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Mustang Sally
by David M. Fuqua (dmfuqua@aristotle.net)

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review: **
A coming of age story amid the cultural changes of small-town Mississippi in the 1960s.


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.



FADE IN:

INT. THE JUNIOR - NIGHT
                                                            
David is standing near the back of a large barroom with
bandstand, dance floor, tables, chairs, pool tables, a bar.
The room is crowded, smoke-filled; a band, "The Neurotic
Sheep", a mid-Sixites psychadelic band, looks out of place.
The band plays "Drive My Car" by The Beatles. David is
drinking a Coke, trying not to draw attention to himself.
Several drunk patrons are close to the bandstand, heckling
the hippie musicians.
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (A drunken
       swagger.)
Don't you love this place?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah, I guess. When are we
leaving?
                                                            
A young man stumbles over with a longneck beer bottle in his
hand, and steps between her and David.
                                                            
                       GENE
      (Places his arm
       around Anne to
       gain support.)
Come on, girl. Let's dance. Hey,
David, why don't you get you one
of these girls and dance.
                                                            
Anne and Gene move to the dance floor, the band finishes the
song with a flourish, and David appears to recede back into
a shadow in the room.
                                                            
 
EXT. ANNE'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Anne is driving and smoking with the window rolled down.
Mary Jane is in the passenger seat, also smoking. David is
in the middle of the back seat, leaning forward to listen to
the girls talk. Anne is pouty and unhappy. The radio is
playing "Red Rubber Ball" by The Cyrkle.
                                                            
                       ANNE
That son-of-a-bitch Gene . . . he
knew I couldn't leave with him, so
he takes that fucking bitch Joy
Pennington with him.
                                                            

2.

                       MARY JANE
He's an asshole.
                                                            
Anne curses to herself, acclerates through a yellow light
and flicks her cigarette out the window.
                                                            
                       ANNE
He knows I have to get David home
and Mom will ground me if I don't
get the car home by eleven. That
son-of-a-bitch!
                                                            
Anne now turns her attention to David.
                                                            
                       ANNE
I don't know why I let you come
with us. You're too young to get
into the Junior. They let you in
because of me and Mary Jane. And
then all you did was stand there.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What was I supposed to do?
                                                            
                       ANNE
Goddamn dance or something! I
don't know. Lucky some drunk
didn't whip your ass.
                                                            
                       MARY JANE
      (Coming to David's
       rescue.)
He was better off staying out of
trouble where he was.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Remember, David, we went to a
movie, then went down to Bob's to
get something to eat, then cruised
around before coming home. Mary
Jane, do you have something for
our breath?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah, wouldn't want Aunt Frances
to know you've been smoking and
drinking.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Fuck you,little cousin.
                                                            
 

3.

EXT. AUNT FRANCES' HOME - NIGHT
                                                            
Anne pulls the car into the carport of her mother's home. He
and Anne get out of the car without speaking and enter the
house, Anne in the lead.
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (Cheerfully)
We're home!
                                                            
                       FRANCES
      (From another
       room.)
In here! Y'all come in here.
                                                            
TWO WOMEN SITTING IN AN INFORMAL TV ROOM.
                                                            
                       FRANCES
      (Cheerful as well.)
How was the movie, kids?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Good. It was a that Clint
Eastwood movie, The Good, the Bad
and the Ugly.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Yeah, and we went by Bob's and got
a hamburger after the movie. Bob's
was real busy tonight.
                                                            
                       FRANCES
      (Her voice rising
       to indicate her
       rapidly changing
       mood.)
That son-of-a-bitch Gene Northcutt
called here a few minutes ago,
looking for you. He sounded
drunk. Did you see him tonight?
                                                            
                       ANNE
No. It was just us and Mary Jane.
Isn't that right, David?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (Rising from her
       seat.)
Come on, David, we need to get
home. You have to go to the store
            (MORE)

4.

                       MOTHER (cont'd)
tomorrow.
                                                            
DAVID AND ANNE LINGER BEHIND THE MOTHERS EXITING THE ROOM.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Whispering.)
Good luck, I'll try to call you
tomorrow.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Bye, little cousin.
                                                            
 
INT. MOTHER'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Were y'all with Gene tonight?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Adjusting the
       volume on the
       radio.)
No, we went to the movie.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (Talking over the
       "Time Won't Let
       Me" by The
       Outsiders.)
I wish Anne could find a decent
boy. Gene's not her type; he's
trouble. His daddy was trouble.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What'd his daddy do?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
He was just no good. Drunk
mostly. His parents fought all
the time 'til Gene's mother shot
and killed him. She went to
prison for a few years, and Gene
got farmed out to aunts and
uncles. I don't think the boy
ever had a chance, but he'll
amount to nothing anyway.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I like Gene. He seems okay to me.
                                                            

5.

                       MOTHER
      (With authority.)
You stay away from Gene Northcutt.
Don't let me find out you and
Anne are hanging around with him.
Your Aunt Frances is having enough
trouble with Anne without her
getting mixed up with Gene. He'll
turn mean just like his Daddy did.
                                                            
 
INT. GRANDMOTHER'S DINING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
David is sitting at the breakfast table, eating toast with
melted cheese and bacon on it, drinking a glass of milk. His
Grandmother is sitting with him, eating the same breakfast
in her housecoat.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Sharp but with
       affection.)
Boy, you better get moving. Your
Uncle Jesse will have your hide
for being late. Will you be here
for lunch?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Rising to leave.)
Yeah, I'll tell Uncle Jesse I need
to be home at noon for lunch.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Sharply again.)
Yes, M'am!
                                                            
 
EXT. FOLLOWING DAVID AS HE WALKS TO THE STORE. - DAY
                                                            
David turns on his small transistor radio and inserts a
single ear piece in his ear. Soundtrack plays "Mr.
Tambourine Man" by The Bryds as David walks past middle
class homes of white people, into black neighborhoods where
the residents watch him with suspicion, past cotton
warehouses, until we see a white store building over David's
shoulder. Customers enter and exit as David approaches.
                                                            
                       JESSE
      (Shouting.)
Come on, Boy. The day'll be half
over by the time you get here. Get
in the back and help Tookie unload
the produce truck.
                                                            

6.

David runs the rest of the way, dashing past Uncle Jesse and
through the store waving to his Uncle Ira who is stocking.
                                                            
                       JESSE
And take that radio out of your
ear!
                                                            
IN THE REAR OF THE STORE WHERE NATHAN IS CUTTING MEAT.
                                                            
                       NATHAN
Boy, don't you know we open at
seven on Saturday? You been
enjoying too much of your
grandmother's feather bed.
                                                            
 
INT. BACK ROOM OF THE STORE. - DAY
                                                            
The store room is full of boxes of grocery stock and
clutter. To the left a cooler door is open; the back door
is open with a truck parked outside. Tookie, a white,
working class boy about David's age, is receiving produce
from the truck driver and carrying his load into the cooler.
David runs in hastily putting his white apron on.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
White Bread, where you been? I
got the truck all to myself this
morning. I'm doing your work and
mine too.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Fuck you, Tookie. I don't see you
working up a sweat.
                                                            
David jumps into the line, takes a load of produce and
stacks it in the cooler. After the truck leaves, the boys
stand in the alley behind the Store.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Stealing a smoke,
       looking over his
       shoulder.)
What'd you do last night, White
Bread?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Tookie, don't call me that, I
asked you not to call me that.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
That's who you are -- white bread,
good, soft white bread.
                                                            

7.

                       DAVID
What are you then? Cornbread?
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Don't be callin' me brown bread. I
ain't no fuckin' brim.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What the hell's a brim, Tookie?
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
It's a fuckin' nigger.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Where'd you get that?
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
I know you're white bread, David.
I bet you've never even said
"nigger". You city boys are
something else.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Deflecting
       Tookie's last
       statement.)
Come on, we need to get back to
work. Uncle Ira'll be looking for
us.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Crushing his butt
       in the gravel.)
Yeah, I'll talk to you later. I've
got plans for us tonight.
                                                            
The boys walk back into the storeroom, closing and locking
the door behind them, and disappear back into the store.
                                                            
 
INT. THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David is helping his Uncle Ira stock shelves while shoppers
flow around them. Shoppers interrupt with questions. As
they talk, they move down the aisle stocking and
straightening shelves.
                                                            
                       IRA
Now hand me those cans on the
floor.
                                                            

8.

                       DAVID
Uncle Ira, can being drunk make
you want to kill somebody?
                                                            
                       IRA
I saw some good men do crazy
things during the war when they
were drunk. You aren't drinking
are you?
                                                            
                       DAVID
No nothing like that. But Mom was
telling me about Gene Northcutt's
parents. Do you know them?
                                                            
                       IRA
His momma used to shop in here.
Always treated Gene mean when he
was with her.
                                                            
                       DAVID
He's hanging around my cousin,
Anne.
                                                            
                       IRA
Can't be any good comes of that.
You stay away from him, you hear?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, sir. What happened to Gene's
mother?
                                                            
                       IRA
She went to prison. After that, I
don't know what happened to her,
but she never came back to town.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Looking at his
       watch.)
Grandmother wants me home at noon,
can I take my lunch now?
                                                            
                       IRA
You need to ask your Uncle Jesse.
Don't you want to go to church
with us in the morning? We'll
stop by your grandmother's and
pick you up.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Uncomfortable
       with the way the
       conversation has
            (MORE)

9.

                       DAVID (cont'd)
       turned.)
No thanks, Uncle Ira.
                                                            
 
INT. GRANDMOTHER'S DINING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
The table is set for a formal meal, bowls of hot southern
food are in place, a patter of fried chicken sits at the
head of the table. David's grandfather sits at the head in
his suit, his grandmother and mother are seated. David
comes in quickly through the kitchen slamming the screen
door behind him.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Granddaddy, there's a man at the
back door to see you.
                                                            
                       GRANDDADDY
Excuse me while I take care of
this business.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Sorry I'm late. We got real busy
right when I was trying to leave.
Uncle Jesse dropped me off on his
way to the bank.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (Sounding grave.)
Your Aunt Frances called. She
says Anne's been sneaking out to
see Gene Northcutt. Has she told
you about that?
                                                            
                       DAVID
No, I don't know anything about
her sneaking out. When has she
been doing that?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Frances thinks its been going on
for over a month.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
That boy is white trash; that's
all there is to it.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
You're Daddy'll be home next
month. He called this morning.
                                                            

10.

                       DAVID
Where is he now?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
He's up in Atlanta right now
inspecting a new cement plant. He
says we might get to go to
Charleston with him for the
chemical society convention this
summer.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Excited.)
Am I going to get to go?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I don't know, we'll see.
                                                            
                       GRANDDADDY
      (Placing folded
       money in his
       pocket as he
       returns to the
       table.)
You're Daddy's done real well with
the Highway Department. You ought
to think about that when you get
out of school.
                                                            
                       DAVID
That doesn't sound very
interesting, Granddaddy. What did
that man want?
                                                            
                       GRANDDADDY
He was paying on a loan I made
him. Pays every month like
clockwork.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Why doesn't he pay you at the
bank?
                                                            
                       GRANDDADDY
The bank doesn't loan money to
coloreds. This is private
business. Now you better get on
back to the store; your uncles
will be looking for you.
                                                            

11.

                       DAVID
      (Hurrying from the
       table.)
Okay, see you later.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Speaking over her
       shoulder as David
       exits through the
       kitchen.)
Yes, but slow down!
                                                            
 
EXT. AT A PAY PHONE OUTSIDE THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David is dialing the phone, turned away from the Store as
much as he can attempting some privacy. He speaks evasively
into the phone, cupping his hand over the mouthpiece.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Mom said you got caught sneaking
out with Gene. . . .
Yeah, she talked to your mother
this morning. . . .
No, I didn't say anything. . . .
Does your mom know about last
night. . . .
Good. . . .
No, I don't know what I'm doing. .
. . Maybe I'll see you later.
Okay, bye.
                                                            
 
INT. THE STORE, LATE AFTERNOON. - DAY
                                                            
David and Tookie are bagging groceries at the front of the
store. Uncle Ira and Uncle Jesse each man a cash register.
Other employees also bag groceries and carry them to the
customers' cars. A line of shoppers, mostly black, wait to
be checked out. The pace of the operation is fast, without
time to pause between customers.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Loading groceries
       in a cart while
       David bags.)
I got dates lined up for us
tonight, White Bread, just plan on
meeting me at the Gordon about
eight. Don't be late, either.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Who are you taking about?
                                                            

12.

                       TOOKIE
God, you're dumb sometimes. That's
why it's called a blind date. You
won't be disappointed, White
Bread. Don't worry about it.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'll try not to.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Just be there, man.
                                                            
                       JESSE
      (Rising anger,
       speaking over his
       shoulder.)
You boys quit playin' and get to
work. We got a lot of groceries
to move outa here.
                                                            
The boys in unison, "Yes, Sir." Tookie wheels the grocery
cart out the door and David snaps another bag open to begin
bagging the next customer's groceries.
                                                            
 
INT. THE STORE, AFTER CLOSING HOUR - DAY
                                                            
Uncle Ira is counting cash register receipts while Uncle
Jesse sits at his work counter by the front window writing
payroll checks. The employees are standing or sitting on
the checkout counters waiting for their paychecks, drinking
Cokes, joking, laughing.
                                                            
                       JESSE
      (Concentrating on
       his books but
       glancing up at
       Nathan Blount.)
Preacher, what are you preaching
on tomorrow morning?
                                                            
                       NATHAN
      (Deep voiced, a
       dominant presence
       in the group.)
The same thing I preach on every
Sunday, Mr. Jesse, the admonition
of Jesus, or Lord and Savior, that
we love one another.
                                                            
                       JESSE
Nathan, I think your people love
too much. Why don't you preach
the sanctity of Christian marriage
            (MORE)

13.

                       JESSE (cont'd)
for a change. You see all these
colored children comin' in here
without two parents.
                                                            
David is listening to this debate, while Tookie is picking
at him, wanting to distract him.
                                                            
                       NATHAN
I preach what I know my
congregation needs to hear, Mr.
Jesse. Love between us all is
God's will.
                                                            
                       JESSE
You don't mean race mixing now do
you, Nathan? You know that'll
come to no good? Isn't that
right, David?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Surpirsed he's
       been added to the
       conversation.)
I don't know Uncle Jesse. We had
a few black kids at our school
last year. I don't see a problem
with that.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Whispering behind
       David.)
You mean brims, don't you?
                                                            
                       JESSE
If the races start going to school
together, the next thing'll happen
is they'll start dating and
marrying and having babies.
                                                            
                       NATHAN
Mr. Jesse, I want my kids to get
as good an education as yours do.
Tell me what's wrong with that?
                                                            
                       JESSE
      (Showing his quick
       temper.)
Your people have a fine school.
You ought to, I pay enough taxes
for both of us.
      (Changing the
       subject.)
Nathan, you ain't gonna lead your
            (MORE)

14.

                       JESSE (cont'd)
congregation in that voter march
I've been hearing about, are you?
                                                            
                       NATHAN
I might just do that Mr. Jesse.
Yes sir, you might see me there
walking proud with my people.
                                                            
                       JESSE
You won't see me within ten miles
of that march.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What's wrong with everyone voting
the same, Uncle Jesse?
                                                            
                       JESSE
      (Angry now.)
Boy, don't talk about things you
don't know anything about. Here's
your pay check. Let your Uncle
Ira cash it and get on outa here.
                                                            
Nathan gives David the slightest nod as he moves around the
checkout counter to endorse and give his check to Ira to
cash.
                                                            
                       IRA
      (Smiling at David.)
You know better than that, Boy.
                                                            
Ira pats David on his shoulder as he leaves. Tookie
meanwhile gets his check and pushes in after David to have
Ira cash it. David and Tookie exit the Store togehter and
head their separate ways on foot.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Shouting after
       David.)
Don't forget tonight, White Bread.
The Gordon, eight.
                                                            
David walks briskly back toward his Grandmother's house,
puts his radio ear piece in his ear and tunes the radio.
"Pushin' Too Hard" by The Seeds plays until the scene fades.
                                                            
 
INT. GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE , THE FRONT PORCH. - DAY
                                                            
The sun is going down, and a cool breeze is blowing the
wisteria that drapes the deep front porch. David's mother
and grandmother are sitting in rocking chairs, Mother is

15.

drinking a scotch and water, Grandmother is not. David
comes out on to the porch from the house.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
How was your afternoon, Big Boy?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Did y'all have a busy afternoon?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah, it was pretty crazy, even
for a Saturday. Are we going to
eat soon?
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
We're waiting for your grandfather
to get back from the lake. He
went fishing after lunch. He
ought to be here soon. Probably
have some fish he'll want some
help with.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Mom, can I go to the movie
tonight? Tookie wants to meet at
the Gordon about eight.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Now who is Tookie?
                                                            
                       DAVID
You know, he's that kid I work
with at the store.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Who's his family? Tookie's a
funny name.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't know, Grandmother, he's
just a kid I work with at the
store. He's in high school. I
think he lives over off Military
somewhere.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Indicating
       finality to her
       thinking about
       Tookie.)
Well, I don't know him.
                                                            

16.

                       MOTHER
You can't take the car, I'm going
up to Frances' house after dinner.
                                                            
                       DAVID
That's okay, I can walk. There's
Granddaddy. I'm gonna go see what
he caught.
                                                            
David runs back through the house letting the screen door
slam shut.
                                                            
 
EXT. IN FRONT OF THE GORDON THEATER - NIGHT
                                                            
David paces nervously in front of the theater. He
approaches the girl in the ticket window and has a
conversation that we cannot hear. The Gordon is downtown,
the only well-lighted building in the otherwise deserted
street. Cars are parked along the street. Couple walk up
to the ticket window to buy tickets and enter the theater.
David studies the movie posters.
He turns when he hears a shout, a whoop from Tookie, to see
a red convertible Mustang pull up in front of the theater. A
girl is driving, another girl is in front, and Tookie is in
the back seat.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Exuberent.)
White Bread! You made it!
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Embarassed.)
Goddammit, Tookie!
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
David, this is Sally. Isn't her
car cool? And this is Linda.
                                                            
                       DAVID
It's nice to meet y'all.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Come on, we're gonna be late.
Let's see the movie.
                                                            
Tookie pays for Linda and they quickly go inside the Gordon
and disappear. David awkwardly tries to pay for Sally's
ticket.
                                                            

17.

