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Big Trouble in Little China (Unfinished Draft)
by Anthony Stauffer (astauffer929@yahoo.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Action/Adventure   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

A revamp of the original W.D. Richter screenplay (1985), this version is more expansive on the David LoPan history, less cliche, and darker (without becoming too serious).


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.



EXT. TRUCK STOP - DAY
                                                            
The screen remains dark.
                                                            
                       LAWYER (V.O.)
State your name and occupation for
the record, please.
                                                            
                       EGG (V.O.)
Egg Shan, Tour Bus driver, San
Francisco, Chinatown.
                                                            
                       LAWYER (V.O.)
Before we begin, do you happen to
know the whereabouts of a one,
Jack Burton?
                                                            
                       EGG (V.O.)
      (annoyed)
Will you leave him alone? We are
in his debt! He showed great
courage in the events that
happened.
                                                            
It's dark and early, the LOUD RUMBLE of a truck engine is
heard starting up, and a moment later we see the INTENSE
GLARE of the passenger side headlight. The truck PULLS
AWAY...

The screen goes dark.
                                                            
                       LAWYER (V.O.)
Mr. Shan, half of a city block
explodes in green flame, and we
know he's involved. If you're
protecting him, you could be in a
great deal of trouble. Some
consider you a very dangerous
individual. If you want me to be
your attorney, I need to know the
truth.
                                                            
                       EGG (V.O.)
I told you everything the last
time we did this, why must we go
through it again?
                                                            
 
EXT. RURAL HIGHWAY - DAY
                                                            
The big rig BARRELS down the road, the headlights SHINE
WEAKLY in the HEAVY RAIN. As the truck approaches the camera

2.

we can see a logo painted on the side of the cab that says
"Pork Chop Express".

We hear the SQUEAL of pigs as the truck RUSHES past.

The screen goes black.
                                                            
                       LAWYER (V.O.)
Yes, I remember, you spoke of
magic. You're telling me that you
actually believe in magic, and
ghosts?
                                                            
                       EGG (V.O.)
For certain. Ghosts, phantoms,
beasts, sorcery... Chinese Black
Magic. It exists...
                                                            
                       LAWYER (V.O.)
And I suppose you have proof of
this? Something you can show me?
                                                            
 
INT. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
We see an older Chinese man in a comfortable seat, the court
clerk is fuzzy in the b.g. The man is Egg Shan, and his hair
is as well groomed as disheveled hair can be. He has
scraggly facial hair, mixed of dark and gray. He lifts his
hands in front of him, facing each other. Suddenly,
lightning jumps between them for a few moments and
disappears.
                                                            
                       EGG
That was nothing... which is how
it always begins...
                                                            
The screen goes dark and the title appears.

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA
                                                            
 
INT. PIG TRAILER - DAY
                                                            
The SQUEAL of the pigs is loud as we see them CROWDED AND
MILLING ABOUT in the cramped trailer.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
We see a MAN in a ball cap and sunglasses TAKING A BITE of a
hoagie with his left (and driving) hand, the CB radio mic in
his right.
                                                            

3.

                       JACK
      (argumentative)
Now, I'm not saying I've been
everywhere and I've seen
everything, but it's like I told
my first wife, I said, "Honey, I
never drive faster than can I
see."
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
The "Pork Chop Express" SPEEDS down a four-lane highway,
lightning FLASHES in the darkening evening sky. As the
camera pulls back we see the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE ahead of the
truck.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - NIGHT
                                                            
Jack takes a SWIG of his coffee, then GRABS the CB.
                                                            
                       JACK
Now, you just listen to the ol'
Pork Chop Express and take his
advice on a dark and stormy night,
when the lightnin's flashin' and
the rain's comin' down in sheets
thick as lead. When some
eight-foot ogre grabs you by the
scruff of your neck and taps that
melon of yours against the barroom
wall an' asks you if you paid your
dues. You look that son of a bitch
right in his squirrely eye and
tell him what old Jack Burton
always says... "Have you paid your
dues, Jack?" "Yes sir, the check
is in the mail..."
                                                            
Jack SLAMS down the CB mic with authority, as though there
were a crowd of people there to see it.
                                                            
 
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO CHINATOWN MEAT MARKET - NIGHT
                                                            
MONTAGE

1) Jack's "Pork Chop Express" SLOWLY makes it's way through
a poorly lit and crowded alley way of the meat market. You
can hear the BLARING of the truck's horn as the residents of
Chinatown MEANDER past his truck.


4.

2) We see Jack JUMP down from his truck as several people
RUSH to the trailer and start REMOVING the pigs.

3) Jack stands with a few of the residents at a food stand,
we see him TALKING, very animated, to the food stand owner.

4) Jack is now SEATED at a small table with several towns
people. Each of them has a handful of cash and they are
YELLING back and forth as their games of gambling get
exciting and heated.
                                                            
 
EXT. MEAT MARKET - DAY
                                                            
It's now dawn, several beer bottles sit on the table, and we
see Jack LAUGH OUT LOUD as the only two towns people left
GRIMACE at losing again. One of them stands and we can see
him MUTTER something in chinese.
                                                            
                       JACK
Haha! Easy come, easy go, eh Wang?
Aw, c'mon, where's he going? The
man still has a hundred bucks in
his hand! What did he say?
                                                            
                       WANG
      (disgusted)
It doesn't translate, but
something about "beginner's luck".
                                                            
                       JACK
      (sarcastic)
Beginner's luck, the man says? Oh,
I'm sure next time I get on over
this way you'll all gang up on ol'
Jack Burton an' leave him
penniless. You sure he doesn't
wanna play one more, it's a brand
new day? I bet I'd a lost my shirt
in the next twenty minutes...
                                                            
Jack GATHERS all of his winnings and very distinctly taps it
on the table for bragging rights.
                                                            
                       JACK
Well, Wang, this has been fun...
                                                            
                       WANG
      (smiling)
One more, nothin' or double...
                                                            

5.

                       JACK
Wang, there's nobody left and
you're broke. Maybe next time...
                                                            
With a SUDDEN change of expression, Wang SLAMS the produce
knife he has in his hand into the edge of the table.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (assertive)
No, now...
                                                            
Jack SIGHS and leans back in his chair.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (irritated)
Ah, shit, Wang. Is this gonna get
ugly, now? Because I thought what
this was, racial differences
aside, was just a couple of old
friends getting together to have a
good time.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (smiling wryly)
Nothin' or double, Jack. This
knife goes through this bottle.
                                                            
                       JACK
Bullshit.
                                                            
Jack LEANS forward with a questioning expression.
                                                            
                       JACK
I have damn near a thousand
dollars here Wang, are you
sure?...
                                                            
                       WANG
One thousand one hundred and forty
eight, to be exact. C'mon, Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
Why, man? This is stupid...
                                                            
                       WANG
I need the money.
                                                            
Jack picks up his bottle of beer and DOWNS the rest of it in
one big gulp.
                                                            
                       JACK
Alright Wang, but not that
bottle... this bottle...
                                                            

6.

Jack LEANS forward again and SLAMS the bottle on the table
in front of Wang.
                                                            
                       WANG
Ok, Jack...
                                                            
With a smile, Wang places the bottle on it's side in front
of him and lines up his aim with the butcher knife.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (excited)
You are one crazy son of a bitch,
Wang, but God bless ya!
                                                            
Jack places the money on the table in front of him and leans
back in his chair. Wang lines up the produce knife to cut
the bottle and his smile disappears.

With a FLASH the knife comes down and contacts the bottle.
But the bottle doesn't slice, instead, it FLIES across the
table right at Jack.

Without even thnking about it, Jack's right hand POPS up
next to his face and snares the bottle in mid-flight. The
expression on his face is one of arrogant surprise.

