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ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. HAUNTED HOUSE - DAY
Pitch black. As the wind HOWLS & a distant wolf bays at an unseen moon, a pretty blonde 8-year-old Girl in a blue gingham dress with a bow in her hair steps INTO FRAME. Something has her scared. She pauses to look worriedly around & then moves o.s. (off screen)
A beat, then a tall Figure dressed in black GLIDES INTO FRAME. Sunk into his dark hood where a face should be are two glowing red "eyes". Nothing else. BREATHING menacingly the figure pauses, then moves off after --
THE GIRL
Eyes wide. She throws frantic glances over her shoulder as she moves on with a quickened pace.
SKELETON HANDS
glow in the dark & claw at the girl's ankles. They go unnoticed as --
THE GIRL
continues to move. The BREATHING grows LOUDER & LOUDER until the Girl whirls & looks up to see --
GIRL'S POV (Point of View) - DARK FIGURE
The caped & hooded Figure, "eyes" blazing, looms out of the darkness over the Girl & raises its arms to engulf her.
BACK TO SCENE
As this monster of darkness snatches up the Girl & she opens her mouth to scream, we go to --
Back to Top
INT. TOY STORE - DAY
where a haunted house has been set up in a corner of this supermarket-styled toy store. The scream we expect never comes. In its place is the delighted LAUGHTER of the "Alice in Wonderland" Girl as she exits the haunted house in the arms of the dark figure.
As the Girl pulls the hood back from the Figure we can SEE it is just a harmless young man in costume. His glowing red "eyes" are two lights attached to a headband he wears around his forehead. He sets the girl down &, still GIGGLING, she scampers off to join a crowd of children at --
INT. TOY STORE - STAGE AREA - DAY
where she joins a line of costumed children already assembled on a raised platform. Amongst them are an astronaut with a very authentic NASA spacesuit, a princess dripping in jewels, an Elvis look-alike & numerous others in ever so perfect, ever so expensive & ever so unimaginative dress.
Over their heads a banner proclaims, "COSTUME CONTEST - SAM'S TOY CHEST." Beneath that another reads, "Prizes - Meet the Wizard of Elm Street."
SAM (SAMANTHA) JONES, late-twenties & the attractive owner of the store stands alongside the children.
SAM
Alright everybody, let's give your parents & our celebrity judges one last look at your costumes.
(a look to the judges, then)
Judges?
Our judges. One SIMON MACKAY & one ALEX JAGGER. Simon nods to Sam to start the procession as each child steps forward to do a turn in front of the judges. Then he elbows a snoozing Alex in the ribs. Alex wakes with a start & beings to APPLAUD as he looks up at the child in front of him.
ALEX (to Simon)
The Winner?
SIMON
We haven't picked one yet.
Alex slumps back into his seat. His eyes close.
ALEX
You pick. I'm tired.
SIMON
Sorry my friend. It's only fair the final decision come from a consensus of the panel.
As Simon talks he continues to look at each child that comes forward. He winks, waves, salutes; full of energy, full of life. Alex manages to open one eye.
ALEX
Panel? We are the panel.
SIMON
Exactly. Now what do you think of this one?
Simon nods toward the child on stage dressed as Peter Pan.
ALEX
If he's the Sandman he gets my vote.
(then, amazed)
How do you do it, Simon? We get back from Borneo this morning. Seventy-two hours, eighteen minutes & . . .
(checks watch)
. . . six seconds without sleep. I give up. I'm out on my feet. I can't keep up. What is it? A pill? Your diet? Special exercises?
Simon leans close to Alex. There's a twinkle in his eyes.
SIMON (confidentially)
Rechargeable batteries.
At that moment the final contestant parades past Alex & Simon. RUSTY COLE, a scruffy-looking red-headed kid of about eight, from a poor family judging from his dress, sports a costume that is anyone's guess. Front & back covered by two large, domed plastic trash can lids, Rusty trails a length of rope with a loop at the end behind him. he smiles self-consciously down at Simon.
ALEX (to Simon)
What in the world is he supposed to be?
Simon ponders a moment, then breaks out in a giant smile.
SIMON
Our winner, Alex me boy. Our winner.
And with that, Simon pops up onto the stage.
ALEX (sotto voce)
So much for a consensus of the panel.
Simon has joined Sam & faces all the costumed children.
SIMON
Children, your costumes are all wonderful, & as far as I'm concerned you're all winners. And since all winners deserve prizes I have Wizard Glow-Bands for everybody.
All the children CHEER. Simon pulls a Glow-Band from his pocket. It's the headband with red lights on it that was worn by the Dark Figure earlier.
SIMON
Now, before I announce our grand prize winner, how about a big cheer for Miss Samantha Jones & this splendiferous toy store.
The children CHEER LOUDLY as Sam bows modestly.
SIMON
And now the grand prize. A costume near & dear to me.
(he takes a yo-yo from his pocket)
A costume that is also a toy.
(he does a trick with the yo-yo)
The grand prize goes to the yo-yo!
Rusty looks shocked. He can't believe he won. The children all CHEER as he goes to Simon, who takes Rusty's arm & raises it over his head.
SIMON
Okay, everybody follow Sam & the gentleman dressed like a government agent. They'll take you to the Wizard toy section & make sure you each get a Glow-Band.
A group of kids mob Alex, the man dressed like a government agent, & Sam. Together they begin to lead the kids to another section of the store. Simon calls after them.
SIMON
And I want you all to promise you'll wear them when you ride your bikes or go out at night.
Various kids shout "We will, Simon," or "We promise." Rusty begins to follow the others. Simon stops him.
SIMON
Not so fast, lad. I have something extra special for you.
And as Rusty's eyes bug wide with excitement --
Back to Top
INT. TOY STORE - WIZARD SECTION - DAY
CAMERA starts on a 'Wizard of Elm Street' (editing notation: "too promotional?") sign PULLS BACK to REVEAL a whole section of shelves loaded with Wizard of Elm Street toys. Children are gathered around Sam & Alex as they hand out Glow-Bands. Alex stifles a yawn.
SAM
I really can't thank you & Simon enough for your help today.
ALEX
Simon wouldn't have missed it for the world.
SAM
And you?
ALEX
Me? Well . . . I, uh . . .
(changes subject)
Gee, business looks great. And I understand there's still a basement expansion to finish. Your boss must be thrilled.
SAM
I am the boss. And yes I am.
ALEX (surprised)
You. I never would have . . .
I mean, owning a toy store is so . . .
(editing notation "?")
SAM
Masculine?
ALEX
Unusual?
SAM
Not for someone who grew up without any toys of her own.
Alex decides to start all over.
ALEX
Listen, Samantha, I didn't --
SAM (cutting him off)
Sam. I prefer Sam.
Things aren't going well & both feel a bit awkward.
ALEX
I see.
(he doesn't)
Well . . . I wonder what's keeping Simon.
Back to Top
INT. TOY STORE - STAGE AREA - DAY
where Simon is demonstrating a gizmo to Rusty. It is a small box with a joy-stick in the center. To one side is a color wheel & to the other an on/off button & an erase button. A tiny, barely visible beam of light shoots out from a small lens on the front of the box. A bright spot of light at the end of the beam moves through the air as Simon works the joy-stick. Simon spells out "Rusty" & lets it hang in the air.
RUSTY (awed)
Wow! And it's really mine?
SIMON
You betcha, kiddo. My newest toy. The Lite Rite. You can write anything you want. Change the color.
(he turns the color wheel)
Or erase it.
(he hits the erase button)
Give it a try, Rusty.