                       SALLY
      (Politely.)
No, that's okay, I'll pay for my
own ticket.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't mind, I just got paid.
Gotta spend it on someplace.
                                                            
                       SALLY
We'll see about next time, maybe.
                                                            
David and Sally buy their tickets, and David holds the door
for Sally as she enters the theater. They disappear into
the dark theater where a flicker of light indicates the show
has started.
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE THE GORDON. - NIGHT
                                                            
Sally and David enter the dark theater, lit by the Exit
signs and the screen itself. In the background the theme
song, "Strangers in the Night" from "A Man Could Get
Killed", starring James Garner and Melina Mercouri, is
playing. The couple quickly find seats and settle in.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Whispering and
       giggling.)
Where did Linda and Tookie go?
                                                            
                       DAVID
There're in here somewhere.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Tookie says you're from Jackson.
Do you know my counsin, Janice
Hay?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Don't think so. What school she
go to?
                                                            
                       SALLY
She was going to Wingfield, but
her Daddy took her out when the
Negroes integrated. Not sure
where she goes now.
                                                            
                       DAVID
A lot of kids did that.
                                                            

18.

Someone in the audience says, "shss," and the Sally and
David settle down into their chairs.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Putting her hand
       on David's
       forearm.)
Let's watch the movie. We'll talk
later.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE GORDON - NIGHT
                                                            
Sally and David exit the theater onto the street with other
patrons. Tookie and Linda come out after most of the
patrons are gone, wrapped in each other's arms.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (A little too
       loudly.)
How'd you like the movie, David?
We didn't see much of it!
                                                            
Linda laughs and pokes Tookie in the side, giving him her
approval while at the same time appearing to disapprove of
his public disclosure of their intimacy.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
It's okay, Babe, David and Sally
were probably doing the same
thing. Right, White Bread?
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Stepping in to
       maintain decorum.)
Come on, y'all, we need to go.
I've got to drive Linda home.
David, why don't you ride with us.
                                                            
Tookie, assuming the invitation applies to him as well,
jumps in the back seat with Linda. David gets in front, and
Sally pulls down the street and out of the bright lights of
downtown. Linda and Tookie sink down in the backseat and
begin kissing.
                                                            
                       SALLY
We'll just take the long way to
Linda's. Where can I drop you
off, David?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm staying at my grandmother's
down on Seventh Street across from
Barrow School. My grandfather's
            (MORE)

19.

                       DAVID (cont'd)
Frank Drake. Do you know him?
                                                            
                       SALLY
Yes, well, my parents do anyway. I
know my Daddy banks with him. Your
grandmother's very involved in the
Pilgrimage, isn't she?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah. Do you dress up in those
old gowns?
                                                            
                       SALLY
Our house is on the Tour, so we
dress up every year. I've been
doing it as long as I can
remember. My mother's from the
Detla, she lives for that stuff,
too. But tell me what you like to
do in Jackson. Nothing ever
happens here.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Mostly go to school. I play
football but I'm not first string.
I like listening to records. I
love to go see bands when my
parents'll let me.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Excited.)
Me, too, not football, of course.
Bands. I love rock n' roll. But
no one ever comes here to play,
and I don't think my parents would
let me go see them if they did.
You're so lucky.
                                                            
                       DAVID
My parents don't let me do much
either. They think I'll get in
trouble.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Turning up the
       radio to listen
       to "Little Black
       Egg" by The
       Nightcrawlers.)
My cousin in Greenwood is in a
band. Have you heard of The
Gants? They're gonna do a record
            (MORE)

20.

                       SALLY (cont'd)
in Memphis.
                                                            
                       DAVID
You're kidding? They're so cool.
I heard them last year at the
civic center. They opened for the
Animals. They sounded like The
Beatles. Really cool.
                                                            
                       SALLY
I love The Beatles!
                                                            
                       DAVID
Have you read John Lennon's book,
"In His Own Write"?
                                                            
                       SALLY
No, my mother won't let me buy it.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Hesitant.)
Maybe I could bring mine over to
your house tomorrow. Would that
be okay?
                                                            
                       SALLY
Call before you come over.
Mother's very particular about her
Sundays.
                                                            
A new red Buick Wildcat convertible comes into view
approaching from the other direction, roars past Sally's
Mustang and blares the horn. The noise rouses Tookie and
Linda in the backseat. They turn to see the car speed out
of sight.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Holy Shit! (Pausing mementarily).
Hey, that's Buddy Gaines! David,
isn't that your cousin in the
back?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah, with her boyfriend. Where
do you know Buddy from?
                                                            
                       SALLY
Who's Buddy Gaines?
                                                            

21.

                       DAVID
He's the organ player with The
Repeaters. They play down at the
Junior.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
He lives around the corner from
me. I'll take you by there
sometime, if you want. The band
practices over there.
                                                            
Sally pulls up in front of Linda's house and she gets out,
gives a quick final kiss to Tookie and is at the front door
of her house as Sally is pulling out of sight.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Tookie, do you want me to swing by
your house?
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
No just drop me off when we get up
to Military.
                                                            
Sally drives on as the teenagers are laugh and talk.
                                                            
 
EXT. IN SALLY'S MUSTANG, IN FRONT OF GRANDMOTHER'S - NIGHT
                                                            
Sally pulls up in front of Grandmother's house but keeps the
car running.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Thanks, David, I had fun tonight.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'll call you tomorrow, if that's
okay? I'd like to bring John's
book over.
                                                            
                       SALLY
I think that'd be fun. Remember,
don't call before two. We have a
big Sunday dinner and everything.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Okay, see ya' tomorrow.
                                                            
Sally breaks rubber in second gear as she drives off and
waves over her shoulder to David.
                                                            
 

22.

INT. GRANDMOTHER'S DINING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
The family is at the dining room table again, at their
accustomed places.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Grandmother, do you know Sally
Henderson?
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Yes, her daddy owns the Ford
dealership here in town. He was
in the Army with your Uncle Robert
during the war. His daddy was
good friends with your Granddaddy.
                                                            
                       GRANDDADDY
Her granddaddy got the first car
dealership in town. He banked
with us for years. During the
Depression, he'd run bootleg
whisky out of his garage. His
boy's done pretty well with the
company since he took over.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I met Sally last night at the
movie.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I knew her mother in college. I
think she's from over around
Clarkesdale. Her family has land
and money.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Sally's a lovely girl. She's
always so pretty when she's
dressed up for the Pilgrimage.
They've put a lot of money into
that old house of theirs. It's a
real show place.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I think I'm going to go over to
her house this afternoon, is that
okay?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Make sure you call first.
                                                            
David rises to leave the table.
                                                            

23.

                       GRANDMOTHER
Where are you going in such a
hurry, without a by-your-leave?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I was going downtown to see the
voter march.
                                                            
                       GRANDDADDY
You need to stay away from that
business. Nothing good'll come
from that march, boy.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Mom, can I go?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Yes, but stay out of trouble. You
hear?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, m'am.
                                                            
 
EXT. ON THE TOWN'S MAIN STREET - DAY
                                                            
Mostly white people are lined along the sides of the street
as black men, women, and children march. The marchers carry
signs demanding voting rights and integration, and they sing
"We Shall Overcome" as the white spectators boo and jeer
them.

David is standing at the front of a crowd of men but is
silent among the jeering spectators.

David sees Nathan approaching with his church congregation
behind him, waves and shouts out to him.
                                                            
                       MARCH HECKLER
Goddamn, boy, who you waving at in
that nigger mess?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I know him. We work together.
                                                            
                       MARCH HECKLER
You a goddamn nigger lover, is
that it?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm just waving to my friend,
mister.
                                                            

24.

The heckler pushes David toward the street and other men
begin to move in and jostle David toward the marchers.
                                                            
                       MARCH HECKLER
Why don't you just join the march,
nigger lover.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Pushing back.)
Fuck you, man. Leave me alone.
                                                            
The crowd is now jeering and encouraging the heckler, and
David is being pushed out into the street and is pushing
back. Fists begin to fly, and David is being beaten down by
the crowd. Nathan Blount and some of the men in his
congregation come to join the fight which becomes a
full-blown street brawl.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Running in among
       the brawlers.)
Goddamn, David. What'd you think
you're doing?
      (Pushing brawlers
       aside and pulling
       David out of the
       fight.)
Come on, man, let's get out of
here.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Once they are
       away from the
       mob.)
They were getting the best of me
in there. Thanks, Tookie.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
You're one crazy son-of-a-bitch.
That's all I can say, White Bread.
You better go home and stay out
of sight.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm going over to see Sally
Henderson after lunch.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
You hound.
                                                            
 

25.

EXT. GRANDMOTHER'S PORCH. - DAY
                                                            
David is sitting in the swing reading "Sanctuary" by William
Faulker. Grandmother comes out and sits down with David,
studies him as he continues to read.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (With a
       dissapproving
       tone.)
That's a terrible book you're
reading. I need to speak to your
mother about the things she lets
you read.
                                                            
                       DAVID
No, it's a good book full of bad
people. A lot of 'em sound like
the people you and Granddaddy talk
about.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
You know your Granddaddy and I
were good friends with William
Faulker.
                                                            
                       DAVID
No you weren't.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Yes, his wife, Lida's, parents
lived just up on the corner. He'd
come over here with her. We'd sit
for hours right here on this
porch and talk. He'd go fishing
with me and your Ganddaddy on the
River. He wrote that book because
no one was reading his other
books.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What was he like?
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
He was quite and nice. You'd
never think he was a famous
writer. You know, he gave me an
autographed first edition of
"Sanctuary".
                                                            

26.

                       DAVID
Really? Have you still got it? I
haven't seen that in your
bookshelf.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Dismissive.)
No, I'm sure I threw that book
away. Trash, that's what
everyone said it was.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Well, I like it.
                                                            
David returns to his book, and Grandmother rocks herself and
looks off into the distance, content in her own memories.
                                                            
 
INT. GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
David is in the hallway sitting beside the small telephone
table dialing the phone. He looks around bashfully to make
sure no one is watching him.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Following an
       audible "Hello"
       on the phone.)
May I speak with Sally, please?
                                                            
                       FLORA
      (Shouting loud
       enough to be
       heard over the
       phone.)
Miss Sarah, a young man on the
phone for you!
                                                            
                       DAVID
Sally? Yeah, it's me. Did you
ask you mother if I can come over?
Okay, about two thirty. Okay,
tell me the address. No, that's
fine, I'll walk.
                                                            
 
EXT. SALLY'S FRONT PORCH - DAY
                                                            
David approaches a large ante-bellum home with a wide porch
and square columns. The yard is full of mature magnolias
and azeleas. The house itself sits on a street lined with
old homes of different eras, mature trees, and well-tended
lawns. It is unquestionably an upper class part of town.

27.


David walks in through a wrought iron gate, up onto the
porch and hammers the large brass knocker on the door. The
Maid answers the door, dressed in a clean, starched domestic
uniform.

David has a copy of "In His Own Write" in his hand.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (After the Maid
       opens the door.)
Is Sally here?
                                                            
                       FLORA
Well, of course she is, young man.
You can step in here.
                                                            
The Maid closes the door and leaves David standing in the
entryway as she walks to the back of the house. Although
she is out of sight, David can hear her announce his
presence.
                                                            
                       FLORA
Miss Sarah, that young man is here
to see you!
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (In a revealing
       bathing suit.)
David, it's nice to see you. Come
meet my parents.
      (Speaking softly.)
Remember your manners. My parents
insist on the social graces.
                                                            
 
EXT. SALLY'S BACKYARD - DAY
                                                            
Sally and David emerge from the dark interior of the house
onto a backporch similar to the front, with columns, but
with comfortable outdoor chairs and small tables. There is
a swimming pool in the yard. Sally's parents are sitting in
chairs by the pool while her younger brother and two other
boys are swimming and playing in the water. The parents are
drinking bloody marys.

Sally's father, handsome and athletic, wears a swimsuit, her
mother beautiful but fragile, wears a sun dress that exposes
her shoulders and a hint of her ample breasts.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Mother, Daddy, I'd like you to
meet David Fancher. He's the boy
I told you about.
            (MORE)

28.

                       SALLY (cont'd)
      (Gesturing toward
       the pool.)
And that's my little pest brother.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Extending his
       hand to shake.)
It's a pleasure to meet you Mr.
and Mrs. Henderson. Thank you for
inviting me over.
                                                            
                       LOU
      (Accepting David's
       hand.)
Did you bring your swimsuit?
Sally, why didn't you tell David
to bring his suit? Shame on you!
                                                            
                       CARROLL
      (Rising to shake
       David's hand.)
Pleasure to meet you young man.
How are your grandparents? I
haven't seen your granddaddy in a
couple of months. Did they tell
you I was in the war with your
Uncle Robert?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, thank you. They're fine.
They did tell me y'all were in the
war. Weren't you and Uncle Robert
in the airborne?
                                                            
                       CARROLL
The 82nd. We dropped into Europe
together. Those were hard days,
and a lot of our boys died right
with us.
                                                            
                       LOU
Carroll, these children don't want
to hear your old war stories.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Deprecating.)
No, Ma'am. I'd like to hear about
Mr. Henderson's experiences.
                                                            
                       CARROLL
      (Catching his
       wife's mood.)
Well, some other time, David. Why
            (MORE)

29.

                       CARROLL (cont'd)
don't you kids sit up on the
porch.
                                                            
                       LOU
      (To Sally.)
Sarah, why don't you offer David
some lemonade. I'm sure Flora can
find some of those lady fingers
she baked yesterday.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Thank you, Mrs. Henderson. It's a
pleasure to meet you.
                                                            
As David speaks, Sally again takes his arm and leads him
back up onto the porch.
                                                            
                       LOU
      (Loudly into the
       house.)
Flora, make some lemonade for
David and Sally and bring them
some of your lady fingers.
                                                            
 
EXT. SALLY'S BACK PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Sally and David are sitting together on a porch swing. Sally
has wrapped a towel around her waist. A pitcher of lemonade
with a plate of lady fingers sits on a table in front of
them.

David's book sits on the table with the cover down.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Help yourself to the ladyfingers,
David. Flora will be disappointed
if you don't eat them all and then
tell her how good they are.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Does she do all the cooking for
your family?
                                                            
                       SALLY
She's here all day. Flora's been
here from before I was born. She
practically raised me.
                                                            
                       DAVID
That must be nice to have someone
around all day to help.
                                                            

30.

                       SALLY
Yes, that leaves Mother with
nothing to do but stay after me.
But let's talk about something
else. Tell me about your cousin.
I see her at school. She's always
hanging out with the hoods.
                                                            
                       DAVID
She's pretty wild. She's going
out with Gene Northcutt, and my
aunt is real unhappy about it. She
hates Gene, thinks he's a bad
influence on Anne.
                                                            
                       SALLY
He dropped out of school right
after I started at the high
school. He asked me out one time,
on a bet probably. Scared me to
death. I told him I'd have to ask
my father and never said anything
about it to him again.
                                                            
                       DAVID
He's been pretty nice to me.
Helped Anne get me into the Junior
the other night. He knows the guy
at the door pretty well. Anne
goes out there all the time to
meet Gene.
                                                            
                       SALLY
What's that like? My cousin's
played there. He said there was a
fight about every five minutes.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah, it's kinda like that. I
tried to stay out of the way. The
band's cool, though. The other
night they had a hippie band. They
were awesome, but I think most of
the people in the audience hated
them.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Do you think your cousin would
take me there, too?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'll ask her, but I'm not sure
that's someplace you want to go.
                                                            

31.

                       SALLY
We'll have a date! But where we
go'll be our secret.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah, my mother'd hit the roof if
she knew I was going to the
Junior. I'll talk to Anne, and let
you know.
                                                            
Sally shifts a little closer to David on the swing. The
Sheep's version of "Drive My Car" begins to play and the
scene fades as Sally and David look through John Lennon's
book and swing gently on the porch.
                                                            
 
INT. THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
It is Monday morning and few customers are in the Store.
Jesse is working on the books in the front of the store and
tending the cash register when a customer comes through. Ira
is busy restocking shelves after the Saturday rush and
supervising David and Tookie doing the same thing. The boys
are working the same aisle close enough to talk.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Keeping his voice
       down)
You and Linda were something
Friday night.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Proudly)
I've been seeing her for a few
months. Her parents hate me; we
have to meet like we did the other
night.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah, Sally told me all about you
and Linda.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Loudly)
When did you see Sally?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I went over to see her yesterday
afternoon. Met her parents. Yeah,
she wants me to take her to the
Junior with my cousin. What'd you
think?
                                                            

32.

                       TOOKIE
Her daddy'll kill you if he
catches you. They barely let her
out of their sight.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm gonna try it.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
She's fine, man. Every guy in
school wants to get in her pants.
Shit you might be the one, White
Bread. You're the sort that might
slide right by her parents.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We'll see.
                                                            
 
EXT. AT THE PAY PHONE OUTSIDE THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David talks on the pay phone to Anne, and the conversation
is in progress.
                                                            
                       DAVID
No, I'm not crazy. She asked me
if we would take her. Yeah . . .
okay, we'll talk about it tonight,
but I'm serious. . . Bye.
                                                            
 
INT. AUNT FRANCES' HOUSE, IN THE TV ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
David and Anne are sitting on the sofa, facing the TV. It
is playing loudly, and they are alone.
                                                            
                       ANNE
I think it's crazy. It's bad
enough taking you, but your
girlfriend? I don't think so.
                                                            
                       DAVID
You're not eighteen, and you go
there all the time. You got me in
before. What's the big deal?
                                                            
                       ANNE
Sally's different. She's who Mom
wants me to be.
                                                            

33.

