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LETTERS FROM ENGLAND.Season One.Episode Seven.A CHANCE MEETING.By Peter C. Murray1:TEASER.FADE IN. INT. NED’S BEDROOM-DAYNED packs A BASEBALL GLOVE, A BASEBALL, SOME BOOKS AND SOME OTHER KNICK KNACKS ALL TOSSED INTO A BOX. A LARGE RUMBLE INTERUPTS THE TASK. NED LOOKS OUT THE WINDOW. A LARGE 1959 WOLSEY WITH FINS PULLS IN. NED EXAMINES THE CAR. HE’S NOT TOO SURE ABOUT IT. THE MIX OF POWDER BLUE AND DARK BLUE COLORS DON’T SEEM TO MAKE SENSE. HE WATCHES HIS DAD STEP OUT OF THE CAR WITH HIS BRIEFCASE. NED RETURNS TO HIS PACKING. CUT TO: INT: THE GRAINGER CLOAK ROOM-DAYBLAKE ENTERS THE CLOAK ROOM CARRYING A BRIEFCASE AND SOME ASSORTED TEXTBOOKS. EILEEN greets him with a kiss.BLAKE.Are the kids ready to pack the car?EILEEN.They should be, although I don’t know how I am going to get Darcy off the phone. She’s been talking to Noah for a half hour now. BLAKE steps into a small hallway and knocks on a bedroom door.DARCY, ON THE PHONE.DARCY.I know. I can’t wait to see it.BLAKE SNATCHES THE PHONE. BLAKE.Noah, I think you’re a great boy. I really do, but Darcy needs to say goodbye. We’re moving today.DARCY.Dad! Oh my god you just embarrassed…2.BLAKE.Say goodbye.DARCY takes the phone and puts it to her ear.DARCY.I apologize for the rudeness of my ogrefather. BLAKE.I resent that. Goodbye Noah.DARCY.Goodbye Noah. When I get a new numberI’ll call you.DARCY HANGS UP, SHE FOLDS HER ARMS IN DISGUST AND STICKS HER TONGUE OUT AT BLAKE. BLAKE RETURNS THE FAVOR AND MOVES DOWN THE HALL AND KNOCKS ON ANOTHER DOOR.e in.BLAKE POPS HIS HEAD IN.BLAKE.How much stuff do you have to pack?NED.I’m practically done.BLAKE.Good, because I want to pack the car as soon as we can. DanielDorset says there is a pub in Easterly where we can get a great hamburger.NED.Sounds good.BLAKE hands NED A LETTER.BLAKE.You got a letter at the college3.BLAKE. (VO)today.NED.I’ve been waiting for Chuck to write.BLAKE.It’s not Chuck, it’s Marty.NED, THROWN OFF BY THE LETTER AND PAUSES BEFORE HE OPENS IT. HE IS ABOUT TO READ, WHEN NED STARES OUT THE WINDOW. THE WOLSEY. IT’S A HIDEOUS COLOR. NED.Hey Dad, is that pub within walkingdistance of the house?BLAKE.Two miles why?NED.Can we walk?BLAKE.Why? I got a new car. I want to drive it as much as possible. Iwant to get the feel of it.NED.Oh. Yeah, all right. CUT TO. EXT. GRAINGER’S STEPS-DAYNED READS MARTY’S LETTER.MARTY. (VO)Ned, here is what you wrote. Hi Marty, how are you I am fine.England is fine. The peopleare fine. Talk to you soon,your pal Ned. Do you even know how to write a letter?I am wondering. Here is how a letter is supposed to4.MARTY. (Continued.) (VO)read. Hi Ned, what an experience you must be havingin England. Have you visitedthe tower of London yet? Didyou see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace?If you haven’t you’re in fora treat. I am back in school now,after a long hot summer of Baseball.Unfortunately, we did not make theplayoffs. We were trounced byNorth Conway, 7-1. We were tiedgoing into the seventh when CJ got tired and rather than bringingAlmon