Author: writer
Blood Red Rain: The Invasion-2014-11-11
CARD
!>”AD 1620″<
“A bloody internal rebellion has torn the Kingdom of Hawaii apart. Now, the new king and queen must rally their war-weary subjects to repel an invasion by the army of a powerful neighbor.”
END CARD
EXT. OCEAN OFF LEEWARD COAST – DAY #1#
Five very large TIGER SHARKS are tearing up and devouring a partially-submerged body of some sort.
The water is frothy and red with blood.
An underwater SPLASH is heard and several of the sharks break off their feeding and head toward the source of the sound.
EXT. LEEWARD COASTAL CLIFF – DAY #2#
The air is hot and still.
Flies buzz around a pile of bloated human bodies lying on sun-baked lava on the island of HAWAII. The limbs of the bodies have unnatural orientations relative to their trunks. A fly crawls out of a nostril of one of the bodies.
The lower halves of the bodies of TWO MEN dressed in loincloths (malo) are visible. They are throwing one human body after another off a 12 foot high rocky cliff and into the surging ocean.
One of the human bodies groans as he is picked up, but after one of the Men glances inland, he is dutifully tossed in anyway.
A SPLASH occurs as the body hits the water.
Several shark fins race toward the body as sea gulls quickly snatch pieces of meat from the surface.
EXT. LEEWARD COASTAL VILLAGE – DAY #3#
A young king, PONO (18) (POE-no), and his beautiful young queen, LANI (16) (LAW-knee), walk quickly past the smoldering ruins of a leeward coastal village. Lani is in front, setting the pace. They are followed by several ROYAL GUARDS. Everyone is sweating, dirty, and bloodied.
At the beach, the ocean is a shimmering peacock blue. A steep, pockmarked and rusty volcanic cliff blocks views of the mountains above. The air is hot and the land is arid.
The village is a collection of houses, each of which consists of a low rock wall upon which a wooden framework with a thatched covering rests. Many of the houses are burned down to the rock foundations.
FOUR MEN are peeling back banana leaves and removing a roast dog from an underground oven using two poles. Women and children gather around preparing for a meal.
Pono is handsome, athletic, and charismatic and is dressed in a loin cloth. He has a healing gash through an eyebrow. His black hair is long on the top and cascades down his back but is shaved on the sides. Lani is regal, lighter-skinned, and dressed in a skirt (pa’u). Her black hair is short.
WOUNDED WARRIORS prostrate themselves before their queen and look at Pono with great respect and admiration.
Pono’s eyes shows he is disgusted by what they see. Lani is saddened.
LANI
We can’t let this happen again.
PONO
Our advisors want me to sacrifice the rebel general to my war god tomorrow.
LANI
I’m so sorry, Pono. So many of your brothers ….
PONO
Brothers who wanted me dead!
As the couple continue on their mission, Lani has a worried look on her face.
EXT. REFUGE CAVE – LATER #4#
The refuge cave is a large lava tube. Its dusty entrance is concealed by a stone wall leaving a narrow passageway through which only one person can pass at a time.
As Pono and Lani quickly approach, perhaps a hundred ELDERLY MEN, WOMEN, and CHILDREN are stumbling one by one out of the cave entrance, sheltering their eyes from the sun.
PONO
The entrance wasn’t breached by the rebels.
A Woman carrying an INFANT that Pono and Lani recognize exits the cave entrance. The Infant has reddish brown hair (‘ehu).
Pono and Lani rush up to the WOMAN who hands the Infant to LANI and then bows. Lani is crying in relief.
PONO
Thank the gods you are safe!
Lani holds the Infant closely, murmuring to him.
LANI
(to the Woman)
Let his father know he is all right.
Lani reluctantly hands the Infant back to the woman. The Woman bows and leaves with the Infant. Pono and Lani embrace, relieved.
EXT. LEEWARD BEACH – DAY #5#
The sun is beating down. A harsh, hot wind (the area’s infamous mumuku) blows down from the uplands.
Whale Hill Temple (heiau), a large pile of dusty, carefully-stacked, rust-colored rocks with a flat platform at its top, rises ominously on a hill in the background, just off the beach.
On the beach, Pono’s half brother (21), REBEL GENERAL, a large but bloodied and defeated man dressed in a ragged but still beautiful feathered cape and helmet, is marched by Royal Guards up to Pono.
PONO
(to Rebel General)
Sorry it had to end this way.
The Rebel General scowls.
PONO
(to Royal Guards)
Kill him. Do it quickly.
Rebel General is dragged over to a coconut palm tree and tied standing to it. He is not as brave now.
A loop of cord is placed around his neck and the ends of the cord are pulled on by TWO EXECUTIONERS choking the Rebel General until he slumps over dead.
PONO
I want his body sacrificed to my war god today.
The Two Executioners nod.
_EXT. WHALE HILL TEMPLE – LATER_ #6#
Rebel General’s body is sacrificed to Pono’s WAR GOD (Kuka`ilimoku) in an elaborate temple ceremony carried out by the PRIESTS.
The wooden War God has a large mouth with jagged teeth. It is carried into the temple by the Priests and placed on a stone altar at one end of the platform.
Rebel General’s naked body is washed, carried into the temple, scorched on the sacrificial fire, and placed on an elevated wooden structure.
Pono, Lani and two of Pono’s other half-brothers, KANALOA (20) (CAN-ah-low-ah) and KEA (17) (KAY-ah) watch the sacrifice in royal regalia. Lani stands between Pono and Kanaloa, who obviously do not like one another.
Kanaloa has reddish brown hair.
Kea, a lighter-skinned little person, stands next to Pono and is dressed like the Hawaiian fighting (lua) expert he is, with his body shaved.
LANI
(aside to Pono)
You had to make an example.
PONO
The rebellion ends here…
PONO
(looks at Kanaloa)
as long as brother Kanaloa accepts my rule.
Kanaloa casts his eyes downward, but is not ashamed. Kea frowns at Kanaloa.
EXT. SOUTHERN FIELD SYSTEM – DAY #7#
Pono and Lani visit the Southern Field System, one of two large gardens that feed their people. The gardens are the jewels of their kingdom.
Thousands of FARMERS are tending breadfruit trees planted in grove that extends 20 miles along the coast.
Forest clearing work is just beginning on the higher elevation fields of the garden.
Pono hands are dirty. He picks up a handful of dirt, bringing it up to his nose to smell.
PONO
(to Lani)
This is what I enjoy.
LANI
(beaming)
Pono, I’m proud of you. You have a green thumb just like your grandfather.
Pono and Lani rub noses. Then, Pono wanders off to direct the Farmers.
PONO
(to one Farmer)
I know how we did it in the Northern Field System. But here I want the low walls between the fields to run up and down the slope. We want the walls to slow down the mist so that it will drip on our crops.
FARMER
Yes, Sire!
PONO
(to Lani)
By next summer, our food supply will be secure.
Pono smiles with satisfaction.
INT. MAUI KING’S COMPOUND – NIGHT #8#
MAUI KING (40) and MAUI KING’ SON (17) are sitting on adjacent mats in the men’s house in the light of flickering oil nut (kukui) candles.
They are drinking the intoxicant of the nobility (awa) from a cup. They are drowsy and their speech is slurred. The Maui King has dry, flaking, yellowed skin, and reddened eyes from long-term awa use.
Both are large men and have cruel faces. They are dressed in loin cloths.
MAUI KING
I am getting a lot of conflicting advice. What do YOU think, Son?
MAUI KING’S SON
We just don’t have the combination of rich soil and rain at the same place like Hawaii does. It’s time for us to take what we need.
MAUI KING
(smiling)
And I hear the Hawaii Queen is the most beautiful woman in the islands. You could use another wife, couldn’t you?
MAUI KING’S SON
(smiling back)
Yes, Father, I could.
Maui King nods and falls backward, asleep. His son stares at him with an intense look on his face and then falls asleep, too.
EXT. KONA BEACH – DAY #9#
From afar, Pono and Kea watch a group of three young SISTERS, one of which is Pono’s future SECOND WIFE (15), frolic naked in calm water that covers the lower halves of their bodies. Both Pono and Kea are washed and wearing a new loincloth.
Their chaperones, a group of OLDER WOMEN dressed in skirts, prepare bark cloth (tapa) on the beach.
PONO
So, one of these women is to be my political wife. Which sister should I choose?
KEA
Well, one beautiful wife is more than a handful. Remember our father’s problems. With so many beautiful women in his court, he could not think straight.
Kea playfully hits Pono on the upper arm. Pono winces, smiling.
KEA
I recommend the plain one.
PONO
They all look healthy, but I guess you’re right. My life is complicated enough as it is. I’ll see what she’s like.
Pono walks down to the surf and beckons his future Second Wife.
She smiles and motions for him to turn around and then runs up the Older Women. She puts on her skirt, approaches him and bows.
SECOND WIFE
Good morning, sire.
PONO
You and your sisters look like you’re having fun.
SECOND WIFE
We don’t want to be disrespectful, but after what we’ve all gone through, we needed a break.
PONO
I appreciated your father’s loyalty during the rebellion and would like our families to be closer.
SECOND WIFE
Your leadership made all the difference.
PONO
Umm, when I say our families, I mean you and I.
SECOND WIFE
It is my father who decides who I can become closer to.
PONO
Do I have your permission to ask him?
SECOND WIFE
You can ask.
PONO
Thank you. I will do that. Do you think, if he says yes, that you could love me?
SECOND WIFE
(smiling)
We will see.
PONO
I take your leave, then. I will talk to your father.
As Pono leaves, Second Wife turns toward her Sisters with a big smile on her face.
EXT. TRAIL TO WOMEN’S TEMPLE – DAY #10#
Pono walks uphill alone on a trail along a tumbling stream of reddish brown water. The terrain is dry at first, but becomes more verdant with altitude.
DUCKS feeding in pools along the stream take flight as he approaches.
Waterfalls along the upper trail create a cold mist that is carried downhill by a trade wind breeze.
Rainbows touch the ground as he approaches the only woman’s temple on the island.
The temple is a stone platform on top of a rock outcropping. Thatched houses are enclosed by a rock wall that surrounds the temple compound.
The rainbows color the rain a blood red, giving the area a sacred aura.
EXT. WOMEN’S TEMPLE – DAY #11#
When Pono reaches the Women’s Temple, he waits while PONO’S MOTHER (40), an older woman in a while robe, finishes chanting to a group of ten YOUNG WOMEN dressed in skirts, pointing out the parts of a medicinal native plant.
As she finished her lesson, she sees him approach and walks over to greet him with a hug. They wander away from the group.
PONO’S MOTHER
How are you?
PONO
I’m fine, Mother. We are making great progress in expanding the gardens.
PONO
How are you feeling?
PONO’S MOTHER
I am doing well for an old teacher.
PONO
We all appreciate your training our nurses.
Pono’s mother smiles.
PONO
I need some advice.
PONO’S MOTHER
About what?
PONO
I need to take the daughter of a Kona chief as a second wife. How should I tell Lani?
PONO’S MOTHER
Gently. She loves you and will understand the politics involved.
Pono and Pono’s Mother hug.
PONO
I’ll let you know how it goes.
_INT. HAWAII KING’S COMPOUND – NIGHT_ #12#
Before they part to eat the evening meal, Pono in the men’s house (hale mua) and Lani in the women’s house (hale aina), Pono and Lani embrace and talk.
PONO
You understand, don’t you?
LANI
I understand you want to take a second wife.
PONO
Yes, but only to assure the loyalty of the Kona chiefs.
LANI
Are you sure that’s your only reason?
PONO
Really, it is.
LANI
You’re not still upset that you and I can’t have children?
PONO
No. Your and Kanaloa’s sons are my sons. You know that.
Lani frowns before they rub noses and walk toward their separate eating houses.
EXT. HAWAII KING’S COMPOUND – LATER #13#
Pono and Lani meet after dinner and walk hand in hand to their family living house (hale noho). The family living house has a rock wall border and a thatched roof. Its floor is covered with many layers of tapa mats.
LANI
Do you want to have children with your second wife?
PONO
If you are asking if I will sleep with her some nights, I think you know that will happen.
LANI
I understand why this is necessary but I don’t like that part.
PONO
(smiling)
I’ll try to keep it to a minimum.
LANI
You had better.
They snuggle.
LANI’S DREAM SEQUENCE
EXT. KONA REEF – DAY #14#
It is a dark and stormy day. A Kona wind from the southwest is howling as giant waves break on the reef.
The young woman who will become Lani’s SPANISH GRANDMOTHER (20) drags herself up on the beach as the remains of a shipwrecked Spanish Galleon are torn apart offshore of Hawaii island.
Nearby, a SPANISH MAN (24) struggles in the surf. Lani’s Spanish Grandmother pushes herself up on her feet and runs over to the Spanish Man and kneels and prays.
SPANISH GRANDMOTHER
Virgin Mary, thank you for saving my brother!
The Spanish Man weakly smiles.
EXT. KONA COAST – DAY #15#
A YOUNG LANI (4) and a YOUNG KEA (5), both obviously of Spanish decent, are watched by their beautiful OLDER SPANISH GRANDMOTHER (50) while they play. Young Kea adores Young Lani, but gets a little rough.
YOUNG LANI
Ouch!
OLDER SPANISH GRANDMOTHER
Kea, you be nice. I want you to protect Lani.
YOUNG KEA
I will, Grandmother.
OLDER SPANISH GRANDMOTHER
I know you will.
END OF DREAM SEQUENCE
INT. HAWAII KING’S COMPOUND – LATER #16#
Lani awakens from her dream. She is worried.
LANI
(mumbling)
Grandmother (Tutu)! Protect us all!
EXT. MAUI KING’S COMPOUND – DAY #17#
Kanaloa meets in secret with Maui King, who is in the process of having his GUARDS break the leg and arm bones of a captured ENEMY CHIEF. Each limb is held by two Guards on a wooden fixture and a third Guard hits it with a large club, breaking the bone as the Enemy Chief screams.
KANALOA
(transfixed by the captive’s pain)
Sire. It only makes sense that you should rule both Hawaii and Maui.
MAUI KING
I am glad you understand that we can all be one happy family.
KANALOA
(looking away from the spectacle)
So, it’s agreed. You will appoint me reagent of Hawaii island if I help you get rid of Pono.
MAUI KING
(wryly to the captive)
Your pain is my pain.
MAUI KING
(to Kanaloa)
That’s our agreement.
Kanaloa shudders and takes his leave.
INT. HAWAII KING’S COMPOUND – DAY #18#
Pono’s step co-fathers (retainers/relatives who raised him), FIRST FATHER (55) and SECOND FATHER (53), enter. First Father is dignified and his white hair extends to his waist. Second Father is more playful.
Pono hugs First Father.
PONO
Welcome, father.
Then he hugs Second Father.
PONO
Welcome, father.
PONO
(to both of them)
How are you? How is Auntie?
SECOND FATHER
I am doing well, as is my brother here. Our wife still thinks she is in charge.
Pono smiles.
FIRST FATHER
(now more serious)
We hear that Maui is jealous of your field systems.
PONO
I have heard the rumors, too. Kea and I have been talking about paying Maui a visit. If they have mischief on their minds, maybe we can outsmart them.
FIRST FATHER
True, a king must be smart. But, as you know, war always has unintended consequences.
PONO
Thank you, father. We will be careful.
They rub noses and part.
EXT. MAUI PLAIN – DAY #19#
The Maui King and his MAUI GENERAL sit on a dias viewing a mock battle. There are about four thousand warriors in each “army.”
Both of the armies are arrayed in standard Hawaiian battle formations.
Out front are skirmishers (huna lewa) carrying javelins (ihe). They are backed by a larger body (huna paa).
Behind these come groups of perhaps a thousand veteran warriors each (waa kaua).
Last come the mass of the rank-and-file soldiery (poe kaua).
In their midst stand the army’s leaders in feathered capes surrounded by their friends and images of their gods. They are encircled by a royal bodyguard (papa-kaua) armed with pololu spears.
The armies charge toward one another yelling at the tops of their lungs.
MEMBERS OF THE MAUI KING’S COURT look on from the sidelines, one of which is a HAWAII SPY.
MAUI KING
Our army looks prepared.
MAUI GENERAL
Sire, we are ready to invade Hawaii whenever you wish.
MAUI KING
How many warriors can we transport across the channel?
MAUI GENERAL
We have enough canoes to transport about 20,000.
MAUI KING
I will consult with my priests to select the best time.
The Hawaii Spy surreptitiously backs away from the group and heads toward the beach.
EXT. HAWAII KING’S COMPOUND – DAY #20#
Kea is listening to Hawaii Spy on the beach. He runs up to Pono with news.
KEA
Pono!
PONO
What do you need, bruddah?
Kea talks softly to Pono.
KEA
The rumors are true. Maui is preparing to invade. They think the rebellion has weakened us and want to capture our field systems. They don’t know we know about their plans.
PONO
Let’s visit Maui and get the lay of the land.
KEA
I’m with you.
PONO
I have a plan, too. I want them to think that we really are weak and that you and I are not getting along.
KEA
(smiling)
That should be easy.
PONO
Don’t tell anyone else, especially bruddah Kanaloa.
KEA
Got it.
The pair walk off together.
EXT. CHANNEL BETWEEN HAWAII AND MAUI – DAY #21#
Pono and Kea set out to visit the Maui King in a double-hulled canoe paddled by twelve GOURD HELMETED PADDLERS. They all dressed in loin cloths and Pono and Kea wear colorful (yellow and red) feathered capes and helmets. Pono’s royal standard (kahili) flies over the canoe.
As the canoe approaches the beach, Pono sees the Maui King.
PONO
(to Kea)
There he is. Follow my lead.
The canoe rides a wave up onto the beach and is secured by Gourd Helmeted Paddlers.
INT. MAUI KING’S COURT – DAY #22#
Maui King sits on a wooden throne. Flanking him are the members of his court, including MAUI PRIME MINISTER, MAUI GENERAL, MAUI HIGH PRIEST, MAUI RETAINER, and a throng of HANGERS-ON.
As Pono and and Kea approach the court, they see a COMMONER (20) prostrating himself before the Maui King.
COMMONER
My king, I apologize for casting my shadow on you. I could not avoid it.
MAUI KING
(to Retainer)
Take him away and kill him.
Retainer hauls Commoner off.
Maui King turns to greet Pono and Kea.
MAUI KING
Welcome, Cousin! How is Lani?
PONO
She’s fine. I heard the surf was kicking up over here.
MAUI KING
It is. Let’s get some surfing in before lunch.
The two grab their surf boards and head for the surf.
EXT. OFF MAUI COAST – LATER #23#
Pono and Maui King are sitting on their boards waiting for a wave.
MAUI KING
I was surprised to hear about the commotion in your kingdom.
PONO
It was a very destructive rebellion. We lost a lot of good people, especially along the Kona coast.
MAUI KING
I assume the situation is under control now.
PONO
Pretty much. It’ll be a while before parts of the Kona coast are resettled.
MAUI KING
How did your side fare?
PONO
Pretty well. To tell you the truth, though, Kea was participated in some unbelievably violent battles. He’s still not thinking very straight.
A big wave moves through. They both try for it. Pono lets Maui King catch the wave.
_EXT. MAUI BEACH – LATER_ #24#
After surfing, Pono and Maui King sit down to lunch. They are joined by Kea and MAUI GENERAL (20), Maui King’s top general.
Pono pretends that Kea is in trouble for being late cooking Pono’s lunch.
PONO
(to Kea)
Where’s my lunch? I’m famished.
Kea pretends like he is ashamed.
KEA
It is not ready my king.
Pono frowns and slaps Kea’s face, causing Kea to wince, and giving Maui King the impression that Kea and he are at odds.
KEA
(through his teeth)
I apologize. It won’t happen again.
Kea quickly cooks the lunch and feeds Pono.
MAUI KING
That was quick. I’m impressed. Maybe you should work for me.
PONO
He’s my right hand man.
MAUI KING
I see.
Maui King winks at his Maui General.
EXT. MAUI BEACH – LATER #25#
Kea and Maui General wander off down the beach. They trade barbs. The Maui General, who is a giant, berates Kea.
MAUI GENERAL
How did a little guy like you become a general?
Kea does not mention his skills and accomplishments.
KEA
Pono is my brother. How did you become a general?
MAUI GENERAL
I earned my position in battle.
Pono calls from the canoe.
PONO
(to Kea)
Time to go home.
Kea heads for the canoe.
EXT. CHANNEL BETWEEN MAUI AND HAWAII – DAY #26#
In their canoe, Pono and Kea strategize about their Maui visit on the way back to Hawaii.
PONO
I think that went well.
Kea rubs his cheek.
KEA
Maybe for you.
PONO
Oh, did I hurt my baby bruddah?
Kea splashes Pono with seawater playfully.
PONO
They think we are weak and at odds with one another. Good. Now we have to execute the rest of the plan.
The Gourd Helmeted Paddlers continue paddling.
EXT. KONA COAST #27#
Pono arrives in a coastal village to arrange to marry a daughter of a powerful KONA CHIEF.
KONA CHIEF
Welcome, my king.
PONO
I come to ask for the hand of your oldest daughter in marriage.
KONA CHIEF
What will I get in return?
Pono points to a double canoe that is full of tribute.
PONO
The canoe and its contents are yours. There is more to come.
Kona Chief smiles and nods.
KONA CHIEF
How will your children be ranked? I understand the first son of Lani and Kanaloa is destined for the throne.
PONO
I am my father’s highest ranking son. Your family is highly ranked, too. Who knows what will happen.
Pono winks.
Kona Chief laughs.
INT. WAIMEA – NIGHT #28#
A cold, horizontal, misty rain (kipu’upu’u) is driven through the village by trade wind gusts. The moon and stars are visible above the tree tops through breaks in the rapidly moving clouds.
Kanaloa meets in secret with SUPPORTER NO. 1 and SUPPORTER NO. 2 in a dark house lit by a candlenut lamp.
KANALOA
I’ve been assured that we will be in charge after the Maui invasion.
SUPPORTER NO. 1
When will the invasion happen?
KANALOA
Soon.
SUPPORTER NO. 2
I’m really looking forward to seeing your brother dead.
EXT. KING’S COMPOUND – DAY #29#
Pono and Second Wife are married in a festive ceremony.
Pono, Second Wife, Kona Chief, and Kona Chief’s Wife sit on a dias surrounded by hundreds of ONLOOKERS. Loli presents Kona Chief with tribute: roasted pigs and dogs, containers of poi, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane.
KONA CHIEF’S RETAINERS present Pono with similar gifts.
A troop of WOMAN HULA DANCERS entertain the crowd.
BOXERS also entertain the crowd.
Everyone feasts and celebrates the marriage.
INT. MAUI KING’S COURT – DAY #30#
Maui King orders his MAUI KING’S SON to reconnoiter Hawaii island coast to assess defenses.
Maui King’s Son is flirting with a woman in the court.
MAUI KING
Son, I have something I want you to do.
MAUI KING’S SON
What is it, father?
MAUI KING
I want you to reconnoiter the Kona coast to see what sort of defenses they have.
MAUI KING’S SON
At your command.
Maui King’s Son exits.
INT. ROYAL HOUSE OF IMPURITY – NIGHT #31#
Lani and Second Wife have begun having their period at the same time each month. Because women are considered contaminated by their menses, they end up in the royal compound’s house of impurity (hale pe’a) at the same time. Second Wife walks up to the door and sees Lani within.
SECOND WIFE
Pardon me, Your Majesty. It’s my time and I must stay here a while, too.
LANI
Come in. Hopefully, we won’t be here
long.
SECOND WIFE
Thank you.
Second Wife enters with her head down and places her personal items on the sleeping space against the back wall of the house. The sleeping space is covered with fine dried vines over pebbles. On top, fine soft mats make of flexible pandanus leaf are laid.
LANI
Sit with me.
Second Wife sits facing Lani. PONO’S NIECE brings the pair food.
LANI
(to Pono’s Niece)
Thank you, cousin.
LANI
(to Second Wife)
You may have heard all this, but I want to make sure.
Second Wife nods.
LANI
Pono and I have not been able to have children. The sire of my two sons is his brother, Kanaloa. Because Pono’s father decreed that the throne follow my father’s bloodline, my oldest son will be king some day, even though Pono has a higher birth rank than Kanaloa.
Second Wife nods.
LANI
Although he won’t admit it, I think Pono would still like to have children of his own. That’s where you come in.
SECOND WIFE
I understand. I will give him children and they will serve the rightful king.
LANI
Good. Now that we have that settled, let’s get some sleep.
Both women rise and walk to the sleeping space. They lie with there feet toward the back wall, with their heads inward. Second Wife smiles to herself.
_EXT. KONA COAST – DAY_ #32#
A CROWD is milling around a ceremonial white tent.
Pono and his SECOND WIFE enter the tent where Pono is supposed to impregnate her.
Outside the tent, Pono’s Mother prays for the union. She glances at Lani.
It is clear Lani does not like the idea.
Pono and Second Wife enter the tent.
EXT. HAWAII KONA COASTAL VILLAGE – LATER #33#
Pono decides to move Kona villagers away from the coast and into the upland field systems.
Pono’s Second Wife, who lives there, explains to VILLAGERS why it is necessary.
PONO
(to Second Wife)
All the coastal villagers must move up into the field system for their safety.
SECOND WIFE
(to Villagers)
The Maui army is coming. All of you must live in the field system for a while.
Villagers begin to pack their belongings for the journey upland.
EXT. HAWAII KONA COAST – DAY #34#
Maui King’s Son and RUNNER visit the Hawaii Kona coast.
MAUI KING’S SON
Take the King’s trail until you reach Kealakakua Bay and then return. Be on the lookout for warriors.
Runner nods and takes off running to the south and Maui King’s Son takes off walking to the north.
EXT. HAWAII KONA COAST – LATER #35#
Runner comes upon the same three Sisters bathing in the ocean. He sees them and they do not see him. He is enthralled.
Sister No. 2 runs naked up the beach to get a drink of water. She spots Runner and beckons to him.
Amidst CAT CALLS from the other Sisters, Sister No. 2 takes Runner’s hand and they disappear into the bushes.
EXT. HAWAII KONA COAST – EVENING #36#
Maui King’s Son and Runner met back at their canoe.
MAUI KING’S SON
I did not see anyone along the coast.
RUNNER
(looking down)
Neither did I. The villages I came across are burned and empty.
MAUI KING’S SON
We had heard the rebellion was a bloody one, but we had no idea it was this bad. Let’s get back.
They launch their canoe and paddle toward Maui.
_EXT. MAUI KING’S COURT – DAY_ #37#
Maui King’s Son reports back to Maui King who is in the presence of his ADVISORS.
MAUI KING’S SON
Father, the Kona and Kohala coasts are deserted.
MAUI KING
So, the rumors are true. Maybe this is the opportunity we have been waiting for.
MAUI KING’S SON
There will be no resistance when we land.
MAUI KING
We will need fewer warriors to prevail than I originally thought.
MAUI KING
(to his advisors)
What say you?
All of his advisors save one, look down. One, MAUI KING’S ADVISOR, steps forward.
MAUI KING’S ADVISOR
Your majesty, this is not the time to invade. Please wait for a more auspicious time.
MAUI KING
How dare you contradict me? I will have you burned alive when we return victorious.
Maui King’s Advisor is respectful but does not appear to be worried about his future.
EXT. KEALAKAKUA BAY – DAY #38#
Pono convenes a war counsel.
LOLI
The invasion is on, probably next week.
PONO
(to Kea)
Will our troops be ready?
KEA
We are training hard. Yes, we will be ready.
PONO
Get going and keep at it. Loli and Hauna, I have some things I want you to arrange.
Kea leaves the meeting.
EXT. HAWAII KING’S COMPOUND – DAY #39#
Lani and the Second Wife practice throwing stones with a sling.
LANI
No! That is not the way I showed you. This is hopeless.
SECOND WIFE
You are a terrible teacher.
LANI
(under her breath)
Pretty, but dumb.
Second wife comes out swinging and nails Lani, who staggers to the ground.
EXT. TRAIL TO HOKU’ULA -DAY #40#
Loli make defense arrangements with LEADER of a village of OUTCASTS (kauwa). OUTCASTS all have a cross (+) or chevron (^)tattooed on their foreheads.
LEADER
You want us to do what?
LOLI
Your people are good at it.
LEADER
Why will they come through our village?
LOLI
You let me worry about that.
LEADER
What will we get in return?
LOLI
All the food you can carry.
Leader nods.
EXT. KAU – DAY #41#
HAWAII WARRIORS are practicing Hawaiian fighting (lua) moves at a lua school (pa lua) which is laid out in the traditional manner.
A central thatched building (hale kumu ka ‘aha) is surrounded by a low stone wall (pa) that has only one entrance that is guarded.
Kea is the lua master (‘olohe lua) of this lua school and stands next to the school’s altar (kuahu). The altar is decorated with the seven plants traditionally used.
All the hair has been removed from the warriors’ bodies and their bodies are covered with the candlenut (kukui) oil to make them difficult for an adversary to grip.
EXT. LAE LAE – DAY #42#
Hauna makes defense arrangements with the goddess, WAO (pronounced Wow) who lives on the hill called Lae Lae. The goddess (20) is beautiful and has long black hair that hangs to the ground. She is accompanied by human retainers that look a little like rocks.
WAO
Hauna, good to see you!
HAUNA
You are as beautiful as ever.
WAO
What brings you to my forest?
HAUNA
Pono needs your help in defending his kingdom.
WAO
How can I help?
Hauna speaks with Wao pointing to the trail coming up from the coast, but their conversation is inaudible.
_EXT. HAWAII KING’S COMPOUND – DAY_ #43#
Pono rallies his TROOPS with a great speech (again, like in the previous film, but better).
PONO
My family, you know what’s at stake here. If Maui prevails, your children will be hungry again. Your homes will be burned and your families will be taken as slaves. But we can once again beat the odds. Follow me into battle and you will remember this time with pride when you are old and gray.
The Troops cheer.
This is the midpoint of Act II, when everything appears to be going Pono’s way.
EXT. WAIMEA UPLANDS – MORNING #44#
Kanaloa is awaken by villagers who point to the channel between Maui and Hawaii.
VILLAGER
My chief, the channel is black with canoes.
KANALOA
The invasion is upon us.
Kanaloa slowly smiles.
_EXT. KAWAIHAE BEACH – DAY_ #45#
As the Maui canoes land, Hauna and Loli prostrate themselves before Maui King who is surrounded by his WARRIORS.
HAUNA
We have heard rumors of your coming. Thank the gods they were true.
LOLI
Your wisdom is much needed here. Our king and queen are too young.
MAUI KING
It is good to see that you people appreciate what we are doing. Where is a good location for the battle?
HAUNA
If you take a position on the top of the hill above Waimea called Hoku’ula, you will be victorious. There are plenty of stones for your slings.
MAUI KING
We will see. If you are lying, I will have every bone in your body broken.
Hauna and Loli bow and Maui King signals his Warriors to move upslope.
EXT. WAIMEA UPLANDS – DAY #46#
Kanaloa organizes a small band of villagers to hurry down to the coast under a flag of truce.
KANALOA
You. I need an escort down to the coast to meet with the Maui King.
VILLAGER TWO
Are you sure that is a good idea?
KANALOA
Yes, I am. And no need to tell Pono’s Mother about this.
They leave for the coast.
EXT. HILL ON THE WAY TO THE COAST – DAY #47#
Kanaloa approaches Maui King who is protected by his ROYAL GUARDS.
KANALOA
Welcome, my king.
MAUI KING
(gesturing to his Royal Guards)
There has been a change of plans.
Royal Guards grab Kanaloa.
MAUI KING
(to Kanaloa)
You have seen too much.
MAUI KING
(to his Royal Guards)
Take care of that.
KANALOA
What do you mean?
Kanaloa’s eyes are burned out.
EXT. HILL ON THE WAY TO THE COAST – LATER #48#
A blinded Kanaloa is held down by Royal Guards, his head is bashed in, and his body is washed.
EXT. KOHALA TEMPLE – DAY #49#
Kanaloa’s body is then sacrificed on a temple alter to the war god of Maui King.
EXT. HAWAII KING’S COMPOUND – DAY #50#
Lani hears of her first husband’s death. She is devastated. She is consoled by Pono and Second Wife.
KEA
We hear he charged down to the coast in a delaying action.
SECOND WIFE
(to Lani)
I’m so sorry. He must have been a very brave man.
PONO
(frowning)
This was not part of our plan.
They help Lani to her bed.
EXT. TRAIL TO HOKU’ULA – LATER #51#
Maui King and Maui King’s Son find themselves and his VANGUARD in a village. Outcasts, that are considered unclean, step out of the shadows. The Army stops in its tracks.
MAUI KING
Those are outcasts. We are defiled. How did this happen?
MAUI KING’S SON
I’m sorry, father. I was just following the trail.
MAUI GENERAL
Get the Priest up here. We need him to perform a cleansing ceremony.
EXT. TRAIL TO HOKU’ULA -LATER #52#
A cleansing ceremony is performed by PRIEST.
EXT. TRAIL TO HOKU’ULA – LATER #53#
As the Maui Warriors continue their march up the trail, boulders begin rolling down the hill called Lae Lae, crushing some of them.
When the boulders come to rest, they turn into Wao’s servants and run back up the hill under the gaze of Wao.
WAO
Great job, my people!
EXT. WOMAN’S TEMPLE – DAY #54#
Maui forces come upon a temple (called Haleino) run by Pono’s Mother which is staffed by virgins. Raping and pillaging ensues. When Pono’s Mother, again in the white robe, tries to intercede, she is struck down.
It is raining of course, blood red rain.
EXT. UPLAND PLAIN – DAY #55#
Pono and Kea are meeting with HAWAII CHIEFS preparing for battle when a HAWAII RUNNER approaches and bows deeply.
HAWAII RUNNER
Sire, I have bad news. Your mother
was not warned of the approach of
the Maui army. Her temple was
overrun.
Pono looks at Kea, whose eyes are downcast.
PONO
(to Hawaii Runner)
How did it happen?
HAWAII RUNNER
She was not told of the approach of the Maui army.
PONO
What’s happened to my mother?
HAWAII RUNNER
She is wounded. Her students were
killed or worse and her temple is
being used as a Maui headquarters.
Hawaii Runner kneels, hoping the Pono will not kill the messenger.
PONO
(to Kea)
We’ve got to get her out of there!
KEA
We’d better hurry. The pigs will
start foraging at sunset.
Pono, Kea, and a small contingent of warriors hurriedly head out for the temple.
EXT. WOMEN’S TEMPLE – NIGHT #56#
The scene is bathed in dim moonlight. Thin clouds move by, pushed by the wind.
MOANS and SCREAMS are heard as the rescue party approaches.
KEA
The pigs are feeding on the dead
and wounded.
PONO
We’ve got to get closer.
Suddenly, a large group of Maui Warriors appears and begins to bed down for the night.
A blood curdling SCREAM is heard as the rescue party is prevented from moving forward.