                       DAVID
That's the deal; you don't want to
be seen with her. Ruin your
image. Tough girl. Gene's girl.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Bullshit! I don't want something
going wrong. I'm lucky to be
going out at all right now. What'd
you think your mother would do if
we got caught?
                                                            
                       DAVID
She'd shit.
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (Softening.)
What about your buddy Tookie? I
guess he wants to go too.
                                                            
                       DAVID
He can take care of himself. No,
just me and Sally. You gonna do
it?
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (Smiling.)
I'll think about it.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Cool!
                                                            
 
INT. GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE, AT THE TELEPHONE TABLE - NIGHT
                                                            
David sits at the telephone table in the center of the
house, at the intersection of the dining room, the
grandparents' bedroom, and the living room, therefore not
affording much privacy.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Speaking softly)
Sally? Yeah, it's David. Anne
said okay. We'll pick you up
about seven next Friday.
                                                            
Grandmother walks through the hallway.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Is that your sweetheart?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, Grandmother, we're talking.
                                                            

34.

                       DAVID
      (Now speaking to
       the phone)
Okay, I'll talk to you later in
the week. Bye.
                                                            
 
INT. THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David and Tookie are in the storeroom unloading a truck.
Ira, as usual, is busy checking cases as they come off the
truck and giving the boys direction where to stack the
cases, how to rotate the stock, and the like.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We're going to the Junior tomorrow
night, no shit.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Alright, White Bread, I wanna come
with you. We could pick up Linda;
it'd be cool.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm going with my cousin, man.
She's about half freaked as it is.
Don't think she'll go for it.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
What's a couple more? We'll be
quiet.
                                                            
Tookie breaks into a long sardonic laugh, attracting Ira's
attention.
                                                            
                       IRA
Tookie, we aren't paying you boys
to play. Get busy. David pull
those cases of beans out so we can
stack these incoming cases behind
them. Boys, we got a whole truck
to unload here.
                                                            
 
INT. AUNT FRANCES' KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Aunt Frances and David's mother are sitting at the kitchen
table, smoking and talking over the dinner dishes. Anne and
David are standing at the door, impatient to leave the
house.
                                                            

35.

                       FRANCES
Anne, what did I tell you about
Gene?
                                                            
                       ANNE
Mother, I told you I'm not going
to meet Gene. We're going to the
movie. David's picking up his
girlfriend, and we're going to the
movie.
                                                            
                       DAVID
She's not my girlfriend. We're
friends, that's all.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Use your manners when you pick her
up.
                                                            
                       DAVID
God, Mom, I know how to behave.
                                                            
                       FRANCES
I better not find out you've gone
behind my back to see Gene again.
That's over, do you understand me?
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (Opening the door
       and pushing David
       out as she speaks)
Yes, Mother, I understand. We'll
see you later, okay?
                                                            
                       FRANCES
      (Speaking to the
       closing door)
Y'all be home by eleven thirty;
not a minute later.
                                                            
                       FRANCES
      (Now speaking to
       David's mother)
I wish her father was here to deal
with this Gene situation.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
She'll be okay. She just needs to
meet the right boy.
                                                            
                       FRANCES
I don't know. She seems to pick
mutts like Gene.
                                                            

36.

As the mothers continue to talk, their voices fade to the
rising sound of the car radio playing "You Really Got Me" by
The Kinks.
                                                            
 
INT. IN THE CAR, ANNE DRIVING - NIGHT
                                                            
David is in the front seat, the radio plays "You Really Got
Me" by the Kinks. Anne is smoking a cigarette and flicking
the ashes out the window.
                                                            
                       ANNE
I can't believe we're doing this.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We'll be okay. We've done this
before.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Once! Do you know what those
guys'll do when they see Sally
walk in. I don't know why I
agreed to do this.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What'd you mean?
                                                            
                       ANNE
A good lookin' girl like her.
Those guys'll be all over her,
David. You might as well just
stand aside or get your ass beat.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We'll be okay. Just stay close in
case we need help.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Me? What'd you think I'm gonna do
for you? Fight those guys off?
No, if Gene's there I know what
he'll want to do. I'll be lucky
to get back in time to get us
home. We're here, go get your
girl, stud.God, I can't believe I'm doing
this. This is so stupid.
                                                            
                       DAVID
You better come in. I imagine
Sally's parents will want to meet
you.
                                                            

37.

                       ANNE
      (Flicking her
       cigarette into
       the street and
       exiting the car)
Jeez!
                                                            
 
INT. THE FORMAL ROOM IN SALLY'S HOME - NIGHT
                                                            
The room is decorated with Victorian furniture, heavy drapes
pulled back from the windows, the walls decorated with
formal ancestral portraits. Sally's parents are drinking
cocktails. Flora has guided David and Anne into this room
and slowly moves back to the kitchen after recognizing
Louise Henderson's practiced hand gesture to bring her
another drink.
                                                            
                       CARROLL
      (Friendly, as
       always)
Well, David, it's nice to see you
again. Who is this with you?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, this is my
cousin, Anne.
                                                            
                       CARROLL
      (Graciously)
How do you do, Anne?
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (Awkward)
Fine, thank you.
                                                            
                       LOU
Anne, you're still in school,
aren't you?
      (Without waiting
       for an answer
       from Anne,
       raising her voice
       to the other room)
Sarah! David's here. Don't keep
him waiting.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Yes, ma'am. I'll be a senior this
fall.
                                                            

38.

                       CARROLL
I went to school with your mother.
Yours too, David. We were all
good friends in those days, before
the war.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, sir. Mom told me about that.
                                                            
Sally enters the room wearing a summer dress that fits
tightly over her body accentuating her breasts and hips.
David moves to greet her, but Louise Henderson rises from
her chair to stand between them.
                                                            
                       LOU
David, where are y'all going
tonight?
                                                            
                       DAVID
We're going to a movie, Mrs.
Henderson. I thought afterwards
we might go by Bob's.
                                                            
                       CARROLL
That's where we went when we were
your age. Hasn't changed much,
except maybe for the jukebox.
                                                            
                       LOU
We have a strict ten thirty
curfew, David.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, ma'am.
                                                            
Sally preempts further conversation by grabbing David's hand
and heading for the door.
                                                            
                       SALLY
We'll be back on time, Mother.
Don't worry.
                                                            
 
EXT. PARKING LOT OF THE JUNIOR - NIGHT
                                                            
The parking lot is gravel and dusty from the constant
traffic in and out of the lot. Anne drives in and parks.
David, Sally and Anne walk to the door. Men lounging on the
cars outside drink beer and shout at the girls.

Gene, who is talking to the bouncers at the door, approaches
Anne and gives her an exaggerated romantic kiss but Anne
pushes him off.
                                                            

39.

                       ANNE
Gene, stop it!
                                                            
                       GENE
      (Clowning)
Come on, Baby. I'm just showing
my love.
                                                            
                       ANNE
You're drunk.
                                                            
Rejected by Anne, Gene turns his attention to David and
Sally. Before speaking he eyes Sally, again exaggerating
his reaction to her beauty.
                                                            
                       GENE
Well, David, who's your good
lookin' girlfriend? Come on,
Darlin', I'll show ya around.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Hesitant)
Uh, this is Sally Henderson. . .
Sally, this is Gene . . .
                                                            
Gene ignores David an pushes himself between him and Sally
and steers Sally past the bouncers with a nod to them and
through the door. Anne is now trying to get between Gene and
Sally. Sally is looking over toward David, trying to avoid
Gene's forced march into the club.
                                                            
                       BOUNCER 1
      (Stepping into the
       doorway)
Need to see some ID on her, Gene.
                                                            
                       GENE
No, man, she's with me. No
problem.
                                                            
                       BOUNCER 1
I need to see some ID.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Nervously)
Let's go Anne. We need to get
outa here.
                                                            
                       GENE
      (Beginning to show
       his mean side.)
No, we're gonna party.
                                                            

40.

                       BOUNCER 1
Goddammit, Gene, I told you I need
to see her ID.
                                                            
Now Anne steps in, mad with jealousy.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Leave her alone, Gene. Come on
Sally, we're leaving.
                                                            
                       GENE
You can get the hell out of here.
                                                            
Anne now tries to push Gene away from the door and to
separate him from Sally. Sally screams. David pushes his
way past Anne to get between Gene and Sally. The shouting
and screaming escalates. The bouncer pushes Gene back from
the door and he takes a fighting stance.
                                                            
                       BOUNCER 1
      (Pointing at Gene)
You're out of here, asshole. Get
the fuck out. I'm tired of your
drunk ass.
                                                            
Now that Gene has lost his focus on Sally, Anne comes to his
defense against the bouncer.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Leave him alone! Come on, Gene,
let's sit in the car and cool off.
                                                            
While Gene, Anne, and the bouncer argue, Buddy Gaines steps
out of the club and whispers to another bouncer. He then
moves over to David and Sally who look confused.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
I told them you're with me. Come
on it before a real fight breaks
out.
                                                            
 
INT. THE JUNIOR - NIGHT
                                                            
Buddy escorts Sally and David through the pool players and
drinkers to the side of the bandstand. He is more obviously
interested in Sally, and David is walking behind. On the
bandstand, the Repeaters are warming up. One of them shouts
to Buddy to hurry up.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
      (Loudly above the
       noise of the club)
Y'all stay here while we play.
            (MORE)

41.

                       BUDDY (cont'd)
I'll see ya after the set.
                                                            
Buddy jumps up on stage and starts warming up his Hammond B3
organ. The band begins to play Sam and Dave's "Hold on I'm
Coming". Sally claps her hands. David is wary of his
surroundings.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Excited.)
Come on, David, let's dance!
      (Pulling David
       toward the dance
       floor.)
Come on! We came here to dance
didn't we.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I've never danced before.
                                                            
                       SALLY
It's easy, just follow me.
                                                            
Sally dances a practiced sexy dance, while David is
awkwardly trying to keep up with her. The men around the
room start to take notice. A few other young women in the
crowd pull their boyfriends on to the dance floor, so Sally
and David begin to get lost in the crowd on the floor.
                                                            
                       SALLY
You're doin' fine. I love to
dance, David. Thanks for bringing
me tonight.
                                                            
                       DAVID
All we need to do now is get outa
here in one piece.
                                                            
As the song ends, a young man steps out of the audience and
in between Sally and David and asks Sally to dance. He
can't be heard above the noise, but Sally's reply is an
obvious yes, as she waves over the man's shoulder to David
and mouths, "I'll be okay." David recedes to the side of
the bandstand as the band begins to play "Baby I Need Your
Lovin'" by The Four Tops. As the song plays, other men cut
in to dance with Sally, and the dancing becomes less fun for
Sally. David steps in as the song ends.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Taking Sally's
       hand and and
       leading her
       toward the door.)
            (MORE)

42.

                       DAVID (cont'd)
Come on, let's go find Anne.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Waving off young
       men wanting to
       dance.)
Okay, I need a rest.
      (Moving in closer
       to David.)
I'm starting to understand what
you mean about this place.
                                                            
As David and Sally reach the door, the band begins to play
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" by the Righteous Brothers
and the dance floor begins to fill for this slow dance. A
drunken young man grabs Sally's wrist and begins to steer
her to the dance floor.
                                                            
                       REDNECK 1
Come on, honey. Let's dance this
one together!
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Trying to step
       between them.)
Sorry, man, we go to go.
                                                            
                       REDNECK 1
You can leave after this dance,
boy. I'm gonna dance with this
here girl first.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Sounding more
       desparate.)
Look, I don't think Sally wants to
dance anymore. Leave her alone.
                                                            
The man drops Sally's wrist and turns his full attention to
David.
                                                            
                       REDNECK 1
I don't think you wanna talk to me
that way you little shit.
                                                            
Without further provocation from David, the man draws his
fist back in an exaggerated signal that he is starting a
fight and takes a punch at David. David dodges the punch,
and the drunk loses his balance and stumbles past David.
David pushes the man causing him to crash into a table
spilling the bottles and glasses onto the floor. The fight

43.

draws a crowd and David pushes through the bystanders with
Sally in tow.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We're fucked if we can't find Anne
and get out of here.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE JUNIOR PARKING LOT - NIGHT
                                                            
David and Sally rush past the bouncers and into the parking
lot toward Anne's car. The drunk redneck exits and breaks
the hold of one of the bouncers.
                                                            
                       REDNECK 1
Come here motherfucker! I ain't
done with you.
                                                            
                       DAVID
If Anne isn't in the car, head for
the highway. I'll catch up with
you.
                                                            
                       SALLY
What are you going to do? I don't
want you to get hurt.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Me neither.
                                                            
David and Sally reach Anne's car to see the windows fogged
up and find the doors locked. David bangs on the window.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Anne, open up! We need to get
going!
                                                            
                       GENE
      (From inside the
       car.)
Goddammit! What's the problem?
                                                            
                       ANNE
Gene, get off. We got to go.
      (To David and
       Sally.)
Okay, just a sec.
                                                            
Anne gets out of the backseat of the car, her hair out of
place and her blouse partially unbuttoned and pulled out of
her skirt. Anne, sees the drunk lurching through the cars,
shouting at David.
                                                            

44.

                       ANNE
Goddamit, Gene, get out of the
fucking car.
                                                            
Gene exits the car, arranging his pants and trying to
recover some of his swagger. Gene, too, sees the drunk
staggering toward them and focuses his now bad mood on him.
                                                            
                       GENE
Harley, you asshole! Can't you
see I'm busy here.
                                                            
                       REDNECK 1
Get out of my way, Gene. That
lil' fucker's mine.
                                                            
Gene steps into the man's path as Anne, David, and Sally get
into the car. Anne cranks the car and begins to back out.
She shouts at Gene out the window.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Gene, don't fight him. Come get
in this car!
                                                            
Gene ignores Anne and lands a punch on the drunk. Both men
scuffle and fall to the ground as others surrond them, some
to watch others to try to separate the two men. Meanwhile,
Anne drives out of the parking lot and away from the fight
with David and Sally looking at the fight and the club
receding as the car gains speed and the dust of the gravel
road fills the air.
                                                            
                       ANNE
What happened in there?
                                                            
                       DAVID
That drunk started to get rough
with Sally when we were leaving.
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (Pulling on to the
       highway.)
I knew this was a bad idea. We
got to stop someplace so I can
pull myself together.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Let's stop at Bob's.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Yes! I'm hungry. I think I could
eat a horse.
      (Moving close to
       David.)
            (MORE)

45.

                       SALLY (cont'd)
David, you were incredible back
there.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I was lucky he was drunk.
Otherwise he would've killed me.
                                                            
 
INT. BOB'S GRILL - NIGHT
                                                            
Anne, David and Sally sit in a booth with a picture window
looking out to the highway. There is a console juke box at
the end of the booth. Anne smokes, adjusting her hair with
her other hand. David and Sally sip their drinks.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Don't worry about it, Anne, no
one's going to know we were there.
At least not our parents.
                                                            
                       ANNE
How do you know one of your
daddy's people wasn't there. All
it would take is one of them to
tell him.
                                                            
                       SALLY
I know all those boys. Wasn't any
of them there. I'm sure.
                                                            
                       ANNE
I sure as hell hope not.
      (Turning to David.)
No more of your crazy shit,
either.
                                                            
                       DAVID
It wasn't that bad.
                                                            
                       SALLY
No, it was great. Let's go back
next weekend!
                                                            
                       ANNE
I'm not taking you two anyplace
again, ever!
                                                            
The waitress brings baskets of hamburgers and fries, and
David and Sally eat heartily while Anne picks at her food. A
car pulls up in front of Bob's and Gene gets out. He enters
the resturant, comes in and sits next to Anne, and begins to
eat her food without invitation.
                                                            

46.

                       GENE
That damn Harley. We rolled
around out there 'til someone
finally pulled us apart. I was
eatin' his lunch, though.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Gene, why the hell didn't you get
in the car. I hope he whipped
your dumb ass.
                                                            
                       GENE
Come on, Baby, you know you love
me. You wouldn't want your Gene
to get hurt.
                                                            
                       ANNE
We got to go. We got to get Sally
home.
                                                            
 
EXT. SALLY'S FRONT PORCH - NIGHT
                                                            
Sally and David stand on the well-lit front porch of her
house facing each other and holding hands. Anne's car is
visible through the front gate, the engine running.
                                                            
                       SALLY
You were really great tonight.
I'll never forget this evening.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We were lucky. Let's just try to
avoid fights from now on, okay?
                                                            
Sally laughs, steps up to David and kisses him on the lips.
Before David can react, she turns, opens the door and goes
inside.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Looking through
       the screen door
       at David.)
Ill call you night. Bye.
                                                            
 
INT. ANNE'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
David sits silent in the front see as Anne rants.
                                                            
                       ANNE
This is the dumbest thing we've
done.
                                                            

47.

                       DAVID
I don't think anyone's going to
find out about tonight. Quit
worrying.
                                                            
                       ANNE
I don't give a shit about you and
Sally. Everyone in town's going
to know Gene and I were fucking in
the back of the car, you dumbass.
                                                            
                       DAVID
How they gonna know that?
                                                            
                       ANNE
God, you are dumb.
                                                            
David sits silent as they drive. Anne reaches to adjust the
radio but only static and unrecognizable bits of songs are
audible.
                                                            
 
INT. THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David and Tookie stock shelves on the same aisle but some
distance apart.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
I already heard about you and
Sally last night. Way to go,
White Bread.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Shut up, Tookie. Let's talk about
it later.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Y'all had the whole place stirred
up. Buddy told me you whipped
some guy's ass. Way to go, White
Bread!
                                                            
                       DAVID
Goddammit, Tookie. Shut up!
                                                            
                       IRA
      (From a couple of
       aisles away.)
Boys, am I going to have to come
over there? Get to work!
                                                            
David and Tookie speak in unison: "Yes, sir!"
                                                            

48.