He leans forward and places the bottle firmly on the table.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (arrogant)
It's all in the reflexes...
                                                            
He STANDS up and puts his hat and sunglasses on. He picks
the money up from the table.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (surpised)
It always works at home...
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, well, have me over for
dinner some time and show me.
Until then, you owe me one
thousand one hundred and forty
eight dollars, times two.
                                                            
                       WANG
I don't have that kind of money,
Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
I know I didn't hear that, Wang.
                                                            

7.

                       WANG
But I'm just a poor Chinese...
                                                            
                       JACK
That owns a restaurant that makes
a shitload of money. More than
I'll ever see...
                                                            
                       WANG
      (ashamed)
Right. What I meant was, I don't
have that kind of money on me.
                                                            
                       JACK
Thought so. Where's your truck
parked?
                                                            
                       WANG
What... now?
                                                            
Wang gets up and follows Jack through the muddy alley
towards Jack's truck and a van next to it with the same logo
found on the back of Wang's jacket, "The Dragon of the Black
Pool Restaurant". As they approach the van Wang slows his
pace.
                                                            
                       WANG
Wait, Jack. I have to go somewhere
first.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (sarcastic)
Yeah, where?
                                                            
                       WANG
      (cautious)
Look, why don't you meet me back
here at the restaurant in a few
hours. We'll settle up then.
                                                            
                       JACK
I can think of a million reasons
why I won't do that, Wang. Where
do you gotta go?
                                                            
                       WANG
The airport.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (disbelieving)
Make that a million reasons and
one. I'll follow you.
                                                            

8.

                       WANG
You don't trust me, Jack? That
hurts. Reminds me of an old
Chinese joke...
                                                            
                       JACK
Later, Wang, I'll give you a lift.
Get in the truck.
                                                            
                       WANG
You were gonna follow me, Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, then I came to my senses.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
Sunshine streams into the cab of the Peterbilt, Wang is
sitting in the passenger seat, his nervousness clear on his
face.
                                                            
                       JACK
So, who're we pickin' up?
                                                            
                       WANG
A girl.
                                                            
                       JACK
A girl? Where from, L.A.?
Dangerous, they are.
                                                            
                       WANG
No, from Peking.
                                                            
                       JACK
Peking... China? Never had me one
of them. Been with women from
everywhere else, but never China.
Is she pretty?
                                                            
                       WANG
      (very nervous)
She's beautiful, Jack. This is a
big day in my life, my friend.
Should of went home and caught
some z's...
                                                            
Wang REACHES into his wallet and pulls out a photograph and
hands it to Jack. In the photograph is a beautiful Chinese
woman with green eyes and dark hair.
                                                            

9.

                       WANG
I'm gonna marry her, Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
No shit, you're kidding?
                                                            
                       WANG
We've known each other since we
were fifteen. We fell in love and
dreamed of coming to America. I
haven't seen her in five years. I
came over here and worked my
fingers to the bone, Jack, barely
an ounce of sleep for a long time.
I saved up and I now have the
restaurant and the means to bring
her here. She's gonna put my life
in order.
                                                            
Jack shoots him a look of doubt.
                                                            
                       JACK
Well, you look nervous, pal.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (enlightened)
That's why the bottle didn't
slice, my mind and my spirit are
goin' north and south. I wasn't
focused.
                                                            
                       JACK
Right... whatever.
                                                            
 
INT. SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY
                                                            
Jack and Wang are walking with purpose towards the
Arrival/Departure screen at the International Terminal.
Wang's eyes are busy scanning the listed flights, Jack is
busy looking around the at the large crowd of people waiting
for the passengers from all the incoming flights.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (relieved)
Great, her flight is on time. Just
like her.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (distracted)
Fantastic.
                                                            

10.

In his perusal of the crowd, Jack has spotted an American
woman, dressed casually, yet strikingly sexy. She appears to
be waiting anxiously for somebody, carrying what appears to
be photographs in her hand.
                                                            
                       WANG
She has green eyes.
                                                            
                       JACK
How can you tell from here?
                                                            
Wang looks over at Jack, and notices his gaze on the
American woman in the crowd. He cracks a smile.
                                                            
                       WANG
Not her, Jack, she's trouble. Miao
Yin, she has gorgeous green eyes
like creamy jade.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (still distracted)
Miao Yin? Who is that?
                                                            
Wang just shakes his head at his friend.

Jack, meanwhile, loses the American girl in the crowd and
starts to pull away from Wang.
                                                            
 
INT. TERMINAL - DAY
                                                            
We are focused on the American woman that Jack had been
watching from across the terminal. She is concentrating
intently on the passenger exits, a photograph in her hand is
of a Chinese girl younger than Miao Yin in the photograph
Wang showed to him.

Suddenly, Jack appears at her side.
                                                            
                       JACK
Can I ask you a serious question?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Not a chance.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (undeterred)
Then let's move past the talk and
into something more fun.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
I never take advances from men in
your condition.
                                                            

11.

                       JACK
And just what is my condition?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
      (disgusted)
You should try standing downwind,
it's "Miller Time".
                                                            
                       JACK
Look, I...
                                                            
Just then, three SHADY CHINESE MEN push past them very
rudely. They are dressed like they belong to a gang, all are
wearing sunglasses. First sight provides the names MUSCLES,
SHORTY, and STRETCH in Jack's mind.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (annoyed)
Hey...
                                                            
The woman quickly grabs his arm as he starts after the gang
members.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
      (frightened)
Wait... Don't do anything. They
are members of the Lords of Death
street gang, hired thugs. The
scourge of Chinatown. What are
they doing here?
                                                            
Her eyes quickly return to the passenger exits, the anxiety
and fear very apparent in her expression.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (irritated)
Nobody pushes me around...
                                                            
Jack makes his way over to the three thugs, MUSCLES is
standing in front, the obvious leader of the crew. Jack
looks down at him, a houghty expression on his face.
                                                            
                       JACK
Let's me an' you have a little
chat, friend...
                                                            
MUSCLES cracks a smile and angles his eyes down, indicating
for Jack to do the same. As Jack looks down, he sees a
butterfly knife open and poised to strike at his crotch.
Then Jack feels something cool against the skin of his
throat, and he realizes that there is now a Beretta 9mm
aimed at his Adam's Apple.

12.


A look of fear and confusion comes across his face.
                                                            
                       MUSCLES
      (threatening;
       broken english)
Perhaps you should step back,
friend, before you get hurt.
                                                            
                       JACK
Ok, ok...
                                                            
As Jack takes a small step away from MUSCLES, they suddenly,
all three of them, begin to walk quickly towards the
passenger exits.
                                                            
MUSCLES, SHORTY, and STRETCH are walking quickly towards the
camera.
                                                            
The woman that Jack was interested in opens her eyes wide
and raises her arm to wave.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Tara!
                                                            
We see the young girl from the woman's photographs emerging
from one of the exits. She waves and smiles.
                                                            
Wang smiles real big and cups his hands around his mouth.
                                                            
                       WANG
Miao Yin!
                                                            
Miao Yin looks up from the exit and smiles back at Wang.
                                                            
Jack sees all this happen and a look of grave concern comes
upon him. He slowly follows the Lords of Death.
                                                            
MUSCLES smiles and points so the other two know which way to
head.
                                                            
The woman is able to make her way through the crowd and
quickly makes contact with Tara.
                                                            
Wang is stuck behind some people and can't make his way to
Miao Yin.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (desparate)
Miao Yin!
                                                            
Jack now begins to walk faster after the gang members.
                                                            

13.

Miao Yin continues to move forward and suddenly stops. She
looks to her left and becomes scared. Within a moment the
gang members pass her and she is gone.
                                                            
Wang's eyes widen in shock, and his eyes dart through the
crowd to see if he can find their path.
                                                            
                       WANG
Jack! This way!
                                                            
Wang begins to head towards the terminal exit as quickly as
possible without alerting security, and Jack follows.
                                                            
 
INT. PARKING GARAGE - DAY
                                                            
Jack and Wang BURST through the door and into the parking
garage. They sprint into the access road and stop, LOOKING
around in desperation. Jack spots the woman and the young
Chinese girl she picked up getting into a sedan. The woman
looks up at Jack, wide-eyed.
                                                            
                       JACK
Which way?!
                                                            
The woman points away from them with a grunt.
                                                            
                       JACK
Wang, let's go!
                                                            
Jack and Wang take off at a SPRINT. Out of nowhere they hear
the LOUD ROAR of a car engine starting and tires squealing.

