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Hawkins County
by Steven M. Ulmen (sulmen2001@yahoo.com)

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

Hawkins County does for the 1970's what "Stand By Me" did for the 1950's.


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



FADE IN:

EXT. BLUFF TOP - DAY
                                                            
PAT O'CONNOR and TOKE WATSON, two teen-aged boys, are lying
in the grass. Pat smiles as he looks at an eagle soaring
above the valley. Toke is sitting in the grass, playing with
a weed. A dirt bike lies on the grass between them.
                                                            
A sheriff's patrol car moves along the base of the bluff.
Pat and Toke stand up to watch it as it moves towards them.
                                                            
The patrol car stops below Pat and Toke. SHERIFF CONRAD
"CONNIE" LUCAS and probation officer KEN GOETTL have spotted
the two boys.
                                                            
                       KEN
      (shouting)
That's him! Hey! Come down here!
                                                            
                       PAT
      (points O.S.)
Take the bike and go that way.
It's me they're after.
                                                            
The sheriff and Ken exit the patrol car and begin to climb
the bluff.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Come here, kid!
                                                            
                       KEN
Hey Pat! We want to talk to you!
                                                            
Pat runs through trees and tall grasses. The voices of the
sheriff and Ken, calling to Pat, are heard.
                                                            
The sheriff and Ken reach the spot on bluff where Pat and
Toke were resting. They are breathless and perspiring.
                                                            
                       KEN
Shit!
                                                            

2.

                       SHERIFF
He's headed for the shack!
                                                            
The sheriff and Ken return to the patrol car and take off.
                                                            
 
EXT. O'CONNOR FARMHOUSE AND YARD - DAY
                                                            
PAT runs straight for the front door. The place is notable
because it is littered with junk, the house is run-down and
in need of repair, and in general it looks deserted.

Pat pauses and watches as the patrol car enters the
driveway. He throws open the door and dashes inside the
house as the patrol car screeches to a halt out front.

A dog growls as the SHERIFF and KEN jump out of the car.
                                                            
 
INT. O'CONNOR HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
It is filty, with dirty dishes, cupboard doors askew, etc.
STACEY O'CONNOR dozes in a kitchen chair, a bottle of
whiskey in front of him, as PAT enters.
                                                            
                       STACEY
What the...
                                                            
                       PAT
Cops! I hate this!
                                                            
Pat runs through the kitchen as Stacey watches.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Quick! The tree!
                                                            
Pounding is heard on the door as Pat runs O.S.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Coming! I'm coming!
                                                            
Stacey gets up and opens the door. The SHERIFF and KEN are
standing there.
                                                            

3.

                       STACEY
So what's all the racket? What do
you pricks want?
                                                            
 
INT. O'CONNOR HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The SHERIFF and KEN confront STACEY.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Open up, O'Connor!
                                                            
                       STACEY
Now hold the phone. This is my
house and you bastards can't come
barging in where you aren't
wanted!
                                                            
                       KEN
O'Connor, we saw Pat. He hasn't
been in school and you know I've
been looking for him.
                                                            
                       STACEY
I know you are getting me riled!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I have a warrant for Pat at the
office.
                                                            
                       STACEY
A warrant, eh? Well now, let's
take a look at that damn warrant
of yours.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
O'Connor, I've got two good eyes
that just saw Pat run in here.
That's all the warrant I need.
                                                            
The sheriff throws open the screen door. It falls off of its
hinges.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Now stand aside or I'll arrest you
for Obstructing Legal Process, a
crime that you O'Connors are
            (MORE)

4.

                       SHERIFF (cont'd)
particularly good at!
                                                            
                       STACEY
Hey! Who gets the bill to fix
this? Citizen's arrest!
      (bows, drunkenly)
Why, of course, gentlemen. Welcome
to my humble abode.
                                                            
The sheriff and Ken push past Stacey and enter the house.
They pause in the kitchen and look around. They wrinkle up
their noses from the stench.
                                                            
                       KEN
Remember the tree? Check out back.
I'll look in here.
                                                            
 
EXT. O'CONNOR FARMHOUSE AND YARD - DAY
                                                            
The SHERIFF trips on debris as he runs out the front door.
STACEY breaks out laughing.
                                                            
 
EXT. TREE BEHIND HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
PAT has crawled out a second floor window onto a tree limb
that touches the house and is inching his way toward the
main trunk.
                                                            
KEN peers out the upstairs window as the SHERIFF runs into
view from around the outside of the house.
                                                            
When Pat reaches the trunk of the tree, he jumps onto a high
embankment, glances around at his pursuers, then runs O.S.
                                                            
The sheriff kicks a stone, angrily. Ken backs away from the
window.
                                                            
 
EXT. O'CONNOR YARD - DAY
                                                            
The SHERIFF approaches his patrol car as KEN exits the
house. STACEY, holding his whiskey bottle, takes a drink and
follows Ken outside. A dog barks, viciously.
                                                            

5.

The three men pause in front of the patrol car.
                                                            
                       STACEY
      (motions O.S.)
Too bad Killer is tied up. He
would have given you pricks quite
a welcome.
      (grinning)
Pat's not here. Better get your
eyes checked, fellas.
                                                            
                       KEN
What kind of a father are you!
Never send Pat to school and you
live out here in this filthy dump
like so much trash!
                                                            
                       STACEY
I do my best.
                                                            
                       KEN
      (spitting)
Your best! You old drunk! You've
ruined your own life, now you're
letting Pat do the same thing!
      (pause)
But then, why should I care? In a
few more weeks I'll be retired
from Hawkins County and then, the
first thing I'm going to do is
forget the O'Connor clan ever
existed!
                                                            
                       STACEY
Gee, I'm sure going to miss our
little visits, Ken, but as you can
see, Pat is not here. Hasn't been
for some time. I sent him to
California to live with his
sister.
      (pause)
Now, if there's nothing more, I'll
thank both of you bastards to
clear out of here!
                                                            

6.

The sheriff and Ken get into the patrol car. The sheriff
starts the engine, then leans out the window to Stacey.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
We'll be back, O'Connor! And we
WILL get Pat!
                                                            
The sheriff drives down the driveway as Stacey watches them
leave. He takes another swig out of his bottle.
                                                            
                       STACEY
      (muttering to self)
That will be the day. I taught Pat
better than that!
                                                            
 
EXT. PAT'S HIDING PLACE - DAY
                                                            
PAT has run into the woods where he has hidden in the tall
grass. He cries as he watches as the patrol car pass by.
                                                            
 
INT. UNIVERSITY FIELD HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
A graduation ceremony is taking place. A couple hundred
STUDENTS, dressed in caps and gowns, are singing a
graduation song. JACK JOHNSON, 23 years old, sits next to a
fidgety male student named ADAM. As the singing stops a
PROFESSOR'S voice is heard.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR (V.O.)
As this, the fifty-fourth
graduating class ceremony draws to
a close, bear in mind that society
looks to you for the future.
                                                            
Jack looks bored as the professor drones on.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR
You are our hope for a better
tomorrow.
                                                            
Jack leans over to Adam.
                                                            

7.

                       JACK
      (whispering)
What is with you?
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR (V.O.)
What happens to our culture, to
our world...
                                                            
                       ADAM
      (whispering)
Had a quite a couple beers before.
Gotta pee!
                                                            
                       JACK
You poor devil. Sit still and be
cool. Don't laugh or cough or
anything.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR (V.O.)
...indeed, to our entire universe
and beyond in the next four
decades is in your hands. It is
your actions that will be judged
by the generations to come.
                                                            
                       JACK
Did you know that Southern
University uses Astroturf so that
they don't have to worry about
their cheerleaders grazing at half
time?
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR (V.O)
And what you do, whether good or
bad, what heights you achieve,
what accomplishments, what
contributions you make...
                                                            
Jack and Adam stare at each other a second. Jack grins. Adam
starts to giggle, then leans forward in agony.
                                                            
                       JACK
Come on now, don't laugh! You'll
flood us out!
                                                            

8.

                       ADAM
You son of a -
                                                            
Adam starts giggling again. Jack looks alternately at him
and at the speaker and grins to himself.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR (V.O.)
...will become the standard for
the times, and will set the tone
for the generations to follow.
                                                            
The professor puts his notes down on the lectern.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR
So judge not harshly the mistakes
made by honest men and women in
the past, lest future generations
judge you in like manner.
                                                            
Adam stares straight ahead, trying to maintain composure.
Jack stares at him again. Adam turns slowly to look at Jack,
then he breaks out in loud laughter. Several nearby students
turn and look at Adam, thoroughly disgusted with his
disruption.
                                                            
Adam puts his hands over his mouth to stifle laughter as he
bends way forward in his seat, in agony. Jack sits straight
and tall, looking at the speaker, solemnly.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR
It has been my honor to address
you today. We will now issue the
degrees, beginning with the
post-graduate students.
                                                            
The band begins another song as students begin to file out
of their seats to form a row on the left.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR
John Steinbeck, Bachelor of Arts
in American Literature.
                                                            
Jack and Adam stand up to join the graduation line. Adam is
in front of Jack. Jack leans forward and whispers to him
again.
                                                            

9.

                       JACK
Now whatever you do, don't laugh!
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR
Sue Barton, Bachelor of Science in
Nursing.
                                                            
Adam begins to giggle again as he and Jack approach the
steps to the stage.
                                                            
                       JACK
Just grab hold of your weenie and
count to ten.
                                                            
Adam is half crying because his sides ache. He approaches
the steps, giggling, eyes watering. Jack leans forward
again.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR
Laura Ingalls, Bachelor of Science
in Education and in Little House
Construction.
                                                            
                       JACK
One...two...three...
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR
Adam Miller, Bachelor of Science
in Industrial Arts.
                                                            
Adam climbs the stage steps, laughing hysterically now. The
professor and other dignitaries on stage glare at him,
indignantly. He approaches the professor, takes his diploma,
and staggers off the stage. His gown is obviously wet.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR
Jack Johnson, Bachelor of Arts in
Sociology.
                                                            
Jack climbs steps, side-steps a puddle on stage, and
approaches the professor. He accepts his degree and
graciously shakes hands with the professor, then proceeds
across the stage.
                                                            

10.

                       PROFESSOR
Henry Block, Bachelor of Science
in Accounting.
                                                            
 
EXT. FIELD HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
There is a crowd of STUDENTS and their FAMILIES milling
around. Much talking and crowd noise.
                                                            
JACK, his MOTHER and FATHER and MARIANNE, his girl friend,
are visiting.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (brushing Jack's
       gown)
I was so proud of you in there.
Now, lets get a look at you.
                                                            
Jack's mother steps back, eyes Jack approvingly, then steps
forward and puts her hands on the sides of his face.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (begins to cry)
My boy is a man!
                                                            
JACK fidgets uncomfortably in the embrace. His mother backs
off, sobs, and wipes her nose on a Kleenex.
                                                            
                       JACK
It's nothing to cry about, mom.
                                                            
Marianne joins Jack and his mother.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
It was a beautiful ceremony, Jack.
Congratulations.
                                                            
Jack and Marianne kiss, chastely.
                                                            
                       FATHER
Where's the camera, Esther?
                                                            

11.

                       MOTHER
      (composing herself)
It's right here, in my purse.
                                                            
                       FATHER
Give it here. I'll snap a few.
                                                            
JACK, his MOTHER, and MARIANNE, continue to talk as they
smile and pose for the pictures. Jack's poses are the most
animated. A camera shutter clicks.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Dear, who was that boorish clod
next to you?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Yes, the one who was carrying on
so.
                                                            
                       JACK
Don't know the guy, except that
his name was Adam Miller.

He sure was something, wasn't he?
What a show-off! I tried to calm
him down, but it didn't work.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Yes, I saw you trying to help him.
Honestly! Acting like that! They
should have withheld his degree!
                                                            
                       JACK
It's a sign of the times, Mom.
They'll graduate anyone these
days.
                                                            
Jack's father joins the group, advancing the film in the
camera as he does so.
                                                            
                       FATHER
I got some good ones here. Come
on, let's get out of this crowd.
                                                            
JUDY and TRUDY, twin students, walk past Jack and his group.
                                                            

12.

                       JUDY
      (Waving)
Hi Jack!
                                                            
                       TRUDY
Yeah, hi! Good luck!
                                                            
Jack removes his hat and takes a deep bow to Judy and Trudy.
                                                            
                       JACK
Why thank you, ladies!
                                                            
Jack watches as Judy and Trudy disappear into the crowd.
Marianne tugs at his arm.
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh, Marianne, that was Judy and
Trudy, the doublemint twins. They
are friends of mine.
      (snaps fingers,
       dances)
Double your pleasure, double your
fun...
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
      (kissing Jack's
       lips)
Never mind them. You have enough
friends.
                                                            
Jack, Marianne, and his parents laugh.
                                                            
                       FATHER
Time's a-wastin'
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Yes, the caterer is at the hall
already.
                                                            
                       JACK
Let's eat, then get down to some
serious drinking!
                                                            
The group turns and heads toward the street. Jack reaches
over and tickles Marianne's fanny.
                                                            

13.

                       MARIANNE
      (jerking, slaps
       Jacks hand)
Oh! Great! Now I have an educated
lecher for a boy friend!
                                                            
                       JACK
That's a step up. I used to be
just a plain lecher!
                                                            
Jack and Marianne snuggle and laugh.
                                                            
 
INT. BAR AND DISCOTHEQUE - NIGHT
                                                            
Several couples, including JACK and MARIANNE and DAVE and
ROSIE MARTIN are dancing a fast number. When the dance ends,
the two couples move over to a table with several drink
glasses on it and sit down.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (Puffing)
Whew! What torture we go through
to enjoy ourselves! Dave, you and
Rosie looked great out there!
                                                            
                       DAVE
Thanks, Big J. Say, where are your
folks? I want to thank them for
the meal.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (Looks O.S.)
They were over there. Probably
decided to call it a night.
Tomorrow's a work day.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Rosie and I plan to make a night
of it.
                                                            
                       ROSIE
Yeah, this is probably the last
dancing we will be doing for quite
a while.
                                                            

14.

                       JACK
That's right. You are U.S. choice
meat now, aren't you?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Jack Johnson! What a thing to say!
                                                            
                       JACK
      (laughing)
When do you report to Lackland?
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (soberly, looking
       at Rosie)
Day after tomorrow...at three p.m.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (chuckles
       uncomfortably)
At least you know what your future
will be for a while. And you will
have the G.I. Bill to look forward
to.
                                                            
                       ROSIE
      (giggling)
So, what do you two have planned?
Jack, are you finally going to
make an honest woman out of
Marianne?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Rosie Martin! Some friend you are!
                                                            
                       JACK
      (kisses Marianne)
Well, that's a mighty expensive
arrangement right now, so, we need
to be practical, to, ah, evaluate
our assets and then develop a
utilitarian plan.
                                                            
                       DAVE (AND ROSIE)
      (together)
Oh, wow!
                                                            

15.

                       DAVE
Listen to the silver-tongued
graduate!
                                                            
                       ROSIE
Don't tell me. Doctor Crochrow,
Economics 101, right?
                                                            
                       JACK
Old Professor Crotch-rot, that's
right!
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Am I going to have to put a muzzle
on you?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (effeminately)
Oh, promises, promises!
                                                            
All characters laugh.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (hugs Marianne)
No, now, seriously, I have
evaluated our assets, Marianne's
and mine. We have a first class
lover...
                                                            
Dave and Rosie ooh and ah.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (sitting up,
       importantly)
...and someone with a good
business head, so, it's obvious,
we're going to have to work the
streets for a while.
                                                            
Dave and Rosie and Marianne laugh some more.
                                                            
                       JACK
After five or six months at, say
ten g's a month, tax free, of
course, then we'll see.
                                                            

16.

                       MARIANNE
I don't think I'll be able to
stand the pace.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Who said anything about standing?
                                                            
All characters laugh.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
David! You too? I'm outnumbered!
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yeah, Jack, you're being awfully
rough on Marianne.
                                                            
                       JACK
I guess you're right. I'll have to
buy Marianne a calculator.
                                                            
Marianne, Dave, and Rosie roar with laughter while Jack
feigns seriousness.
                                                            
                       JACK
What? You thought Marianne...no,
no, no...it is I who shall provide
the erotic services!
                                                            
Dave and Rosie slowly regain their composure.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Do yourself a favor, old boy, and
apply for that Juvenile Probation
Officer job over in Hawkins
County.
                                                            
                       ROSIE
Yeah, it was in today's Tribune.
                                                            
                       JACK
P.O. job, huh? Hawkins County. I
may have to look into that, but
not right this minute!
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Come on, Bozo, let's go home.
                                                            

17.

                       JACK
      (tossing down
       another drink)
Okay, but you'll have to let me
drive. I'm in no condition to
walk.
                                                            
Jack and Marianne arise from the table.
                                                            
                       ROSIE
See you guys around.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Right. Good luck to you, Dave.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll keep in touch.
                                                            
 
INT. JACK'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK is driving his classy, red, 1967 Ford Mustang. MARIANNE
is cuddled next to him.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
That was fun tonight. But...
                                                            
                       JACK
But what?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
You drank an awful lot. I wish you
wouldn't do that.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (imitating W.C.
       Fields)
My dear, as Napoleon Bonaparte
said at the Battle of Bunker Hill,
"I have not yet begun to drink.
Ah, yes."
                                                            
Jack looks at Marianne and snickers. In doing so, his car
swerves over the center line.
                                                            

18.

                       MARIANNE
Look out!
                                                            
A police squad car approaching from a side street pulls up
behind Jack's car. The lights and siren are activated.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (looks in rear
       view mirror)
Oh, geez, one of Mankato's finest.
                                                            
He pulls his car over to the side of the street and stops.
                                                            
                       JACK
Quick. In the glove compartment.
The peppermint and gum!
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
      (digs in
       compartment)
Here.
                                                            
                       JACK
Open one of each. I'll take it
while he's running the license
check!
                                                            
He crams a peppermint into his mouth, followed by the gum.
                                                            
 
EXT. JACK'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
A police OFFICER gets out of his squad car and approaches
JACK in his car.
                                                            
                       OFFICER
Produce some identification,
please.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yes, sir. My license.
                                                            
                       OFFICER
      (examining license)
You ah, you crossed over the
center line back there.
                                                            

19.

                       JACK
      (studying
       officer's face)
I know. Marianne, my friend here,
dropped her purse. I bent over to
pick it up and swerved a little.