                       TOOKIE
      (Whispering.)
I want to know everything. I mean
everything!
                                                            
 
INT. GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE, AT THE TELEPHONE TABLE - NIGHT
                                                            
David has been called to the phone and knows its Sally.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah, that was Grandmother. Yeah,
okay I guess. How 'bout you?
      (Pause, as Sally
       speaks.)
Tookie told me he'd heard all
about it. He saw Buddy last
night. Did your parents say
anything?
      (looking up and
       down the hallway
       to see if anyone
       is listening in.)
God, I hope not. We're screwed if
they find out.
      (Longer pause.)
That sounds great. Has your
mother said you could do that?
Okay, I'll ask my mother. I'll
call you tomorrow after church.
Maybe I can come over again. Okay,
bye.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRANDMOTHER'S FRONT PORCH - DAY
                                                            
David's mother sits on the porch swing working on her needle
point. Grandmother sits in a rocking chair watching over
the intersection in front of her house. David comes out on
the porch with his book and sits down across from his
mother.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Mom, Sally invited me to go to
Clarksdale with her next weekend.
Can I go?
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
I can't believe her mother would
let her take a trip with a boy.
                                                            

49.

                       DAVID
Grandmother, we'd be staying at
her Aunt Sarah's house. She's
going to see her cousin's band
play.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Sarah never married. She lives in
the family home. They have a
lovely ante bellum home outside
Clarksdale.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Where's this band going to play?
                                                            
                       DAVID
They're playing at the American
Legion hall. We'd drive over on
Saturday and come back Sunday
afternoon.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
I imagine Sarah will keep things
straight and proper.
      (Assuming the
       decision has
       already been
       made.)
You'll have to be on your best
behavior, David. These are good
people.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (To his mother.)
Does that mean I can go?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I'll call Sally's mother this
afternoon. We'll talk about it
after that. . . And you'll need to
ask your uncles if you can get off
work.
                                                            
David takes up his book, still reading "Sanctuary".
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Are you still reading that
horrible book? Your mother should
be ashamed of herself for letting
you read that book.
                                                            

50.

                       MOTHER
Mother, he's old enough to choose
his own books. Frances and I read
that book when we were his age. We
read it in bed after you and Daddy
went to sleep.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Well, you're ruining the boy. Bill
should've been ashamed of himself
for writing that book.
                                                            
 
EXT. SALLY'S BACK PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Sally and David sit on the porch swing. Young kids play in
the swimming pool; Sally's father sits in a lawn chair with
a drink; and Lou Henderson hovers around the porch. Sally
and David talk above a whisper but not loud enough for Lou
to hear.
                                                            
                       SALLY
I don't think my parents heard
anything, David. How about yours?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Not as far as I can tell. Anne's
completely freaked out about it.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Well, we're going to have fun next
weekend. You'll love Sid's band.
                                                            
                       DAVID
All I got to do is get my mother's
permission and get off work next
Saturday. Doubt if my uncles are
going to be too happy. Saturday's
their busy day.
                                                            
                       SALLY
David, I think you can do anything
you put your mind to.
                                                            
Sally quickly puts her arm through David's, looks for her
mother, and gives David a quick kiss on the lips.
                                                            
 

51.

INT. THE STOREROOM OF THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
Ira is in the storeroom vigorously restacking boxes. David
helps, taking direction about where to stack or what to
move. Ira is practiced at this activity and executes it
with precision.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Uncle Ira, what's the chances of
me getting off work on Saturday?
                                                            
                       IRA
      (Laughing.)
Slim and none probably. Why are
you wanting off?
                                                            
                       DAVID
My friend Sally wants me to go
with her to Clarksdale. Her
cousin's band in playing there
Saturday night.
                                                            
                       IRA
Is that Sally Henderson?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah.
                                                            
                       IRA
Yes sir!
      (Pauses for David
       to acknowledge
       his lack of
       respect.)
I heard something about you and
Sally. All sorts of ole boys come
in here, ya know.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What'd you hear?
                                                            
                       IRA
Said you and Sally were at the
Junior. You got in a fight, got
the better of some drunk. Sounded
pretty strange to me.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Are you going to tell my mother?
                                                            

52.

                       IRA
You think I should? Or do you
want to tell her? Or do you want
her to hear it from someone else?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't want her to find out at
all.
                                                            
                       IRA
Boy, do you think you can do
things like that in this town with
someone like Sally Henderson and
not expect people to talk about
it? That's the kind thing this
town lives on. There's no secrets
around here. Remember that.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't want Sally to get in
trouble. Her mom would kill her
probably. Anne and me would be in
big trouble. We said we were
going to the movies.
                                                            
                       IRA
So you lie to your mother about
what you're doing, where you're
going, and you want me to keep
your secret?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Now feeling
       guilty and
       ashamed.)
Yes, Sir. I guess. Did you tell
Uncle Jesse?
                                                            
                       IRA
      (A little more
       gentle now.)
No. He'd have already whipped you
by now if I'd told him. I don't
imagine you deserve a whippin' for
sneaking out with a pretty girl.
Now her daddy might whip you when
he finds out. That's altogether a
different matter. And you want to
go to Clarksdale with Sally? Boy
I admire your nerve. I sure do.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Are you going to let me off?
                                                            

53.

                       IRA
      (Laughing.)
You're gonna amount to something.
Not sure what, but you got a world
of nerve. Like those pilots I
flew with in the war. They
thought they could do anything,
live through anything -- amazing.
      (Ira shakes his
       head.)
I'll ask your Uncle Jesse. See
what he thinks about it. We'll
see.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Thank you, Uncle Ira.
                                                            
                       IRA
Just don't make me regret my
decision, Boy. Now take these
cases out front and stock the
shelves.
                                                            
David pushes the cart out through the swinging door into the
store. Ira sits on a stack of cases and looks after David
like he is seeing into the boy's future.
                                                            
 
EXT. BEHIND THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David and Tookie are in the alley behind the store. David
is drinking a Dr. Pepper and eating a candy bar. Tookie has
a drink and is furtively smoking a cigarette.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
I can't believe the Uncles are
going to let you off on Saturday.
They wouldn't let me off on a
Saturday if my life depended on
it.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Helps to be good lookin'.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Fuck you, White Bread! First you
go to the Junior without me, now
it's a road trip without me. You
really suck, you know that?
                                                            

54.

                       DAVID
You want me to stay here because
you can't go, is that it? That's
bullshit.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Maybe I'll come over there after
work. I could get there before
the dance is over, if I leave
right from work.
                                                            
                       DAVID
How you gonna get there? Where
you gonna stay?
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Sarcastically.)
Well it sure ain't gonna be with
Aunt Sarah. I'll worry about that
when the time comes. Come on
before the Uncles come looking for
us.
                                                            
Tookie stomps out his cigarette and the boys return to the
store through the back door.
                                                            
 
INT. SALLY'S HOUSE -- IN THE LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
In the living room of the Henderson house, Sally and her
mother argue in hushed voices while David and his mother
stand with Carroll Henderson near the entrance to the room
waiting for things to open up. The conversation is awkward.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Carroll, if this trip is going to
be be a problem, we can cancel.
I'm sure David won't mind.
                                                            
David shifts his feet impatiently.
                                                            
                       CARROLL
No, Carolyn, it's settled. The
kids will be fine. Sally and her
mother are finishing an argument
they started this morning.
                                                            
Scene shifts to Sally and her mother.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Raising her
       voice.)
Mother, it's settled. You and
Daddy said I could go. David's
            (MORE)

55.

                       SALLY (cont'd)
here. Aunt Sarah is expecting us.
We're leaving.
      (Pushing David
       toward the door.)
Come on David, let's go!
                                                            
                       LOU
      (Lou trails after
       her daughter
       toward the door.)
Sally, I want you to be careful,
and call me as soon as you get
there.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Kissing her
       father as she
       passes.)
Bye Daddy. Thank you for letting
me go. I promise we'll be
careful. Anyway, what trouble can
we get into in Clarksdale.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Kissing his
       mother as he's
       dragged out the
       door.)
Bye, Mom. We'll be back Sunday
afternoon.
                                                            
The scene moves to the front porch where the three adults
watch as David throws his bag in the back seat of Sally's
red Mustang convertible. Sally drives. She and David wave
as Sally speeds away.
                                                            
                       CARROLL
      (Turning to
       Carolyn.)
Carolyn, would you like a
cocktail?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Carroll, it's a little early for
me, but I think I'd enjoy a light
one.
                                                            
                       CARROLL
What can I get for you then?
      (Now turning to
       Louise.)
Would you like your bloody mary,
Lou?
            (MORE)

56.

                       CARROLL (cont'd)
      (Moving into the
       house, not
       waiting for the
       ladies.)
Flora! Mix some drinks for us on
the back porch?
                                                            
 
EXT. SALLY'S CONVERTIBLE - DAY
                                                            
The car moves through town and out onto the highway headed
west toward Clarksdale.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What was that all about with your
mother?
                                                            
                       SALLY
She wants to control everything.
At the last minute she decided I
couldn't go. I think she's
convinced we'll have sex.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Laughing.)
Maybe we will.
                                                            
                       SALLY
No, we won't have time for that.
Aunt Sarah will have a big fancy
meal for us, and I told Sidney
we'd be at the dance early so you
can meet him and the band. You'll
love the Gants.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Maybe I'll get lucky anyway.
                                                            
                       SALLY
I guess we'll see, won't we?
                                                            
The camera follows the Mustang down the highway, and The
Gants' song "I Wonder" plays as the car speeds into the
horizon.
                                                            
 
EXT. AUNT SARAH'S ANTEBELLUM HOME - DAY
                                                            
Sally drives up to a large antebellum home in the
Mississippi Delta, a postcard image of a white columned home
with an expansive lawn and ancient oaks. Aunt Sarah, a

57.

middle-aged woman, stands on the porch with a crystal glass
in her hand.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Hello, Aunt Sarah! We made it!
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
      (Waving.)
Slow down young lady! Bring that
young man up here in one piece to
meet me.
                                                            
Sally jumps out of her car, runs up to the front porch, and
embraces her aunt in a theatrical, exaggerated hug that Aunt
Sarah returns with equal flair.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
      (Playfully.)
Sally, your mother has given me
strict instructions about this
trip. You mustn't do anythig at
all! Is that clear?
                                                            
                       SALLY
Aunt Sarah, you know I'm going to
be good. I always am.
      (Literally pulling
       David into the
       conversation.)
Aunt Sarah, this is my best
friend, David Fancher. Isn't he
wonderful?
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
      (Slightly off
       balance.)
Yes, Sally, I'm sure he is
wonderful.
      (Extending her
       hand to David.)
Welcome to D'Avlon, David. I'm
glad you're here. I knew your
mother at school. She was in the
same class as Sally's mother.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Very politely.)
Thank you, Miss Cannon. Thank you
for having me.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
No, no, it's my pleasure. You're
family here. Now you children
come inside. We'll have a
            (MORE)

58.

                       AUNT SARAH (cont'd)
cocktail before dinner. At least
I'll have a cocktail.
                                                            
 
INT. THE FORMAL ROOM AT D'AVLON - NIGHT
                                                            
Sarah Cannon has installed herself in a large, confortable
chair with a pitcher of martinis on a table within easy
reach. Sally and David are sitting with her holding soft
drinks.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
      (Tipsy.)
Tell me again what you children
are doing tonight. Something
about a dance?
                                                            
                       SALLY
Sidney's band is playing at the
VFW in Clarksdale tonight. I told
you that on the phone, Aunt Sarah.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
Yes, I guess you did, Sally. I'm
sure that will be fun. Sidney's
doing so well with his little
band. They've played as far away
as Jacksonville. His mother's
beside herself, of course, but
that's my sister. She and your
mother just can't relax long
enough to enjoy themselves.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Aunt Sarah, are we going to eat
soon? I told Sidney we'd try to
get there early.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
      (Yelling.)
Hattie, you can serve dinner!
These children are anxious to get
on their way. They don't have
time for their old Aunt Sarah!
                                                            
 
EXT. SARAH CANNON'S FRONT PORCH - NIGHT
                                                            
Aunt Sarah stands at the head of the steps, with Hattie in
the background. David and Sally hurry past Sarah to the
car.
                                                            

59.

                       AUNT SARAH
Sally, now remember what I told
you. No drinking and come home
right after the dance. And don't
let your cousin Sidney get you
into trouble. I know how you two
are when you get together.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Hugging her aunt.)
Yes, Aunt Sarah. We'll be perfect
little children.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
Don't mock me, young lady. If
anything happens, I'll have to
answer to your mother. And you
know how that will be!
      (Turning to David.)
David, don't let Sally lead you
on. I'm counting on you to keep
her in line.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Earnestly.)
Yes, ma'am.
                                                            
Sally and David jump in the car, and Sally guns her Mustang
out of driveway, waving to her aunt as she goes.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
Hattie, that girl's trouble for
somebody.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
      (Thoughtfully.)
Yes, Miss Sarah, she is.
                                                            
Sarah Cannon takes a long sip from her crystal wine glass,
turns and walks into the house with Hattie close behind.
                                                            
 
EXT. IN SALLY'S MUSTANG, HEADING INTO CLARKSDALE. - NIGHT
                                                            
Sally is clearly enjoying driving at high speed on the
highway heading into Clarksdale. The radio is playing "Keep
on Dancing" by The Gentrys.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Enjoying her
       freedom, leaning
       over to kiss
       David while she
       drives.)
            (MORE)

60.

                       SALLY (cont'd)
Aunt Sarah will be passed out long
before midnight.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Sally, let's be careful tonight. I
don't want to have to explain
anything to your father . . . or
your mother either.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Don't worry, David. We're with
the band tonight.
                                                            
Sally catches the air in her free hand above the windshield
as the Mustang moves down the highway.
                                                            
 
INT. VFW HALL IN CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI - NIGHT
                                                            
Inside the VFW hall, streamers hang from the ceiling, a
banner behind the bandstand says, "Welcome to the Gants!"
Couples mingle on the dance floor and around the refreshment
tables. David and Sally walk in and move toward the dance
floor, Sally holding David's hand, pulling him along.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Excited.)
Sidney said to look for him behind
the bandstand.
      (Shouting.)
Sidney! Where are you cousin?
                                                            
                       SID
      (From behind the
       stage.)
Cousin! Sally, where've you been?
      (Giving Sally a
       hug.)
Come in here, girl, and meet the
band. Is this the guy you told me
about?
      (Extending his
       hand to David.)
Cuz, I'm Sid. Welcome to the rock
'n roll capitol of the Delta. Come
meet the band.
                                                            
Sid, Sally and David move into the room where the band is
waiting to go on stage. They are dressed in sports coats,
thin ties, almost Beatles length hair. There are a few
girls in the room and a manager type in the background.
                                                            

61.

                       SID
      (Speaking to the
       room.)
Band, this is my cousin Sally, the
inspiration for all my songs.
Seriously.
                                                            
The room responds with a loud greeting to Sally.
                                                            
                       SID
      (Gesturing toward
       David.)
This lucky guy is David. He's the
only guy Sally's ever let ride in
her Mustang.
                                                            
Cat calls and cheers erupt in the room. The band members
crowd Sally and she hugs and kisses them all. When the
greetings subside, Sid pulls Sally and David to the side.
                                                            
                       SID
After the dance, I'm going over to
a club to play some blues. There's
a cat down from Chicago you ought
to hear. Y'all are comin' with
me.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Sid, we told Miss Sarah . . .
                                                            
Sid cuts David off in mid-sentence.
                                                            
                       SID
Cuz, Aunt Sarah'll be passed out
about now and won't be up 'til
noon tomorrow. She'll believe
anything you tell her about what
you did tonight.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (As eager as ever.)
We'd love to, Sidney. Hattie'll
keep our secret.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Cautious.)
Sally . . .
                                                            
                       SALLY
David, we're going, and that's
that.
                                                            

62.

The manager interrupts and pushes the band out the door. The
crowd cheers as the band takes the stage. Sally grabs
David's hand and leads him out to the dance floor.
                                                            
 
INT. VFW HALL, IN THE AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
                                                            
The Gants take the stage and launch into their signature
cover of Bo Diddley's "Road Runner". David and Sally dance
with the crowd. The band then moves into a cover of The
Beatles' "In My Life" and David and Sally dance close. Sally
reaches up and kisses David passionately as they dance.
                                                            
 
INT. VFW HALL, IN THE AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
                                                            
During a break, David and Sally sit at a table, deep in
conversation. A loud familiar voice interrupts them.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Definitely drunk.)
White Bread. Where are you? I
told you I was coming over here
for this dance.
                                                            
Tookie is dressed in jeans and a leather jacket, out of step
with the ties and sports jackets worn by the other boys.
Several of the bigger boys try to intercept Tookie as he
plows through the crowd, but he pushes through them to find
David and Sally.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Tookie, you crazy son-of-a-bitch,
how'd you get here?
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Giving Sally a
       sloppy kiss.)
I rode over with Buddy. He's
playing at some club over here.
      (Pulling the top
       of a pint bottle
       from his jacket.)
Want some of this, White Bread?
How about you, Sally?
                                                            
Sally pushes her cup over to Tookie. David waves off
Tookie's offer and gives Sally a hard, unpleasant look. The
band begins to play again, and the crowd returns to the
dance floor, leaving Tookie free to fill Sally's cup.
                                                            

63.

                       SALLY
      (Giggling.)
David, you can drive home if I'm
too drunk to drive. You don't
mind, do you?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Irritated.)
I'm definitely driving!
      (Turning to
       Tookie.)
How'd you get the Uncles to let
you off, Tookie?
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
You're not the only one with pull
in that store, White Bread. My
uncle pulled some strings.
      (Pushing a
       crumpled piece of
       paper toward
       David.)
I got my fucking draft notice
today, White Bread. I told the
Uncles to shove the job. I got
two weeks to live before I report.
This is my time, baby. Sally,
let's dance!
                                                            
Sally jumps up and runs on to the dance floor with Tookie.
They dance wildly. Sally then breaks away from Tookie and
runs up to the stage and whispers in Sid's ear, and he nods
his approval. Meanwhile, David contemplates the draft
notice and reaches for and takes a drink from Sally's cup.
He chokes on his first taste of alcohol then takes another
long pull from the cup.
                                                            
                       SID
      (From the stage.)
This next song is for a young man
whose gotten his draft notice
today, and for every other good
man who's gone to the war.
                                                            
The band begins to play "Hey Joe". "Hey, Joe where you
goin' with that gun in your hand . . ." Sally and Tookie
dance the slow dance.
                                                            
 
EXT. IN THE VFW PARKING LOT. - NIGHT
                                                            
David, Sally and Tookie wait for Sid, as couples leave the
building, get in their cars and leave the parking lot.