They glance around quickly.

A jet black '69 Chevy Camaro RIPS into the access and heads
straight for Jack and Wang.

Jack and Wang are SUDDENLY AWARE of the Camaro and are
frozen in place for an instant.

The Camaro gets closer...

At the last moment Jack TACKLES Wang out of the way of the
oncoming car.

The Camaro SPEEDS away.
                                                            
 

14.

INT. CAMARO TRUNK - DAY
                                                            
In the near darkness we see Miao Yin scrunched into the
trunk, mouth gagged and hands and feet bound. She blinks and
we get another look at her GREEN EYES.
                                                            
 
INT. PARKING GARAGE - DAY
                                                            
Jack and Wang get up from the road quickly, Jack has a
pissed off expression.
                                                            
                       JACK
Son of a bitch must pay!
                                                            
They head towards Jack's truck at a full sprint. Jack turns
to the woman...
                                                            
                       JACK
Call the cops, now!
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
                       JACK
      (angry)
Alright, Wang, what the hell is
going on? That woman said
something about Lords of Death.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (furious)
I don't know, Jack. You tell me.
Why is it that a person can't go
out in public without the fear of
something terrible happening?
                                                            
                       JACK
C'mon Wang, focus. Lords of
Death... who are they?
                                                            
                       WANG
Lords of Death, street punks of
Chinatown.
                                                            
                       JACK
What do they want with your girl?
                                                            
Wang shakes his head back and forth, dejected.
                                                            
                       WANG
I don't know, Jack. But I have to
find her.
                                                            

15.

                       JACK
That woman from the airport seemed
to know somethin' about what was
goin' on. I don't think your girl
was the original target.
                                                            
Wang just shakes his head some more.
                                                            
 
EXT. FREEWAY - DAY
                                                            
We see the "Pork Chop Express" SPEEDING down the highway.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
                       JACK
Ok, where do we need to go?
                                                            
                       WANG
I can't ask you to do this with
me, Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
You don't have to. Where?
                                                            
                       WANG
      (smiling)
Thank you, my friend. We have to
go to Chinatown.
                                                            
 
INT. CHINATOWN TOUR BUS - DAY
                                                            
The bus is full of American tourists snapping photos and
speaking softly among themselves.

The driver, an old China man with a scruffy beard, has a
smile on his face.
                                                            
                       EGG
      (heavily accented)
From Peking and Canton, from all
over China the men came flooding
into California over the rumor of
Gum Shan... America, and it's
Mountain of Gold. Their gold-rush
fever was as intense as any in
America, and they left their wives
and families behind...
                                                            
The LOUD SOUND of car hurries past the bus outside...
                                                            

16.

                       EGG
... and they worked long hours and
days for many years, building the
railroads and helping in the
mines. They saved their pennies
and eventually brought their
families to America and built this
beautiful Chinatown you see
outside your window this fine day.
                                                            
We hear the LOUD BLARE of an air horn, and Egg Shan's eyes
open wide and his jaw drops.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHINATOWN STREET - DAY
                                                            
Jack's truck RACES up the small street, heading straight for
Egg's tour bus. We hear the air horn BLARE again.
                                                            
 
INT. TOUR BUS - DAY
                                                            
Egg Shan begins to panic and YANKS the steering wheel to
the right to avoid Jack's truck. He is YELLING in Chinese as
he does so.

The American passengers begin to SCREAM AND SHOUT in panic
as the tour bus LURCHES to a stop on the sidewalk.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
                       JACK
Get out of the way, people! Which
way, Wang?
                                                            
                       WANG
      (pointing)
They went left up ahead...
                                                            
Jack squints and strains to see where Wang is pointing.
                                                            
                       JACK
There's nowhere to turn... What
are you lookin' at?
                                                            
                       WANG
      (hurried)
Lords of Death down that alley!
Turn left, now!
                                                            
 

17.

EXT. CHINATOWN - DAY
                                                            
We see the "Pork Chop Express" SHUTTER as it slows and
FISHTAIL to the right as Jack attempts to negotiate the hard
turn. The truck then proceeds SLOWLY into the alley's
entrance, barely fitting through.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHINATOWN ALLEY - DAY
                                                            
The "Pork Chop Express" makes it's way slowly through the
alley. The passenger side mirror comes into contact with a
business sign, causing it to swing back and forth after the
truck passes. Balconies are so close, Jack and Wang could
crawl out their windows and right onto one of them.
                                                            
                       WANG (O.S.)
This is the real Chinatown, Jack.
We need to watch our asses...
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
The camera is looking out Jack's window, with Wang in the
foreground and Jack in the background. They are proceeding
slowly, when they pass an old Chinese woman on her balcony
butchering a duck.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
Close-up on Jack. When he see the woman he smiles and nods.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (cordially)
Hello... Good afternoon.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
Once again we are looking at the old woman through Jack's
window. And as Jack speaks she quietly puts the butcher
knife down on the cutting board, does an about face, and
calmly walks through the balcony door, shutting it behind
her.
                                                            
Jack looks back at Wang with an incredulous look and let's
out a very sarcastic sigh.
                                                            
 

18.

EXT. CHINATOWN SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
The "Pork Chop Express" PULLS INTO a small, misshapen plaza
and STOPS. The SLOW POUNDING of a drum can be heard
off-screen.

REVERSE ANGLE - We see a FUNERAL PROCESSION enter the plaza
from the other side. There are eight men holding a casket,
they are dresed in black with yellow sashes and turbins.
Behind the cask marches another holding a painting in homage
of the dead and about ten others behind that, one of them
being the drummer. They are all dressed as those carrying
the casket.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
Jack reaches down and pulls out a knife that was hidden in
his boot and looks over at Wang.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (nervous)
What the hell is going on, Wang?
Who are these guys?
                                                            
                       WANG
      (relieved)
It's ok, Jack. They're Xiang
Sings, good guys. It's a funeral.
He must of been one of their
preists.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHINATOWN SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
The procession participants continue their SLOW MARCH
through the plaza without even taking notice of the large
truck taking up a third of it.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
Jack's expression SUDDENLY turns to one of GRAVE CONCERN.

ANGLE ON - Jack's side mirror, where we can see a STOCKY,
LONG-HAIRED CHINESE man with a well-grown fu-manchu. He is
dressed in black as well, but his sash is RED, and in his
hands he carries two large butcher knives. On his face is an
expression of PURE HATRED.

ANGLE ON - Jack and Wang.
                                                            

19.

                       JACK
      (fearful)
These Wing Dings...
                                                            
                       WANG
Xiang Sings...
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, they have enemies?
                                                            
                       WANG
The Wing Kong.
                                                            
                       JACK
Who wear red turbins...
                                                            
Wang TURNS to look at Jack and sees the reflection in his
mirror. He JERKS his head to look into his own mirror.
                                                            
                       WANG
Oh shit... Jack, don't move a
muscle.
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Looking down from Jack's window we see several of
the Wing Kong warriors pass by the truck. They are carrying
ALL TYPES OF WEAPONS, from knives and swords to pistols and
other automatic weapons. Some of them LOOK UP at Jack as
they walk by, not even really acknowledging his presence.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHINATOWN SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
We see the Xiang Sings STOP, their expressions changing from
solemn to angry. They appear to be FROZEN.

We see the Wing Kong SLOWLY GATHER at the front of Jack's
truck. When they are all gathered, they also seem to FREEZE.

We see CLOSE-UPS of the Xiang Sings as the camera PANS along
their line.

