit any of the
stumps I see down there. I saw
you guide me in when I set down in
Archer, so I know you know what
you’re doing.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
I’m on it, Jack!
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay, now!
                                                            
Stretch steps out and onto the right runner. He takes a
quick look at the ground. He sees nothing and jumps clear
of the helicopter, landing on both feet but falls forward.
He gets up quickly and runs in front of the C-fourteen. He
signals Lieutenant Barrows to land.
                                                            
LANDS ON CAMPSITE
                                                            
Chief Connors rushes over to Daren.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
How many can we get inside?
                                                            

112.

                       STRETCH
How many do you have on
stretchers?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I have two people on stretchers,
one person with a broken arm, and
another person we think has a
broken rib.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Okay! Let the two people on
stretchers and the two paramedics
plus the other two go up on this
trip. We’ll put the rest of the
girls on the next trip up. I’ll
stay down here.
                                                            
Chief Connors turns and heads to the group.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Jack! Let’s get some help over
here to get Coach Tolman and Angi
in that bird. Miss Gallagher! You
and Paul can go up there with
them. Paula! You and Ben get on
there, as soon as the coach and
Angi are on.
                                                            
Four of the tree men grab the collapsible stretcher that
holds Coach Tolman while Lauren Gallagher holds the saline
drip bag. Four more men grab the second stretcher that
holds Angi, as Paul Simms walks alongside.
                                                            
Peggy watches as tears run down the sides of her face while
the two stretchers are finally loaded onto the floor of the
helicopter.

Paula Harper climbs into the seat that was occupied by Daren
and Ben climbs into a seat in the back beside Paul Simms.

Daren signals the pilot that he can lift off.
                                                            
AIRBORNE
                                                            
Seconds later Air Rescue One is clear of the ledge and lifts
up and above Valleyside Lookout. The pilot can see the
ambulance crews on both sides of Lookout as he lowers the
craft into the center of the landing pad.
                                                            

113.

CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. VALLEYSIDE LOOKOUT - DAY
                                                            
Lauren Gallagher steps out of the helicopter.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Paul! Hold this bag. I need to
check and see if one of the
ambulances has oxygen.
                                                            
                       SIMMS
Lauren! Ambulances two and four
both have oxygen.
                                                            
Lauren runs to ambulance two and motions to the driver to
drive towards her. The driver turns the ambulance around so
the rear doors face the helicopter and both ambulance
attendants exit the vehicle.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
You guys get two stretchers over
to the helicopter. I’ll grab the
oxygen tank.
                                                            
Lauren opens the doors and heads inside to get the oxygen.
                                                            
                       SIMMS
Mr. James, and Miss Harper! The
two of you can go into one of the
ambulances from Edgewater. As
soon as you two are strapped in
they’ll take you over there.
                                                            
Paul helps the ambulance crew with Coach Tolman.

Lauren administers the oxygen and follows the gurney to the
waiting ambulance and the two men get him aboard.

Paul assists the two drivers as they get Angi transferred
onto the gurney and he follows as they get him on board.
                                                            
Lauren grabs her partner's arm before they close the doors.
                                                            
                       GALLAGHER
Paul! Stay here and see everyone
gets to an ambulance okay. Once
everyone is off the ledge then
            (MORE)

114.

                       GALLAGHER (cont'd)
bring PM Unit One to Shattuck.
Make sure everyone’s off that
ledge first, Paul, including the
men who went down there to cut the
trees down, just in case something
happens and you're needed. Make
sure all our gear is up here, too.
                                                            
                       SIMMS
Will do, Miss Gallagher!
                                                            
Paul closes the doors.

Air Rescue One lifts off again and lowers to the ledge
below.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAMPSITE - DAY
                                                            
While two body baskets are carried over to Chief Connors,
Chief Talbot notices a piece of paper on the ground beside a
briefcase near one of the empty seats. He heads over and
picks it up. With what light comes through the trees, he
starts to read and reads the entire page.
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh my God!
                                                            
Chief Talbot opens the briefcase and places the letter
inside. He holds the case in his hand and heads over to
Tom.
                                                            
                       JACK
You better hold onto this, Tom.
                                                            
Jack hands the briefcase to his friend.
                                                            
                       JACK
It belonged to the reporter Harry
Thompson, Chief. He briefly
details what happened during the
fourteen hours the kids were down
here. Don’t read it now, Tom, but
as soon as you get a moment.
                                                            

115.