64.

Tookie is visibly drunk, Sally a little less so, but David
still looks sober.
                                                            
                       SALLY
We're going with Sidney to some
club. Come with us Tookie. It'll
be fun.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Definitely!
                                                            
Sid comes out of a side door with the band. He carries his
guitar case. He sees Sally and waves good-bye to the band.
                                                            
                       SID
      (Gesturing toward
       the Mustang.)
Let's go kids! Give me the keys,
Sally. I'm the sober one here.
                                                            
The four of them pile into the Mustang, and Sid pulls out of
the parking lot throwing rocks and laying rubber down the
highway as they head out of town.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE PLAYER'S CLUB - NIGHT
                                                            
The Mustang pulls into the parking lot of The Player's Club.
Most of the cars are older models, many with damaged or
unpainted fenders. A crowd of black men and women hang
around the front door of the club. A large black man sits
on a stool near the door under a dim red light. Chicago
blues music is playing in the background. Sid heads to the
front door with his guitar, holding Sally's hand. David and
Tookie follow very close behind. Tookie waves drunkenly to
the black patrons in the parking lot.
                                                            
                       SID
      (Shouting to the
       bouncer in a
       shared Delta
       dialect.)
Man! I go my cousin with me, man.
You gone watch out for her?
                                                            
                       PLAYER BOUNCER
      (Laughing.)
Shit! Girl that fine's on her
own, player. Who these other
crackers? Not sure they gone be
that welcome inside.
                                                            

65.

                       SID
These are my boys. They're
alright. They'll stay out the
way.
                                                            
                       PLAYER BOUNCER
Get your ass in here, player. They
been waitin' to hear your lame ass
guitar.
                                                            
Sid and Sally enter the club and head for the bandstand.
David and Tookie look lost for a second but let the crowd
push them over toward the bar. The bouncer nods to the
bartender who puts a couple of beers on the bar and leans
over and pulls some bills out of David's front pocket and
puts them in a cigar box behind the bar.

The band is a mix of white and black players. Mike
Bloomfield plays lead guitar, and Buddy Gaines plays the
organ.
                                                            
                       SID
      (Talking to Sally
       while he unpacks
       his guitar.)
Sally, stay close to the
bandstand. I don't think we'll
have any trouble. I play here all
the time.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Does your mother know you come out
here? She'd die if she knew you
were playing in a colored
roadhouse.
                                                            
                       SID
What'd you think?
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Laughing.)
Your secret's safe with me, Cuz.
How can I get something to drink?
                                                            
As Sid and Sally talk and Sid readies his guitar to play,
the band concludes its song. Buddy Gaines slips out from
behind his organ. Mike Bloomfield waves Sid onto the stage
and announces him, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Delta's own,
Sid Herring." Sid ascends the stage plugs in his guitar and
plays the opening lines of Little Walter's "Off the Wall" on
a harmonica he pulls from his pocket. Bloomfield gives a
nod of recognition and joins guitar cords to the harmonica
lead. Sid and Mike begin trading guitar licks. The crowd

66.

shouts encouragement to the two white guitar players.

While the band plays, Buddy slides in next to Sally, pulls a
beer out of an iced bucket under the stage and offers one to
Sally. She takes the beer and takes a long pull. Sid is
lost in the music and pays no attention to Gaines or Sally.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
I remember you from the Junior.
You caused a fight that night,
didn't you?
                                                            
                       SALLY
That was just some ole redneck
boys havin' a good time.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
Same thing's likely to happen
here, girl. And some of these
young bucks won't take no for an
answer.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Acting
       unconcerned.)
Sid said we'd be okay in here. He
comes out her all the time.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
I doubt if he's ever brought a
white girl out here, either.
Anyway, you can't trust anything a
musician tells you.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Laughing.)
Does that include you, Mr. Buddy
Gaines?
                                                            
                       BUDDY
Definitely.
                                                            
The band launches Jimmy Reed's "You Got Me Running, You Got
Me Hiding" with guitar wails. The two white guitar plays are
enjoying themselves. The crowd is less enthusiastic about
the psychedelic blues style the two white boys play and
drift away from the stage.

While Buddy turns his back to get another beer from under
the stage, a young black man approaches Sally and pulls her
onto the dance floor.

From the stage, a moment of concern flashes across Sid's

67.

face.

As the song ends, Sally turns to leave the dance floor and
the young man follows, trying to pull her back onto the
dance floor.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (To the young man.)
Thank you, but I think I've had
too much to drink.
                                                            
                       BLACK DANCER
No, Baby, we just gettin' started.
Come on and dance one more thing
with me.
                                                            
Buddy steps up, hands the young man a beer, placing himself
between Sally and the man.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
We're fixin' to leave, man. Gotta
get her back to her momma. Know
what I mean?
                                                            
                       BLACK DANCER
I hear ya, man. I'd like to be
takin' her to see my momma too.
Y'all better get outa here before
some real shit start.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
We're gone!
                                                            
Buddy takes Sally by the hand and heads for the door as the
band begins to cover Irma Thomas's "Time Is On My Side". As
they pass the bar, Sally waves to David and Tookie who
appear to be involved in a serious discussion with several
young black men.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
      (To the bouncer.)
I'm takin' this young thing back
to her momma's house. I'll be
back.
                                                            
                       PLAYER BOUNCER
Yeah, I bet her momma gone be
happy to see your ass.
                                                            
Buddy escorts Sally to his car. He pulls out of the parking
lot and burns rubber when his tires hit the highway
pavement.
                                                            
 

68.

EXT. IN BUDDY'S CONVERTIBLE, DRIVING - NIGHT
                                                            
                       BUDDY
Sid must of been crazy thinkin' he
could bring you out here. They've
never seen a white girl in there.
Not sure your friends'll make it
out alive either.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Seeming
       unconcerned.)
I expect they'll be fine. David's
too nice to get in any trouble and
Tookie's too dumb to care. Anyway,
Tookie's got his draft notice, so
he's probably lookin' for some
trouble.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
If he wants trouble, he's in the
right place.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Moving over next
       to Buddy.)
So where you gonna take me? My
momma's a long way off.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
      (Putting his arm
       around Sally and
       pulling her
       closer to him.)
I know a little place not too far
from here.
                                                            
Buddy pulls into a store and comes out with a couple of
quarts of beer tucked under his arm. As they drive off,
Buddy turns on the radio and "Time Won't Let Me" by The
Outsiders plays as the car disappears into the night.
                                                            
 
INT. PLAYER'S CLUB - NIGHT
                                                            
Tookie and David are on the dance floor with young black
women. The audience is cheering them on. The boys are
clearly drunk.

Sid plays rhythm guitar as Mike Bloomfield plays intense
electric blues.
                                                            

69.

                       TOOKIE
      (Yelling over the
       crowd to David.)
I'm goin' out back. You're on
your own.
                                                            
Tookie's dance partner leads him out a back door. The woman
dancing with David, gestures toward the door and starts to
pull David away from the dance floor. He shakes his head
but thanks her for the offer. She laughs and they return to
dancing.

David sees Sally come in the door behind Buddy. She looks
less put togehter than when they arrived. Buddy escorts
Sally back to the side of the stage. He gestures to Sid who
is still on stage. Buddy pulls a beer out of the bucket,
opens it, gives Sally a quick kiss on the cheek, and jumps
on the stage, picking up the song.

The song ends and Sid comes off stage, waving a farewell to
the room at large and nodding his thanks to Bloomfield who
continues to play. A middle aged black man takes the stage
with his guitar.
                                                            
                       SID
      (Packing up his
       guitar.)
Where the hell'd you go, Sally?
                                                            
                       SALLY
Buddy just drove us around. Just
riding with the top down, Sidney.
                                                            
                       SID
We need to go. Let's get David
and hit the road.
                                                            
Sid pulls Sally toward the door and detours on to the dance
floor to collect David. As they leave, Sally waves over her
shoulder to Buddy.
                                                            
                       SID
      (To the bouncer as
       they pass the
       door.)
We're outa here, man! Next time!
                                                            
                       PLAYER BOUNCER
Bring that sweet young thing back
anytime, player!
                                                            
 

70.

INT. AUNT SARAH'S HOUSE, UPSTAIRS. - NIGHT
                                                            
David and Sally are in the hallway, outside their rooms,
trying to talk quietly but giggling and having difficulty
keeping their balance.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Where'd you and Buddy go? I was
worried about you.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Giving David and
       hug and sloppy
       kiss.)
You're so sweet, David. Buddy
just rode me around with the top
down. He was worried I was going
to get hurt.
      (Pushing David
       toward his
       bedroom door.)
Our parents would kill us both if
they found out we'd been to a club
like that.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Sally, you're crazy.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Giving David one
       last kiss.)
Not half as crazy as you, David
Fancher, for putting up with me.
                                                            
 
INT. AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE WITH AUNT SARAH - DAY
                                                            
Aunt Sarah's breakfast table is set with formal linens and
china. Sally is animated.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
      (Passing a plate
       of eggs and bacon
       to David)
David, please eat some of this.
Hattie's fixed all this for you. I
told her you'd want a big
breakfast. And eat some of these
biscuits. None better than
Hattie's biscuits.
                                                            

71.

                       DAVID
      (Accepting plate.)
Yes, m'am. Thank you.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
And pass the plate to Sally. Young
lady, you look like you had a good
evening.
                                                            
                       SALLY
It was wonderful, Aunt Sally.
Sidney's band is so good. We
danced and danced.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
I didn't hear you come in, but
Hattie said it was late when y'all
got in.
                                                            
                       SALLY
It wasn't late. Maybe a little
after midnight. Hattie
exaggerates everything. Isn't
that right, David?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Concentrating on
       his breakfast.)
It was after midnight, I guess.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
When I was your age, your
Granddaddy would never let me and
your mother stay out that late. He
would've come looking for us with
his gun.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Things are different now, Aunt
Sarah.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
      (Looking at David
       suspiciously.)
Things aren't that different. Boys
are still boys. David you are a
gentleman, aren't you?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, M'am.
                                                            

72.

                       SALLY
Aunt Sarah, David is a perfect
gentleman . . . and my best
friend.
                                                            
David looks embarrassed and proud at the same time. Sally
pats his hand on the table and reaches over and kisses him
on the cheek.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
      (Raising her
       voice.)
Sally! Shame on you! You've
embarrassed our guest. You know
better than that!
                                                            
                       DAVID
No Miss Cannon, it's fine.
                                                            
                       AUNT SARAH
      (With authority.)
You children finish your
breakfast. You've got to leave
soon, and Sally I want you to
call your mother so she'll know
when to expect you home.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Laughing and
       kissing David
       again.)
Yes, m'am. Come on, David, we
need to get moving!
                                                            
 
EXT. SALLY'S CONVERTIBLE - DAY
                                                            
Sally is driving. David is solemn. The top is down, the
radio playing "Red Rubber Ball" by the Cyrkle.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Cheerful, with
       her
       devil-may-care
       attitude.)
David, don't be mad at me.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm not mad at you.
                                                            

73.

                       SALLY
You are mad because I went off
with Buddy Gaines. I think you're
jealous.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Too sincere to be
       honest.)
I'm not jealous. But you
shouldn't have done that. Everyone
saw you leave. What if your
mother finds out?
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Reassuring David)
Sidney won't tell and you won't
tell. My mother will never see or
speak to any of those other
people, so how is she going to
find out?
                                                            
                       DAVID
If she does, that's all I'm
saying.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Reaching for
       David's hand and
       holding it as she
       drives.)
You really do want to take care of
me. That's why I love you, David.
                                                            
 
EXT. IN FRONT OF DAVID'S GRANDPARENT'S HOUSE. - DAY
                                                            
Sally and David pull up in front of the house. Sally waves
to David's mother and grandmother who are sitting on the
porch. She leans over and kisses David on the cheek as he
gets out of the car.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Still waving to
       David's family.)
Call me tonight, won't you?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I will. Bye.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Raising up
       slightly in her
       rocker.)
Sally, won't you come up on the
            (MORE)

74.

                       GRANDMOTHER (cont'd)
porch and have a cold drink?
                                                            
                       SALLY
No, m'am. My mother will be
wondering where I am.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Well tell your parents hello for
us, dear.
                                                            
Sally pulls away from the curb with David standing holding
his bag looking after her, and Sally speaks over her
shoulder as she drives off.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Yes, m'am, I will. Bye, David!
                                                            
David watches until the car is out of site then turns, walks
up on the porch, drops his bag by the door, kisses his
mother and grandmother and sits with them.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRANDMOTHER'S FRONT PORCH - DAY
                                                            
David sits on the swing with his mother, across from his
grandmother. His mother is busy with handwork; his
grandmother sits as she does with her hands in her lap,
gently rocking.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Well, I think you've made an
impression on that young lady.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We're friends, that's all.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
She did look very friendly.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What's gone on around here?
                                                            
Grandmother looks over at David's mother. Carolyn Fancher
puts her handwork in her lap and lights a cigarette.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
We've got a problem -- Anne's
pregnant.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (All of the humor
       drained from her
       voice.)
            (MORE)

75.

                       GRANDMOTHER (cont'd)
It's Gene. I told her he was no
good. His family's been in
trouble around here for years.
Just one thing after the other.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Grandmother, it takes two I think.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Loyal to her
       class and its
       reputation.)
No, Anne's a good girl. I'm sure
it's all Gene's fault.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
She's stuck with him now,
regardless.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What's she going to do, Mother?
She hasn't even finished high
school. Can't she see somebody?
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
There's nothing she can do but
have the baby!
                                                            
                       MOTHER
No, Gene says he's going to marry
Anne, do the right thing, he says.
I'm sure he doesn't have a clue
how he'll support them.
                                                            
                       DAVID
How's Aunt Frances?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I was over there most of last
night; she's cried herself sick.
I'm going back over there in a
little while.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Can I go with you and see Anne?
                                                            
 

76.

INT. AUNT FRANCES' KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Aunt Frances sits at her kitchen table, smoking. A full
ashtray and a cup of coffee are in front of her. David
follows his mother into the kitchen through the carport
door.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (While patting
       Frances on the
       shoulder.)
How'd your talk with Gene go?
                                                            
                       FRANCES
That son-of-a-bitch doesn't have
any idea what he's going to do.
All he says is he loves Anne and
is going to take care of her. God
damn him! That son-of-a-bitch!
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (Sitting down at
       the table.)
How's Anne doing?
                                                            
                       FRANCES
She's in love. L-U-S-T is more
like it. She doesn't have a clue.
If her father were alive . . .
      (Turning to David,
       accusingly.)
Did you know about this? I know
you know all about her sneaking
around with Gene!
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Earnestly.)
No, m'am. I didn't know anything
about this. Can I talk to Anne?
                                                            
                       FRANCES
      (Lighting another
       cigarette while
       one burns in the
       ashtray.)
Why not? She's a grown woman now.
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE ANNE'S ROOM, THEN IN HER ROOM. - DAY
                                                            
David leaves the kitchen and walks down the darkened
hallway, lit by indirect light from other rooms. David
stops at Anne's door and knocks.
                                                            

77.

                       DAVID
Anne, it's me.
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (Tearfully.)
What do you want?
                                                            
                       DAVID
To talk. Thought you might like a
little company.
      (The door opens
       and David enters.)
So, how'd it happen?
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (Angry and then
       laughing at
       herself.)
God you're an idiot!
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Sitting down on
       the bed next to
       Anne, after
       closing the door.)
At least I made you laugh.
                                                            
                       ANNE
I need a good laugh. Mother's gone
bat-shit. She won't let Gene near
me. What does she expect me to
do?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Hesitant)
Can't you do something about it?
I've heard of girls getting these
things taken care of.
                                                            
                       ANNE
No, this is my baby. Gene and I
are going to get married. He's a
good guy. He'll take care of me
and the baby.
                                                            
                       DAVID
How you gonna get married if she
won't even let Gene come to the
house.
                                                            
                       ANNE
We won't be able to keep this a
secret for long. She'll have to
give in. Until then she'll just
            (MORE)

78.

                       ANNE (cont'd)
be an incredible bitch!
                                                            
                       DAVID
Sneaking around, lying to our
parents. It all seems pretty
stupid now.
                                                            
                       ANNE
No point in screwing your life up
along with mine. I saw Gene
plenty of times when you weren't
around, and you sure as hell
didn't make me pull my pants down.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'll be here if you need me. I
guess that's all I'm saying.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Thanks, but let's talk about
something else. Tell me about
your trip with Sally.
                                                            
                       DAVID
That's my other secret life.
Tookie's been drafted, did you
know that? He rode over there
with Buddy Gaines. Sally's cousin
took us to this roadhouse where
Buddy was playing. Tookie and I
danced with the black girls. Sally
left with Buddy for awhile. I
didn't like that, but she was gone
before I could do anything about
it.
                                                            
                       ANNE
David, you're too nice to try
anything with Sally. Buddy Gaines
got her cherry, and you're her
alibi.
                                                            
                       DAVID
No. I don't think so.
                                                            
                       ANNE
      (Returning to her
       own problems.)
I guess Gene won't have to worry
about getting drafted now. He'll
have a wife and kid before long. I
guess that's something.
                                                            

79.

While Anne talks, David reaches over to the stereo by the
bed and puts on a stack of 45s. The Rolling Stones'
"Mother's Little Helper" begins to play, and David and Anne
continue to talk becoming more animated and playful as the
scene fades.
                                                            
 
INT. AUNT FRANCES' KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
The two sisters sit at the table smoking. They have poured
themselves a drink.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (Reiterating a
       point she has
       made previously.)
There's girls in Jackson go up to
Memphis. They're gone Friday and
back in school Monday.
                                                            
                       FRANCES
Carolyn, I'm not going to send her
to some butcher, and I can't
afford those doctors in Memphis.
No, she's stuck with it.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
It doesn't have to be that way.
Maybe we can help you.
                                                            
                       FRANCES
Anne's going to have to live with
her decision. Just thank God you
had boys.
                                                            
 
INT. IN THE CAR WITH DAVID AND HIS MOTHER - NIGHT
                                                            
David drives and is solemn as his mother speaks.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
David I hope I never have to hear
you've gotten a girl in trouble.
Poor Anne; I just don't know
what's wrong with that girl. I
guess it's losing her father. I
don't know. Frances has more than
she can say grace over. Just
promise me you'll never get a girl
in trouble.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, m'am.
                                                            
 

80.