Simon hands him the controls. He's almost afraid to take it.
RUSTY
Are you sure?
SIMON
Yup. You won it fair & square.
RUSTY
But how? I saw the other costumes. They were all better than mine. You could tell they cost a lot of money.
SIMON
Not better, Rusty, different. No matter how much they spent, yours had something none of the others had. You.
Rusty doesn't understand.
SIMON
You made it special. You put yourself into that costume & made it unique. An original. A one of a kind . . . just like you. It takes more than money to do that.
Rusty beams broadly & takes the Lite Rite controls & writes out "Thanks Simon." They hug, then pull apart as they HEAR LOUD MUSIC.
CLOSE ON KEYBOARD
The keys fly as the instrument belts out a LOUD, LIVELY rendition of "Jailhouse Rock." CAMERA PULLS BACK to REVEAL other keyboards of various sizes join in & PLAY HARMONY. All seem to be playing by themselves.
CLOSE ON BALLERINA DOLL
The doll stands on a shelf & spins on a pedestal as though dancing to the music. PULL BACK to REVEAL we are in --
Back to Top
INT. TOY STORE - WIZARD SECTION - DAY
where Sam, Alex & all the children watch the impromptu "show." The children all CLAP in time with the MUSIC & some even dance. The little Elvis look-alike puts on an especially fine show. Rusty joins the other children as Simon comes over to Sam & Alex. Sam does not seem to be enjoying herself.
SIMON (shouting over the music)
Terrific show.
ALEX
How do you do it?
SAM
I don't.
She turns & walks away. Simon is puzzled. Alex just figures he said the wrong thing again. At that moment, the MUSIC STOPS as suddenly as it began. The children MOAN & all look to --
THE BALLERINA DOLL
as it stops spinning & falls, face first, to the floor.
BACK TO SCENE
Alex moves to retrieve the doll while Simon goes to see what is troubling Sam. She speaks before he can say anything.
SAM
I didn't do that, Simon.
SIMON
So it was probably just some of the kids having fun. Don't let it bother you.
Sam shakes her head resolutely.
SAM
It's happened before. At night. When I'm alone.
She tries to get her nerves under control before continuing.
SAM
The music isn't all. One night I heard a noise. When I went to see what it was I . . . I found some toys from the shelves had been piled up in the middle of one of the aisles.
(then quickly adds)
And sometimes I hear voices. At least I think they're voices. And I feel like I'm being watched and . . . my scalp tingles.
Simon takes her hand to comfort her. Alex has joined them to hear the last of what Sam has said. He looks puzzled.
ALEX
Prowlers?
SAM (shaking her head)
Nothing's ever missing.
ALEX
And you never see anyone?
Again she shakes her head.
SIMON (musing aloud)
H-m-m-m. Tingly scalp. Strange sounds. Objects moving by themselves.
(smiling slyly)
Sometimes the most obvious solution is the one you can't see.
ALEX
Simon, can't you ever just say what you mean? If it's so obvious . . .
(it hits him)
Wait. Tell me I'm wrong. You can't possibly be suggesting . . .
To finish the sentence Alex kind of levitates his hands through the air & makes an "o-o-o-o-o-h" sound -- the universally recognized symbol for ghosts & spooks.
SIMON
Alex, please. I'm a scientist.
ALEX
And a dreamer.
SIMON
A dreamer is someone who sits in front of a plate of brussels sprouts wishing it was a hot fudge sundae. I like to think I'm a believer. A believer that anything is possible, even that beyond our human understanding. I don't want to close any doors before I've fully explored each room.
ALEX
And what 'room' are we exploring now?
SIMON
Join Sam & me tonight & find out.
ALEX (crestfallen)
Tonight?
SIMON (to Sam)
I've got to run home & pick up a few things. We'll be back at closing time.
She smiles a weak, but grateful thanks.
SIMON
Don't worry, Sam. We'll get to the bottom of this.
And with that, he & Alex make their way toward the entrance, Alex muttering all the way.
ALEX
Tonight. Three days without sleep & it has to be tonight. I must be dreaming. No . . . I take that back. You have to sleep to be dreaming . . .
And as he trails off --
Back to Top
INT. SIMON'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Candy is everywhere. In the oven. On the stove. And covering both the table & all countertops. As Simon eases into the room Tillie is packing this homemade candy into tins. Her back to him, he begins to reach for a piece.
TILLIE
Simon, why do you torture yourself? You know better than to come around here at bake sale time.
Simon can't believe it. What's the deal. Does this woman have antennae or something.
SIMON
Just looking for a little energy food, Tillie. Poor Alex hasn't gotten much sleep lately & I thought some candy might help him stay up tonight.
Tillie turns & looks suspiciously at Simon.
TILLIE
You're all heart Simon. Always thinking of the other guy.
(she looks at him, thinking)
I think I've got just the thing for you.
She turns, goes to a cupboard & starts rummaging around. Simon takes the opportunity to pull a homing device from his pocket & places it on the underside of one of the candy tins. He gets it in place just before Tillie turns back to face him.
TILLIE
Here you go, Simon. This should be the ticket.
She dumps a handful of the biggest, ugliest pills you've ever seen into Simon's hands. he looks questioningly at Tillie.
TILLIE
Yeast. Take a couple of these & you should both have all the energy you need to get through the night.
SIMON (gulping distastefully)
You're a real brick, Tillie. Always there when I need you.
TILLIE
Happy to help. Now scram. I want to move this candy someplace where it won't be a temptation for you.
(editing notation: "funnier not so motherly")
And with that, Simon, feeling he's lot the battle but still can win the war, leaves Tillie with her candy.
Back to Top
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
Dark. Ominous. The SUBJECTIVE CAMERA PROWLS like the intruder it is past aisle after empty aisle, each lined floor to ceiling with toys, games & crafts. As the CAMERA SLIPS QUIETLY past each, we HEAR --
SIMON (O.S.)
Is this the spot where all the toys were piled?
SAM ( O.S.)
As near as I can remember.
SIMON (O.S.)
Good. We'll set up here. Do you have a table?
SAM (O.S.)
There's one on the shelf up there.
SIMON (O.S.)
Alex? Help Sam with the table.
(beat)
Alex?
ALEX (O.S.) (drowsily)
Huh . . . ? Oh, yeah. Sure.
We HEAR objects being moved around, a few GRUNTS, then a LOUD CRASH.
SIMON/SAM (O.S.)
Alex!
At that moment the CAMERA PEEKS down one last aisle. At the far end we SEE --
SIMON & SAM
furiously digging through the large pile of toys that have fallen on Alex. At last they uncover him. Still. Eyes closed.
SAM (hushed)
Oh, no. Is he . . . ?
Alex SNORES loudly.
SIMON
Asleep? I'm afraid so.
ANOTHER ANGLE
as Simon & Sam each take Alex by an arm & pull him to his feet. Alex groggily wakes up. He gets his bearings as Simon & Sam set up a tiny children's card table & three tiny folding chairs that lay amongst the other fallen toys.
ALEX
I'm so tired of toys. (editing notation: "play it visually")
(beat)
I'm so tired. Period.
SAM
Didn't you even like toys when you were growing up?
ALEX
I never had any toys.
Simon shoots him a skeptical look.
ALEX
I didn't.
(beat, then with dignity)
I had action figures.
Table & chairs in place, Simon motions for the other two to take their places.
SIMON
Sit.
As he speaks he pulls a large glass globe about the size of a basketball from his bag & sets it on its base in the center of the table. Alex & Sam stare in wonder as they sit in their tiny chairs. A CRY SOUNDS from beneath Alex. he reaches from beneath & removes a doll he sat on. Head caved-in, he tosses it over his shoulder. Sam looks incredulous.