in, Logan brought Tug in.CUT TO. EXT. SCHUELER PARK NORTH CONWAY-DAYTHE SCORE 1-1 IN THE SEVENTH. THE BASES LOADED. MARTY FLASHES THE ONLY SIGN SHE CAN.e on ole Tugaroo. Show him you can’t be beat.TUG WINDS UP AND THROWS A FASTBALL, THAT IS NOT SO FAST. THE BALL IS AS BIG AS A SAUCER FOR DEVON BRUNEAU. HE CONNECTS AND HARD. THE BALL SAILS OVER INTO THE MAIN STREET OF NORTH CONWAY. DEVON, CELEBRATES WITH A FIST PUNCH IN THE AIR. IT IS NOW 5-1. MARTY RUNS OUT TO THE MOUND. TUG WIPES HIS FACE FROM THE HUMILIATION.TUG.Hey, how slow was that?MARTY.Does it matter?TUG.Not now. MARTY.You need another pitch. You can’t5.MARTY. (Continued.)keep throwing heat all day unlessyou know how to paint the corners.And you’re too wild.MARTY RUNS BACK TO THE PLATE. TUG.Hey!MARTY senses an argument. A deep sigh and then she runs back to the mound. TUG.You seem to know a lot about pitches.Next season, I want to learn how tothrow a curveball.MARTY NODS HER HEAD, TUG SEEMS TO BE COMING AROUND.CUT TO. EXT. SCHUELER PARK NORTH CONWAY-DAYTHE TEAMS SLAPS HANDS AND CONGRATULATE EACH OTHER ON A GOOD GAME. DEVON AND MARTY APPROACH. A SHAKE OF THE HANDS.MARTY.Nice hit.DEVON.Thanks. Hey, I want you to askyou something?MARTY.What?DEVON.Do you like movies?MARTY.Duh. Yeah. DEVON.You want to go? I think that Bondmovie is playing.6.MARTY.Sure. Do you have a pen? I’llgive you my number.CUT TO. EXT. GRAINGER HOUSE-DAYNED runs his finger underneath THE DATE PART and then more.MARTY. (VO)Devon’s an okay guy, but next seasonI doubt we’ll be seeing him as hiseligibility for Babe Ruth runs out.Hell, I doubt I’ll hear from himagain. School starts in three days.How has school been for you? Didyou make any new friends? Nedthat is an example of a letter.I don’t ask for much, but you actLike a typical guy. Don’t be afraidto express yourself. Your friend Marty. NED rereads the letter again. NED. God damn it. She dated anotherguy?DARCY. (VO)Who did?DARCY carries a large box to the WOLSEY.NED.Marty. What the hell?FADE TO BLACK.END OF TEASER.7.ACT ONE.FADE IN. EXT GRAINGER HOME-DAYDARCY DUMPS HER BOX INTO THE TRUNK OF THE CAR.DARCY.Let me see that?DARCY takes the letter and reads.DARCY.Tell me you didn’t write the letter she described. NED.I couldn’t think of anything tosay.DARCY.That’s why she went out with thatguy. NED.Do you think?DARCY.Of course, she did. She thinks youdon’t care about her.NED.That’s not true, I do.DARCY.She cried when you left right?NED.Yeah.DARCY.She shed her feelings to you.NED.I know that.8.DARCY.Little brother, you are an amateurwhen it comes to girls’ feelings.You wrote. Hi Marty, how are you? I am fine. England is fine. The people are fine. Talk to you soon. Your pal Ned. That’s just so romantic. DARCY LAUGHS AS SHE RE-ENTERS THE HOUSE.CUT TO. EXT. THE LIVINGSTON DRIVEWAY-EVENING.NED LOOKS OUT THE WINDOW WITH A SOUR LOOK ON HIS FACE. THE RAIN COMES DOWN IN TORRENTS. BLAKE PULLS THE CAR INTO THE GARAGE.A WARM SMILE IN EILEEN’S DIRECTION.BLAKE.It’s nice to have our own place.EILEEN.It’s nice to have transportation.DARCY.Are you guys sure that the