We see CLOSE-UPS of the Wing Kong as the camera PANS aling
their line.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
                       JACK
      (nervous)
What the hell is goin' on here,
Wang?
                                                            

20.

                       WANG
      (cautious)
Chinese stand-off. Don't make a
sound...
                                                            
 
EXT. SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
The Xiang Sings and the Wing Kong remain SILENT AND FROZEN.
The plaza is totally quiet, a light breeze blows a piece of
newspaper aross our field of vision.

The Wing Kong warriors are poised and ready.

The Xiang Sings stand waiting.

At the head of the Wing Kong stands a HEAVY-SET AND BALD
WARRIOR with two six shooters holstered in his belt and
straps of extra bullets criss-crossing his chest. His hands
are at the ready to quick draw his guns. Next to him is the
Wing Kong leader, a TALLER AND THINNER WARRIOR holding a
large knife in his upraised hand.
                                                            
CLOSE-UP on the Wing Kong leader, he suddenly lets out a
LOUD YELL. At that moment, GUNFIRE ERUPTS throughout the
plaza from both gangs.

REVERSE ANGLE - The casket-bearers BOLT away from the
casket, taking the casket rods with them and letting the
casket FALL to the ground. There it quickly becomes riddled
with bullet holes.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
Jack and Wang QUICKLY DUCK under the dash of the truck as
the gunfire begins.
                                                            
                       JACK
Holy shit!
                                                            
                       WANG
Son of a bitch!
                                                            
Jack can hear bullets RICOCHETING off of his truck.
                                                            
                       JACK
My truck!... Damn it!
                                                            
Within moments the GUNFIRE ENDS, and the silence is
deafening. Jack and Wang SLOWLY SIT UP and peer out of the
windshield.
                                                            
 

21.

EXT. SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
We see several bodies from both sides laying in the street.
Lower ranking warriors from both sides enter the plaza from
their hiding spots and QUICKLY REMOVE THE BODIES and the
DESTROYED CASKET.

Looking towards the Xiang Sings, we see the casket-bearers
JUMP OUT from their hiding spots, deftly extending their
casket rods into staffs. The rest of them follow suit, ready
for hand to hand combat.

Looking towards the Wing Kong, we see them THROW THEIR
EXPENDED GUNS to the ground and WHIP OUT knives and chains.
The leader then lets out another LOUD YELL, signalling the
charge.

SERIES OF SHOTS - The two gangs FIGHT EVENLY for some time,
when the Xiang Sings appear to take the upper hand.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
Jack and Wang look to each other, then back to the battle.
They both have looks of concern on their faces.
                                                            
 
EXT. SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
The FIGHTING CONTINUES in earnest, the Xiang Sings remain
with the upper hand.

Suddenly, a LOUD CLAP OF THUNDER rings out, and the FIGHTING
HALTS. As the members of both gangs turn towards the source
of the thunder, a HUGE GUST OF WIND blows them nearly to the
ground.

REVERSE ANGLE - We see two men, ONE HALF CROUCHED, hands
clasped together in front of him, the OTHER STANDING TALL
with his arms out-stretched. A THIRD FLOATS DOWN on a bolt
of thin lightning. All three are dressed in ornate robes;
black, white, and blue, respectively. And they are all
wearing weaved hats which curve low enough to cover their
faces.
                                                            
                       LOPAN (V.O.)
      (echoing;Chinese)
Duanbingxiangjie
(subtitle)
Hand to hand.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Three Wing Kong warriors QUICK DRAW guns and
begin shooting at the new arrivals.

22.


REVERSE ANGLE - The three new arrivals STRAIGHTEN UP SLOWLY
and STAND next to each other, none of them taking a bullet.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
The expressions of Jack and Wang quickly turn to confusion.

Wang fidgets nervously in his seat.
                                                            
                       WANG
Oh, God, no... What the?...
                                                            
 
EXT. SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
The GUNFIRE STOPS, and the three new arrivals are still
standing, UNHARMED. They do a military-style LEFT FACE, and
their hands come to rest at their belts. In an instant, and
in unison, they each THROW A KNIFE targeted at one of the
gunmen.

REVERSE ANGLE - Each gunmen FALLS IN A HEAP, a knife
protruding from their chests. The remaining warriors back
away to either side of Jack's truck.
                                                            
CLOSE-UP - The THUNDER WARRIOR performs a RIGHT FACE, he
claps his hands together, causing a small peal of thunder,
and produces a pair of MANDARIN COIN BLADES.

CLOSE-UP - The WIND WARRIOR performs a RIGHT FACE, he spins
to the right, producing a slight breeze, and assumes a TIGER
STANCE with a pair of TIGERHEAD HOOKS.

CLOSE-UP - The LIGHTNING WARRIOR performs a RIGHT FACE, he
raises his arms to the sky, and through two lightning
strikes produces a set of WIND AND FIRE WHEELS.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
Jack has never seen anything like this in his life, and for
the first time ever he is SPEECHLESS. He looks at Wang, then
back to the plaza, then back at Wang. Still holding his
knife he is looking for something to say.

REVERSE ANGLE - Wang begins shaking his head no...
                                                            
                       WANG
      (panicked)
No questions, just drive! Go!...
Go!
                                                            

23.

Jack stuffs his knife back into his boot and puts his truck
into gear. As he gets the truck moving he lets out a yell,
as if to intimidate these new enemies.
                                                            
 
EXT. SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
ANGLE ON - The passenger side of the "Pork Chop Express" as
it pulls forward toward the STORM WARRIORS.

ANGLE ON - Above and from behind the truck we see the STORM
WARRIORS begin to walk towards the truck. THUNDER moves
quickly to the right to avoid the truck. Then WIND moves
quickly to the left to avoid the truck. Finally, LIGHTNING
flies over the truck to avoid being struck.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
As LIGHTNING flies over the truck Jack and Wang lean forward
to watch him. Wang suddenly looks to the front of the truck,
his eyes widen...
                                                            
                       WANG
Jack, look out!
                                                            
Jack looks and grunts and gives the truck more gas.
                                                            
 
EXT. SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
The camera is focused on a TALL, WHITE SKINNED CHINESE MAN
in very ornate, multi-colored robes and headpiece. The
irises of his eyes are nearly black. He has a SMILE on his
face and raises his hand, GESTURING for Jack to keep coming
at him.

ANGLE ON - Overhead view as Jack's truck appears to HIT THE
MAN standing before his truck. But the man is like a GHOST,
and we can see his STILL STANDING form pass through the
engine compartment.
                                                            
 
INT. CAB - DAY
                                                            
Looking down towards the gear shift, we see the GHOSTLY FORM
appear within the Peterbilt's cab. The form looks up and
right at Jack.

ANGLE ON - Jack looks up at Wang, his expression one of
disbelief and utter fear. After a moment Jack slams on the
brakes and puts the truck in Park.
                                                            
 

24.

EXT. SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
Jack hops down from the truck and looks towards the rear.

REVERSE ANGLE - The GHOSTLIKE CHINA MAN walks out from
behind the truck towards Jack. He STOPS CALMLY and his EYES
WIDEN dangerously. As he OPENS HIS MOUTH, an INTENSELY
BRIGHT LIGHT bursts from it.
                                                            
                       WANG (O.S.)
Don't look at him, Jack!
                                                            
Jack is TOO LATE, and he suddenly FALTERS and nearly falls
into the open truck door.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (frightened)
Too late... I can't see, Wang!
                                                            
Wang appears next to Jack and GRABS his arm, they QUICKLY
SPRINT off screen.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHINATOWN ALLEY - DAY
                                                            
Jack and Wang are STILL RUNNING, Wang continues to lead him.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (fearful)
I'm blind...
                                                            
                       WANG
It's only temporary... here, lean
over!
                                                            
Wang has Jack BEND OVER a puddle in the street and begins
SPLASHING water into his face.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (rubbing his eyes)
Yeah... yeah, ok... I can see,
now.
                                                            
                       WANG
C'mon, Jack, we gotta get out of
here!
                                                            
They RUN OFF down the street.
                                                            
 

25.