PONO
That’s my mother!
After a minute, the screaming stops.
KEA
I’m sorry, Pono. We tried.
PONO
Tomorrow, I will have my revenge.
This is the Second Act turning point.
EXT. HOKU’ULA – DAY #57#
Trudging up the mountainside, Maui forces spot a muscular man who is leaping hundreds of yards from outcropping to outcropping. He cannot be a mere mortal.
He lands close to some of them and introduces himself.
OLD MAN
Aloha. I am Old Man. This is my mountain. What are you doing here?
WARRIOR
We are moving into position before the battle starts.
OLD MAN
Who is fighting?
WARRIOR
Maui is invading Hawaii.
OLD MAN
Oh. That again. Well, try not to make a mess.
The Old Man leaps.
_EXT. HOKU’ULA – EVENING_ #58#
Maui forces are in position on the top of Hoku’ula.
It is a spectacular sight.
The red and gold feather capes of the nobles echo the red and gold blossoms of the ohia trees that line the gulches cut in the mountainside.
Many of the common soldiers shiver in the cold, misty wind for which the area is now famous (rain which raises goosebumps, ki pu’u pu’u).
EXT. HOKU’ULA – LATER #59#
Two warriors are looking for sling stones to add to the limited arsenals they brought from Maui.
MAUI WARRIOR #1
Have you found any good sling stones?
MAUI WARRIOR #2
The rock up here is too soft. I have a bad feeling about this place.
EXT. WAIMEA PLAIN – NIGHT #60#
Torches held by Pono’s warriors are seen by Maui forces spreading out on the plain below Hoku’ula.
_EXT. HOKU’ULA – MORNING_ #61#
When the sun rises, the Maui King sees Pono’s forces arrayed before them for miles. The Maui forces are outnumbered. The Maui King turns to his son.
MAUI KING
How could this happen? You said the villages were empty?
Son casts down his eyes.
EXT. WAIMEA PLAIN – DAY #62#
In accordance with custom, Pono and Kea approach Maui King and Maui General under a flag of truce (a ti leaf on a pole) to negotiate the place and time of battle.
PONO
I suggest we fight here and now.
MAUI KING
Let’s have our generals fight first.
Pono looks at Kea, who nods.
PONO
It is agreed.
The parties return to their ranks.
_EXT. WAIMEA PLAIN – LATER_ #63#
Kea and the Maui General, their bodies shaved and oiled, approach one another and fight. Kea is wounded. Just before the Maui General kills him, Kea recovers and kills the Maui General.
_EXT. WAIMEA PLAIN – LATER_ #64#
Both of the armies are arrayed in standard Hawaiian battle formations.
Out front are skirmishers (huna lewa) carrying javelins (ihe). They are backed by a larger body (huna paa).
Behind these come groups of perhaps a thousand veteran warriors each (waa kaua).
Last come the mass of the rank-and-file soldiery (poe kaua).
In their midst stand Pono, Lani, and Second Wife in feathered capes surrounded by their friends (including Hauna and Loli) and images of their gods. They are encircled by a royal bodyguard (papa-kaua) armed with pololu spears.
The armies charge toward one another yelling at the tops of their lungs.
EXT. HOKU’ULA – LATER #65#
The armies collide and merge into one another.
With his cape slung over his left arm, Pono slices and dices with a war club.
Lani and Second Wife fight together and kick some serious butt. Lani throws a stone with her sling that stun a Maui warrior and Second Wife bashes his brains in with a war club.
Kea sequentially breaks the backs of six MAUI CHIEFS using a famous lua move.
PONO
(to Kea)
You had me worried.
KEA
You’re not the only one who can be tricky. I haven’t had so much fun since the rebellion.
EXT. HOKU’ULA – LATER #66#
Pono sees that Maui King is unguarded and he approaches him holding a war club.
PONO
You killed my mother and you are going to die.
MAUI KING
We’ll see about that.
Maui King knocks the war club from Pono’s hand.
MAUI KING
I hear you are not good at boxing. Let’s find out.
Maui King slugs Pono and knocks him down.
Pono scrambles to his feet and slugs Maui King who changes his mind and picks up a war club. Maui King swings the war club at Pono but misses.
Kea throws a war club to Pono who kills Maui King with it.
PONO
(to Kea)
Thanks, bruddah.
EXT. HOKU’ULA – LATER #67#
Seeing their King fall, the Maui forces are routed and run for the coast.
A misty rain is falling as blood from thousands of dead warriors washes into Waikaloa stream.
_EXT. KAWAIHAE BEACH – LATER_ #68#
Their canoes having been disassembled, the rest of the Maui forces are trapped on the beach and slaughtered in the surf. Blood flows into the water.
EXT. KAWAIHAE BAY – LATER #69#
Three Tiger Sharks feast on the bodies of dead Maui warriors in the surf.
EXT. HOKU’ULA – DAY #70#
The entrails of a wounded Maui Chief captured in battle are removed and every major bone in his arms, legs, pelvis, and face is methodically broken while he is still alive and screaming.
Finally, his back is broken so that his body can be bundled up and carried off the field to be sacrificed at a temple.
EXT. KAWAIHAE BEACH – LATER #71#
Pono’s Niece helps Maui King’s Son to escape and return to Maui by riding her canoe on to the beach and offering it to Maui King’s Son.
PONO’S NIECE
Here, take my canoe.
They embrace.
MAUI KING’S SON
Thank you.
They rub noses and Maui King’s Son paddles off in the direction of Maui.
EXT. TRAIL TO WINDWARD VALLEY – NIGHT #72#
Flies swarm on the bodies of the MAUI DEAD in the moonlight.
The ghostly images of the Maui Dead are seen rising from their bodies marching single file to the leaping off place to the underworld in Waipio Valley.
_EXT. KOHALA TEMPLE – DAY_ #73#
Pono sacrifices Maui King’s body to his war god.
PONO
Thank you, my people.
His Warriors cheer.
EXT. HAWAII KING’S COMPOUND – DAY #74#
Pono’s, Second Wife and SECOND WIFE’S CHILD, along with Lani and LANI’S CHILDREN, play with their royal parents, as a family.
FADE OUT
Blood Red Rain: The Rebellion-2016-07-26
CARD
!”KINGDOM OF HAWAII”
!”1830″
END CARD
EXT. WHALE HILL TEMPLE – DAY
Flames lick upward as an image of a tall, wooden Hawaiian god burns on a temple platform at the top of Whale Hill. The smoke from the burning image eddies down the slope.
The carved god’s head is large with elaborate grooves representing hair that sweep downward. A snarling face has a large mouth that is surrounded by parallel grooves representing a beard, with the nostrils extending outward. The body and limbs are simple elliptical volumes. The knees are bent and the calves are heavy. There is a feeling of flexed muscles and aggressive power.
EXT. BEACH BELOW WHALE HILL TEMPLE – DAY
A male MISSIONARY (30) dressed in a worn black suit is standing on the beach as a skiff carries an Englishman, DR. PELHAM (35), from a ship anchored offshore. Two NATIVES stand with the Missionary. When the skiff reaches the shore
MISSIONARY
Dr. Pelham! Welcome to Hawaii!
DR. PELHAM
Glad to be here.
MISSIONARY
We so much appreciate your visit. Many are in need of a doctor. Come. I borrowed a couple of horses to carry us uphill.
The Missionary leads Dr. Pelham to two awaiting horses.
MISSIONARY
I hope you can ride bareback. We have no saddles.
Dr. Pelham nods and accepts help up onto one of the horses. The Natives pick up his baggage.
EXT. TRAIL TO UPLAND VILLAGE – LATER
As the horses enter the nearby forest, spectacular rainbows occur in a light mist that a strong wind carries down the slope. Herds of longhorn cattle graze in grassy areas within the forest.
MISSIONARY
The Hawaiians believe this area is sacred because of those rainbows.
DR. PELHAM
Very impressive.
MISSIONARY
How was your voyage?
DR. PELHAM
Too long. I am very glad to be on solid ground.
MISSIONARY
Do stay away from the cattle. They all belong to the Hawaiian King and are wild and very dangerous.
Dr. Pelham looks backward toward the sea and the temple.
DR. PELHAM
Why is that idol burning?
MISSIONARY
You won’t believe this, but the Hawaiian King abolished the Hawaiian religion and ordered the images of their gods burned just before we arrived.
DR. PELHAM
How fortunate for you.
MISSIONARY
God is taking care of us. The Hawaiian nobles are converting to Christianity at an increasing pace. We are now working on the commoners and your visit is part of our outreach.
DR. PELHAM
What’s the plan?
MISSIONARY
We have set up a clinic for you in our church sanctuary and will bring patients to you.
A large group of MEN, each carrying from one to six pieces of sandalwood, are walking down the trail. The pieces of wood are tied on their backs by bands made of ti leaves. The bands are passed over the shoulders and under their arms, and fastened across their chests.
MISSIONARY
The King owns all the sandalwood, too. It is highly prized in China.
EXT. UPLAND VILLAGE – DAY
Hawaiian houses with stone walls and grass roofs are scattered across the landscape. Naked HAWAIIAN CHILDREN run up to the horses as they enter the village. They stop at one of the houses.
MISSIONARY
This will be your home during your stay.
He points to a much larger, but similar in design, structure.
MISSIONARY
That is our sanctuary.
They lower themselves to the ground.
MISSIONARY
It gets dark quickly here. I will collect you for dinner.
INT. MISSIONARY’S HOUSE – EVENING
A crude table is set up in the Missionary’s house. Candles flicker. The MISSIONARY’S WIFE is serving a dinner of pork and poi. Dr. Pelham smiles and bows to the Missionary’s Wife and sits down on a seat at the table that the Missionary has pulled back. Whoops and hollers can be heard. The Missionary shakes his head.
MISSIONARY
Sorry about that. There are about 60 foreigners from eight different countries living in our district. Most them act like mad men. Recently, one man bit the ear off another in a fit of intoxication.
DR. PELHAM
(smiling)
I won’t be able to help with that sort of injury.
The Missionary, his Wife, and Dr. Pelham bow their heads as the Missionary prepares to say grace.
EXT. UPLAND VILLAGE – LATER
After dinner, the Missionary and Dr. Pelham walk outside.
DR. PELHAM
I wanted to warn you that I am looking for a Hawaiian skeleton.
MISSIONARY
What?
DR. PELHAM
A colleague of mine in England wants one to study. Do you think that will be possible?
MISSIONARY
Well, Hawaiians place a lot of value on the bones of the deceased. But over 80 percent of the natives in our area have died of diseases like syphilis, smallpox, and tuberculosis, brought here by the riff-raff of the Pacific. So finding a body of a person whose relatives have died may be possible.
DR. PELHAM
Thanks for understanding.
INT. UPLAND VILLAGE SANCTUARY – DAY
Dr. Pelham is seeing patients. He performs a physical examination of an OLD HAWAIIAN (66) who has an infection in his torso. The old Hawaiian is wearing an old shirt and pants.
DR. PELHAM
How did this happen?
OLD HAWAIIAN
I wasn’t as good at spear dodging as I should have been. I have been sick for a long time. I think I will die soon.
DR. PELHAM
I hope not. Do you have any relatives who can take care of you?
OLD HAWAIIAN
Just my daughter. But I came here for a different reason. I want you to write down my family’s story before I die.
DR. PELHAM
I would be willing to do that in the evenings, but I need something from you.
OLD HAWAIIAN
What can I give you?
DR. PELHAM
Your bones. A friend of mine needs a skeleton of a Hawaiian for his research.
OLD HAWAIIAN
I agree. I will return tonight and tell you my story.
EXT. OUTSIDE DR. PELHAM’S HOUSE – EVENING
A fire is burning outside Dr. Pelham’s house. Dr. Pelham and the Old Hawaiian are sitting on logs near the fire. Dr. Pelham has a pen and paper in hand.
DR. PELHAM
Tell me your story.
OLD HAWAIIAN
I have royal blood. Here, royal succession is based on not on birth order but on a noble child’s rank.
DR. PELHAM
What do you mean by rank?
OLD HAWAIIAN
A child’s rank is determined by the genealogy of both its father and its mother. Wise kings did not have a first child with a woman of lower rank. But this is not a story about a wise king.
CARD
!”200 YEARS EARLIER”
END CARD
CUT TO:
EXT. NORTHERN FIELD SYSTEM – DAY
A traditional Hawaiian chant, Arise, (E Ala E) plays in the background.
On the leeward flank of a windswept mountain at the north end of the island of HAWAII, an early development stage of what will eventually become an enormous (2.5 miles wide and 12 miles long) dryland garden stretches out below. The Hill of the Jealousy (Pu’u O Kahua) towers in the distance.
Some 8,000 farmers (men who look thin and hungry) work the terraced land with digging sticks (o’o). Sugar cane grows along the terrace walls; sweet potatoes and dry-land taro (kalo) in between, normally watered by the mists that the trade winds push over the mountain.
The Hawaiian chant ends abruptly.
A tall, athletic Hawaiian youth, PONO (pronounced POE-no) (18), emerges from the distance and runs through the garden toward us and then turns right and runs downhill on a trail towards a coastal village. His black hair is short on the sides and extends down his back.
Pono passes farmers along his route, who stop to watch him. All are wearing only a loincloth (malo).
FARMERS
(chanting admiringly)
Po-no, Po-no, Po-no.
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – MOMENTS LATER
Pono passes a GROUP OF YOUNG MEN learning a Hawaiian fighting (lua) move for back breaking called folded backward (pelu’ia-i-hope). Pono’s same-aged, lighter-skinned, and much shorter, but more muscular, half-brother, KEA (pronounced KAY-ah) is slowly showing the move to a same-aged cousin, NAIKA (pronounced NYE-ka). Pono’s younger full brother, UMIO (pronounced OO-me-oh) (16), is watching.
As they practice, Naika slowly throws a RIGHT PUNCH. Teaching, Kea slowly moves his LEFT FOOT FORWARD to sidestep the punch and strikes Naika’s RIGHT ARMPIT with with his elbow. Then Kea places his LEFT PALM behind Nika’s back and forces Naika’s upper body backward with his RIGHT ELBOW while pulling at the small of Niaka’s back with his left palm. Naika winces as his back bends backward.
Pono waves to his brothers with a smile on his face. He is sweating but not out of breath.
PONO
Yo, my brothers!
Pono runs toward a GROUP OF BARE-BREASTED HAWAIIAN WOMEN dressed in skirts (pa’u) making bark fiber cloth (kapa) in the shade of a palm tree.
When Pono reaches the women, he smiles and grabs a beautiful, lighter-skinned, smaller (petite) woman, LANI (pronounced LAW-nee) (16), throws her over his shoulder, and heads for the surf, dropping his loincloth on the way.
Lani smiles and enjoys the attention, but becomes self conscious. She speaks in cadence with his footfalls.
LANI
Put. Me. Down. Or I will. Never. Kiss. You again!
Pono runs into the surf, dumps Lani into the water, dives in after her, and then surfaces as she does. Pono looks into her eyes.
PONO
As you wish.
Lani smiles, her pupils dilated. As they rub noses, a wave washes over them, separating them for a while. When they surface, Pono wraps his arms around Lani, who is pouting again. They lock eyes. You can tell he is besotted by her. They whisper to one another.
LANI
I am a grown woman now. When will my grandfather let us marry? Why does he want us to wait? I want to start our family.
PONO
During the New Year’s Festival, I’ll ask the King again.
LANI
(sternly)
You’d better.
Kea yells from shore.
KEA
(shaking his head)
Break it up, you two. Brother, you won’t win the race next week if you don’t get serious.
Pono is not really listening to Kea.
One of the older women, LANI’S MOTHER, yells from the shore.
LANI’S MOTHER
Lani, come back here. Right now! You’re too old for such behavior.
Pono and Lani dutifully move toward the shore. Pono’s hands cover his crotch.
LANI
(mouthing the words)
I want to talk tonight, at our special place.
Pono nods.
EXT. WHALE HILL TEMPLE – EVENING
Pono, Naika, Umio, and Kea sit down to dinner. They lean back against the north wall of Whale Hill Temple (Pu’u Kohola Heiau) and glaze out toward the Hill of Jealousy.
TWO SLAVES (men with a circumflex or accent mark ^ tattooed on their foreheads) remove a small pig from an underground oven and bring portions and a bowl of poi to them.
KEA
Aren’t you and Lani moving a little fast? You’ve only been at court for a few months.
PONO
What can I say? She’s my girl.
Naika speaks while chewing.
NAIKA
And my cousin.
KEA
She’s also a King’s granddaughter with lots of admirers, one of whom is our older brother.
PONO
But, she’s not in line to inherit the throne. And Kanaloa is too old for her.
Kea shakes his head.
KEA
(pointing)
Tell me the name of that hill.
PONO
The Hill of Jealousy. So?
KEA
You really have no clue, do you?
PONO
About what?
KEA
How dangerous it is to come out of nowhere and snag the most beautiful woman at court.
PONO
Brother, you worry too much.
They continue eating.
EXT. LANI’S PARENTS’ COMPOUND – NIGHT
The moon is full. The land is bathed in MOONLIGHT.
Lani sneaks out of her parent’s house and hurries away.
EXT. POOL BELOW A WATERFALL – LATER
Her back toward us, Lani undresses, slips into the cool, still water, and swims out into the pool. She wets her hair. The ripples in the water reflect the moonlight.
Pono arrives, sits down on the shore, and gazes at Lani. She licks her luscious lips and throws back her hair.
PONO
Wow.
LANI
Come swim with me. The water feels wonderful.
Pono hesitates.
PONO
Kea says I am moving too fast.
LANI
What does he know?
PONO
More than me, for sure.
LANI
You are not moving fast enough for me.
PONO
I can tell.
LANI
You still want to marry me, don’t you?
PONO
Very much.
LANI
Then, come swim with me.
His back toward us, Pono disrobes and dives into the pool.
CUT TO:
INT. CHIEFS’ COMPOUND AT THE ROAD OF THE GODS BAY – DAY
Pono’s father, KEAWE (pronounced KAY-ah-vay) (45) and Pono’s older brother, KANALOA (pronounced KAH-nah-low-ah) (25), who has reddish hair (‘ehu) walk into a meeting of a group of tough-looking HAWAIIAN CHIEFS and COUNSELOR. Counselor has a white robe hanging from one shoulder. Keawe sits down.
REBEL CHIEF
(nodding at Keawe and then Kanaloa)
Welcome Keawe, Kanaloa.
Kanaloa addresses the group, gesturing toward Keawe.
KANALOA
Father’s right. We have to do something about this famine. Our side of the island is not even getting its fair share of the food we’re producing.
Kanaloa pats one of the Chiefs on the back.
KANALOA
Our warriors must be fed to be strong. The drought is even worse on Maui. They want our food and are likely to invade.
The Chiefs and Counselor nod in agreement. Keawe stands up.
KEAWE
I need your support. You know I would be a better at increasing food production and at repelling an invasion than my brother. After he is gone, I will divide the land among my supporters.
The Chiefs and Counselor smile ominously.
REBEL CHIEF
But what about his district chiefs?
KEAWE
(smiling)
You will become my district chiefs. They will become dead.
KANALOA
It is decided. Who will kill the king?
REBEL CHIEF
I’ll have one of my men stab him as he wades ashore at the end of the New Year’s Festival festival.
Rebel Chief turns to Kanaloa.
REBEL CHIEF
We’ll need to get rid of as many of his royal guards as we can at the same time.
KANALOA
Agreed. Don’t tell Pono our plans. He’s too close to his uncle. And do not disclose them to Kea or Naika either. They’re too close to Pono.
The Chiefs nod in agreement and then leave the building.
KEAWE
(shaking his head)
Kanaloa, I wish that Pono were not my highest ranking son. I should never have married his mother after you were born. When I am King, I will have you both marry Lani. (smiling) I am sure one of your children inherit the throne.
KANALOA
Thank you, father.
Keawe, Kanaloa, and Counselor leave.
EXT. WINDWARD VILLAGE – LATER
Kanaloa and Umio approach Pono.
KANALOA
(disparagingly)
Hello, squirt.
PONO
(grudgingly)
My brothers.
KANALOA
What is this I hear about you and Lani?
PONO
It’s none of your business.
Kanaloa approaches Pono and PUSHES him backward. When Pono’s raises his arms to regain his balance, Kanaloa grabs Pono’s RIGHT LITTLE FINGER between Kanaloa’s left thumb and index finger, initiating the lua technique “grab little finger” (‘ai-lima-iki). With Kanaloa’s fingers resting against Pono’s wrist, Pono’s little finger is BENT BACKWARD as Kanaloa moves his right leg back.
Wincing as he is pulled toward Kanaloa, Pono FALLS TO HIS KNEES as Umio smiles menacingly.
KANALOA
It’s very much my business. Stay. Away. From her.
Kanaloa releases Pono’s finger and Pono rises.
PONO
It’s too late, Kanaloa. We are in love.
Pono forms his right hand into a fist and SWINGS it at Kanaloa’s head.
Kanaloa steps back with his right foot while BLOCKING Pono’s swinging right arm with Kanaloa’s left forearm, initiating the lua technique “the navel of Wakea” (ka-pico-o-Wakea). Kanaloa THRUSTS his right hand, fingers extended and joined, with the palm down into Pono’s navel area. As Pono crumples
KANALOA
In case you hadn’t heard, love is dangerous around here.
Pono hits the ground and Kanaloa and Umio start to leave.
PONO
(looking up, wryly)
Thanks for the brotherly advice.
EXT. WINDWARD VILLAGE – LATER
A HERALD blows on a Triton or Cassis cornuta seashell (pu).
The KING (50) is holding court and the village is teaming with local PETITIONERS and the many (hundreds) members of his COURT, including Kanaloa.
FIRST PETITIONER
Sire, my neighbors’ crops have failed and they are stealing our food. They blame the drought. What should I do?
KING
My soothsayers tell me that the drought is almost over. Share your food.
First Petitioner is waved away. As Kanaloa glowers, Pono respectfully approaches the King.
PONO
Uncle, you know I love Lani and want to marry her. We are both old enough now. May we marry?
KING
I love you both, but she is my son’s highest ranking daughter and I may have to marry her to someone else first. For political reasons. You understand.
Pono mumbles to himself.
PONO
What?
The King turns to meet another Petitioner, but speaks to Pono.
KING
Be patient. And think about how you will afford a wife.
PONO
Thank you, Uncle. We love you, too.
Pono knows he is in trouble and takes his leave.
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – LATER
Across the village, Pono approaches Lani with a hang-dog look on his face.
LANI
(worried)
What happened?
PONO
He said we have to wait.
LANI
(angry now)
Wait for what?
PONO
Some political arrangements he’s making.
Pono attempts to appear nonchalant, shaking his head.
LANI
Political arrangements! Let’s just leave all this. Travel to another island. Make our own life.
PONO
Lani, I love you, but I want to work this out, here.
LANI
Well, you let me know how that turns out.
Lani stomps off in a huff.
PONO
Lani, please!
Pono shakes his head.
EXT. SURFING SPOT – DAY
Pono, naked with a long wooden (koa) surfboard under his arm, enters the water and paddles out to join other surfing nobles in the lineup beyond the surf break.
Lani and Lani’s Mother are watching him from the beach.
When Pono arrives at the break, his stomach on the board, he addresses a local surfer, HEA (pronounced HAY-uh) (16).
PONO
Aloha. How does this break work?
HEA
This time of day every fourth wave is larger. Line up behind me and I’ll show you.
Local Surfer glances toward the beach.
HEA
Who’s the girl with you?
PONO
That’s my girlfriend.
HEA
Nice, dude.
Hea catches the next large wave.
Pono waits and catches the fourth wave. He rides it toward shore. He is waved in by FIRST HUSBAND (40).
FIRST HUSBAND
After lunch, Auntie has a lesson for you.
PONO
What kind of lesson? I need some time to think.
FIRST HUSBAND
You’re not going to like it, but it’s necessary. See you at Keawe’s armory after lunch.
First Husband leaves and Pono paddles out to the lineup again.
INT. KEAWE’S ARMORY – DAY
Pono tours his father’s darkened armory with his AUNTIE (36), and her two husbands, First Husband, and his younger brother, SECOND HUSBAND (36), who are his foster parents (guardians who are raising him).
Auntie is chubby and in charge. First Husband is a jolly, rotund fellow. Second Husband is thinner and quirky.
AUNTIE
Pono, you’ve lived a sheltered life, as the oracles instructed. But, as a chief’s highest ranking son, it’s time for you to learn about life. In particular, your father wants you to learn about war.
PONO
Do I have to do this now?
AUNTIE
Yes, you do.
Pono points to a wooden implement (newa) hanging on the building. It is a beautiful koa-wood war club, lined with shark’s teeth.
PONO
(resigned)
OK. What’s that?
AUNTIE
It is a war club. It is used to kill opponents in close combat.
PONO
Ugh! I am not interested in killing opponents in battle. I’ll have no use for a war club.
Auntie looks exasperated as Pono nods at First Husband and Second Husband.
PONO
(wryly)
I think your husbands should use it to turn over stones in the underground oven when they cook our dinner.
Husbands start to laugh, but Auntie frowns them down.
Pono looks up and sees a bundle of short war spears or javelins (ihe).
PONO
What are those?
AUNTIE
These war spears are used at close range for thrusting and at long range for throwing at the enemy. Some chiefs are very good at warding off spears.
Pono takes one down and handles it.
PONO
I’d much rather be good at warding off spears than throwing them.
AUNTIE
You will get to decide which war implements are important and which are not soon enough. For now, your father makes those decisions.
Auntie turns to leave.
AUNTIE
It is time for us to travel to town for the festivities.
Pono and Husbands follow her.
EXT. WINDWARD VILLAGE – EVENING
In town, Pono sees an old man, HIGH PRIEST (60), at a distance, whose white hair reaches below his waist. A white robe hangs from one shoulder. He is speaking with someone and is very charismatic.
PONO
Is that old man with the long hair a god?
FIRST HUSBAND
No, he isn’t a god. He’s a high priest, higher than the others. He can predict the future.
PONO
May a young man like me address him?
First Husband nods and approaches High Priest. They speak and both return to Pono who addresses High Priest.
PONO
(shyly)
Thank you for speaking with me. I’ve been told that you can tell the future.
High Priest smiles and nods.
HIGH PRIEST
Sometimes.
PONO
Please tell me then, when will there be enough food for the people?
High Priest eyes sparkle as he ponders for a moment.
HIGH PRIEST
The land will be brought to life when all things are again correct and proper.
Pono nods but does not quite understand. He moves on.
PONO
What will my future be like?
HIGH PRIEST
You will be a wealthy chief at times, but, when you reach maturity, you will be poor and be without followers.
Pono looks a little worried.
PONO
How can I avoid being poor?
HIGH PRIEST
The profession that will make you famous over all the islands is that of orator. You can avoid being poor by being a good and generous leader.
PONO
I can be good and generous. Would you teach me how to be an orator?
HIGH PRIEST
I would be happy to, my prince. Now, though, I must return to my duties.
High Priest leaves and Pono turns to First Husband.
PONO
Why did he say “My prince?” I’m not a prince. I’m just a chief’s son.
First Husband smiles and shrugs.
FIRST HUSBAND
The New Year’s Festival awaits!
EXT. WINDWARD VILLAGE – DAY
PRIESTS prepare for the progression of the New Year’s Festival (Ma-ka-hi-ki) around the island.
A representational image of the New Year’s Festival god, LONO, is assembled and decorated. It consists of a long pole (3.5 to 5.5 meters high) carved at the top with the god’s image.
A crosspiece is attached to the pole and to it are tied colorful feather wreaths, albatross skins, and a rectangular piece of kapa that looks like a sail.
FIRST PRIEST
Hoist it up. Let’s see what it looks like.
The pole is held vertical by SECOND PRIEST.
PONO
(to First Husband)
What is that?
FIRST HUSBAND
Sorry we had to keep you away from all this. That is the god of the New Year’s Festival. It’s carried around the island on the King’s Trail. At each land division boundary, tribute is paid to our god king. By performing this ritual, we ensure success of the crops next year.
PONO
Why was I kept away?
FIRST HUSBAND
Before you were born, your mother was warned by the soothsayers that someone might harm you. So, she had us bring you up away from society.
Pono is silent but wrinkles his brow as he watches the Priests as they continue their preparations.
EXT. WINDWARD VILLAGE – LATER
The New Years god is carried to the King’s Trail that follows the shoreline around the island. At the King’s Trail, the King greets the God with ritual tears and expressions of love.
The King is dressed in a loin cloth and a colorful red and yellow feather helmet and cloak. He is assisted by PRIESTS of the Lono cult who are dressed in white robes.
The god, King, and Priests begin a clockwise circuit of the island. A large THRONG follows the Priests, including Kea, Naika, Pono, and First Husband.
Pono pretends that he does not notice that Lani and Kanaloa are flirting with one another.
PONO
(to First Husband)
Uh. Should we bring food?
FIRST HUSBAND
The tribute will provide food for all of us. Let’s party!
Pono and First Husband join the Throng.
EXT. LAND DIVISION BOUNDARY – DAY
The OVERSEER of a land division presents collected annual tribute to the God at an alter along the trail at the land division boundary. The tribute consists of kapa cloths, skirts, loincloths, brightly-colored feathers, pigs, taro, fish, and dogs.
OVERSEER
Oh, Lono. Please accept this tribute from the unworthy people of this district.
KING
I accept your tribute in the name of Lono.
The NOBLES and COMMONERS abstain from all work as they watch the ceremony.
PONO
(to First Husband)
This is going to be fun!
The Priests begin to collect the tribute as the Throng moves on.
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – DAY
At a district boundary, boxing, wrestling, sledding, rolling stone disks (maika), foot races, and other games are played.
IN ONE OPEN AREA
a DANCE TROOP performs a HULA to a DRUMBEAT.
IN A SECOND OPEN AREA
Lani stands in front of a similarly-sized MALE OPPONENT. Their arms are at their sides, wrists forward, their hands forming fists. They take turns landing a blow on the other. Neither is allowed to block the blows of the other.
She first bloodies and then knocks down her Opponent, winning a boxing match as SPECTATORS stand in a circle and PARTISANS hurl epithets.
NAIKA
Mr. Bloody Nose, you’d better go back to bed. You’re losing to a novice, a little one to boot.
Her Opponent gets up, but is knocked out cold by Lani.
PONO
(to First Husband)
That’s my girl. I am getting hungry.
FIRST HUSBAND
I smell dinner.
Pono and First Husband wander off. Naika turns to Lani.
NAIKA
I’m going to get my fortune told.
Lani tousles his hair.
IN A THIRD OPEN AREA
Naika approaches High Priest.
NAIKA
Sir, please tell me my fortune.
HIGH PRIEST
I would be happy to.
High Priest places his hand on Naika’s head and closes his eyes.
HIGH PRIEST
You will die either a king or married to a queen.
NAIKA
Wow! I mean, thank you.
High Priest wanders off while Naika stands there stunned.
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – LATER
Nobles and Commoners are dressed in their best. LOUD PRAYERS are chanted by the Priests.
IN ONE OPEN AREA
Male Commoners cook pigs for men and dogs for women in underground ovens.
IN A SECOND OPEN AREA
Female Commoners are preparing kava (awa) for the crowds by chewing pepper root and spitting the juice in a bowl.
Everywhere the cries of people drunk on kava can be heard.
PONO
(to Lani)
You want to try it?
LANI
No thanks, party guy.
EXT. LEEWARD BEACH – NIGHT
At nightfall, Nobles and Commoners together go to bathe in the ocean and a sexual orgy occurs until dawn. Pono and Lani watch the revelers. Pono is amazed.
PONO
I like the New Year’s Festival.
LANI
(to Pono)
Don’t even think about joining in.
Pono smiles.
PONO
I’m in training to be an orator. Remember?
EXT. ANOTHER LEEWARD VILLAGE – DAY
At another district boundary, boxing, wrestling, sledding, rolling stone disks, foot races, and other games are played.
Pono is one of the racers. As the Racers pass Kea, he yells to a COMPETITOR.
KEA
Watch out for that root!
Pono wins the foot race when Kea trips his Competitor to the great amusement of the one hundred or so SPECTATORS.
KEA
Let’s get some rest. The festival ends tomorrow.
EXT. WHALE HILL TEMPLE BEACH – DAY
The King is ritualistically bathing in the ocean in front of a large CROWD at the end of the festival.
After being purified, he and his WARRIORS take their canoes out to sea and then return to shore where, as a part of the ritual, they are met by a group of warriors that ceremonially resembles an opposing army. The King is accompanied by a Warrior who is supposed to be good at warding off spears.
THIS TIME the opposing army is a real one, consisting of Keawe’s supporters. One spear is warded off and the King is touched by a second spear, in accordance with the ritual.
UNEXPECTEDLY, the King is then stabbed and killed by CATSPAW, who is, in turn killed by Rebel Chief.
Most of the Warriors who accompany the King are also killed, and Keawe steps forward.
KEAWE
(to the crowd)
I am now your king.
Pono and Lani are aghast as are others in the Crowd.
PONO
(aside to Lani)
I will protect you.
LANI
You’d better learn to protect yourself.
Keawe and his Warriors then step into the canoes and finish the ritual by paddling out to sea.
EXT. WHALE HILL TEMPLE – LATER
The dead King’s body is carried to the top of Whale Hill Temple and is washed and placed on the altar as a sacrifice.
PEOPLE are WAILING and some are knocking a tooth out in sorrow, with blood streaming down their faces. Lani is SOBBING uncontrollably.
PONO
Lani, I’m so sorry. This can’t be happening.
KEA
This situation disgusts me.
Pono attempts to comfort Lani, but she will have none of it.
LANI
You are as useless as my father!
CUT TO:
EXT. UPLAND PLAIN – DAY
Keawe is consolidating power.
Keawe, Kanaloa, and their Warriors are dirty and bloody, but jubilant. Their plan is working.
Keawe holds up a basket of bones.
KEAWE
I have in this basket the bones of all but one of my brother’s district chiefs. By tomorrow, I want this basket filled.
The Warriors cheer.
EXT. UPLAND PLAIN – LATER
The LOYAL FORCES of the one remaining OLD DISTRICT CHIEF are positioned at the top of grassy Bird Hill (Pu’u Maneo). The grass is tall and dry and the trade winds are blowing out of the northeast.
KEAWE’S WARRIORS set the grass on fire and the flames race up the hill. The SCREAMS of the Loyal Forces are heard. Kanaloa and his Warriors surge up the hill behind the flames and capture a burned Old District Chief.
DISTRICT CHIEF
It’s wrong for your father to have killed the rightful King.
KANALOA
(wryly)
The kingdom is under new management.
Kanaloa stabs and kills the District Chief.
KANALOA
(to a nearby warrior)
I want to see his bones by nightfall.
The Warrior nods.
EXT. UPLAND PLAIN – LATER
The body of the Old District Chief is placed in an underground oven and cooked by Keawe’s Warriors. After his body is cooked, his major bones are removed. The bones are placed in the basket and given to Keawe.