SAM
You sat on Crybaby Crissy.
ALEX
She'll get over it.
SIMON
Now, place your hands on the globe.
Simon & Sam lay their hands, palms down, on the ball. Alex joins them as the globe fills with faint traces of static electricity.
SAM
It's beautiful.
ALEX
What is it?
SIMON
It's us. Our energy.
The ball gives the impression that it has somehow captured lightening. Alex pulls his hands away. The electricity dies down.
ALEX
Sorry. I need mine.
(stifling a yawn)
Anyway, this is too weird.
SIMON
Alex, there's more to us than flesh & bone. Something that makes us unique. Who we are.
(beat)
Alive. An energy that keeps on living even after we stop.
(then, softly)
Alex, that's not weird. That's wonderful.
SAM
Is that what you think is going on here? Some of this . . . energy has gotten out of hand?
SIMON
I think that's possible.
ALEX
But you're not sure?
SIMON
I'm sure we'll never know if we don't give this a try.
Alex thinks a moment, then along with Simon & Sam, places his hands on the ball. As the electricity in the ball builds up, a small spark jumps between Sam & Alex's hands, which almost touch. Simon doesn't notice. Sam & Alex do. They look at each other.
ALEX
I'm sorry. I don't know what kind of hocus-pocus this is supposed to be. But it's not going to help us catch Sam's vandals.
SIMON
I agree. If the vandals are people.
ALEX
If? Come on, Simon. You're a scientist. You deal with tangibles. Facts.
SIMON
True science is part fact. Part faith. Blessed are they who do not see, but still believe.
Alex looks to Sam. He removes his hands from the globe, she follows.
ALEX
Do you know what he's talking about?
She offers a shrug.
SIMON
The Wright Brothers had never seen a man fly, but they believed. Thomas Edison had never seen electricity harnessed, but he believed.
(he lets that sink in, then)
Alex, we are far from knowing all the secrets of nature, but when you're traveling the road of learning you sometimes have to go the first few miles on faith.
Simon places his hands on the globe once again. He is joined by Sam. They both look to Alex. He thinks a moment, then places his hands with theirs.
ALEX
Wagons, ho.
As all hands rest on the globe, Alex & Sam look in amazement as it beings to fill with barely visible traces of static electricity.
SIMON
It's working! The globe should take our energy & use it to tape into whatever is here.
ANOTHER ANGLE - SUBJECTIVE CAMERA
As Simon talks, the CAMERA prowls alongside the trio & spies on them through a shelf & around some toys. It cautiously MOVES around behind Simon as he continues to speak.
BACK TO SCENE
SIMON
Sam! Alex! Do you see it? The energy is building!
It is indeed. the globe is filled with bright, SNAPPING, CRACKLING electricity. But Sam & Alex don't seem to notice. Their eyes are locked on one another.
SIMON
Sam?
(nothing)
Alex?
Their hands have moved together to where they now touch. Alex slowly takes Sam's in his.
SIMON
Alex, no. Leave your hands on the globe. We need the energy.
Alex doesn't seem to hear. Neither, for that matter, does Sam. As they gaze intently into one another's eyes & Simon studies them with great interest, the CAMERA SLOWLY PUSHES IN on Alex.
Back to Top
EXT. GAS STATION - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
(Note: All flashbacks are in BLACK & WHITE possibly shot through a fish-eye lens. All whites glare harshly as though the film has been over-exposed)
A 1955 Chevy sits at the pumps of a gas station that even predates the car. As though someone's P.O.V., the CAMERA APPROACHES the car from the passenger side. Pretty 20-year-old LAUR A looks out the passenger window & smiles into CAMERA as it "walks" around the front of the car & MOVES toward the driver's door.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
Simon continues to watch in amazement as Alex & Sam slowly turn their bodies to face each other. Both hands leave the globe & find a home in each other's. And as the CAMERA PUSHES IN on Sam --
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK) - LAURA'S P.O.V.
The mirrored-visor flips down as Laura runs a quick inventory on her appearance. Lipstick, eyes, hair, all check out. We SEE a gold necklace around her neck with a heart-shaped charm. The visor flips up & she turns as the driver door opens & 22-year-old EDDIE TAYLOR climbs in. Dressed in black from his boots to his tight-fitting t-shirt, Eddie looks really cool. He flashes a big smile at Laura.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
A smile slowly comes to Alex' face, fades for a moment, then returns. Sam looks at Alex with a warm smile of her own.
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK) - EDDIE'S P.O.V.
The top of his head is visible in the rearview mirror as he slicks back his D.A. (Duck's Ass) hairstyle. A pair of tiny ballet slippers hang from the mirror. If we were to look closely through the windshield we would see a figure in the gas station looking out at the car.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
Alex has taken a comb from his pocket & is slicking back an imaginary D.A.
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK) - LAURA'S P.O.V.
She watches Eddie as he finishes combing his doo, gives the ballet slippers a playful tap & then turns to look at her. She moves closer to him as he reaches down & CLICKS on the radio. "JAILHOUSE ROCK" is playing. And as Elvis SINGS & Eddie moves toward Laura --
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
Alex quietly SINGS "Jailhouse Rock" as he & Sam are slowly, magically drawn together. AS their lips come tentatively & almost shyly together a small spark of static-electricity passes between them. They kiss, then pull apart & look deeply into each other's eyes.
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK) - LAURA'S P.O.V.
Eddie reaches into his pocket & removes a sparkling diamond engagement ring.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
Alex takes Sam's left hand & gently kisses her ring-finger. From there he moves to her face, gently kissing her forehead, her cheeks & at last her lips. As they embrace, the kisses grow more & more passionate. Simon continues to watch with such amazement that he doesn't notice the metal shelving unit behind him loaded with toys begin to teeter. Suddenly Alex & Sam pull apart.
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK) - EDDIE'S P.O.V.
He pulls back from Laura as the passenger door behind her suddenly flies open. A man stands in the open doorway. His face is not visible above the doorway, but what Eddie sees, & what we SEE, is switchblade the man holds as the blade flicks out. The silver initials "B.D." reflects brightly on the knife handle.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
As the heavy shelf behind Simon begins to tip over toward him, a LOUD, HOLLOW BOOMING beings to ECHO throughout the store, snapping Alex & Sam from their "trances." Alex looks just in time to see the shelf as it falls & jumps across the table to knock Simon out of the way.
ALEX
Simon!
As Simon & Alex crash to the floor the shelf SMASHES to the floor where Simon was sitting only seconds before. Alex looks up in time to catch a glimpse of someone . . . or something, disappear behind a section of shelves. He jumps up & gives chase.
Sam appears to be in a state of shock as she looks from the glass globe, still on the table, to the smashed shelf, to Simon.
SAM
Simon. What happened!?
SIMON
That, my dear, is precisely what I was about to ask you.
Sam seems to have trouble putting her thoughts into words.
SAM
I don't know. It was a feeling . . . a desire . . . a love. A love stronger than I've ever felt.
(& here's the hard part)
And it was for Alex.
And as both ponder that, we go to --
ALEX
as he runs up one aisle & down another. The fleeing figure always just out of sight. Out of reach. Down one more aisle & Alex HEARS a door SLAM. As Alex rounds the corner he comes to a rear door marked "EXIT." He tries it. Locked.
Frustrated, he turns to return to Simon & Sam. As he does he almost trips over a model car that rolls up to his feet. He stoops to pick it up. there's something about it. Something familiar.