EXT. CHINATOWN ALLEY #2 - DAY
                                                            
Jack and Wang SUDDENLY STOP, before them stand MUSCLES,
SHORTY, AND STRETCH leaning on the black Camaro. All three
CRACK A SMILE.
                                                            
                       MUSCLES
Hey... Wang Chi...
                                                            
                       JACK
Shit, Wang, they know your name...
                                                            
                       WANG
Let's get the hell outta here...
                                                            
They RUN off screen to the right.
                                                            
 
EXT. SMALL PLAZA - DAY
                                                            
We hear the CLAMOR OF FIGHTING and see the THREE STORM
WARRIORS decimating members of both gangs. Jack and Wang
STOP SHORT of the fighting and look around DESPERATELY.
                                                            
                       WANG
Jack, this way!
                                                            
                       JACK
      (turning and
       pointing)
My truck!
                                                            
                       WANG
Forget it, we need to go!
                                                            
We see them run off screen to the right and DASH through a
window into a decrepit, red brick building.
                                                            
 
INT. BRICK BUILDING BASEMENT - DAY
                                                            
Finally able to TAKE A BREAK, they take put their hands on
their hips and STARE AT EACH OTHER.
                                                            
                       JACK
Alright, Wang, what the hell is
going on here? Who wiped out all
those yellow turbans up there? Who
are those guys, huh? I mean, those
guys were winning...
                                                            

26.

                       WANG
I'm not sure, but Lords of Death
are controlled by the Wing Kong,
Jack. The Lords of Death are
nothing more than errand boys for
the Wing Kong.
                                                            
Suddenly, a HAND CLAPS OVER Jack's mouth. He STIFFENS in
surprise raises a fist as if to strike.

The hand belongs to one of the XIANG SING WARRIORS, and he
uncovers Jack's mouth when he RELAXES.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (nodding to the
       warrior)
Maybe he knows...
                                                            
Wang NODS in agreement and turns to the warrior. Speaking in
Chinese, he questions the warrior. The man's expression
turns to one of CONCERN. And he replies in Chinese to Wang.
Wang shakes his head to the response.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (turning to Jack)
He says they are the three Storms,
spirit warriors of LoPan.
Lightning, Wind, and Thunder they
are called. And they cannot be
defeated.
                                                            
                       JACK
Fantastic! What about that other
guy? The one I ran straight
over... through.
                                                            
                       WANG
Go...
                                                            
The RAPID SHUFFLE of feet is heard outside the window they
came through. They look at each other in alarm and HURRY OFF
into short tunnels that LEAD TO THE NEXT BUILDING. In the
process Jack removes his coat, revealing a picture of a
Chinese warrior and a rising sun.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHINATOWN ALLEY #3 - DAY
                                                            
Jack and Wang appear, WALKING HURRIEDLY.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (looking around)
Looks like we're safe...
                                                            

27.

                       JACK
      (pissed off)
Alright, where's my truck, Wang?
I'm outta here. And my money, too.
                                                            
                       WANG
Forget about your truck, Jack. You
don't wanna go back there. You'll
have to go through the Wing Kong
to get it. It's insured, right?
                                                            
                       JACK
Of course it is. But that's not
the point.
                                                            
                       WANG
The smart man comes back for it
later...
                                                            
                       JACK
The smart man calls the cops!
                                                            
                       WANG
Cops have better things to do than
get killed.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (pointing to
       himself)
Oh yeah?! So do I!
                                                            
 
EXT. CHINATOWN MAIN STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
The rain is coming down in buckets, lightning flashes and
thunder rolls. We see an ornately designed wooden sign lit
from the bottom. Carved in deep relief is a red dragon
wrapping around from the top, the right side, and to the
bottom, where there is a black pool of water. Written in the
usual Chinese restaurant-style script is "The Dragon of the
Black Pool Cantonese Cuisine".
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
We see Wang Chi sitting at a table eating, a look of mild
shame on his face at the unavoidable listening of Jack's
phone conversation.
                                                            
                       JACK (O.S.)
      (irritated)
C'mon lady, Mutual Fidelity
Insurers of Sacramento... there's
gotta be a listing, honey, I
            (MORE)

28.

                       JACK (cont'd)
pay'em ten g's a year in premiums.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack is standing by a window looking out on
the back alley. He is dressed in an ornate, light blue
Chinese robe, and he is plainly getting upset at the woman
on the other end of the phone.
                                                            
                       JACK
City? Well, I would imagine
Sacramento...
                                                            
ANGLE ON - An older Chinese man with short white hair and a
clean-shaven face. He is wearing a button-up shirt and an
apron.
                                                            
                       UNCLE CHU
China is here, Mr. Burton. We
Chinese not only brought our
families over long ago, but China
also.
                                                            
Uncle Chu WALKS SLOWLY over to where a cutting board sits on
a counter and begins cutting vegetables. In the b.g. we can
hear Jack continue his conversation on the phone, and it
sounds as though he has finally connected with his insurance
company.
                                                            
                       UNCLE CHU
The Xiang Sing and Wing Kong have
been fighting for centuries, in
China and here.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (ear pulled away
       from the phone)
What the hell does that mean, huh,
"China is here"? Makes no sense to
me... All I know is, this LoPan
character appears out of thin air
in the middle of a god damn alley,
with his buddies zippin' around on
wires and cuttin' everybody to
shreds, and he just stands
there...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Uncle Chu looks quickly in the direction of
Wang with a look of grave concern on his face.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (still away from
       the phone;
       getting louder)
... with a smile on his face,
            (MORE)

29.

                       JACK (cont'd)
waiting for me to drive my truck
straight through him! Not to
mention the light comin' out of
his mouth!
                                                            
Jack returns to his phone conversation and Uncle Chu begins
to walk around to the empty seat next to Wang.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (pleading)
Jack, please...
                                                            
A bright flash of lightning and a loud peal of thunder
startles him to silence.
                                                            
                       UNCLE CHU
      (concerned)
When did this happen?
                                                            
                       WANG
It didn't, Uncle, not like he
said...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack pulls away from the phone again.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, it did, Uncle Chu... three
hours ago. Tall guy, strange
clothes, there one second and gone
the next.
(retuning to the phone)
Listen, is this just a 24 hour
hotline, or is there an agent I
can speak to?
                                                            
Uncle Chu leans forward to get closer to Wang.
                                                            
                       UNCLE CHU
LoPan actually appeared in public?
Even I have never heard about him
doing such a thing...
                                                            
                       JACK (O.S.)
No, I don't have my policy number,
it's in the glove compartment...
                                                            
                       UNCLE CHU
Why didn't you tell me, nephew?
                                                            

30.

                       JACK (O.S.)
Do you think if I had a computer
or a cell phone I'd be talkin' to
ya from a land line?
                                                            
                       WANG
I didn't want to alarm you, Uncle?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack is becoming visibly agitated as his
conversation progresses.
                                                            
                       JACK
Ok, I'm gonna tell you about an
incident and I don't wanna hear
"Act of God", alright?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - We see a younger Chinese man, tall and
well-groomed in neat dark blue suit. He picks up some
napkins from a shelf and continues into the kitchen towards
the table.
                                                            
                       WANG
Eddie, I'd like you to meet my old
friend Jack. Eddie is our new
maitre de here at the Black Pool.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
      (bowing slightly
       towards Uncle Chu)
And much more than that. Good
evening, Mr. Wong.
                                                            
The camera focuses on Eddie Lee, his expression a KIND SMILE
as he turns towards Jack and shakes his hand.

We follow Eddie as he walks over to a table and picks up a
tea cup, Jack's conversation can still be overheard.
                                                            
                       JACK (O.S.)
Yeah, just look under Burton.
B-U-R-T-O-N, ok?
                                                            
                       EDDIE
Jack Burton?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack, distracted from his phone call yet
again, looks over towards Eddie.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (distracted)
Yeah... what? Oh...
                                                            

31.