KANALOA
The bones of your enemies. Congratulations, Father!
INT. KEAWE’S COMPOUND – DAY
The DEAD KING’S SON (30) is surrounded by BEAUTIFUL WOMEN and food. He is too fat to even move and is apparently accepting the loss of the crown.
KEAWE
I think Lani’s father will not be a problem.
KANALOA
Your rule is secure. Let’s celebrate.
Keawe chuckles.
INT. KEAWE’S COMPOUND – NIGHT
Keawe is in a room filled with NOBLES and BEAUTIFUL WOMEN. They are playing a game (kilu) to see who will sleep with whom that night.
SPECTATOR
(whispering)
King Keawe is sleeping with common women again, impairing the royal bloodline. That’s not right!
FIVE PLAYERS OF EACH SEX sit facing each other in front of Spectators. The floor between them is covered with matting. In front of each Player is a conical block of heavy wood.
EACH PLAYER in turn casts a dish cut obliquely from a coconut shell in a sliding and rotary motion toward the block in front of the member of the opposite sex of his or her choosing.
A successful hit entitles a Player to a kiss and a ten hits entitles the Player to bed his or her choice.
Keawe is obviously enjoying being king and wins a Beautiful Woman.
INT. KEAWE’S COMPOUND – DAY
Early the next morning KANALOA’S MOTHER (38), a red head (‘ehu), walks into the house in which Keawe and the Beautiful Woman are sleeping.
KANALOA’S MOTHER
Wake up, you old lech!
Keawe and the Beautiful Woman wake up. The Beautiful Woman quickly gathers her skirt and leaves, her head down. Keawe is groggy and grumpy.
KEAWE
Wha’ doyou want?
KANALOA’S MOTHER
In case you’ve forgotten, I’m here to remind you that the future rulers of Hawaii are going to be related to me. Got that? You promised me that our son, Kanaloa, is going to be the next king.
KEAWE
Yes, dear. I am doing what I can to make sure that happens.
KANALOA’S MOTHER
You do that.
Kanaloa’s Mother storms out.
CUT TO:
EXT. KEAWE’S COMPOUND – LATER
Later, Pono and Lani approach Keawe.
PONO
Father, why did Uncle have to die? We all loved him so much.
KEAWE
Your uncle had to die because he was not a good king. Pono, you will go with your retainers to live in the south. Lani, you will live in the east.
LANI
But, uncle!
Pono frowns.
PONO
Father, why must we be separated?
KEAWE
Because I don’t want Lani getting pregnant just yet. I might have to marry her to someone else first for political reasons. You can also marry her later.
Pono and Lani take their leave as Lani whispers angrily.
LANI
Your father can separate us but he can’t keep me from getting pregnant.
Pono has a worried look on his face.
EXT. NORTHERN FIELD SYSTEM – DAY
The trade winds fail, reducing the rainfall on and the output of the field system and taro (kalo) paddies, making matters worse. A Keawe supporter, Rebel Chief, addresses the FARMERS.
REBEL CHIEF
You people are not producing enough food.
FIRST FARMER
We’re trying our best. The trade winds are not bringing the moisture the crops need.
Rebel Chief pulls a shark-teeth-lined war club from his loincloth and swings it at the First Farmer, tearing his neck open. The First Farmer drops.
REBEL CHIEF
If I hear any more excuses, more of you will die. Get back to work.
The Farmers go back to work, clearly upset about their co-worker’s death and angry about being blamed for the crop failure. As the Rebel Chief leaves, the Second Farmer mutters to himself
SECOND FARMER
It is our king’s disrespect for the gods that has created this desert, not us.
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – DAY
The drought continues and the famine is worse. The land is brown and dying. Commoners are begging Nobles wearing red and yellow colored feathered capes for food and being refused.
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – DAY
Keawe’s health declines. He looks terrible as he tours his kingdom in a procession of his COURT lead by a RETAINER BLOWING on a conch (pu) and a CHANTING Priest. Keawe falters and collapses. First Husband witnesses the collapse and hurries off.
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – LATER
First Husband approaches Pono.
PONO
Have you heard? Father is sending Lani and I to live in different districts.
FIRST HUSBAND
Your father just collapsed. He’s very sick.
PONO
What?
FIRST HUSBAND
Listen to me. I want you to visit your Mother to let her know about Keawe’s failing health. Maybe she can help. This month she is at the women’s temple (heiau) she founded near Upland Village.
PONO
Why is Mother there?
FIRST HUSBAND
She teaches healing this time of year.
PONO
I’ll leave immediately, Uncle.
FIRST HUSBAND
Take Kea with you. Leave Umio here. And stay away from the virgins your mother is training.
Pono smiles.
EXT. WOMAN’S TEMPLE – DAY
Pono goes with Kea to tell PONO’S MOTHER (40’s), Keawe’s highest ranking wife, about their father’s failing health. The temple is staffed by VIRGINS who have not reached the menarche.
Rainbows frequently reach the ground in this vicinity, creating the illusion of blood red rain, and signifying that the area is sacred.
KEA
The rainbows and blood red rain around here are amazing. I can see why your Mother chose this sacred location for her temple.
Pono reverently approaches Pono’s Mother. They hug.
PONO
Mother, Father is very ill. Uncle has asked that you see if you can help Father.
PONO’S MOTHER
I will. Pono, this is a very dangerous time. I want you to be careful. Your other half brothers are jealous of your talents.
PONO
I will, Mother.
PONO’S MOTHER
I know your heart is not in it, but you must learn how to protect yourself.
PONO
I will, Mother.
PONO’S MOTHER
I want you and Kea to promise you will take care of Umio, too. As my only other son, I want him to be safe and happy.
PONO
He’s being a jerk, but I promise.
Kea nods.
PONO’S MOTHER
On your way then. And both of you leave my virgins alone.
Pono and Kea smile and take their leave.
INT. KEAWE’S COMPOUND – EVENING
Keawe is on his deathbed. He is surrounded by chanting Priests and crying WIVES, CHILDREN, and RETAINERS. The Counselor is also present. Pono’s Mother shakes her head sadly at them as Pono, Umio, and Kea enter the room.
KEAWE
My gods have shown me the error in my ways. I should never have deposed my brother. Nothing good has come of it. I must put things right before I die. Bring my brother’s granddaughter to me.
Lani is ushered into the room.
KEAWE
Lani, here, before my family, I want everyone to hear that I want you to be the next queen.
Lani is surprised, but smiles. Keawe turns his head to Pono.
KEAWE
Pono, I want you to govern with Lani.
PONO
Thank you, Father. Uh, I want to learn the arts of warfare before I share the throne. May I have a year to become proficient?
Lani frowns.
KEAWE
All right then, take Kea and Naika with you. Kanaloa will serve as Lani’s regent until you are proficient as a warrior. And, for political reasons, both you and Kanaloa will then marry Lani.
PONO
What? I mean yes, Father.
Lani’s frown deepens.
LANI
(whispering to Pono)
Why do you want to postpone our marriage? What are you afraid of?
PONO
(whispering to Lani)
I need to learn how to defend myself first, before I become a king. Remember what happened to your great grandfather’s rival and to your own grandfather?
It is clear that Lani is not satisfied with Pono’s answer. Pono and Lani take their leave.
EXT. KEAWE’S COMPOUND – DAY
Pono, Umio, Naika, and Kea say goodbye to their Auntie, Uncles, and Mothers. One by on they hug and rub noses.
PONO
Well, I guess this is it.
PONO’S MOTHER
Be careful.
PONO
Don’t worry. We’ll have a good teacher.
PONO’S MOTHER
You’ll be passing by the volcano, Grandmother (tutu) Pele’s home. Be sure to make an offering of red berries.
PONO
We will.
Pono, Umio, Naika, and Kea begin to leave.
EXT. KEAWE’S COMPOUND – LATER
Pono, Umio, Naika, and Kea see Lani. Pono approaches her.
PONO
(jesting)
Good day, Your Majesty. I was looking for you.
LANI
(unhappily)
Be serious. (beat) I’m really going to miss you.
PONO
(resigned)
The year will go by before we know it.
LANI
(sobbing)
But I need you here.
Pono grabs Lani.
PONO
I love you and I need you, too. Don’t worry. Kanaloa will take care of the ruling stuff until I return.
KEA
(nodding at Pono)
And we will take care of him.
Pono and Lani rub noses and the men leave.
EXT. LANI’S PARENTS’ COMPOUND – DAY
Lani returns home to collect her possessions and is confronted by Lani’s Mother.
LANI’S MOTHER
You must be very upset.
LANI
(wryly)
Why should I be upset?
LANI’S MOTHER
Oh, my baby. Lani, you may be married to both Pono and Kanaloa, but it is important for you to have your first child with Pono. He is Keawe’s highest ranking son and I want my grandchildren to inherit a high rank, too.
LANI
I understand, Mother. I’ll be careful.
LANI’S MOTHER
Please do. It’s the only way to prevent your children from killing one another.
LANI
I will.
LANI’S MOTHER
So, no sex until Pono returns.
Lani frowns.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAVA LAKE – DAY
Pono, Umio, Naika, and Kea walk south and then east along the King’s Trail as it crosses a lava moonscape at the edge of the island. They spot some red berries, pick them, and wrap the picked berries in a ti plant leaf.
As they approach a large crater, Pono holds their offering to the volcano goddess above his head and begins to CHANT. When they reach the edge of the crater, they peer into it.
Astonishment and awe render them mute for a while, and like statues, they stand fixed to the spot, with their eyes riveted on the abyss below.
Immediately before them yawns an immense gulf, in the form of a crescent, about two miles in length, from north-east to south-west, nearly a mile in width, and apparently 800 feet deep. The bottom is covered with lava, and the south-west and northern parts of it are one vast flood of red and yellow molten lava, in a state of terrific ebullition, rolling to and fro with fiery surges and flaming billows.
Pono comes to his senses, lowers their offering to the ground. They turn and continue along the King’s Trail.
EXT. JUNGLE – EVENING
The King’s Trail leads Pono, Umio, Naika, and Kea into a dark jungle. As they walk along, Umio stops.
UMIO
Someone is watching us.
PONO
Relax little brother. We’re in friendly territory.
They continue walking and come across two crossed staffs, each with a white ball atop (pahu kapu), the sign of a forbidden area.
PONO
Now, you can get nervous.
KEA
We should reach the Warrior School soon. To prevent misunderstandings, let’s carry a flag of peace.
Kea grabs a ti plant leaf and ties at the end of a staff to indicate that their intentions are peaceful.
As they turn a corner, they meet an old woman, PELE (pronounced, PELL-lay) (60). She is wearing a white robe and greets them with a smile.
PELE
Good evening.
Pono bows.
PONO
Good evening, madame.
PELE
You are Pono, aren’t you?
Pono is surprised.
PONO
Yes, I am. How did you…?
PELE
I heard from your mother that you would be coming this way. She wanted me to give you this.
She puts a pendant containing a tear-shaped piece of volcanic glass (Pele’s tear) in his hand.
PONO
Thank you.
PELE
It’s for good luck.
PONO
I will keep it safe.
PELE
You’d better continue your journey. The school is not too far that way.
The boys look down the trail. When they look back, Madam Pele is gone.
CUT TO:
INT. KEAWE’S COMPOUND – DAY
Kanaloa is sitting with his Mother.
KANALOA’S MOTHER
Congratulations on being named regent. It’s a good first step.
KANALOA
Thanks, mother.
KANALOA’S MOTHER
Too bad you are not Lani’s favorite. How do you plan to get her pregnant?
KANALOA
I don’t have a plan yet.
KANALOA’S MOTHER
Would you like a suggestion?
KANALOA
Sure.
KANALOA’S MOTHER
Find a male pandanus (hala) tree that is fruiting. Collect some of the sweet-scented, yellow pollen. It’s an aphrodisiac. Dust her bedding with it and she will not be able to resist your advances.
KANALOA
Thanks. I will try that. I had heard the saying “When the hala is ripe, necks are red” (A pala ka hala, ‘ula ka ‘a‘i).
KANALOA’S MOTHER
It refers to the leis made from the ripe red fruitlets of the female hala tree, and to blushing. I want more than blushing to happen.
Kanaloa smiles.
CUT TO:
EXT. WARRIOR SCHOOL – DAY
Pono, Umio, Naika, and Kea approach a Hawaiian fighting school (pa lua) which is laid out in the traditional manner. A central thatched building (hale kumu ka ‘aha) is surrounded by a low stone wall (pa) that has only one entrance and it is guarded by a GUARD.
The school’s altar (kuahu) is located at one end of the building. The altar is decorated with the seven plants traditionally used.
Pairs of STUDENTS are practicing the lua move, the blunted nose (ka-ihu-manumanu), in pairs. The moves involves the lua warrior and his opponent facing off as the opponent readies a punch with his right fist. When the opponent strikes, the lua warrior steps to his left side with his left foot while simultaneously deflecting his opponent’s right arm downward with his left arm. The lua warrior then counters with an uppercut to his opponent’s nostrils with his right fist.
The LUA MASTER (‘olohe lua) and two INSTRUCTORS walk among the students illustrating the correct way to perform the move. The flaps of all of their loincloths are tucked into their waist bands.
All the hair has been removed from Lua Master’s body and his body is covered with the coconut oil to make it difficult for an adversary to grip.
When the Lua Master sees the men approach, he signals to the Guard to allow them to enter. As they walk up to him.
LUA MASTER
Glad you made it. Let the class welcome you.
He shouts to the Students.
LUA MASTER
Let’s welcome these new students!
The Students form a line with an Instructor in front, all facing the new students, and perform a threatening BENT-KNEES DANCE (haka or ha’a).
The Instructor CHANTS aggressively, ritually threatening the newcomers, while the Students dance aggressively. Actions include facial contortions such as showing the whites of the eyes and poking out the tongue, and a wide variety of vigorous body actions such as slapping the hands against the body, stomping of the feet, and cries and grunts. Afterwards
LUA MASTER
That’s enough for today. Your sleeping house is the one on the left. Settle in.
Pono, Umio, Naika, and Kea walk toward their assigned house.
CUT TO:
INT. HAWAIIAN QUEEN’S COMPOUND
THREE IRATE CHIEFS leave the Hawaiian queen’s compound. Lani and Kanaloa are alone.
LANI
Thanks for handling those irate chiefs for me. You are good at all this ruling stuff. And it was sweet of you to find the hala pollen for me.
KANALOA
Lani, we have to talk.
LANI
OK.
KANALOA
I am supposed to have my first children with you, even if they won’t be as high-ranking as your children with Pono.
LANI
That’s what I hear, too.
KANALOA
My problem is that all the women around here are refusing to have sex with me until you have a child with Pono.
Lani smiles.
LANI
I think we can do something about that.
KANALOA
What?
LANI
Lie back and I’ll show you.
Lani performs oral sex on Kanaloa under a kapa sheet. When Kanaloa groans, they sit up.
KANALOA
That was a very good idea. Can we do that a couple of times a week?
Lani nods and they both smile.
CUT TO:
EXT. WARRIOR SCHOOL – DAY
Pono, Umio, Naika, and Kea have joined the other Students. The Lua Master motions for them all to sit.
LUA MASTER
You were all born inheriting the spiritual power of your ancestors. Thus, Pono and Umio, being full brothers, inherited the same amount of spiritual power.
Umio smirks.
LUA MASTER
Here you will learn to add to that spiritual power through devotion to the gods of the Hawaiian warrior and learning the teachings of this calling. First, we will tour the school. Follow me.
The Class follows the Lua Master through the school as he points at and describes the relevance of each of its facilities. At the completion of the tour, the Lua Master points to short spears leaning against a wall.
LUA MASTER
Now, I want each of you to grab a short spear and jog to the beach and back. Hold your spears vertically. When you return, store the spears and form pairs.
The Students do as they are told.
When they return, Pono pairs up with Kea.
LUA MASTER
First, you will learn boxing.
PONO
Can I learn wrestling instead?
Pono gets into a wrestling crouch.
LUA MASTER
(smiling)
It is true, you ARE too pretty to become a professional boxer, but you must learn the basics.
The Lua Master puts Pono and Kea in the proper stance: facing each other, with their arms straight and slightly in front of their sides, fists clenched, wrists bent backward, curled fingers to the front.
LUA MASTER
Now, try to hit the head of your opponent with your right fist. Neither of you is allowed to dodge the blow. The last man standing wins.
The Lua Master wanders off to monitor the other boxing Students. Pono and Kea go at it, alternatively bashing each other on the side of the head.
Kea celebrates when he knocks Pono down.
INT. HAWAIIAN QUEEN’S COMPOUND
Lani and Kanaloa are in bed again. She is performing oral sex under a cover. Kanaloa is smiling.
KANALOA
This is really solving my problem.
Lani mumbles.
EXT. SLEEPING HOUSE – EVENING
Pono paces back and forth and then stops with a worried look on his face.
PONO
Our grandfather killed his brother, the king, so he could reign. And our father killed his brother for the same reason.
Pono tightens his loincloth.
PONO
Not a job that guarantees good health, it appears. (Beat). And I have so many brothers.
KEA
(smiling)
Though I am your favorite.
PONO
I’m not worried about you. And I don’t like the idea that Kanaloa and I both will be married to Lani. She’s my girl.
KEA
I don’t know why you’re upset. Your Auntie has two husbands and they seem to do OK. I mean, really, what could go wrong?
EXT. WARRIOR SCHOOL – NIGHT
Pono and Kea are sitting on a log eating three-finger poi for dinner.
PONO
I’m exhausted.
KEA
No one said this was going to be easy. I hear that tomorrow we’ll be doing some exercises to increase our flexibility and strength.
EXT. WARRIOR SCHOOL – DAY
After breakfast, the Lua Master shows the Students how to leap, crawl, dodge, hang from their legs and arms, perform somersaults, and bend backwards. Pono is obviously out of shape.
LUA MASTER
We’ll be doing that every morning.
PONO
(wryly)
Sounds like fun.
LUA MASTER
Next, you will learn some anatomy.
The Lua Master leads the Students to a patch of sandy ground and with a spear draws in the sand the outline of a human body and then marks major internal organs with pebbles.
LUA MASTER
This is where the lungs are. A stab with a dagger here will cause a lot of bleeding. This is where the heart is. A stab here will drop an opponent and he will die. This is where the liver is. It will bleed a lot if punctured. Down here are the intestines. A stab here will cause a slow, painful death.
PONO
(aside to Kea)
He certainly has a unique perspective on anatomy.
CUT TO:
EXT. EAST COAST VILLAGE – DAY
Lani and Kanaloa are having oral sex again under a kapa sheet. This time Kanaloa’s head is under the sheet. When she moans, Kanaloa sits up.
KANALOA
You must miss Pono a lot.
LANI
I really do. And I don’t understand why I am kept in isolation. It makes me so angry.
KANALOA
I hope you can have some fun. I am sure Pono is enjoying being the crown prince.
LANI
I am trying to enjoy being queen, but I am so lonely.
Kanaloa gives Lani a hug. She does not see an evil smile on his face.
CUT TO:
EXT. WARRIOR SCHOOL – DAY
The Students are sitting in a semicircle when the Lua Master enters with High Priest.
LUA MASTER
Today, you are going to have some instruction in a competitive skill every noble must possess: oratory.
Lua Master nods to High Priest.
HIGH PRIEST
Your life may depend some day on a contest of wit. Like games of skill such as arrow throwing or checkers, tests of strength and endurance such as boxing or wrestling, and warfare-related skills such as sling-stone and spear throwing, contests of wit are often used to settle rivalries between chiefs.
The Students’ brows are furrowed.
HIGH PRIEST
Often, contests of wit depend upon the art of riddling. So, today, we are going to review some common riddles. I will make the challenge and you are to provide the answer.
The Students look at each other and smile.
HIGH PRIEST
Here’s the first riddle: My spring suspended in the air.
The Students ponder. Pono raises his hand and the High Priest points at him.
PONO
A coconut.
The High Priest smiles and nods.
HIGH PRIEST
My house has one beam and two doors.
Kea raises his hand.
KEA
Your nose.
The High Priest nods.
HIGH PRIEST
Eating and grumbling.
The Students have quizzical looks.
HIGH PRIEST
A water gourd. As one drinks, the water gurgles.
The Students smile to one another.
HIGH PRIEST
Pono has been practicing and is already pretty good at this. He will state some challenges for you.
Pono rises, smiling.
PONO
My double canoe has ten noses.
Hands shoot up.
EXT. SOUTH COAST VILLAGE – DAY
The Lua Master and the Students are standing at the top of a sledding slide. The slide is about 200 yards long with a foundation of small stones that are covered with dirt which is in turn covered with an upper layer of grass. It is steep at the top and transitions to level at the bottom. The Lua Master holds a two-runner lava sled (papa hōlua) that is twelve feet long and six inches wide.
LUA MASTER
This week you’ll learn sledding, another competitive pastime of the nobility. You must be able to ride the sled head first on your stomach, on your knees, and standing as you would ride a surf board. Watch as I demonstrate.
The Lua Master takes a running start and rides the sled to the bottom of the slide, achieving a speed of about 50 miles per hour.
When he reaches the bottom, a SCHOOL SLAVE carries the sled up to the top.
One of the Students gives it a try and crashes.
LUA MASTER
Practice makes perfect.
EXT. SLEEPING HOUSE – EVENING
Umio, Naika, and Kea approach Pono who is in bed.
UMIO
It’s time for some rest and relaxation. Let’s visit the local village. I hear the women are friendly there.
PONO
Thanks, guys. I miss Lani too much. You go on.
Umio, Naika, and Kea wander off.
CUT TO:
INT. EAST COAST VILLAGE – NIGHT
Kanaloa is lying on a pile of mats next to a sitting Lani. Kanaloa rises and has Lani drink kava (awa) after she finishes.
KANALOA
Lani, try some of this awa. It will help you relax.
LANI
All right.
She takes a sip.
LANI
It sure is bitter.
KANALOA
The taste improves when you drink more. Let me give you a massage.
Lani drinks more and Kanaloa begins to massage her hands.
LANI
I’m getting so sleepy.
KANALOA
Rest your head on my lap.
Lani passes out and Kanaloa has vaginal sex with her under a sheet.
EXT. EAST COAST VILLAGE – DAY
Lani wakes up in Kanaloa’s house. He is sitting next to her.
LANI
I’m so groggy. What happened?
KANALOA
You fell asleep.
LANI
Did we have sex?
KANALOA
Yes.
LANI
No more of that.
KANALOA
I hear Pono is having plenty of sex at school.
Lani frowns.
LANI
I don’t care.
Lani rolls over to her side, facing away from Kanaloa.
NT. HAWAIIAN QUEEN’S COMPOUND – DAY
Lani is alone with her Mother.
LANI’S MOTHER
You are pregnant! How did that happen?
Lani bursts out crying.
LANI
I didn’t want to but Kanaloa and I had sex. Just once.
Lani throws up.
LANI’S MOTHER
That seems to have been enough.
LANI
What should I do?
Lani’s Mother shakes her head.
LANI’S MOTHER
Abortions are dangerous. You will have to deliver this child. This could ruin everything.
LANI
(sobbing)
I know.
CUT TO:
EXT. WARRIOR SCHOOL – DAY
The Students learn how to use shark-teeth-lined war clubs. Kea practices with Pono. Kea stands ready, concealing his war club (leiomano) behind his back. In slow motion, Pono attacks Kea with a dagger (pahoa).
SIDESTEPPING Kea steps to the left and pushes Pono’s arm that is holding the thrusting dagger down and to the right. Kea then swings his war club up along Pono’s arm and simulates slashing it across Pono’s face. Kea accidentally cuts into Pono’s left eyebrow and it BLEEDS down his face.
PONO
You are good at that.
KEA
Practice makes perfect.
EXT. WARRIORS SCHOOL – DAY
The Students learn how to use slings.
LUA MASTER
Slings are used to throw stones at your opponent from a distance. Before use, your sling can be stored wrapped around your waist. Try it.
The Students wrap their slings around their waists and tie them.
LUA MASTER
It’s critical that you select hard, dense stones to throw with your sling. You will be able to bring some to the battlefield, but you’ll need to find others there. Do not use stones you find on cinder cones (pu’u). They are too soft and light. Here are some excellent sling stones. See if you can hit those targets.
The Students unwrap their slings and attempt to use them, very ineffectively at first.
Naika places a stone in his sling and lays his sling over his shoulder, gripping it with his left hand behind his back. STRETCHING the sling tight using both hands, his left hand releases the sling, which he then swings around his head once with his right hand, and releases. The stone hits its target and Naika smiles.
EXT. WINDWARD KALO PADDIES – DAY
The Students learn how food is produced both in irrigated taro paddies (lo’i) and in dry land systems.
CUT TO:
INT. HAWAIIAN QUEEN’S COMPOUND – NIGHT
Lani is going through labor.
LANI’S MOTHER
Push! Again!
LANI
Ooow!
Lani delivers the first BOY.
LANI’S MOTHER
It’s a boy. Wait. There’s another one. It’s two boys. Twins.
Lani holds a Boy in each arm. They both have flaming red hair.
LANI’S MOTHER
There will be no doubt about who their father is. You can hold them for a while, but we need to get them to their foster parents before Pono returns. You’ll need some time to work things out with him. Inspect them carefully, so you can tell others which one was born first.
Lani nods sadly.
EXT. KEAWE’S COMPOUND – DAY
Kanaloa meets with his supporters. Kanaloa’s Mother is caring for the infant Boys.
COUNSELOR
Congratulations! Two healthy sons, one of whom, with any luck, will be our next king.
Kanaloa’s Mother is beaming.
KANALOA’S MOTHER
That one is the first born.
Kanaloa stares at the Boys with a smile on his face, which turns into a frown.
KANALOA
I’m worried about Lani. Her body is hot and she’s not feeling well.
KANALOA’S MOTHER
A little fever. She’ll be fine.
EXT. HAWAIIAN QUEEN’S COMPOUND – DAY
The Students return home. Lani runs up to Pono.
LANI
I have missed you so much!
PONO
Me, too. I am so horny I could burst.
LANI
Let’s go to our special place.
Pono beams and they run off together holding hands.
EXT. POOL BELOW A WATERFALL – DAY
Lani and Pono are in the water, naked.
LANI
Pono. I have something to tell you.
PONO
What is it, my love?
LANI
While you were away, I accidentally got pregnant by Kanaloa. I had twin boys.
Pono is shocked.
PONO
Is there any thing else you want to tell me?
LANI
No. Other than I really want to have children with you, higher ranking children who will become the next king or queen.
PONO
That’s exactly what we will do after I pass the kingship tests.
EXT. HAWAIIAN QUEEN’S COMPOUND – DAY
Pono confronts Kanaloa.
PONO
Lani told me about your twins.
KANALOA
Are you going to congratulate me?
PONO
No. But I’m not all that upset either. Those boys will end up serving the next king or queen, who will be my child.
KANALOA
(snarkily)
Of course.
EXT. WINDWARD VILLAGE – DAY
It’s New Year’s Festival time again.
The CROWD cheers as Pono competes and wins a foot race.
Kanaloa reviews the situation with his Counselor.
COUNSELOR
Pono is one popular guy.
KANALOA
Pono is getting all too popular. That could be dangerous to our plans.
KANALOA
(wryly)
I think it’s time for him to “pass” his kingship tests.
Counselor smirks.
Kanaloa walks over to Pono.
KANALOA
Congratulations! I have heard good things about your training. I think it is time for you to become king. We have to go through the kingship tests first, but it’s just a formality, of course.
PONO
I am ready, brother. Bring them on.
They walk away together.
EXT. WHALE HILL TEMPLE BEACH – DAY
Kanaloa tests Pono. The first test is boxing, which Kanaloa conducts himself. Lani is watching.
KANALOA
The first test will be boxing. I’ll be Pono’s opponent.
Before Pono can react, Kanaloa swings his fist and slugs Pono in the face, bloodying his nose.
PONO
(in between blows)
Brother, I thought we had agreed that I didn’t have to learn boxing.
KANALOA
A king must be prepared for all contingencies.
Kanaloa swings and slugs Pono in the face again. The match proceeds. Pono finally knocks Kanaloa down, winning the match. As Kanaloa gets up
KANALOA
Congratulations! You have passed the boxing test. Now for spear throwing.
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – LATER
Kanaloa arranges a spear throwing contest. Lani and Kea are watching.
PONO
Brother, I haven’t become an expert in spear throwing, but I am proficient at spear dodging.
KANALOA
Then, spear dodging it is. Stand over there.
Kanaloa throws a spear at Pono, who catches it.
KANALOA
Good catch! Let’s go to the beach for the rest of the test.
Pono walks off toward the beach, still holding the spear, with the others following him.
At points along the trail, increasing numbers of WARRIORS (four then eight, then 16) throw spears at Pono, which he wards off.
EXT. WHALE HILL TEMPLE BEACH – EVENING
At the beach, the final phase of the spear dodging test occurs. Hidden Warriors rise in front and on two sides of Pono. In addition to Lani and Kea, a Crowd has gathered.
LANI
Kanaloa. Is this fair?
KANALOA
(aside to Lani)
Do you want to have children with Pono?
First, forty spears are thrown and Pono is not hit by a single one of them.
KANALOA
You are good at this!
Then, more Warriors arise and throw eighty spears at Pono simultaneously, which is dodges.
The only injury Pono receives is that he pricks himself with his own spear on an ankle.
PONO
Ouch!
KANALOA
You passed the spear dodging contest. The next test is surfing.
The Crowd CHEERS.
EXT. SOUTH POINT – DAY
The Crowd follows Pono and Kanaloa to a big wave surfing beach. Everyone is impressed that the waves are 20 feet high. The sound of the waves breaking on the shore is deafening.
PONO
Whoa!
KANALOA
Nice waves today.
PONO
I’d say.
KANALOA
Ride one of those suckers back to the beach and you pass the test.
Pono paddles out and rides a large wave back to shore. Kanaloa is disappointed but tries not to show it.
KANALOA
The next test is oratory.
EXT. NORTH COASTAL VILLAGE – DAY
Kanaloa leads Pono, Kea, and Lani to the home of an expert in oratory.
The expert lives in a house that is surrounded by a fence made up of the bones of those he has vanquished.
KANALOA
The only way I could arrange for this test was to wager your bones. Sorry.
Pono looks at the fence.
PONO
I see he wins a lot.
KANALOA
I heard you like a challenge. Go on in; he’s expecting you.
Pono, Kea, Lani, and Kanloa walk into the house.
INT. NORTH COASTAL VILLAGE – DAY
The EXPERT (50) is an old man dressed in a loincloth. He is sitting on a mat.
EXPERT
Welcome.
PONO
Thanks.
EXPERT
Let’s start with some easy riddles:
The rain spreads the net; the wind drives it in.
PONO
Candle nut. It ripens after the rainy season and falls when the wind blows.
The Expert nods.
PONO
Here is a riddle for you: Gathered up like the feathers on the head of a bird; a proud adornment; the bird rests for eight months; on the ninth, it flies.
EXPERT
Cultivating a garden; the owner’s pride; the period of ripening; eating the fruit.
In hushed terms, the two continue trying to best one another. Finally, the Expert speaks to Kanaloa.
EXPERT
We are evenly matched. Too bad. I still need some more bones for my fence.
Kanaloa is disappointed, but puts on a smiling face and speaks to the Expert.
KANALOA
I guess that’s it. Thanks.
Kanloa turns to Pono.
KANALOA
Congratulations, Your Majesty.
EXT. QUEEN’S COMPOUND – DAY
A large CROWD has gathered in front of Lani’s residence. Kanaloa addresses the Crowd.
KANALOA
Pono has passed the tests and has the skills required to become the king. I present him our father’s standard as our new king.
Kanaloa presents the feathered standard (kāhili) to Pono and the Crowd cheers.
KANALOA
Tomorrow, we marry Lani.
EXT. QUEEN’S COMPOUND – DAY
Lani is married to Pono and Kanaloa in a festive ceremony attended by NOBLES. They sit on a dais surrounded by hundreds of ONLOOKERS and are presented with tribute: roasted pigs and dogs, containers of poi, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane.
A troop of WOMAN HULA DANCERS entertain the crowd with a HULA.
BOXERS also entertain the crowd swinging at one another.
While everyone feasts and celebrates the marriages, Pono calls Counselor over.
PONO
We are not going to be needing your services any more. I suggest you find someone else to advise.
KING’S COUNSELOR
But, your majesty, I was your father’s counselor, and your brother’s.
PONO
And I thank you for your service. Now leave.
The Counselor leaves with a scowl on his face.
EXT. NORTHERN FIELD SYSTEM – DAY
Pono and Lani visit the Northern Field System.
The trade winds have returned, and with them the fog-drip irrigation water needed by the crops. Even the hillsides are an emerald green.
Pono is “on top of the world” and feels that everything is going his way.
FARMER
Your Majesty. The rains have returned. Our crops are growing.
PONO
That’s wonderful. The kingdom is on the right track. Lani, it is time to start our family.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE DR. PELHAM’S HOUSE – EVENING
Dr. Pelham and the Old Hawaiian are still at it.
DR. PELHAM
What a relief! I was getting worried.
OLD HAWAIIAN
There is more. Remember the High Priest’s predictions?
DR. PELHAM
About how there will be a time when Pono has no friends?
OLD HAWAIIAN
And about when Naika will die.
DR. PELHAM
Then, please continue. This is great.
CUT TO:
EXT. HAWAII ROYAL COMPOUND – EVENING
A CROWD is milling around a ceremonial white kapa tent. Pono and Lani enter the tent where Pono is supposed to impregnate her. Outside the tent, Pono’s Mother CHANTS prayers for the union. This goes on for a while.
When Pono attempts to leave under the edge of the tent, he is dragged back into the tent (by a leg) by Lani who really wants this to work.
INT. HAWAII ROYAL COMPOUND – DAY
Later in the month, Lani sees she is having her period and is disappointed.
LANI’S MOTHER
I’m so sorry.
LANI
Mother, I’m afraid I can’t get pregnant by Pono.
LANI’S MOTHER
Getting pregnant can take time, sometime months. Be patient. But for now, you will have to have to spend time in the menstruation house.
EXT. MENSTRUATION HOUSE – EVENING
As is the custom, Lani must stay in the compound for unclean women while she is menstruating and is teased about not being pregnant yet by the other WOMEN staying there.
FIRST WOMAN
Lani, are you sure you are holding your mouth right?
SECOND WOMAN
Lani, we thought you knew how to do this. Maybe if Pono tried while you were asleep.
Lani knocks out the Second Woman by swinging her RIGHT FIST against the woman’s head.
EXT. HAWAII ROYAL COMPOUND – MORNING
The white tent is set up again. Pono and Lani enter the tent holding hands as PRIESTS pray outside.
INT. HAWAII ROYAL COMPOUND – DAY
Again, Lani discovers she is not pregnant. Consoled by her Mother, Lani is beside herself with anguish.
LANI
I’ve got to get pregnant!
LANI’S MOTHER
It will happen. Have faith.