It is a model of a 1955 Chevy.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
Back to Top
****************************************************
ACT TWO
FADE IN
CLOSE ON '55 CHEVY MODEL
as it sits under a bright worklight. A beat, & Alex' face, as though in "Land of the Giants," appears behind the model. Using a camel's-hair brush he applies a fine powder to the car, then blows. And as his face registers disappointment & frustration, we PULL BACK to REVEAL we are in --
INT. SIMON'S BASEMENT WORKSHOP - DAY
where Simon works nearby mixing chemicals & stirring up a small tub that will soon be a galvanizing bath. They both look up as Tillie enters. She carries a plate with two pieces of candy on it. Simon's eyes light up.
TILLIE
Still at it, eh. Any luck?
ALEX
Bad luck count? I can't find a print on the model anywhere.
SIMON
H-m-m. Doesn't surprise me.
(to Tillie, hopeful)
Those for us?
(editing notation "cookies")
TILLIE
Alex. Now which one should I enter in the judging at the bake sale?
Simon's face falls as she holds the plate out to Alex & he takes one of the candies to sample.
ALEX (to Simon as he chews)
I guess you're going to tell me that this 'energy force' wouldn't leave fingerprints. Well, I saw someone last night. Someone that tried to kill us. Someone that could have left prints.
(to Tillie)
Nice. Sweet, but not to rich.
He takes the second piece & pops it in his mouth. Simon watches & can almost taste it himself.
SIMON
Mind if I have a look at the car, Alex?
ALEX
Suit yourself. I can't even get print-powder to stick to the car.
(to Tillie, in ecstasy)
M-m-m, Tillie. This is definitely the one. Juicy. Sweet. and just a hint of tartness. You can't lose.
As Alex talks, Simon takes the model car & places it into his galvanizing bath. Alex suddenly notices what he's doing.
ALEX
Simon! That's our only clue. We'll never get anything from it now.
SIMON
A clue is like a foreign language. It's only useful if you understand it.
Simon can see that Alex is lost. He tries to explain.
SIMON
If my hunch is correct, the power surge we experienced in the store last night altered the molecular structure of the metal in this car. I'm simply trying to return the metal to its initial stable state for more accurate examination.
With that he flips a switch sending an electric current through the tub of water, bathing the car in a sea of light & energy. Alex watches, impressed.
ALEX (stifling a yawn)
Why didn't you say so?
Tillie looks at the two of them with complete amazement.
TILLIE
Would you listen to the two of you. Energy forces? Power surges? Let's call 'em what they are. Spooks! Spirits! Ghosts!
(looking at them intently)
You boys are dealing with a haunted toy store.
ALEX
Tillie, there's no such thing as ghosts.
TILLIE
That's a lot of hooey. I've seen one.
Alex & Simon look doubtfully at one another as Tillie settles into a chair & thinks back.
TILLIE
It was Iceland. Winter of '57. I was sailing the Lady Luck. And if ever there was a voyage where we needed it, this was the one. Ice floes everywhere. We had to go slow. But not too slow. The water could freeze up right around you. Strand you.
(beat)
Kill you.
She looks to Alex & Simon for reaction. They give her what she's looking for & she continues.
TILLIE
Then it happened. Ten bells into our second day. A fog so thick you got tired just walking through it. No way we could see the floes. No way we could stop. All we could do was to sit & listen. Listen to the moaning & groaning of ice as it grew all around us.
In spite of themselves, Alex & Simon are getting caught up.
TILLIE
Suddenly we hear this voice boom out from the bow, 'Ten-degrees to port! Full rudder!' Even in the fog we heard him clear as a bell. Well, everybody runs to the bow to see who's shoutin'. And there he stands. Right on top of the fog. Handsomest man I ever seen in a captain's uniform. Our captain gets one look at him, turns to his first mate & says, 'Do as he says.'
ALEX
Just like that? No questions asked?
Tillie nods solemnly.
TILLIE
And no sooner do we turn than the biggest iceberg you ever did see skates by. Just inches off our starboard side. This feller had just saved the life of everybody on board. And before we could thank him he disappeared. Melted right into the fog.
ALEX
And nobody knew who the guy was?
TILLIE
Our captain knew alright. Said his name was Thadeus Springer. Captain Thadeus Springer. And he hadn't changed a bit. Not in thirty years anyway. Looked the same as he did the day he was washed overboard & drowned in those very waters.
Tillie gets up to leave as Alex & Simon look at each other in disbelief.
TILLIE
If you've got ghosts, you best listen to what they have to say.
And with that she's gone.
ALEX
You believe her?
SIMON
Nah. You?
(editing notation "?")
He thinks. Then finally --
ALEX
Nah.
Just then a BUZZER on the galvanizing bath SOUNDS. Simon goes to retrieve the model. Alex seems to have something else on his mind. He's just not sure how to say it. Finally, he broaches the subject, although uncomfortably at best.
ALEX
Simon, do you believe in love at first sight?
Simon gently towels the car & sets it down. He looks at Alex.
SIMON
Sam?
He nods his head.
ALEX
I know! It's crazy! I don't even know her. But I've known a lot of other women and . . . I don't know, Simon. Last night I experienced something I've never felt for a person (editing notation: "something else?") before.
SIMON
Alex, I believe in a great many things that cannot be adequately explained. But what I believe is not nearly as important as what you felt.
ALEX
I just wish I could be sure what that was.
(frustrated)
It's frustrating. I can't remember anything that happened before that shelf fell.
Simon seems to have tuned Alex out. (editing notation: "Alex is opening up - Simon shouldn't tune him out") He has taken the model & placed it under an ultraviolet light. He studies it with fascination.
ALEX
Simon?
He comes & peers over Simon's shoulder. On the trunk of the model, glowing iridescently, is a series of letters & numbers. "KSL 657." A license plate number.
ALEX
A license plate number. Now there's a language I can understand.
Back to Top
CLOSE ON SAM
As seen through the passenger window of Simon's car. PULL BACK to REVEAL the car parked in front of --
EXT. TOY STORE - DAY
Alex & Simon stand in front of the store, a distance from the car.
ALEX
Simon, I don't understand. I'm only going to the DMV. Why does she have to come along? (editing notation: "sounds juvenile")
SIMON
Because it'll do her some good to get away from the store for awhile. And . . .
He trails off. Not sure if he should continue.
ALEX
And . . . ?
SIMON
And . . . I thought you could use the chance to talk. Now shoo. Get out of here.
And before Alex can argue, Simon disappears into the store. A large sign in the window reads, "CLOSED FOR INVENTORY." With nowhere else to turn, Alex takes a deep breath & walks toward the car.
(Note: the following scene should be shot to duplicate the action of the flashback scenes as closely as possible.)
As Alex approaches the car from the passenger side Sam looks out at him & offers a tiny wave & meek smile. Alex returns a lame smile of his own & walks around the front to his door as Sam pops her visor down to check herself in the mirror.
INT. SIMON'S CAR - DAY
Sam completes her quick check in the mirror as Alex slides into the car & closes the door. They look awkwardly at each other for a moment, then Alex looks away & reaches for the radio. His hand freezes before he turns it on. A strange look crosses his face. Sam notices.
SAM
What is it?
ALEX
Uh . . . nothing. I mean it's just that I suddenly felt like I'd been here before. Deja vu. Ya know?
SAM
Yeah . . . Yeah I do.
And her look says she really does. Their eyes lock for a moment, then Alex turns away & puts his hands on the wheel.
ALEX (stifling a yawn)
I'm probably dreaming on my feet.