Jack waves his arm dismissively and returns to his phone
call.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, are you an actual agent?
This is urgent, ok...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Eddie's expression turns from a SMILE to one
of MILD INCREDULITY.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
Wow, so, this is the man you're
always telling me about.
                                                            
Eddie points towards Jack, another bright flash of lightning
and loud clap of thunder comes from outside.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
Then that was your abandoned
truck, huh?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack looks quickly to Eddie, eyebrows
raised.
                                                            
                       JACK
Abandoned, my ass.
(into the phone)
Hello... hello!
                                                            
Jack slams down the telephone receiver and leans against the
wall.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (angry)
Ah shit... son of a bitch.
                                                            
ANGLE ON - The table where Eddie joins Wang and Uncle Chu.
He seats himself closest to Jack and turns in his direction.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
I have bad news, Jack. The Lords
of Death stole your truck.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack takes a step towards the table,
disbelief in his expression.
                                                            
                       JACK
They stole my truck?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE
                                                            

32.

                       EDDIE
Turns out that the Lords of Death
were on nothing more than a joy
ride. Just out to find a girl to
sell, and acting under no orders
from the Wing Kong. Unfortunately,
Miao Yin got in the way...
                                                            
ANGLE ON - The window looking out on to the alley shows a
figure in a coat and hood walk by, slightly hunched over.
Jack's gaze follows the figure as it goes by.

Jack turns around to face Wang and the others, still angry.
                                                            
                       JACK
They stole my truck...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Wang takes on a pleading expression.
                                                            
                       WANG
Take it easy, Jack. You're with
friends. We'll get your truck
back, I promise you.
                                                            
ANGLE BACK to Jack, his anger growing.
                                                            
                       JACK
You're god damn right you're gonna
get my truck back. And don't
forget about my money, either. And
time is money in my line of work,
Wang. By the way, you're phone's
dead.
                                                            
ANGLE BACK to the table.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (incredulous)
How do you think I feel, Jack? I
lost the woman I'm gonna marry!
                                                            
                       EDDIE
      (unperturbed)
And I found out about the skirmish
you two ran into. The funeral was
for the Xiang Sing boss, Mr. Lem
Li. LoPan ordered him
assassinated, you see.
                                                            
                       WANG
It was a damn war, Eddie, not some
random fight.
                                                            

33.

ANGLE ON - The back door to the kitchen opens, and the
HUNCHED FIGURE Jack saw pass by the window enters. The
person quickly removes its coat and hoody, and we see the
WOMAN FROM THE AIRPORT. She flips her hair and smiles, her
GREEN EYES very noticeable in the kitchen lighting.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
      (excited)
It's just me, Gracie Law. And,
boy, do I have some news.
                                                            
ANGLE BACK to Wang.
                                                            
                       WANG
Oh, great... trouble...
                                                            
ANGLE BACK to Gracie. Jack appears on the screen and leans
with an elbow on the door.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (lustful)
Just happened to be in the
neighborhood on a dark and stormy
night?
                                                            
                       GRACIE
      (disdainful)
This is my neighborhood, jerk-off.
                                                            
ANGLE BACK to Uncle Chu, his expression one of SURPRISE.
                                                            
                       UNCLE CHU
What the hell is she doing here?
                                                            
ANGLE BACK to Jack and Gracie, Jack begins to walk off
screen.
                                                            
                       JACK
She's gotta a thing for me,
started at the airport.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
      (rolling her eyes)
In your dreams, hillbilly.
                                                            
ANGLE BACK to the kitchen table.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
      (still unperturbed)
Of course it was a war, and anyone
caught in the middle was going to
join Lem Li in the Hell of Being
Sliced to Pieces.
                                                            

34.

ANGLE BACK to Jack and Gracie.
                                                            
                       JACK
The Hell of Being what?
                                                            
ANGLE BACK to Eddie, who smiles wryly.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
We Chinese have many Hells. It's
ridiculous sometimes...
                                                            
                       UNCLE CHU
But why was LoPan there? Lem Li
was already dead, what did he have
to gain by showing himself?
                                                            
                       WANG
I don't know, Uncle. But the Three
Storms were taking out everybody,
Xiang Sing and Wing Kong. Why
would LoPan kill his own soldiers?
What was he looking for?
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Jack walks over to the deep sinks where his
clothes are hanging over a string to dry.
                                                            
                       JACK
Would it be because of the girl?
We did run into those punks from
the airport... the Lords of Death.
                                                            
CLOSE-UP of Wang, his face goes white and he snaps his head
in Jack's direction.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE to Gracie, who's eyes widen slightly.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
I know I'm always sticking my nose
in where it doesn't belong, which
kind of makes this whole debacle
my fault...
                                                            
The camera follows her as she walks around the table towards
Wang.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
But I heard through the grapevine
that those punks from the airport
who jumped me and took his truck,
they took the girl they kidnapped
over to the White Tigers to be
sold. Who was she?
                                                            

35.

                       WANG
      (worried)
She was my fiancee... The White
Tigers?
                                                            
                       GRACIE
      (shocked)
Oh my God, Wang, I'm so sorry.
                                                            
The camera follows Gracie as she walks towards the window by
the phone.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
If we head over there tonight
maybe we can get to her before
anyone has a chance to buy her...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack is standing there eating from a bowl
with a look of CONFUSION.

REVERSE ANGLE - Gracie continues speaking.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
A search warrant would be
worthless and complicated, and a
violent solution is out of the
question.
                                                            
Jack walks into the screen, still looking confused.
                                                            
                       JACK
Wait a second, here, I'm feeling
kinda like an outsider.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
      (arrogantly)
Because you are...
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Wang quickly gets up from his seat and scurries
over to where Jack is standing.
                                                            
                       WANG
I'm gonna need more of your help,
Jack. I can't pay you today...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack shakes his head in disgust.
                                                            
                       JACK
Ah, shit...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Wang continues pleading.
                                                            

36.

                       WANG
How can I, Jack? I need all my
money for Miao Yin!
                                                            
CLOSE-UP on Eddie as he raises a finger towards Wang.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
And it's gonna cost you, too. She
has green eyes.
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Jack and Gracie, her expression becomes one of
amazement.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
Green eyes? That's like an extra
to these people, it's twice the
price. It's like... an automatic
parking feature.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (skeptical)
What people? More like this LoPan
guy I ran over... through?
                                                            
CLOSE-UP on Uncle Chu.
                                                            
                       UNCLE CHU
LoPan has spirit medium powers,
just like the immortals. His flesh
and his bones have transmuted, and
he becomes like a phantom, or a
dream.
(staring blankly)
Green eyes?
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Jack and Gracie, Jack looks at Uncle Chu as if he
is wacko.
                                                            
                       JACK
What?...
                                                            
                       WANG (O.S.)
That's a total exaggeration, Jack.
I promise...
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Wang as he takes a step towards Jack, desperate.
                                                            
                       WANG
Please help me, Jack. I have a
great idea!
                                                            
 

37.

EXT. CHINATOWN STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
The camera follows a PINK, 1958 CADILLAC CONVERTIBLE as it
pulls through an intersection and parks in front of a
NONDESCRIPT, YELLOW BRICK BUILDING. The rain is coming down
harder than ever.
                                                            
 
INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT
                                                            
The camera will FOCUS ON EACH PERSON as they speak.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
Alright, Jack, just stay calm and
relaxed...
                                                            
                       JACK
      (pulling on a tie)
I am relaxed. No sweat.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
I just wanna make sure, because
you have to go in there alone...
If I show my face in there, the
slavers, you see, they all know
me. They'll try to push it in and
sell me, too.
                                                            
                       JACK
Not while I'm here...
                                                            
                       WANG
Good luck, Jack. It's all up to
you, now. My destiny rides on your
capable shoulders.
                                                            
                       JACK
I'll give it my best shot.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
You have to be believable, make
them drop their guard.
                                                            
                       JACK
Trust me, alright?
                                                            
                       WANG
You have to look ignorant...
                                                            
                       GRACIE
He already does...
                                                            
Jack shoots her a look mixed of HURT AND IRRITATION.
                                                            
 

38.