LANI
I’m worried. And Pono is getting very upset.
LANI’S MOTHER
Worst case is the twins will be your heirs.
LANI
Don’t even say that around Pono.
They hug.
EXT. LEEWARD BEACH – DAY
Pono expresses his frustration to Kea as they sit on the beach. Pono is feeling (punalua) jealousy, that is, jealousy in a Hawaiian plural marriage.
PONO
I’m starting to get worried that I can’t get Lani pregnant.
KEA
Knowing you two, it will happen.
PONO
And Kanaloa is acting so self satisfied. It’s driving me crazy.
Kea pats Pono on the back.
KEA
Let’s get out of here and do some surfing.
They head out with their surf boards.
CUT TO:
INT. WINDWARD VILLAGE – DAY
Pono’s adversaries regroup and try to get rid of him.
REBEL CHIEF
Pono’s not being able to have children with Lani is a sign from the gods. You have to get rid of him.
KANALOA
He’s too good at self defense and Kea has his back. We need to get creative.
REBEL CHIEF
What about poison?
KANALOA
I have a few other things to try first.
EXT. HAWAII ROYAL COMPOUND – EVENING
Kanaloa again tries to seduce Lani.
KANALOA
Lani, I hear you want to have another child. I’m here to help.
LANI
No thanks, Kanaloa. You’ve helped enough already.
KANALOA
Maybe the gods don’t want you to get pregnant again.
Lani frowns.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – DAY
Kanaloa sets up a situation which makes it appears like Lani has a lover, and maybe she does.
PONO
I need to meet Kanaloa up country. The forest clearing operation there is not going fast enough.
LANI
All you two do is work. When are we going to have some fun? I’m taking surfing lessons from a young man named Hea that Kanaloa introduced me to.
PONO
Who is he? Why a guy?
LANI
He is the son of a couple Kanaloa’s Mother knows. A very nice boy. You don’t have to worry about him. He tells me he is in love with another guy.
PONO
That does not make me any less jealous. Remember, our great grandfather, Liloa (pronounced LEE- low-ah), was in love with another guy. (Beat.) I rest my case.
LANI
Oh, you’re being unreasonable!
Lani leaves, angry.
EXT. UPLAND FOREST – DAY
Pono and Kanaloa are supervising COMMONERS clearing of a part of the upland forest near the Upland Village and constructing ditches to irrigate the crops that will be grown there. Lani is there, too.
PONO
Cutting these trees down and burning them is taking longer than we expected. We have to these irrigated gardens on line as soon as possible.
KANALOA
I agree. With lower rainfall, this effort is critical. I’ll have more workers brought in.
LANI
All you two do is work. When are we going to have some fun? I am going surfing.
Lani leaves for the beach. Kanaloa smiles surreptitiously.
EXT. WINDWARD VILLAGE – DAY
Pono decides he should put some distance between Lani and potential lovers.
PONO
I hear the food situation is getting worse on the island of Oahu. Let’s travel there to see for ourselves what they are doing about the problem.
LANI
I would prefer to learn how to surf, but OK.
They begin preparations for the trip.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOUBLE CANOE CONVOY – DAY
Pono and Lani attempt to travel to Oahu with their PADDLERS and RETAINERS on several double canoes. As they are passing a Neighbor Island, the sky darkens.
CHIEF PADDLER
Sire, a storm is forming. We should wait it out.
PONO
I agree. Head for shore.
They land on the Neighbor Island as the storm hits.
EXT. NEIGHBOR ISLAND VILLAGE – DAY
Pono and Lani are playing Hawaiian checkers (konane) on a stone board at the base of a cliff when Hea calls down.
HEA
Lani, your lover sends you his kisses.
Lani attempts to distract her husband but he hears Hea faintly, too, he thinks.
PONO
What was that?
LANI
Three pawns. I am winning.
PONO
I meant the guy.
Lani appears to be self-conscious, confirming to Pono what he thinks he has heard.
LANI
Your move.
In anger, Pono hits Lani on the head with the board and Lani falls down, bleeding and seemingly lifeless.
PONO
Oh, my god.
Lani’s Retainers rush to her fallen body.
RETAINER
She’s dead.
Pono rushes off sobbing.
EXT. NEIGHBOR ISLAND BEACH – DAY
Pono approaches a couple of Paddlers.
PONO
You two, take me to Kauai.
FIRST PADDLER
Kauai? Right now? The storm is still dangerous. And the distance is greater.
PONO
I don’t care.
Pono sails for the island of Kauai in a double canoe with his Paddlers in the middle of the storm, leaving his Retainers behind. The canoe contains an invaluable collection of feathered cloaks and his even more valuable feathered standard.
EXT. OPEN OCEAN – DAY
In the double canoe, Pono is acting strange.
PONO
When we get there, I want to go see the Trunkless Koa Tree, alone.
FIRST PADDLER
Yes, Sire.
The double canoe continues on course.
CUT TO:
INT. NEIGHBOR ISLAND VILLAGE – MORNING
Surprisingly, Lani is recovering. She is approached by a lessor member of their traveling party, OTHER LANI.
OTHER LANI
My queen, I’m the innocent cause of this situation. My name is Lani, too. Hea is my lover. He was calling to me.
LANI
You’re his lover? He was calling to you?
OTHER LANI
Yes, my queen.
Lani is exasperated.
LANI
Great. What a mess! Leave me.
The Other Lani quickly takes her leave. Lani’s Retainers don’t know what to think.
CUT TO:
EXT. WINDWARD VILLAGE – DAY
A RUNNER approaches from the shoreline.
RUNNER
Kanaloa, Lani is dead. Pono has killed her.
KANALOA
What? How did it happen?
RUNNER
He got angry and hit her.
KANALOA
Are you sure?
RUNNER
Yes.
KANALOA
Oh, my god! I never expected this!
Kanaloa gets angry.
KANALOA
He can’t get away with this. Pono is not fit to be king. We’ll raise an army.
CUT TO:
EXT. KAUAI BEACH – DAY
Pono’s double canoe is pulled up on the beach by Paddlers while Pono wades through the surf.
Pono strides up the beach muttering to himself while the Paddlers wait for instructions.
FIRST PADDLER
The King is acting very strange.
SECOND PADDLER
I would act strange, too, if I had just killed my wife, the queen. Let’s stay with the canoe. Maybe he’ll get better and return.
First Paddler nods.
EXT. KAUAI FOREST – EVENING
Pono is crying, stumbling along a trail into the forest carrying a stone ax. It is raining.
He is watched by an unknown man, MANA (18), who begins to follow him. Eventually, Pono sees Mana on the trail behind him.
PONO
Who are you? Why are you following me?
MANA
My name is Mana. Your paddlers were not following you, so I decided to help. Where do you want to go?
PONO
I want to find the Trunkless Koa Tree and make a spear from it. Can you guide me there?
Upon hearing Pono’s strange request, Mana hesitates.
MANA
Uh, yes, I can. Follow me.
Mana takes the lead. They walk a long way in the rain and come to a lava tube cave.
MANA
Let’s stop here for the night. It’s dry.
Pono nods and continues mumbling to himself and crying. He lies down in the cave. Mana hands Pono a peeled banana and eats the skin.
EXT. KAUAI FOREST – DAY
It’s still raining. Hard. Both mens’ kapa loincloths are drenched and in tatters. Pono is shivering. Mana leads Pono to a misshapen koa tree. The tree’s large branches appear to sprout out of the ground.
MANA
That is the tree you are seeking.
Pono sits down, oblivious to the rain, and looks at the tree.
PONO
Thank you.
After a while, Pono cuts off a straight, spear-length branch of the tree with his stone ax.
PONO
I feel better now. I accidentally killed my wife.
MANA
Sorry to hear that. You look miserable.
PONO
I feel terrible. (beat) You are a good man. Would you accompany me on my journey to Oahu?
MANA
I would be happy to. We can obtain new loincloths on the coast. Let’s go back to the cave and get some rest.
Pono nods and they walk back down the trail. Mana carries the branch.
EXT. KAUAI BEACH – DAY
The next morning Pono and Mana walk back to the canoe. When they reach the canoe, Pono speaks to the Paddlers.
PONO
Making sure no one steals my canoe?
The Paddlers cringe.
PONO
Find new loincloths for my new friend and I.
The Paddlers search for and find the loincloths and hand them to Pono and Mana who put them on. Pono dons his feathered cape.
PONO
Take us to the Oahu King’s Compound. When we get there, do not tell them who I am if you want to be alive afterwards.
The Paddlers nod and launch the double canoe as Pono and Mana clamber aboard.
EXT. CHANNEL BETWEEN KAUI AND OAHU – DAY
Pono speaks with Mana as the Paddlers paddle.
PONO
The king of Oahu, King Kaku, may have heard of my predicament. My goal is to convince him not to invade Hawaii while we are in disarray.
Mana nods.
MANA
How are you going to do that?
PONO
I’ll find out once we’re there.
CUT TO:
EXT. OFF THE HAWAII COAST – DAY
After she recovers, Lani makes a decision.
LANI
I want to find Pono. Take me back to Leeward Village.
Lani and her Paddlers and Retainers board their double canoes and head back to Hawaii, looking for Pono.
Lani’s head is bandaged.
EXT. LEEWARD VILLAGE – DAY
When Lani reaches Hawaii, she seeks out her Mother.
LANI
Is Pono here?
LANI’S MOTHER
Thank the gods you are still alive!
LANI
A little worse for wear, but I’m alive.
LANI’S MOTHER
What happened?
LANI
It was an accident.
Lani’s mother scowls.
LANI’S MOTHER
That’s not what I heard.
LANI
It won’t happen again. He needs me.
LANI’S MOTHER
Well, anyway, a rebellion is occurring. Pono’s being deposed by his brothers and the district chiefs.
LANI
What do you mean “rebellion?”
LANI’S MOTHER
Kanaloa and the rest of them think Pono has killed you and have raised an army to defeat him.
LANI
Tell them I am alive. I have to get to South Point to talk to Kea.
Lani prepares to sail south and consult with Kea.
EXT. OFF THE HAWAII COAST – DAY
Lani and her Paddlers and Retainers board their double canoes and head toward South Point.
CUT TO:
EXT. OAHU BEACH – DAY
Pono and Mana jump out of Pono’s double canoe. Pono’s Paddlers pull his double canoe onto an Oahu beach near the Oahu King’s Compound. The canoe is flying the feathered standard that is the symbol of the nobility of the Hawaii Kingdom.
Pono and Mana are ushered by GUARDS into the presence of Counselor. Pono is wearing a feathered cape exhibiting diamond shapes indicating he is from the Kingdom of Hawaii. He is surprised by his welcome.
COUNSELOR
Welcome stranger. I see you are from Hawaii. What is your business here?
PONO
I’ve come to visit the king. I want to challenge him to a word game.
Counselor does not look into Pono’s eyes. He steps backward.
COUNSELOR
The King loves word game challenges. But tonight, a kila contest is scheduled. Please join in. We can set up a word game contest tomorrow.
PONO
Thank you. I will.
COUNSELOR
I warn you, the King excels at word games.
Pono smiles.
The Counselor motions for the Guards to leave.
COUNSELOR
Really, Pono, why are you here?
Pono pushes Counselor against the wall.
PONO
That is my business. If you tell King Kahu who I am, I’ll kill you.
Pono steps back. Counselor nods.
COUNSELOR
I believe you.
The Counselor smiles painfully and leaves.
EXT. OAHU KING’S COMPOUND
Pono huddles with Mana.
PONO
The Counselor knows me.
MANA
Who is he?
PONO
He was a counselor to my father. I dismissed him when I became the king.
MANA
Is he a threat?
PONO
Yes. He’s not to be trusted. If King Kaku recognizes me, I may be killed.
MANA
Over my dead body.
PONO
I’m sure that could be arranged.
INT. OAHU KING’S COMPOUND – EVENING
Pono walks into a room filled with NOBLES and BEAUTIFUL WOMEN. They are playing kilu to see who will sleep with whom that night. The king of Oahu, KING KAKU (30) is also playing.
Pono sits in the line of five male players opposite five female players facing each other in front of the spectators. The floor between them is covered with matting. In front of each Player is a conical block of heavy wood.
When the game starts, two Women begin flirting with Pono and competing with one another to win him for the night. One of the Women is a chiefess from Kaui, OHAI (pronouced Oh-HIGH). She is heavily tattooed.
By the end of the evening, Ohai wins Pono. They huddle.
OHAI
Sorry to be so pushy. I’m from Kaui. Tomorrow I’m on my way to Hawaii to consummate an arranged political marriage. I need help forgetting about that.
PONO
Let’s go to the beach.
They leave the compound talking with one another.
EXT. OAHU BEACH – EVENING
Pono and Oahi are reclining on the beach.
OHAI
I am so sorry to hear about Lani. Come here you poor guy.
They are attracted to one another and make love. Afterwards,
PONO
I feel better.
Ohai smiles.
OHAI
My pleasure.
PONO
You could do me a big favor. Do you know any new chants our host will not know?
OHAI
My new name chant. It was created before I left home.
PONO
Teach it to me.
Ohia teaches the CHANT to Pono.
INT. OHAU KING’S COMPOUND
The Counselor whispers to King Kahu.
COUNSELOR
Your guest from Hawaii has issued a word play challenge to you.
KING KAKU
Should I take him up on it? What can he wager?
COUNSELOR
He carries with him personal possessions that have some value.
KING KAKU
This will be fun. Show him to the guest house.
The Counselor leaves.
CUT TO:
EXT. SOUTH POINT – DAY
Lani’s Paddlers land her canoe on a green sand beach.
She finds Kea, practicing his Hawaiian fighting moves, as usual.
He stops, surprised.
LANI
You’ve heard then.
Kea runs to hug Lani.
KEA
Yes, but I’m so glad the news was wrong.
LANI
I still love the idiot. What should we do?
KEA
We have to get Pono back here. We will need his eloquence to recruit chiefs to our side.
LANI
I’ll sail for Oahu and convince him to come back.
KEA
Meet me back here.
Lani nods and sets sail for Oahu with her Paddlers and Retainers.
EXT. OFF THE HAWAII COAST – DAY
Lani and her Paddlers and Retainers board their double canoes and head to Oahu.
CUT TO:
EXT. OHAU KING’S COMPOUND – MORNING
As Ohai prepares to leave for Hawaii to get married, she is approached by King Kaku. Three OAHU KING’S RETAINERS accompany King Kaku.
KING KAKU
Before you leave, do you know any new chants? I need one that no one else knows.
OHAI
How about my new name chant?
KING KAKU
Great! Teach it to my retainers, who will teach it to me.
OHAI
Of course.
Ohai teaches a part of the name chant to each of the Oahu King’s Retainers but does not tell them that she has also taught it to Pono.
EXT. OAHU BEACH – DAY
Ohai leaves for Hawaii with OHAI’S PADDLERS in a double canoe. Pono is on the beach where he smiles and waves goodby. She winks and blows him a kiss.
EXT. OHAU KING’S COMPOUND – DAY
Pono is ushered into the Ohau King’s Compound. He bows to King Kaku.
PONO
King Kaku, I’d like to challenge you to a word game.
KING KAKU
How about each of us reciting a chant about Kaui?
PONO
Let’s see. (beat) OK. What is the wager?
KING KAKU
How about the contents of my house versus the contents of your canoe?
Pono looks around.
PONO
Sounds fair.
KING KAKU
You go first.
Pono recites PONO’S NAME CHANT followed by the CHANT he has just learned.
King Kaku frowns at his Counselor and then rolls his eyes.
KING KAKU
(aside to Counselor)
Who is this man? What does he think he is?
When Pono finishes, King Kaku concedes.
KING KAKU
You win that round.
PONO
Let’s go outside, so my retainer can inventory the contents of your house.
They exit. When the Counselor attempts to follow them, Mana looks in Pono’s eyes. Pono nods his head to Mana, a sign he wants to kill Counselor. Mana hands Pono a war club and Pono kills Counselor.
When King Kaku starts to object
PONO
He disrespected me. He is mine. I want his bones.
King Kaku is upset, but resigned.
KING KAKU
Of course.
King Kaku does not know what to make of Pono. He thinks Pono is crazy and dangerous.
INT. OAHU KING’S COMPOUND- EVENING
Pono and King Kaku are playing Hawaiian checkers when KING KAKU’S BODYGUARD enters.
KING KAKU’S BODYGUARD
Sire, a double canoe is approaching.
KING KAKU
When it lands, find out who it is.
KING KAKU’S BODYGUARD
Yes, Sire.
EXT. OAHU BEACH – LATER
Lani’s double canoe is pulled up on the beach by her Paddlers. King Kaku’s Bodyguard approaches.
LANI
That is my husband’s canoe. Where is he?
King Kaku’s Bodyguard bows before the queen.
KING KAKU’S BODYGUARD
Welcome, heavenly one. He is playing checkers with King Kaku.
LANI
Lead me to him, but let me announce my presence.
King Kaku’s Bodyguard nods and leads her away.
EXT. OAHU KING’S COMPOUND – LATER
King Kaku’s Bodyguard indicates that Pono is inside.
Lani begins to chant PONO’S NAME CHANT.
INT. OAHU KING’S COMPOUND – CONTINUOUS
King Kaku and Pono hear Pono’s name chant being chanted. For a moment, Pono does not recognize Lani’s voice. Then, he does.
Tears well up in his eyes as he smiles at King Kaku and races outside.
EXT. OAHU KING’S COMPOUND – CONTINUOUS
Outside, Pono runs to Lani. They tearfully embrace. Pono holds Lani at arm’s length.
PONO
What? How?
LANI
You missed, you big idiot. After all that training.
Pono embraces Lani again.
PONO
I’m so glad. I’m so sorry.
They disengage.
LANI
Have you heard about the rebellion?
PONO
No. What do you mean?
LANI
All your brothers, except Kea, have raised a rebellion against you. They are unconcerned that I am actually alive. We have to get back.
PONO
We sail tomorrow.
Pono sweeps Lani up in his arms and carries her to the guest house. Over his shoulder, Pono shouts to King Kaku.
PONO
This is my wife.
King Kaku smiles and tells his Bodyguard.
KING KAKU
Those Hawaiian islanders are a strange people.
EXT. OPEN OCEAN – DAY
Pono and Lani sit together in one of the two double canoes in route to Hawaii island. They are both wearing feathered capes. Mana is in the other canoe.
LANI
Where did you pick up Mana?
PONO
On Kauai. He helped me when I was very despondent.
LANI
Good. That you were despondent and that he helped you.
INT. SOUTH POINT – DAY
Pono and Lani hug Kea and then sit down to consult with him. It is raining.
KEA
Welcome! We have quite a mess on our hands. Word is Kanaloa is organizing the revolt. All of the district chiefs who have committed to one side or the other have committed to him, except me of course.
LANI
Who is left?
KEA
(wincing)
The Kona chiefs.
PONO
Ouch! So, we’re outnumbered two to one.
KEA
So far, yes. Our only hope is for Pono to use his powers of persuasion on the Kona chiefs and their followers and convince them we can win.
PONO
Let’s get to work. How many warriors do you have?
KEA
About 10,000.
LANI
That’s a start. I will send a messenger to call a council of the chiefs in Kona. Let’s get some rest and meet with them there tomorrow.
They rise to leave.
INT. BEACH SHELTER – EVENING
Pono and Lani settle down for the night in a lean-to on the beach.
PONO
Do you think we can win?
LANI
We had better. You won’t last long if we don’t.
PONO
You’re right about that. But that’s tomorrow. Come here beautiful.
Lani smiles and Lani and Pono begin to make love.
EXT. KONA CHIEF’S COMPOUND – DAY
Lani and Pono speak to the gathered KONA CHIEFS.
LANI
As you all can see, your queen is still very much alive. And Pono is still your king.
PONO
The rebellion will fail. We may be outnumbered, but the gods are on our side.
Some of the Kona Chiefs nod, but are not convinced.
PONO
In fact, the fewer of us, the greater share of honor to us each. We are a few; yet we are a happy few, a band of brothers. For whosoever fights with us will be part of my family and will be able to boast of our victories to his sons and grandsons.
LANI
As to our daughters and grand-daughters.
The Kona Chiefs cheer in agreement.
CUT TO:
EXT. UPLAND PLAIN – DAY
Rebel leaders develop their plan.
KANALOA
I want our warriors to be spread along the western coast in small groups. When Pono returns, I want him killed.
REBEL GENERAL
I will make that happen.
They part.
CUT TO:
EXT. KONA CHIEFS’ COMPOUND – LATER
Pono and his SUPPORTERS see a dust cloud approaching from the direction from which the rebels would approach. It becomes clear that it is a GROUP of about 600 warriors that approach nearer and nearer. Pono whispers to Lani.
PONO
Be prepared to take to a canoe if we have to.
Kea orders his troops.
KEA
Surround the King and Queen!
Kea’s warriors form into a tight battle formation around Pono and Lani.
After some anxious moments, the Group halts about two hundred paces from Kea.
As the dust settles, a tall young chief wearing a feathered can and helmet emerges from the Group. At the end of his spears tied a large ti leaf, a token of peace.
Accompanied by two AIDES bearing weapons similarly bedecked, he boldly strides past the ranks of Pono’s warriors and asks for Pono. When he is conducted to Pono and, observing Lani beside her husband, speaks.
NAIKA
Cousins, I heard you were back and needed some help. I have with me a few brave warriors whose service I now pledge to you.
Ponol, Lani, and Kea smile. The Kona Chiefs relax.
PONO
Welcome, cousin. We are glad to see you, and your men. But are you not afraid to be my friend at a time like this? The whole island seems to be in arms against me.
NAIKA
I’m glad to be here. My fate is to long outlive this war.
Lani gives Naika a big hug.
EXT. KONA CHIEFS’ COMPOUND – EVENING
Inspired by Naika’s appearance, more warriors rally to Pono’s side. Soon, warriors are streaming into the compound.
EXT. KONA CHIEFS’ COMPOUND – LATER
Pono, Lani, Kea, and Naika sit around a campfire and develop a battle plan.
PONO
Shouldn’t we try to get the word out to the rebels that Lani is not dead.
LANI
Somehow, I don’t think that is going to help. I think they know already, after my visit with my mother.
PONO
Well then, let’s stick to the high ground and duke it out when we have to. It goes without saying that Kea will be my general.
LANI
Our general.
KEA
OK, we’ll march at night and be ready for battle when the sun rises. We know the rebels are arrayed along the coast, so we’ll march to Ten Days Hill.
They all nod.
EXT. TEN DAYS HILLS – NIGHT
Pono’s army marches over a high saddle during the night and are arrayed in battle formation high on Ten Days Hill. Each warrior carries two unlit torches.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEEWARD COAST – NIGHT
Rebel warriors are asleep in small, separated groups along along the coast.
CUT TO:
EXT. TEN DAYS HILL – NIGHT
With lit torches in their hands, Pono’s warriors proceed downhill toward the coast in battle formation. Pono and Lani are surrounded by their supporters.
LANI
How long before they notice us?
PONO
It won’t be long now.
EXT. LEEWARD COAST – NIGHT
CRIES go up as the rebels realize they are being attacked.
REBEL GENERAL
Pono has an army! How did that happen?
KANALOA
Quickly, gather our forces!
Rebel General sends out messengers and the rebels forces gather. Umio follows Kanaloa.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAVA FLOW – MORNING
The sun rises.
Both of the armies are arrayed in standard Hawaiian battle formations on a recent and hilly lava flow between the coast and Ten Days Hill.
Out front are skirmishers (huna lewa) carrying javelins (ihe). They are backed by a larger body (huna paa). Behind these come groups of perhaps a thousand veteran warriors each (waa kaua). Last come the mass of the rank-and-file soldiery (poe kaua). In their midst stand the leaders in feathered capes and helmets surrounded by their friends and images of their gods. The leaders are encircled by a royal bodyguard (papa-kaua) armed with pololu spears.
A pitched battle ensues. Pono’s forces are driven back by the larger REBEL FORCE. Kanaloa yells to the Rebel General.
KANALOA
The Queen is fighting on the other side! Let’s quit the pursuit to make sure she isn’t accidentally killed.
The Rebel General shouts to his Chiefs.
REBEL GENERAL
Hold your ground. No pursuit. Move your men to the north; get off this damned lava flow!
CUT TO:
EXT. LAVA FLOW – LATER
In another part of the battlefield, a wounded Naika is taken prisoner by the Rebels.
REBEL CHIEF
Take him to Whale Hill Temple and sacrifice him to our war god. I want his bones.
Two Warriors hustle Naika off the battlefield as his colleagues retreat up Ten Day Hill.
CUT TO:
EXT. TEN DAY HILL – EVENING
In the midst of the fog of war, Pono, Kea, and Lani consult.
PONO
There were a lot more of them that I thought.
KEA
We need to arrange things so we have to fight fewer of them at once.
LANI
How about we draw them in and then hit them from the flanks? If we can separate the leaders from the troops, the troops will quit and run.
Pono and Kea nod.
PONO
Where is Naika?
CUT TO:
EXT. WHALE HILL TEMPLE – DAY
Terrible, dry enhanced trade winds (mumuku) are blowing down the from the uplands. Dust is in the air.
Rebel Warriors lead Naika by a rope around his neck to the altar of Whale Hill Temple. Naika’s hands are bound. The REBEL PRIEST gives orders to the warriors.
REBEL PRIEST
Kill him.
Ascending the steps of the altar, Naika speaks.
NAIKA
I am ready, but it is not the will of the gods that I be offered.
The Rebel Priest responds sternly.
REBEL PRIEST
What do you know of the will of the gods?
NAIKA
And what do you know, since you have not inquired?
For a moment the Rebel Priest is disconcerted, but finally he answers.
REBEL PRIEST
You say it is not the will of the gods. Make it so appear, and your life will be spared; but if you fail your right eye will see the left in my hand, and you will be slain with torture.
NAIKA
So let it be!
Naika lifts his face upward and addresses a CHANT to the gods.
The winds die away and birds in the neighboring trees grow silent.
Concluding his prayer, Niaka folds his arms and steps down from the alter. By an unseen hand, the cords that had bound his hands have been cut. Naika approaches the Rebel Priest and bows before him.
The manifestation of the will of the gods cannot be mistaken. Naika is lead to a hut within the temple.
REBEL PRIEST
I suggest you remain in this sanctuary where you will be under my protection until you can leave in safety.
CUT TO:
EXT. UPLAND PLAIN – MORNING
The Rebels are drawn out by a trick: a small number of Pono’s men carrying two lighted torches each walk down slope.
Just before the decoys and the thin line of rebel forces meet, Pono attacks with a division from the north and Kea attacks with a division from the south. Naika joins the fray.
The Rebel General is captured by Pono and the remaining rebel forces flee to the north.
EXT. HILL OF JEALOUSY – DAY
Pono’s warrior’s pursue the Rebels. Pono urges his Troops onward.
PONO
Push them up the Hill of Jealousy if you can.
Pono catches up with Kanaloa. They square off and fight. Pono has Kanaloa on the ground with the point of a spear against his throat. Naika is simulating grief at Kanaloa’s defeat, when Lani arrives.
LANI
No! Pono, please, no. He is the father of our children.
After hesitating for a moment, Pono withdraws his spear. At Pono’s command, Kanaloa is hauled off by Warriors.
Pono’s younger brother, Umio, is seen running to the east.
PONO
Looks like little brother is running back to our mother. I will visit her, too.
EXT. WOMEN’S TEMPLE – DAY
As Pono walks up hill toward the Women’s Temple, blood red rain falls.
When Pono reaches the Woman’s Temple and sees his Mother, Umio attempts to kill Pono with a spear which Pono dodges. Pono walks up to Umio with his own spear raised.
PONO’S MOTHER
Pono, please, please spare him. He is my only other son. I will punish him.
Pono lowers his spear.
EXT. NORTHERN FIELD SYSTEM – DAY
In the final image of the main story, Pono walks through a much larger version of the Northern Field System, this time toward the Hill of Jealousy with he and Lani holding hands. The (now plumper) farmers cheer him again, this time as their leader.
!CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE DR. PELHAM’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Dr. Pelham is feverishly writing down the Old Hawaiian’s story and then finishes.
DR. PELHAM
That is a wonderful story. Is it true?
OLD HAWAIIAN
I am tired now. Thank you for writing down my story. Please give it to those who are collecting such stories.
DR. PELHAM
I will. You get some rest.
INT. UPLAND VILLAGE SANCTUARY – DAY
Dr. Pelham is seeing PATIENTS again. A HAWAIIAN WOMAN approaches him. The Hawaiian Woman looks a lot like Lani, but is older and is wearing simple skirt and blouse.
HAWAIIAN WOMAN
Dr. Pelham. Thank you for writing down my father’s story.
DR. PELHAM
I was happy to. How is he doing?
HAWAIIAN WOMAN
He has died.
DR. PELHAM
I am sorry to hear that. Did he tell you of the arrangement we have?
HAWAIIAN WOMAN
Yes, but I disapprove. They are not his bones; they are our family’s bones. We will bury him tonight.
DR. PELHAM
Is there anything I can offer you?
HAWAIIAN WOMAN
No.
DR. PELHAM
I understand.
EXT. OUTSIDE DR. PELHAM’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Dr. Pelham sits outside his house reading the his notes in the moonlight.
He watches as the Hawaiian Woman and THREE HELPERS carry the shrouded body of the Old Hawaiian out of the village. They are also carrying three unlit torches.
He surreptitiously follows them into the quasi-darkness.
EXT. BURIAL CAVE OPENING – NIGHT
After walking for a time, the Hawaiian Woman and her Three Helpers reach an opening in the top of a burial cave. The burial cave is a large, dark lava tube.
They light a torch and toss it into the opening. Then, they lower the body into a burial cave and follow it down using an old rope.
Dr. Pelham hears CHANTING in the burial cave. He looks around for landmarks and then quickly returns to his house.
EXT. BURIAL CAVE – NIGHT
The next night, Dr. Pelham returns to the burial cave with an unlit torch.
He lowers himself down into the cave using the rope and then lights his torch.
He looks around and sees in the cave a large double canoe with its sail unfurled.
On the floor are many bodies, many with his or her knees drawn up to the chest. A rope is wrapped around the deceased person’s legs and placed around the neck. The rope is pulled tight to position the body into a rounded shape. Many of the bodies are wrapped in kapa.
Against the cave walls are many dusty but beautiful Hawaiian feathered cloaks, capes, and helmets, as well as war implements, kapa mats, and standards, long poles decorated at one end with a cluster of feather plumes (kahili).
He also sees many images, some of wood, very much carved, others of red feathers, with wide distended mouths, large rows of shark’s teeth, and glaring pearl-shell eyes.
Dr. Pelham’s jaw drops open as he scans the artifacts.
As his torch begins to sputter, he climbs out of the cave.
INT. UPLAND VILLAGE SANCTUARY – DAY
Dr. Pelham is seeing patients again. The Missionary walks in and Dr. Pelham takes him aside.
DR. PELHAM
I have had an amazing experience. An Old Hawaiian I was seeing as a patient agreed to let me have his bones when he died in exchange for writing down his family’s story.
MISSIONARY
How did that work out?
DR. PELHAM
As you predicted, when he died his family didn’t honor our arrangement and carried his body to a burial cave near here. I found the cave and was amazed that, in addition to bodies, the cave contains the hundreds of Hawaiian artifacts.
MISSIONARY
To the Hawaiians, this is a sacred area. I have heard many stories about the kings and queens who ruled here.
DR. PELHAM
Do the names Pono, Lani, and Kea ring a bell?
MISSIONARY
Yes, indeed.
DR. PELHAM
So, it’s true. It’s all true!
EXT. DR. PELHAM’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Dr. Pelham is awaken by loud shouts and cries.
He walks outside in his night clothes. As he looks toward the plain, tall flames leap out of the hidden burial cave opening.
INT. BURIAL CAVE
The feathered items and wooden images are on fire. Flames lick upward as the image of a tall, wooden Hawaiian god burns.
FADE OUT.
THE END
Golden Harvest-2022-07-12
EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS – DAY #1#
Establishing shot of the CAMPUS of Junior University, showing STUDENTS at the end of the school year carrying their belongings out to their cars. An outdoor digital LED display board SIGN spells out “Congratulations, graduates!”
SUPERIMPOSE “Golden Harvest”
It’s summer so lots of the Students are dressed in shorts and tee shirts or short skirts and blouses. Some Students are still wearing their graduation gowns. Everyone looks happy.
INT. MISSY’S COLLEGE DORM ROOM – DAY #2#
A compilation of amateur home movie clips plays on the screen of a well-worn LAPTOP computer sitting on a dresser while the opening credits roll.
The first clip shows auburn-haired TODDLER MISSY pretending she is a doctor. She is wearing a toddler-sized white doctor’s coat and listening for heart signs on her doll’s bottom with a concerned look on her face. TWO ADULTS GIGGLE off camera.
The second clip shows MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSY presenting the result of her science fair project. She is standing in front of a poster entitled “How Much Sawdust Can You Put In a Brownie Before People Notice?” The poster has unreadable pages glued to it labeled “Purpose,” “Hypothesis,” and “Results.”
The third clip shows HIGH SCHOOL MISSY participating in a candy striper (hospital volunteer) program at a local hospital. When she tries to deliver a glass of water to a similarly-aged male PATIENT with his leg in a cast that is hanging six inches off his bed, she trips falling on his leg and he yells in pain.
The fourth clip shows MISSY CALLAHAN (21) placing four large envelopes in a mail slot at a post office. Missy is a clumsy dweeb and has a Mr. Magoo look about her. She wears Coke-bottle glasses and has pigtails.
Just before the final clip ends, the camera pulls back and we see Missy’s college dorm room, with moving boxes on her stripped bed, as she packs the last of her belongings, an photograph we can’t quite view in a frame, into a moving box. She has a big smile on her face and her eyes are a little teary.
EXT. COLLEGE PARKING LOT – DAY #3#
Missy just about to move the last moving box from the top of her decade-old compact car into its back seat, when a female Franky (20) approaches and gives her a big hug. Bisexual Franky has short hair, is dressed in light blue nurses’ scrubs, is using a plaid shirt as a jacket, and is tattooed and pierced.
FRANKY
Thanks so much for all the tutoring help.
Missy smiles back but can’t hide her anxiety.
FRANKY
I have my fingers crossed.
MISSY
Me, too.
As Franky walks off, Missy opens the driver’s door of her car and sits in the driver’s seat, with her LAST BOX still sitting on the top of her car. As Missy drives off, her last box slides off the back of her car onto the pavement.
When the box stops sliding across the pavement, we see on top of other items in the box the FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH facing down.
Then, the box disappears under a large truck following Missy’s car.
INT. MISSY’S ADVISOR’S OFFICE – DAY #4#
Missy knocks on the door frame and enters her advisor’s office. Her advisor, PROF. PIERCE, an older college professor in a rumpled suit, is sitting at his desk, his head down, grading papers.
MISSY
Hi, Professor Pierce. Just wanted to say thanks and so long.