He reaches for the ignition, stops, still looking straight ahead.
ALEX
Listen. About last night.
SAM (hopeful)
Yes . . .
ALEX
I want you to know that . . . I'm sorry. I wasn't myself. I'm beyond exhaustion. But it won't happen again. Trust me.
This is not what she wanted to hear.
SAM
Trust you? Alex , I don't know how to explain this, but with everything that's been happening. As scared as I've been. The only time I feel truly safe is when I'm with you.
Alex turns to look at her. Now it's his turn to be hopeful.
ALEX
Really?
SAM
It's like I've known you a long time.
ALEX
So you're not angry about . . . I mean last night . . .
She looks at him intently as she slowly shakes her head. If you were to look closely you could see a figure, Simon, through the windshield standing in the store looking out at them.
Alex & Sam lean in close. Pause. They kiss. They pull apart & look into each other's eyes. Something isn't right. They try it again. Nothing. The passion they felt before is gone. Surprised & disappointed they pull apart, exchanging sad smiles as Alex starts the car & they drive away.
Simon moves away from the window & begins to prowl the store in search of a clue. He returns to the site where the shelving unit crashed & begins to inspect the shelves themselves & picks through some of the games & toys.
Then he HEARS it. The LOUD, RHYTHMIC BANGING SOUND, the same sound he heard the night before, starts again. He tries to follow it to its source. Up one aisle & down the next. No luck. Then the BANGING STOPS.
Simon listens. Nothing. Then a CRASHING SOUND a couple of aisles away. He runs to the spot & sees several box games have been knocked to the floor. No one in sight. No footsteps.
He cautiously approaches the games on the floor, looking above & around in case some more decide to fall. Simon notices that a Monopoly game has opened up & the playing board sits on the ground, face open. He bends down to get a closer look.
CLOSE ON MONOPOLY BOARD
A playing piece "House" sits on the Vermont Avenue space & there is a playing piece "Car" in that same square.
CLOSE ON VERMONT AVE. STREET SIGN
PULL BACK to REVEAL the sign is in a residential area in front of --
Back to Top
EXT. BUD DIXON'S HOUSE - ESTABLISHING - DAY
A comfortable-looking single-unit dwelling. Simon's car is parked in front.
CLOSE ON PHOTOGRAPH
Black & white 8 x 10 of the '55 Chevy seen in flashback. It is parked in front of the gas station also seen in the flashback. It is parked in front of the gas station seen in the flashbacks. Two men in their young-twenties lean against the car, arms around each other like good buddies. We recognize one as Eddie Taylor. A finger points.
BUD (O.S.)
That's me 'course. And the cocky lookin' fella with his arm around me is Eddie Taylor. He's an old pal that used to work at the station with me.
PULL BACK to REVEAL that we are in --
INT. BUD DIXON'S HOUSE - DAY
where BUD DIXON, a regular sort of guy in his early-fifties, stands holding the picture. Alex & Sam look over his shoulder.
ALEX
And that's the gas station that used to stand where Sam's toy store is now?
BUD (nodding)
Tore it down, oh, 'bout five years ago, I guess. Right when gas was so high. Lot just sat empty until Sam leased it from me to put up her place.
He sets the picture down & motions for all to have a seat.
SAM
When your name showed up on the car's registration at the DMV I couldn't believe it.
ALEX
Quite a coincidence, wouldn't you say?
BUD
Yeah.
(then, laughing)
Hey, maybe we oughta call that Ripley's show.
Alex & Sam exchange a look.
SAM
I don't think it's on anymore.
BUD
Figures. They always take off anything that's halfways decent.
(changing gears)
Anyway. The car. DMV records must've shown I sold it.
ALEX
To Eddie Taylor. But everything on him leads nowhere.
SAM
We hoped you could tell us where he is.
BUD
Wish I could, but I haven't seen or heard from him in almost thirty years.
(reminiscing)
It was right after I sold him the car. He came pulling into the station with some cute dish. A dancer. I think her name was Laura. Said they were running off to elope.
(beat)
As far as I know no one's heard from either one since.
ALEX
Another dead end.
He rises to leave. Sam joins him as they walk to the door.
SAM
Thanks for your time, Bud.
Then, almost as an afterthought --
ALEX
You weren't by any chance down at the store last night, were you?
BUD (shaking head)
Nope. Spent the whole night right here in front of the tube. Why?
SAM
There's been a lot of strange stuff going on. Noises. Things moving by themselves. It's probably nothing, but . . .
BUD
Nothing but you're working too hard. Take a rest. You still trying to enlarge that basement?
She nods.
BUD
Well, forget it. Take my advice. You got plenty to keep you busy. Don't make more work than you have to.
SAM
Maybe you're right. I'll think about it.
And with that, Sam & Alex leave. Bud watches them through the screen door for a moment & then returns to where the picture of the '55 Chevy sits. He picks it up, opens a desk drawer & places it inside.
DESK DRAWER
Right next to the picture we SEE a switchblade. The same switchblade from the flashbacks, initials "B.D." on the handle. Bud picks it up.
CLOSE ON BUD
as he looks at the knife, then menacingly flicks out the blade. And as he looks from the blade to the disappearing figures of Alex & Sam outside, we --
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
Back to Top
***************************************************
ACT THREE
FADE IN
A FLASHING RED LIGHT
Actually, a series of red lights, accompanied by a steady, quite BEEPING. The lights grow in intensity & frequency, then diminish. PULL BACK to find the red lights in the hand of one --
SIMON MACKAY
who holds the small black box containing the red lights. They continue to flash in a pattern similar to a VU (Visual Units) meter on a stereo. a telescopic wand extends from the front of the box. Simon follows this wand as a diviner would his rod, through --
INT. SIMON'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Cautiously. Tentatively. Convinced he is alone, but not wanting to take any chances, Simon moves carefully from room to room. The lights flash faster & the BEEP LOUDER as he enters --
INT. SIMON'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
He swings the wand around the room & finds the signal strongest in the direction of --
INT. SIMON'S HOUSE - LAUNDRY ROOM - NIGHT
where a quick pan of the room shows the wand going crazy when pointed in the direction of the clothes dryer. Licking his lips in anticipation, Simon pockets the wand & reaches into the dryer. Eureka! Candy! Simon removes one of the tins.
CANDY TIN
Simon quickly removes the homing device he planted earlier.
SIMON
Hands trembling with excitement, he rips the lid from the tin & stares in open-mouthed amazement. He doesn't know where to begin. It all looks scrumptious. As he reaches for his first piece --
TILLIE (O.S.)
Freeze!
Caught! Simon turns slowly to face his accuser, always trying to keep the candy behind him.
BACK TO SCENE
The laundry room light CLICKS on, revealing Tillie. Perhaps because of his feelings of guilt she appears to tower over him more than usual.
TILLIE
Just what do you think you're doing, Simon MacKay?
It's a long shot, but it just might work.
SIMON
Delicates & fine knits?
It doesn't. Tillie swoops down & snatches the candy tin from his grasp.
TILLIE
Then you won't be needing these.
SIMON (innocently)
Those? Oh those. Alex liked what you gave him this morning so much that he asked me to get some more for him. (editing notation: "Lying?")
(longingly)
Mouth-watering delights, I think he called them.
TILLIE
So Alex asked, huh?
Simon nods a hearty affirmative.
TILLIE
Then he must have learned to talk in his sleep.
(off Simon's confused look)
He sacked out over an hour ago, as soon as you got back from Sam's toy store.