Say, aren't you Lowell McCarthy?
                                                            
                       OFFICER
Yes, I am.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (extends handshake)
Well isn't it a small world? You
spoke at a law enforcement careers
class at the "U" a few weeks back!
                                                            
                       OFFICER
You in that class with Doctor -
                                                            
                       JACK
Hale.
                                                            
                       OFFICER
Alan Hale, that's right!
                                                            
                       JACK
Look, I'm sorry about all of this,
Lowell. Marianne and I just came
from an organizational meeting for
the police reserve. We want to get
a chapter going on campus, you
see.

I haven't been drinking, but if
you want me to take a Breathalyzer
test I will.
                                                            
The officer shines a flashlight into the car, looking for
signs of an open bottle. Seeing none, he hands the license
back to Jack.
                                                            
                       OFFICER
No, I guess that won't be
necessary. I'll let you go with a
warning this time, but be more
            (MORE)

20.

                       OFFICER (cont'd)
careful from here on.
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh, I will be. You can count on
that!
                                                            
                       OFFICER
      (tips hat, exits)
Good evening.
                                                            
 
INT. JACK'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
If he would have made you blow
into a balloon, the hot air would
have lifted you right off the
seat.
                                                            
                       JACK
I know. His Breathalyzer would
have melted. I must be a point one
five right now!
                                                            
Jack looks out the window and skyward.
                                                            
                       JACK
Thank you, oh benevolent one.
                                                            
Jack looks out the window and waves as the officer drives
by.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Coming from an organizational
meeting for the police reserve!
You've really got crust! It was a
good thing you recognized him from
class.
                                                            
                       JACK
I didn't.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
You what?
                                                            

21.

                       JACK
Mike Fletcher told me that this
cop, McCarthy, came to the class
and gave a speech. I remembered it
when I saw his name tag. I didn't
feel like going that day.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
You're just plain lucky!
                                                            
                       JACK
      (smiles, puts car
       in gear)
Tell me about it. Let's sneak
home.
                                                            
 
INT. TUCKERVILLE VIDEO ARCADE - NIGHT
                                                            
PAT enters, looks around. There are several teenagers
playing various pinball machines of the era. Some of them
are SPACE INVADERS, PONG, ASTEROIDS, PACMAN, MISSLE COMMAND,
etc.
                                                            
Pat moves down the isle between the games. He approaches
three boys, TOKE WATSON, SAM LUTES, and DANA LEE. Toke is
playing a game called "ALL STAR WRESTLING" with an image of
JESSE "THE BODY" VENTURA on it.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Come on, Jesse, give Conrad Lucas
the old pile driver!
                                                            
The game is over and the machine goes dark. Toke sees Pat
approaching.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Hey, fellas, it's Pat!
                                                            
Pat joins the group.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Say, have you heard that Detroit
has come up with a new car?
                                                            

22.

                       PAT
Really?
                                                            
                       TOKE
Yup. It's a cross between a Comet
and a Valiant. They call it a
Vomit. It has a throw up hood.
                                                            
                       PAT
Oh, geez.
                                                            
The boys all laugh.
                                                            
                       DANA
Toke says you outran the cops
again.
                                                            
                       PAT
It was no big deal. Those old
blubbers can't run.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (laughing)
Wish I could have seen that!
Sheriff Lucas and Mister Goettl,
right?
                                                            
                       PAT
Yeah.
                                                            
                       TOKE
When I checked in with Goettl
today I almost busted a gut!
                                                            
Pat smiles at the other boys.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Any time one of us dirts scores
against the pigs, it's something
to celebrate!

Say, ah, I got a little weed here
that my sweet old grandma found
while she was cleaning the church.
                                                            

23.

                       PAT
      (laughing)
Dear, sweet Grandma Watson!
                                                            
                       TOKE
Pat, we're going out to the
trestle. Want to come along?
                                                            
                       PAT
Sure.
                                                            
The four boys walk to the front of the arcade. As they
approach the door, four girls enter. They are ABBY, MAGS,
DAWN LUNDIN, and MARY JANE.
                                                            
                       DAWN
      (Slips arm around
       Pat)
Hi Pat! I heard about you n'
Sheriff Lucas.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (shyly)
Yeah, well, it was nothing.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Do you chicks want to join our
party?
                                                            
                       ABBY
      (giggling)
Sure! Yeah! Let's get it on!
                                                            
                       DAWN
You guys got any stuff?
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (patting his fly)
See this bulge?
                                                            
Mags snaps her fingers as per "The Addams Family."
                                                            
                       MAGS
Neat! Sweet! Keeno!
                                                            

24.

                       MARY JANE
      (slaps Mags'
       shoulder)
That's neat, sweet, petite,
airhead!
                                                            
                       MAGS
Oh, kiss my grits!
                                                            
Everyone snickers except Mags, who rubs her shoulder and
pouts a few seconds.
                                                            
                       TOKE
This isn't all me. There's a
baggie of fresh stuff in here!
                                                            
                       MARY JANE
You mean it was fresh stuff!
                                                            
The girls giggle some more.
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (offended)
All right, are you babes coming or
not?
                                                            
                       DAWN
      (caressing Toke's
       fly)
Sure, you big stud.
                                                            
                       MAGS
Yeah, sock it to me!
                                                            
                       PAT
Don't forget there's a warrant out
on me. We've got to be careful.
                                                            
                       TOKE
You worry too much. The cops
around here couldn't find their
butts with a mirror, much less
catch you!
                                                            

25.

                       DAWN
Oh, I don't know. You n' Dana n'
Sam are going to court tomorrow
cuz Connie caught you drinking at
the campground.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Luck. Pure luck.
                                                            
                       PAT
If we're going let's do it.
                                                            
                       ABBY
Okay, beam me up, Scotty!
                                                            
                       MAGS
Yeah, there's no intelligent life
around here anyway.
                                                            
All exit the arcade. Pat is last. He approaches the door,
peers out and looks both ways, then exits.
                                                            
 
EXT. TUCKERVILLE STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
PAT, TOKE, SAM, DANA, MAGS, ABBY, DAWN, and MARY JANE are
walking down the sidewalk.
                                                            
                       TOKE
You really should do grass, Pat.
It mellows a guy right out.
                                                            
                       DAWN
Toke's right about that. You gotta
loosen up.
                                                            
                       PAT
Being with you guys mellows me
enough. I don't need dope.
                                                            
The gang stops to admire a 1940's Harley Davidson motorcycle
that is parked in front of a bar. It is souped up, with a
windshield, saddlebags, the works.
                                                            

26.

                       DANA
Wow! Look at the Harley hog! Super
keen!
                                                            
                       SAM
Yeah, a regular crotch rocket!
                                                            
Dana climbs on the Harley and revs the throttle.
                                                            
                       DANA
Vroom! Vroom!
                                                            
                       MARY JANE
Better watch it, Dana. That's
Lenny's bike. You're dead meat if
he sees you.
                                                            
LENNY, a tough looking biker with a beer in his hand, steps
out of the bar.
                                                            
                       LENNY
      (shouting)
Hey, you little pot-licker, get
your ass off my bike!
                                                            
                       DAWN
Oh! oh!
                                                            
                       MARY JANE
Lets boogey!
                                                            
Dana jumps off the Harley and in the process, it falls over.
Butch is not pleased.
                                                            
                       LENNY
My bike! Just wait til I get my
hands on you!
                                                            
The gang takes off running as Lenny approaches the Harley
and sets it back up. They duck into an alley, so when he
looks around again, they are out of sight. Lenny returns to
the bar, muttering to himself.
                                                            
The gang is peering out of the alley at Lenny when a loud
groan is heard.
                                                            
 

27.

EXT. TUCKERVILLE ALLEY - NIGHT
                                                            
The gang peers at an old beat up 1956 Chevy station wagon
with the dome light on. STACEY sits up, tips a bottle, and
drinks. PAT leaves the gang at the alley entrance and
approaches his dad.
                                                            
                       PAT
Pa, you gone and done it again.
                                                            
                       DAWN (V.O.)
You coming, Pat?
                                                            
                       TOKE (V.O.)
Yeah, come on!
                                                            
                       PAT
Can't. Dad's drunk again. I got to
get him home.
                                                            
                       DANA (V.O.)
Come on. He'll sleep it off.
                                                            
                       SAM (V.O.)
Yeah. This ain't the first night
he's slept in an alley!
                                                            
All gang members laugh. Pat whirls around to face them.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (angrily)
I said no! This is more important!
                                                            
                       TOKE
Okay, okay! Don't blow a gasket!
                                                            
                       ABBY
Come on, let's get to the trestle.
                                                            
Dawn hesitates a moment, watching Pat, then she follows the
gang O.S.
                                                            
 
INT. STACEY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
PAT enters the car and puts his hand on STACEY'S shoulder.
                                                            

28.

                       STACEY
Patty? That you?
                                                            
Stacey looks away, begins to cry.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Got to thinking about your mother,
Patty. I sure wish she hadn't gone
away.
                                                            
Pat takes nearly empty whiskey bottle and throws it out into
the street. Smashing glass is heard.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (starts car)
Slide over, dad. We're going home
now.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Sorry about this, Patty.
                                                            
                       PAT
It's okay. Like Toke says, a guy's
gotta mellow out sometimes. I hope
the cops aren't around.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Cops?
                                                            
                       PAT
      (smiling)
Yeah. I don't have a license.
                                                            
Pat and Stacey share a chuckle, then Stacey rubs his
throbbing head as Pat puts the car in gear and drives away.
                                                            
 
INT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
                                                            
JACK, dressed in a vintage polyester leisure suit and
accented with penny loafers, opens a door that says "Clerk
of Court."
                                                            
                       CLERK
Good Morning.
                                                            

29.

                       JACK
Good morning. My name is Jack
Johnson. I have an appointment
with Judge Halloran about the
probation officer job.
                                                            
                       CLERK
Yes, I see you here on the
schedule. The Judge has a hearing
on three juveniles starting in a
few minutes and right after that,
he will see you. You may have a
seat at one of the court benches
in the hall.
                                                            
                       JACK
Thank you very much.
                                                            
Jack moves into the hallway where two long benches rest
against the walls, facing each other, and sits down on the
end nearest a door which says "Courtroom" on it. MIKE
HALLORAN sits on the other end.

On the opposite bench are TOKE WATSON, DANA LEE, SAM LUTES,
and their MOTHERS. They are all dressed casually.


An elderly Swedish BAILIFF exits from the courtroom.
                                                            
                       BAILIFF
      (heavy accent)
Is you boys a-lookin' for Judge
Halloran then?
                                                            
                       SAM
No, but he's looking for us.
                                                            
Toke and Dana snicker. Jack observes the exchange and
smiles.
                                                            
                       BAILIFF
      (heavy accent)
The Judge will be here in just a
minute. Okey dokey?
                                                            

30.

                       DANA
Off-da! Sure, Ole. Tell Halloran
there's no rush. In fact, we don't
care if we never get in to see
him!
                                                            
Toke and Sam snicker. Jack laughs loudly.
                                                            
                       BAILIFF
      (heavy accent)
My name is not Ole, so mind your
manners! And it is Judge Halloran
to you!
                                                            
Jack's smile fades.
                                                            
JUDGE HALLORAN enters the courthouse, carrying a copy of
"I'M OK-YOU'RE OK" by Thomas Harris. He hears the bailiff
and the boys and stops to observe the scene.
                                                            
                       SAM
Sure Sven, don't get your arteries
hard.
      (to Dana)
He strokes out every time!
                                                            
All three boys laugh, but their mothers look at them,
disgusted.
                                                            
                       BAILIFF
      (heavy accent)
Brats! I'd like to crack a two by
four over all your heads! You
don't respect anything or anybody,
just drink, smoke the dope, and
steal!
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (jumping to feet)
Why don't you just shut up, you
old geezer!
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Hold it!
                                                            

31.

All turn and look at the Judge as he moves to stand in front
of the boys.
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (whispers to Dana)
Here come da Judge, here come da
Judge.
                                                            
Dana laughs.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (pointing to Toke)
You. Earl Watson. Apologize to my
bailiff! Now!
                                                            
                       TOKE
My friends call me Toke.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (deliberately)
I'm not one of your friends. Now
apologize.
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (glares at Judge,
       whispers)
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
I don't think the bailiff heard
you.
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (louder)
I said, I'm sorry. I apologize.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Now, enter the court room, sit
down, and be quiet. When I want
you to speak, I will tell you.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (to bailiff)
Where is Mister Goettl?
                                                            

32.

                       BAILIFF
      (heavy accent)
He's already waiting inside.
                                                            
The bailiff opens the court room door and holds it as the
three boys and their mothers enter, followed by Judge
Halloran. Jack watches the Judge, wide-eyed and sober, as he
walks by. The bailiff enters the court room last and closes
the door behind him, leaving Jack and Mike on the bench.
                                                            
                       JACK
Are you waiting for a hearing?
                                                            
                       MIKE
Nope. I'm not one of those pukes.
I'm Mike Halloran, the Judge's
son. When he's free, I've got to
talk to him.
                                                            
Jack sits next to Mike.
                                                            
                       JACK
What a coincidence. I'm here to
talk to your dad, too, about the
probation officer job. My name's
Jack Johnson.
                                                            
Jack and Mike exchange handshakes.
                                                            
                       MIKE
If you really want the job, you
have to talk tough to him.
                                                            
                       JACK
What?
                                                            
                       MIKE
Talk tough about crime and act
cool. He likes that. He's looking
for a real redneck.
                                                            
                       JACK
A redneck, huh? I don't know.
                                                            

33.

                       MIKE
Don't let him think you're soft.
He hates that.
                                                            
                       JACK
Are you putting me on?
                                                            
                       MIKE
Nope. He's my dad, remember? I
know what he wants.
                                                            
Jack looks O.S., thinking about what Mike just said.
                                                            
Some time later the courtroom door is opened by the bailiff.
Toke, Sam, Dana, and their mothers walk out of the
courtroom, subdued. KEN follows them out.
                                                            
                       BAILIFF
      (heavy accent)
Mister Johnson, Judge Halloran
will see you now.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Remember, be hard. Really lay it
on thick.
                                                            
Jack gets up from the bench and walks into the courtroom. As
he passes Mike the boy smiles, slyly.
                                                            
 
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
                                                            
JUDGE HALLORAN is standing behind the judicial bench dressed
in a black robe. He removes it as JACK enters.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Come in, Mister Johnson. Have a
seat.
                                                            
                       JACK
Thank you, sir.
                                                            
Judge Halloran removes some papers from a briefcase.
                                                            

34.

                       JUDGE HALLORAN
I had planned to review your
resume this morning but these
juvenile hearings were scheduled
instead.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (with cocky smile)
Yes I know. I saw the little pukes
when I came in.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Little what?
                                                            
                       JACK
Pukes. You know, JD's, dirtbags.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
We refer to them by their given
names or as youths or even as
kids, Mister Johnson. We do not
refer to them as pukes.
                                                            
                       JACK
Right. Anyway, you don't have to
look any further for a probation
officer, sir. I've got a
bachelor's degree in corrections,
and I am your man.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
You don't know how happy I am to
know that you have ended my
search. Tell me, besides your
degree, what other attributes do
you possess that makes you my
natural choice?
                                                            
                       JACK
Well, I like kids, relate to them
well, I have a deep and abiding
respect for the law, and I have a
realistic view of the causes and
cures for delinquency.
                                                            

35.

                       JUDGE HALLORAN
I see. And what do you think the
causes are?
                                                            
                       JACK
Bad seed, primarily. Rotten kids
have rotten parents.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Rotten kids have rotten - an
interesting perspective. And how
would you go about correcting such
a situation?
                                                            
                       JACK
That is not too difficult. Simply
teach the parents contemporary
values so that they will be more
effective at raising their
children.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Why do you think that would be
easy for you to do?
                                                            
                       JACK
Because the parents of most
delinquents come from the lower
socio-economic strata of society
and are pretty dumb themselves. It
will not be any strain for me to
out-think them, to stay one step
ahead of them.

And I'll let them know I have a
college degree, also, and that I
am an expert in corrections. Once
they realize I am smarter than
they are, they will follow my
advice.
                                                            
Judge Halloran stares at Jack a moment, then he puts his
hand to his mouth to stifle a smile.
                                                            

36.

                       JUDGE HALLORAN
You'd outfox them, eh? Fascinating
concept. Would you use trickery to
supervise the delinquents as well?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (laughing)
No way! Kids are a lot smarter
than adults that way. They would
see right through it. Nope, what
I'd do is be tough. I'd take a
hard line with them, but I would
be totally honest. I would lay
down the rules and if they screwed
up, I'd zap them.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Zap them?
                                                            
                       JACK
You got it. I'd haul them off to
jail or drag them back here, to
court.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Why would you be so tough?
                                                            
                       JACK
Because kids have to know, right
from the start, that probation is
their last chance and that
continued delinquency will not be
tolerated.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Now, let me see if I understand
all of this. You would be tough
but straight with the delinquents
and you would con the parents. Is
that about right?
                                                            
                       JACK
That's about right, yeah.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Why?
                                                            

37.

                       JACK
      (condescendingly)
Because I have legal control over
the kids who are on probation. I
have the power to back up what I
say to them. But I have no control
over the parents. I have to con
them to get them to go along with
my supervision plan for their kid.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
You said before that you like
kids. Have you ever done any
volunteer work with delinquents?
                                                            
                       JACK
No, but delinquents are just kids.
There's nothing special or
different about them.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (standing up)
You really think that you are
fully qualified to work here,
don't you?
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh, I'm sure there's a few things
I need to learn, like court
procedures and reports and such.
But as far as delinquency is
concerned, there's nothing
mysterious about it. Any one can
work with the little...
                                                            
Jack looks at the Judge, pauses, and catches himself.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (emphasizing the
       word)
YOUTHS, if they have some common
sense.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
It is easy for you, then?
                                                            

38.

                       JACK
Yeah. It's no big deal.
                                                            
JUDGE HALLORAN strolls over to the window and looks out,
thoughtfully.
                                                            
                       JACK (V.O.)
Is there anything else you want to
know?
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (turning back to
       face Jack)
No, I've heard quite enough. Can
you report to work on Monday?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (smiling)
Yes, I believe my calendar's open
that day. Are you convinced I know
enough about delinquency to handle
this job?
                                                            
Judge Halloran moves directly in front of Jack and stares
down at him.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
I'm convinced that you are a
conceited college punk who knows
nothing at all about delinquents
and their problems other than what
you have read in a book or heard
in a class!
                                                            
Jack looks back at the Judge. His smile disappears. He
listens, stunned.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN (V.O.)
You have never walked in their
paths, never volunteered your
talents, which may be
considerable, in an effort to help
kids with problems, probably
because you consider such efforts
beneath your dignity.
                                                            
 

39.