                       CHIEF
Thanks, Jack! This could provide
valuable information I don’t have
right now.
                                                            
Tom grabs onto the briefcase.

Air Rescue One touches down for the fourth time. Harry’s
body is the last of those who were aboard the bus. One of
the baskets is brought from the helicopter and four men head
over to where Harry’s body lays and they lift him carefully
into the basket.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay, men! For the last time,
lift.
                                                            
They lift the heavy basket off the ground and carry him over
to the aircraft.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
      (to Daren)
How many can we take up?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
With the basket and me, Chief,
five more can go.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Are you ready to go up, Jack?
                                                            
Chief Talbot SIGHS.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yes I am!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
      (yelling)
Fred!
                                                            
Fred runs over to Chief Connors.
                                                            
                       FRED
Yes, sir!
                                                            
                       CHIEF
I can take three of your men out
on this bird. Who do you want to
send?
                                                            

116.

                       FRED
Excuse me, chief, but if you’d be
so kind as to take the saws and
fuel cans for us, the fourteen of
us will climb out of here as a
team, sir.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Consider it done, Fred. Have your
men get the gear to the
helicopter.
                                                            
                       JACK
Fred! Once you guys climb onto
that ledge can one of your men
grab my rope for me on the way up?
                                                            
                       FRED
I’ll see you get it, Jack.
                                                            
The chain saws and fuel cans are placed inside the
helicopter. Daren Hopkins and Chief Talbot both climb
inside. Chief Connors stands outside for a moment and takes
a final look around and then reaches down and picks up the
briefcase. He climbs on board.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Okay, young man, get us out of
here.
                                                            
Air Rescue One lifts off the hidden ledge. Chief Connors
looks out and watches the fourteen men as they climb onto
the ledge above the campsite. He takes one final look at the
shell of school bus thirteen zero-seven. Moments later Pilot
Barrows lowers its runners onto Valleyside Lookout.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. VALLEYSIDE LOOKOUT - DAY
                                                            
Stretch steps around to the pilot’s side of the aircraft.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Lieutenant! As an Archer resident
I want to thank you on behalf of
the people of our town for coming
up here and helping us out.
                                                            

117.

Daren extends his hand to the lieutenant.
                                                            
                       JACK
Sergeant Hopkins! I have to make
out a report when I return to
base. What I’m putting in that
report is a recommendation for a
promotion for you to the rank of
Master Sergeant. Today you went
above and beyond the call of duty
and you conducted yourself as a
true Marine and I’m proud to have
worked alongside you.
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Thank you, sir! I may not be in
uniform, sir, but I’m saluting you
anyway.
                                                            
Daren executes a proper military salute.
                                                            
                       JACK
Want a lift back to your car,
sergeant?
                                                            
                       STRETCH
Thank you, sir, but I’m going to
see if I can be of any help here.
                                                            
Harry Thompson’s body is transferred onto a stretcher and
the basket gets returned to the helicopter. As the gear is
removed Connors goes to the pilot’s window.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Thank you, Lieutenant! Have a
safe trip back to your base.
                                                            
The door to the helicopter closes,
                                                            
                       JACK
Thank you and good luck!
                                                            
Once Chief Connors is clear, Air Rescue One lifts off from
Valleyside Lookout and heads east.
                                                            
Harry’s body is placed inside the paramedic’s ambulance, as
Chief Connors goes over to Paul Simms.
                                                            

118.

                       CHIEF
Tell my people I’ll get there as
soon as I can. I have some
business to take care of in Archer
first.
                                                            
Chief Connors closes the door.
                                                            
                       SIMMS
I’ll be glad to, sir!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. T & C'S - PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY
                                                            
Chief Connors goes straight to the table that was set up
near the dance floor.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
      (to everyone)
I’ll be with you all here in a
minute.
                                                            
Archibald Cox, the Archer Gazette owner, approaches Tom and
stands in front of the table.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
You wanted to see me, Tom?
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Please, come around here and have
a seat.
                                                            
Tom waits for him to be seated and then hands him Harry’s
briefcase.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
This briefcase is Harry’s. I took
a look inside and I found
something the press should hear.
Where Harry wrote it, and he works
for you, I need your authorization
to release it to the press.
                                                            
Archie Cox opens the briefcase and pulls out the papers. He
sits back and reads the entire segment, and then turns to
face Tom.
                                                            

119.