tank isgoing to hold up?BLAKE.The tank?DARCY.Dad, you have to admit, it lookskind of…BLAKE.What?DARCY.Well…it sounds kind of…NED.A tank Dad. A tank. The car soundslike a tank. 9.NED THROWS OPEN THE DOOR AND STORMS TO THE HOUSE. HE PUSHES DOWN ON THE LATCH. THE RAIN POURS OVER NED DRENCHING HIM.NED.Dad! You locked door. I can’t get in.BLAKE and EILEEN exchange a puzzled look.BLAKE.All right. All right I’m coming.What’s gotten into him. He’s been grouchy all night.DARCY.He got a bitchy letter from Marty.EILEEN.Oh, is she mad at him?DARCY.If you got the following from Dad,How would you feel mom? Hi Marty,I am fine. England is fine, thepeople are fine. Talk to you soon,Your pal Ned.EILEEN, A GRIMACE.EILEEN.You’re father would never writeme a letter like that. Would you?BLAKE.Of course not.BLAKE’S attention turns to NED. He looks like a drown rat.NED.Dad!CUT TO. INT. NED’S ROOM-EVENING.NED’S ROOM IS THE SIZE OF A POOL HALL WITH A BED THAT HIS FEET CAN’T REACH THE BOTTOM OF. THE BED LOOKS OUT A LARGE WINDOW 10.DOWN INTO THE YARD. NED STARES OUT IT. THE WIND HOWLS AND BLOWS THE TREES IN EVERY DIRECTION. HIS FOCUS TURNS ON A LARGE ELM, THAT MUST BE HUNDREDS OF YEARS OLD. THE TREE BENDS TOWARDS THE ROOF OF THE HOUSE AND CLOSE TO MARTY’S ROOM. NED, THE THOUGHT GIVES HIM THE CHILLS. HE DOESN’T WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT AND LOOKS OUT THE SIDE WINDOW INTO A SECOND SECTION OF THE ROOM. HE WATCHES THE RAIN SPIT. DARCY OPENS THE DOOR AND KNOCKS.DARCY.Thanks for letting me have the smallroom.NED.Sure, no problem.DARCY.Are you still upset about the letter?NED.It doesn’t matter. NED sits on the bed. DARCY sits on the edge of it.DARCY.Sure, it does?NED.No, it doesn’t. She’s in the Statesand I’m here. Even if I were therewhere is she? Massachusetts. I’dbe in New Hampshire. So, it doesn’tmatter.DARCY.Do you like her?NED.I don’t know. If I did, then whywould I be gaga over some Lord’sdaughter who I will never be ableto take out on any sort of date.DARCY.I can’t believe I am about to say this.Marty’s a safer option for you.11.NED.Safer?DARCY.I think that rich girl couldhurt you.NED.Maybe. DARCY.I’m not great friends with Marty,but I think she cares about youin a way that English girl couldn’t.NED.You have a point.DARCY.Ned, she’s one of your two bestfriends. Write her a letter like you would Chuck.NED.Yeah, but Chuck’s a guy. I can’ttell her about when I meet a girl.DARCY.Why not?NED.If she has feelings for me…DARCY.Brother, if she’s any sort of friend, she’ll be happy for you. DARCY pats NED on the hand. NED SMILES.NED.Older sister, you can be prettycool when you want to be.12.DARCY.I can still kick your ass.What do you think of the tank?NED.I don’t know.DARCY.Dad was griping when you called ita tank.NED.I heard. I guess he likes the fins.DARCY.Yeah, they are pretty cool.NED.The car reminds me of my favorite decade. The nineteen fifties.DARCY.You didn’t live in the fifties.NED.I know, I always wanted to though.DARCY.I got to go unpack. NED.Yeah, me too.DARCY DISAPPEARS. NED looks over at a small side table. HE OPENS A