INT. COURT ROOM - DAY
                                                            
JACK and JUDGE HALLORAN continue the interview.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
I am convinced that even a
mediocre attorney could put you on
the stand, under oath, and rip
your credentials apart. In short,
Mister Johnson, I'm convinced that
you have a lot to learn, that you
have barely begun to understand
juvenile problems, and that it
will be some time before you are a
good probation officer.

The job pays $1403 a month as per
the Minnesota Department of
Corrections scale, plus fringe and
mileage. I shall expect you here
at 8:00 a.m. sharp on Monday. You
are to be dressed in a business
suit and a tie, no leisure suit
like you are now. And get rid of
those loafers! Tie shoes, black or
brown, are the standard in my
court room.
                                                            
Jack continues to listen to the Judge. He is very subdued
now.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN (V.O.)
I expect you to take lodging
within the county borders. You
will be on duty twenty four hours
a day excluding legal holidays and
weekends.

I'll introduce you to Mister
Goettl today. He will work with
you next week and get you set up
in the office, then, you will be
on your own.

Of course, I will be here in
chambers if you need to talk to me
            (MORE)

40.

                       JUDGE HALLORAN (cont'd)
about a case.
                                                            
                       JACK
Why, after what you said, are you
still offering me this job?
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Maybe it's because I was like you
once, ambitious and self-assured.
                                                            
Jack and Judge Halloran walk toward the court room door.
                                                            
                       JACK
You still come across very self
assured to me.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (laughing)
Appearances can be deceiving, even
in a Judge. Anyway, confidence is
a good attribute to bring to this
job, Mister Johnson. You will see
days when confidence is all that
will keep you going.
                                                            
 
INT. COURTHOUSE HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
JACK and JUDGE HALLORAN exit the courtroom. MIKE continues
to sit on the bench.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Your confidence came through in
the interview, but I also thought
you were trying to impress me with
how tough and how cool you are.

Take a hint from me. Don't ever do
that in an interview. Who taught
you that anyway?
                                                            
Jack looks at Mike. The Judge notices him too.
                                                            

41.

                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Hi Mike. I didn't know you were
coming down. Meet Jack Johnson, my
new probation officer!
                                                            
Mike stands up and shakes hands with Jack.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Hello Mister Johnson.

Dad, can I talk to you a minute?
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Sure. I'll have Ken get together
with Jack, then be right with you.
                                                            
The Judge extends a handshake to Jack.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Let me join my son in welcoming
you to the Hawkins County team,
Jack. I'll make a probation
officer out of you yet!
                                                            
                       JACK
Thank you, sir.
                                                            
Judge Halloran re-enters the courtroom, leaving Jack and
Mike in the hallway.
                                                            
                       JACK
"Be tough," you said! Thanks a
lot!
                                                            
                       MIKE
What are you complaining about?
You got the job, didn't you?
                                                            
Jack opens his mouth to respond, but says nothing. He is
speechless. Judge Halloran exits the courtroom and re-joins
Jack and Mike.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Ken will be right - oh here he
comes now.
                                                            

42.

KEN joins the trio in the hallway.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Ken, meet Jack Johnson, the new
probation officer. Show him the
office, okay?
                                                            
Jack and Ken exchange greetings.
                                                            
                       KEN
Sure. Jack, right this way.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (to Mike)
Now then, what's on your mind?
                                                            
Ken and Jack walk down the hallway and away from the
courtroom.
                                                            
                       KEN
We'll start out on Monday by
reviewing the files. Then I'll
take you around and introduce you
to the police and to the school
counselors.
      (looking at Jack)
The Judge will not allow you to
dress like that around here.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, I know. I've been informed
of that already.
                                                            
Ken and Jack pause in front of a door that says "Probation
and Parole Office."
                                                            
                       KEN
      (opening door)
Here we are. Home sweet home.
                                                            
 
INT. PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
The office is small and sparcely furnished, with two desks
and chairs, an electric typewriter, a file cabinet, a small
bookcase, and four metal folding chairs. On one wall is a

43.

large bulletin board highlighted by a map of Hawkins County.
KEN and JACK enter.
                                                            
                       KEN
      (motioning to map)
Hawkins County was named after
Jedediah Hawkins, the first white
settler and homesteader in this
area. He later went on to become
the sheriff of this territory and
still later, became a governor of
the state. The county covers 215
square miles, most of which is
prime farm land. There are 23,000
residents as of 1960. I suspect
that number will increase with
this year's census.

Your caseload will average between
55 and 60 kids, most of whom will
come from the six towns in the
county.
                                                            
As Ken talks, SHERIFF CONRAD LUCAS approaches the office and
stands in the doorway, listening but unseen by the two men.
                                                            
                       KEN
Tuckerville and Mazaska are
transient populations with no
economic base and no schools. They
are bedroom towns, and they are
your hot spots.

Once in a while you will get a
farm kid in court but not often.
They are kept too busy with chores
to get into trouble.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I'm impressed, Goettl! After
fifteen years you sound like you
finally know what's going on
around here!
                                                            
The sheriff enters the office.
                                                            

44.

                       KEN
Just showing the new man the
ropes, Connie. Jack Johnson,
Conrad Lucas, Sheriff of Hawkins
County.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Pleased to meet you, Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (shaking hands
       with sheriff)
Sheriff Lucas.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I was particularly impressed with
Ken's comment about the low rate
of crime in the rural areas. My
office patrols out there, you
know.
                                                            
                       KEN
That's right, Jack. Why, this man
standing before you has
single-handedly brought truth and
justice to the outback of Hawkins
County.
                                                            
The sheriff smiles, smugly.
                                                            
                       KEN (V.O.)
He is held in such high esteem
that the local Indians call him
"Nahdah."
                                                            
The sheriff's smile fades.
                                                            
                       KEN (V.O.)
Which means...
                                                            
Ken points to the sheriff's cowboy boots.
                                                            
                       KEN
      (laughing)
...why, there's some nahdah now!
                                                            

45.

                       SHERIFF
Very funny, Goettl!
                                                            
                       KEN
      (still laughing)
Connie, have you been standing
behind Oscar Nelson's bull again?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
      (laughing also)
I am going to personally escort
you to the county line on your
last day of work, Mister Goettl!

I sincerely hope that your
replacement here will bring some
class to the probation office!
                                                            
All three men share a chuckle.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
If I may get serious for a moment,
Ken, I just missed Pat O'Connor
again the other night.
                                                            
                       KEN
      (turns to Jack)
O'Connor! That little - I had a
full head of black hair until I
ran into Pat O'Connor. I wish you
luck on that one.
                                                            
                       JACK
What's the story on this O'Connor
kid?
                                                            
                       KEN
Pat isn't really a heavyweight
delinquent. I got him for
Obstructing Legal Process eight
months ago when his dad was
arrested for drunk and disorderly.

Pat was there and tried to stop
the police from taking the old man
to jail. There's been only one
            (MORE)

46.

                       KEN (cont'd)
problem since then.
                                                            
                       JACK
What is that?
                                                            
                       KEN
Truancy. The kid refuses to go to
school.
                                                            
                       JACK
Is that so bad?
                                                            
Ken and the Sheriff look at each other, surprised.
                                                            
                       KEN
The law says a kid stays in school
until he's sixteen.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah?
                                                            
                       KEN
Pat won't be sixteen until next
month.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
So, the school filed a truancy
petition on him and I've had a
warrant out for five months now.
                                                            
                       KEN
If he'd just go to school, we
haven't had any other trouble with
him.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
But we can't catch him. He lives
over on Hawkins Ridge and let me
tell you, he can run, and hide,
and live off the land, and when he
gets in the woods he just
disappears. I've never seen
anybody like him. Whenever we do
get close, his drunken father
steps in and protects him from us.
                                                            

47.

                       KEN
He hangs around with a gang of
hoods from Tuckerville and they
are bad news, especially Toke
Watson, the leader. But whenever
Toke gets busted for something
heavy, Pat isn't around.
                                                            
                       JACK
Does he get away?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I don't think so. The gang is into
drugs and Toke is a thief, but
from what I've heard about Pat,
he's straight.
                                                            
                       JACK
Why does the gang put up with him?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Because it's a real status symbol
to have a warrant out on you, and
Pat has stayed on the streets a
long time.
                                                            
                       KEN
I know I can't catch him. I'll
have to turn that problem over to
you, Jack.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
It would be a feather in anyone's
cap who could latch on to Pat
O'Connor, that's for sure.
                                                            
                       JACK
Do you think Judge Halloran would
be impressed?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
You bet he would.
                                                            
Jack looks O.S., thinking.
                                                            
 

48.

EXT. JACK'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Jack is driving through the countryside with lots of scenery
views. He slows turns into a rural driveway.
                                                            
 
EXT. O'CONNOR FARMHOUSE AND YARD - DAY
                                                            
There is still junk laying around the ramshackle house. JACK
gets out of his car and looks around.
                                                            
 
INT. O'CONNOR HOUSE KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
An ARM is visible pulling back the curtain on the door and
viewing JACK as he approaches the door. A low dog growl is
heard.
                                                            
The same arm leads a large, mean-looking German Shepherd dog
named KILLER to a side door, opens the door, releases the
growling dog, and shuts the door again. We hear Jack
knocking at the front door at this time.
                                                            
 
EXT. O'CONNOR FARMHOUSE AND YARD - DAY
                                                            
JACK looks around the side of the house and sees KILLER,
growling and snapping, as it stalks him. He turns and runs
for his car, with the dog hot on his heels.
                                                            
Jack jumps into his car and slams the door. A second later
the dog jumps up and puts its paws on the roof as it snarls
and snaps at Jack.
                                                            
Jack reaches for a bag of candy in his glove compartment. He
rolls his window down just a crack. Killer growls and snaps
even more viciously.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (firmly)
Whoa now. Settle down, fella. You
don't really mean that now and we
both know it.
                                                            

49.

Jack throws a piece of candy out the window. The dog drops
from the window and eats the candy.
                                                            
                       JACK
There, fella, you chew on that. It
tastes better than I do. Of
course, it doesn't do your lovely
teeth any good.
                                                            
Jack throws another piece of candy at the dog.
                                                            
                       JACK (V.O.)
See? Isn't that better? You aren't
really mad at me. Why, I'm the
candy man. Everybody loves old
Jack.
                                                            
Killer, quiet now, sits down and looks at Jack. He rolls his
window further down, cautiously, and holds two more pieces
of candy out to the dog. Killer approaches, jumps up, and
takes the candy out of Jack's hand.
                                                            
                       JACK
You bet. I'm a good old boy like
you. I'm a friend to beautiful and
horny women, a confidant of Judges
and sheriffs...
                                                            
Jack slowly steps from the car as he talks to the dog.
Killer growls.
                                                            
                       JACK
Oops! Okay, all right. Forget the
law!
                                                            
Jack hands two more pieces of candy to the dog who eats it
eagerly.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (petting the dog)
...and a special friend to
flea-bitten old mutts. Try some of
this stuff after you've been
drinking. No one will ever know.
                                                            

50.

Jack walks around to the front of his car, looking the place
over again. Killer walks with him. Jack pets it as he looks
up at the second story of the house and sees a curtain drawn
back from the window. As he looks at it, the curtain
suddenly drops back into place. Jack studies the window a
few more seconds, then bends down and pets Killer some more,
scratching its ears, etc.
                                                            
                       JACK
Well my friend, I'm sorry your
master isn't home. I had hoped to
meet him today.
                                                            
Jack returns to his car. He looks up at the window again.
The curtain is still in place. He gets into his car, starts
the engine, and drives out of the driveway. As he does, the
curtain is drawn back again and PAT is visible, looking out.
                                                            
 
INT. DISCO BAR AND LOUNGE - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK and MARIANNE sit at a table with drinks in front of
them. Jack babbles on as Marianne daydreams.
                                                            
                       JACK
Then there's this other kid who
sikked his dog on me.
                                                            
Jack shakes his head and takes a drink.
                                                            
                       JACK
Wow! He thought I didn't see him
standing in the window, but I did.
      (studying Marianne)
Marianne, is something wrong?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
No, not really. Business is slow
at the loan company, you know,
what with the tight money and high
interest, so the boss is
considering a few layoffs.
                                                            
                       JACK
Not you I hope. You've got to keep
working.
                                                            

51.

                       MARIANNE
Seniority would save me but Mark,
one of the loan officers, he's
real worried.
                                                            
                       JACK
Is that what's bugging you? Well,
to heck with Mark, that's his
problem. As for you, your worries
are over.
                                                            
Jack pulls a ring case from his pocket and sets it in front
of Marianne.
                                                            
                       JACK
Go on. Open it.
                                                            
Marianne opens the ring case. Therein is an engagement ring
and a wedding band set.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Oh Jack!
                                                            
                       JACK
Now that I'm a high ranking
government official, I assume you
would not object to marrying me.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
I-I don't know. It's so sudden.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (stunned)
Marianne, we've been a couple so
long, and you know I love you.
Isn't this what you wanted?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
      (handing box back
       to Jack)
I'm not so sure I know just now.
This is bad timing for me. I love
you for the thought but right now,
I need to think.
                                                            
Marrianne picks up her purse and quickly arises.
                                                            

52.

                       MARIANNE
I'm going home.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (also gets up)
I'll drive you.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE (V.O.)
      (hurries O.S.)
No, please. I'll take a cab.
                                                            
Jack watches the departing Marianne, then reaches into
billfold, throws some money on the table, and walks O.S.
                                                            
 
EXT. JACK IN HIS CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK is driving around town, aimlessly, wondering what to
do. He has the radio on and is listening to 1970's tunes. He
finally ends up driving up to the courthouse, parks, takes
out his courthouse key, and enters the stately old building,
which is lit up by exterior floodlights.
                                                            
 
INT. COURTHOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK sits in his office, which is lit up, shining light out
into the darkened hallway. He holds a dictaphone in his
hand.
                                                            
                       JACK
Lisa, next is a letter to Pat
O'Connor, Route one comma,
Tuckerville comma, Minnesota.
Today's date. You have the zip.

Dear Pat comma, I'm sorry I missed
you the other day but I did enjoy
meeting your dog, period. I'll be
in your area again on Friday
afternoon and will try and meet
with you then, period. Sincerely
comma, Jack Johnson,
Probation-Parole Agent, Hawkins
County.
                                                            

53.

Jack leans back in his chair. He puts down the dictaphone,
reaches into his pocket, opens the ring case, and places it
on the desk in front of him. Then he picks up the dictaphone
again.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (wryly)
And Lisa, get this letter out
right away. I'm sure Pat will be
eager to read it since it comes
from such a high ranking
government official.
                                                            
We pull back into the hall and see Jack put the dictaphone
down and finger the ring case.
                                                            
 
EXT. O'CONNOR FARMHOUSE AND YARD - DAY
                                                            
JACK drives into the yard. KILLER, the dog, bounds out,
barking and growling. Jack grabs some candy and throws it
out the window.
                                                            
                       JACK
Hey there, pooch! Have you
forgotten me already?
                                                            
Killer eats the candy as Jack gets out of the car, pets it,
and gives it more candy. He walks to the door and knocks. A
noise is heard from inside.
                                                            
                       STACEY (V.O.)
      (Jack looks around
       the yard)
I'm comin', I'm comin'.
                                                            
Stacey's old station wagon sits in the yard with the door
wide open. Hanging on the clothesline are three raccoon
pelts and two fox pelts. A dead snapping turtle lies near
the front of the house. STACEY opens the door and squints
out at Jack.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Dressed up like that you're either
a Jehovah's Witness or a pots and
pans salesman. Which one is it?
                                                            

54.

                       JACK
      (pointing at
       turtle)
What is that thing, anyway? It's
like no turtle I've ever seen.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Snapping turtle. Good eating if
you can get the head cut off.
                                                            
                       JACK
Why is that a problem? It's dead.
                                                            
                       STACEY
It looks dead, but the nerves are
still alive. Watch.
                                                            
Stacey picks up a long stick and pokes it at the turtle's
mouth. The turtle opens its jaws and clamps down on the
stick. Stacey lifts it off the ground by the stick.
                                                            
                       STACEY
If that was a finger, it would
just be a stump now.
      (smiling at Jack)
Who are you, anyway?
                                                            
                       JACK
Jack Johnson. I'm Ken Goettl's
replacement.
                                                            
                       STACEY
      (smile turns to
       snarl)
Probation officer! Another
government man, huh? What the
hell's the matter with you guys,
busting into a man's house and
bothering folks!
                                                            
                       JACK
Hey, I don't know anything about
that. It was before my time. I've
only been out here once before,
looking for Pat.
                                                            

55.

                       STACEY
Well you ain't going to find him.
Pat's in California, living with
his sister and going to school.
Been there for four months. Didn't
they tell you that?
                                                            
                       JACK
There's a law against truancy, and
he's not sixteen.
                                                            
                       STACEY
      (shouting)
Can't ya hear? I just told ya, he
ain't truant! He's living with his
sister!
                                                            
                       JACK
      (smiling)
Living with his sister. He is?
                                                            
Jack knocks himself on the forehead with his hand in mock
surprise.
                                                            
                       JACK
Wow! This is great! There's no
problem, then!
                                                            
Jack shakes Stacey's hand. Now it's Stacey's turn to be
surprised.
                                                            
                       JACK
They never told me Pat was living
in California! This will be easy.
When do you expect him to come
back home?
                                                            
                       STACEY
      (long pause,
       stares at Jack)
Huh?
                                                            

56.

                       JACK
      (smiling)
I said, when do you expect him
back here? Or is he going to stay
in California?
                                                            
                       STACEY
Ah no, no, he's coming back the
end of the semester, in a few more
weeks.

Ah, he wanted to take a course in
cybrics or cybronics, something
like that, I forget the word. They
didn't offer the class at the
school here, so-o-o-, he went to
California.

They offer the class in
California, you see. They ah, they
have a real good school system out
there, and Pat can transfer the
credits back here.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (still with naive
       smile)
Really? Hey, that's all right!
What is cybronics, anyway?
                                                            
                       STACEY
      (gulps, scratches
       head)
Cy-cybronics? Oh, that's, um, a
type of space research they do
nowadays. They use them there
computers and everything. It's a
real up and coming thing.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (Hands Stacey a
       business card)
Wonderful! Well, I would sure
appreciate it if you would have
your son contact me when he gets
back into the area.
                                                            

57.

                       STACEY
Yeah. Yeah sure, I'll have him do
that.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (shakes Stacey's
       hand again)
It was a real pleasure meeting
you, Mister O'Connor, and I look
forward to seeing you again.
                                                            
Jack turns to leave as Stacey looks questioningly at him.
Killer trots through Stacey's legs and follows Jack to the
car, real friendly. Jack gets into his car and gives the dog
some more candy.
                                                            
                       JACK
You bet, pooch. Here you are. I
wouldn't forget you.