                       ARCHIE
If I wanted to be a bastard,
chief, I’d have every right to
refuse this release, but just like
me, these men and women have a job
to do, and that job is to report
the news. Read it to them, but I
want that paper when you’re done.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Fair enough!
                                                            
Tom takes the paper and turns towards the press as cameras
start to roll.
                                                            
                       COACH
If everyone’s ready I’ll get
started.
                                                            
TEN MINUTES LATER
                                                            
After a detailed report of the finding of the missing bus
and the status of those who were aboard. He then holds the
paper of Harry’s in front of him.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Now for Harry Thompson’s letter
and I’ll read it as he wrote it.
                                                            
Tom takes the letter, places it in front of him and starts
to read aloud,
                                                            
                       CHIEF
My name is Harry Thompson, sports
reporter for the Archer Gazette.
The story I’m about to write is
about a game, but not the game
scheduled to be played in
Wilkinson last night. The game
has nothing to do with sports, but
rather has to do with courage.
                                                            
Chief Connors takes a breather.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
At about six-ten last night, the
brakes on bus 1307 failed as it
approached the Danielson curve.
Even the emergency brakes snapped
as easy as a rubber band. With a
busload of screaming teenagers,
            (MORE)

120.

                       CHIEF (cont'd)
where fear overtook them, what
happened next can only be
described as an act of God. The
tires somehow hit the granite wall
of stone at almost one hundred
miles an hour. They burst upon
impact and the thrust catapulted
the school bus over the guardrail
as though it was a trampoline. The
bus then plunged down and into the
darkness of Hadley Mountain and
tore off its emergency door along
the way. Two of our passengers
were ejected as we travelled even
further down into the bowels of
the mountain’s depths. Bodies
were tossed from side to side and
on top of each other in heaps of
human flesh. The force of the
accident broke out every window in
the entire bus and tore loose all
but four of the bolted down seats
we all once were seated in.
Finally, somewhere in the darkness
below Danielson, the ill-fated
school bus reaches this hidden
ledge, throwing yet another
passenger out of the front window.
To add to his misery, the bus
then tips forward and slides off
the ledge and lands on top of his
legs. Though I did not bear
witness to that, it’s the only
conclusion that can be made.
                                                            
Chief Connors catches his breath.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
      (continues)
As I sit here, on one of the empty
seats torn loose from the battered
remnants of what once served as a
school bus, I do bear witness to
this: Unity and courage that
extends beyond the boundaries and
realms of race, creed, color,
religion, nationality or even sex.

Thirteen teenagers,for the past
thirteen hours, were forced to
play a game they never dreamed
they’d have to play. The game
they played was not on any
            (MORE)

121.

                       CHIEF (cont'd)
hardwood basketballs court. Their
opponents were not six-foot
guards, centers, or forwards, but
rather the elements of life
itself.

The rules, as such, were simple:
survive the night until help can
arrive and save them. Their
offense is their strength, even
when injured. Their defense was
their brains.
                                                            
Chief Connors wipes his forehead with a handkerchief.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
      (continues)
The team captain, Tony Perelli, I
told to take charge, and take
charge he did. He kept all
thirteen of his friends and
teammates busy so they couldn’t
fall apart. Everyone had a job to
do, and they did it.

Ann Tolman, who’s ambition it is
to become a nurse someday, got
that chance long before she was
trained to do it and was not ready
for. With nothing more than a
small first aid kit, she probably
saved Angi Rosetti’s legs from
being amputated.

There’s no single hero on this
ledge, this night, for they’re all
heroes. Each and every one of
them stepped up to the plate and
went the distance under such
adverse conditions.

Danny Harper, better known as
Harpo, needs to be commended for
his attempt to save Linda Johnson
from bleeding to death. Alone,
and away from the security of his
friends, he unselfishly stopped
the bleeding from a wound in her
side, but she’d lost too much
blood before he found her. Linda
died in his arms.

            (MORE)

122.

                       CHIEF (cont'd)
I need to close, as I weaken from
a lack of medication that would
save my life.

God bless our youth, for they are
our leaders of tomorrow. They
have the strength when we, as
adults, fail.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
Feedback
There is currently no feedback for this screenplay.

Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
You must be logged in to leave feedback.
Home    My Account    Products    Screenwriter Community    Screenwriter's Corner    Help
Forgot Your Password?    Privacy Policy    Copyright 2024, ScriptBuddy LLC.    Email help@scriptbuddy.com