PROF. PIERCE
Missy, great to see you. Have a seat.
Missy sits in the chair in front of Prof. Pierce’s desk.
PROF. PIERCE
Glad you stopped by. Congratulations on your excellent GPA, with a double major, no less. Oh, and here is the award certificate for your senior capstone project.
Prof. Pierce hands Missy a senior project award CERTIFICATE. The project title on the certificate is “IS YOUR DNA FOUND IN YOUR PEE?”
PROF. PIERCE
Heard from the school that wait-listed you yet? Wasn’t it Saint Alban?
Missy blushes and shakes her head.
MISSY
Not yet. I’m hoping my technical writing major helps.
PROF. PIERCE
So unfair you had to take your MCAT exam while your Grandmother was sick.
MISSY
She’s better now. (beat) I know you’re busy. I’ll let you know when I hear. Thanks again.
Missy rises and begins to walk out. Dr. Pierce’s head is down again.
PROF. PIERCE
Hang in there!
Missy exits through the door into the hallway.
INT. HALLWAY – DAY #5#
Walking down the hallway, Missy ducks into a room with a SIGN over the door indicating it is the Pre-Med Lounge.
INT. PRE-MED STUDENTS’ LOUNGE – DAY #6#
Missy scans the contents of the VENDING MACHINES to see if something looks edible.
STUDENT
Missy, what are you doing here? You graduated.
MISSY
Picking up my stuff got me hungry.
Missy looks at the vending machines again.
STUDENT
No need to buy anything. A pharmaceutical company rep with an Italian mom just brought in an excellent lasagna. And copies of a journal article about one of their products.
The Student points to the counter. Missy spots the LASAGNA and heads for it.
MISSY
Cool. Thanks.
Missy grabs a NAPKIN and a nearby paper PLATE and scoops a serving of lasagna onto it. She flips through the journal ARTICLE but does not pick up a copy.
MISSY
Looks more like marketing than science.
STUDENT
Yeah. I agree.
The Student glances at his CELL PHONE.
STUDENT
The mail should be in our boxes. Don’t forget to check yours.
INCITING INCIDENT
INT. COLLEGE POST OFFICE LOBBY – DAY #7#
Missy is still wiping the marinara sauce off her chin as she walks toward her eye-level POST OFFICE BOX. She drops the napkin into a trash can and fumbles with her post office box KEY, dropping it a couple of times.
After she puts the key in the lock, she paces back and forth a couple of times, but she feels foolish when ANOTHER BOXHOLDER enters the post office.
The ends of two letter-sized ENVELOPES are visible through the door of her post office. She unlocks and opens the door and pulls out the envelopes.
The return address on the first envelope is Saint Alban! Mary excitedly rips the FIRST LETTER open and reads:
“We regret to inform you….”
Mary stares sadly into the distance.
The return address on the second envelope is that of the college financial office.
Missy opens the SECOND LETTER and reads:
“Congratulations College Graduate!
This is a reminder that repayment
of your $37,172 student loan must begin
within a six-month grace period
that starts on the date of this letter.”
Missy crumples the envelopes and second letter into a ball and throws the ball into a nearby recycling container. She slumps down to a swatting position holding the rejection letter.
When a CLASSMATE enters the lobby, Missy quickly stands, looks away, and wipes her nose.
INT. CALLAHAN’S KITCHEN – EVENING #8#
Missy is teary as she enters the kitchen and approaches her grandmother, STELLA (70). Stella is wearing a cancer head SCARF. They hug. Missy sobs and Stella knows the cause.
STELLA
I’m so sorry, honey.
MISSY
Gran, all I want to do is help sick people. (sob) Maybe I should figure another way.
STELLA
We’re here for you. Let us know how we can help.
MISSY
I guess I’d better tell Papa.
Stella gives Missy a kiss on the cheek as they disengage.
INT. CALLAHAN’S DEN – CONTINUOUS #9#
Missy walks into the den. Her grandfather, JOE (72) is sitting in a reclining chair, watching a streaming soccer game on a TV. There is movie POSTER for the movie Galaxy Quest on the wall.
MISSY
Hi, Papa.
Joe pauses the video, turns to look at Missy, and beams at her.
JOE
I was worried about your long drive. (beat) What’s up, honey?
Missy tears up again.
MISSY
Just found out I was rejected by my backup med school.
Joe gets up and hugs Missy.
JOE
Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.
MISSY
Maybe it’s for the best. Maybe I should just move on with my life.
Joe puts his hands on her shoulders.
JOE
That’s not the Missy Callahan I know. What do we say around here?
Missy smiles through her tears.
MISSY
“Never give up! Never surrender!”
Grandfather smiles and drops his hands to hold hers.
JOE
I know you’ll figure out what to do. I just wish we could help more with money, but with our doctors’ bills, that’s just not in the cards.
Missy wipes her eyes.
MISSY
You’re right! I’ll make an appointment with my adviser.
INT. MISSY’S ADVISOR’S OFFICE – DAY #10#
Missy knocks on the door frame of her Advisor’s office. Prof. Pierce is sitting at his desk. He raises his head and motions for her to come in.
Missy walks over to the chair in front of his desk and slumps down into it. She looks unhappy.
PROF. PIERCE
Didn’t make it into St. Albans?
MISSY
Yes. What should I do now?
Prof. Pierce smiles with a pained look.
PROF. PIERCE
I assume you want to reapply?
MISSY
Yes, I do.
PROF. PIERCE
Well, one thing you can do is to retake your MCAT exam. So, you will need to prepare for that.
Missy looks a little more positive.
MISSY
OK. I’ll do that.
PROF. PIERCE
Another thing is to shadow a doctor, maybe even become a medical scribe to record what the doctor wants to include in the patient’s medical record. You can get paid for scribe work.
Missy smiles.
MISSY
I could use the money. My student loan is coming due.
PROF. PIERCE
OK. You’ve got a plan. Give me a few days to check with local doctors.
MISSY
Thanks.
Missy smiles and leaves.
INT. MISSY’S ADVISOR’S LAB #11#
Missy visits her boyfriend, LANCE (21) to commiserate.
MISSY
How’s it going?
Lance does not pause working with a PIPETTE and does not look up.
LANCE
Almost finished. My last DNA amplification run did not work out.
He finishes and looks up.
Missy tears up a little.
MISSY
I just learned my wait-listed med school application was rejected.
Lance appears not to be very concerned, and maybe even a little relieved.
BOYFRIEND
Sorry about that. What are you going to do now?
MISSY
My advisor thinks I should retake the MCAT and buff up my application by shadowing a famous doc.
LANCE
Sounds like a plan.
Lance looks at his CELL PHONE.
LANCE
Oh, I have a meeting about my first year in med school.
Lance is cool toward Missy.
MISSY
See you later.
They both leave.
INT. PRE-MED LOUNGE – DAY #12#
Looking for comfort food again, Missy enters the Pre-Med Lounge to find Franky there. Missy slumps down in a chair at Franky’s table.
FRANKY
I heard. How are you doing?
MISSY
I’m bummed. I’m thinking about retaking the MCAT and doing some scribe work.
Franky beams at her.
FRANKY
If you stay in town, share my apartment. I have an extra bedroom.
MISSY
Thanks, but I’m going to be short of cash.
FRANKY
It’s the least I can do.
MISSY
Do you need any tutoring?
FRANKY
Yes! I’ll be taking biochem.
Missy smiles.
MISSY
Then, I’ll stay with you if I get the hospital job.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD – DAY #13#
DR. SIMON VICTOR SMAUG, late 60’s, heavyset, with a mop of dyed-blond hair and a goatee, is dressed in light blue scrubs with a scrubs cap. He walks out of one of his patient’s hospital rooms into a hallway that is bustling with MEDICAL WORKERS. Behind him is his CURRENT SCRIBE pushing her workstation on wheels (WOW) ahead of her. She is wearing white scrubs decorated with thick, concentric red circles.
Dr. Smaug is obviously angry. He shuts the door of the hospital room and his red face makes it clear he is livid. He turns to his Current Scribe.
DR. SMAUG
You contradicted me in there! You, a wet-behind-the-ears scribe, contradicted me in front of a patient! I am a medical genius and you are nothing! You’re fired as of right now. Don’t expect a letter of recommendation.
Dr. Smaug thunders off down the hallway, leaving Current Scribe shocked, embarrassed, and sobbing.
On-looking Medical Workers pause, some with knowing looks of pity at the Current Scribe, and then continue their work.
INT. DR. SMAUG’S OFFICE – DAY #14#
Dr. Smaug storms into his office and sits behind his desk. He is followed closely by his head nurse and wife, NURSE EMILY SMAUG (50s). Nurse Smaug is a tall, thin brunette who is still quite a looker. She is wearing tailored, hunter-green nursing scrubs and a pillbox nurse’s cap with a red band.
NURSE SMAUG
I’m happy you finally fired that idiot.
DR. SMAUG
I could not believe her audacity!
As they talk, the HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR walks in.
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
Jesus! Not again. What happened?
DR. SMAUG
I will not be disrespected in front of my patients!
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
Had you given her warnings about that behavior?
DR. SMAUG
No and I don’t care. She made fun of me and I will not allow it.
NURSE SMAUG
I’ve been reviewing her work and have had to make many corrections. She’s not too bright. Her firing was long overdue.
The Hospital Administrator rolls his eyes and leaves the room.
INT. PRE-MED STUDENTS’ LOUNGE – DAY #15#
Sitting in the Pre-Med Student’s Lounge, Missy searches for information on Dr. Smaug’s background and resume on her laptop.
She finds out he is a prominent OB-GYN doctor who has authored many publications.
MISSY
Gee, over 250 publications.
INT. HOSPITAL PHYSICIANS’ LOUNGE – DAY #16#
Missy walks into the Physicians’ Lounge and pauses as she sees Dr. Smaug looking at himself in a mirror hanging on the wall, stroking his goatee. His face is stern, like he is posing for a photograph. He is dressed in light blue surgeon’s scrubs with a scrubs cap.
Dr. Smaug motions for Missy to approach. They shake hands and sit down across from one another at a small table. There is a simple poster on the wall containing the words, in calligraphy: “Thou shalt. Thou shalt not.”
When a RESIDENT attempts to sit join them at the table, Dr. Smaug waves him away dismissively.
DR. SMAUG
So, you’re interested in shadowing me. Your resume looks great, especially the technical writing aspect.
MISSY
Yes, I’m very interested. Prof. Pierce thinks it will help my medical school application.
DR. SMAUG
I agree. Understanding the nature of the jobs doctors perform is critical. And, too many women don’t like the job after going through medical school.
Nurse Emily Smaug enters the room and walks up to the table. Dr. Smaug rises and introduces his wife.
DR. SMAUG
Ms. Callahan, this is my wife, Emily. She’s also my head nurse.
As he speaks, Missy rises and offers her hand to Nurse Smaug, but Nurse Smaug ignores the gesture.
MISSY
Good to meet you. I’m looking forward to learning more about Dr. Smaug’s practice.
Nurse Smaug’s eyes dart toward her husband and then back to Missy. Emily is jealous.
NURSE SMAUG
(to Missy)
I’m sure you will find it interesting.
(to Dr. Smaug)
Just got a call from the clinic. You’re needed there.
DR. SMAUG
Missy, I’ve arranged for you to be trained as a paid medical scribe. Please check in with the hospital human resources office for the details.
Missy smiles and nods.
DR. SMAUG
We’d better take off. I am looking forward to working with you.
The Smaugs leave the room.
INT. CALLAHAN’S KITCHEN – DAY #17#
Missy visits her grandparents’ home. While eating dinner with them, Missy muses about her options.
MISSY’S GRANDMOTHER
Have some more chicken, honey.
Missy’s Grandmother passes the fried chicken platter to Missy.
MISSY
Thanks, but I am stuffed.
Missy searches for a place on the dining table to put the platter down.
MISSY’S GRANDFATHER
I can help with that.
Missy passes the platter to him with a smile and turns to her Grandmother.
MISSY
Gran, I’m thinking about following my boyfriend to his med school. What do you think?
MISSY’S GRANDMOTHER
I hope you don’t, Missy. There is a good chance you will be accepted yourself if you try again.
MISSY’S GRANDFATHER
I agree. Give med school another try.
Missy nods, deep in thought.
MISSY
I’m leaning that way.
INT. MISSY’S BEDROOM – NIGHT #18#
Missy is in bed, about to turn off her reading light. She picks up the Framed Photograph on her nightstand and looks at it. It’s a picture of Toddler Missy standing between her deceased, auburn-haired PARENTS, holding their hands.
MISSY
Mom and Dad, what should I do?
Missy reaches over and turns out her reading light.
INT. MISSY’S ADVISOR’S OFFICE – DAY #19#
Missy stops by her Advisor’s office. Prof. Pierce is sitting behind his desk, as usual. Missy knocks and he waves her in.
MISSY
I won’t sit. I just wanted to thank you for the referral to Dr. Smaug. He looks like he could help me.
PROF. PIERCE
Glad to be able to help. Dr. Smaug can be self important, but I think you can handle him.
MISSY
I’ll let you know what happens. Thanks again.
Missy takes her leave.
INT. PRE-MED LOUNGE – DAY #20#
Missy and Franky are sitting together at a table when Missy’s boyfriend, Lance, enters the room. Franky is facing toward the door, sees Lance enter, and moves to another table. Missy turns to Lance.
MISSY
Hi. Are you making progress?
LANCE
I’m finished and ready to explore my new neighborhood. How are you?
MISSY
I’m fine. I’ve been meaning to talk with you. I was wondering if I could check out your new digs.
Boyfriend looks guilty.
MISSY
What’s the matter?
LANCE
Well, I’ve been meaning to talk with you, too.
Lance looks at the floor.
LANCE
I was thinking about our situation and I think we should start seeing other people.
MISSY
Other people?
Missy’s eyes start to glisten.
BOYFRIEND
It’s all my fault. I think I’m going to be too busy to have a long distance relationship.
MISSY
Oh. (beat) I understand.
LANCE
I hoped you would. And I wish you all the best. (beat) Well, I need to take off.
Missy looks dejected and is tearing up.
MISSY
See you.
Franky has overheard the conversation. She joins Missy as Lance leaves the room.
FRANKY
What a dick!
Missy laughs through her tears.
MISSY
Yeah. I guess I should’ve seen that coming. Well, that settles it. You have a new roommate.
FRANKY
Let’s go to the cafeteria.
Missy smiles and nods.
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA – DAY #21#
Missy and Franky are sitting together. STUDENTS eat at tables around them. Missy and Franky are each working on a pint container of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Missy’s is Chocolate Therapy(R) and Franky’s is Banana Split(R).
FRANKY
He was not good enough. You can do better.
Missy takes another bite.
MISSY
You’re right. It’s still a bummer.
FRANKY
What have you decided about the summer job offer?
MISSY
I’m taking Dr. Smaug’s offer.
Missy smiles.
MISSY
And yours. When can I move in?
Franky smiles, too.
INT. HOSPITAL HR DEPARTMENT – DAY #22#
A nervous Missy reports to the hospital HR department to become an employee. She reads and signs paperwork and is handed an EMPLOYEES’ MANUAL.
INT. FRIEND’S APARTMENT – EVENING #23#
Missy carries the last box of her belongings into her bedroom in Franky’s apartment and sits on her bed. Franky knocks lightly and walks in.
FRANKY
I guess I should warn you that Dr. Smaug is a pompous bully. But, you’ve met him, so I guess you know.
MISSY
That’s what I gathered. Don’t worry. It’s just for a summer. I can cope.
FRANKY
You let me know if it ever gets to be too much. Not all doctors really want to help other people.
MISSY
I will.
Missy puts the Framed Photograph on her dresser.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD – DAY #24#
Missy approaches Nurse Smaug who is sitting at a nursing station. Missy smiles.
MISSY
Good morning!
Nurse Smaug is now a little cool toward Missy.
NURSE SMAUG
Oh, hello. Good to see you.
MISSY
Just wanted to check in before I started scribe training. Is Dr. Smaug around?
Nurse Smaug stands up and looks down the hall.
NURSE SMAUG
Yes, he’s down the hall talking to a doctor.
MISSY
Thanks.
Missy sees Dr. Smaug and wanders down the hall. When she is about to reach him, she waits for him to finish his conversation with the doctor.
DR. SMAUG
I don’t care what you were told. I am to be called Dr. Smaug, not Simon. Got that?
YOUNG DOCTOR
Yes, Dr. Smaug, I understand.
When Dr. Smaug turns around in a huff, he sees Missy and smiles.
MISSY
Dr. Smaug. Just wanted to let you know I’m starting scribe training today.
DR. SMAUG
Excellent. Looking forward to working with you.
Dr. Smaug walks away.
INT. HOSPITAL SCRIBE TRAINING CENTER – DAY #25#
BEGIN MEDICAL SCRIBE TRAINING MONTAGE
–Missy sits with other TRAINEES through a medical anatomy class taught by a TRAINER. Missy has her chin in her palm. She already knows this stuff.
–Missy participates in a computerized medical record system users’ class with other Trainees. Each computer, monitor, and keyboard is on a mobile platform (called a workstation on wheels or WOW) so it can be wheeled into a patient’s room. Missy discovers she made a mistaken entry, corrects it, and smiles.
–Missy undergoes floor training, using the WOW to create a real-time medical record of an actual PATIENT for his DOCTOR in the Patient’s hospital room. After they leave the room, the Doctor smiles and gives Missy a thumbs up.
–Missy licks the end of her #2 pencil during a quiz on medical terminology, as she fills in the ovals on a paper answer sheet. Some of the other Trainees are nervous, but not Missy.
–Missy is handed a paycheck by the Trainer and sees she is earning $12 per hour. She is happy to have an income and puts the check in her pocket.
END MEDICAL SCRIBE TRAINING MONTAGE
INT. FIRST PATIENT’S HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY #26#
Missy follows Dr. Smaug into the hospital room of LAURA (23), one of his pregnant patients, who is lying in a hospital bed and is hooked up to a BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. Missy is pushing the WOW ahead of her.
DR. SMAUG
Laura, how are you feeling today?
LAURA
I’m fine.
DR. SMAUG
Let’s check your heart signs.
Dr. Smaug puts on his stethoscope and listens to the four primary areas: left and right of the sternum at the level of the 2nd rib, left of the sternum at the 4th rib, and on the left nipple line at the level of the 5th rib. He looks at the Monitoring System.
DR. SMAUG
With your high blood pressure, I think you would be better off attending my pregnancy clinic. My nurse will visit you and explain the process.
LAURA
Thanks, Dr. Smaug.
Dr. Smaug leaves.
INT. SECOND PATIENT’S HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY #27#
Missy follows Dr. Smaug into the room of another patient, ANN. This patient is also a pregnant Millennial.
DR. SMAUG
Laura, how are you feeling today?
ANN
I’m a little scared.
DR. SMAUG
Let’s check your heart signs.
Dr. Smaug puts on his stethoscope and listens to the four primary areas: left and right of the sternum at the level of the 2nd rib, left of the sternum at the 4th rib, and on the left nipple line at the level of the 5th rib. He looks at the Monitoring System.
DR. SMAUG
With your high blood pressure, I think you would be better off attending my pregnancy clinic. My nurse will visit you and explain the process.
ANN
OK. Thanks, Dr. Smaug.
DR. Smaug leaves.
INT. DR. SMAUG’S OFFICE – DAY #28#
Dr. Smaug likes Missy’s work and offers her a job coordinating work on some professional paper manuscripts. He introduces her to how his articles are written initially by someone else.
Missy reports to Dr. Smaug’s office.
MISSY
Dr. Smaug, I heard you wanted to talk.
DR. SMAUG
Yes, I do. Have a seat.
Missy sits in a chair.
DR. SMAUG
I wanted to let you know that you are doing a great job. Your writing is impressive.
Missy blushes.
MISSY
Thanks.
DR. SMAUG
I would like to hire you to help me with editing some of my publications. Your hourly wage would be double what you make here. How does that sound?
MISSY
Sounds interesting. What sort of publications?
DR. SMAUG
I work with a medical communications firm to produce medical journal articles about hormone replacement therapy. Most of them are review articles.
MISSY
OK. What would my role be?
DR. SMAUG
You would help me liaison with the medical communications firm, CasperWrite, and act as my editor.
Missy smiles.
MISSY
When can I start?
INT. GHOSTWRITING COMPANY OFFICE – DAY #29#
Missy walks into the lobby and sees the company name, CasperWrite, on the wall behind the RECEPTIONIST, a homely woman in her 30s.
MISSY
Hi, I’m Missy Callahan. I have a 10 o’clock appointment with Will Lumbar.
RECEPTIONIST
I’ll let him know you are here.
Missy is met in the lobby by the office manager, WILL LUMBAR, PhD, a slightly-smarmy, middle-aged man.
WILL LUMBAR
Miss Callahan, welcome. I’m the manager of this branch office of CasperWrite.
Missy offers her hand to Will who shakes it limply.
MISSY
Thanks. Good to meet you.
WILL LUMBAR
Our team is looking forward to working with you. Follow me and I’ll show you where you can drop off your stuff and introduce some of the team to you.
Missy nods and follows him out of the lobby through a door that is locked but buzzes when the Receptionist unlocks it using a button under her desk.
INT. DARYL’S OFFICE – DAY #30#
Will and Missy approach the closed door of the office of the first team member to be introduced, DARYL (40s). Will tries the doorknob unsuccessfully and then knocks on the door.
WILL LUMBAR
Daryl, open your door. It’s me.
DARYL
Who’s there?
WILL LUMBAR
Daryl, it’s me, Will. I want to introduce you to Dr. Smaug’s new publication coordinator.
DARYL
How do you know she works for Dr. Smaug?
WILL LUMBAR
He called me and told me so.
DARYL
OK.
Daryl unlocks the door and opens it He looks at Missy, unsmiling.
DARYL
Sorry. Someone has been moving the books in my bookcase.
Missy extends her hand. Daryl shakes it and then wipes his hand with a moist towelette.
WILL LUMBAR
Daryl meet Missy. Missy meet Daryl. Missy, Daryl works on publications about clinical trial results.
DARYL
Good to meet you. I’m on a deadline, but we can talk later.
Missy smiles and nods and Daryl closes his door again.
WILL LUMBAR
And across the hall is Dan Wand’s office.
Missy and Will exit.
INT. DAN’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS #31#
Will knocks on the door.
DAN WAND
Come on in.
Will opens the door and he and Missy walk in to meet DAN WAND, a 30-something, handsome guy who thinks much too highly of himself.
WILL LUMBAR
Dan, this is Missy Callahan. She is Dr. Smaug’s new publication coordinator.
Dan thrusts out his hand and shakes Missy’s hand while glancing at her clothed breasts.
DAN WAND
Good to meet you. I’m the best ghostwriter here, so if you ever have any questions, I’m your man.
MISSY
Thanks for the offer, Dan.
Dan can’t think of anything else to say.
WILL LUMBAR
Thanks, Dan. See you at the lunch seminar.
Missy and Will exit.
INT. ZETH’S OFFICE #32#
Zeth’s door is open, so Will knocks on the door frame. ZETH STONE (23) turns around from his desk, stands, and smiles.
ZETH
Come on in.
There is movie poster for Galaxy Quest on the wall.
WILL LUMBAR
Zeth, this is Missy Callahan. She is Dr. Smaug’s new publication coordinator.
Zeth offers his hand to Missy and she shakes it.
ZETH
Welcome to the jungle.
WILL LUMBAR
Zeth helps our clients who are busy medical doctors write their memoirs.
MISSY
Good to meet you. You must learn a lot about your co-authors.
ZETH
That I do. I hope to see you around.
Missy smiles.
WILL LUMBAR
You will. See you at the lunch seminar.
Missy and Will exit.
INT. COMPANY CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY #33#
Will ushers Missy into the company conference room which has a PODIUM and CHAIRS set out in rows with a TABLE containing SANDWICH BAGS and SODAS situated along the side of the room. Several OTHER EMPLOYEES are sitting in the chairs munching on sandwiches and conversing with one another.
WILL LUMBAR
(to Missy)
The Company provides sandwiches for the seminars. Grab one.
Missy and Will pick out a labeled Sandwich Bag and a Soda and sit at the back of the room. KELLY, a no-nonsense, 30-something, striking blond, walks into the room and stands at the podium organizing her notes.
WILL LUMBAR
(to Missy)
That’s Kelly, our messaging manager.
Missy nods.
KELLY
Let’s get started.
Kelly waits for the conversations to stop.
KELLY
Thanks for attending this lunchtime seminar. As usual, my talk is entitled “I’m Just Saying.” Today, I hope to show you that we are missing some opportunities to increase the market share of our clients’ hormone therapy products.
DAN WAND
You go, girl!
Kelly gives Dan a Pained look.
KELLY
I want you to think about other ways for the content we ghostwrite to emphasize how widespread and severe menopause conditions are, praise the benefits of our clients’ hormone therapy drugs, ridicule competing drugs and those that promote them, and reassure our target audience (doctors and nurse practitioners) that adverse side effects of our clients’ drugs are rare and manageable, or might be caused by something else.
As Kelly drones on, Missy looks a little uncomfortable with what she is hearing.
INT. VISITING GUEST AUTHOR’S OFFICE – DAY #34#
Missy is sitting in the visiting guest author’s office editing one of the draft ghostwritten medical journal manuscripts for which Dr. Smaug will be a named author. The door is open so Seth knocks on the door frame.
SETH
How are things going?
Missy looks up and smiles.
MISSY
Great. I am starting to notice that Dr. Smaug’s manuscripts are well written, but the science is a little shaky.
SETH
Welcome to the world of ghostwriting where the “piper” who funds the preparation of the manuscript “calls the tune.”
MISSY
What do you mean?
SETH
It will become clear to you that ghostwritten manuscripts are marketing publications, not scientific publications.
MISSY
Who pays for them?
SETH
Well, it depends. The doctors’ memoirs I ghostwrite are paid for by the doctors and are designed to “sell” the doctors’ services by lauding their education and experience. Dr. Smaug’s publications “sell” menopausal hormone therapy and are paid for the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and market the drugs.
Missy is a little disappointed
MISSY
Oh, now I understand.
SETH
Sorry to sound so cynical, but I thought you ought to know.
MISSY
How did you get interested in ghostwriting?
SETH
Well, long story short, after I got my M.D., I didn’t get a residency match and ran out of money. So, I can do this sort of job but I can’t practice medicine.
MISSY
Sorry to hear that. Are you going to try again?
SETH
Maybe, but right now I am enjoying what I’m doing and get to add a lot of famous doctors to my professional network.
MISSY
Oh.
SETH
Well, see you around.
Seth exits.
INT. COMPANY CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY #35#
Missy meets with Daryl to discuss the draft article she is editing. Missy is seated at a conference table when Daryl enters.
MISSY
Daryl, good to see you. Thanks for meeting with me.
Daryl makes sure they are alone by opening the door of a supplies closet and looking in. He sits down on the other side of the conference table.
DARYL
No problem.
MISSY
My first question is why is there so much repetition in the draft you wrote?
Daryl smiles.
DARYL
That’s easy. Research has shown that if you repeat an idea three to five times, then people will be more likely to believe it.
Missy nods.
DARYL
So, we tell ’em what we will tell ’em. Then we tell ’em. Then we tell ’em what we told them. Repetition leads to familiarity and familiarity leads to acceptance.
MISSY
I get it. Why do you emphasize that OB-GYN docs who serve post menopausal women are being denied the opportunity to prescribe hormone therapy?
Daryl nods.
DARYL
That’s where the psychological principle of reactance comes in. If you convince readers that they are losing a freedom, then the reader is motivated to exercise or regain that freedom, whether it is a good idea on not. It triggers the “you’re not the boss of me” reaction.
MISSY
I see. Why does the manuscript argue that the Women’s Health Initiative is flawed?
Daryl smiles.
DARYL
The Women’s Health Initiative was a very large randomized clinical trial that studied whether menopausal hormone therapy is a good idea. The WHI, as it is known, found that hormone therapy increased the incidence of a number of diseases that hormone therapy was originally thought to prevent. But, the WHI did have limitations and the manuscript points them out.
Missy is starting to understand how ghostwriting works.
MISSY
So, the manuscript wants readers to mistrust the WHI and it findings.
DARYL
You got it. Any more questions? I have to bug out.
MISSY
No, I’m good. I understand now.
INT. MANAGER’S OFFICE – DAY #36#
Missy enters Will Lumbar’s office.
WILL LUMBAR
Good morning. How can I help?
Missy screws up her courage.
MISSY
Thanks, Will. As I review the manuscript Daryl drafted for Dr. Smaug, I noted that it has a promotional tone. That is, the manuscript sounds like it is encouraging the use of hormone therapy. Other papers in the literature do not do that.
Will steeples his fingers.
WILL LUMBAR
That is a very astute observation. In fact, the manuscript is promotional in tone.
MISSY
Why is that?
WILL LUMBAR
It’s because Dr. Smaug firmly believes that the benefits of hormone therapy far outweigh its risks and that older women are being inappropriately discouraged from using it by naysayers out there.
MISSY
I understand.
WILL LUMBAR
Dr. Smaug’s journal publications are read by women’s doctors and he wants to motivate those doctors to do what’s right by their patients. Hence, the promotional tone.
MISSY
Got it. Thanks, I’ll get back to work.
Missy exits.
INT. COMPANY LUNCHROOM – DAY #37#
Missy is pouring herself another cup of COFFEE when Dan Wand walks in.
DAN WAND
Hi there good looking.
Missy smiles and tries to exit.
DAN WAND
How about me treating you to lunch some day. Just to get acquainted.
MISSY
Thanks, Dan, but I am too busy to do much socializing these days.
DAN WAND
Well, I’ll keep trying.
Dan smiles and leaves.
INT. COMPANY LIBRARY – DAY #38#
Missy is sitting in the company library reading medical journals when Seth walks in.
SETH
Doing some homework?
Missy looks up from a stack of journals and smiles.
MISSY
Just reading some of the references that Daryl cited in the manuscript I’m editing.
As Seth looks for a journal on the shelves, he notes.
SETH
I’m impressed. I’m pretty sure Dr. Smaug’s previous publications coordinator did not read references. My impression is she just looked for typos.
Missy stops reading.
MISSY
I didn’t know that medical journal manuscripts are used to present arguments to support medical opinions. I thought they were just supposed to present facts.
Seth smiles as he leaves the room with the journal he was looking for.
SETH
Welcome to the world of medical article ghostwriting!
INT. DR. SMAUG’S OFFICE – DAY #39#
Missy knocks on Dr. Smaug’s office door.
DR. SMAUG
Come in.
Missy enters the office.
MISSY
Good morning, Dr. Smaug.
DR. SMAUG
Have a seat. I think I have another opportunity for you.
Missy sits.
DR. SMAUG
I thought you might enjoy helping out at my private health clinic for post-menopausal women. It’s called the Quality of Life Clinic. We’re a little short-staffed this month.
MISSY
Sounds interesting.
DR. SMAUG
You would meet older women who rely on hormone replacement therapy to improve their quality of life. The pay would be the same as your editing work.
MISSY
I understand you are a proponent of menopausal hormone therapy.
DR. SMAUG
I definitely am. Talking to my patients, you will see that I am not alone in that belief.
MISSY
Then, sure, when should I start?
Dr. Smaug rises to leave.
DR. SMAUG
Great! How about first thing next Monday. Ask my wife for the directions.
MISSY
See you then.
Missy follows Dr. Smaug into the hall.
MIDPOINT
INT. QOL CLINIC LOBBY – DAY #40#
When Missy enters the QOL Clinic, she is met by Nurse Smaug. A CLINIC RECEPTIONIST is sitting at a reception counter.
NURSE SMAUG
Good morning.
MISSY
Thanks. How can I help?
NURSE SMAUG
You will be sitting with our older patients for 10 minutes or so after they receive their injections. Just to make sure there are no adverse reactions. If any problems arise, let me know.
MISSY
OK, I can handle that.
NURSE SMAUG
The injections occur every four weeks. We need to be on the lookout for sudden, bad headaches; vomiting; speech problems; dizziness or fainting; sudden complete or partial loss of vision; weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg; bad chest pain; coughing up blood; sudden shortness of breath; or difficulty thinking clearly.
MISSY
Will do.
NURSE SMAUG
First, I want you to meet our lab director.
Missy follows Nurse Smaug through an internal door into the clinic.
INT. QOL CLINIC LUNCHROOM – DAY #41#
Nurse Smaug and Missy enter the QOL Clinic lunchroom. Dr. Smaug’s laboratory director, E.G. Ore, who is stooped and limps, is grabbing COFFEE and taking a break.
NURSE SMAUG
E.G., I want you to meet Missy who will be helping monitor patients after they receive their injections.
E.G. offers his hand to Missy and they shake.
E.G. ORE
Welcome to QOL Clinic.
MISSY
So, you prepare the injections?
E.G. looks at Nurse Smaug, then at Missy.
E.G. ORE
I prepare them and I give them.
INT. ZETH’S PLACE – EVENING #42#
INT. QOL LUNCHROOM – DAY #43#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #44#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 13 ACT TWO PART 2* #45#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #46#
#47#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #48#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #49#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #50#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #51#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #52#
INT. DR. SMAUG’S LAB – NIGHT #53#
INT. COLLEGE – DAY #54#
INT. BOB’S PLACE – EVENING #55#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #56#
INT. QOL CLINIC – NIGHT #57#
HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 14 #58#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 15* #59#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 16* #60#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 17* #61#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 18* #62#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCES 19-23 ACT THREE* #63#
INT. QOL CLINIC – NIGHT #64#
INT. GHOSTWRITING COMPANY – DAY #65#
INT. GHOSTWRITING COMPANY – DAY #66#
INT. QOL CLINIC – NIGHT #67#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #68#
INT. BOB’S PLACE – NIGHT #69#
INT. BOB’S PLACE – DAY #70#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #71#
INT. POST OFFICE – DAY #72#
#73#
Six Flags Over Saigon-2021-02-27
EXT. MUSIC FESTIVAL – DAY #1#
BEGIN MAIN TITLES
A swamp rock song about growing up in the South is being performed, e.g., “Born on the Bayou” by Creedence Clearwater Revival or “Polk Salad Annie” by Tony Joe White.
The Main Titles are displayed over clips of YOUNG PEOPLE enjoying the festival (e.g., the August 1969 Woodstock Festival or the August 1969 Texas International Pop Festival).
Our protagonist, CHARLIE STONE, is sitting in a row of Young People between two long-haired, bra-less, and very distracting flower-child PRETTY GIRLS. Charlie is pleasant looking, has short hair and long sideburns, and is dressed in a tee shirt and jeans.
Charlie is smiling at and listening to the First Pretty Girl on his right, who is wearing an embroidered head ban, a long necklace, and a low-cut, colorful dress.
The Second Pretty Girl on his left, who is wearing flowers in her hair, bell bottoms, and a tie-dyed halter top, is making out with a male Young Person to her left.