Game, set, & match. All Simon can offer now is an apologetic shrug as he heads off for bed, & we head off for --
Back to Top
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
as the lights turn off, one aisle at a time, finally plunging the entire store into darkness. Sam makes her way from the bank of light switches toward the front door.
A NOISE. Sam stops, torn between continuing on her way or checking it out. She turns & faces the empty store.
Past aisle after empty aisle she walks. Nothing. As she turns down the last aisle we SEE that she is being stalked by a dark caped & hooded Figure -- a Figure with two glowing red "eyes."
Sam stops, sensing something isn't right. The dark Figure stops. She walks. It walks. Slowly she turns, praying there is nothing there.
The Figure grabs her! As she lets out a SCREAM it covers her mouth & drags her OUT OF FRAME!!
EXT. SIMON'S HOUSE - NIGHT
All is quiet. Then, a RINGING phone cuts through the silence.
INT. SIMON'S HOUSE - ALEX BEDROOM - NIGHT
Alex lays in bed, SNORING LOUDLY, as the door flies open & Simon, dressed in his nightshirt & nightcap rushes in & turns on the nightstand lamp. He shakes Alex vigorously.
SIMON
Alex! Wake up! Alex!
ALEX (mumbles)
Hum? In a minute Mom. Just a few more minutes.
Alex pulls the pillow over his head. Simon shakes him with renewed urgency.
SIMON
Alex! The phone! Sam's in trouble!
Undistinguishable MUMBLINGS come from beneath the pillow. Simon grabs the pillow away from Alex & climbs on top of him.
SIMON
Alex, we've got to go.
He pats Alex' cheeks in an attempt to rouse him. Alex sleepily opens an eye.
ALEX
Simon, I'm tired. I haven't slept in days. Now leave me alone.
Alex rolls over & sends Simon tumbling to the floor. this calls for something drastic. Spotting a glass of water on the nightstand, he picks it up & tosses the contents in Alex' face. alex sits up sputtering, a look of shock & surprise on his face. Definitely awake.
SIMON
Alex, I got a call from the toy store. Sam's in some sort of trouble. She needs us.
ALEX
Sam? Trouble? Why didn't you say so?
As he bounds out of bed & begins to pull on pants over his pajamas, Simon dashes out the door. Still not fully alert, Alex hops around & gets himself tangled in his trousers & end up on the floor. Simon pops back in & sees him laying on the floor. He comes to stand over him.
SIMON
Lickety-split, Alex. We haven't time to waste.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
Still dark as Simon & Alex rush to the front doors. They try the first one. Locked. The second opens & they hurry in. Alex draws a gun from his shoulder holster.
ALEX
Sam? It's Alex & Simon. Where are you?
A MOAN comes from behind the counter. Alex & Simon move in the direction of the SOUND & find Sam, on the floor, just regaining consciousness. She rubs a tender spot on her head as Alex holsters his gun & helps her up. She gratefully puts her arm around him.
SAM
Thank goodness it's you.
(beat)
What are you doing here?
Simon spots the phone nearby, off the hook.
SIMON
You called, remember?
SAM
No.
(rubbing her head)
But then I don't remember much of anything right now.
INT. TOY STORE - BASEMENT - NIGHT
Working in the arc of light put out by a battery powered lantern, back to us, is Bud Dixon. A large hole already knocked through the foundation wall, Bud works at digging away the dirt on the other side. As the pile of dirt on the floor grows, Bud's shovel suddenly strikes something hard. Metal. He tosses the shovel aside & claws at the dirt with his hands.
THE HOLE
as Bud holds the lantern up to it. We SEE that Bud has reached what appears to be a metal wall (actually a buried fuel storage tank) He brushes the dirt away from a large metal plate that is held in place by four large corner bolts.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
where Sam is relating her story to Simon.
SAM
I couldn't see a thing. Just those red eyes.
Alex joins them.
ALEX
Like these?
He holds a Glow-Band in his hand, its red "eyes" shining brightly. He tosses it onto the counter along with a black hood & cape he also holds.
ALEX
I'd definitely say we're looking for somebody here. Not something.
SIMON
But who?
And as if in answer to his question the LOUD, SLOW, RHYTHMIC BANGING heard before, again begins to REVERBERATE throughout the store.
ALEX
What is that?
Simon has a slightly amused look on his face.
SIMON
Special delivery telegram. I do believe some . . . one is trying to tell us something.
Alex & Sam, confused, look to one another, then Simon.
SIMON
The first time we heard it a shelf was about to fall on us. It warned us. The second time I was alone. It seemed to want me to find a Monopoly game.
SAM
A Monopoly game? Why?
SIMON
I haven't figured that out yet. The board was open & a house & car were parked on the Vermont Avenue space.
Surprised recognition hits Alex.
ALEX
Vermont Avenue. That's where Bud Dixon lives!
INT. TOY STORE - BASEMENT - NIGHT
The BANGING is DEAFENING down here. It seems to be originating inside the tank & it has Bud just this side of scared out of his wits as he works to remove the bolt from the steel plate.
Back to Top
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
Simon, Alex & Sam are still caucused.
SIMON (musing)
What could Bud Dixon possibly have to do with all this?
(then, with a SNAP of his fingers)
By Jove, I've got it! This used to be a gas station. Gas stations have underground fuel tanks. That's where the banging is coming from! Below us!
(editing notation: "reverse")
ALEX
Won't work, Simon. Law says those tanks have to be removed when you close a station.
(editing notation: "?")
SIMON
What if you're hiding something in them?
ALEX
You break the law?
SIMON
Exactly. Sam, which way to the basement?
(the next 6 pages to the end of Act Three are missing from this copy of the script)
Back to Top
***************************************************
ACT FOUR
FADE IN
INT. FUEL TANK - NIGHT
Simon watches as Alex saws at the ends of the bolts with a pocket knife. Sam sits nearby. She seems resolved to their fate.
SAM
No oxygen. No way out. No chance. We're going to die, aren't we?
Simon goes to her.
SIMON
Giving power to the circumstances around you only weakens your ability to overcome them.
SAM
This is all my fault.
(looking at skeletons)
If I hadn't decided to enlarge the basement Bud never would have worried about me finding them.
SIMON
Rubbish. Bud's the only one to blame for the pickle we're in.
With a loud SNAP Alex' knife blade breaks in half. Frustrated, he puts his back against the wall & slides down to the floor.
ALEX
Four rusty bolts. That's all that separates us from the other side. (editing notation: "interesting possibilities") Freedom.
SIMON
I sure could use my bag right now.
Dejected silence for a moment, then Alex is hit with inspiration.
ALEX
Wait a minute.
He stands & pulls his gun from his shoulder holster.
SAM
You're going to shoot your way out?
Alex dumps the bullets into his hand & retrieves the broken knife. Simon peers over his shoulder as he begins to pry the ends off the bullets.
SIMON
Aha. A small explosion.
ALEX
I just hope there's enough powder to do the trick.
As he works to remove the gunpowder from each of the six bullets Simon returns to Sam.
SAM
I understand what Eddie & Laura went through, Simon. But why us? Why put Alex & me through it?
SIMON (shrugging)
Maybe they knew you would understand.
(beat)
Energy is always in search of a stable state. A resolution. A place to rest. I think we're dealing with energy here that hoped you could help it find that rest.
(editing notation: "?")
SAM
Like two people hopelessly in love who couldn't rest until the man who killed them was brought to justice.
(editing notation: "?")
Alex has finished his work. On a scrap of paper he has dumped the powder contents of the bullets.
ALEX
Simon, we need a casing for these little babies. Ideas?
Simon thinks for a second. He's got it! He pops a wad of gum out of his mouth.