DRAWER AND FINDS HIS LETTER WRITING PAD AND BEGINS A LETTER.NED. (VO)Dear Marty, I am sorry about theshort letter. I should have waiteduntil I had more to report. How do I like England? It’s been different.I have made a friend. His name isSimon, he’s the son of this poetrywriter that works with Dad. He13.NED. (Continued.) (VO)plays soccer. I also met a girl,her name is Rosalyn, but she is wayout of my league, so I had given upon that. I’ll return to her later.The last few days we have seen a lot of activity. Darcy has a boyfriend, the other son of the poet. They’ve gone out on a few dates. I do have some interesting news. Today we moved into a thatched cottage. The placeis elegant and large. Dad alsobought a car, it’s called a Wolsey.It looks like one of those cars fromthe fifties. Darcy and I call it thetank. The day my Dad bought the car…CUT TO. INT. BLAKE’S OFFICE-DAYBLAKE REARRANGES HIS FILING CABINET AND TYPES UP AN AUDITION SHEET FOR A SERIES OF ONE ACT PLAYS. IN THE HALLWAY JOHN BLACKTHORNE A CLASSICAL PIANIST PLAYS RACHMANINOFF. DANIEL APPEARS AT THE END OF A LARGE CORRIDOR. HANDS IN POCKETS, COINS JANGLING. HE STOPS AND LISTEN TO JOHN BLACKTHORNE.DANIEL.I rather like that John. Very nice.What is that?JOHN BLACKTHORNE.Rachmaninoff. I managed to book myselfa gig at the Chilton Festival Theatre.DANIEL.Did you? Congratulations. Is Blake in?JOHN BLACKTHORNE.Yes, I think he’s doing busy work inhis office.DANIEL POPS HIS HEAD IN THE DOOR.DANIEL.The Black Rabbit?14.BLAKE looks up.BLAKE.I will take you up on that.BLAKE GRABS HIS COAT AND HEADS OUT THE DOOR WITH HIM.CUT TO. INT. THE BLACK RABBIT-DAYDANIEL carries two pints to the table.DANIEL.I ordered that plowman’s for you.DANIEL OPENS A PACKET OF CRISPS AND MUNCHES.BLAKE.Hey, where can I get a cheap beater?DANIEL.A cheap beater? Sorry mate, I don’tfollow. American slang for what?BLAKE.A car.DANIEL.Oh, I see. Well, I usually buy myauto’s word of mouth or in theclassifieds. If you don’t wish togo that route, well there’s a placecalled Frosts across from the trainstation, but mind there. Some ofthose salespeople can be a bitdodgy.BLAKE.I’ll remember that.CUT TO. INT. GRAINGERS’ HOME-DAYBLAKE ENTERS THE DINING ROOM WHERE KITTY AND MARLON SHARE A CUP OF COFFEE. THE TWO OF THEM STARE AT HIM. BLAKE IS DRESSED IN A NICE SUIT AND TIE. MARLON TAKES A SLOW SIP OF HIS BLACK COFFEE.15.MARLON.Got a hot date Blake?BLAKE.Of course not.MARLON.I’m just busting ya. Seriously what’swith the get up?BLAKE.I’m looking at cars today.MARLON.Dressed like that? It’s a car Blake.You’re not trying to impress the dealerwith your fashion sense.BLAKE.Well, it’s a big day. A brand new car.In England.MARLON.Oh boy.KITTY.Leave him alone Marlon. Let him dress how he wants. I think helooks nice.EILEEN ENTERS with a warm smile on her face. EILEEN.So, do I EILEEN SHARES A WARM MORNING KISS WITH BLAKE. THE KISS IS BROKEN BY COMMOTION.KYLIE. (VO)Damn it Shirly, that was my favoritepair of shoes.SHIRLY. (VO)It was an accident.16.KYLIE. (VO)Accident my ass, you did it deliberately.KITTY.Oh, dear God, World War three