INT. WHITE TIGERS LOBBY - NIGHT
                                                            
Jack comes bounding in dressed as A WEALTHY TEXAN, from is
fake snake skin boots to his ten-gallon hat. His suit is a
light brown and his tie is thin.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (big smile)
Hoo doggy, sure is rainin' like
the dickens out there, now ain't
it.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - The hostess, an older Chinese woman wearing
formal white dress and too much make-up, comes walking up
slowly to Jack and provides a quaint smile.
                                                            
                       HOSTESS
      (cautious)
May I help you, sir?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack shows an expression of secrecy to the
hostess and leans forward a bit to add to the subtlety.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (hushed)
Well, you see, now... The cab
driver, he told that I might find
the White Tiger here... If you
know what I mean. My name is Harry
Swanson, and I'm lookin' for a
little, uh, entertainment.
(smiling and winking)
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - The hostess nods, with caution, while giving
Jack the once over.
                                                            
                       HOSTESS
Of course, sir, just a moment
please.
                                                            
She backs up a step and walks out of the room.
                                                            
 
INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT
                                                            
Gracie is hunched over her cell phone, texting intently.
                                                            
                       EDDIE (O.S.)
Gracie, what are you up to? You've
been messaging on that thing since
Jack left.
                                                            

39.

                       GRACIE
Hah, she's here... I will be right
back, gentlemen.
                                                            
She climbs out of the car and into the pouring rain. The
camera moves forward and settles on Wang and Eddie.
                                                            
                       WANG
What's she doing this time?
                                                            
                       EDDIE
Strange girl...
                                                            
 
EXT. CHINATOWN STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
We see Gracie running through the rain, covering her head
with her purse for protection. She approaches a beat up 2002
FORD TAURUS and proceeds to open the passenger door and get
in.
                                                            
 
INT. FORD TAURUS - NIGHT
                                                            
The camera shows Gracie and another woman, a CURLY RED HEAD
WITH MILDLY PALE SKIN, in the driver's seat.
                                                            
                       MARGO
      (skeptical)
This better be good, Gracie, to
get me out in this shit.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
Margo, you see that building
there?
(pointing)
That is the White Tiger.
                                                            
CLOSE-UP on Margo, her look becomes one of surprise.
                                                            
                       MARGO
The White Tiger? My God, That's so
creepy! Do we actually have to go
in there? I mean, this is my big
break, so I'll do anything, but...
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Margo and Gracie, Gracie lifts her hand to
gesture no.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
Don't worry, we have somebody
already in there getting all the
info you'll need. Just sit tight.
                                                            
 

40.

INT. WHITE TIGERS LOBBY - NIGHT
                                                            
Jack is seated on a couch, paging through a book of girls.
His hat is off and his boots are propped up on a coffee
table. A Chinese girl in lingerie walks by, and Jack can't
help but to look.
                                                            
ANGLE ON - The young girl as she continues down the hall at
the other end of the lobby.

ANGLE ON - Jack continues to follow the girl, letting out a
sigh.

ANGLE ON - The doorway the young girl just walked through,
there appears another older Chinese woman, wearing a red
evening dress and also too much make-up.

ANGLE BACK to Jack as he quickly stands up and puts his hat
back on his head, a big smile comes across his face.
                                                            
                       JACK
Why, hello there pretty lady. Mrs.
O'Toole said you'd be right along.
Harry Swanson's my name and pretty
ladies are my game.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - The new hostess cracks a small, kind smile.
                                                            
                       HOSTESS #2
The establishment is cash only, is
that suitable?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack's smile gets even bigger and he winks
at the hostess.
                                                            
                       JACK
Cash is always my favorite option,
it keeps away prying eyes, if you
know what I mean.
(small chuckle)
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - The hostess nods politely.
                                                            
                       HOSTESS #2
Mrs. O'Toole will see to all of
your needs, Mr. Swanson. Thank you
for your patronage.
                                                            
                       JACK (O.S.)
      (slightly hurried)
I do have one special request.
Your photos are all in black and
white, but I really have me a
hankerin' for a girl with green
            (MORE)

41.

                       JACK (cont'd)
eyes. And price is no object, my
lady. Newly arrived, too, I
like'em exotic-like.
                                                            
The hostess looks over to Mrs. O'Toole with a noticeably
stunned expression.

ANGLE ON - Mrs. O'Toole keeps her face expressionless, and
nods slightly to the other hostess. She gives Jack a blank
stare.
                                                            
                       MRS. O'TOOLE
Chinese women do not have green
eyes, Mr. Swanson. I'm sorry...
                                                            
 
INT. WHITE TIGERS HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
We follow Hostess #2 as she hurriedly walks down the hallway
towards the camera. She then angles to the right and presses
a hidden button at and passes through a secret door.
                                                            
 
INT. HIDDEN ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
We see the entrance to the hidden room as Hostess #2 enters
through it and stares across the room.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - There is a bed in the sparse room, and on
the bed we see Miao Yin tied up to it and gagged. She blinks
slowly, her green eyes brilliant in the harsh light of the
room.
                                                            
 
INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT
                                                            
                       WANG
This is taking too long...
                                                            
                       EDDIE
Relax, Wang, he's only been gone
for ten minutes, give the man a
chance to actually get in. He's
probably still looking at
photographs.
                                                            
                       WANG
      (eyebrows raised)
How would you know?
                                                            

42.

                       EDDIE
      (sheepishly)
I wouldn't, just making a logical
guess.
                                                            
 
INT. WHITE TIGERS HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
We see Jack sitting on a bed and undoing his tie, he is
looking to his left.
                                                            
                       JACK
So how long have you been here in
the U.S. of A.?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - There is a young Chinese girl standing in
front of a suitcase, folding a piece of lingerie. She has
dark brown eyes and long, black hair.
                                                            
                       PROSTITUTE
About five months...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack expression becomes a questioning one.
                                                            
                       JACK
So, how does this work exactly?
Old girls go out when new girls
come in?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - The prostitute gets a very cautious
expression.
                                                            
                       PROSTITUTE
Maybe... why so curious?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack looks abashed...
                                                            
                       JACK
Sorry... Just not sure...
                                                            
Out of nowhere there is a LARGE THUNDER CLAP, Jack's face
becomes one of CONFUSION as he looks up to the ceiling.
                                                            
 
INT. HIDDEN ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Miao Yin jerks suddenly in her bed as the thunder fades and
a LOUD WIND erupts. The walls of the room begin TO CRACK AND
SEPARATE as the wind gains strength. Suddenly, the roof and
parts of the wall where the cracks were FLIES INTO THE SKY,
in the night sky is an EERIE GREEN GLOW.

After a moment, a FLICKERING BOLT OF LIGHTNING enters the

43.

room and the STORM WARRIOR LIGHTNING floats down. When he
reaches the floor, he WALKS SLOWLY over to the bed where
Miao Yin is bound.
                                                            
 
INT. WHITE TIGERS HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
Scantily clad men and women are RUNNING down the hallway
SCREAMING AND YELLING, the green glow is present, as well as
the drenching rain as part of the hallway's roof has also
been torn away. We see Jack enter the hallway and look up.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (disbelief)
What the hell?
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Through the open hole in the ceiling we see
Thunder and Wind float down into the hallway and softly land
on the floor.

REVERSE ANGLE - As the people clear out of the hallway, Jack
makes his way towards the intruders, a look of determination
on his face.

CLOSE-UP of Jack as he proceeds to lift Wind"s hat to expose
his face and punches him twice in the face.