Nice friendly dog you have here,
Mister O'Connor!
                                                            
                       STACEY
I don't understand it. He never
shines up to strangers.
                                                            
                       JACK
Have a good day, sir!
                                                            
                       STACEY
Sure. Will do.
                                                            
Jack starts his car and drives down the driveway.
                                                            
 
EXT. DOWNTOWN TUCKERVILLE - NIGHT
                                                            
PAT, standing in the shadows across from the video arcade,
looks around. Vintage 1960's and 1970's cars move back and
forth on the street. When the street is clear, he crosses
and enters the arcade.
                                                            
 

58.

INT. VIDEO ARCADE - NIGHT
                                                            
PAT looks around and sees TOKE, DANA, SAM, and DAWN standing
around a game. He approaches them.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Hey man, what's happening?
                                                            
                       PAT
Not much. Just hanging around.
                                                            
                       TOKE
There's a stash on the way, and
you crapped out last time.
                                                            
                       DAWN
Yeah. And I missed you!
                                                            
                       SAM
We'll hit the trestle again.
                                                            
                       DANA
Toke's even got the limo tonight.
                                                            
                       DAWN
Come on, Pat, let's go for it.
                                                            
                       PAT
Your dope isn't even here.
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (motioning O.S.)
Oh yes it is.
                                                            
                       DAWN
      (snickering)
Oh yes, HE is! He-e-e-er's Mikey!
                                                            
MIKE HALLORAN enters the arcade. He sees the gang but does
not approach them. Instead he goes to a pinball game and
drops in a quarter.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Sam, Dawn, stay here. Keep your
eyes open. Dana, Pat, let's make
it go down.
                                                            

59.

Toke, Dana, and Pat exit the arcade through the back door
and into the alley. Mike moves away from his pinball machine
and also takes the rear exit.
                                                            
 
EXT. ALLEY BEHIND VIDEO ARCADE - NIGHT
                                                            
MIKE approaches PAT, TOKE, and DANA. He looks around, then
reaches under his sweater and withdraws three bags of
marijuana which he tosses to Toke. Toke stuffs two baggies
in his shirt and gives the third to Dana, who does the same.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (to Toke)
You're paid.
                                                            
                       PAT
Hey Mike, why don't you join us
under the trestle?
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (disgusted)
You kidding? I don't want to be
seen with you scumballs.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (grabs Mike)
Just cuz your old man's the Judge
doesn't make you so hot. You fence
the stolen stuff you get from Toke
and pay him off in pot! You're a
dirtbag, just like us!
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (pulling Pat away)
No Pat! It'll always be this way.
Has to be.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (heading toward
       arcade door)
Don't follow me in.
                                                            
                       PAT
That hemorrhoid! I hate him!
                                                            

60.

                       TOKE
Cool down, Pat! Mike is just that
way, but as long as we deliver to
him, he delivers to us.

Come on. Let's split.
                                                            
 
INT. VIDEO ARCADE - NIGHT
                                                            
PAT, TOKE, and DANA approach DAWN and SAM.
                                                            
                       DANA
      (imitating Curly
       Howard)
Nyuk! Nyuk! Party time!
                                                            
                       SAM
      (also imitating
       Curly Howard)
Wo-wo-wo-wo! Soitenly!
                                                            
The gang approaches the front door. In the process they walk
past MIKE who is talking to a clean-cut boy and a girl named
BECKY. The boy wears a letter jacket.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I'm making plans already for the
Air Force Academy. Dad has talked
to Senator Wilkins and he's agreed
to write a letter of
recommendation.
                                                            
Toke, Sam, Dana, and Dawn exit. Pat pauses to look at Mike,
hatefully.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (staring passively
       at Pat)
If my grades stay as good as they
are now, I shouldn't have any
problem on that score.
                                                            

61.

                       BECKY
      (gushing)
That's terrific, Mike! You can be
so proud!
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (smiling at girl)
Thank you.
                                                            
 
EXT. OLD RAILROAD TRESTLE OFF OF ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
Toke's "limo," a black early 1950's Cadillac hearse, pulls
over to the side of the road and parks at the curb. TOKE,
PAT, and DAWN get out of the front seat and SAM and DANA
crawl out of the suicide rear doors.
                                                            
                       SAM
Why didn't you just drive under?
                                                            
                       TOKE
Then we're boxed in if the pigs
pay us a visit, you dork!
                                                            
                       DANA
Toke, you worry too much. Besides,
we got Pat along for good luck.
                                                            
                       DAWN
Let's do it.
                                                            
 
EXT. UNDER THE TRESTLE - NIGHT
                                                            
TOKE, DANA, SAM, and DAWN stand in a circle, lighting up
marijuana pipes with old silver colored flip-top Zippo
cigarette lighters. PAT stands alone, watching.
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (offering baggie
       to Pat)
There's plenty here. This is good
weed.
                                                            

62.

                       PAT
No thanks.
                                                            
                       SAM
You a gomer or something? This is
good stuff! Come on!
                                                            
                       DAWN
Try it. Makes ya feel studly.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (hugs Dawn)
You make me feel studly enough.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Don't force him. That leaves more
for us.

Hey Pat, we saw Johnson, the new
PO, at court.
                                                            
                       DANA
Yeah, he had on one of them,
whatchamacallems, leisure suits.
      (laughing)
Looked like a queer, but he sure
thought he looked spiffy.
                                                            
                       PAT
Oh? Well, do you guys know how
many PO's it takes to change a
light bulb?
                                                            
                       TOKE
Um, I don't know.
                                                            
                       PAT
Three. One to hold the bulb and
two to turn the ladder.
                                                            
All laugh.
                                                            
                       DAWN
A pollock goes into the pizza
parlor and orders a pizza. The
clerk says, "Do you want this cut
in six pieces or in twelve
            (MORE)

63.

                       DAWN (cont'd)
pieces?" The pollock says: "Oh,
better cut it in six pieces. I
could never eat twelve."
                                                            
All laugh.
                                                            
                       SAM
Ole and Lena get married and head
off to Minneapolis on their
honeymoon. Ole gets to feeling
horny so he pulls over at Fort
Snelling and starts kissing Lena.
Lena starts feeling horny too and
says: Ole, you don't have to
stop." So, Ole starts up the car
and drives to Duluth.
                                                            
All laugh.
                                                            
                       DANA
Two maggots are sitting on a big
fat turd. One maggot cuts a loud
fart. The other maggot looks at
him and says: "Hey, I'm trying to
eat here."
                                                            
The gang really thinks this is funny. They howl with
laughter and smoke some more.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Anyway, I hope this Johnson guy
ain't a jerk, like Goettl.
                                                            
                       DAWN
They're all the same. Just
swinging dicks.
                                                            
                       PAT
He didn't seem so bad.
                                                            
All crowd around Pat.
                                                            
                       TOKE
He's seen you?
                                                            

64.

                       PAT
      (grins)
Nope, but I saw him, at the house.
Turned my dog loose on him.
                                                            
The gang laughs.
                                                            
                       PAT
Then he came back again, and dad
told him I was in California!
                                                            
The gang laughs again.
                                                            
                       SAM
Far out! Did Killer rip him?
                                                            
                       PAT
      (seriously)
No. Johnson talked Killer down.
Made friends with him.
      (shakes his head)
I never saw anybody do that
before.
                                                            
 
EXT. ROADWAY ABOVE TRESTLE - NIGHT
                                                            
Two SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES, seen from the knees down, carrying
flashlights, walk quietly toward the gang. Their laughter
can be heard in the b.g.
                                                            
 
EXT. UNDER THE TRESTLE - NIGHT
                                                            
TOKE, SAM, DANA, and DAWN are laughing, having a good time.
They are all high. PAT is with them. He looks troubled.
                                                            
                       TOKE
Knock knock.
                                                            
                       DANA
Who's there?
                                                            
                       TOKE
Bisquick.
                                                            

65.

                       SAM
Bisquick who?
                                                            
                       TOKE
Bisquick, your pants are on fire.
                                                            
The boys laugh as Dawn approaches Pat.
                                                            
                       DAWN
What you thinking so hard about?
                                                            
                       PAT
It's Mike. Whenever I think of
him, fencing, hustling drugs, then
acting better than us. It makes me
mad. Why does he do it, anyway?
                                                            
                       DAWN
I hear the Judge is tough on him,
expects a lot, and won't give him
any money.
                                                            
Toke, Sam, and Dana join the conversation with Pat and Dawn.
                                                            
                       PAT
But, with his connections, why
doesn't he just get a job?
                                                            
                       TOKE
      (laughing)
Too lazy. Mike wants his money to
come easy and fast!
                                                            
                       DAWN
This pot's heating me up. Forget
about Mike and get over here, Pat.
                                                            
Pat and Dawn embrace. They prepare to kiss but before they
do, a tree branch snaps.
                                                            
                       PAT
We got company! Come on!
                                                            
                       FRED (V.O.)
Sheriff's officers. Stay where you
are.
                                                            

66.

                       TOKE
Cops! Let's get out of here!
                                                            
Deputy FRED climbs down the slope and starts chasing the
group of kids.
                                                            
Pat, Toke, and Dawn climb the slope to the road. Deputy
WALLY is on the side of the road. Pat dodges Wally, who
loses his balance and slides down the slope. Pat, Toke, and
Dawn run O.S.
                                                            
Deputies Wally and Fred, now at the bottom of the slope,
capture Sam and Dana.
                                                            
                       WALLY
Stand against the wall! Spread em!
                                                            
Sam and Dana lean against the trestle base as the deputies
frisk them. Wally takes a buck knife off of Sam.
                                                            
                       SAM
Book em, Dano.
                                                            
                       WALLY
      (holding up knife)
Sam Lutes, you little fart, shame
on you!
                                                            
                       SAM
      (laughing)
Hey, I resemble that! I'm not
little!
                                                            
Deputy Fred finds the baggie of marijuana in Dana's shirt.
                                                            
                       FRED
What have we here?
                                                            
                       DANA
Green tea. I carry it for laughs.
Looks just like pot, doesn't it?
                                                            
                       FRED
You are a real comedian! This is
more than an ounce, too. Where'd
you get it?
                                                            

67.

                       SAM
      (laughing)
Even if we told you, you'd never
believe it.
                                                            
                       WALLY
Try us. You know us dumb cops will
believe anything.
                                                            
                       DANA
Hey, officer, I have a great knock
knock joke. Start it out.
                                                            
                       FRED
Knock knock.
                                                            
                       DANA
Who's there?
                                                            
The two officers look at each other a second, realizing
they've been had. Sam and Dana cackle gleefully.
                                                            
                       WALLY
Dana, you are so hilarious, you
ought to be on the stage. The next
one out of town.
                                                            
Sam and Dana laugh again. Even Wally and Fred laugh.
                                                            
 
EXT. ROAD WAY ABOVE TRESTLE - NIGHT
                                                            
TOKE, PAT, and DAWN run up to Toke's hearse. Toke jumps
behind the wheel. Dawn and Pat throw open the suicide doors
and jump in back.
                                                            
 
INT. TOKE'S HEARSE - NIGHT
                                                            
TOKE fumbles with the keys to the hearse. PAT slides open
the glass partition between the front and the rear
compartments of the hearse as DAWN looks on.
                                                            
                       PAT
Toke, you're stoned. Better let me
drive.
                                                            

68.

                       TOKE
No No-o-o! This is my limo and I
got us here. I'll get us away,
too. Watch this baby!
                                                            
Toke starts the hearse, throws it in gear, and screeches
away.
                                                            
 
EXT. UNDER THE TRESTLE - NIGHT
                                                            
SAM and DANA are in the custody of WALLY and FRED.
                                                            
                       SAM
How'd you find us?
                                                            
                       WALLY
We check this place real regular.
It's a great place to find
drinkers and potheads.

Who were the other three?
                                                            
                       FRED
Looked like Toke Watson, that
Lundin girl, and Pat O'Connor.
That was Toke's old hearse we saw
up top.
                                                            
Screeching tires are heard O.S.
                                                            
                       WALLY
There they go! You stay here with
these two, I'll pursue and radio
the Tuckerville squad to come and
pick you up.
                                                            
                       FRED
Right. You boys are going to
detention.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (grinning)
Can't. Got homework to do. Got a
big history test tomorrow.
                                                            

69.

                       FRED
I really feel for you. Blow that
test and you won't be at the head
of your class anymore.
                                                            
                       DANA
      (laughing)
Sam spends more time standing in
the corner of his class than at
the head of it.
                                                            
Sound of patrol car and SIREN heard O.S.
                                                            
                       FRED
You are both flying high, aren't
you? Maybe I'll just run you
through detox instead.
                                                            
 
INT. TOKE'S HEARSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Toke is oversteering the wheel, weaving over the center line
of the road. PAT and DAWN bounce around in back.
                                                            
                       PAT
Drive right, Toke! You are making
me sick to my stomach!
                                                            
                       TOKE
Don't you dare barf in my
limosine!
                                                            
                       DAWN
Oh yuck, Pat!
                                                            
                       PAT
I mean it! Stay on your side of
the road!
                                                            
                       TOKE
Don't worry. Got 352 under the
hood. I can make this baby fly!
                                                            
                       PAT
Toke, you're high!
                                                            

70.

                       TOKE
They don't call me Toke for
nothing. I'm cool with pot. I can
handle it!
                                                            
Car lights are seen through Toke's windshield, coming at
them.
                                                            
                       PAT
Look out! You're in his lane!
                                                            
                       TOKE
Told you, I can make this baby
fly...can't get hurt...
                                                            
There is a head on collision with screeching tires and
breaking glass.
                                                            
 
EXT. JACK'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK drives into the sheriff's parking lot. He gets out of
the car and enters the sheriff's office.
                                                            
 
INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK enters and approaches the counter. SHERIFF LUCAS is
standing near the two way radio.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
What brings you out at this hour?
                                                            
                       JACK
Just thought I'd stop and say
hello.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
You should be out with a pretty
girl, not hanging around here.
                                                            
Jack smiles wryly, looks down, says nothing.
                                                            
                       RADIO
      (filtered)
Unit one, unit six.
                                                            

71.

                       SHERIFF
      (picks up
       microphone)
Yeah Wally. What you got?
                                                            
                       RADIO
      (filtered)
I'm in pursuit of a vehicle
containing suspect juveniles in a
drug incident. They're driving
crazy!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
What's your 10-20?
                                                            
                       RADIO
      (filtered)
County road 16, about two miles
east of Tuckerville. Oh, lord!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Six! What's wrong?
                                                            
                       RADIO
      (filtered)
Suspect vehicle just collided with
another car! Looks bad, Connie.
Best get Deike out here.
                                                            
Jack approaches the sheriff to hear the radio better.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
You near the Straight River
bridge?
                                                            
                       RADIO
      (filtered)
At the intersection of 16 and 36.
Roger.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I'll alert the ambulance and meet
you there.
                                                            
The sheriff puts on his hat and grabs his jacket. He turns
to Jack.
                                                            

72.

                       SHERIFF
Got to go.
                                                            
                       JACK
Do you mind some company?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Wait for me in the car.
                                                            
Jack runs out the door as the sheriff returns to the radio.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Rescue unit 12, this is Sheriff
Lucas. Do you read?
                                                            
 
EXT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK and SHERIFF LUCAS run out of the sheriff's office, jump
into a squad car, and race off. The emergency lights and
siren are activated.
                                                            
 
EXT. CRASH SCENE - NIGHT
                                                            
There are two crashed cars, one upright in the ditch and
Toke's hearse, in the ditch, laying on it's side. There is
blood and broken glass all over. People are crying and
screaming in pain. A patrol car with emergency lights on is
parked on the road. Deputy WALLY is surveying the scene.
                                                            
Sheriff Lucas's patrol car enters the scene and comes to a
halt. The SHERIFF jumps out of the car and runs over to
Wally. JACK steps out of the squad car but holds back, a
look of shock on his face as he surveys the wreckage.
                                                            
                       WALLY
We've got injuries in both cars.
There's five victims involved.
                                                            
Wally points to the hearse.
                                                            
                       WALLY (V.O.)
The one over there has a bad one.
It's Toke Watson, the driver.
                                                            

73.

                       SHERIFF
Pull your squad back to the
Rothfork intersection for now.
Divert any traffic to the county
road.
                                                            
Ambulance siren heard in the b.g.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
That will be Deike.
                                                            
The sheriff runs back to the squad car, opens the trunk, and
removes a first aid kit. The ambulance siren is still heard.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Jack, pull my squad sideways to
block this intersection, then get
over to that overturned hearse!
                                                            
                       JACK
      (still shaken)
Ri-right.
                                                            
The sheriff runs toward the overturned hearse. Jack
positions the squad car cross ways on the highway just as
the ambulance drives onto the scene. The sheriff returns to
talk to the ambulance driver.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Deike, I've got three JV's over
there, all hurt. One looks real
bad. There's two more in the other
one - older folks. You'll need the
other rig too.
                                                            
Sheriff runs back to his squad car, opens the door, and
grabs the radio microphone. Jack is standing alongside the
car, still stunned, viewing the carnage. Occasionally the
sound of someone crying in pain is heard.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
KRS-206 this is Connie.
                                                            
                       RADIO
      (filtered)
We receive you, Connie.
                                                            

74.

                       SHERIFF
Get the other road unit over here
right away. Has the Tuckerville
squad arrived with the two JV's?
                                                            
                       RADIO
      (filtered)
That's a 10-4. They're pulling in
right now.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
After they unload send them out to
the Rothfork intersection to
relieve Wally. I need him here.
And also, call Swanson's wrecker
and the hospital.
                                                            
                       RADIO
      (filtered)
10-4 unit one. KRS-206.
                                                            
Filtered voices heard in the background as the dispatcher
calls the other cars, etc. The sheriff looks at Jack. He is
frozen, white as a sheet.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Jack, I'll need you now. It's Toke
Watson, Dawn Lundin, and Pat
O'Connor. There's lots of blood,
but we have to get them out of
there.
                                                            
Another cry of pain is heard as the ambulance attendants
remove an elderly woman from the upright car and place her
onto the stretcher. DEIKE approaches the sheriff.
                                                            
                       DEIKE
Some fractures here, Connie, but
we can get them out all right.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Good. Jack and I will start on the
other one.
                                                            
The sheriff moves over to Jack, grabs his arm, and shakes
him.
                                                            

75.