At intervals, Charlie glances to his left where a FIRST JOINT is being toked on and handed along the row. Just before a distracted Charlie can grab it, a FIRST PERSON sitting in the row behind Charlie grabs it, tokes on it, and hands it to a Person sitting in the row behind First Person, leaving Charlie frustrated.
Then, to his right, a SECOND JOINT is being toked on and handed along the row. When the joint reaches the First Pretty Girl, she tokes on it and attempts to hand it to Charlie. Unfortunately, he drops it in the mud in front of him and it is stepped on by a Person walking to the right.
Again, Charlie is frustrated.
END MAIN TITLES
EXT. CAMPUS OF AMERICA’S ONLY JUNIOR UNIVERSITY – MORNING #2#
A montage of a mythical college campus (Junior University, aka, The Farm) scenes shows Charlie from above slowly walking his pet American Yorkshire PIGLET on a leash and flirting with GIRLS as they admire his pet.
GIRL
What’s his name?
CHARLIE
His name is Fascist.
The Girls smile.
Charlie’s route takes him and his Piglet past Mem Aud, in front of Mem Chu in The Quad, past The Claw in White Plaza, and along Mayfield Avenue (The Row).
As they walk, Charlie’s BEST FRIEND, another college senior, who is trying to hold in his breath, narrates.
BEST FRIEND
(to the audience)
Dude (beat) it’s December 1, 1969. Tonight’s the first draft lottery of the Vietnam War.
Best Friend exhales and then coughs once.
BEST FRIEND
We’re gonna find out which of us’ll be drafted and probably sent to war. (beat) But, that’s tonight.
INT. OMEGA OMEGA OMEGA FRATERNITY HOUSE – AFTERNOON #3#
An anti-war folk song that attacks phony patriotism (e.g., John Prine’s “Flag Decal”) is playing on speakers attached to a reel-to-reel tape recorder.
Charlie is sitting on a sagging couch in his room in his fraternity listening to music with his Best Friend, who looks like he might be gay but doesn’t know it yet. They are also staring at a psychedelic mural signed by Captain Acid on the opposite wall while they toke. There is one more hit left on the roach.
A beat-up coffee table is front of them with a half-full baggie, marijuana paraphernalia, and well-worn, contemporaneous Playboy magazines on it. There are no beds in the room because all the brothers sleep in bunk beds on a sleeping porch.
An automobile horn HONKS.
Charlie exhales marijuana smoke, hands the roach to his sheepishly-smiling Best Friend, grabs his uniform parts, and hurriedly exits. His Best Friend sardonically yells after him.
BEST FRIEND
Thank you for your service.
EXT. OMEGA OMEGA OMEGA FRATERNITY HOUSE – CONTINUOUS #4#
A frenetic, ironic, darkly-humorous, anti-war folk song is playing in the background, e.g., Country Joe and the Fish’s “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag” or Phil Ochs’ “Draft Dodger Rag.”
Charlie bursts out the front door of his fraternity house, and runs down the front steps.
He almost wearing a ROTC cadet uniform, his hat akilter, his shoe laces untied, and tucking his shirt into his pants as he goes.
Charlie runs across the front yard toward a yellow 1938 Packard Super Eight Rumble Seat Coupe that is idling in the street in front of the house.
INT./EXT. PACKARD COUPE – CONTINUOUS #5#
The frenetic, ironic, anti-war, darkly-humorous, folk song continues.
Charlie grunts to uniformed CADET #2, who is driving, and uniformed CADET #3, who is sitting in the rumble seat, as Charlie slips into the front passenger seat.
CHARLIE
Go!
As the Packard pulls away from the curb, Cadet #3 puts a fake monocle over his right eye and a swagger stick under his left arm. In the moving car, Charlie finishes dressing and cinches up the previously-tied knot in this tie.
Cadet #2 WOLF-WHISTLES at a long-haired PERSON walking on the sidewalk, but is embarrassed when the Person turns and is a male.
As the Packard approaches a large grass field where about 20 CADETS have congregated for drill practice, it passes by a group of about 10 antiwar PROTESTERS on both sidewalks who yell and spit at Charlie and his friends.
PROTESTER #1
Hell no. Don’t go.
Protester #2 throws an egg at Cadet #3, who is giving the Protesters the finger. Cadet #3 catches the egg and then almost loses his monocle as the egg breaks in his hand and drips down his sleeve. Another egg splats against the side of the Packard.
EXT. DRILL PRACTICE FIELD – CONTINUOUS #6#
Having hurried to get to drill practice, the Cadets then shuffle around waiting for a command, in compliance with the Army’s long tradition of “hurry up and wait.”
Eventually, CADET COMMANDER CODY, another college student, who is in charge, gives them one. Cadet Commander Cody is a prick wearing a shiny black combat helmet, of course.
CADET COMMANDER CODY
Cadets, pick up your weapons and fall in.
The Cadets each pick up an old practice/dummy M14 rifle from a rack and fall into a line. Charlie accidentally drops his rifle, but luckily Cadet Commander Cody does not notice.
Cadet Commander Cody walks along the front of the line and stops in front of a Cadet randomly, performs a right face to pivot towards him, and inspects him. One Cadet, having locked his knees and cut off his circulation, faints. Finally, Cadet Commander Cody inspects Charlie.
CADET COMMANDER CODY
Cadet, your sideburns are too long.
CHARLIE
Sir, I have low ears, sir.
Some of the Cadets smile. Cadet Commander Cody rolls his eyes and moves on. At the end of the line, he barks at the Cadets.
CADET COMMANDER CODY
Cadets, platoon formation!
The Cadets form a platoon formation, three cadets wide and six cadets deep. Charlie and his friends are in a middle row.
CADET COMMANDER CODY
You know the rules. If you turn the wrong way, you owe me five push ups.
A song about a young soldier by a girl group (e.g., The Shirelles’ “Soldier Boy”) plays in the background.
CADET COMMANDER CODY
Forward, march. Hup, two, three, four. (beat) Column left. (beat) Column right.
Cadets start marching but soon random Cadets are screwing up and then doing push ups all over the field and running to get back into formation. Cadet Commander Cody shakes his head and mumbles to himself.
CADET COMMANDER CODY
Our future office corps. Jesus!
At the end of practice, as the Cadets are returning their rifles to the rack, the Cadets speak.
CHARLIE
You guys want to come over and watch the draft lottery tonight?
CADET #3
Why? Are you thinking of being “undrafted”. Or leaving for Canada.
CHARLIE
Come on. The bro’ will be buying drinks for the cannon fodder with birth dates drawn early.
Cadet #3 smiles.
CADET #3
Will you have food?
Charlie nods and smiles.
CADET #3
You talked me into it.
Charlie and his friends pile back into the Packard.
INT. OMEGA OMEGA OMEGA FRATERNITY HOUSE – EVENING #7#
A blues song bemoaning bad-luck (e.g., Albert King’s or Cream’s “Born under a Bad Sign”) plays softly in the background.
The crowd of FRATERNITY BROTHERS in the chapter room is rowdy. A TV flickers on a card table. Another, longer table serves as a bar. Charlie, in civies, is sitting in the back row of folding chairs with his Best Friend, holding a can of cheap beer, e.g., Pabst Blue Ribbon.
TV REPORTER
In minutes, the first U.S. draft lottery since the Second World War will begin. Over 48,000 Americans have died in this very unpopular war so far.
The TV shows large, blue-gray, plastic capsules being pulled out of a deep glass jar one at a time by an OLD DUDE in a suit. Each time a capsule is pulled, it is opened and the birth date and draft order are announced by a SELECTIVE SERVICE OFFICIAL and posted on a large board next to its draft number by an ASSISTANT.
SELECTIVE SERVICE OFFICIAL
September 14; zero, zero, one. (beat) April 24; zero, zero, two.
Charlie groans, Cadet #3 (also in civies) pats him on the back, and the Crowd cheers.
BROTHER #2
Buy that man a drink.
Another Brother hands Charley a beer.
A TV REPORTER comments on the results.
TV REPORTER
The Selective Service has announced that draft-age men with draft numbers in the lower third who do not have deferments will be drafted next year.
BEST FRIEND
Condolences, Charlie.
Charlie smiles back weakly.
CHARLIE
That’s future Second Lieutenant Stone to you.
BEST FRIEND
At least we still have our undergraduate deferments for a while.
The lottery continues into the evening. Everyone is drinking heavily and Charlie is tipsy.
SELECTIVE SERVICE OFFICIAL
April 25; three, fifty, one.
Charlie turns to his Best Friend who is beaming.
CHARLIE
I wish MY mom had held out for one more day.
Charlie lights up a doobie and stumbles off.
EXT. UNIVERSITY QUAD – DAY #8#
An anthem for dope smokers (e.g., John Prine’s “Illegal Smile” or Commander Cody’s “Down to Seeds and Stems Again”) is playing in the background.
Charlie is walking his Piglet on campus again, lost in thought. He smiles as GIRLS crowd around.
Charlie walks by but does not notice three dark-haired GREEK WOMEN dressed in black academic robes and the music fades. They point toward Charlie and intone/chant to the audience.
GREEK WOMEN
(to the audience)
Our hero’s life is now on hold, until he finds out if he’ll grow old. He’s treading water for all to see, but he’ll find out soon what is to be.
INT. OMEGA OMEGA OMEGA DINING ROOM – EVENING #9#
Two FRATERNITY BROTHERS practice their secret handshake as they enter the fraternity house dining room.
Charlie, who is already a little tipsy, makes an announcement to other Fraternity Brothers who are sitting at two long tables in the dining room.
CHARLIE
As your president, I am initiating a new tradition at Omega Omega Omega.
The Brothers HOWL like wolves.
CHARLIE
Thursday is going to be wine tasting night, starting tonight.
The Brothers HOWL like wolves again and thump their wine glasses on the tables.
Charlie and his Best Friend pull open wine bottles out of a case and place them along the tables as Charlie announces.
CHARLIE
This one is called Hearty Burgundy.
The Brothers begin pouring wine for themselves.
CHARLIE
Oh, and those of you saying in the house over the summer will note that the third floor is being rented to women.
The Brothers grin and nod as they swill.
Charlie turns to his Best Friend as he leaves.
CHARLIE
See you later. I have to go to work.
INT. PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT LABORATORY – EVENING #10#
A Northern soul song about snakes (e.g., Al Wilson’s “The Snake”) is playing in the background.
A sitting, female, 20-something RESEARCH SUBJECT #14 looks a little nervous as she watches Charlie. Charlie is wearing a white lab coat and holding a SPOTTED KING SNAKE. The Snake’s tongue flicks in and out of its mouth.
RESEARCH SUBJECT #14
Professor Zamboni says you’re from Louisiana?
Charlie nods, but does not delay.
CHARLIE
When you’re ready, I’m going to hand you this snake. Are you ready?
RESEARCH SUBJECT #14
I’m ready. I’ve been having dreams about shedding my skin like a snake.
Charlie hands the Snake to Research Subject #14 and then picks up a clip board and rapidly takes notes.
CHARLIE
Let’s see if you can hold it for a minute.
RESEARCH SUBJECT #14
OK.
The Snake slowly tries to escape but Research Subject #14 prevents it from dropping to the floor by grasping the front end of its body with her other hand. A minute goes by.
CHARLIE
You made it! I’ll put the snake back in its cage. See you next week.
The Research Subject #14 looks the snake in the face.
RESEARCH SUBJECT #14
Goodbye, Richard. See you next week. You, too, Charlie.
The Research Subject #14 gets up and leaves. Charlie furiously writes in his notes.
INT. PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT PROFESSOR’S OFFICE – DAY #11#
Charlie sits in a chair in front of the desk of PROFESSOR ZAMBONI, his boss. Professor Zamboni is middle aged and dressed in black and the hair on his head and in his goatee is dyed black.
CHARLIE
Subject #14 is ready for you to hypnotize.
PROFESSOR ZAMBONI
Thanks, Charlie. You’re a good snake handler. By the way, I noticed in your notes that the subject reported a dream. Did you understand why she had a dream?
CHARLIE
No. I thought it was strange.
PROFESSOR ZAMBONI
She was referring to her use of LSD.
CHARLIE
Oh.
Professor Zamboni chuckles.
PROFESSOR ZAMBONI
So, no need to write that in your notes. And, also, no need to report that she calls the snake Richard. I am a behaviorist, not a Freudian psychologist.
Charlie tries to understand.
CHARLIE
OK.
PROFESSOR ZAMBONI
Carry on.
Charlie gets up and leaves.
INT. DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE – DAY #12#
Charlie walks up the staircase of the College Administration Building, hungover, and looking a little worse for wear. He knocks and enters the office of the DEAN OF STUDENTS.
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Glad you could make it, Mr. Stone. Have a seat. Do you know why you’re here?
CHARLIE
Because you asked me to come?
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Yes, I did. What is this I hear about you plan to turn your fraternity into co-educational housing over next summer?
CHARLIE
We want to bring in some money.
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Well, that is not going to happen. There is no such thing as a co-ed fraternity, although I do think I see the attraction.
CHARLIE
But we’ll put the women on the top floor where they would have their own bathroom.
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Let me repeat. That’s not going to happen.
CHARLIE
Oh, all right.
DEAN OF STUDENTS
I’m glad we’ve come to an understanding. Have a nice day.
The Dean looks down at his deck and waves Charlie away. Charlie leaves.
EXT. BEACH – NIGHT #13#
Charlie and his Best Friend are smoking dope on a beach. The moon is full.
They take off their shoes and wander down to the water. They kick the wet sand, throwing bioluminescent phytoplankton into the air. The phytoplankton sparkle in the moonlight.
CHARLIE
How cool is that?
Charlie’s Best Friend’s eyes are sort of misty.
BEST FRIEND
Very cool.
They kick the sand some more.
BEST FRIEND
Charlie, why don’t you, we go to Canada?
CHARLIE
I just can’t do that. I’m too much of a Southern boy.
BEST FRIEND
I thought I would try, but I understand.
CHARLIE
Thanks for the thought.
Charlie gives his Best Friend a hug. His Best Friend tears up a little, but shakes it off and changes the subject.
BEST FRIEND
Are you nervous about Escape and Evasion Training?
CHARLIE
No. I just watched Cool Hand Luke.
His best friend GROANS.
INT. OMEGA OMEGA OMEGA FRATERNITY HOUSE – DAY #14#
Charlie is stuffing rolled-up baggies of weed and Zig-Zag rolling papers into the vertical aluminum tubes of his Boy Scout backpack. He then re-installs the plastic caps on the ends of the tubes.
EXT. FORT ORD ROTC TRAINING CAMP – DAY #15#
Charlie parks his car and reports to TRAINERS, who are U.S. Army sergeants, with his backpack on his back and carrying a suitcase in his non-saluting hand. He salutes when he reports.
CHARLIE
Cadet Stone reporting, sir.
The Trainers are disappointed Charlie has a hand he can salute with.
EXT. WOODS – EVENING #16#
Charlie and OTHER CADETS are sneaking through the woods. They are wearing green fatigues and their faces are painted with camouflage paint. Suddenly, they are stopped by Trainers.
TRAINER #1
Halt! You’re now our prisoners. Put your hands up!
The Other Cadets raise their hands. Charlie smirks.
CHARLIE
What’s in it for me?
Trainer #2 punches Charlie in the gut.
TRAINER #2
That’s what’s in it for you.
Charlie complies as best he can.
TRAINER #1
All of you, follow me to the road.
The Cadets fall into single file, with Charlie bringing up the rear. They walk to a dirt road.
EXT./INT. FIVE TON TRUCK – LATER #17#
The Cadets reach the road.
TRAINER #1
Get in the back of the truck.
After the Cadets comply and sit on the two benches along the sides of the truck bed, the Trainers enter the truck cab, the truck engine is turned on, and the truck proceeds down the road.
CHARLIE
What’s with this? I thought this was Escape and Evasion, not Walk in the Woods and Get Caught. I’m outta here. Who’s with me?
The other Cadets look down and are silent. Charlie jumps out of the truck and runs down the road in the opposite direction. He is not noticed, HE THINKS.
EXT./INT. JEEP – MINUTES LATER #18#
As Charlie rounds a bend in the road, an Army Jeep drives up carrying a TRAINING OFFICER and a DRIVER.
TRAINING OFFICER
Whoa there, cadet. Heard you jumped ship. Get in the back.
Charlie gets in the back of the Jeep which drives to and into a stockade.
EXT. STOCKADE – LATER #19#
An uptempo version of an irreverent folk song about not worrying, like The Goldcoast Singers’s or Paul Newman’s “Plastic Jesus” plays (from the movie Cool Hand Luke).
When the Jeep reaches a walled stockade, Charlie joins the other captured Cadets who are standing in a line. The gate to the stockade is closed. The Training Officer enters a nearby shed that is outside the stockade, leaving the Cadets with the Trainers.
TRAINER #1
As our prisoners of war, each of you must tell us the mission of your unit.
Charlie turns and whispers to the Cadets.
CHARLIE
Ooo, I’m scared.
Charlie is grabbed by the Trainers and shoved into a green plywood box in which he can neither sit nor stand. Charlie continues to taunt the Trainers.
CHARLIE
When is snack time?
Trainer #1 gets exasperated and opens the box just wide enough to drop an activated tear gas (CS) grenade into the box. He then closes and latches the box.
The grenade begins burning and fills the box and then the entire stockade with tear gas. Trainer #2 opens the stockade gate and everyone except Charlie, who is trapped in the damned box, runs coughing out of the stockade.
The Training Office hears the commotion and approaches the Trainers.
TRAINING OFFICER
What the hell?
TRAINER #1
I’m using CS to improve the attitude of the smart ass one. He is in the box.
The Training Officer looks at the box and sees CS streaming out of the box around the door.
TRAINING OFFICER
Shit! What’ve you idiots done?
The Training Officer runs over to the box and unlocks the door. Charlie falls out of the box, unconscious.
TRAINING OFFICER
Wake him up and wash him off.
The Training Officer walks off.
The Trainers slap Charlie’s face to wake him up and then strap him to a piece of plywood about one foot wide and six feet long.
TRAINER #1
Cadet, this is called a water board.
They then dunk a strapped-down Charlie, head down, into a 55 gallon drum full of water.
Every ten seconds or so the Trainers pull Charlie out of the water for a few seconds (just long enough for him to take a breath) and then plunge him back into the barrel. Finally, Charlie capitulates.
CHARLIE
I give up. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.
TRAINER #1
Looks like we’ve had a learning moment.
Charlie is released and staggers off. The trainer yells after him.
TRAINER
You need to grow up.
EXT. OMEGA OMEGA OMEGA FRATERNITY HOUSE #20#
Three uniformed FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA are leading Charlie’s Piglet out to a waiting van. Charlie sadly waves goodbye to his Piglet at the front door.
EXT. COLLEGE STADIUM – DAY #21#
Charlie takes his turn on the stage as he graduates from college. His smiling PARENTS are sitting on folding chairs in the audience.
Charlie’s DAD is wearing a cheap blue suit with an American Flag pin in the lapel. His MOM is wearing a dress and a hat and looks like Forrest Gump’s mom. She is beaming at Charlie and holding a miniature American Flag on a stick.
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Charlie Stone.
As the Dean hands Charlie his diploma, he smiles at Charlie and puts his hand over the microphone.
DEAN OF STUDENTS
I am so glad you are graduating. There goes your student deferment, huh? What’s this I hear about your cadet commander now announcing he’s a conscientious objector.
Charlie grins sardonically and walks off the stage.
INT. OMEGA OMEGA OMEGA FRATERNITY HOUSE – DAY #22#
After graduation, Charlie is sitting around smoking dope in his room again with his Best Friend. The door to Charlie’s room has a gaping hole in it where someone has kicked in a door panel. A BROTHER sticks his hand through the hole. His hand is holding a letter.
BROTHER #1
Mail call for Stone. Looks official.
CHARLIE
Give me the damn letter.
Charlie retrieves and opens the letter.
A song about going to Vietnam, like Johnny Wright’s “Hello Vietnam” or Calvin Prickett’s “I’m Going to Vietnam”, is playing.
CHARLIE
It says “Greetings. You are ordered to report for active duty.” Oh, shit.
BEST FRIEND
Sorry, bro. When do you have to report?
CHARLIE
In October. Let’s go have some fun. How about a new door?
EXT. COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING – DAY #23#
Charlie and his Best Friend are dressed in used overalls as they approach the back door of the College Administration Building. It’s after 5 pm, so few people are around.
With screwdrivers, Charlie and his Best Friend remove the building’s wooden back door and carry it between them, a long edge down, across campus, past Mem Claw and along The Row, to their fraternity house, appearing to be workmen.
INT. OMEGA OMEGA OMEGA FRATERNITY HOUSE – DAY #24#
Charlie and his Best friend step over BROTHER #4 who is passed out on the floor of the living room with a joint in his outstretched hand as they carry the new door to Charlie’s room.
Then, Charlie and his Best Friend toke up, remove the old door to Charlie’s room, and install the door they have just stolen. While the installed door is still open, they give each other a high five. When they close the door, it is a couple of inches too narrow.
CHARLIE
Oops.
They both laugh.
EXT. TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE – NIGHT #25#
Charlie’s Best Friend drops Charlie off at Travis Air Force Base. Charlie is now sporting a wispy mustache. They hug and Charlie enters the reception area. He is surrounded by scared, anonymous faces of a lot of TWENTY-SOMETHING SOLDIERS.
CUT TO:
INT./EXT. WORLD AIRLINES CABIN – DAY #26#
A song that is rockabilly-tinged evocation of doom, like Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising,” plays.
Charlie and another 150 uniformed, seated Twenty-Something Soldiers stretch to look out the windows as the airplane approaches Vietnam’s Bien Hoa Air Base.
Black puffs of smoke appear in the air at a distance outside the airplane as it enters a steep spiral downward, toward the runway.
The passengers tightly grab their arm rests and the cabin is silent as the plane lands. At that point, Charlie quips:
CHARLIE
Has our $65 a month hostile fire pay started?
That comment generates nervous CHUCKLES among some of the Soldiers.
EXT. LONG BINH POST – DAY #27#
It’s hot. Damn hot! And humid. And cloudy because it’s the monsoon season. Just about hourly, it rains like a cow urinating on a flat rock.
In country, Charlie is transported by a big green bus with the other soldiers through the gate (and under the sign of) of the largest U.S. Army post in Vietnam, Long Binh Post.
There, Charlie, who is carrying a duffle bag, is driven in a jeep by a uniformed DRIVER (19) to one of the Temporary Officers’ Quarters (called a Hooch). He does not have his Boy Scout backpack this time.
EXT. LONG BINH POST – NIGHT #28#
On a rainy night before he is supposed to report, Charlie goes out in his civies and poncho to do some exploring. He bumps into an enlisted-man DEALER (19) in a poncho under an eave who is looking for someone who sell weed to.
DEALER
Need some weed?
Charlie nods.
CHARLIE
How much?
DEALER
Five bucks for a lid plus papers.
The Dealer hands a baggie to Charlie to smell. Charlie is surprised by the low price but hands a $5 bill to the Dealer, and scores some.
DEALER
And here’s a joint to get you going.
Charlie accepts the joint and shares it with the Dealer. It is much more powerful than the weed he is used to. The Dealer smiles and walks off.
DEALER
Peace, man.
Three mysterious MAMA SANS (older Vietnamese women wearing black “pajamas” and Asian conical hats) who are burning shit in barrels (pulled out of the back doors of outhouses) point toward Charlie and intone/chant to the audience.
MAMA SANS
(to the audience)
Fire burn, and barrels bubble; there’s a soldier who faces trouble. He comes here, a war to win; but must beware of mirror men.
INT. TEMPORARY OFFICERS’ HOOCH – NIGHT #29#
A song about having nothing to do, like The Statler Brothers’ “Counting Flowers on the Wall,” is playing in the background.
Charlie enters his hooch and lies on the top bunk of a bunk bed, listening to the ceiling fans turn, CREAK, CREAK, CREAK. He falls asleep and smiles.
In the middle of the night, he wakes up to the sound of mortar shells exploding in the distance, CRUMP, CRUMP, CRUMP.
CUT TO:
INT. LIFE SUPPORT DETACHMENT OFFICE – DAY #30#
In a conference room, twin, middle-aged U.S. Army MAJORS are delivering a carousel slide presentation to a wild-eyed, old-fashioned, cigar-smoking general, General “BLOWTORCH” BOB Bunker (60), who looks like he is a grumpy nut job. He has an abrasive personality and a disdain for bureaucratic foot dragging.
There is a large map or aerial photo of Long Binh Post and vicinity on the wall.
It is hot and humid, so everyone, especially the speakers, is sweating. Archival photos of on-post recreational facilities are interspersed in the slide show.
The Majors run the Life Services Detachment (LSD) of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). The LSD is tasked with providing morale, welfare, and recreational facilities, mostly at Long Binh Post, for the two thirds of in-country U.S. army personnel in the region that are not involved in combat.
MAJOR MORTIMER DICK (MAJOR DICK #1) (50) is leading the presentation. He is the commanding officer of the unit and considers himself the boss of his brother. MAJOR RANDOLPH DICK (MAJOR DICK #2) is the executive officer and is the softer side of this odd couple.
SARGENT MAC (55), an older and wiser soldier from Hawaii, is advancing the slides in the slide projector when signaled by the speaker to do so. HAL BURTON (30), an ex-pat American VietCorp project manager, is also in the room, listening.
MAJOR DICK #1
The need for the project is illustrated on this slide. The tail to tooth ratio, the ratio of the number of support troops to the number of combat troops, for our side has historically been about 2 support troops to 1 combat troop.
Blowtorch Bob catches himself nodding off.
BLOWTORCH BOB
Sorry about that. Not getting enough sleep.
Major Dick #1 smiles.
MAJOR DICK #1
That ratio is expected to increase significantly, maybe to as high as 9 to 1, as the South Vietnamese take over combat operations. While U.S. troop numbers will decrease, the need for facilities to minimize the boredom being experienced by our rear echelon troops will only increase.
BLOWTORCH BOB
The facilities will help deal with our damned drug problems, too.
Major Dick #1 nods his head and displays another slide.
MAJOR DICK #1
First, I’d like to describe the existing military-recreational complex serving the nearly 60,000 rear echelon troops that are currently stationed here at Long Binh Post.
Major Dick #1 nods to Sgt. Mac, who advances a slide. (Public-domain photos of actual, historical facilities are interspersed with the text slides.)
MAJOR DICK #1
This slide shows that we now provide 81 basketball courts, 64 volleyball courts, 40 bars, 12 swimming pools, and 8 multipurpose courts.
Major Dick #1 nods to Sgt. Mac again.
MAJOR DICK #1
We also have 8 softball fields, 6 tennis courts, 5 craft shops, 3 football fields, 3 weight rooms, 3 libraries, and 3 service clubs.
Major Dick #1 nods to Sgt. Mac again.
MAJOR DICK #1
We have 2 miniature golf courses, 2 handball-court complexes, a running track, an archery range, a golf driving range, and a skeet range.
Major Dick #1 nods again.
MAJOR DICK #1
Finally, we have a party area, an amphitheater for movies and live shows, an unofficial brothel, a “male beauty bar” with salon services, and outdoor movies.
Blowtorch Bob has drifted off to sleep again.
MAJOR DICK #1
Now I’ll turn the presentation over to my executive officer who will describe our current project.
Major Dick #2 displays another slide and Sgt. Mac “accidentally” slaps a ruler on a table. Blowtorch Bob snaps awake.
MAJOR DICK #2
Thanks, Mortimer. General, our current project involves building a recreational lake.
Major Dick #2 displays another slide that shows the proposed lake on a map.
MAJOR DICK #2
The recreational lake will be about 1,690 acres in size, which is equivalent to about two and a half square miles. It will be equipped with four ski boats for pulling water skiers and large mouth bass will be planted to allow bass fishing.
BLOWTORCH BOB
It’s about time you initiated this project! I see it as critical in creating a Six Flags over Saigon!
MAJOR DICK #2
Thank you, sir. The project is being carried out under a design-build contract by VietCorp. The project manager, Hal Burton, is here in case you have any technical questions.
Hal Burton raises his hand and smiles to indicate who he is. Blowtorch Bob eyeballs Hal crustily and turns to Major Dick #1.
BLOWTORCH BOB
So, you are not using Burn & Loot?
MAJOR DICK #1
No, sir. VietCorp’s bid was better.
BLOWTORCH BOB
OK, don’t let their bureaucracy slow you down.
MAJOR DICK #1 AND MAJOR DICK #2
We won’t, sir.
BLOWTORCH BOB
We’ll see.
Blowtorch Bob rises and leaves. Major Dick #1 speaks to his twin.
MAJOR DICK #1
Don’t be concerned about the General’s falling asleep. He has begun sleeping in a different hooch every night because he’s sure he’s gonna get fragged.
The Majors smile.
INT. TWIN MAJOR’S HOOCH – EVENING #31#
The Major’s living arrangement is very comfortable. The room is air conditioned with a bar at one end. The Majors are sitting in stuffed armchairs, holding hard liquor cocktails. Major Dick #2 is wearing a kitchen apron over his uniform and has a tiny umbrella in his drink. The Majors are cat people. Major Dick #1 is stroking their purring CAT.
MAJOR DICK #1
A toast to the Army’s “up or out” retention policy: may it rot in hell!
The Majors clink their glasses.
MAJOR DICK #1
Fifteen years of service and next year we’ll be drummed out just because they don’t want to promote us.
MAJOR DICK #2
The Army is littered with majors. Damn Nixon for Vietnamization of the war! Doesn’t he understand, it’s the only war we’ve got?
MAJOR DICK #1
Oh, well. At least we have a six months left to fund our retirement before DEROS.
The Majors clink their glasses again.
MAJOR DICK #2
When do we receive our next retirement contribution?
MAJOR DICK #1
Hal will put another $100,000 in $20 bills in the briefcase as soon as we select another Shake and Bake patsy to be our bag man.
MAJOR DICK #2
We are interviewing newby lieutenants tomorrow, right?
MAJOR DICK #1
Correct. Let’s get some sleep. We want to select another one that’s dumb or distractible. Preferably, both.
CUT TO:
INT. NEWBY OFFICER’S HOOCH – DAY #32#
A song about being born to powerful parents, like Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” plays.
Charlie is sitting in his hooch, stoned, reading one of his old Playboy magazines, and listening to music. ANOTHER LIEUTENANT approaches him.
ANOTHER LIEUTENANT
Weren’t you supposed to report for an interview today?
CHARLIE
That’s on Tuesday.
ANOTHER LIEUTENANT
It IS Tuesday.
He has Charlie’s attention now! Charlie jumps up.
CHARLIE
What time is it?
ANOTHER LIEUTENANT
Oh nine hundred.
CHARLIE
Oh, shit.
Charlie throws on his uniform, grabs his personnel file, and runs toward the door. The Other Lieutenant hands him a jelly doughnut.
ANOTHER LIEUTENANT
Have some breakfast.
EXT. 90TH REPLACEMENT BATTALION – LATER #33#
A song about serving at Long Binh Post plays, e.g., Johnny Cash’s “Singin´ in Viet Nam Talkin´ Blues.”
Charlie is stoned and eating his jelly doughnut as he stands in line at the administration tent of the 90th Replacement Battalion to find out what his assignment is.
Some red jelly drips on the front of his uniform shirt and he does not notice.
Finally, he enters the tent and is directed by a UNIFORMED GUARD to a uniformed SPEC/4 clerk who is wearing love beads and rose-colored sun glasses, and is stoned, too.
SPEC/4
Name and last four.
CHARLIE
Charlie Stone, 0679.
The Spec/4 sees the jelly on Charlie’s shirt and can tell by Charlie’s demeanor that Charlie is stoned. The Spec/4 smiles and winks.
SPEC/4
Peace man. Nice name.
CHARLIE
Thanks. I hope you can find me a job where I can use my college engineering degree.
SPEC/4
Say no more. You’re in luck. Two majors are interviewing all newly-arrived lieutenants this afternoon to select one for an engineering job on post.
CHARLIE
Great! Where do I report?
SPEC/4
Life Services Detachment office. Ask the bus driver out front where to get off.
Spec/4 winks again.
SPEC/4
I won’t send any other guys over there.
CHARLIE
Thanks!
Charlie leaves with a big smile on his face.
INT. LIFE SERVICES DETACHMENT OFFICE – LATER #34#
A song about LSD, like the Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” plays.
Charlie is still a little stoned and is eating the remnants of his jelly doughnut that he tosses into the first trash can he sees.
Charlie reports to Sgt. Mac in the cramped lobby of the Life Services Detachment (LSD) office for an interview. Sgt. Mac is sitting at his desk.
CHARLIE
Lt. Stone reporting for an interview, sergeant. Here is my personnel file.
Charlie gives his file to Sgt. Mac.
SGT. MAC
Have a seat. I’ll let the Majors know you’re here.
Sgt. Mac knocks on the door to the Major’s office and enters, carrying Charlie’s personnel file. Then Sgt. Mac returns and sits silently at his desk.
A few minutes later Major Dick #2 opens the door.
MAJOR DICK #2
Come on in Lt. Stone.
Charlie walks in and salutes to Major Dick #1 who is seated at this desk and informally returns Charlie’s salute. Major Dick #1 is looking through Charlie’s personnel file. Major Dick #2 is standing.
MAJOR DICK #1
I see you have a degree in engineering and have taken a construction management course.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
MAJOR DICK #1
Could you step back into the lobby for a minute while my colleague and I discuss the situation?
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
Charlie steps out.
MAJOR DICK #1
Lackluster academic credentials. Clueless. One day in Vietnam and he’s already stoned. I think he’s our man.
MAJOR DICK #2
I agree. Shall I invite him back in?
Major Dick #1 nods his head.
Major Dick #2 opens the door.
MAJOR DICK #2
Come on in.
Charlie obliges.
MAJOR DICK #1
We want to offer you the job of Liaison Officer for a construction project we are starting.
MAJOR DICK #2
The project involves construction of a recreational lake.
Major Dick # 2 points out the locations of the project on a map on the wall. Charlie looks a little nervous.
MAJOR DICK #1
Actually, all the work is being performed by a military contractor, VietCorp. Your job will be strictly ceremonial.
Charlie is trying to think.
MAJOR DICK #2
Sleep on it and let us know in the morning.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
Charlie salutes the Majors and leaves.
INT. TEMPORARY OFFICERS’ HOOCH – EVENING #35#
Charlie and Another Lieutenant are drinking beer after dinner.
CHARLIE
The job looks quite challenging. I hate to think about how much money is being spent on a fake lake.
ANOTHER LIEUTENANT
Let’s see. Wasting the army’s money or getting shot at? Pretty tough decision.
CHARLIE
You’re right. I’ll go for it.
INT. LIFE SERVICES DETACHMENT OFFICE – MORNING #36#
Charlie reports back to the Majors.
CHARLIE
Good morning, sirs.
MAJOR DICK #1
Good morning to you, lieutenant. How about our offer?