INT. THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David stocks with Ira.
                                                            
                       IRA
Tookie came in Friday after lunch
waving his draft notice and said
he quits. Said he was going over
to Clarksdale with you for one
last hurrah. I guess I understand
that. Did you see Tookie?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, sir. He came to the dance
Sally and I went to. Her cousin's
band was playing. Do you think
Tookie'll have to go to the war?
                                                            
                       IRA
I imagine. That's the best reason
in the world for you to go to
college like your daddy wants you
to.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What was the war like, Uncle Ira?
                                                            
                       IRA
I saw a lot of boys die. On my
first mission over Germany, my
plane was at the back of the
formation. By the end of the
mission, I was the lead plane. I
did my twenty-five and thank God
for every day I'm here.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I hope Tookie's okay.
                                                            
                       IRA
I hope so, too, David. You've got
chances in life he won't have.
Speaking of chances, I heard
something about your cousin, Anne.
Is it true?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Bashfully.)
Yes, sir. That's what I found out
last night. Things get around
fast in this town, don't they?
                                                            

81.

                       IRA
Aren't any secrets in this town,
boy. You remember that,
particularly if you're going to be
dating Sally Henderson. Her
mother'll know everything y'all
do.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We're not dating. I'll be gone
soon anyway.
                                                            
                       IRA
Her mother'll hound you to death
if you ever do anything to that
girl. You understand me?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Turing to his
       stocking in
       earnest.)
Yes, sir, I understand.
                                                            
                       IRA
Why don't you finish up those
cases and take your lunch. I
imagine your grandmother won't
want to wait dinner on you.
                                                            
 
INT. GRANDMOTHER'S DINNING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
The dining table is set for the noon meal with good country
food set out. Grandfather, Grandmother, and David's mother
are seated as David walks in the back door and through the
kitchen. David says hello to the cook as he passes.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Sorry I'm late. We had a busy
morning and a lot of stock to put
out.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Well, sit down so your granddaddy
can say grace.
                                                            
                       GRANDDADDY
      (Without great
       enthusiasm.)
God, heavenly Father, forgive us
of many sins and make us thankful
for these and all the blessings of
life. Amen.
      (Looking up and
            (MORE)

82.

                       GRANDDADDY (cont'd)
       pointing to the
       smothered steak
       on a platter.)
David, get some of that steak and
pass it to your mother.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
David, your daddy called from
Atlanta. He's asked me to come
over there next week. You think
you'll be okay here by yourself?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Excited.)
Could I go down and spend the week
with John in Baton Rouge?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I don't know. Not too sure John
would like that. Anyway, how
would you get there? Where would
you stay?
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Teasing David.)
You mean you don't want to stay
here with your grandfather and me?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I could ride the bus. John said I
could stay with him in the
fraternity house if I ever came
down. There's probably plenty of
room this time of year.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Let me talk to your father, and
you can call your brother and see
what he thinks.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Still teasing.)
There's plenty we could do if you
stayed here, you know.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Thanks, Grandmother, but I'd
really like to go to Baton Rouge.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Are you sure you can leave your
young lady friend for a week?
                                                            

83.

                       DAVID
I think I can manage, Grandmother.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Well don't start planning anything
until I talk to your father. Now
you better finish up; your Uncle
Ira will be looking for you.
                                                            
 
EXT. SALLY'S BACK PORCH - DAY
                                                            
It is late afternoon, with the sun low behind the magnolias
in Sally's backyard. No one is in the pool or in the yard.
David and Sally are alone on the porch swing.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Excited.)
No, David, you can't go to Baton
Rouge! What would I do without my
David?
                                                            
                       DAVID
It's only a week. Anyway, I
hardly see you except on the
weekend, and you have all your
other friends.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Moving closer to
       David on the
       swing.)
David, you're my rock. You know
that don't you?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't think I've done much to be
your rock.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Well you are. You're the only boy
who doesn't act afraid of my
mother. You haven't tried to tear
my clothes off like the other boys
I've dated. You're different.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Not as much as you think.
                                                            
David and Sally kiss. He puts his arm around her and they
sit on the swing without talking. Sally rests her head on
David's shoulder. From inside the house, Sally's mother
says, "Sally it's time to come in for dinner."
                                                            

84.

                       DAVID
      (Standing up.)
I know what that means. I'll come
by tomorrow on the way to the bus
station. Will you be up early?
                                                            
                       SALLY
I'll be up baking some cookies for
you to take on the bus. You
better come by!
                                                            
 
INT. ON A BUS - DAY
                                                            
David sits next to the window of a Grayhound bus. The
camera is behind David looking over his shoulder as the bus
pulls out of town and crosses a bridge. The bus passes The
Junior. "Double Shot" by the Swingin' Medallions plays
through the scene as the bus moves down the road.
                                                            
 
INT. BUS STATION IN JACKSON - DAY
                                                            
David exits the bus and enters the waiting room. He looks
around to find a seat. He sees a young, long-haired man who
is sits off in a corner with is backpack at this feet. This
young man looks completely out of place. David takes the
empty seat next to the hippie.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Where you headed?
                                                            
                       HIPPIE
St. Louis, man.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm going to Baton Rouge.
                                                            
                       HIPPIE
      (Relaxing.)
Town's a bummer. People are
pretty up tight.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm going to see my brother. He
goes to LSU.
                                                            
                       HIPPIE
Cool, man. I'm gettin' as far
away from here as I can. I'm
going to California.
                                                            

85.

                       DAVID
Where are you coming from?
                                                            
                       HIPPIE
New Orleans, man. It's cool, but
I got to be on the road. I'm
gonna hitch to California once I
get out of the South. People down
here don't like freaks too much.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Freaks?
                                                            
                       HIPPIE
Heads, you know? Hippies.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Clearly not
       understanding the
       concept.)
Oh. Yeah, okay. Tell you the
truth, I'm not sure I've ever seen
anyone around here like you,
except maybe some bands that come
through.
                                                            
                       HIPPIE
Probably won't run into any in
Baton Rouge either, man.
                                                            
The PA system announces the bus for Memphis. The hippie
rises and heads for the bus. As he leaves, he pulls a
leather wrist band from his arm and gives it to David, and
David slips it on.
                                                            
                       HIPPIE
Take it easy, man.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Polite as always.)
Thanks, hope you have a safe trip.
                                                            
                       HIPPIE
I'll be better when I'm outa here.
                                                            
David settles back into his seat, opens his bag and eats
Sally's cookies.
                                                            
 

86.

INT. BUS STATION IN BATON ROUGE - NIGHT
                                                            
The bus pulls into its berth, its door opens, and the
passengers begin to exit. John Fancher is standing off to
the side waiting for David.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Not particularly
       enthusiastic.)
Hey, bro, over here.
                                                            
John and David talk as they walk out of the station and to
John's car.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Thanks for letting me come down.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Caustic.)
No problem. You're pretty much on
your own, though. Just don't fuck
something up and we'll be fine.
There's plenty of room in the
house right now.
                                                            
                       DAVID
So what are we gonna do?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Sarcastically.)
We? I got class and shit. We're
having a early rush party Friday
night. You can hang around, find
something to do. You're pretty
much on your own.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Disappointed.)
Okay. I guess I can do that.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Now at the car,
       directing David
       with his hand to
       get in.)
Let's hit the Pastime. We can
have a couple of beers and shot
some pool.
                                                            
The car pulls off, as David reaches over to turn up the
radio. Dave Berry's "Little Things" is playing.
                                                            

87.

                       DAVID
I'm not eighteen yet, John.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Imitating a
       country sheriff.)
Don't worry, boy, you're in Baton
Rouge now.
                                                            
                       DAVID
You should of been with me last
week. I was at this club in the
Delta with my friend Sally. It
was all blacks but us. They
served us all the beer we wanted.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You are a dumb shit.
                                                            
 
INT. FRATERNITY HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
John and other fraternity brothers are up and down the hall
getting dressed for the rush party. David stands in a
doorway. Some indistinct music that sounds like a soul band
warming up is coming from downstairs.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Passing David on
       the way to the
       stairs.)
Don't embarrass me tonight, little
bro.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I was gonna tell you the same
thing.
                                                            
                       JOHN
No, I'm serious. Don't get drunk
or some shit like that.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Mocking John.)
Okay, big bro, I'll stay out of
the way. Promise.
                                                            
                       JOHN
There's parties at all the houses.
Don't get caught doing anything I
wouldn't do!
                                                            

88.

                       DAVID
Right. Don't get any on ya.
                                                            
 
EXT. ON THE PATIO OF JOHN'S FRATERNITY HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Irma Thomas and her band are set up to play on one end of
the patio. There are kegs of beer spread around. Fraternity
boys and their girlfriends talk, drink, dance. Irma Thomas
sings "Time Is On My Side." David stands off to the side
watching the band, drinking a Coke. The camera pans across
Fraternity Row to show the other houses lit up and full of
sound and party-goers.

John walks by with his arm around a girl and stops to
introduce her to David.
                                                            
                       JOHN
This is my little brother. He's
here for the week. Going home
tomorrow, I hope.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Holding his hand
       out to the girl,
       polite as always.)
Hello, I'm David. I'm not sure
John knows my name.
                                                            
The girl laughs, and John moves off pulling the girl along
with him.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Disinterested and
       over his
       shoulder.)
Don't get any on ya, little bro.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Hey, I'm gonna go check out some
of these other bands.
                                                            
John's girl gives David a wink over her shoulder as John
leads her off. David takes out across the backyard of the
fraternity house into the darkness dividing the patio from
the adjacent fraternity house.
                                                            
 
EXT. PATIO OF THE DEKE HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
The Deke house is larger than John's fraternity, with a
larger house and larger party on the patio. There is a
large hedge along the patio. The Zoofs, a New Orleans

89.

psychedelic band, are playing on a make-shift bandstand.
People dance and drink, and are more raucous than the other
fraternities. David moves around the back edge of the patio
and tucks himself into a gap in the hedge to listen to the
band. The Zoofs are covering "Over, Under, Sideways, Down"
by the Yardbirds. When the song ends, one of the band
members gets two beers and walks over to David.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS
      (Handing one of
       the beers to
       David)
Join the party, man. These
sons-of-bitches don't care. Dekes
are fucking crazy.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Taking the beer.)
Thanks. You guys are great.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS
We don't play up here much. People
are too straight. You ought to
dig us in New Orleans. Lot of
heads down there.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I met one the other day, at the
bus station, on his way to St.
Louis.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS
      (Distracted by the
       party and
       obviously high.)
Cool, man. I got to get back.
Come on up front.
                                                            
The hippie drains his beer and returns to the bandstand,
picks up his guitar, and begins to improvise on a tune.
While he's playing, he signals to a girl with the band and
she comes up on the stage. He gestures toward David and
whispers to her. Other band members return to the stage and
begin picking up on the hippie's improvisation. The girl
goes off-stage and pours a small cup of punch from a
thermos. She goes over to David who is still by the hedge.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
      (Handing the cup
       to David)
The band thought you might like to
try some of this.
                                                            

90.

                       DAVID
      (Accepting the
       cup.)
What is it?
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
      (She takes a sip
       from the cup and
       hands it back to
       David.)
It's punch.
                                                            
David drains the cup. The girl takes his hand and leads him
toward the bandstand. The entire band is now on stage
playing. The improvisation becomes "Interstellar Overdrive"
by Pink Floyd, played loud and loose. The fraternity boys
and their girls who are loud and drunk don't quite get the
song but some start dancing. The hippie girl takes David
loosely in a dance hold and they dance. David is stiff
compared to the girl's fluid movements. As the song
progresses, David loosens up and gets in sync with the girl.
The song becomes more psychedelic and the fraternity people
move off the dance floor. Some begin to heckle the band.
David and the girl continue to dance. The band segues to
the popular "Louie Louie" and the fraternity members cheer
and pack the dance area. The hippie girl pulls David off
the dance floor.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
      (Shouting over the
       band into David's
       ear.)
Let's go.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Let's listen to the band.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
      (Pulling David
       away from the
       bandstand.)
Let's go sit on the grass. These
drunks are a bummer.
                                                            
Drunk dancers crash into David and the girl and jostle them
away from the stage. The dancing is very physical, and the
boys start crashing into each other.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah, I'm getting that now.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
Fucking Dekes.
                                                            

91.

                       DAVID
      (Speaking to the
       world at large.)
Wow. I've never heard a band this
good. The lights, everything.
                                                            
The hippie girl leads David into the darkness behind the
Deke patio where they sit down. David is spread-eagle on
his back looking at the sky. The camera takes David's point
of view and spins.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Now fully
       intoxicated.)
What is that stuff?
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
      (Sitting behind
       David and
       stroking his
       hair.)
Just a little acid, baby. Do you
like it?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah. The lights are coming in
waves around me. I'm floating.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
      (Kissing David.)
Yeah, far out.
                                                            
The band plays in the background. The hippie girl leads
David away from Fraternity Row. As they walk down the
sidewalk, they pass drunk couples walking between fraternity
houses, shouting, all in contrast to David and the girl who
are quiet and walking hand-in-hand. David is wide-eyed,
enjoying the trip.
                                                            
 
EXT. ON A LAWN ON THE LSU CAMPUS - NIGHT
                                                            
David and the hippie girl lie on the ground. David is again
on his back looking up into the night sky. The sound of
bands is now very faint and no particlar song is
recognizable. There are some trees spread around that
create a sense of privacy. The girl begins to kiss David
with passion.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Breathless after
       kissing.)
I'm David, by the way.
                                                            

92.

                       ZOOFS GIRL
      (Laughing.)
That's nice, now quit talking.
                                                            
The couple begins to kiss and embrace, and David is clumsy
but undresses the girl. The scene fades as "Come Together"
by the Youngbloods rises. The camera rises above the trees
to look back toward the lights and noise of Fraternity Row.
                                                            
 
INT. A SMALL ALL-NIGHT DINER NEAR CAMPUS - NIGHT
                                                            
David and the girl sit in a booth at the back of the small
diner. The other patrons are college people, getting a
early breakfast after the rush parties. David and the girl
have finished their food and empty plates sit on the table
in front of them.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Aren't you going to tell me your
name?
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
Why do you want to know my name?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Maybe because we just made love.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
Why, so you can tell your friends?
                                                            
                       DAVID
No, no. I'd just like to know
your name.
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
      (Not quite
       sincerely.)
Bunny.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What?
                                                            
                       ZOOFS GIRL
      (Rising to leave.)
Bunny. That's my name tonight.
Come walk me home.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We can't walk to New Orleans.
                                                            

93.

                       ZOOFS GIRL
I live in the Pi Phi House, just
across campus. You can make it
that far, can't you?
                                                            
David laughs and takes the girl's hand. She skips ahead of
him, and he chases after her. They kiss and play with each
other like children as they walk up a low hill and back
toward the campus. "Do You Believe in Magic?" by The Lovin'
Spoonful plays.
                                                            
 
INT. FRATERNITY HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
David walks in the house and up the stairs. The sun is up,
but the house is a mess after the party, and brothers are
sleeping on the sofa and in the beds upstairs.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Shouting as David
       walks past John's
       doorway.)
Hey, asshole! Where the fuck you
been?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (More confident
       than previously
       with his brother.)
You told me I was on my own.
What's the big deal?
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm responsible for you, asshole.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Looking at John
       in his underwear,
       in the bed.)
Doesn't look like you were too
worried.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Fuck you, asshole! Where the fuck
have you been?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Well, I went over to the Deke
house to hear the Zoofs, and met
this girl who gave me some acid,
never heard of that before, and
then we had sex over behind the
law school, then we walked around
campus groving on everything, and
            (MORE)

94.

                       DAVID (cont'd)
then ate some breakfast, and I
took her home.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Right. You really are an idiot.
Get the fuck out of here. You've
got a bus to catch this afternoon.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Thanks, man.
                                                            
 
INT. ON A BUS - DAY
                                                            
The sun is coming up as the bus returns past The Junior,
over the same bridge, and into the town. Most of the
passengers are asleep. David is awake and looking out the
window, with the camera looking over his shoulder as when he
left town. "The Bells of Rhymney" by The Byrds plays through
the scene. The bus pulls into the bus station. David
collects his bag from the luggage rack, exits the station,
and begins walking through town to his grandmother's house.
He walks past Sally's house and sees a light in her room. He
pauses but moves on past the house.
                                                            
 
INT. GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
David walks up the front porch and into the house. The
camera follows David into the dining room where his
grandparents and mother are eating breakfast. David's
mother rises and gives him a hug and kiss.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
Well, here he is. We were
wondering where you were.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Sitting down at
       his place and
       reaching for the
       eggs and bacon.)
Hello, Grandmother. The bus was
running late, I guess.
                                                            
                       GRANDDADDY
      (In a very
       business-like
       tone.)
We have business this week-end.
Anne is getting married tomorrow.
                                                            

95.

                       DAVID
That's pretty quick isn't it?
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
No quicker than it took her to get
pregnant.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Mother, we have to support them as
best we can. This is harder on
Frances than it is on us. They
deserve a chance.
                                                            
                       GRANDDADDY
They'll get their chance.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Finishing her
       thoughts on the
       matter.)
That chance won't last too long;
I'll warrant that.
      (Turning to David.)
You don't look any the worse for
your trip, young man. How was
John?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Finishing his
       breakfast and
       rising.)
John's fine. I need to get down
to the store. I told Uncle Ira
I'd be at work today.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
We'll if you don't have time for
us, I guess you better go. But
come straight home when the store
closes; we're going out to eat
tonight with Frances and Gene and
his mother.
      (Pausing.)
That should be pleasant.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (Sharply.)
That's what I'm talking about,
Mother.
                                                            
 

96.