                       SHERIFF
Come on, Jack! I need you now!
                                                            
Jack looks at the sheriff and takes a deep breath.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (mumbling)
O-okay.
                                                            
Sheriff and Jack run to the overturned hearse. The driver's
side is in the ditch.
                                                            
 
INT. HEARSE - NIGHT
                                                            
DAWN and PAT are in the rear, moaning, moving feebly. They
have blood on them. TOKE is pinned behind the steering wheel
of the hearse. His head is thrown back, his eyes vacant and
staring. He has blood running from his mouth.
                                                            
 
EXT. HEARSE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
      (sniffing)
That's gasoline...
      (pulling on
       passenger door)
We've got to get this open!
                                                            
Jack regains his wits and jumps onto the side of the hearse.
He pulls the rear suicide door open.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (drops into hearse)
We can get in here!
                                                            
 
INT. HEARSE - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK crawls over to DAWN who lies next to PAT. She is very
bloody. Jack touches her, gently. TOKE is seen in the b.g.
                                                            
                       JACK
Can you move?
                                                            

76.

Dawn opens her eyes, looks around, dazed. She sees Pat. He
groans.
                                                            
                       DAWN
      (shakes Pat)
Pat! Oh my god! Pat!
                                                            
                       JACK
Take it easy now. We'll have you
out of here in no time.
                                                            
Dawn sees Toke and screams, hysterically. Ambulance siren
activates in b.g.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (firmly grabs Dawn)
Stop it! Dawn! Dawn! Calm down!
We'll get you all out of here, I
promise!
                                                            
                       DAWN
But Toke! Look at him!
                                                            
                       JACK
We'll help Toke too.
                                                            
Dawn throws herself against Jack's chest, sobbing. He tries
to comfort her.
                                                            
More sirens are heard as the sheriff looks down through the
hearse door at Jack, Dawn, and Pat.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Climb out of there Jack. Let the
medics have some room.
                                                            
 
EXT. ACCIDENT SCENE - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK crawls out of the hearse as two MEDICS with a stretcher
into view with the SHERIFF.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
The two in the back are shook up,
have concussions, maybe, and glass
cuts.
                                                            

77.

                       ATTENDANT
I'll check them over close. How
about the driver?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
      (removes hat,
       wipes brow)
Name's Toke Watson. The steering
wheel has impaled him in the
chest. I don't know.
                                                            
Jack and the sheriff back away as the attendants climb into
the hearse and go to work. Jack is trembling now. The
sheriff puts his arm around Jack's shoulders.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Are you all right?
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, I'll be fine. It's just all
that blood, the screams, the
sirens...it gets to a guy.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I've seen a lot of these in
thirteen years and I'm not used to
it either.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (casts eyes
       downward)
You were so cool. You knew just
what to do. Me, I'm worthless
here.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
No you're not. You settled the
Lundin girl. You did just fine.
                                                            
The attendants remove Dawn from the hearse and place her on
a stretcher. Pat climbs out of the door and jumps down. The
attendants hand him a gauze compress which he puts to his
head.
                                                            

78.

                       ATTENDANT
She has a fractured arm. The rest
are surface cuts from the glass.
The boy is fine. Bumped his head a
little.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (to attendant)
Can you take me home?
                                                            
                       ATTENDANT
We'd best have you checked out at
the emergency room, just to be
safe.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (rubbing head)
Sure, okay. It hurts a little.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
What happened here?
                                                            
                       PAT
I might as well tell you. Toke was
smoking some strong weed. I don't
think he even saw the other car. I
mean, he saw it, but he didn't
know what he was looking at. He
ran right into their lane and hit
them.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (looking at hearse)
What about Toke?
                                                            
                       JACK
We don't know. He could be DOA.
We just don't know.
                                                            
The attendants extract Toke and place him on a stretcher,
then hurry away from the hearse.
                                                            
                       ATTENDANT
Gas tank's ruptured! She's going
to blow!
                                                            

79.

All characters run away from the hearse. A second later it
bursts into flames.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
That was a close one!
                                                            
                       JACK
What do you want me to do, Connie?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Ride into the hospital with the
ambulance. I'll be along in a
while. Need to get the fire
department out here.
                                                            
The attendants head toward the ambulance with Toke. Pat and
Jack follow them. Pat looks O.S. and pauses.
                                                            
 
EXT. MIKE HALLORAN'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
MIKE and BECKY, the girl he was visiting with at the arcade,
are parked at the road block surveying the accident scene.
Mike is driving his sensible 1962 Rambler. Mike sees PAT and
looks afraid.
                                                            
Pat throws down his bandage, runs to Mike's car, and tries
to pull him out through the window by his hair.
                                                            
                       PAT
Toke couldn't handle that weed!
You caused this, you moron!
                                                            
WALLY and another deputy approach and restrain Pat.
                                                            
                       WALLY
What's wrong here?
                                                            
                       PAT
He gave the weed to Toke. Has been
doing it for a long time, and
Toke's been stealing for him!
                                                            
                       WALLY
      (opens Mike's car
       door)
Well now, I think Sheriff Lucas
            (MORE)

80.

                       WALLY (cont'd)
will want to hear about this.
Mister Halloran, come with me,
please.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (exiting car)
You have no right! I want to talk
to my dad!
                                                            
                       WALLY
      (grabs Mike's arm)
Sounds like a good idea. We'll all
talk to your dad. Now, get in the
squad!
                                                            
                       WALLY
      (to Becky)
You come too.
                                                            
Wally puts handcuffs on Mike, then walks him over to the
squad car and puts him in the back seat. Becky moves over to
the opposite door and gets in too. Mike looks out the window
at Pat.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Narcking on me was dumb, Pat. Real
dumb.
                                                            
                       PAT
I'm not afraid of you, you big
dork! Not any more! Or your doper
friends, or your old man, either!
                                                            
                       MIKE
You talk real tough now. We'll see
how tough you are later.
                                                            
                       WALLY
I would advise you to shut up,
Mike. Save your breath for the
interrogation. Pat, the ambulance
is ready to go.
                                                            
 

81.

EXT. AMBULANCE - NIGHT
                                                            
PAT runs to the rear door, and jumps in. The ATTENDANT pulls
the door closed. JACK gets in the front passenger seat. The
ambulance speeds away.
                                                            
 
INT. AMBULANCE - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK and the DRIVER are in the front seat.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
That one punk ain't gonna make it,
what do you want to bet?
                                                            
                       JACK
I wouldn't bet on a thing like
that!
                                                            
                       DRIVER
Why? He ain't nothing but a barf
bag.
                                                            
                       JACK
He's a human being!
                                                            
                       DRIVER
All right, okay, sorry!
Excu-u-u-se me-e-e! I didn't know
you were one of those do-gooders!
      (smirks)
Still bet he croaks.
                                                            
Jack stares at the driver.
                                                            
 
INT. REAR OF AMBULANCE - NIGHT
                                                            
TOKE, PAT, DAWN, and the ATTENDANT are in the back. The
attendant works over Toke, monitors his heartbeat, etc.
                                                            
                       PAT
Is he alive?
                                                            
                       ATTENDANT
Just barely.
                                                            
 

82.

EXT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ENTRANCE - NIGHT
                                                            
The ambulance drives in and stops. NURSES and ORDERLIES rush
from the building.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
                                                            
TOKE and DAWN are wheeled down the hall by attendants and
JACK as PAT brings up the rear.
                                                            
Inside the emergency room, DAWN and TOKE are placed on
examining tables. Medical personnel crowd around them. A
DOCTOR arrives and checks Dawn with a stethoscope, then
feels her limbs. She groans.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Clean her up, start a glucose
I.V., and get her up to x-ray.
                                                            
                       ORDERLY
Yes, doctor.
                                                            
The doctor moves over to Toke, cuts open his shirt with a
scissors, then takes his pulse and listens to his heart with
a stethoscope.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Prep him for the O.R. and get him
up there right away. Blood type
him and give him a pint. Call in
the anesthesiologist. He's
hemorrhaging something fierce.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Is he stable enough for surgery?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
      (pausing)
Let's hope so. We got to go in.
                                                            
It is sometime later. JACK sits in the hospital waiting
room, paging through a magazine. HAROLD and LUCILLE WATSON,
Toke's parents, are there too, sitting quietly together.
                                                            

83.

PAT enters the waiting room with a small compress taped to
his head. Jack arises to greet him.
                                                            
                       JACK
Are you going to be okay?
                                                            
                       PAT
      (smiling)
Yeah. I got a bump on my head.
Dawn's gonna have a cast on her
arm. We both had blood tests.
                                                            
                       JACK
With all the commotion, I haven't
introduced myself. I'm Jack
Johnson.
                                                            
                       PAT
The new probation officer. I know.
I suppose you are taking me in for
probation violation.
                                                            
SHERIFF LUCAS enters the waiting room. Pat walks over to him
and holds out his arms for the hand cuffs.
                                                            
                       PAT
I'm ready, Sheriff Lucas.
                                                            
The sheriff and Jack exchange glances.
                                                            
                       JACK
If I let you go home, will you
promise me you will stay there?
And show yourself when I come to
visit?
                                                            
                       PAT
Home? Why, sure! I promise!
                                                            
                       JACK
All right. I'll trust you. If you
are lying to me, it will be your
failure, not mine.
                                                            

84.

                       SHERIFF
Are you sure? We've been looking
for him for the last several
months, you know.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (studying Pat)
If Pat says he'll stay put, I
believe him.
                                                            
                       PAT
Thanks, Mister Johnson.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Stop at the office tomorrow and
cancel the pickup order, then.
                                                            
                       JACK
Sure.
                                                            
It is some time later. Jack, Pat, Mr. and Mrs. Watson, and
Sheriff Lucas are all sitting in the waiting room. TOKE, on
a hospital bed, is wheeled into a nearby room.

The doctor, still dressed in surgical scrubs, enters the
waiting room. Everyone stands up.
                                                            
                       LUCILLE
How is our son?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
      (looks tired)
Alive. We stopped the bleeding but
he lost a lot of blood before he
got here. And there is tissue
damage.
                                                            
                       HAROLD
Can we see him?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
I'm afraid not right now. The next
few hours will be critical, as he
comes out of shock. We'll just
have to wait and see.
                                                            

85.

Lucille leans against Harold and dissolves into tears. Pat
gets up and approaches her.
                                                            
                       PAT
Mrs. Watson, Toke is my friend. I
want to stay here and wait with
you.
                                                            
                       LUCILLE
      (crying)
Thank you. He will like that.
                                                            
                       JACK
Won't your father be looking for
you?
                                                            
                       PAT
      (looks at watch)
Dad probably passed out about
three hours ago.
                                                            
                       JACK
I'll stay a while, too.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I have to return to the scene and
wrap things up.
                                                            
The sheriff approaches Mr. And Mrs. Watson and holds their
hands.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
My prayers are with you.

Jack, I'll have Wally pick you up,
just before change of shift.
                                                            
The sheriff walks O.S. as Jack, Pat, and the Watsons sit
down again.
                                                            
It is some time later. All are still in the waiting room as
two nurses rush into Toke's hospital room. The doctor also
enters the room and leaves the door ajar. Toke is visible on
the bed.
                                                            

86.

For several seconds Pat, Jack, and the Watsons watch the
hospital room, anxiously. A faint, unsteady beep tone is
heard. The doctor checks Toke carefully. The beep tone
becomes long and steady, then it stops. The doctor steps
slowly from the room and closes the door.
                                                            
Several views of Jack, Pat, and the Watsons as the doctor
slowly approaches them. Mrs. Watson breaks into tears.
                                                            
                       LUCILLE
      (crying)
No, Oh please, no!
                                                            
Jack and Pat fight back their tears as the doctor puts his
arms around the parents.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
I am sorry.
                                                            
The doctor leads Mr. and Mrs. Watson back into the hospital
room and closes the door.
                                                            
Jack looks at the hospital room door a long time, then
turns, wipes tears from his eyes, and looks O.S.
                                                            
                       JACK
Come on.
                                                            
Pat looks at Jack, hesitantly.
                                                            
                       JACK
I'll take you home. Remember our
deal?
                                                            
                       PAT
With what?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (looking O.S.)
Our ride is here.
                                                            
WALLY enters the waiting room.
                                                            
                       WALLY
Where's the Watsons?
                                                            

87.

Jack shakes his head. Pat says nothing, just looks away.
                                                            
                       WALLY
Oh.
                                                            
                       JACK
It's been a long night. Take us
home?
                                                            
                       WALLY
Yeah, sure.
                                                            
 
INT. WALLY'S SQUAD CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK and PAT sit in the back seat as WALLY drives.
                                                            
                       PAT
Toke was wild, lived crazy. It's
no good living like that, wiping
yourself out with dope. Or booze,
like my dad.
                                                            
                       JACK
You're right, you know. A person's
life ought to be worth something.
                                                            
                       PAT
Well mine's gonna be. I won't end
up like Toke.
                                                            
                       JACK
I'm glad to hear that. If you mean
it, last night wasn't a total
loss. In fact, it would even give
some value to Toke's death.
                                                            
Pat says nothing, but looks O.S.
                                                            
 
INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
It's a busy place. A dispatcher talks on the radio and a
secretary is typing reports. JACK stands at the counter,
visiting with the SHERIFF.
                                                            

88.

                       JACK
I'll relieve you of Pat's hold
order, if you have it handy.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
      (moves to bulletin
       board.)
It ought to be posted right over
here. Here you go.
                                                            
Sheriff hands paper to Jack.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
      (chuckles, points
       O.S.)
I finally get him in custody and I
can't hold him.
                                                            
Jack turns around and sees PAT, sitting quietly in the
interrogation room. He waves at Jack. Jack waves and turns
back to the sheriff.
                                                            
                       JACK
What's he doing here? Has there
been more trouble?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Hold on! Don't get your water hot!
He came in and gave me a statement
about Mike Halloran, that's all.
                                                            
                       JACK
How does it look?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Solid. A real solid case. As soon
as Annie has everything typed I'm
meeting with the county attorney.
                                                            
                       JACK
What about the Hallorans?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Mike isn't saying a word. The
Judge came down last night and
took him home.
                                                            

89.

                       JACK
      (whistles)
Wow! This is going to be a real
touchy situation!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Isn't that the truth. Wally filled
me in on Toke. I've asked for an
autopsy. I need to see what was in
the kid's blood.
      (pause)
I bet you wish you hadn't gone
riding last night.
                                                            
                       JACK
It was a short night. I got to bed
about three.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I haven't gotten to bed at all.
                                                            
                       JACK
Connie! You must be dead on your
feet!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
It goes with the job. We didn't
clear the accident scene until
5:15 because of the fire and all,
and I've been doing the paperwork
ever since.
                                                            
                       ANNIE (V.O.)
The reports are done, Connie.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Thanks, Annie.
                                                            
The sheriff walks over to Annie's desk. She hands him a
batch of papers.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I'll be with Brian Fitzsimmons.
                                                            
                       JACK
Are you done with Pat?
                                                            

90.

                       PAT
Yup. For now.
                                                            
                       JACK
You mind if I take him home?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Not a bit. It would save me a
trip.
                                                            
                       JACK
Then you'd better get some sleep,
old timer.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
      (smiling)
Yes, mom.
                                                            
 
INT. JACK'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JACK and PAT are going down the highway. They are both
silent a moment.
                                                            
                       JACK
So. Where have you been hiding the
past several months?
                                                            
                       PAT
      (squirming)
Around home. Dad told everybody I
was out of state. It was a lie.
                                                            
                       JACK
Where is your dad, anyway? Did he
come in with you?
                                                            
                       PAT
He dropped me off on his way to
the stone quarry.
                                                            
                       JACK
He made you go through this all
alone? That must have been awful
hard!
                                                            

91.

                       PAT
Dad had to work, otherwise he'd be
here.
      (pause)
My dad really isn't that bad a
guy.
                                                            
                       JACK
Not that bad? He's a drunk! You
said so yourself last night!
                                                            
                       PAT
Last night was me talking about my
dad. That's different. Sure, he
drinks, he drinks a lot, but it
hasn't always been that way.

Since mom left it's been just dad
and me. He raised me, alone, since
I was little - fed me, bought my
clothes, taught me to hunt and
trap - and it hasn't been easy for
him. His back is real bad, from
working in the quarry.

But he never complains about the
pain. I have to help him get up
sometimes in the morning, he's so
stiff and sore. And the booze, it
takes away some of the hurting.
                                                            
Jack looks at Pat and listens as he drives.
                                                            
                       PAT
But my dad keeps on going, and
he's never asked for a penny of
welfare. It would have been easier
for him to dump me years ago, to
put me in a home or something, but
he didn't cuz he loves me.
                                                            
Pat fights back his tears.
                                                            

92.

                       PAT
So don't you dare say anything bad
about my old man!
                                                            
                       JACK
      (sheepishly)
I-I'm sorry, Pat. I had no right
to say what I did.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (a tear on his
       cheek.)
You damn right you didn't. So why
don't you just shut up!
                                                            
Jack looks at Pat, opens his mouth to speak, but says
nothing. The two ride on in silence.
                                                            
 
INT. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
It is located in the courthouse. BRIAN FITZSIMMONS is
reading the police reports. The SHERIFF is also present.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
As for Lundin, Lee, and Lutes, I
think we should go with a W & R
this time. They are small potatoes
compared to Mike Halloran.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
It's all here, Connie. Between
your report and the statement of
this O'Connor boy, Mike Halloran
can be charged with felony
possession of a controlled
substance and possession with
intent to sell. Still, I hate to
charge him out.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
What are you saying, Brian? Why
not?
                                                            

93.

                       BRIAN
The blood workup from Watson's
autopsy will, I'm sure, confirm
the fact that the kid was high on
pot at the time of the accident,
but that doesn't tell us where the
drug came from.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
      (pulls report from
       pocket.)
Speaking of autopsy, here's the
toxicology report. Toke was full
of THC.

As far as the pot is concerned,
how about Pat O'Connor? He was an
eyewitness to the whole thing.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
That he was, and our entire case
will revolve around his testimony.
That's what scares me.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
You can explain yourself better
than that, Brian.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Connie, do you realize what we
have here? We're saying that the
son of the Hawkins County Judge is
selling dope and is fencing stolen
property. And we're basing the
case on the testimony of one
person, who is a minor, and a
juvenile delinquent at that!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Pat will testify.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Sure, he says that now, but will
he say that at the hearing, when
he is under pressure? Or, will he
clam up? And even if he does
testify, will he be believed?
            (MORE)

94.