CLOSE-UP of Wind, his expression is one of rage, his eyes
wide. the camera PULLS BACK as Wind takes a quick fighting
stance and kicks Jack through a wall.
                                                            
 
INT. WHITE TIGERS LOBBY - NIGHT
                                                            
We see Jack fly through the wall and land hard on some
furniture. He grunts loudly in pain.
                                                            
 
INT. CADILLAC - NIGHT
                                                            
At the sound of all the racket, Wang and Eddie look at each
other in alarm.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
Holy shit!
                                                            
                       WANG
Let's go!
                                                            
Wang and Eddie exit the car and hurry off screen towards the
building.
                                                            
 

44.

INT. HIDDEN ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
LIGHTNING reaches into his robes and pulls out a LONG,
CURVED KNIFE, bits of his self-generated lightning wrapping
around his hand and the knife. He CUTS HER BONDS with the
knife and PICKS HER UP WITHONE ARM. He reaches out his right
hand and a BOLT OF LIGHTNING appears, he and Miao Yin FLOAT
AWAY on the bolt.
                                                            
 
EXT. WHITE TIGERS BUILDING - NIGHT
                                                            
Wang, Eddie, Gracie, and Margo enter the building, jostled
by all the people running out of it.
                                                            
 
INT. WHITE TIGERS HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
Jack stumbles out of the lobby door and into the hallway. He
looks towards the two Storm Warriors.

REVERSE ANGLE - Thunder and Wind are standing in the hallway
looking at Jack. After a moment they fly into the air
through the open roof. Through the green glow, we see
Lightning holding Miao Yin as they float away and out of
sight. Then the glow fades into the night.
                                                            
 
INT. GRACIE LAW'S APT - DAY
                                                            
Wang, Gracie, and Eddie burst through the door assisting a
limping Jack to walk. Jack is yelling the whole time.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (pissed off)
Green fire! Those guys flying all
over the place... again! This shit
can't be real! I want the cops! I
want my damn truck back!
(getting dumped into an easy
chair)
Now, where the hell are we?
                                                            
The camera follows Gracie as she walks into a kitchenette.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
This happens to be my office. I
like to consider it a second home.
                                                            
CLOSE-UP on Jack, a look of indignation on his face.
                                                            
                       JACK
You sleep in your office?
                                                            

45.

ANGLE ON - Wang, Eddie, and Margo are standing together,
Margo has a kind of blank stare on her face.
                                                            
                       MARGO
      (confused)
What I'm trying to understand is,
who are these Storms? Are they
magicians or something?
                                                            
                       EDDIE
For lack of a better term, yes
they are.
                                                            
                       WANG
It's complicated...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack's look of skepticism hasn't changed.
                                                            
                       JACK
Try "real complicated".
                                                            
Gracie's hand comes into the screen as she hands Jack a
glass of iced tea.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
Here...
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Wang paces in front of Eddie, angry.
                                                            
                       WANG
If the Storms took Miao Yin, then
there's only one place they would
have taken her...
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Gracie, she looks concerned as she looks at Wang.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
They would have taken her to
LoPan's. Mr. David LoPan, the
godfather of Little China.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Margo looks frightened and amazed.
                                                            
                       MARGO
LoPan? David LoPan? The Chairman
of the National Orient Bank and
the owner of the Wing Kong
Import/Export Exchange? He's a
recluse, nobody has seen him in
years...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack if finishing a pull on his tea.
                                                            

46.

                       JACK
Who the hell are you, anyway?
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Margo becomes shy and nervous.
                                                            
                       MARGO
Well, I'm Margo Litzenberger, a
reporter from The Berkeley
People's Herald.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Gracie bends down beside Jack in the easy
chair, she is very hushed.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
I've been trying to get somebody
in there for years to break that
place open. I figured the press
was the best way to go. And that's
what I don't understand, Burton.
There's just no possible way you
could have seen LoPan, the bastard
keeps himself locked away because
he's afraid to show his face. He
has more enemies than Al-Qaida.
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Wang's expression of anger deepens.
                                                            
                       WANG
He has Miao Yin, and I'm going
over there to get her back!
                                                            
Wang turns and begins heading towards the door, and Eddie
reaches out and grabs him by the arm.
                                                            
                       EDDIE
Wait a minute, are you out of your
mind?
                                                            
                       TARA (O.S.)
      (shy)
Grace?
                                                            
                       GRACIE
Oh... Tara, it's OK, you can go
back to sleep, honey. So sorry we
woke you.
                                                            
CLOSE-UP on Jack as Gracie walks by him.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (pointing)
The girl from the airport...
                                                            

47.

ANGLE ON - Gracie as she approaches the doorway to the room
that Tara is in. She turns Tara around and whispers for her
to go to bed. She then turns around to look at Jack.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
That's why I was at the airport,
to protect her from these terrible
people and the horrid things they
make them do. She deserves a
chance like any other to build her
life the right way.
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Wang, Eddie, and Margo are watching Gracie when
Margo suddenly looks to the floor, confused.
                                                            
                       MARGO
This is just all so shocking... I
must just be so monumentally
naive...
                                                            
                       EDDIE
      (looking at Margo)
You are...
                                                            
Margo turns to Eddie with a look of shock and hurt. Gracie
comes into the screen and walks up to Wang.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
And now we have to grab your
fiancee...
                                                            
                       JACK (O.S.)
Wait a minute, hold on here...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack gets up out of the chair and approaches
the four of them.
                                                            
                       JACK
Now I'm a reasonable guy, but I've
just been witness to some very
unreasonable things...
                                                            
CLOSE UP - Gracie has a looks at Jack casually.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
It all depends on how you see
it...
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack's look of contempt worsens.
                                                            

48.

                       JACK
Like hell it does! Now I want
somebody, anybody, to tell me what
is goin' on.
                                                            
CLOSE UP - Wang's expression becomes pale.
                                                            
                       WANG
The truth?
                                                            
CLOSE UP - Jack looks at Wang.
                                                            
                       JACK
I can take it...
                                                            
Wang stares at nothing.
                                                            
                       WANG
I don't know...
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Wang, Eddie, Margo, and Gracie are all looking at
Jack, whom we can see from behind in the foreground. A bolt
of lightning flashes outside, and they all look towards it.
                                                            
CLOSE UP - Wang points decidedly at the floor.
                                                            
                       WANG
I'm going now! Alone if I have to,
I don't care!
                                                            
We see Jack turn and pace away from them.
                                                            
                       MARGO (O.S.)
Where? It's pouring out there.
                                                            
Jack turns to face them, taking another drought of his tea.
                                                            
                       WANG (O.S.)
To David LoPan's, the Wing Kong
Exchange.
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Gracie turns and faces Wang, her's an expression
of fear.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
The Wing Kong Exchange? You know
the Wing Kong, Wang, they're
cut-throats... mad men. You can't
just waltz in and out of there...
                                                            
CLOSE UP - Wang looks determined as Gracie places a hand on
her shoulder.
                                                            

49.

                       WANG
Like the wind? Oh yes I can, Miss
Law, so long as my mind and my
spirit are as one.
                                                            
REVERSE ANGLE - Jack walks toward Wang, the contempt still
very visible on his face.
                                                            
                       JACK
As two... I'm not letting you go
alone.
                                                            
We see Gracie approach Jack.
                                                            
                       GRACIE
I'd go with you, but..
                                                            
                       JACK
I know, the problem with your
face... Don't worry about it.
                                                            
ANGLE ON - Again, we see Jack in the foreground from behind,
the others are standing beside one another.
                                                            
                       JACK
Ok, people, this is how this is
gonna go. You all sit tight, hold
down the fort, and keep the home
fires burning...
                                                            
CLOSE UP - Jack, looking at Gracie, cracks a confident grin.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (winking)
If Wang and I aren't back by the
dawn, call the cavalry...
                                                            


THE END


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