INT. THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David stocka shelves by himself, and Sally approaches.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Sounding a little
       hurt.)
I thought you were going to stop
and see me this morning. Did you
find another girlfriend in Baton
Rouge?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Continuing to
       work.)
It was early, and I figured you'd
be asleep. I didn't want to wake
up the whole house.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Acting her more
       playful self.)
You could always wake me up,
David.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Anyway, I told Uncle Ira I'd be
here today, and I had to get home
and drop my bag. Sorry. I was
gonna call you later.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (More serious.)
I wanted to talk to you. Could we
go to a movie tonight or
something?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I can't tonight. We have to go
out to eat with my Aunt Frances
and Gene and his mother. Anne and
Gene are getting married tomorrow.
                                                            
                       SALLY
I heard she's pregnant. I guess
that proves it, huh?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah. She is. No secrets in this
town, are there?
                                                            

97.

                       SALLY
      (Darkly.)
There might be.
      (Returning to her
       cheerful self.)
Could you go to lunch with me
instead?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Let me finish this aisle and I'll
ask Uncle Ira. It's about
lunchtime, anyway.
                                                            
 
EXT. IN SALLY'S CAR, OUTSIDE BOB'S - DAY
                                                            
David and Sally sit in her car with the top down, eating
lunch. A portable serving tray is hung on the driver's side
with burgers, fries, shakes. An outdoor speaker plays "For
Your Love" by The Yardbirds.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (More serious than
       we have seen her
       before now.)
David, do you love me?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (More mature than
       we have seen him
       before now.)
I don't know. I do like you
Sally. I like being with you. But
I'm not sure what you mean by
love.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Would you help me if I was in
trouble? Rescue me if I need it?
                                                            
                       DAVID
You know I'd do what I could.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Taking David's
       hand and turning
       him toward her so
       that they are
       facing each
       other.)
I need you to do something for me,
and I can't ask anyone else.
                                                            

98.

                       DAVID
What's wrong?
                                                            
                       SALLY
I think I'm pregnant.
      (A long pause.)
I know I'm pregnant.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (At first angry,
       then embracing
       Sally as she
       begins to cry.)
Goddamn Buddy Gaines! I never
should've let you leave with him.
      (Pausing as Sally
       sobs in his arms
       but with doubt in
       his voice.)
It is Buddy, isn't it?
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Sobbing.)
Yes, he's been the only one.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Goddamn him!
                                                            
 
EXT. IN SALLY'S CAR, DRIVING - DAY
                                                            
The car hop retrieves the trays and Sally backs the car out
into the street and drives David back to the store.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Still crying.)
I'm going to have to tell my
parents. I've heard them talk
about girls going to Memphis to
get abortions. That's what
they'll want me to do, unless my
mother kills me first.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Why do you need me?
                                                            
                       SALLY
I need you to be the father.
Mother's going to think it's you
anyway.
                                                            

99.

                       DAVID
I can't do that, Sally! Just tell
your parent's the truth. Being
pregnant's bad enough. What
difference does it make who the
father is.
                                                            
                       SALLY
If I tell them the truth, Daddy'd
probably kill Buddy. They'd accept
you; you're from a good family.
They like you.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Laughing.)
They won't like me for long.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Pleading.)
Please, David. It's bad enough as
it is, having to deal with my
mother and all. I just can't
stand the thought that my father
would think I went with trash like
Buddy Gaines. It's bad enough
what he'll think anyway. Please,
David.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Are you going to tell Buddy?
                                                            
                       SALLY
No! And don't you even think
about that!
                                                            
Sally pulls up in front of the store and stops.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Calm and
       thoughtful.)
Do you need to know right now? I'd
have to tell my parents. My
dad'll be home next weekend.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Brightening a
       little.)
Yes, yes. You really are my best
friend. Why don't you come over
tomorrow after the wedding. This
will be our secret for now.
                                                            

100.

                       DAVID
      (Getting out of
       the car.)
Okay, I'll see you tomorrow.
      (Pausing and
       turning back to
       face Sally)
Maybe I have fallen in love with
you.
                                                            
                       SALLY
We could be together, David. I'd
like that.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I've got a lot to think about.
I'll call you later.
                                                            
 
INT. IN SALLY'S BEDROOM. - DAY
                                                            
Sally sits on her bed with Flora who is craddling Sally on
her lap as Sally cries.
                                                            
                       FLORA
      (Comforting Sally.)
You sure are gonna have to tell
you mother about this, girl. A
baby's something you can't hide
for long.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Sobbing.)
This is going to kill me, Flora. I
don't think I can do it.
                                                            
                       FLORA
I had my first baby when I was
about your age. You'll be fine.
You're daddy's got enough money to
take care you, Baby. Your mother
may not get over it, but you will.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Flora, would you sing me my
nursery song?
                                                            
                       FLORA
I love you, Baby. You'll be okay.
I just don't know what you're
daddy's gonna do to that boy.
                                                            

101.

Flora sings "Mighty Like a Rose" as a soft lullaby:
Sweetest little baby, everybody knows;
Don't know what to call her but he's mighty like a rose!
Lookin' at her mammy with eyes so shiny blue,
Makes you think that heaven is comin' close to you.
When she's there a-sleepin' in her little place,
Think I see the angels looking thro' the lace.
When the dark is falling, when the shadows creep,
Then they come on tip-toe to kiss her in her sleep.
Sweetest little baby, everybody knows,
Don't know what to call her but she's mighty like a rose!
                                                            
 
INT. THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David and Uncle Ira sort inventory in the storeroom.
                                                            
                       IRA
What does you grandmother think
about Anne and Gene?
                                                            
                       DAVID
She hates Gene, but Granddaddy
thinks they deserve a chance.
                                                            
                       IRA
I agree with that. Everybody
deserves a chance. I hope that
boy turns out better than his
daddy.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Grandmother says Gene's mother
shot him.
                                                            
                       IRA
They were drinking and got into a
fight. Police called it self
defense. Probably just glad to
see the sorry bastard dead.
                                                            
                       DAVID
No wonder Grandmother doesn't want
Gene in the family.
                                                            
                       IRA
That's something good folk
wouldn't talk about. He's in the
family whether they get married or
not.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Would you lie to help someone?
                                                            

102.

                       IRA
      (Stopping his work
       to look at David.)
Difficult question, son. I guess
you gotta weigh how much it'll
hurt you to lie against the good
your lie'll do.
      (Turning to face
       David.)
You in some kind of trouble,
David?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't know. No. I guess not. I
was just wondering.
                                                            
                       IRA
That's a funny thing to be
wondering about on a Saturday
afternoon in the middle of work.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Let's keep this between us.
                                                            
                       IRA
You're a good boy, David. I think
you'll grow up to be a fine man.
But you can't carry everyone's
problems on your back. Remember
that.
      (Patting David on
       the shoulder.)
Come on. Your Uncle Jesse's
probably wondering why we're not
up front helping with the
afternoon rush.
                                                            
 
INT. SMALL WEDDING CHAPEL - DAY
                                                            
Anne and Gene stand before a preacher in a small chapel.
David has been drafted as the best man, and the family sits
in chairs arranged behind the couple. Anne wears a nice
dress but not a wedding gown. Gene looks uncomfortable in a
new, cheap suit. David looks more mature than his years in
a nice suit. The preacher says, "I now pronounce you man
and wife." He shakes Anne's and Gene's hands and directs
them to turn to face the audience. Frances rises and kisses
Anne and Gene with tears in her eyes. The party moves to
the rear of the chapel where cake and punch are laid out.
                                                            

103.

                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Approaching Anne
       and Gene.)
I wish you both the best. I'll be
praying for both of you and your
child.
                                                            
                       ANNE
Thank you, Grandmother. And thank
you for the money you and
Granddaddy gave us.
                                                            
                       GENE
      (Seeming eager to
       please.)
Yes, ma'am, thank you. That money
will come in handy for the baby.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
You're the one's going to have to
provide for that baby, Gene. I
hope you're up to it.
                                                            
                       GENE
Oh, yes ma'am. I'm gonna work
hard for us. You'll be proud.
                                                            
David interrupts the awkward silence.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Anne, I'm gonna take off. I told
Sally I'd come over to her house
this afternoon.
      (Shaking Gene's
       hand.)
Good luck. I'll see you when you
get back from the Gulf Coast.
                                                            
                       GENE
      (Lapsing into his
       rough nature.)
Hey, man, thanks for standing up
for me. We'll do something when
Anne and me get back.
      (Gene catches the
       disapproving
       glance from
       Grandmother.)
I mean me and Anne'll have you
over for supper one night.
                                                            

104.

                       DAVID
      (Turning to leave.)
Yeah, that'd be fine. Bye,
Grandmother.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Warmly.)
Now you be home in time for
supper, young man.
                                                            
 
EXT. SALLY'S BACK PORCH - DAY
                                                            
David and Sally sit on Sally's back porch. They talk
softly, knowing that Sally's mother may be nearby.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'll have to tell my family.
You're dad's likely to come
looking for me anyway. Can we
wait until next weekend when my
dad's home?
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Starting to tear
       up but nodding
       her agreement.)
David, I know this is going to be
hard on you, with your family and
all.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Sally, I'll do it if you think
it's going to help you.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Nobody's going to know but your
parents and mine then.
                                                            
                       DAVID
People will find out. They always
seem do.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Pulling closer to
       David to kiss
       him.)
I love you.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I think our parent's are gonna put
a stop to you and me real quick.
                                                            

105.

                       SALLY
There's still time, you know, like
we talked about yesterday. You
and me.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (For the first
       time, David
       initiates a kiss
       with Sally,
       kissing her
       passionately. He
       speaks after the
       kiss.)
I'll call you tomorrow, okay?
                                                            
                       SALLY
I do love you, David, you know
that don't you?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, I think you do.
                                                            
 
INT. THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David works in one of the aisles of the store and Tookie
enters and shouts at him loudly.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Hey, White Bread, where you at?
                                                            
                       JESSE
      (Looking up from
       his cash
       register.)
Tookie, hold it down!
                                                            
                       DAVID
Hey man, where you been?
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
This and that, white bread.
Gettin' my affairs in order, you
know?
                                                            
                       DAVID
When do you have to leave?
                                                            

106.

                       TOOKIE
      (Seriously now.)
I'm on my way to Birmingham now.
I've go to report first thing in
the morning.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Shit, Tookie. I'm gonna miss you.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Don't bullshit me, white bread.
You're all up in that girl of
yours. You won't remember ole
Tookie after tomorrow.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Just take care of yourself, okay.
      (David embraces
       Tookie.)
Come home in one piece, man.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Pushing David
       away with
       exaggerated
       gesture, and
       loudly.)
Damn, white bread, you goin' queer
on me?
                                                            
                       JESSE
Tookie! Get outa here and let
David get his work done.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Yes, sir. I'm going.
      (Turning back to
       David.)
You take care, David. Don't fuck
up like me and get drafted, okay?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (As Tookie turns
       to leave, David
       talks to his
       back.)
I'll do my best, Tookie. You take
care.
                                                            
Tookie walks past the checkout stands and shakes hands with
Jesse and Nathan.
                                                            

107.

                       NATHAN
I was in the army, Tookie. It'll
be good for you.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
Yeah, it'll be good to get my ass
shot off.
                                                            
                       NATHAN
Just help the guy next to you and
let him help you.
      (Pausing.)
Don't matter what color he is. You
hear me?
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
I'm gonna take all the help I can
get.
                                                            
                       JESSE
We'll pray for you, boy. Now get
on so we can work . . . unless you
want to bag a few groceries for
old times' sake.
                                                            
                       TOOKIE
      (Loudly.)
I'm gone, Mr. Jesse.
      (Tookie hurries to
       the door, pauses
       and turns to
       shout back at
       David.)
See ya, White Bread!
                                                            
 
EXT. GRANDMOTHER'S FRONT PORCH - DAY
                                                            
David's parents and grandparents sit on the porch. The men
drink a highball. Grandmother is rocking, and David's
mother is doing her handwork. David walks out from the
front door.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Excited to see
       his father.)
Pop! I didn't think you'd be here
until tomorrow.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Rising to greet
       his son with a
       handshake and a
       pat on the
            (MORE)

108.

                       FATHER (cont'd)
       shoulder.)
We got done early. I was ready to
get back.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Are you going to be here for
awhile?
                                                            
                       FATHER
I think we'll stay a week or so
before we go home. About time you
started thinking about school
again. I hope you and I can do
some fishing this week.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Excited.)
That'd be great, but you might
have to ask Uncle Jesse about
that. He's got me pretty busy at
the store.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Settling back
       into his seat and
       sipping his
       drink.)
I imagine we can handle that.
                                                            
David sits down next to his mother and listens to the
chatter of his parents and grandparents as the scene fades.
                                                            
 
EXT. A SMALL POND OUT IN THE COUNTRY - DAY
                                                            
David and his father are fishing with casting rods from the
bank of a small pond. David works his way around the pond
as he casts until he's close enough to his father to talk.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Continuing to
       cast.)
Pop, I think I need some help.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Not recognizing
       David's tone
       right away.)
What's on your mind, son?
                                                            

109.

                       DAVID
You know I've been going out with
Sally Henderson. I'm sure
Grandmother told you all about
that.
                                                            
                       FATHER
She did. Sally's from a good
family, and that's impressed your
Grandmother.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Pop, Sally's pregnant.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Breaking his
       follow-through in
       the middle of a
       cast and snagging
       his line.)
Goddamn it!
      (Becoming
       excessively busy
       with his snagged
       casting reel.)
Are you telling me you've made the
girl pregnant?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Reaching over to
       calm his father's
       busy hands.)
That's what I'm telling you, Pop.
                                                            
                       FATHER
Goddamn it!
                                                            
                       DAVID
Look, we haven't told her parents,
and I want you to go over there
with me.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Recognizing a
       problem needs
       solving.)
Yes, Carroll might do something
crazy . . . or Louise for that
matter. What does Sally want to
do?
                                                            

110.

                       DAVID
She thinks her daddy can get it
fixed someplace in Memphis. That's
all she's said.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Temper flaring
       again.)
Goddamn it! We need to tell your
mother.
      (Packing up his
       fishing gear.)
Come on, let's get back to the
house. When did you and Sally
plan on telling her folks?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Sooner the better I guess.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Turning and
       walking toward
       the car parked
       near the pond.)
Goddamn it! Let's go!
                                                            
 
INT. GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE -- LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
David sits with his parents in the living room. Grandmother
is visible through the window rocking on the front porch.
David's mother is crying.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Calm now and
       rational.)
David, I'm glad you're taking
responsibility. But you need to
be clear with Mr. and Mrs.
Henderson that this is something
you and Sally did. Not just you.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What difference does that make?
It's done, isn't it?
                                                            
                       FATHER
It makes a difference. I don't
want Carroll getting some of his
boys after you.
                                                            

111.

                       DAVID
      (Resigned.)
Okay.
      (Pausing.)
I'm really sorry about this.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
First Anne, now this. I don't
know how much more we can take.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Continuing his
       business-like
       approach.)
We'll get through this Carolyn.
Don't worry. David says Sally
wants to get it taken care of.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (Sobbing even
       louder.)
We'll never be able to come back
to town again.
                                                            
                       FATHER
We'll just have to make sure that
doesn't happen. Now, David why
don't you call Sally and see if
this is a good time to come over.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Rising and
       walking toward
       the hall where
       the phone is.)
Yes, sir.
                                                            
 
INT. SALLY'S HOUSE -- IN THE LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Carroll and Louise Henderson make a gracious show of
bringing David and his family into the living room. Flora
has been sent to the kitchen for a pitcher of drinks. David
and Sally quietly move to the sofa at the center of the room
and sit down together. They are close to each other. Lou
and Carroll Henderson are defensive, given the unexpected
formal visit.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Trying to be as
       gracious as
       Carroll Henderson
       but not quite
       managing it.)
            (MORE)

112.

                       FATHER (cont'd)
Really, Carroll, this isn't
necessary. We just thought we
ought to come talk to you and Lou
about these kids.
                                                            
                       CARROLL
      (Boozy.)
I know, these kids . . .
      (Realizing his
       wife has moved
       away and turns to
       find her.)
Is something wrong?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Mr. Henderson, I asked my parents
to come with me. Sally and I have
to tell you something.
                                                            
                       LOU
      (A shriek fills
       the room, and
       Sally's mother
       has a horrified
       look on her face.)
Oh, my God! What have you two
done?
                                                            
                       SALLY
Mom, I think I'm pregnant.
                                                            
                       LOU
      (Screaming.)
You think? You think you're
pregnant?
                                                            
Carolyn and Dan sit down, and Carolyn begins to cry. Dan
Fancher sits erect and alert, ready to deal with the
situation.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Trying to avoid
       the blunt force
       trauma of her
       mother's anger.)
Yes, mother. I think I am. I
know I am.
                                                            
                       LOU
David forced you, didn't he?
      (Not waiting for
       an answer and
       turning her fire
            (MORE)

113.

                       LOU (cont'd)
       on David.)
Goddamn you! You bastard. You
forced Sally didn't you?
      (Turning to her
       husband.)
Carroll!
                                                            
                       CARROLL
      (Stunned and not
       picking up on his
       wife's cue to
       become
       aggressive.)
Yes, Lou, this is . . . shocking
news. Our Sally . . . this
doesn't happen to our little girl,
does it?
                                                            
                       LOU
      (Unable to control
       her anger and
       frustration with
       her husband.)
Yes, it does, apparently. Goddamn
you, too.
      (Turning to Sally.)
This will ruin us, if people hear
about this. Have you told anyone?
                                                            
                       SALLY
No mother, it's just us.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (To Carroll
       Henderson, using
       his business
       voice.)
Carroll, of course, we want to do
everything we can to help. David
bears responsibility here.
                                                            
                       CARROLL
Thank you, Dan. You are good
people to come over here like
this.
      (Turning to Sally
       as if to indicate
       no further
       discussion is
       necessary.)
We'll have to take care of this,
Sally. I'll make some inquiries
            (MORE)

114.