CHARLIE
I think I can handle the job. My answer is Yes.
The Majors smile.
MAJOR DICK #1
Great! That’s your desk over there. Sgt. Mac will help you move your belongings to your permanent hooch.
CHARLIE
Thank you, sir.
MAJOR DICK #1
I should have mentioned that if the lake is not ready within six months, you will be transferred to the field.
Charlie nods, thinking. As Charlie and Sgt. Mac leave, Charlie glances at a tear-off CALENDAR on Sgt. Mac’s desk. The date is 13 NOVEMBER.
So, Charlie accepts the assignment and he enters the new world of “being in charge” of a colossal construction project that he does not know is a boondoggle. Can he save himself?
INT. JUNIOR OFFICER’S HOOCH – DAY #37#
Charlie and Sgt. Mac carry Charlie’s foot locker into a junior officers’ hooch. The hooch has two bedrooms and a common area which is full of electronic equipment.
SGT. MAC
There you go, lieutenant. Your hooch-mate appears to be a techie. See you tomorrow.
Sgt. Mac leaves.
Charlie is unpacking when his slightly older, mad scientist roommate, CAPTAIN EMMETT “DOC” LATHROP (25), rushes in, along with his DOG, “EINSTEIN.” Doc Lathrop has the required shock of light hair and is wearing an unbuttoned lab coat over his uniform. Doc is somewhat innocent and very enthusiastic.
CHARLIE
I’m your new roommate. Name’s Charlie.
DOC LATHROP
Welcome to The Nam. They call me Doc.
Doc points to his dog, who is very friendly.
DOC LATHROP
That’s Einstein.
Charlie offers his hand to Doc and then pets Einstein on the head.
CHARLIE
I see you’re into electronics.
DOC LATHROP
I’m working on a couple of very interesting research projects. One is the Bugging the Battlefield project. The other is the Make Mud, Not War project.
Charlie does not understand.
CHARLIE
What is Bugging the Battlefield all about?
DOC
We developing sensors that can listen for enemy troop movements and even record enemy conversations along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
CHARLIE
Oh, I’m going to be project liaison for construction of a recreational lake on post.
DOC LATHROP
Good grief! Is the Army still building recreational facilities?
CHARLIE
That’s what they tell me. By the way, mind if I do a little weed?
DOC LATHROP
Smoke to your heart’s content. I’m a short timer. (dreamily) I’ll be back in the World soon.
CHARLIE
Good. I plan to stay stoned my entire tour, if possible. It’s worked out for me so far.
DOC LATHROP
Watch out for the MP “Courtesy Patrols” here on base. I’m always catching crap for the condition of my uniform and the length of my hair. Luckily, I outrank them. I give them crap on my pirate radio station, just for fun.
Charlie plonks down on a card table the Playboy magazines we saw earlier.
CHARLIE
Thanks for the warning. I’m going to do a little exploring.
Charlie leaves and walks by Mama Sans burning shit who intone/chant to the audience.
MAMA SANS
(to the audience)
Has he dodged a bullet? Maybe not. But let us tell you what he’s got: a sideways glance from a pretty girl, that may just complicate, his new world.
EXT./INT. DU DROP INN RED CROSS RECREATION CENTER – LATER #38#
A song about a guy falling for a girl, like The Beach Boy’s “Good Vibrations,” plays.
Charlie begins exploring his surroundings on foot. Seeing that it is air conditioned, he enters the Du Drop Inn Red Cross Recreation Center. He is welcomed by a beautiful Donut Dolly, AMY ARCHER (20), an African American who is wearing her uniform, a powder blue A-line dress. She looks at his name tag.
AMY ARCHER
Welcome, Lt. Stone. Are you new to these parts?
Her work partner, DONUT DOLLY #2, waves hello. Donut Dolly #2 is packing a duffel bag with quizzes, flashcards, and other homemade games for boosting morale and combating boredom among American troops in the field.
Charlie is amazed to meet an American woman in Vietnam.
CHARLIE
Brand new. What are you two doing here?
AMY ARCHER
After graduating from Mills College, I volunteered for the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas program. I’ll be here 12 months, like you. I work in this rec center most of the time when I am not visiting fire bases.
There is chemistry between them, but Charlie is not aware of it, yet.
CHARLIE
The air conditioning is great.
AMY ARCHER
We have a pool table and lots of games.
Charlie notices a Military Police (MP) lieutenant, LT. DAN STRAIGHT, sitting at a table putting together a plastic model of an airplane. Lt. Straight is a tall and muscular African American with a square jaw, sort of like a black Dudley Do-Right.
AMY ARCHER
We help troops write love letters, too.
CHARLIE
No one to write to.
Amy smiles.
AMY ARCHER
Pardon me while I pack my game bag. We’re leaving early tomorrow morning for a day trip to a fire base.
CHARLIE
I’ll be back. I’ve got more exploring to do.
Charlie leaves and Lt. Daniel Bellamy Straight, who has been listening, approaches Amy.
LT. DAN STRAIGHT
So, I guess I can’t take you out for a beer tonight.
Amy stays busy.
AMY ARCHER
That’s correct, Dan.
Lt. Straight smiles.
LT. DAN STRAIGHT
Anyway, we wouldn’t want felons on the base to figure out you work undercover for the CID. Though I would like you to do some undercover work with me one of these nights.
Amy frowns and looks stern.
AMY ARCHER
Good night, Dan.
Lt. Straight leaves.
INT. LIFE SERVICES DETACHMENT OFFICE – MORNING #39#
Charlie reports for his first day at his new job, a little late. Only the Majors are there when he reports.
MAJOR DICK #1
Good morning, Lt. Stone.
CHARLIE
Good morning, sir.
MAJOR DICK #1
How’s the jet lag? We’re 15 hours different from the West Coast.
CHARLIE
I’ll survive, sir. Thanks for asking.
MAJOR DICK #1
Here’s the key to the lock on your jeep. It’s parked outside. The lieutenant you’re replacing wants a word with you, and a ride to the airport.
CHARLIE
Glad to, sir.
MAJOR DICK #1
He’s visiting a friend off post. Here’s a map.
Major Dick #1 hands Charlie a map.
CHARLIE
Got it, sir.
Charlie leaves.
Major Dick #1 winks to Major Dick #2.
MAJOR DICK #1
Joy will be distraction numba one.
The Majors laugh.
EXT./INT. CHARLIE’S JEEP – DAY #40#
Charlie follows the map off-post to his destination, driving on Saigon streets that are crowded with VIETNAMESE riding bicycles and motorbikes. It’s Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride all over again.
INT. OFF-BASE HOME – DAY #41#
Charlie knocks on the door and it is answered by JOY, a beautiful, smiling, but no-nonsense Vietnamese woman, in a form-fitting silk dress.
JOY
You Charlie Stone?
CHARLIE
Yes ma’am.
JOY
Come in.
She leads him to the living room. There Charlie is greeted by GUY, the lieutenant he is replacing. Guy is naked under a silk smoking jacket and is clearly living with Joy. Charlie and Guy shake hands.
GUY
Welcome to the air conditioned jungle.
CHARLIE
Thanks. Any words of wisdom?
His back to Charlie, Guy smiles at Joy and begins to change into his uniform.
GUY
Well, I suggest you learn to appreciate being assigned to this job.
Charlie nods and smiles.
GUY
And Joy here will be needing someone to take care of her after I leave.
Charlie is a little confused. He looks at Joy, then at Guy, then at Joy, then at Guy.
GUY
Joy is a military contractor. She supervises the 400 Steam and Cream workers on post.
Charlie looks more than a little confused.
GUY
Four hundred women work at the on-post Long Binh Steam Bath. They’re called Steam & Cream workers by the troops.
CHARLIE
Oh, I get it.
GUY
You’re Joy’s immediate boss.
Joy smiles at Charlie.
CHARLIE
O. (beat) K.
GUY
You are also in charge of personally carrying change order paperwork between the off-post VietCorp office and the Majors. Here is the briefcase to use for that. It’ll be locked and you won’t have the combination.
Charlie accepts the briefcase from Guy and looks it over. It is a Zero Halliburton brand brushed-aluminum model.
GUY
The VietCorp projects are pretty much on autopilot and won’t take up much of your time. So, enjoy. Or maybe I should say (air quotes) “in Joy.”
Charlie nods but doesn’t quite understand.
GUY
Let’s go.
Guy slaps Joy’s butt and then gives Joy a kiss. Charlie smiles at her, and Guy and Charlie leave.
INT./EXT. CHARLIE’S JEEP – DAY #42#
It is late in the afternoon when Charlie pulls his jeep up to this hooch. He looks down the street, changes his mind and drives over to the Du Drop Inn. He takes the briefcase in with him.
AMY ARCHER
We’ve got to stop meeting like this.
Charlie smiles.
CHARLIE
I thought you volunteered for this job.
Amy smiles back, until she sees the briefcase. She stiffens and then quickly recovers.
AMY ARCHER
Nice briefcase.
Charlie is proud of his new job.
CHARLIE
Part of my new job. I’m going to carry important paperwork in it.
AMY ARCHER
New job?
CHARLIE
Yeah. I’m working for these twin majors who run the Life Services Detachment down the street.
AMY ARCHER
You’re their new Shake and Bake?
CHARLIE
That’s me. I’m in charge of construction of some new recreational facilities here.
AMY ARCHER
Hummmm. Maybe you can give me a tour sometime.
CHARLIE
How about right now?
AMY ARCHER
Can’t. I’m bugging out to another fire base. So, some other time?
Charlie smiles.
CHARLIE
Yes ma’am.
Amy leaves and after a moment Charlie leaves.
INT. LIFE SERVICES DETACHMENT OFFICE – DAY #43#
Charlie is sitting at his desk, reading past progress reports.
Sgt. Mac is typing on a Vietnam-era typewriter, very slowly with his index fingers, and without much luck. At intervals, Sgt. Mac frowns, pulls a sheet out of his typewriter, crumples it, and tosses it into a pile of crumpled sheets on the floor.
Hal Burton arrives and walks over to Charlie.
HAL BURTON
Lt. Stone, welcome. I’m Hal Burton.
Charlie stands and puts out his hand which Hal shakes.
HAL BURTON
Call me Hal.
CHARLIE
Good to meet you.
HAL BURTON
I’d like to show you my favorite Saigon bar this evening, if you have time.
CHARLIE
Love to.
HAL BURTON
Pick you up at 1900 hours. Wear your civies.
CHARLIE
See you then.
Hal leaves and Sgt. Mac turns to Charlie.
SGT. MAC
Looks like you are going to get to see Hal’s small organ.
Charlie furrows his brow and Sgt. Mac smiles.
SGT. MAC
You’ll like it.
Charlie has a confused look on his face.
CUT TO:
INT. CID OFFICE – DAY #44#
Amy enters the back door of a building with a misleading ACCOUNTING COMMAND sign out front. She slips into the first room on the right. AMY’S BOSS, a major, is reading at his desk.
AMY ARCHER
Captain Archer reporting, sir.
AMY’S BOSS
Cool your jets, Archer. What’ve you got for me.
AMY ARCHER
The twin majors have a new lieutenant working for them. His name is Charlie Stone. I can’t tell if he’s dirty yet.
AMY’S BOSS
How about you make friends with Lt. Stone? Find out what he knows.
AMY ARCHER
Wilco, sir.
AMY’S BOSS
Get out’a here.
Amy backs away, does an about-face, and leaves.
EXT. OUTSIDE DU DROP INN – DAY #45#
Lt. Straight intercepts Amy on the sidewalk outside her workplace. He addresses her as he dismounts his jeep.
LT. STRAIGHT
Amy, hold up.
Amy turns toward him. She is pleasant, but not beaming.
AMY ARCHER
Hi, Dan.
Lt. Straight walks up to her.
LT. STRAIGHT
I haven’t seen you around. How are you doing?
Amy is diplomatic, but not interested.
AMY ARCHER
I’ve been busy. I’m fine.
LT. STRAIGHT
When can I take you out for a drink?
AMY ARCHER
Maybe in a couple of weeks. I have a lot on my plate right now.
LT. STRAIGHT
Can I help?
AMY ARCHER
Thanks, but no, Dan. I have to get ready for a trip to a fire base.
LT. STRAIGHT
Work, work, work. And no play.
AMY ARCHER
That’s me. See you, Dan.
Amy walks into the Rec Center and Lt. Straight drives off.
CUT TO:
INT./EXT. HAL BURTON’S JEEP – NIGHT #46#
Hal Burton stops his jeep in front of Charlie’s hooch and sounds the HORN. The passenger seat is empty and a plain, varnished wooden box just about fills the rear bench seat. Charlie emerges from his hooch wearing jeans, a nice collared shirt, and his dress black shoes. He swings into the passenger seat.
CHARLIE
Thanks for the hospitality.
HAL BURTON
No problemo. Hold on. Saigon traffic is something.
The jeep careens through the streets of Saigon.
CHARLIE
What’s in the back.
HAL BURTON
That’s my box organ. We’re going to the Cosmos Bar near the American Embassy. Lots of civilians carouse there. I play my box organ. Other guys sing or play other instruments.
CHARLIE
Cool.
The jeep arrives at the Cosmos Bar. Hal chains the jeep to a lamp post.
INT. COSMOS BAR – NIGHT #47#
The smoky bar is in full swing when Hal and Charlie arrive. A raucous acoustic folk song (e.g., one from the DVD of the program Kris Kristofferson hosted on Austin City Limits, IN COUNTRY: Folk Songs of Americans in the Vietnam War) is being performed live. The audience is singing along.
VIETNAMESE WAITERS help Hal carry his box organ to the informal stage. Hal talks into Charlie’s ear.
HAL BURTON
Mostly CIA here tonight.
Hal tosses his head toward the performers.
HAL BURTON
Those CIA guys are known as The Cosmos Tabernacle Choir.
Charlie grabs a seat and orders a beer while Hal sets up his organ and begins playing along. Hal orders and begins drinking a mixed drink.
INT. COSMOS BAR – LATER #48#
The crowd has thinned. Hal joins Charlie at his table. They are both pretty sloshed.
HAL BURTON
We’d better head out. Don’t want you to be late to work tomorrow.
CHARLIE
It’s been fun. Thanks for bringing me along.
HAL BURTON
One of these days, I’ll bring you home to meet my wife.
Charlie is amazed.
CHARLIE
Your wife is here?
HAL BURTON
Well, I have a wife here, one in the Philippines, and one back in the World.
CHARLIE
Oh.
That’s a little much for Charlie to comprehend at his stage of inebriation. He helps Hal carry the box organ out to Hal’s jeep.
HAL BURTON
I have to pick up a couple of live lobsters on the way home. Help me remember.
They stop at a fish market and Charlie notices lots of lobsters in aerated tanks.
EXT. OUTSIDE CHARLIE’S HOOCH – NIGHT #49#
Charlie is standing outside his hooch in his uniform and finishing a joint when an MP jeep pulls up. It’s Lt. Straight and his PARTNER, who is driving. Charlie snuffs out and eats the roach. Lt. Straight rolls out of the jeep and walks up to Charlie and smiles as he looks at Charlie’s name tag.
LT. STRAIGHT
Lt. Stone, we’ve had reports of marijuana smoke in this vicinity.
Charlie swallows the roach.
CHARLIE
Haven’t noticed it myself.
LT. STRAIGHT
Smoking marijuana is a punishable offense, so please let us know if you see it happening.
Charlie looks at Lt. Straight’s name tag.
CHARLIE
Will do, Lt. Straight.
LT. STRAIGHT
Aren’t you the guy I saw talking with Captain Archer in the Rec Center?
CHARLIE
That’s me.
LT. STRAIGHT
Just so you know, Amy and I are close.
CHARLIE
Good to know. Good night, Lt. Straight.
Charlie walks toward the door of his hooch. Lt. Straight pauses for a moment and then walks back to his jeep.
INT. LIFE SERVICES DETACHMENT OFFICE – DAY #50#
When Charlie arrives at work, Major Dick #2 speaks to him.
MAJOR DICK #2
Charlie, club officers are being shipped home more rapidly than we had planned. We need for you to take over duties as the club officer of the Main Officers Club.
CHARLIE
Will do, sir. What is involved?
MAJOR DICK #2
Accounting for all the liquor sold, buying food for special occasions on the local economy, hiring entertainment, close the club after last call. That sort of thing. Sgt. Mac will help you.
Charlie smiles at Sgt. Mac.
CHARLIE
Sgt. Mac’ll keep me straight.
SGT. MAC
You’ll have lots of company. There are 40 officers’ and enlisted men’s clubs on Long Binh Post.
INT./EXT. CHARLIE’S JEEP – DAY #51#
Charlie pulls his jeep up to the VietCorp Construction Management Office in Saigon. Amy is with him. Both are dressed in their work uniforms.
Charlie uses a chain to lock his jeep to a lamp post.
INT. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT OFFICE – DAY #52#
Charlie walks into the VietCorp Construction Management Office with Amy.
About 20 male Vietnamese DRAFTERS are sitting at drafting tables with titled tops in a bullpen. Along the back wall are office doors.
A few of the Drafters are shooting spit balls at one another through straws. So many of the Drafters are smoking cigarettes and coughing, the air is hazy.
AMY ARCHER
Thanks for the tour.
CHARLIE
My pleasure.
Charlie nods his head at the closest Drafter.
CHARLIE
This is where the initial designs for the components of my project are developed and where change order documents are generated when a design change is necessary.
Amy looks around.
AMY ARCHER
There are no GIs working here.
CHARLIE
That’s right. All the design work is being performed by VietCorp under a design/build contract.
AMY ARCHER
What do you do?
CHARLIE
I monitor the contractor. One of my specific duties is to carry change order paperwork from this office to my bosses at Life Services Detachment. I use that briefcase to do that.
Charlie points to the briefcase which is sitting on a nearby table.
AMY ARCHER
There must be a lot of money involved.
CHARLIE
A lot. I wish I had a piece of the action!
Amy is confused by that statement and becomes wary. Charlie does not pick up on her wariness.
CHARLIE
Let’s visit the construction site.
EXT. LAKE CONSTRUCTION SITE – DAY #53#
A song about being enmeshed in a difficult situation, like Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You”, plays.
Charlie arrives at the recreational lake construction site with Amy in his jeep. They disembark and stand looking at the construction activity.
Hundreds of VIETNAMESE WORKERS appear to be on a break from excavating the lake using hand tools and wheelbarrows.
Not much actual excavation is going on. Most of the workers are leaning on their shovels, instead of working. A SUPERVISOR approaches Charlie.
SUPERVISOR
Lieutenant, we need more shovels.
Charlie nods.
CHARLIE
(to the Supervisor)
I’ll let Hal know.
AMY ARCHER
The lake is going to be huge, if it ever gets finished.
Charlie smiles ruefully.
AMY ARCHER
Let me give you a tour of the PX.
INT. LONG BINH POST EXCHANGE – DAY #54#
Amy and Charlie enter the Long Binh PX. It is a big as a Walmart superstore and full of the goodies twenty-something year old soldiers think they really need.
Amy points out the amenities.
AMY ARCHER
Along that wall is the shoeshine department.
SOLDIERS are having their boots shined by Vietnamese BOOTBLACKS in an unbelievably long line of elevated chairs.
They continue walking.
AMY ARCHER
That part of the store is the barbershop.
Other Soldiers are being given short haircuts by BARBERS in a long line of barber chairs. After a haircut, the Barbers strap o vibrator on each of their hands and give the Other Soldiers a shoulder massage.
CHARLIE
I was wondering where haircuts happen around here.
They continue walking.
AMY ARCHER
This is the stereo department. Great deals on reel-to-reel tape decks, amplifiers, and speakers.
Lots of 1960s and 1970s stereo equipment is being inspected by other Soldiers.
CHARLIE
Cool.
They continue walking.
AMY ARCHER
Here is the camera department. Nikon’s are particularly low priced, but you have to scrape the name off for some reason.
They continue walking.
AMY ARCHER
This is the largest department of all: the liquor department.
Charlie picks up a CASE OF BEER.
CHARLIE
Wow! What a great price. They are giving this stuff away. I want one of these.
They walk over to the many checkout lines and get in one.
Lt. Straight is standing in one of the other lines and gives Charlie the stink eye.
INT. LIFE SUPPORT DETACHMENT OFFICE – DAY #55#
Charlie is called into Major Dick #1’s office. Major Dick #1 is MUMBLING as he scrapes dog poop off the bottom of one of his shoes with an old combat knife.
MAJOR DICK #1
Damn feral dogs. Oh, Lt. Stone, how is your project coming along?
CHARLIE
Fine, sir. I got a request for more shovels which I communicated to Hal.
MAJOR DICK #1
Wonderful. We need the project completed by mid-May.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
MAJOR DICK #1
You understand the consequences if that doesn’t happen.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
MAJOR DICK #1
Good. Wen you leave, could you send Sgt. Mac in?
Charlie exits the Major’s office.
INT. OFFICERS’ CLUB – NIGHT #56#
Charlie and Doc are out for a drink. A Vietnamese barmaid, ALISON BECHDEL, is tending bar.
ALISON
Hello, boss.
CHARLIE
PBR for me.
DOC
Me, too.
CHARLIE
I’m starting to get worried about my project finishing on time.
DOC
What’s the problem?
CHARLIE
I don’t know. Lots of people are working on the job, but very little gets accomplished.
DOC
That’s normal around here.
CHARLIE
That’s not good enough. I am going to be sent into combat if my project is not completed on schedule.
DOC
Well, then, what are you going to do about it?
CHARLIE
I’m not exactly sure, but with so many U.S. units leaving, maybe it would be possible to use some of their equipment before they leave.
DOC
I have a friend in a Sea Bee unit. Maybe he can help. Let’s go sit down with him.
They leave.
EXT. SEA BEE MOTOR POOL – NIGHT #57#
Charlie and Doc visit Doc’s friend, RICK, the Sea Bee.
DOC
Rick, what’s happening?
RICK
Doc, I’m fine. We’re scheduled to return to the World in a month.
DOC
Congrats, short timer. This is my friend and hoochmate, Charlie.
Charlie and Rick shake hands.
RICK
Good to meet you. What do you do around here?
CHARLIE
I am responsible for construction of a recreational facility. Actually, I monitor VietCorp’s work on the project.
RICK
Good luck with that. VietCorp appears to have lost the ability to get anything done, if they ever had it.
CHARLIE
That’s definitely been my experience so far. If I could just get my hands on some earth-moving equipment.
RICK
I think I can help you with that. Actually, I was looking for someone to take it off my hands. Over the war, we have accumulated excess, undocumented equipment that we can’t bring back to the States.
CHARLIE
Sounds interesting. What kind?
RICK
Two scrapers, two backhoes, and a bulldozer. The Vietnamese operators are still around, but I don’t have any money to pay them these days.
CHARLIE
I think I can get a hold of some cash. How much would I need?
RICK
About $100 per work week, including fuel.
CHARLIE
Let me work on that.
They shake hands again.
DOC
Thanks, Rick. Better than digging trenches and burying the damn things before we leave, like everybody else. Right?
INT. MAIN OFFICERS CLUB – DAY #58#
Charlie and Sgt. Mac are behind the bar at the Main Officers Club. Sgt. Mac explains to Charlie how the club operates.
SGT. MAC
Each night, after last call, an accounting of all liquor sold is performed. These marked sticks are used to measure how many shots are left in each hard liquor bottle.
Sgt. Mac hands Charlie one of the sticks and Charlie examines the stick.
SGT. MAC
Similarly, the remaining cans of beers are counted. Then, the till is counted and cash is locked in a safe. The amount of income is supposed to match the amount of liquor sold, less spillage, on a daily basis.
CHARLIE
What do you mean by spillage?
SGT. MAC
Come out back and I’ll show you.
Charlie accompanies Sgt. Mac to the alley behind the club. There, Sgt. Mac. picks up an empty scotch bottle and throws it against the wall, where it breaks.
SGT. MAC
Oops. That’s spillage.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – DAY #59#
Amy takes Charlie to a baseball game which has not started yet. They both realize they are on a “date.”
CHARLIE
Who’s who?
Amy points to one team after another.
AMY ARCHER
Well, the guys with dirty uniforms are the Grunts. They are the favorites. The guys with the clean uniforms and shiny boots are the REMFs.
CHARLIE
What’s a REMF?
Amy whispers in Charlie’s ear.
AMY ARCHER
Rear Echelon Mother Fucker. That would be your team.
CHARLIE
For now. So, no Juicers versus the Stoners, or Lifers versus the Draftees?
AMY ARCHER
That would be a little too much reality for the military.
CHARLIE
I see.
They watch the game for a while.
AMY ARCHER
What do you mean by “for now?”
CHARLIE
Well, my bosses have given me six months to get my project finished. If I don’t, I become a grunt.
Amy grabs Charlie’s arm from the side, pulls him close, gives him a peck on the cheek, puts her head on his shoulder, and has a dreamy look I her eyes.
INT. DEW DROP INN RED CROSS RECREATION CENTER – DAY #60#
Amy and Donut Dolly #2 are sitting around talking.
DONUT DOLLY #2
I saw you and Charlie at the baseball game.
AMY ARCHER
Our first date.
DONUT DOLLY #2
It didn’t look like a first date to me. You looked smitten.
AMY ARCHER
It was that obvious?
DONUT DOLLY #2
Yes. You’d better check him out. Remember who he’s replacing.
AMY ARCHER
You’re right. I will.
INT. CHARLIE’S JEEP – NIGHT #61#
Charlie is driving his jeep from the VietCorp office to the Life Services Detachment office. He has his briefcase with him.
Suddenly, a CHILD walks out into the road, forcing Charlie to crash into the back of another jeep that is parked on the side of the road.
CHARLIE
Shit!
Charlie’s briefcase slams into the dashboard and springs open. Charlie sees that it is full of packets of $20 bills.
CHARLIE
Oh, shit!
A song about compromises, like John Prine’s The Great Compromise, plays.
Charlie quickly closes and relocks the briefcase. Then, he backs his jeep up and drives off.
INT. MAIN OFFICERS CLUB – DAY #62#
Amy walks into the Main Officer’s Club in her civies and sits down at the bar. Alison is tending bar.
ALISON
What can I get you?
AMY ARCHER
A cold beer.
Alison delivers the beer.
AMY ARCHER
Say, who is Joy hanging around with these days?
ALISON
I’m her #1 girlfriend. You interested in her?
AMY ARCHER
No, no. I was just curious.
ALISON
Just me for now.
INT. LIFE SUPPORT DETACHMENT OFFICE – DAY #63#
Charlie arrives at the office and hands his briefcase to Major Dick #1 like nothing out of the ordinary has happened.
MAJOR DICK #1
Thanks, Lt. Stone. I will review the change orders.
Blowtorch Bob rushes into the office and collars Charlie.
BLOWTORCH BOB
Lt. Stone, I have a job for you.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir. What can I do for you?
BLOWTORCH BOB
I want you to arrange for a white line to be painted down the middle of the road between here and my office in Saigon. I just got run off the damn road. A damn line would help.
CHARLIE
Will do, sir.
Blowtorch Bob leaves the office in a huff.
CHARLIE
Sgt. Mac. You heard the general. Any ideas.
SGT. MAC
Contact the Base Maintenance Office and see if they will loan you their line-painting machine and give you some paint.
CHARLIE
Great idea. I’m on it.
INT. DU DROP INN RED CROSS RECREATION CENTER – LATER #64#
Charlie enters the Du Drop Inn looking for Amy. She is there, packing a bag, as usual. Otherwise, the place is empty.
CHARLIE
Amy, I need some advice.
Amy sits down with Charlie.
AMY ARCHER
What’s on your mind?
CHARLIE
Well, I’ve made a discovery that’s very disturbing.
AMY ARCHER
And?
CHARLIE
You know that locked briefcase I carry around a lot?
Amy perks up, looks doubtful, and speaks slowly.
AMY ARCHER
I remember. Yes.
CHARLIE
Well, I had a little fender bender today. When my jeep smacked into a parked car, the briefcase popped open.
AMY ARCHER
I’m sorry to hear that. Are you OK?
CHARLIE
I’m OK, but you’ll never imagine what was in the briefcase.
AMY ARCHER
Change order paperwork?
CHARLIE
No, it was packets of $20 bills. I (beat) I think my bosses are being bribed.
Amy relaxes, breaks out in a big smile, gets up, drags him up, and plants a big kiss on Charlie’s lips. Surprised, he kisses back.
CHARLIE
What did I do?
AMY ARCHER
You showed me you’re not part of the corrupt activities I’ve been investigating.
CHARLIE
Investigating?
AMY ARCHER
We’ve suspected your bosses for a while now.
CHARLIE
Who is “we?”
AMY ARCHER
You’d better sit down.
Charlie sits down and Amy follows.
AMY ARCHER
Charlie, I’m an undercover cop.
CHARLIE
What?
AMY ARCHER
I’m not a Donut Dolly. That’s just my cover.
Charlie frowns.
CHARLIE
So, you were just using me?
AMY ARCHER
I really like you, but I was unsure whether you were in on the scheme. Now I know you’re not.
CHARLIE
I’m confused. I need some time to think.
Charlie gets up and walks toward the door.
AMY ARCHER
Charlie, don’t go. You may be in danger.
CHARLIE
Why should I trust you?
Charlie walks out the door. Amy is disappointed.
INT./EXT. CHARLIE’S JEEP – NIGHT #65#
Charlie goes for a ride on his jeep, to think. He stops at an intersection where a POLICEMAN is directing traffic. Three PRIESTS, dressed in black, are standing on the sidewalk.
PRIESTS
(to the audience)
Our boy’s a bag man, wouldn’t you know; and now he’s found a secret beau. Can they work as one to solve the crime; or will our boy have to serve time?
Charlie is waved on by the Policeman.
INT. CHARLIE’S HOOCH – NIGHT #66#
Charlie returns to his hooch. Doc is there, working on some electronic surveillance prototype.
CHARLIE
You won’t believe what just happened to me.
DOC
I’m on my third tour. Try me.
CHARLIE
Amy just told me she thought I was taking bribes from VietCorp.
DOC
Well, there is a lot of bribing going on around here.
CHARLIE
I thought she liked me.
DOC
She does like you, you idiot.
CHARLIE
I feel used.
DOC
Well, get over it. There’s a war going on. Everyone here gets used.
CHARLIE
I guess you’re right. I’ll talk to her tomorrow.
Charlie flops down on his bunk and GROANS.
DOC
You think you got problems? We just figured out there are no dogs on the Ho Chi Minh trail.
CHARLIE
Why’s that important?
Doc smiles.
DOC
Can’t tell you. Secret.
Einstein jumps up on Charlie’s bunk and licks him in the face. Charlie smiles.
INT. OFFICERS’ CLUB BAR – DAY #67#
Charlie shows up at the Officer’s Club. Joy is serving.
JOY
Welcome, boss.
CHARLIE
Thanks. How about a beer?
Joy serves Charlie a Pabst Blue Ribbon.
CHARLIE
I need your help. I need to scrounge $200 cash to give to a Sea Bee unit.
JOY
Why you have to pay Sea Bee unit?
CHARLIE
My lake construction project is behind schedule and I need to pay Vietnamese operators of Sea Bee construction equipment to catch up.
JOY
OK. You can sign paper for cash in till and another paper for spillage.
CHARLIE
Show me how.
Joy shows Charlie the forms, which he fills out and signs. Joy then places $100 in a paper bag.
JOY
Here is cash. We need food from local vendors for a party. You can buy receipts for cash, too.
CHARLIE
Great idea. Thanks, Joy.
Charlie downs his beer and leaves with the bag.
INT. SEA BEE UNIT – DAY #68#
Charlie returns to the Sea Bee Unit. Rick is repairing a piece of his equipment.
RICK
Hi there, Charlie.
CHARLIE
I want to hire your crew to help with excavation of my lake project. Here is $100 for a week of help.
RICK
Can do. When and where do we show up?
CHARLIE
West end of A Street. Monday, first thing.
RICK
We’ll be there.
They shake hands.
EXT. THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD – DAY #69#
The sun is beating down and the humidity is off the chart.
Charlie, Sgt. Mac, a Vietnamese MACHINE OPERATOR, and a Vietnamese TRUCK DRIVER are unloading a handles-operated line-painting machine from a truck. They accidentally lower the machine onto a foot of the Machine Operator, who yells loudly and jumps around on his other foot. Charlie speaks to the Machine Operator.
CHARLIE
I’m so sorry.
Then Charlie speaks to the Truck Driver.
CHARLIE
Please take him to the infirmary.
The Truck Driver nods.
SGT. MAC
Are you sure you want to do this today? You are looking a little flushed.
Charlie is sweating and has a little sun stroke going on.
CHARLIE
We can do this. How hard could it be?
SGT. MAC
You’re the boss.
Charlie pulls a rope to get the gasoline engine on the machine working, maneuvers it to the middle of the road, and points it down the road. He then flips the paint valve to the “on” position and proceeds to steer the machine along what he thinks is the middle of the road. Sgt. Mac walks ahead and directs traffic away from the middle of the road. After a hundred yards or so, Charlie stops and speaks to Sgt. Mac.
CHARLIE
Piece of cake.
They look back at the line Charlie has painted on the road and see that the line meanders back and forth around the mid-point of the road. Both Charlie and Sgt. Mac laugh. Charlie mumbles through his laughter.
CHARLIE
Darn. I need a drink.
CUT TO:
INT. CID OFFICE – DAY #70#
Amy slips into the CID Office and heads for her boss’s desk.
AMY ARCHER
Captain Archer reporting, sir.
AMY’S BOSS
What do you have for me, Archer?
Amy is smiling as she explains what she has learned.
AMY ARCHER
Lt. Stone just told me that the locked briefcase he was carrying from VietCorp to his bosses was accidentally jolted open.
AMY’S BOSS
And?
AMY ARCHER
He discovered that the briefcase contained bundles of $20 bills.
AMY’S BOSS
Interesting. Is he willing to help us nail the perpetrators?
Amy looks down a little sheepishly.
AMY ARCHER
Well, he’s sort of angry at me at his point, for working undercover and not telling him.
AMY’S BOSS
So, he’s angry at your having suspected him of being in on the scheme?
AMY ARCHER
Yes.
AMY’S BOSS
Well, see what you can do about that. We need his cooperation.
AMY ARCHER
Will do, sir.
Amy salutes her Boss, does a crisp about face, and leaves.
INT. LIFE SUPPORT DETACHMENT OFFICE – DAY #71#
Charlie walks into the LSD office. As he heads for his desk, he hears Blowtorch Bob talking with the Majors.
BLOWTORCH BOB
How’s the planning for the Bob Hope Christmas Show?
MAJOR DICK #1
We expect that our 30,000 seat amphitheater will be full to overflowing, just like last year.
BLOWTORCH BOB
I want the generals’ dinner to be special. I’m thinking lobster.
MAJOR DICK #1
It’s kind of late to order them from Maine.
Charlie walks into the meeting.
CHARLIE
Sirs, good afternoon. I think I can obtain some lobsters locally. How many do you need?