SIMON
Chewing gum.
ALEX
You're a genius.
As Simon makes a pocket in the wad of gum, Alex pours one-quarter of the powder into it. Simon seals it & hands it to Alex. Alex packs it around one of the bolts.
ALEX
Any more gum?
Simon digs deep into his pockets & comes out with three sticks. Each take a stick & begin chewing. alex reads his wrapper.
ALEX
Sugarless.
SIMON
Nine out of ten explosives experts who use gum recommend sugarless.
Taking the gum from their mouths they form it into pockets for Alex to pour the powder into.
SAM
How can you joke at a time like this? This used to be a gas tank. We could all be blown to kingdom come.
Alex packs each of the little bombs around one of the bolts.
ALEX
No chance of that. Tank's too old.
As Alex talks, Simon rummages through his pockets. He comes up with a coil of wire & hands it to Alex.
SIMON
For detonation.
ALEX
Perfect.
He takes the coil & wraps one end around a bolt encased in gum. From there he takes the wire & loops it once around each of the remaining bolts.
ALEX
All right. We better back up before I put a charge to this.
They move to the far side of the tank & crouch on the floor.
ALEX
Sam. Simon. Get behind me.
SIMON
But Alex--
ALEX
Now!
They comply.
ALEX
Battery?
Simon unscrews the end of the flashlight, plunging the tank into total darkness. From out of the dark we HEAR --
SIMON
Battery.
ALEX
Ready?
SIMON/SAM
Ready.
ALEX (Inhaling deeply)
Say a prayer.
There's a quick spark from the battery that momentarily illuminates Alex' face. Then, in a shower of sparks, the mini-bombs on the four bolts POP in tiny EXPLOSIONS!
We HEAR Alex walk quickly to the steel plate. BANG! BANG! Alex pounds on the plate & it suddenly falls away as a shaft of light & fresh air rush into the tank! Sam runs to Alex & throws her arms around him.
SAM
You did it!
ALEX
We did it.
(beat)
Now for Bud Dixon.
She pulls away from him.
SAM
Won't we need proof. I mean real proof. (editing notation: "that he did it?")
SIMON
Never fear. I think I've got a way to drive a confession right out of ol' Buddy Boy.
A sly smile works its way across Simon's face.
Back to Top
EXT. BUD DIXON'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Dark. A vintage '55 Chevy, accompanied by the DING-DING sound of a car pulling into the gas pumps, glides up in front of the house. It's chrome gleams, catching light from a nearby street lamp. Enough light to let us see that the car is driverless. The car idles smoothly for a moment, as though waiting, then BLASTS a COUPLE TOOTS on its HORN. A light comes on in the house.
BUD DIXON
as he parts the drapes & peeks out the window to see what's causing the noise.
BUD'S P.O.V. - '55 CHEVY
looking somehow menacing as it RUMBLES QUIETLY. The passenger door silently swings open. Beckoning. The dome-light comes on. If there was ever any doubt, there no longer is. This car has no driver.
BACK TO SCENE
The drapes close as Bud disappears. A moment later the front door of the house opens & Bud steps out, a baseball bat in one hand. He cautiously approaches the car.
BUD
Hello?
(nothing)
Who's here?
Again, nothing. He bends down & peers into the car.
BUD'S P.O.V. - THE NECKLACE
Eddie loves Laura. It lays on the driver's seat.
BACK TO SCENE
Shocked, Bud looks quickly around to see if anyone is watching, then leans the bat against the car as he crawls in to retrieve the necklace.
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT
As Bud clutches the necklace in his hand, the gearshift, seemingly by itself, slips into gear & --
EXT. BUD DIXON'S HOUSE - NIGHT
the Chevy SQUEALS away from the curb. The baseball bat falls harmlessly to the street as the passenger door SLAMS shut & the taillights disappear into the night.
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT
bud. Panicked. He frantically claws at the doors. Locked. He sits back & tries to calm himself. Seeing the ballet slippers hanging from the rearview mirror doesn't help. As the engine RUMBLE rises in pitch Bud watches the clutch depress & the stick shift into a new gear.
It's gotta be a dream. A bad dream. He closes his eyes. But when he opens them nothing has gone away. He looks out the windshield into the night as the headlights pierce the darkness.
CLOSE ON VIDEO MONITOR
The same view Bud has, but in BLACK & WHITE. PULL BACK to REVEAL that we are in --
INT. '55 CHEVY TRUNK - NIGHT
where Simon works an elaborate remote-controlled dashboard complete with a video screen so he can see the road. He works his tiny gearshift & --
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT
the clutch & gearshift again work themselves.
INT. '55 CHEVY TRUNK - NIGHT
Simon takes a cassette & pops it into a player. As he pushes the "PLAY" button --
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT
The radio comes to life, glowing its cool green from the dash. "JAILHOUSE ROCK" BLARES from the speaker. Bud tries to cover his ears. Tries to shut off the radio. But he can't make the MUSIC go away.
EXT. STREETS (VARIOUS) - NIGHT
The Chevy transports its unwilling passenger through the quiet deserted night streets. Bud presses his face against the glass, looking out into the dark, & begins to realize that this demon from Detroit is carrying him to --
EXT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
where the car pulls around behind the store & drives up to a garage-style door that leads to the store's delivery & storage area. The car stops. Its headlights shine on the door.
INT. '55 CHEVY TRUNK - NIGHT
On the video monitor we SEE the garage-style door with the headlights shining on it. Simon punches a button & the door begins to rise.
Back to Top
INT. STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT
as the door slides open & the Chevy drives in. As the car comes to a stop the door slides back down into place.
INT. '55 CHEVY - NIGHT
The door locks pop up. Bud yanks a door open & climbs out.
INT. STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT
Bud runs around to the rear of the car & tries to slide the door open. No good. Trapped! he turns & shouts to the room.
BUD
What do you want!? Why are you doing this to me!?
His own ECHO is his only answer. Quickly taking in his surroundings he sees that the headlamps illuminate a door at the far end of the room. As he walks toward it we SEE the Chevy trunk open as Simon slips quickly out.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
The back door opens & Bud slowly enters. Behind him the headlamps continue to shine, creating a shaft of light & his long shadow to spill into the dark store. Suddenly the door SLAMS shut, locking Bud in the toy store! Having no luck with the locked door he whirls to see what he must face next. Perspiration beads on his face.
BUD'S P.O.V.
As a solitary spotlight comes on, focusing on a toy replica of a gas station. A sign over the station matches one earlier seen in the still photo, "Bud's Complete Service." Bud slowly approaches the small station for a closer look.
INT. OBSERVATION ROOM - NIGHT
The overhead room normally used to keep an eye out for shoplifters has been set up as Simon's "master control." Simon enters the dimly lit room in time to look down through the two-way mirror at Bud as he reaches the mini-station. Alex & Sam are in the room. Simon shakes the lightly-dozing Alex awake. He looks bleary-eyed at Simon.
ALEX (hushed)
Any problems?
SIMON
Only for our honored guest. You two better get ready.
They leave. Simon sits down, picks up a remote control unit & --
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
A model '55 Chevy drives past Bud & pulls into the pump area of the station & stops. DING-DING. There is a note taped to the top of the car. bud removes the note & reads it.
CLOSE ON NOTE
A single word. "MURDERER!"
BACK TO SCENE
as Bud crumples the note & drops it to the floor we SEE that the floor is slowly being covered by a mist. The mist pulsates with different colored lights as it grows thicker & thicker. Soon the floor, car & mini-station are completely hidden.