                       CARROLL (cont'd)
tomorrow.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Beginning to cry.)
Yes, Daddy.
                                                            
                       LOU
God! This is horrible.
                                                            
David puts his arm around Sally, and she buries her head in
his shoulder and continues to cry. Sally's mother sees this
and stands so that she can direct David and his parents to
the door.
                                                            
                       LOU
      (To David.)
You've done enough haven't you? I
think you'd better leave.
                                                            
Everyone rises. David and Sally walk to the door holding
hands. Sally's mother gets between them to break their hold
on each other. Carroll Henderson and Dan Fancher stay
behind the others and talk quietly as Louise Henderson opens
the front door, gestures for David to leave, and gives a
perfunctory handshake to Carolyn Fancher.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Turning as he
       steps through the
       door.)
Carroll, I'll come by the
dealership tomorrow if you like.
We can talk.
                                                            
                       LOU
That'll be fine, Dan. I'll see
you in the morning.
                                                            
 
INT. IN THE CAR WITH DAVID AND HIS PARENTS - NIGHT
                                                            
Dan Fancher is driving. David is in the back seat.
                                                            
                       FATHER
David, I thought we raised you
better than this.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Only slightly
       convincing.)
Yes, sir. I know this is going to
be really bad for Sally. I feel
            (MORE)

115.

                       DAVID (cont'd)
terrible about it.
                                                            
                       FATHER
It's probably best you don't see
her again. I don't think Lou is
going to let you come around
anyway.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What should I do?
                                                            
                       FATHER
Tomorrow you need to go to work.
I'll talk to Carroll, and we'll
see where we are after that.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Settling back
       into his seat.)
Yes, sir.
                                                            
 
INT. THE STORE - DAY
                                                            
David and Ira unload a truck into the storeroom.
                                                            
                       IRA
      (Gesturing toward
       a stack of boxes.)
David, start moving those boxes
over here.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yes, sir.
                                                            
                       IRA
I heard something about you and
Sally.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Stops working.)
Yes, sir.
                                                            
                       IRA
You know what I'm talking about?
                                                            
                       DAVID
How'd you hear that?
                                                            
                       IRA
What'd I tell you about this town?
You know Flora comes in here
every week. She told me about
            (MORE)

116.

                       IRA (cont'd)
Sally and you. She's worried
about Sally and you too, I guess.
She's worried about what Louise'll
do.
      (Anticipating
       David's question.)
But don't worry. Flora'd do
anything for Sally. She won't
tell anyone else.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm worried about Sally.
                                                            
                       IRA
You did the right thing last
night. Flora told me you were
over to the house with your
parents.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What's supposed to happen now? No
one's telling me anything. It's
like Sally and I don't exist
anymore.
                                                            
                       IRA
What'll happen is that the
Henderson's will send Sally to
Memphis for a few days, then
she'll come home and everyone will
pretend nothing happened.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What am I supposed to do?
                                                            
                       IRA
You're supposed to go back to
school and pretend this didn't
happen, and stay away from Sally.
      (Pausing.)
It's all pretty simple. Just move
on, like nothing happened.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't think it'll be that way
for Sally.
                                                            
                       IRA
      (Tossing a box at
       David to signal
       that they should
       start working.)
No, Louise Henderson will make
            (MORE)

117.

                       IRA (cont'd)
sure Sally never forgets that
she's ruined her mother's life.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRANDMOTHER'S FRONT PORCH - DAY
                                                            
It is late afternoon, and David's parents and grandparents
sit on the porch as usual. The men and Carolyn Fancher are
having a cocktail. David comes through the house from work.
                                                            
                       GRANDMOTHER
      (Pleased to see
       her grandson.)
There he is, a hard working man
home at the end of the day.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Hey, Grandmother.
                                                            
Dan Fancher drains his drink and rises when he sees David.
                                                            
                       FATHER
David, come on and drive me over
to your Aunt Frances' house. She
called and asked us to help her
with something.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Okay.
                                                            
David and his father walk back through the house.
                                                            
 
INT. THE FANCHER CAR - DAY
                                                            
David is driving his father.
                                                            
                       FATHER
We don't need to go to Frances'
house. I just wanted to get away
from your grandparents so we could
talk.
                                                            
                       DAVID
What did Sally's parents decide?
                                                            
                       FATHER
Carroll's got an old army buddy
who's a doctor in Memphis. He can
take care of Sally. Off the
record.
      (With emphasis.)
Carroll's had time now to get
            (MORE)

118.

                       FATHER (cont'd)
really mad.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't think Sally thought she
had much choice, even before we
told her parents.
                                                            
                       FATHER
She's luckier than most girls.
Like Anne. Anne's married someone
who won't take care of her, having
a baby she probably doesn't want.
      (Dan watches the
       road for a while.)
Sally and you can still have
you're lives. You're lucky.
                                                            
                       DAVID
It doesn't feel like much of a
life right now.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (In a more
       cheerful tone.)
You know, I was thinking we ought
to get you away from here. How
would you feel about spending your
senior year in Australia?
                                                            
                       DAVID
Are you serious? What would I do
in Australia?
                                                            
                       FATHER
You'd go to school, of course. I
met a fella this summer who's
sending his son, about your age,
overseas as an exchange student. I
did some checking, and I think we
could get you placed before school
starts.
                                                            
                       DAVID
When would I have to leave?
                                                            
                       FATHER
If we do this, in a couple of
weeks. Your mother and I have
talked about it, and we think it
might be a good thing for you
right now. . . . but you don't
have to do it if you don't want
            (MORE)

119.

                       FATHER (cont'd)
to. It's up to you.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Excited.)
No, that sounds cool. Could I see
Sally before I leave . . . or
before she goes to Memphis?
                                                            
                       FATHER
That'll be tough.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I want to know she'll be okay.
                                                            
                       FATHER
You better stay away.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't want to get her into any
more trouble.
                                                            
                       FATHER
You showed real maturity coming to
me. I'm proud of you for that
anyway. Not sure your mother'll
ever get over this.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE SALLY'S HOUSE BELOW HER WINDOW - NIGHT
                                                            
David throws pebbles at Sally's window. A light goes on in
the room, and Sally comes to the window. She turns away and
shortly comes out on the back porch and talks to David from
the porch while he stands on the ground.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Whispering.)
Please be quite. My parents will
kill you if she finds you here.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I wanted to see you before I
leave.
                                                            
                       SALLY
I'm going up to Memphis tomorrow.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We're driving home. Then my
parents are sending me to
Australia. I think my dad wants
me as far away from you as
            (MORE)

120.

                       DAVID (cont'd)
possible.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Leaning over to
       kiss David.)
I'll miss you.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I hope things work out for you,
Sally.
      (Reaching up to
       the porch to kiss
       her one last
       time.)
I'll send you a postcard. Maybe
Flora can get it past your mother.
                                                            
                       SALLY
I'll always love you, David.
                                                            
                       DAVID
You'll get over me.
                                                            
                       SALLY
Never you.
                                                            
 
EXT. BONDI BEACH, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DAY
                                                            
A long aerial view of Bondi Beach -- the sun is very bright,
people are surfing, "Pipeline" by the Chantays plays loudly.
David is among the surfers. His hair is much longer and
sun bleached.
                                                            
                       AUSSIE KID
      (Laughing as David
       wipes out.)
Yank, you'll never get the hang of
it. Give up, mate!
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm already better than you, and
I've only been doing this a few
months.
                                                            
                       AUSSIE KID
Not bad for a yank!
                                                            
The two surfers paddle into shore talking as they go.
                                                            

121.

                       AUSSIE KID
We're going round to see the
Easybeats tonight. Can you get
out?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Confidently.)
When have I not been able to get
out?
                                                            
                       AUSSIE KID
      (Enthusiastic.)
Too right, Mate. We'll have some
fun.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE A SYDNEY MUSIC CLUB - NIGHT
                                                            
Kids mingling outside a club lit with neon. Loud rock music
can be heard from the inside, especially when the door
opens. The crowd is a mix of mods, rockers, and surfers
like David and his buddies.
                                                            
                       AUSSIE ROCKER
      (Dressed in jeans
       and leather and
       speaking loudly
       to a few of his
       buddies and
       gesturing toward
       David and his
       friends who
       approach the
       club.)
Hey, boys, I reckon these are some
right nasty shelias.
                                                            
                       AUSSIE KID
Fuck you, greaser. This is our
fucking club anyway. Get out of
here.
                                                            
                       AUSSIE ROCKER
      (Gesturing to his
       friends to move
       on the surfers.)
You hear that boys? Let's show
these girls whose club this is.
                                                            
A brawl begins between the surfers and the rockers. Kids
spill out of the club. David takes on the rockers along
with his friends and lands good blows on the older boys.
Bouncers come out of the club to break up the fight, and the

122.

two groups run in opposite directions. As David and his
friends run down the street, "Friday on My Mind" by The
Easybeats plays until the boys are out of sight.
                                                            
 
INT. THE NEW ORLEANS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY
                                                            
Dan and Carolyn Fancher wait at the gate as David de-planes
and walks toward them. Carolyn gives her son a hug and Dan
shakes David's hand. Both parents greet David, "Welcome
home, son," etc.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Standing back to
       look at his son
       transformed into
       a longhaired
       hippie.)
We can get all that hair cut off
tomorrow.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't think so, Dad. I like my
hair.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
David, you can't go around looking
like a hippie.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Why not?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
What would our friends think of
you?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I don't care what they think.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Intervening to
       avoid a fight in
       public.)
We've got plenty of time to talk
about hair cuts. Come on, let's
get David's bag and get back to
Jackson. We've got a ride ahead
of us.
                                                            
 

123.

INT. THE FANCHER CAR - DAY
                                                            
David is driving; his father is sitting in the front seat
and his mother in the back.
                                                            
                       FATHER
You got your acceptance back from
LSU. You can start the spring
semester, in January. Have you
decided what you want to study?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I'm going to study Latin and
Greek.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Laughing.)
What on earth for? You can't do
anything with Latin and Greek. You
need to study something practical,
something you can use.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I took Latin in Australia, and I'd
like to learn Greek. They're as
good as anything else. They'll
keep me in school.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Be practical, David. If you
expect your father and I to send
you to school . . .
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Interrupting her.)
Aren't they still drafting people?
I'll sit out until they call me
up, if you'd prefer that. I'd get
some practical experience and a
haircut too.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (Sternly.)
No need to back-talk your mother.
      (Taking a long
       look at his son,
       realizing a
       different boy
       came home than
       the one he sent
       to Australia.)
We'll see.
                                                            
 

124.

EXT. LSU TIGER STADIUM - NIGHT
                                                            
LSU is playing Ole Miss. The stadium is full and loud.
David, whose hair is now longer and tied down his back in a
ponytail, is wandering the sidelines, behind the players. He
talks to one or two of them. David walks down the field
toward the Ole Miss student section.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Shouting from
       several rows up
       in the stands, a
       drink in hand and
       drunk.)
David! David Fancher! It's me!
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (RecoJumping over
       the barrier and
       into the stands.)
Sally!
      (David and Sally
       embrace in the
       stands.)
It's great to see you . . . .
Beautiful as ever.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Holding on to
       David.)
Look at you! I bet your
grandmother loves that hair.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Laughing.)
She's been pretty quiet on the
subject.
                                                            
                       FRAT BOY
      (Inserting himself
       between Sally and
       David.)
Sarah, who's your hippie friend?
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Remembering her
       manners.)
Oh, pardon me, David, this is my
friend, Arch Johnston. Arch this
is David Fancher. I've told you
about him. He's the boy who went
to Australia and broke my heart.
                                                            

125.

                       FRAT BOY
      (Reluctantly
       shaking David's
       hand.)
I'm Sarah's boyfriend.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Hugging Sally and
       keeping his arm
       around her as he
       talks to Arch.)
That must be a full time job.
                                                            
                       FRAT BOY
      (Again breaking
       Sally's and
       David's embrace.)
Come on, Sally, the game's fixing
to start.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (To Sally and
       Arch.)
Hey, after the game, why don't
y'all come down to The Spot on
Nicholson. The Sheep are playing.
. . . Remember them, Sally, from
The Junior? It'll be cool.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Realizing she has
       to manage her
       drunk boyfriend.)
We'll see. Maybe we'll see you
there.
      (Giving David one
       last hug and
       leaning in to
       whisper in his
       ear.)
You know I still love you, David,
even if you have turned into a
nasty hippie.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Kissing Sally on
       the cheek.)
We'll see you later, okay?
                                                            
 

126.

INT. THE SPOT, A COLLEGE BAR IN BATON ROUGE - NIGHT
                                                            
The Neurotic Sheep are on the stage, playing a wild,
psychedelic version of "Baby You Can Drive My Car" than we
heard in the opening scene at the Junior. David is moving
around the room talking to people. He is familiar with the
crowd and is recognized and well liked. Behind him, Sally,
Arch and a group of their friends come in. They are
overdressed for the crowd but move to a table and order
beers. Sally catches David's attention and calls him over
to the table.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Gesturing to
       everyone at the
       table.)
Everybody, this is my old friend
David Fancher.
                                                            
The boys in the group are derisive, but the girls seem to
admire David.
                                                            
                       SALLY
You've got to dance with me,
David. We haven't danced in ages.
                                                            
The band begins to play "Groovin'" by The Rascals, and David
takes Sally's hand and leads her to the dance floor. Some
of David's friends cheer and applaud the couple. A few
other couples take to the floor with them.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Are you okay? You didn't return
any of my letters. I figured
you'd given me up.
                                                            
                       SALLY
My mother got your letters. It
was just easier not to try I
guess.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Yeah. Uncle Ira told me. Said
his Momma carries his medals in
her pocketbook. Shows them
whenever she comes in the store.
      (Bringing the
       subject back to
       them.)
How did things go in Memphis?
                                                            

127.

                       SALLY
Not my proudest day, but I made it
through.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Looks like you're doing okay now,
with Arch and everything.
                                                            
                       SALLY
He's from a good family, you know.
My parents like him. We'll
probably get married.
      (Wanting to change
       the subject.)
Can I ask you something . . . why
didn't you sleep with me when you
had the chance?
                                                            
                       DAVID
I guess I wanted to do the right
thing.
                                                            
                       SALLY
      (Kissing David.)
That's why I love you.
                                                            
Arch staggers on to the dance floor to break up David and
Sally. He grabs Sally and starts pulling her off the dance
floor.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Loudly.)
Hey, man. The song'll be over in
a minute. I'll bring her back to
you in one piece.
                                                            
Arch staggers forward aggressively.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Trying to calm
       the situation.)
Hey, man, back off. We're just
dancing.
                                                            
                       FRAT BOY
      (Pushing David
       away.)
Fuck you, hippie. This dance is
over.
                                                            
Arch turns away from Sally and squares off with David and
pushes him aggressively in the chest. David pushes Arch
away and hits one solid blow in his face. The band stops

128.

playing, and the other frat boys rise to join fight. Arch
falls to the floor. Sally looks at David, surprised at his
combat skill.
                                                            
                       DAVID
I learned more than surfing in
Australia. Why don't you get him
out of here before he gets hurt.
                                                            
Sally kisses David and pulls Arch up from the floor, and
their group leaves the bar. The band starts to pay "Get
Together" by The Youngbloods. David fades into the crowd as
the scene fades out.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE BEACH AT GULF SHORES, ALABAMA - DAY
                                                            
Two families are sitting under umbrellas on the beach. David
and his attractive wife, who does not look like Sally, sit
under an umbrella. They have two young children. John
Fancher is there with his wife and family.
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Standing up from
       his lounge chair.)
John, let's walk down to the
Florabama and get a beer.
                                                            
                       DAVID'S WIFE
Don't forget your parents are
driving over this evening. We're
going out to eat, so don't be
late.
                                                            
                       DAVID
We'll be back in time. Don't
worry, dear.
                                                            
The kids continue to play, and David and John walk down the
beach toward the Florabama which is visible in the distance.
                                                            
 
INT. THE FLORABAMA BAR - DAY
                                                            
The Florabama is a legendary bar on the beach, weathered and
beat up but popular with locals and tourists. David and
John walk in, sit at the bar and order beers and steamed
shrimp. A pick-up band is playing "Sweet Home Alabama" by
Lynard Skynard. When the song ends, one of the players
walks over to the bar next to David. The musician is a much
older, rougher Buddy Gaines who is wearing a tee shirt,
cut-off jeans, and flip flops.
                                                            

129.

                       DAVID
      (To the musician.)
Can we buy you a beer, man?
                                                            
                       BUDDY
Yeah, thanks.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Aren't you Buddy Gaines? I used
to see you play at The Junior.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
      (Taking a long
       look at David
       before he speaks.)
Yeah, man. That was a long time
ago.
      (Taking another
       look at David.)
Hey, man, do I know you?
                                                            
                       DAVID
No. I was just a kid in the
audience a few times. Just a fan
from the old days.
                                                            
                       BUDDY
That was a long time ago, man.
      (Gesturing a toast
       with his beer
       bottle and
       turning to return
       to the bandstand.)
Thanks for the beer, man.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE BEACH AT GULF SHORES, ALABAMA - DAY
                                                            
David and John walk back from the Florabama with the sun
setting in front of them.
                                                            
                       DAVID
You want to know something?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Your secrets are mine, little
brother.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Everyone who knows this is dead
now except me and Sally. That guy
back at the bar was the one who
got Sally pregnant.
                                                            

130.

                       JOHN
      (Incredulous.)
You dumb son-of-a-bitch. All
these years.
                                                            
                       DAVID
Things turned out for me. I
actually owe Buddy Gaines my life.
Without him, I wouldn't have gone
to Australia or learned Latin and
Greek and gotten all the education
I've got and my teaching job or
met Debra.
                                                            
                       JOHN
No regrets?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Picking up a
       shell and
       throwing it into
       the Gulf.)
I wish Sally could have been
happy.
                                                            
David picks up a shell and skips it on the water. As David
and John walk down the beach, "Mustang Sally" by Wilson
Pickett begins to play and the credits roll.
                                                            


THE END


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From Jeff Helton Date 4/18/2008 **
David, I like the concept of the story but there is much work to do here. You are way beyond 120 pages, which is kind of the max in the industry now. I can tell you now that you could probably clip at least ten of those pages just by dumping half the action directive in your actors (parentheticals). When you start seeing yourself getting to a second line your too far. Switch them over to just general direction which would probably put you at about one line, hence chopping numerous un-needed pages.


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