BLOWTORCH BOB
Good man. We’ll need around 100, medium sized. Live lobsters, of course.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
BLOWTORCH BOB
Use petty cash and get receipts.
CHARLIE
Will do, sir.
Charlie heads for his desk.
INT. CHARLIE’S HOOCH – NIGHT #72#
Charlie is on his bunk reading one of his old Playboy magazines when Amy KNOCKS on the door of his hooch. Charlie puts the magazine under a stack of papers and opens the door.
CHARLIE
It’s you.
AMY ARCHER
Charlie, I want to apologize.
CHARLIE
Come in.
Amy enters the hooch and Charlie offers her a chair.
AMY ARCHER
I was not hanging around you because I thought you were crooked. Your bosses are crooked and so was the guy you replaced, but I never thought you were. But, my job was to make sure.
CHARLIE
I guess I understand. You did surprise me, though.
Amy gives Charlie a kiss and smiles seductively.
AMY ARCHER
Let’s go to my place.
Charlie smiles, nods, and they leave together.
INT. AMY’S HOOCH – MORNING #73#
It’s Sunday morning. There are beer cans on the coffee table, along with Charlie’s clothes.
As the sun rises, Charlie wakes up in Amy’s bed. He rubs the sleep from his eyes. Amy is just back from taking a shower and is dressed in a pink towel and pink slippers. She is standing on the far side of her bed, wrapped in the pink towel and drying her hair with a smaller towel.
AMY ARCHER
You’re a good sleeper.
CHARLIE
Every hour I spend asleep is an hour I am not in the Army.
Charlie rolls out of bed with his back to us. Amy glances down.
AMY ARCHER
Whoa. I have to get to work.
Charlie smiles and grabs her larger towel. Amy turns and smiles back.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE – MORNING #74#
It’s Monday morning. Vietnamese Workers are clocking in for work. Charlie is standing next to his jeep at the edge of the excavation.
FLASHBACK
Charlie flashes back to kissing Amy in the nude.
END FLASHBACK
A RUMBLING SOUND is heard. TWO big yellow SCRAPERS, two BACKFOES, and a BULLDOZER are clanking up the street toward the excavation. Charlie walks over to the Supervisor and points to the earth-moving equipment.
CHARLIE
I got you a shovel.
The Supervisor smiles.
SUPERVISOR
Your shovel numba one.
CHARLIE
When the equipment gets here, let them know where you want the hole to be dug and how deep. And let them know where you want the dirt put.
SUPERVISOR
Will do.
The Supervisor walks over to an entrance to the excavation and waves at the EQUIPMENT OPERATORS.
When the Scrapers, Backhoes, and Bulldozer arrive at the entrance to the construction project, the Operators turn off their engines, jump down from their cabs, and walk over to the Supervisor. The Supervisor points and waves at the excavation while he speaks to the Operators.
Charlie watches as the Operators turn on their engines, drive into the excavation and begin scooping earth up in the First Scrapers’ bowl, with the Dozer pushing on the rear end of the First Scraper to allow it to cut deeper in the earth. When the bowl fills, the Operator drives out of the excavation and spreads the contents of the bowl where he was directed to place it. This happens over and over with the Bulldozer pushing each Scraper in turn.
The Backhoe is used to dig holes for the foundation of a fishing pier.
Charlie smiles and gives the thumbs up to the Supervisor who smiles back. The Workers happily continue to lean on their shovels.
EXT. OUTSIDE CHARLIE’S HOOCH – NIGHT #75#
Charlie stumbles out of Sgt. Mac’s jeep outside of his hooch. Charlie is pretty toasted.
SGT. MAC
Congrats again, lieutenant.
CHARLIE
Thanks, Sargent.
Lt. Straight, dressed in civilian clothes, appears from the side of the hooch.
SGT. MAC
You know that guy?
CHARLIE
Yes, it’s OK. See you tomorrow.
Sgt. Mac drives off. Charlie walks toward the front door of his hooch and Lt. Straight steps in his way. Lt. Straight is even drunker than Charlie is.
CHARLIE
How can I help you, Lt. Straight?
Lt. Straight steps closer to Charlie and is now in his face. His speech is a little slurred.
LT. STRAIGHT
I want you to leave Amy alone.
Charlie smiles.
CHARLIE
All’s fair in…
Lt. Straight grabs Charlie by the shoulders and slams him hard against the wall. Charlie is not smiling now.
LT. STRAIGHT
She’s my girl. Got it?
Charlie remains quiet.
LT. STRAIGHT
If I catch you around her any more, you’re going to spend some time in the stockade.
CHARLIE
I understand.
That satisfies Lt. Straight, who staggers off.
EXT. OUTSIDE LIFE SUPPORT DETACHMENT OFFICE – DAY #76#
Major Dick #1 is walking to his Office. Several DOGS are playing in the yard outside the office. Major Dick #1 steps in a pile of dog poop. He shakes his soiled boot and tries to rub the poop off on the ground.
MAJOR DICK #1
Damn dogs everywhere! This has got to stop.
Three ENLISTED MEN walk by and snicker.
INT. LIFE SUPPORT DETACHMENT OFFICE – LATER #77#
Major Dick #1 enters the office and calls for Sgt. Mac.
MAJOR DICK #1
Sargeant, I’ve had it. I want you to pull a detail together and shoot every damned dog on this post.
SGT. MAC
Every dog?
MAJOR DICK #1
Every dog. And dispose of their bodies.
SGT. MAC
Sir, many of the dogs are pets.
MAJOR DICK #1
Well, they are going to be dead pets.
SGT. MAC
Yes, sir.
Sgt. Mac leaves the building.
INT./EXT. SGT. MAC’S JEEP – LATER #78#
Sgt. Mac and two ENLISTED MEN are riding in his jeep which is pulling a small trailer. They are armed with M-16 rifles are driving along a road on the post when they see a dog. They don’t know it, but the dog is Einstein.
The Enlisted Men jump out of the jeep and shoot at Einstein. One of the bullets hits Einstein in the right back lower leg. Einstein cries out and runs off.
SGT. MAC
Damn!
The Enlisted Men jump back in the jeep and they pursue Einstein, but he hides under a building and evades them.
INT. MAIN OFFICERS CLUB – DAY #79#
Charlie enters the club and heads for the cash register. As he attempts to opens it, Joy grabs his arm and nods her head toward the door to the club office. They enter the office.
JOY
Boss, you got to find another way to get money for your project.
CHARLIE
Why? What’s going on?
JOY
We had an inspection. Inspector said our spillage too much. We will end up in LBJ if continue.
Charlie is confused.
JOY
Long Binh Jail.
CHARLIE
Crap! I guess it had to happen sometime. Thanks, Joy. I’ll think of another way.
Charlie leaves.
INT. CHARLIE’S HOOCH – NIGHT #80#
Charlie is relaxing on his bunk when he hears a knock on his door. He opens the door and it’s Amy.
CHARLIE
Come on in.
Amy enters and gives Charlie a kiss.
AMY ARCHER
What you doing for Christmas?
CHARLIE
One thing I’m doing is buying some live lobsters for the generals’ get together.
AMY ARCHER
And?
CHARLIE
That’s about it.
AMY ARCHER
Good. I can bring a guest to the Bob Hope Christmas Show, and you’re it.
Charlie looks a little worried.
AMY ARCHER
What?
CHARLIE
Well, I guess Dan will be busy MP’ing.
AMY ARCHER
Forget about Dan. I have.
They kiss and smile.
CHARLIE
There is no one I’d rather go to the show with.
AMY ARCHER
Good. That’s settled. See you when I get back from fire-base duty.
Amy leaves.
INT. MAIN OFFICERS CLUB – DAY #81#
Charlie enters the club. Joy is behind the bar.
CHARLIE
Joy, I need to talk with you in the back.
They walk to the back room.
CHARLIE
I need for you to act as a translator. I need 100 live lobsters for the generals on Christmas.
Joy smiles.
JOY
No problem.
CHARLIE
I also need receipts for about $500 more than I actually pay, so I can pay the equipment operators digging out my lake.
Charlie smiles sheepishly.
JOY
Gonna cost you.
Charlie smiles wider.
CHARLIE
Deal.
Charlie leaves.
EXT. SAIGON FISH MARKET – DAY #82#
Finally, Joy and the Fishmonger shake hands.
Buckets of live lobsters are loaded into a small trailer that is attached to Charlie’s jeep by two FISHMONGER’S HELPERS.
Charlie pays for the lobsters and his handed a RECEIPT by the Fishmonger.
As Charlie turns away to get into the driver’s seat of his jeep, the Fishmonger quickly hands Joy and envelope containing her kickback.
Catching a glimpse of the transaction, Charlie smiles at Joy.
INT. OFFICER’S OPEN MESS – LATER #83#
Charlie and Joy stand aside his jeep as two KITCHEN POLICE unload the lobsters.
Charlie hands his Receipt to the MESS SARGEANT and the Mess Sargeant counts out and hands Charlie the money he “spent” on the lobsters.
EXT. LONG BINH AMPHITHEATER – DAY #84#
Archival footage of the 30,000 troops at the Bob Hope Christmas Special is shown.
CGI technology is used to add Charlie and Amy to the crowd.
INT. LONG BIHN POST OFFICE – DAY #85#
Major #2 is shipping two boxes back to the World. He is being served by a POSTAL CLERK.
POSTAL CLERK
Contents?
MAJOR DICK #2
Stereo speakers.
POSTAL CLERK
What kind?
MAJOR DICK #2
Bose 901’s.
POSTAL CLERK
Those suckers are heavy.
MAJOR DICK #2
Yep.
Major Dick #1 pays the Clerk and leaves.
INT. LIFE SUPPORT DETACHMENT OFFICE – DAY #86#
Charlie is making a flip-chart presentation to the Majors about progress on the construction project. Sgt. Mac is flipping the pages. One of his flip charts shows a cross section through the middle of the project.
CHARLIE
This chart shows the original land and final bottom surface elevations along a cross-section through the middle of the lake. The dashed line is the surveyed elevation of the bottom at this time.
MAJOR DICK #1
How long has the excavation been going on?
CHARLIE
About three months, sir.
MAJOR DICK #1
So, it should be about 50% complete.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
MAJOR DICK #1
But, it’s not.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
MAJOR DICK #1
You remember our deal, right?
CHARLIE
Yes, sir. The project must be finished by the six-month point, or I’ll be transferred to the field.
MAJOR DICK #1
Glad you remembered. See what you can do to speed up the excavation.
CHARLIE
Will do, sir.
Charlie looks away from the Majors toward Sgt. Mac and frowns.
MAJOR DICK #1
Oh, and, there is another change order document we need for you to pick up at VietCorp.
CHARLIE
On my way, sir.
INT./EXT. CHARLIE’S JEEP – DAY #87#
Charlie is driving his jeep back from the VietCorp office to the LSD office.
He pulls over and stops. He picks up the briefcase and knocks it against the dashboard. It opens.
Charlie pulls a package of $20 bills out of the briefcase, counts off 50 bills and places the package back in the briefcase.
He smiles as he drives off.
INT. DEW DROP INN – DAY #88#
Amy is alone, organizing game materials at the Dew Drop Inn when Lt. Straight arrives. He confronts her.
LT. STRAIGHT
What’s going on between you and Charlie?
AMY ARCHER
Sorry, Dan. Charlie and I like each other. A lot.
LT. STRAIGHT
But, he’s a stoner.
AMY ARCHER
You know as well as I do that over a third of the guys here smoke dope.
Amy turns to leave.
LT. STRAIGHT
What about us?
AMY ARCHER
Dan, there’s been no “us” for quite a while now. I want you to move on.
LT. STRAIGHT
But, we’re both cops.
AMY ARCHER
Yes, we are. And I need your help, as a fellow cop.
LT. STRAIGHT
How?
AMY ARCHER
Charlie recently discovered that his bosses are being bribed by VietCorp. He told me about it and I told him I was already investigating the corruption as an undercover cop.
LT. STRAIGHT
You trust him? A stoner?
AMY ARCHER
We trust each other.
Lt. Straight sits down and Amy does, too.
LT. STRAIGHT
OK, what’s next?
AMY ARCHER
We still don’t have evidence about who is taking the money and what they are doing with it. So, we’re working on that. You can help by not causing trouble for Charlie.
LT. STRAIGHT
All right. I will.
INT. MAJOR’S HOOCH – NIGHT #89#
The Majors are at home for the night. Major Dick #1 is reading a coffee-table-type travel book about Europe.
Major Dick #2 is sitting at their card table counting the last installment of their ill-gotten loot and packing it in a pair of hollowed-out stereo speakers. He stares at one of the bundles of $20 bills.
MAJOR DICK #2
One of these bundles is short $1,000.
MAJOR DICK #1
That’s new. How do you think it happened?
Major Dick #2 turns to face Major Dick #1.
MAJOR DICK #2
Well, it could be that Hal or whoever he gets our cash from is taking a cut. Or it could be Lt. Stone.
MAJOR DICK #1
I’ll double check the count and then, tomorrow I’ll have a talk with Hal.
MAJOR DICK #2
Sounds like a plan.
Major Dick #2 returns to his packaging task.
INT./EXT. MAJOR DICK #1’S JEEP – DAY #90#
Major Dick #1 and Hal Burton are riding around Long Binh Post in the Major’s jeep. Major Dick #1 is driving.
MAJOR DICK #1
Hal, on another topic, one of the bundles you sent over in the briefcase was short a thousand bucks.
HAL BURTON
What? That can’t have happened. We’re very careful.
MAJOR DICK #1
Well, it did. What do you think?
HAL BURTON
It must be the bag man. I’ll ask some questions at his project site.
MAJOR DICK #1
Thanks. We need to plug the leak wherever it is. Quickly.
Major Dick #1 stops the jeep at VietCorp office. Hal Burton disembarks and heads for his jeep.
EXT. LAKE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT – DAY #91#
Hal Burton arrives at the lake construction project and is amazed to see the scrapers at work. He walks over to the Supervisor.
HAL BURTON
Where did the scrapers come from?
SUPERVISOR
Lt. Stone scrounged them from a Sea Bee friend.
HAL BURTON
Who’s paying the operators?
SUPERVISOR
Lt. Stone’s paying them $1,000 a week.
HAL BURTON
Interesting. Thanks.
Hal walks back to this jeep, starts it, and takes off.
INT. MAJORS’ HOOCH – NIGHT #92#
It’s dark outside, but the lights are on in the Majors’ hooch.
Hal is standing at the back door. He looks around and then knocks. Major Dick #2 opens the door.
HAL BURTON
I know we agreed not to meet away from our duties, but I have news.
MAJOR DICK #2
Come in.
Major Dick #2 leans out, scanning the darkness for witnesses. There are none.
Hal Burton enters the hooch. Major Dick #1 is there, too.
HAL BURTON
The supervisor on the lake project has confirmed that Lt. Stone is paying the operators of scrapers he has borrowed from the Sea Bees $100 a week.
The Majors look at one another.
MAJOR DICK #1
Well, we have our culprit.
HAL BURTON
It’s been going on for months.
MAJOR DICK #2
The question is: What do we do about it?
MAJOR DICK #1
Well, one thing we don’t do is admit to him that we know about the payments. So, we can’t confront him.
MAJOR DICK #2
But waiting is costing us big time.
HAL BURTON
I think you guys have to get rid of him.
That upsets Major Dick #2.
MAJOR DICK #2
Get rid of him! You mean kill him?
Major Dick #1 shakes his head and frowns as he looks a his brother.
MAJOR DICK #1
No, it means we get him transferred to a combat unit and let the Vietcong take care of our problem.
MAJOR DICK #2
But his trial period has not ended.
MAJOR DICK #1
Well, we know he’s a stoner. All we have to do is catch him smoking marijuana.
They all smile.
INT. AMY’S HOOCH – NIGHT #93#
Charlie and Amy are in bed, naked under a sheet, talking. Above Charlie’s bed, on the wall, is a large-print poster, s with the following words on it: “DROS 1 NOV”.
CHARLIE
Will your parents accept me, us?
AMY
It will take a little getting used to, but, yes, I think so. Yours?
CHARLIE
I’ll work on them. But, actually, I just want to be with you.
AMY
I’ll help.
They snuggle and Amy turns off the light.
A song about doing things right four or five times is playing, e.g, Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s “Four or Five Times.”
EXT. LAKE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT – DAY #94#
Charlie is excited. He is about to reach his goal.
Four ski boats, on trailers, are being unloaded from two shipping containers by Construction Workers.
Charlie peers into one of four plastic tanks situated in third refrigerated shipping container that hold hundreds of large large-mouth bass in clear, aerated water.
EXT. OUTSIDE CHARLIE’S HOOCH – EVENING #95#
Charlie is burning one outside in back of his hooch when Lt. Straight rounds the corner dressed in his MP uniform. Charlie folds his roach inside his mouth.
LT. STRAIGHT
Spit that out before you burn yourself.
Charlie complies and coughs a few times. Then smiles sheepishly.
LT. STRAIGHT
We got an anonymous call saying someone was smoking marijuana in this vicinity.
CHARLIE
A third of the base smokes marijuana.
LT. STRAIGHT
You don’t have to tell me. Anyway, Amy asked me to help you guys, so I won’t turn you in. But be more careful. Someone’s after you.
Charlie pauses for a second, then smiles.
CHARLIE
Thanks. I appreciate it.
Lt. Straight leaves.
EXT. LAKE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT – DAY #96#
It’s the big day. Charlie is on hand to watch turn on two large diesel-engine-driven pumps with intakes in the Song Cai River that discharge in the empty lake. As the diesel engines roar, the empty lake starts filling. Charlie and the Supervisor are wearing rubber knee boots.
SUPERVISOR
Numba one, huh boss?
Just as the lake fills, a large whirlpool forms in the south corner of the lake and the lake level starts dropping rapidly.
CHARLIE
What the heck?
Soon, fish are flopping in the mud at the bottom of the drained lake.
EXT. SONG CAI RIVER – CONTINUOUS #97#
Downriver, Viet Cong in black pajamas begin popping up in the river along with lots of muddy water.
INT. LIFE SERVICES DETACHMENT OFFICE – CONTINUOUS #98#
The Majors are at their desks when Sgt. Mac rushes into the office and approaches Major Dick #1.
SGT. MAC
I’ve heard there was a failure at the lake project.
MAJOR DICK #1
What do you mean by “a failure?”
SGT. MAC
The water has drained out of the lake, catastrophically.
The Majors look at one another and smile.
EXT. LAKE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT – CONTINUOUS #99#
Charlie and the Supervisor are looking at the excavation in the ground that used to be the lake. Native fish are flopping in the mud.
The Majors arrive in their jeep and call Charlie over. The Majors are smiling.
MAJOR DICK NO. 2
Lt. Stone, come over here.
Charlie trudges over to the Major’s jeep. Major Dick #11 smirks at Charlie.
MAJOR DICK #1
What lousy luck.
Charlie rolls his eyes.
MAJOR DICK #1
A deal’s a deal though, so you have 24 hours to get ready to transfer to a combat unit.
The Majors drive off. Charlie is disgusted.
Charlie and the Supervisor walk out to the hole in the lake bed that swallowed all the water.
SUPERVISOR
Looks like we tapped into an un-mapped VC tunnel complex.
CHARLIE
(wryly)
Great timing.
Charlie walks off to his jeep.
INT. CHARLIE’S HOOCH – LATER #100#
Wouldn’t you know it? It starts raining like a cow pissing on a flat rock.
Our very unhappy camper is smoking a doobie and packing his duffle bag.
EXT. LAKE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT – CONTINUOUS #101#
Three female Vietnamese Workers in black pajamas, ponchos, and conical hats intone/chant to the audience.
THREE VIETNAMESE WORKERS
(to the audience)
Our hero has failed to reach his goal, and down the river he’s been sold. Must he to this fate passively yield, or can he avoid transfer to the field?
INT. AMY’S HOOCH – LATER #102#
Charlie knocks on the door of Amy’s hooch and she lets him in. They kiss.
AMY ARCHER
Why the sad face?
CHARLIE
The lake project failed catastrophically today. I’m being transferred to the field.
Amy gives Charlie a hug.
AMY ARCHER
What happened?
CHARLIE
All the water leaked out of the lake into a VC tunnel complex and my bosses fired me.
AMY ARCHER
How was that your fault?
CHARLIE
It wasn’t. But, the Majors had apparently become aware that I was using a little of their bribe money to complete the project.
AMY ARCHER
So they know that you know they are accepting bribes?
CHARLIE
I guess so.
AMY ARCHER
I am going to talk to my boss about this development. I’ll meet you at your place.
They leave together.
INT. CHARLIE’S HOOCH – EVENING #103#
Charlie is waiting for Amy when a very angry Doc arrives carrying a bandaged Einstein.
CHARLIE
What happened?
DOC
Your bosses ordered all the dogs on the post shot. They wounded Einstein.
Doc places Einstein in his dog bed. Einstein starts to circle and then collapses with a whimper.
CHARLIE
The jerks are messing with me, too. They are transferring me to a combat unit.
Amy knocks on the door and Charlie answers it.
CHARLIE
Amy, come in.
They kiss.
AMY ARCHER
My boss couldn’t figure out how to prevent your being shipped out without cluing the Majors into our being aware of the bribery scheme.
Charlie sits down.
DOC
What bribery scheme?
CHARLIE
Remember the briefcase that I transport from VietCorp and the Majors?
Doc nods.
CHARLIE
Well, I accidentally learned that it contained packages of $20 bills, lots of them. The Majors figured out that I had nabbed some of the cash to pay the operators of equipment I borrowed from your buddy.
AMY ARCHER
Our problem is that we don’t have sufficient evidence that the Majors were being bribed to arrest them.
CHARLIE
Doc, what about using your Bugging the Battlefield equipment to catch them red handed?
Doc smiles.
DOC
I think that could work. How about we plant a listening device outside their hooch and we record their conversations about the situation?
Amy smiles.
AMY ARCHER
I’ll get my boss’s OK. Let’s do this.
Amy leaves.
EXT. LAKE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT – DAY #104#
A PLATOON of armed U.S. infantry soldiers surround the tunnel opening in the lake bed. A CAPTAIN is in command.
A small U.S. infantry soldier with a soft hat who has been trained as a TUNNEL RAT is lowered into the tunnel opening holding a specially-modified Smith & Wesson .38 pistol (known as a “Hush Puppy”), a standard Army-issued flashlight, a knife in s sheath, and one end of a roll of string held by ANOTHER SOLDIER.
INT. VIETCONG TUNNEL – DAY #105#
The Tunnel Rat’s flashlight illuminates the initial section of the tunnel which had been hand carved in dull reddish laterite clay. The tunnel has a flat floor, inwardly sloping walls, and a curved ceiling. It looks very creepy.
INT. DOC’S LABORATORY – NIGHT #106#
Doc unlocks the door of his lab, lets himself and Charlie in, and re-locks the door. Doc turns on the light and heads for and opens a closet marked “Storage.”
DOC
Here they are.
Doc grabs something that looks like a four-inch long piece of dog excrement and hands it gingerly to Charlie, who wrinkles his nose.
DOC
This sensor is called a TURDSID. It listens for ground shaking and wirelessly switches on a listening sensor when a person is near. They were developed before we found out that there are no dogs, and no dog poop, on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Oops.
Doc then grabs a 4.5 inch by 5 inch by 9 inch olive green metal box with a 1 foot long antenna protruding from its top surface and hands it to Charlie.
DOC
This listening device is called an acoustic sensor. It’ll transmit the actual voices it detects to a wireless receiver.
Doc then picks up a olive drab radio receiver.
DOC
This is the receiver. It’s called a Portatale.
Doc walks over to a workbench.
DOC
Let’s do a battery test.
Doc switches on each of the units and hooks a reel to reel tape recorder to the Portatale and switches it on. He nods to Charlie.
CHARLIE
Testing, testing.
Doc then stops the tape recorder and plays it back. They hear Charlie through Doc’s speakers.
CHARLIE
Testing, testing.
CHARLIE
It works!
DOC
Let’s go plant the TURDSID and acoustic sensor under the Major’s hooch.
They leave together carrying the equipment.
EXT. MAJORS’ HOOCH – NIGHT #107#
It is a dark and stormy night. Really, it is! Our guys have parked Charlie’s jeep about 100 feet away from the Majors’ hooch. They are carrying the equipment and whispering as they approach the hooch.
CHARLIE
I can hear them talking about me.
DOC
Me, too. The bastards.
They stop walking.
DOC
You put the TURDSID near the front steps and I’ll put the acoustic sensor under the hooch. Meet me back here when you’re done.
They split up to noiselessly accomplish their missions and they return to the rendezvous.
DOC
The tape recorder should be recording. Let’s go back to my lab and see what we’ve got.
Charlie nods. They walk back to Charlie’s jeep.
INT. DOC’S LABORATORY – NIGHT #108#
Doc and Charlie surge into Doc’s lab and listen to a headphone attached to the Portatale. Nothing. They hear nothing.
CHARLIE
Maybe they went to bed?
DOC
Let me rewind and see what we missed.
Doc rewinds the tape and then replays it.
MAJOR DICK #1
Is the left speaker full?
MAJOR DICK #2
Yeah. I’ll fill the right speaker with cash now.
We hear Major Dick #2 GRUNT (V.O.) as he move the right speaker onto their bar.
MAJOR DICK #2
What luck the lake drained so we could get rid of Lt. Stone.
MAJOR DICK #1
I can’t believe the numb nut was using our bribe money to pay equipment operators.
MAJOR DICK #2
A real loser.
MAJOR DICK #1
Our three percent share of VietCorp’s bids is really adding up. Thank God for this war. Let’s go to the club and celebrate.
MAJOR DICK #2
You talked me into it. Let me lock up the cash.
On the tape, we hear the Majors’ door SLAM (V.O.).
CHARLIE
Great! Let’s celebrate, too.
Doc grabs a doobie out of a drawer, fires it up, takes a toke, and hands it to Charlie who also takes a toke.
CHARLIE
I have an idea. Let’s crank up your pirate radio station and let the post know about the Majors.
Charlie smiles as Doc gets out and connects the components and turns the transmitter on. Speaking into a microphone, Doc disguises his voice to sound like Rod Serling’s narrator as he plays music that is similar to a part of the Twilight Zone Theme.
DOC
There is a sixth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It lies between the pit of man’s fears and the summit of his aspirations. It is an area that we here at Channel 69 call the War Zone.
Doc turns to hook the tape recorder to his transmitter.
DOC
Tonight, before we play some music, we have a special treat for you. It’s a recording of two senior officers discussing the bribes they are receiving right here on Long Binh Post. Here it is.
Doc plays the tape.
INT. STEAM AND CREAM PARLOR – NIGHT #109#
Joy is giving a naked Blowtorch Bob a massage. His lower body is under a sheet. His eyes are closed. A radio down the hall sounds.
MAJOR DICK #1
Is the left speaker full?
MAJOR DICK #2
Yeah. I’ll fill the right speaker with cash now.
We hear Major Dick #2 GRUNT (V.O.) as he move the right speaker onto their bar.
MAJOR DICK #2
What luck the lake drained so we could get rid of Lt. Stone.
MAJOR DICK #1
I can’t believe the numb nut was using our bribe money to pay equipment operators.
Blowtorch Bob sits up suddenly, his eyes wide open.
INT. AMY’S BOSS’S HOOCH – CONTINUOUS #110#
Amy’s Boss is in his hooch reading with the radio on. He hears.
MAJOR DICK #2
A real loser.
MAJOR DICK #1
Our three percent share of VietCorp’s bids is really adding up. Thank God for this war. Let’s go to the club and celebrate.
MAJOR DICK #2
You talked me into it. Let me lock up the cash.
Amy’s boss smiles an evil smile.
INT. OFFICER’S CLUB – LATER #111#
Amy and Lt. Straight enter the club and walk up to the Majors. They are both in their MP uniforms.
AMY ARCHER
Sirs, you are both under arrest for suspicion of accepting bribes.
MAJOR DICK #1
What?
AMY ARCHER
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used in evidence against you.
Major Dick #2 points at his brother.
MAJOR DICK #2
It was his idea. I told him it’d never work.
Lt. Straight handcuffs the Majors’ hands behind their backs and walks between them toward the door, holding each of them by an arm. Amy calls out after them.
AMY ARCHER
Oh, and have a happy retirement.
EXT. LONG BINH JAIL – DAY #112#
The Majors are shown peering out a horizontal slit in a shipping container marked “Welcome to LBJ.” They are not happy campers.
An ironic song like Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” plays in the background.
INT. LIFE SUPPORT DETACHMENT OFFICE – MORNING #113#
Charlie arrives at work with his duffle bag packed. He is surprised to see that Blowtorch Bob is already there with Sgt. Mac.
BLOWTORCH BOB
Lt. Stone. Come over here.
Charlie approaches Blowtorch Bob and salutes. His salute is returned vigorously.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
BLOWTORCH BOB
As you know, this unit needs new leadership. I have pulled some god-damned strings and you are it.
Charlie smiles.
CHARLIE
Thank you, sir.
BLOWTORCH BOB
You have displayed exceptional performance that clearly distinguishes you from your peers. For that reason, I have also arranged a promotion for you, Captain Stone.
Blowtorch Bob pulls a set of metal captain’s bars from his pocket and pins them over Charlie’s cloth lieutenant’s bars on his lapel. Blowtorch Bob then salutes Charlie.
Charlie is speechless but remembers to return the general’s salute. Sgt. Mac smiles as he shakes Charlie’s hand.
INT. VIETCORP OFFICE – DAY #114#
A shredder is CHOMPING away loudly as Amy and Lt. Straight enter the VietCorp office wearing their MP uniforms. They approach Hal Burton who is quickly stuffing papers a duffle bag.
AMY ARCHER
Mr. Burton, you are under arrest for bribery.
HAL BURTON
I’m innocent. This is a witch hunt.
AMY ARCHER
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used in evidence against you.
Hal hangs his head. Lt. Straight handcuffs Hal Burton’s hands behind his back. Lt. Straight whispers to Hal.
LT. STRAIGHT
FYI, the younger major is singing like a bird.
Then, they lead Hal Burton out.
INT. LIFE SUPPORT DETACHMENT OFFICE – DAY #115#
Charlie is busy reading reports.
Blowtorch Bob charges into the LSD office and seeks out Charlie.
BLOWTORCH BOB
Captain Stone. You’re now officially a hero. Your flooding out the VC tunnel system under Long Binh saved a lot of lives.
CHARLIE
What? Sir.
BLOWTORCH BOB
The tunnel system was searched. They found underground ammo dumps, kitchens, a hospital, store rooms, workshops, latrines, and even a theater for the performance of political plays.
CHARLIE
Wow! Who would’ve thought?
BLOWTORCH BOB
I have put you and Captains Archer and Lathrop in for a Bronze Star.
CHARLIE
Thank you, sir.
Blowtorch Bob turns to leave, but Charlie speaks to him.
CHARLIE
Sir, I couldn’t have pulled this off without Joy. She has told me that she and her partner would like to immigrate to the US. Can you help them do that?
BLOWTORCH BOB
Damn great idea. I will take care of it.
Blowtorch Bob turns again to leave.
EXT. LONG BINH PARADE GROUND – DAY #116#
Charlie, Amy, and Doc are seated on a raised platform at one end of the Long Binh parade ground. Standing at attention in front of the platform are the members of the MP Company assigned to Long Binh, including Lt. Straight and Amy’s Boss. Blowtorch Bob is at the podium.
BLOWTORCH BOB
At ease. It’s not often that outstanding leadership saves the lives of our troops AND exposes wrongdoing. That is the case today. I want to congratulate Captains Stone, Archer, and Lathrop for their excellent work.
Charlie, Amy, and Doc stand and approach the podium where Blowtorch Bob pins a Bronze Star medal first on Charlie and then on Amy and then on Doc.
Lt. Straight leads the company in applause.
Charlie and Amy look at one another and smile.
EXT. LAKE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT – DAY #117#
This time it’s Charlie’s turn to be the master of ceremonies. He is standing in front of the boathouse at the new recreational lake. In front of him is a CROWD of soldiers dressed in bathing suits and tee shirts.
CHARLIE
Welcome to Long Binh Lake. We hope you enjoy it. Who wants to do some water skiing?
A ROAR comes from the Crowd.
CHARLIE
OK, there are four ski boats. Form four lines and have fun. The rest of you can find fishing tackle in the boathouse.
Members of the Crowd shuffle to get in line.
EXT. BIEN HOA AIR BASE – DAY #118#
Charlie and Amy are in uniform, sitting in a row of GUYS, kissing one another. If you’re quick, you will note that Amy is wearing an engagement ring.
CHARLIE
I’m going to miss you.
AMY ARCHER
No, you won’t. You’ll be too busy eating hamburgers to miss me.
Charlie turns and walks toward the gate. Over the gate is a sign that says “The World.”
INT. MEM CHU – DAY #119#
Charlie’s and Ann’s FAMILIES are sitting in the pews.
Charlie is standing at the alter wearing his dress blue uniform. He is standing with his Best Friend who is his best man (and the Narrator) and his BEST FRIEND’s PARTNER. Joy and her partner are bridesmaids.
Then Amy walks down the aisle wearing her dress blues.
The organist plays a song like The Shirelles’ “Soldier Boy.”
EPILOGUE
MONTAGE
A song about being proud of being young plays in the background, like The Who’s “My Generation.”
During the CLOSING CREDITS, a brief freeze-frame of each of the major characters is presented, accompanied by text giving their name and a brief summary of their future lives.
Charlie is a successful medical cannabis grower.
Amy is the sheriff of the county in which Charlie’s grow operation is located.
Major Dick #1 and Major Dick #2 are serving 20 years for larceny.
Blowtorch Bob is fragged by his own driver.
Doc is a small animal veterinarian.
Joy runs a bar in New Orleans.
END MONTAGE
DELETED SCENES
INT. DELIVERY ROOM – NIGHT #120#
A DOCTOR and NURSE are assisting a WOMAN who is giving birth.
DOCTOR
One more push.
The Woman groans.
DOCTOR
That did it. (beat) It’s a boy!
(beat)
What’s his name?
The BABY’s face is contorted as he cries in the doctor’s hands.
WOMAN
It’s Charlie. No middle name.
DOCTOR
Wonderful name.
The Doctor hands the Baby to the Nurse. The clock on the wall shows the time of birth as 12:02 am.
DOCTOR
I’m exhausted. Where’s the birth
certificate?
NURSE
At the nurses’ desk. I filled it in
for you. Get some rest.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS #121#
The doctor enters the corridor adjacent to the delivery room and stands at the nurses’ desk, pulling off his gloves, and acting tired. He adds the boy’s name and signs the birth certificate. Glancing at a tear off calendar on the desk, he dates the birth April 24 and leaves.
The Nurse enters the corridor and stands at the nurses’ desk. She places the birth certificate in a file folder, and then, glancing at the clock which shows 12:05 am, tears off the April 24 calendar page, exposing the correct date for the new day as April 25.