ELECTRIC KEYBOARDS
come to life & play "JAILHOUSE ROCK" as the mist swirls.
PORCELAIN BALLERINA
begins to spin & dance in time to the MUSIC.
INT. OBSERVATION ROOM - NIGHT
Simon clicks on a couple slide projectors & begins to work the joy-stick of a Lite Rite.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
A wind kicks up & HOWLING sound effects are HEARD. "Spirit" projections swirl throughout the air around Bud. The Lite Rite draws the form of a knife that shoots through the air at the --
PORCELAIN BALLERINA
The doll falls & shatters as the MUSIC suddenly STOPS.
BACK TO SCENE
Bud can take no more. Like a trapped animal there is a crazy, wild gleam in his eyes.
BUD
Stop it! Stop! I didn't do anything!
Spirits continue to fly. Wind continues to blow. The Lite Rite now spells out, in bright, glowing red, "KILLER!"
BUD
No. No! You can't prove anything!!
The "spirits" seem to take exception to this & their reaction is quite severe. As the winds increase in strength & volume --
GLASS MARBLE JARS
loaded with marbles EXPLODE one after another. Marbles fly everywhere.
BACK TO SCENE
At the far end of the aisle nearest Bud, game boxes begin to shoot from the shelves into the aisle. Faster & faster they fly, like cards shooting out of a deck. As the flying game boxes work their way closer to Bud he begins to back slowly toward the door, then just turns & runs. The door is unlocked! He throws it open & stops at what he sees.
BUD'S P.O.V.
The lights from the Chevy shine directly in his eyes, temporarily blinding him. Then, stepping in front of the lights, seen only in silhouette, are "Laura" & "Eddie." From their silhouettes they appear to look & dress just as they did in the flashbacks.
INT. STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT
Eddie & Laura slowly begin to advance on Bud. Closer & closer they come. Sweating profusely, Bud Trembles. His mouth struggles to form words, but nothing will come. Finally, as Eddie & Laura are almost on top of him --
BUD (quietly)
Eddie? Laura?
(louder)
No! It can't be you!
(shouting)
I killed you!!
INT. OBSERVATION ROOM - NIGHT
Simon hits the "REWIND" button on a tape recorder, then in quick succession the "STOP" & "PLAY." From the speaker the tape plays back --
BUD (filter)
It can't be you! I killed you!!
Simon reaches for another button on his console & flips it.
INT. STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT
as the bright overhead lights bathe the room in their fluorescent glare. For the first time Bud sees that Laura & Eddie are actually Sam & Alex in costume.
ALEX
We know. We just needed to hear you say it.
Then, as Alex reaches to take Bud by the arm. Bud twists away & grabs Sam. His hand shoots into his pocket & comes out with the switchblade. Flicking the blade out, he holds it to Sam as he begins to back toward the Chevy.
BUD
Get back! Call the cops . . . Do anything to try & stop me . . . You'll never see Sam again.
It seems there's nothing Alex can do as he is joined by Simon.
SIMON
Sam!
They stand helpless as Bud backs closer & closer to the car. As he moves alongside it, the passenger door suddenly flies open & hits Bud in the back! It knocks him off balance just long enough for Sam to wriggle free as Alex grabs him.
ALEX
Quick thinking, Simon. If you hadn't triggered that door he would have gotten away.
SIMON
I'd like to take the credit, Alex. But I'm afraid--
(editing notation: "good idea but lets see it in Simon's eyes")
ALEX (cutting him off)
No. Don't tell me. It couldn't have been . . .
And as they all look around them, sure it must have been a helping hand from Laura & Eddie --
SIMON (with a shrug)
A glitch?
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EXT. TOY STORE - NIGHT (LATER)
Several police cars sit outside, lights flashing, as Bud is led away.
INT. TOY STORE - NIGHT
Simon, Alex & Sam walk through the quiet store. A light fog still covers the floor.
SAM
I can't thank you enough, Simon. First you help build my business & now you've saved it.
SIMON
You just let me know when you open your new basement department & I'll be back. Maybe even have a new toy.
Sam looks to Alex & is not sure how to thank him.
SAM
As for you, Alex . . .
She stops & takes Alex' hand. Simon senses this could get mushy so he excuses himself.
SIMON
I'll wait for you outside.
Simon walks away, leaving Sam to shake her head.
SAM
He's one terrific guy.
ALEX
Yeah, he sure is.
SAM
So are you.
ALEX
Just trying to help.
Alex moves close as if ready to give Sam a kiss.
SAM
We did more than just catch Bud Dixon. We helped Laura & Eddie.
ALEX
Can we leave them out of this?
SAM
The energy. Always in search of rest. Well, I think it finally found it. Peace.
ALEX
But my feelings toward you haven't changed.
SAM
Your feelings? Or are they Eddie's feelings.
Alex kisses her. First softly, then with more passion.
ALEX (sure)
My feelings.
He puts his arm around her & they turn, BACKS TO CAMERA, & walk toward the front door. As the CAMERA CRANES UP & OUT & residual fog swirls around their feet --
ALEX
This could be the start of a beautiful relationship . . .
And they disappear out the door into the night.
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INT. SIMON'S GARAGE - DAY
where the '55 Chevy is parked, covering all of Simon save his Day-glo socks & sneakers. A newly-refreshed, invigorated Alex approaches & sees Simon's legs protruding from underneath the car.
ALEX
Restoring the old Chevy to its original splendor?
Simon's voice is a bit muffled as he shouts from under the car.
SIMON (O.S.)
Have to return it to Classic Rent-a-Car the way I found it. Speaking of restoration, how are you feeling?
Alex stretches, arms open wide as if seeing the world in a whole new light.
ALEX
Great! Refreshed. Invigorated. Rejuvenated. And my mind is finally clear. I've had time to sort things out & put everything in perspective.
SIMON (O.S.)
Like what?
ALEX
All this "unexplained phenomena." I realize everything has a logical, sensible explanation. Take this car for instance. When the door opened, I'm sure that was because of --
Alex' words are cut off as the car door swings open, catching Alex in the stomach almost knocking the wind out of him. Simon slides out from under the car to finish Alex' thought.
SIMON (O.S.)
A short. Found it.
Simon then notices that the door hit Alex.
SIMON
Sorry.
Alex recovers quickly, but still holds his stomach.
ALEX
That's . . . okay. Anyway, that proves my point. And the banging we heard at the store was air trapped in the fuel tank. It expanded during the day & contracted at night. We just heard the metal straining under the pressure.
(beat, shaking his head)
Now, the only one I'm not completely clear on is what I saw . . . in my head, that is. I was so real. Like I was really there, living in 1955.
(editing notation: "sleep deprivation")
Simon bounds up off the ground.
SIMON
We all know about sleepwalking. Well you were sleepliving. (editing notation: "waking dream better") Your body was so tired that your brain had to work overtime. It tried to fool your body into thinking that it was getting rest simulating a REM cycle. A dream state while you were awake.
ALEX
Dreaming on my feet? Hallucinating? Yeah. That's gotta be it. Thanks, Simon. I knew there was an explanation for it.
SIMON
But of course. What else could it be . . .
Simon has a twinkle in his eyes.
SIMON
We all know there are no such things as ghosts.
ALEX
Absolutely.
And as Alex, now satisfied, turns to return to the house, the car radio in the '55 Chevy warms up & begins to PLAY "JAILHOUSE ROCK," stopping Alex dead in his tracks. Alex looks to Simon who can only shrug his shoulders & smile and we --
FREEZE FRAME.
THE END
Page Property of Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz
Script from The Michael Berk Collection
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