                       BRIAN (cont'd)

After all, this O'Connor kid has
appeared as a delinquent before
Mike Halloran's father! The
defense can make a good argument
that O'Connor has a grudge and is
trying to smear the Hallorans, or
that he's trying to cover his own
butt!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
A setup?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Right. Pat O'Connor was in the
car. He ran with that bunch. Maybe
it was his stash that Watson took!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I don't believe that for a minute
and I don't think you do either.
Besides, there was no THC in Pat's
blood. We tested him too.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
It doesn't matter what I believe.
It's what the presiding Judge...
                                                            
JUDGE HALLORAN appears in the doorway.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (crisply)
I understand that you are
considering drafting a petition of
felony delinquency against my son.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Yes, I am considering it.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
I'm here to say, Brian, to do what
you feel is right. That is what
you were elected to do, as was I.
If you have the facts for a case,
don't hesitate because it is my
son we are talking about.
            (MORE)

95.

                       JUDGE HALLORAN (cont'd)

I will have Judge Pavlov hear the
case, of course.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Thank you. I needed to hear that.
I think we need to have the
District Court Administrator make
the special judicial appointment,
though.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
You are right. That would be the
proper procedure.
                                                            
Judge Halloran enters Brian's office, walks to his desk, and
leans into Brian's face, threateningly.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
That does not mean I will have my
son take a charge lying down,
Brian. What you charge, you damn
well better be able to prove,
because I am going to make you
prove it! My son will admit to
nothing!
                                                            
Judge Halloran turns and strides out of the room, leaving
the sheriff and Brian looking at each other.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
If Pat O'Connor folds under this
we'll not only loose the case,
we'll look like fools!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Brian, you know as well as I do
that the word is already out on
the streets. I would much rather
risk looking foolish once in a
while than to look like I'm part
of a coverup.
                                                            

96.

                       BRIAN
You've got me there. See you in
court.
                                                            
 
INT. COURTHOUSE - JUDGE HALLORAN'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
JACK walks down the hall and stops at a door that says
"Chambers." He stops, straightens his tie, pulls a notebook
from his pocket, and enters.
                                                            
SUSAN, Judge Halloran's secretary, sits at a small desk,
typing.
                                                            
                       JACK
Hi Susan. How is he?
                                                            
                       SUSAN
Really uptight.
                                                            
                       JACK
I was afraid of that.
                                                            
Jack approaches another door and knocks on it.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN (V.O.)
Come in.
                                                            
JUDGE HALLORAN is sitting behind his desk, writing, as JACK
enters.
                                                            
                       JACK
Judge, I'm here for the monthly
case reviews.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
It's that time again? Let's get it
over with.
                                                            
                       JACK
If this is a bad time I could come
back later.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
I haven't had any good times
lately. We'll do it now.
                                                            

97.

                       JACK
      (sits, opens
       notebook)
The first one is Robert Baker, on
indefinite probation for
misdemeanor shoplifting. Bob is
doing better in class this past
month.
                                                            
The Judge looks at Jack, then stares off into the distance.
                                                            
                       JACK
He is still working at the A and P
after school, and his parents
report that he is getting along
better at home. He is keeping
curfew. I had a personal contact
with him this month at school,
during his study hall. If his
present progress continues I will
be recommending discharge in a
couple of months.
      (pauses, looks at
       the Judge)
Is something wrong?
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
I was just thinking, in a little
while you may have a sheet on Mike
in there.
                                                            
Jack gets up and leans over the Judge's desk.
                                                            
                       JACK
Judge, I know you've got to be
hurting about that. It's natural.
You have a right.
                                                            
The Judge stares at Jack, his face hardening.
                                                            
                       JACK
Talk to someone about it. Don't
bottle it up inside. That's no
good.
                                                            

98.

                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Well thank you for those profound
words of wisdom, Mister Johnson!
                                                            
                       JACK
I meant no disrespect.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Never mind! I don't need to be
patronized by my probation staff!
You may go. We'll finish this
another time.
                                                            
                       JACK
Look, it's obvious to more people
than me that you are hurting.
Being a Judge does not make you
superhuman. You aren't above being
affected by all of this, so quit
trying to act like you are!
                                                            
The Judge stands up, his voice getting louder.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Why, you pompous -
                                                            
                       JACK
      (interrupting)
I'm pompous! That's the pot
calling the kettle black!
                                                            
The Judge moves toward Jack, threateningly.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
I ought to throw you out of here!
                                                            
                       JACK
For what? For telling you the
truth? The Judge Halloran who
hired me wouldn't do that.

Are you still that man?
                                                            

99.

                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (trembling)
Get out! Get out of here, or I
WILL throw you out!
                                                            
Jack and the Judge are both furious. Jack slams his case
book shut, turns, and stomps out of the Judge's chambers.
                                                            
                       SUSAN
I couldn't help but hear.
                                                            
                       JACK
You were right. He is uptight. If
I don't see you again, it's been
grand.
                                                            
Jack exits into the hallway and slams the door behind him.
                                                            
 
EXT. MARIANNE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK pulls up in his car. He jumps out and walks up to the
door, carrying a bouquet of flowers. He rings the doorbell.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (to self)
Tonight shall be ours, my queen.
                                                            
The outside light comes on and MARK opens the door.
                                                            
                       MARK
Yes, what do you want?
                                                            
Jack stares at Mark, then at his bouquet, self-consciously.
                                                            
                       JACK
Are you Mark, by any chance?
                                                            
                       MARK
Could be. Who are you?
                                                            
                       JACK
Is Marianne around?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE (V.O.)
Who is it, Mark?
                                                            

100.

MARIANNE comes to the door. She is dressed in shorty pajamas
and is combing her hair. When she sees Jack, she freezes.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Jack. What a surprise!
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, for me, too. I come over to
see my lady and find another guy.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
      (defensively)
Look, there's no strings on me! I
don't have to answer to you!
                                                            
                       MARK
Mister, whoever you are, I don't
think my friend wants you
bothering her. Now buzz off!
                                                            
Jack looks at both Marianne and Mark for a moment as though
trying to comprehend what is going on. He raises his hand to
rub his head and becomes aware of the flowers in his hand.
He looks back at the pair, more subdued.
                                                            
                       JACK
Um, sure dude, everything's cool.
You are right, Marianne. I had no
right to expect - ah, here,
Mari-Marianne, please accept these
along with my deepest apologies. I
didn't mean to intrude.
                                                            
Marianne takes the flowers from Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (with tears in his
       eyes)
Maybe we can have a cup of coffee
some time. Good bye. I'm sorry.
                                                            
Jack turns and slowly walks away. Marianne watches him
depart. A tear runs down her cheek.
                                                            
 

101.

INT. STRIPPER BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
It is noisy and dimly lit. There is cigarette haze in the
air. A STRIPPER dances to blatant stripper music on a small
stage. Several working class men, with beers in their hands,
stand at the base of the stage and hoot and holler. JACK
sits at the bar in the background, alone. He is drunk,
watching the stripper. A BARTENDER is behind the bar,
watching the stripper and smoking a cigarette.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (singing, with the
       jukebox)
Bottle of wine, fruit of the vine,
when ya gonna let me get sober.
                                                            
He slops down another drink.
                                                            
                       JACK
Hey, garcon, my cup no longer
spilleth over.
                                                            
The bartender steps up to the bar in front of Jack with
another drink and puts it down in front of him. He takes
some money from a stack of bills Jack has put on the bar.
                                                            
                       JACK
Muchos grassy-ass, mein sewer!
                                                            
Jack slides off his bar stool and takes his money, putting
it in his pocket. He takes his drink and staggers his way
through the laborers to the base of the stripper's stage.
                                                            
The stripper plays up to him, grinding away in front of his
face. At one point we see her from the back. She is dressed
in black mesh stockings and a black bikini type costume.
There is a noticeable hole in her stocking on her thigh,
with several runs going down her leg.
                                                            
Jack makes eye contact with the stripper as she grinds away
some more. He smiles lustily as he sips his drink. The
laborers whoop and holler.
                                                            

102.

Jack looks down at his drink and back at the stripper. His
smile fades. He slowly moves away from the stage and sits
down at a nearby table. The stripper moves on to another
guy.
                                                            
JACK puts his drink to his lips. A hand touches his
shoulder. It is MARIANNE.
                                                            
Jack looks around, embarrassed. He finds another chair and
pulls it up for Marianne. She sits down.
                                                            
                       JACK
What are you doing here?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
      (picking up his
       whiskey glass)
I should be asking you that. But
then, I think I know the answer.
                                                            
                       JACK
Look, I'm sorry about the scene at
your place. I didn't realize you
had another boyfriend.
                                                            
The bartender approaches their table.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (downs his drink)
A screwdriver for the lady,
please. and, while you are at it,
bring me another one of these.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
      (grabs Jack's arm)
No! No, please! Earlier this
evening you said something about a
cup of coffee. I'm ready for mine
now. And I think you are too.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (to bartender)
She's right. Another time.
                                                            
The bartender leaves as Jack and Marianne get up and exit.
                                                            
 

103.

INT. SMALL CAFE - NIGHT
                                                            
JACK and MARIANNE are seated in a booth. There are two
coffee cups in front of them.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Are you okay?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (nods head,
       tearfully)
Yup. Sure am.
      (shakes head,
       tearfully)
Nope, I sure am not. But I don't
blame you. I've been so wrapped up
in myself and the job lately, if I
were you, I wouldn't have waited
either.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
What's troubling you? I've never
seen you like this!
                                                            
                       JACK
I've run into lots of things
lately that don't add up, that
don't make sense, and that I can't
control.

I saw a kid die, Marianne, hopped
up on dope, and it shouldn't have
been.

I froze up at an accident scene
and if the sheriff hadn't talked
me through it I could have made
things even worse.

I located that runaway kid I told
you about, then said something
dumb and bummed him out so bad,
I'll probably never regain his
trust.

I smarted off to the Judge and may
end up getting my ass fired.
            (MORE)

104.

                       JACK (cont'd)

And it was all so stupid! I can't
believe I did all that!
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
      (kissing Jack)
Why Jack Johnson, I do believe
that you've discovered that life
isn't one big joke, and that you
aren't perfect and don't have all
the answers.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (regains composure)
Better late than never, I suppose.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Hey there, sport, we'll take this
slow and get through it okay.
                                                            
                       JACK
We? But you and Mark...
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
There isn't any me and Mark. I had
a headache and went to bed early
tonight. Mark came over just to
talk and have a cup of coffee,
like we are now. Mark and I have
never had more than that, Jack.
We're just friends.
                                                            
                       JACK
I thought -
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
      (interrupting)
Oh I have to confess, I thought
about it with Mark or someone
else, because I got the impression
you don't need me anymore.
                                                            
Marianne takes a Kleenex from her purse, wipes her nose and
eyes. Jack puts his arms around her.
                                                            

105.

                       JACK
      (kisses Marianne)
And that was the biggest and
dumbest of my mistakes. Can you
forgive me?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
      (smiles)
Well, probably not. Watching you
squirm is a real blast. But if I
were to forgive you, what would it
be worth to you?
                                                            
                       JACK
You are in the driver's seat. You
tell me.
                                                            
Marianne holds up her hand and examines it.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
You ah, you still have those
rings?
                                                            
                       JACK
Marianne, would you?
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
Yes, this hand definitely needs
something. I think those rings,
that one in particular, will fix
it up just fine.
                                                            
                       JACK
I'm the luckiest man in the world,
and I don't deserve you.
                                                            
                       MARIANNE
What? No jokes?
                                                            
                       JACK
No jokes. Just me.
                                                            
Jack and Marianne embrace.
                                                            
 

106.

INT. PROBATION OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
JACK sits at his desk, dictaphone in hand.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (grins)
Subject states he has broken up
with Paula Bateman, comma, whom he
now refers to as quote "Zitface"
unquote because, comma, as he puts
it, comma, she has developed a
case of terminal acne, period.
Both parents and the Mazaska
police indicate that no new
problems have developed. Period.
                                                            
LISA, the secretary, enters the office with a load of mail.
                                                            
                       LISA
      (drops mail on
       Jack's desk.)
Got a bunch.
                                                            
Lisa turns to leave and sees PAT standing in the hallway.
                                                            
                       LISA
Mister Johnson?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (sorting mail)
Hmmm?
                                                            
                       LISA
You have company.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (standing up)
Pat! I wasn't expecting you,
although this is a pleasant
surprise.
                                                            
Lisa sits at secretary's desk next to Jack and starts
typing.
                                                            
                       JACK
How's your head?
                                                            

107.

                       PAT
Oh that. It was just a bump. Had a
headache for a day, that was all.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (looking at noisy
       typewriter)
Let's go in the other room.
                                                            
Jack and Pat walk out the door.
                                                            
 
INT. COMMISSIONER'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
JACK opens the door which says "Commissioners Room" and he
and PAT enter.
                                                            
                       PAT
This is where the county board
meets.
                                                            
                       JACK
It's okay. They know I'm the best
Juvenile Probation Officer in the
county. Come on in.
                                                            
The commissioners room has a long table in it with fancy
leather chairs around it.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (grabs a name
       plate)
Do you want to be chairman?
                                                            
                       PAT
      (laughs)
Sure. This is as close as I'll
ever get.
                                                            
Jack puts the "Chairman" name plate in front of a chair and
Pat sits down.
                                                            
                       JACK
Say, about the other night, what I
said about your dad, I had no
right and I'm really sorry.
                                                            

108.

                       PAT
I'm okay with that. I shouldn't
have lost it with you, either.
After all, I was the one who was
hiding out, and you could have
arrested me the other night.
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh and happy birthday. I saw in
your file you were sixteen
yesterday.
                                                            
                       PAT
Thanks.
                                                            
                       JACK
Since you are sixteen now the
truancy won't go to court. I want
to keep you on probation for a
while yet, until the charges on
Mike are taken care of.
                                                            
                       PAT
That thing with Mike is going to
be real tough.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yes, it will be. He has denied the
charges so there will be a trial.
You will have to testify.

You will testify, won't you?
                                                            
                       PAT
Going to court and testifying
against Mike really scares me. But
then I think about Toke, stuck in
that hearse and dying, and me and
Dawn, just lucky to escape alive,
and Mike's dope causing it all.
I just can't let him get by with
it.
                                                            
                       JACK
Brian Fitzsimmons is a good
prosecutor. He will help you.
Listen to him.
            (MORE)

109.

                       JACK (cont'd)
                                                            
                       PAT
I will.
                                                            
                       JACK
After this is all over, what do
you want to do?
                                                            
                       PAT
I know I don't want to go back to
school.
                                                            
                       JACK
There isn't much anybody can do
without training. You like being
outdoors, in the hills and
forests, don't you?
                                                            
                       PAT
Yeah, I can go for that any time.
Why?
                                                            
                       JACK
I want you to take some tests with
Voc-rehab. Judging from what
Sheriff Lucas told me maybe, just
maybe, you have natural talents in
conservation.
                                                            
                       PAT
Don't know. Never been much good
at tests.
                                                            
                       JACK
But these tests are different. You
can't fail them. They tell you
what your aptitude is, what kind
of jobs you are good at.
                                                            
                       PAT
Mister Johnson, if -
                                                            

110.

                       JACK
      (interrupting)
Jack. Call me Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
Jack, if you think I should take
the tests, then I know it's for my
own good. I'll do it.
                                                            
                       JACK
Great. I'll set it up with the
counselor.
                                                            
                       PAT
Sounds good.
                                                            
There is a pause. Pat frowns.
                                                            
                       JACK
Is there something wrong?
                                                            
                       PAT
Oh no, it's nothing like that. Its
just that...well, it's Dawn. We've
been friends, it's been great with
us, but since the accident, she's
changed. She knows I'm going to
testify against Mike and she
doesn't like it one bit.
                                                            
                       JACK
But Pat, you have to testify. The
whole case depends on you!
                                                            
                       PAT
I know, geez, do I know it! I wish
it wasn't that way because all of
a sudden I'm real unpopular. The
guys don't bother me but Dawn,
that's something else again.
                                                            
                       JACK
Do you love Dawn Lundin?
                                                            
                       PAT
Yeah, I think I do.
                                                            

111.

                       JACK
It isn't easy, is it? I wish Dawn
felt differently. You don't need
this extra pressure.
                                                            
                       PAT
She thinks I'm narcking on Mike. I
suppose she's right. But if I
don't, who will speak for Toke? He
can't speak for himself anymore.
                                                            
Jack moves over to Pat and puts his arm around his
shoulders.
                                                            
                       JACK
You are right, and you will do
what's right.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (nods his head)
I got to go. Dad's waiting out
front. See ya, Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
Sure. Keep in touch.
                                                            
 
INT. PROBATION OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
JACK is talking on the phone.
                                                            
                       JACK
What do you mean, it may not be
possible? Scott, this kid needs
your services. He's on hard times
and before it's over, he'll have
it even tougher!
      (pause)
One hour? You bet I want to talk
to you!
                                                            
Jack hangs up the phone and walks out of the office.
                                                            
 

112.

INT. THE OFFICE OF SCOTT RICHTER - DAY
                                                            
SCOTT is a counselor with the Department of Vocational
Rehabilitation. He is seated behind his cluttered desk
talking to JACK, who is seated in a chair.
                                                            
                       SCOTT
I know! I know! I've heard it
before! Everybody's case is a good
cause!
                                                            
                       JACK
Not like this they aren't. It took
me two months just to get within
talking distance of Pat O'Connor
and now he's willing to be tested.
                                                            
                       SCOTT
Look, I got my budget cut by
fourteen thousand already this
year and lord knows how much
deeper they'll hack! I've got guys
lined up in the halls that are
handicapped and deserve a chance,
and you're asking me to put a punk
delinquent at the head of the
line!
                                                            
                       JACK
You're darn right I am.
                                                            
                       SCOTT
He doesn't know what he wants to
do. No sixteen year old kid knows
what he wants to do. Probably
can't even read the test
questions! Why, I bet you he'd
chicken out, wouldn't even show!
That's what happens with most of
them.
                                                            
                       JACK
A steak dinner if he doesn't.
                                                            
                       SCOTT
And for my wife, too?
                                                            

113.

                       JACK
      (pauses, sighs)
And for Deb, too.
                                                            
                       SCOTT
You're on! Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
sharp I'll test him, right here.
AND, at 6:30 p.m. sharp Deb and I
will be eating at Rafferty's, on
you. Thank you, Jackie boy!
                                                            
Jack and Scott shake hands and grin smugly at each other.
                                                            
 
INT. JACK'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JACK and PAT are on their way to Scott Richter's office.
                                                            
                       PAT
Tests freak me out. I hate them!
                                                            
                       JACK
You can't afford to think like
that. Now relax. You'll do fine.
                                                            
                       PAT
What happens after?
                                                            
                       JACK
If all goes well, Voc-rehab will
come across with some money to
train you on a job, that's what.
                                                            
                       PAT
It's worth a try, I guess.
                                                            
                       JACK
You'll do more than try. Scott
will be begging to give you
training money when he sees how
smart you are.
                                                            
Jack and Pat smile at each other.
                                                            
 

114.

INT. SCOTT RICHTER'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
JACK sits in Scott's office. SCOTT enters from a back room
in which PAT is seen sitting at a desk, writing. Scott
closes the door.
                                                            
                       SCOTT
You got him here, I got to give
you credit for that.
                                                            
                       JACK
Not only that, he'll surprise you
on aptitude.
      (pause, looks at
       watch)
How much longer?
                                                            
                       SCOTT
A few more minutes. He's about
done. I really meant it when I
said the my funds are low. The
governor cut us way back.
                                                            
                       JACK
Money is tight all over, that's
true. Corrections has been
trimmed, too. But you have to
admit I haven't sent you many
referrals. I've thought about
sending others but they just
didn't seem like good risks. Pat
O'Connor, he's different, and he
really needs a break.
                                                            
                       SCOTT
      (pacing)
He probably has no aptitude
anyhow. We're probably worrying
for nothing.
                                                            
                       JACK
Don't say that. You've already
lost two steak dinners over this.
                                                            

115.

                       SCOTT
      (scratches head.)
Not really. I've made the
reservations. It's just that I'm
buying for Deb and me tonight.

There goes my beer money for the
rest of the month.
                                                            
 
EXT. TUCKERVILLE CEMETERY - DAY
                                                            
A new Lincoln town car is parked among the tombstones. MIKE,
jogging and with a back pack, enters the cemetery and
approaches a man near the car. The man is dressed casually,
with sunglasses on. He wears a tam.
                                                            
                       MAN WEARING TAM
So this is where they planted
Toke.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Yeah.
                                                            
                       MAN WEARING TAM
      (laughs)
For a dirtball he wasn't too bad.
But he sure couldn't handle his
grass!
                                                            
                       MIKE
Toke's dead and in hell, where he
belongs. Give me the stuff, so I
can get out of here.
                                                            
The man and Mike walk over to the Lincoln where he opens the
trunk. Inside is a false bottom. He lifts the bottom, pulls
out a large bag of marijuana, and hands it to Mike.
                                                            
                       MAN WEARING TAM
Green for green.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (handing over a
       bunch of money)
Here.
                                                            

116.

Mike slips off his back pack, takes the marijuana, and
shoves it inside.
                                                            
                       MIKE
This may be my last buy.
                                                            
                       MAN WEARING TAM
What?
                                                            
                       MIKE
Got busted for selling. They're
taking me to court. They have a
witness, Pat O'Connor. You know
him. Lives out by the bluffs. If
he were wasted, there'd be no
case.
                                                            
Mike puts the marijuana-filled back pack back on.
                                                            
                       MAN WEARING TAM
That's your worry, not mine.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Oh yes it is. I'm not taking the
heat for this alone. Pat narcked
on me, he deserves to be wasted.
If he isn't and I get sent to Red
Wing, I'll make sure the cops find
out about you.
                                                            
                       MAN WEARING TAM
Don't be dumb.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Don't you be. Take care of Pat and
I won't have to say anything.
                                                            
Mike turns and jogs away. The man watches him depart,
clenching his jaws, angrily.
                                                            
 
INT. PROBATION OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
JACK is seated at his desk, using the dictaphone as the
phone rings.
                                                            

117.

                       JACK
This officer advised Tom's mother
to -

Probation Office, Johnson
speaking. Yeah Scott. Topped out!
Fantastic! I knew that kid was
something special. I'll tell Pat
right away!
                                                            
Jack hangs up the phone and rushes O.S.
                                                            
 
EXT. O'CONNOR FARMHOUSE AND YARD - DAY
                                                            
PAT and DAWN are sitting on the grass, talking. Dawn is
still wearing a cast on her arm. JACK drives up the
driveway, stops by the two teenagers, and gets out of his
car.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (running over to
       Pat)
It's happened! Pat, you did it!
Hi, Dawn. Glad to see you!
                                                            
                       DAWN
Hello. What's the good news?
                                                            
                       PAT
You've talked to Mister Richter?
                                                            
                       JACK
Yup, and your scores in
conservation went right through
the roof. Smokey the Bear could
learn a thing or two from you!
Scott's trying to line up some
training money for you, too.
                                                            
                       DAWN
You hear that, Pat? Here comes
your break. Go for it and forget
about that trial.
                                                            

118.

                       JACK
Oh no, Pat, you can't do that. The
case will fold without you. You
are the star witness!
                                                            
                       PAT
Then Mike would go free.
                                                            
                       DAWN
What am I hearing here? What's so
bad about Mike going free?
                                                            
                       PAT
And how about Toke, Dawn? You were
there that night. You saw him
dying.
                                                            
                       DAWN
That's right Pat, I saw him die.
And I cried at his funeral, and I
really meant it, too. But Toke
lost it on pot that night like he
always did. He's dead! Hanging
Mike out to dry won't change that!
                                                            
Dawn looks at Pat and Jack, who are silent.
                                                            
                       DAWN
Well? Will it?
                                                            
Dawn stomps over to her bicycle, climbs on, and pedals away.
                                                            
                       JACK
It may be to argue, but at least
she's talking to you again.
                                                            
                       PAT
She came out here to try and talk
me out of going to court, but I
told her I'm going to testify and
that's all there is to it.
                                                            
                       JACK
It won't be easy.
                                                            

119.

                       PAT
Neither was seeing Toke.
                                                            
                       JACK
Do you want me to go into the
courtroom with you?
                                                            
                       PAT
Thanks, I'd like that. But how
about you? After all, it's your
boss's numb-nuts son we're talking
about.
                                                            
                       JACK
We talked, or rather, I talked to
the Judge about that. You're
right, it's a real touchy subject.
I'll be glad when the trial's
over.
                                                            
 
INT. SCOTT RICHTER'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
SCOTT is talking to Jack on the phone.
                                                            
                       SCOTT
Jack? Scott. I've got enough CETA
money to give Pat three months of
on the job training. And, there's
a training site available at
Chippewa State Park.
      (listens, smiles)
Well thanks, but it isn't all good
news. There's no money for
transportation.
                                                            
 
INT. PROBATION OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
JACK is talking to Scott on the phone.
                                                            
                       JACK
It's twenty miles to the park!
There's got to be a way. I'll work
it out. Thanks, Scottie, you are a
miracle worker!
                                                            
 

120.

INT. COURTHOUSE HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
It is the day of Mike Halloran's trial. STACEY and PAT sit
on the bench, waiting, as JACK approaches them.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Johnson. Caught any snapping
turtles lately?
                                                            
                       JACK
Nope. That day at your place is as
close as I want to get.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (to Pat)
Scott's got money and a job for
you at Chippewa State Park. The
only problem is, you'll have to
get to and from on your own or
move to Warsaw.
                                                            
                       PAT
I'll move.
                                                            
                       JACK
You decided that awfully fast.
                                                            
                       PAT
I said I'll move. There's nothing
around home for me anymore.
                                                            
Jack looks at Pat and Stacey, then at his watch.
                                                            
                       JACK
I have to talk to Rick a minute.
Why don't you two go on inside.
I'll join you in a bit.
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICE OF RICK SHUMACHER - DAY
                                                            
RICK is a welfare caseworker. He is leaning back in his
chair with his feet on his desk. Cradled in his arms is a
large three-ring binder that says "Welfare Regulations" on
the cover. As he reads intently, MARGARET enters. She is
smoking a cigarette.
                                                            

121.

                       MARGARET
Reading up on the regs, eh? You
really know how to impress your
supervisor, Rick.
                                                            
                       RICK
      (grinning)
A good social worker stays on top
of policies and procedures. That's
what I always say, Margaret.
                                                            
                       MARGARET
      (hands Rick a note)
All right! This call came in for
you.
                                                            
Margaret exits. Rick continues to read. He sits up, standing
the reg book on his desk. He turns a page and smiles. JACK
enters his office. The reg book topples, revealing a fancy
menu.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (laughing)
Why, Ricky, are you being
deceptive again?
                                                            
                       RICK
Sh-h-h! Close the door! Look at
this! I stole it from Valentino's
in Minneapolis. Look at this great
stuff! Ravioli, Lasagna...and the
desserts, they're gorgeous!
      (stands up)
Let's go up there right now!
                                                            
                       JACK
Richard! It's two o'clock on
Tuesday afternoon!
                                                            
                       RICK
Don't we have any kids in
treatment up around there that we
need to see?
                                                            

122.

                       JACK
      (laughing)
Not hardly. But I did come here to
talk about a placement.
                                                            
                       RICK
Oh no-o-o-o! Haven't you heard
that Minnesota has no money? We're
going to get kicked out of the
court house because we can't pay
our rent! We certainly can't pay
for a placement.
                                                            
                       JACK
No placements at all? Come on!
                                                            
                       RICK
That's the truth. My director has
just issued a new policy. All
juveniles in need of placement
shall be put to sleep.
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh gross! Anyway, I need the
placement in Warsaw and I need it
now. Gotta run to court. Bye!
                                                            
Jack exits quickly, leaving Rick alone. He hollers at the
closed door.
                                                            
                       RICK
Oh yeah? Well, don't hold your
breath, buster!
                                                            
Rick sits down again and grumbles to himself as he picks up
the reg book.
                                                            
                       RICK
Where does it say punk probation
officer gives orders to seasoned
social worker!
                                                            
 

123.

INT. COURTROOM - DAY
                                                            
JACK enters and hurries to sit down next to PAT, STACEY, and
SHERIFF LUCAS.

Across the aisle sits MRS. HALLORAN, alone.

JUDGE HALLORAN, MIKE, and their lawyer, DENNIS PRYBELSKI,
are seated at the defense table.

BRIAN FITZSIMMONS sits at the prosecution table.

The BAILIFF sits on a chair near the chambers door and next
to a reel-to-reel tape recorder.

JUDGE PAVLOV, dressed in black judicial robes enters. All
arise as the bailiff raps a gavel, then turns on the tape
recorder.
                                                            
                       BAILIFF
      (heavy accent)
The Juvenile Court of Hawkins
County is now in session. The
Honorable Heinrich Pavlov
presiding.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
      (sitting at
       judicial bench)
Be seated.
                                                            
All comply.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
      (shuffling through
       papers)
This is the matter of the welfare
of Michael Halloran. Today's
hearing is a contested hearing on
a delinquency petition alleging
possession of a controlled
substance, count one, and
possession of a controlled
substance with intent to sell,
count two.

Also present in the courtroom
            (MORE)

124.

                       JUDGE PAVLOV (cont'd)
today are The Honorable Charles
Halloran and Mrs. Sheila Halloran,
the defendant's parents, Michael
Halloran, the defendant, and Mr.
Dennis Prybelski, counsel for the
defense.

On the prosecution side is County
Attorney Brian Fitzsimmons,
Sheriff Conrad Lucas, Sheriff of
Hawkins County, Jack Johnson,
Juvenile Probation Officer, Pat
O'Connor, prosecution witness, and
his father, Stacey O'Connor.
Bailiff Ronald Korth is also
present.

May I remind all parties that
these proceedings are being audio
taped. Speak clearly so that your
response can be recorded.

That said, are the parties ready
to proceed?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
The state is ready, your honor.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Yes, your honor.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Very well. Mister Fitzsimmons, you
may call your first witness.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
The state calls Sheriff Conrad
Lucas.
                                                            
The sheriff approaches the witness chair as the Judge places
a bible on the edge of the judicial bench. The sheriff puts
his left hand on the bible and raises his right hand. The
Judge also raises his right hand.
                                                            

125.

                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Do you swear that your testimony
relative to the cause now under
consideration shall be the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but
the truth, so help you God?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
I do.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
You may be seated.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Would you state your name and
position for the record, please?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Conrad Lucas, Sheriff of Hawkins
County.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Did you have occasion as part of
your official duties to
investigate the allegation that
Michael Halloran is involved in
the possession and sale of over
one ounce of controlled
substances, notably, marijuana?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Yes I did, on July twenty-third of
this year.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
All right. Could you tell the
Court what occurred on July
twenty-third?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Yes. I received a report of a two
car accident on county road thirty
six outside of Tuckerville. I
proceeded to the scene along with
Probation Officer Johnson. One of
the victims, Pat O'Connor, the
juvenile in the courtroom today,
            (MORE)

126.

                       SHERIFF (cont'd)
gave a statement to the effect
that he witnessed a drug sale
transaction between the juvenile,
Mike Halloran, and the driver of
one of the accident vehicles, Toke
Watson.

It was the opinion of the O'Connor
boy that the drugs ingested by
Toke Watson led to the accident in
which Watson was killed.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
I object, your honor. First of
all, the sheriff's testimony is
running into hearsay and second,
the condition of Toke Watson is
not relevant to the matter before
the court.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Sustained, Mister Prybelski.
Mister Fitzsimmons, please
instruct your witness to avoid
hearsay and irrelevent testimony.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Yes, your honor. Now, Sheriff
Lucas, did you formally question
Pat O'Connor?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
The next day I did, at the office,
with the permission of Pat's
father.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
During that interview, did you and
Pat discuss a drug sale between
Toke Watson and Mike Halloran?
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Objection! The question requires a
hearsay response.
                                                            

127.

                       JUDGE PAVLOV
I will allow it. You may answer
the question, sheriff.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Pat O'Connor told me that he was
present earlier in the evening and
witnessed Mike Halloran sell three
bags of marijuana to Toke Watson.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
And where did this transaction
take place?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
In the alley behind the
Tuckerville video arcade.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Thank you. I have no further
questions.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Mister Prybelski, do you wish to
cross-examine?
                                                            
                       DENNIS
      (looking at notes)
I do have a few brief questions,
your honor. Sheriff, you indicated
that Pat O'Connor told you, I
believe your words were, quote,
"Mike Halloran sell three bags of
marijuana to Toke Watson," is that
correct?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
That is what he told me.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Did he tell you how much money
Toke paid for the marijuana?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
No. Pat said the marijuana was
payment for stolen merchandise -
                                                            

128.

                       DENNIS
No? Did I hear you say no? Do you
mean that no money changed hands
at this transaction?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
It is my understanding that no
money actually changed hands,
that's right.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Thank you, sheriff. I have no
further questions.
                                                            
Brian is biting on a pencil and frowning.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Mister Fitzsimmons, do you wish to
redirect?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Ah, not at this time, your honor.
But I request the right to recall
the witness at a later time.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Sheriff, you may step down.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
The state calls as its next
witness, Patrick O'Connor.
                                                            
Pat takes a deep breath and looks at Jack, who pats his arm
and smiles at him. Pat arises and approaches the bench.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Place your left hand on the bible
and raise your right hand, please.
                                                            
Pat complies.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Relative to the cause now under
consideration, do you swear to
tell the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth, so help
            (MORE)

129.

                       JUDGE PAVLOV (cont'd)
you God?
                                                            
                       PAT
I do.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Be seated.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Now Pat, relax. Be calm. I'm going
to ask you some questions, all
right?
                                                            
Pat nods.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
It will be necessary for you to
answer the question verbally so
the microphone can record your
response.
                                                            
                       PAT
Yes, sir.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Would you state your name, please?
                                                            
                       PAT
Pat O'Connor.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
And where do you live?
                                                            
                       PAT
Route one, Tuckerville.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
And would you tell the Court your
age?
                                                            
                       PAT
Sixteen.
                                                            

130.

                       BRIAN
Did you see Mike Halloran sell
drugs to Toke Watson?
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Objection! Improper foundation.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Sustained.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Pat, do you recall the date of
July twenty-third, 1970?
                                                            
                       PAT
Yes, sir.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
And what day was that?
                                                            
                       PAT
It was a Thursday.
                                                            
Jack leans over to Stacey and whispers to him.
                                                            
                       JACK
He sounds good up there.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Yeah, but then, he's had
experience!
                                                            
Jack and Stacey smile at each other. Judge Pavlov and the
bailiff glare at them for whispering in court.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
The probation officer and Mister
O'Connor are reminded to remain
silent during these proceedings
unless they are offering
testimony.
                                                            
Jack and Stacey nod their heads, solemnly.
                                                            

131.

                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Mister Fitzsimmons, you may
proceed.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Thank you, your honor. Now, Pat,
did you personally see Mike
Halloran that day?
                                                            
                       PAT
Yes.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
When?
                                                            
                       PAT
That evening.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Can you tell the Court the
circumstances under which you saw
Mike?
                                                            
                       PAT
I was at the arcade with Dawn
Lundin, Sam Lutes, Dana Lee, and
Toke Watson.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Excuse me. Is this the video
arcade in Tuckerville we are
talking about?
                                                            
                       PAT
Yes.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Very well. Go on.
                                                            
                       PAT
Then Mike Halloran came in and
went to the alley behind the
arcade with us. He gave Toke three
bags of grass, ah, marijuana.
                                                            

132.

                       BRIAN
Did any money exchange hands?
                                                            
                       PAT
No. When Mike gave the pot to
Toke, he said, "You're paid." The
pot was payment for hot stuff Toke
had stolen and fenced to Mike.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Objection! That was a conclusion
on the part of the witness.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
      (pauses a moment)
Since Toke Watson cannot testify,
I will allow the answer.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
I have no further questions.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Mister Prybelski?
                                                            
Dennis pauses and studies his notes. Pat licks his lips,
nervously.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Yes, your honor. I wish to examine
this witness.
                                                            
Dennis, smiling, approaches the witness chair.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Hello, Pat.
                                                            
                       PAT
Hello.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Have you known Mike Halloran long?
                                                            
                       PAT
A couple of years.
                                                            

133.

                       DENNIS
Do you go to the same school with
him?
                                                            
                       PAT
No.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
You are acquainted with his father
too, aren't you?
                                                            
Pat pauses and looks out into the gallery at Jack, who
smiles back supportively and nods.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Mister O'Connor, would you answer
my question?
                                                            
                       PAT
I was in Juvenile Court once
before with the Judge. I am on
probation for Obstructing Legal
Process.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Have you ever smoked pot?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Objection! The witness is being
asked to incriminate himself.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Your honor, this witness has
testified that my client gave
marijuana to one Toke Watson. I am
inquiring as to whether the
witness knows what marijuana is
and can identify it.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
The objection is sustained.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
I shall pursue another line, your
honor. Now Pat, do you recognize
marijuana when you see it?
                                                            

134.

                       PAT
I do.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
And do you know how it smells?
                                                            
                       PAT
Yes.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Do you maintain that my client,
Mike Halloran, gave a large
quantity of marijuana to Toke
Watson on July twenty-third of
this year?
                                                            
                       PAT
In exchange for stolen goods, yes.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Oh yes, the stolen goods again!
                                                            
Dennis leans over the witness chair, close to Mike, in an
effort to psych him out.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Tell me, did you actually see Toke
Watson give stolen property to
Mike?
                                                            
                       PAT
No, I didn't.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
You didn't? Well then, how do you
know such a transaction took
place?
                                                            
                       PAT
Toke told me. He'd been stealing
for Mike for a long time.
                                                            
Dennis walks slowly away from the witness stand.
                                                            

135.

                       DENNIS
Isn't it unfortunate that you
heard this from a dead boy...
                                                            
Dennis whirls to face Pat.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
...or is it simply a convenient
story that can't be checked?
                                                            
                       PAT
      (Arising from
       chair)
You are calling me a liar! I am
not a liar!
                                                            
Mike is sneering at Pat and thoroughly enjoying his
discomfort as the cross examination heats up. Judge Halloran
stares at his son.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
You'd like to drag down Mike
Halloran, wouldn't you? It would
really feel good to stick it to
the Judge's son!
                                                            
                       BRIAN
      (jumping up)
I strenuously object to this
blatant badgering of the witness!
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Maybe that was your pot, not Mike
Halloran's!
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
      (pounding gavel)
Mister Prybelski!
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Your gutter friends would consider
you a hero!
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Mister Prybelski, you are out of
order!
                                                            

136.

                       PAT
      (shouting)
I am telling the truth!
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Or maybe your drunken father told
you to say all this!
                                                            
Stacey hangs his head in shame.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (beginning to cry)
You leave my dad out of this! He
has nothing to do with it! You
have no right!
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
      (pounding gavel)
Mister Prybelski!
                                                            
Judge Halloran gets up and approaches Dennis.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
No, not this way! I will not let
you destroy Pat Halloran to save
my son! If we cannot win this
admirably, so be it.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (Jumping up)
Dad! What are you saying?
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
      (banging gavel)
Order! Order in this court room!
The participants will be seated or
I will have the bailiff and the
sheriff clear the court room!

Mister Prybelski, you are one
smart remark away from a contempt
citation!
                                                            
                       DENNIS
I wish to apologize to the Court,
your honor.
                                                            

137.

                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Your apology is appropriate and is
accepted. Have you concluded your
cross examination of this witness?
                                                            
                       DENNIS
I have no further questions, your
honor.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Very well. Based upon the
testimony received into evidence
today, the Court finds you,
Michael Halloran, delinquent in
that you possessed a controlled
substance, a felony, and that you
sold a controlled substance, a
felony, through means of barter
with the deceased, Toke Watson.
                                                            
Mike is glaring at Judge Pavlov as he speaks. Judge Halloran
looks at him, horrified at the monster that is his son.

MATCH CUT to a class picture of Mike, laying on a table top.
TWO HANDS IN BLACK GLOVES, holding a knife, cut an "X" over
Mike's picture.
                                                            
Back to the courtroom.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
Michael Halloran, you are hereby
committed to the Commissioner of
Corrections for placement at the
Minnesota Correctional Facility at
Red Wing, Minnesota.
                                                            
Mike grows more angry as he listens to Judge Pavlov.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
You have shamed your father and
mother, both of whom are good and
honorable people. But more than
that, you have brought disgrace
upon yourself and have profited at
the expense of others. In the case
of Toke Watson, the cost was his
young life. It is my sincere hope,
            (MORE)

138.

                       JUDGE PAVLOV (cont'd)
Michael, that in the course of the
next several months you regain the
sense of values that you have lost
along the way so that, once again,
those who know you can view you
with pride.
                                                            
Mrs. Halloran is crying as the disposition is pronounced.
Mike, however, just glares at Judge Pavlov.
                                                            
                       DENNIS
Your honor, I will be discussing
the possibility of an appeal with
my clients.
                                                            
                       JUDGE PAVLOV
I anticipated as much. In the
meanwhile, Michael Halloran, you
are remanded to the custody of the
sheriff. The probation officer is
ordered to complete a
post-dispositional social history
report. This court is adjourned.
                                                            
Judge Pavlov stands up to leave. Mike gets up from the
defense chair and rushes at him.
                                                            
                       MIKE
You can't do this, don't you see?
I'm going to the Air Force
Academy! We're getting it all
lined up!
                                                            
The sheriff and the bailiff approach Mike and restrain him.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (losing it)
I-I'm going to, to go to - but
now, this! It's not right for you
to do this to me! Not because of
some pothead like Toke Watson!
                                                            
Judge Halloran stares at Mike, horrified.
                                                            

139.

                       JUDGE PAVLOV
      (coldly)
I can do it, and I have done it.
      (nods to sheriff)
Sheriff, take him away.
                                                            
The sheriff puts handcuffs on Mike, grabs him by the arm,
and turns him toward the courtroom door.
                                                            
 
EXT. COURT HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The fancy Lincoln of the man wearing tam is parked on the
street where the driver can observe the comings and goings
from the courthouse. He wears the same black gloves as in
the earlier match cut.
                                                            
 
INT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The SHERIFF leads MIKE out into the hallway. MRS. HALLORAN
follows as does DENNIS, PAT, and STACEY. JUDGE HALLORAN
still sits in the court room as JUDGE PAVLOV walks to
chambers followed by the BAILIFF. BRIAN packs his briefcase,
then walks up to JACK.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
We did fine. Depending on the
appeal outcome, I very well may be
looking at certification to adult
court.
                                                            
Jack and Brian walk to the door and Jack opens it. Mike and
the sheriff are standing in the hallway.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (to sheriff)
There's something I want to talk
to you about, too.
                                                            
Jack turns around and looks at Judge Halloran, who is still
sitting in the courtroom.
                                                            

140.

                       JACK
      (to Brian)
You go on ahead. I'll be along in
a minute.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Sure.
                                                            
Brian exits. Jack returns to Judge Halloran and sits down
beside him.
                                                            
                       JACK
Judge Halloran? I can appreciate
your feelings right now. Is there
anything I can do?
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (smiles, faintly)
No, there is nothing. You know,
I've been thinking, if I could
change things, what would I do
differently? I'm a Judge. I've
dealt with hundreds of delinquents
over the years, and most of those
cases had a happy ending.
                                                            
Judge Halloran looks at Jack. Tears form in his eyes.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
But with my own son - and this is
what bothers me - I don't know
what I'd do differently. I don't
know what went wrong, or even
when. I thought I knew my son,
then during the trial, I realized
that my idea of who my son is
doesn't exist.

And I dare to pass judgement on
others. I even passed judgement on
you!
                                                            
                       JACK
Judge, you were right about me.
When I came to work for you, I was
conceited and pompous, yet you saw
something in me that led you to
            (MORE)

141.

                       JACK (cont'd)
give me a chance. I've seen your
insight with kids in court, too.
You give them second, and third,
and sometimes even fourth chances
after they have made mistakes.

Don't judge yourself more harshly
than you do others.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
      (wipes tears on
       handkerchief)
Thank you, Jack. I appreciate
that.
                                                            
Regaining his composure, the Judge stands up to leave. Jack
does likewise.
                                                            
                       JUDGE HALLORAN
Connie will be taking Mike to
detention. I'd better go.
                                                            
The two exit the court room.
                                                            
 
EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The SHERIFF, JUDGE and MRS. HALLORAN, and MIKE leave the
courthouse. The Judge puts his hand supportively on Mike's
shoulders, but Mike angrily pulls away from him. As they
come down the steps, Mike sees the Lincoln. He figures the
MAN WEARING TAM is there to waste Pat, so he cannot testify
at the appeal hearing. His sly smile returns.
                                                            
PAT, STACEY, and JACK exit the court house about a hundred
feet behind the first group above.
                                                            
                       JACK
It's over until the appeal, Pat.
You did just fine in there. In
fact, Brian is thinking about
certifying Mike into adult court.

How are you and Dawn getting
along?
                                                            

142.

                       PAT
You saw her the last time. Things
haven't gotten any better. But
that's my problem, not yours.
                                                            
                       JACK
Maybe I could talk to her.
                                                            
                       PAT
No! I said I would handle it!
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay, no need to freak out! Sorry
I asked!
                                                            
The Halloran group is now on the sidewalk where the Judge
and Mrs. Halloran get into their car and drive away. The
sheriff and Mike continue down the sidewalk and cross into
the street to get to the jail. At this point the man wearing
tam fires up the Lincoln and races toward the sheriff and
Mike. When the tires screech, the sheriff grabs Mike and
they both make a dive for the other side of the street. The
Lincoln barely misses them, swerves, goes up onto the
boulevard, and runs into a tree.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Are you hurt?
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (shaken)
No, I think I'm okay.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Wait here.
                                                            
The sheriff approaches the Lincoln and throws open the
drivers door. Meanwhile Jack, Pat, and Stacey run up to
where Mike is standing.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
Can you hobble across the street
to the jail?
                                                            
The man wearing tam nods and crawls out of the wrecked car.
The sheriff handcuffs him and returns him to where Mike and
the group are standing.
                                                            

143.

                       SHERIFF
Plan on being my guest for a
while.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (points to Pat)
Why me? He was the problem.
                                                            
                       MAN WEARING TAM
He was YOUR problem. You were
mine.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF
We can sort this all out later.
Let's go.
                                                            
The sheriff crosses the street with Mike and the man wearing
tam. Stacey and Pat get into Stacey's old station wagon and
drive off. Jack returns to the courthouse.
                                                            
 
INT. PROBATION OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
JACK and LISA are working on files as RICK SHUMACHER enters.
                                                            
                       RICK
Well?
                                                            
                       JACK
Well, what?
                                                            
                       RICK
Aren't you going to thank me?
                                                            
                       JACK
Thank you? You mean you lined up a
foster placement for Pat O'Connor?
                                                            
                       RICK
You're smarter than you look. But
then, you'd have to be.
                                                            
                       LISA
      (to Rick)
Too bad you don't share that
trait.
                                                            

144.

                       JACK
Fantastic!
                                                            
                       RICK
      (withdraws paper
       from pocket)
He can move in tomorrow. Here's
the address. The parents are Ray
and Tina Jorgenson. He teaches
school at Warsaw High.
                                                            
                       JACK
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You've got the biggest dessert at
Valentino's coming, on me!
                                                            
                       RICK
Can we go up right now?
                                                            
                       JACK
Patience, my dear fellow. I've got
to tell Pat the good news.
                                                            
                       RICK
Whoa, Tonto. That's all been taken
care of. I stopped at O'Connor's
this morning, had em fill out the
forms and everything. We'll use
AFDC funding. Pat will be waiting
for you at 9:00 in the morning.
      (motions toward
       door)
Now let's go to Valentino's!
                                                            
                       LISA
I'll squeal! This is still company
time! Unless...
                                                            
                       JACK
I think we're about to be
blackmailed.
                                                            
                       RICK
Sh-h-h, she's a secretary! Don't
get her riled! Secretaries rank
second only to the janitor in
status with the county
            (MORE)

145.

                       RICK (cont'd)
commissioners!
                                                            
                       LISA
You got that right. Now, bring me
back a french silk pie and I'll
forget about you two for the rest
of the day.
                                                            
Rick puts his hands together as though in prayer and bows to
Lisa.
                                                            
                       RICK
Bless you, my queen! And may all
of your babies be born infants.
                                                            
Rick and Jack head for the door.
                                                            
 
EXT. O'CONNOR YARD - DAY
                                                            
PAT sits outside, on his suitcase, as JACK drives into the
yard. Killer bounds out to greet Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (exiting car,
       throws candy to
       dog)
How you been, fella? Haven't seen
you for a while.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (points O.S.)
Your candy must have sweetened him
up. He's got a girl friend.
                                                            
Jack looks O.S. at another, smaller dog, looking at him and
begging. Jack throws her some candy too.
                                                            
                       JACK (V.O.)
A girl friend, huh?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (petting Killer)
I sure hope you're taking
precautions.
                                                            

146.

                       JACK
Where's your dad?
                                                            
                       PAT
Inside. He doesn't want to see me
go.
                                                            
                       JACK
But, I thought he agreed with
this.
                                                            
                       PAT
He does. He does. He's glad I got
the job, it's just that he doesn't
want to see me leave home.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (heading toward
       house)
I'll talk to him.
                                                            
                       PAT (V.O.)
Won't do any good.
                                                            
 
INT. O'CONNOR HOUSE KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
It is filthy, as usual. STACEY sits at the kitchen table. He
takes a drink of whiskey as JACK enters.
                                                            
                       JACK
Stacey?
                                                            
Stacey looks up. He says nothing. He looks back at his
bottle. Jack pulls up a chair, brushes off the seat, and
sits down.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (motioning to
       bottle)
Bad day?
                                                            
                       STACEY
Isn't there some other way?
                                                            

147.

                       JACK
Sure. You can drive two round
trips to the park every day.
That's only about a hundred miles.
                                                            
                       STACEY
It's just that he's so young. Only
sixteen. It's been just him and me
since he was a baby.
                                                            
                       JACK
Your son is older than his years.
I've come to realize that in the
few months that I've known him.
Through the trial, and that night,
at the hospital with Toke. He's a
fine boy, Stacey, a mighty fine
boy, and you deserve a lot of
credit for that.
                                                            
                       STACEY
Never thought I'd hear a
government worker tell me that.
                                                            
                       JACK
You heard right. But there's one
more thing I want you to do.
                                                            
                       STACEY
What's that?
                                                            
                       JACK
Go out there and give your son a
proper send-off. It will set
better with him if he knows
everything is all right with you.
                                                            
                       STACEY
You're right. I should be thinking
about him rather than feeling
sorry for myself.
                                                            
 

148.

EXT. O'CONNOR FARMHOUSE AND YARD - DAY
                                                            
PAT is looking O.S. as JACK and STACEY exit the house. As
the door slams, Pat looks around and stands up. Stacey looks
warmly at his son and smiles, holding out his arms. Pat runs
to Stacey and they embrace as Jack looks on.
                                                            
 
INT. JACK'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JACK and PAT are headed for the state park.
                                                            
                       PAT
Wow! Far Out! I can't believe this
is happening to me! I got a real
job!
                                                            
                       JACK
You sure do, my man! Everything's
going to work out just fine.
                                                            
                       PAT
Yup, I can come home on weekends
and dad, he said he'd even come
and visit me sometimes!
                                                            
                       JACK
I know, I was there, remember?
                                                            
                       PAT
Thank you for talking to him. I
don't know what you said but, when
he came out and wished me good
luck, it made me feel better about
all this.
                                                            
                       JACK
Think nothing of it. It's all part
of the package you get from a full
service probation officer.
                                                            
                       PAT
Jack, you have put up with a lot
from me and never gave up. If it
hadn't been for you, none of this
would be happening. You give
            (MORE)

149.

                       PAT (cont'd)
probation officers a good name.
                                                            
                       JACK
Tell that to the Judge when it's
time for my next raise!

We'll go out to the park first and
get you introduced, then I'll drop
you off at the Jorgensons.

Has anything turned between you
and Dawn?
                                                            
                       PAT
We split last night. She still
can't understand why I testified
against Mike. She thinks I'm no
fun any more.
                                                            
                       JACK
I am very sorry to hear that, Pat.
Guess you and Dawn weren't meant
to be. But I know, that doesn't
make it any easier.
                                                            
Pat looks at Jack and forces a smile.
                                                            
                       PAT
She's like my mom. Women are no
good.
                                                            
Pat looks out the windshield again.
                                                            
                       PAT
That's behind me now. I've got
more important things to think
about than Dawn Lundin.
                                                            
 
EXT. RANGER STATION AT ENTRANCE TO STATE PARK - DAY
                                                            
JACK and PAT drive up to the station and stop. MISS KNOWLES,
a buxom female ranger about Jack's age comes out to greet
them.
                                                            

150.

                       JACK
Howdy. I'm looking for Dave
Hanson.
                                                            
                       MISS KNOWLES
If you are Jack Johnson, he's
looking for you, too.
                                                            
                       JACK
That's me!
                                                            
                       MISS KNOWLES
      (points)
Right down that road. He's working
with a brushing crew of CETA kids.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (squints at her
       name tag)
Thank you Miss, ah, Miss Knowles.
I must say you are a credit to the
corps!
                                                            
                       MISS KNOWLES
Bye.
                                                            
 
INT. JACK'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JACK and PAT pull away from the ranger station and drive
into the park.
                                                            
                       JACK
Did you see her bouncing blue
eyes? She was gorgeous!
                                                            
                       PAT
      (laughing)
What's the matter, Jack? She make
your tongue hard?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (slaps playfully
       at Pat)
Oh you! But there was a time,
before Marianne, I would have
gladly gotten lost in these woods
            (MORE)

151.

                       JACK (cont'd)
if I knew she would be the one to
find me. If I got real lucky, she
might have to rescusitate me!
                                                            
                       PAT
      (looks O.S.)
There's the ranger's pickup.
                                                            
 
EXT. ROAD IN CHIPPEWA STATE PARK - DAY
                                                            
A forest green 1960's pickup is parked alongside what looks
to be a deserted road. JACK pulls in behind it and he and
PAT get out of Jack's car and look around.
                                                            
                       JACK
I wonder where they are?
                                                            
                       JODY (V.O.)
You looking for someone?
                                                            
JODY, a cute girl Pat's age, has come out of the woods. She
is dressed in jeans and a jacket and top, and wears boots
and a hard hat. Pat looks at her in awe.
                                                            
                       JODY
Hi. You must be Pat O'Connor. I'm
Jody Hall. We'll be working on the
same crew together.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (smiling broadly)
You a CETA person?
                                                            
                       JODY
Sure am. I live in Warsaw.
                                                            
                       PAT
No kidding!
                                                            
                       JODY
What's your sign?
                                                            
                       PAT
Leo. Yours?
                                                            

152.

                       JODY
Capricorn.
                                                            
                       PAT
Capricorn? Really?
                                                            
Pat and Jody smile as they size each other up.
                                                            
                       RANGER HANSON (V.O.)
Hello there!
                                                            
Chief Park Ranger DAVE HANSON joins Jack, Pat, and Jody.
                                                            
                       RANGER HANSON
You must be Jack Johnson, from the
probation office.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (shakes hands with
       the Ranger)
Yup, and this is Pat O'Connor.
                                                            
                       RANGER HANSON
Welcome to Chippewa Park, young
man. I'm sure that during your
stay with us, you'll learn to
appreciate nature to the fullest.
                                                            
                       PAT
      (smiling at Jody)
Yes sir, I'm sure I will!
                                                            
The group laughs.
                                                            
                       RANGER HANSON
Jody, why don't you show Pat
around the place?
                                                            
Pat and Jody walk down the road together as Ranger Hanson
and Jack look on.
                                                            
Several individual shots of Pat, working, playing, laughing,
as the end credits roll.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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