continues.KITTY RUNS OFF. NED AND DARCY ENTER WEARING PAJAMAS. THEY EXIT INTO THE KITCHEN. MARLON CRUNCHES INTO SOME TOAST.MARLON.Where are you going to find this carBlake?NED AND DARCY POP THEIR HEADS IN FROM THE KITCHEN.NED/DARCY Car?MARLON.Yeah, your Dad’s buying one today.I think I should help you out.BLAKE, NOT SO SURE ABOUT THIS.BLAKE.No, I got this Marlon.DARCY.Dad can we go?BLAKE.Sure why not?MARLON.Do you know what you’re looking for?BLAKE.Nothing like your Ford Cortina Marlon.MARLON.What’s wrong with my Cortina. The thingsgot power.BLAKE.Nothing. I am merely shopping for 17.BLAKE. (Continued.)a beater.MARLON WAGS HIS FINGER.MARLON.No, no, no, no, no. You don’t wanta beater. A beater is going to breakdown.BLAKE.I can probably find a shop to serviceit.MARLON.Are you thinking about the kids?BLAKE.What does a new car have to do withthe kids?NED AND DARCY pop their head through the door again.NED/DARCY.Everything. MARLON.Let me paint a picture for you.Say, you and Eileen want to takeoff for the weekend and get some…KITTY FROM THE DOOR.KITTY.Marlon! Language.MARLON.A getaway to Wigan.EILEEN.Wigan? Is Wigan beautiful?MARLON.No, it’s a smog filled decaying18.MARLON. (Continued.)death trap. That’s not the point.If you’re on that trip in a beaterand suddenly you’re in some lost countryside near a moor or something, you’re f….KITTY.Marlon! Language.MARLON.You get my point. I know how toget you in a car today by playingthe salesman.NED. (VO)Marlon was right. He did have acertain used car salesmen charmabout him.BLAKE GIVES MARLON THE ONCE OVER AND THE IDEA DOES APPEAL TO HIM.BLAKE.All right Marlon, you can come.CUT TO. INT. MARLON’S FORD CORTINA.MARLON DRIVES THE ROAD FROM HAMPTON & RYE TO LITTLEFLEET LIKE HE’S HEADED TO A FIVE ALARM FIRE.NED. (VO)Marty, I’m not sure what it was about my Dad’s work colleagues, butthey all appeared to have leadfeet and they didn’t watch theroad.MARLON CUTS OFF TRAFFIC. HE BLOWS HIS HORN. MARLON.God damn asshole! Watch the roadyou…19.BLAKE.Marlon if I can advise you thatI have impressionable kids.NED.Dad, we’re not that impressionableanymore. You haven’t heard whatcomes out of Darcy’s mouth.DARCY’S MAKES A DISGRUNTLED FACE AND ELBOWS NED IN THE JAW.NED.Ow!MARLON TAKES A WILD TURN INTO THE ROUNDABOUT. HE COMES INCHES FROM ANOTHER CAR COMING IN HIS DIRECTION. THE DRIVERS SLAMS ON THE HORN.MARLON.God damn roundabouts. Why the helldoes this country have so many frigging roundabouts?AS HE COMES OUT MARLON IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD HEADED FOR A BIG LORRY. BLAKE’S EYES ARE AS BIG AS SAUCERS. MARLON IS GOING TO KILL THEM BEFORE THEY EVEN LOOK AT A CAR. MARLON SWERVES AT THE LAST SECOND. HE FLIES OVER A BUMP INTO THE BACKSIDE OF LITTLEFLEET. MARLON TURNS THE CAR WILDLY INTO A LARGE CAR DEALERSHIP AND SCREECHES THE CORTINA TO A HALT.MARLON.All right, let’s go get your Dad a beauty shall we.QUICK FADE TO BLACK.END OF ACT ONE.20ACT TWO.FADE IN. EXT. FROSTS RESALE AUTO DEALERSHIP-DAYMARLON SCANS A SERIES OF SMALL COMPACT BRITISH CARS FROM THE LOT. A MORRIS MARINA STATION WAGON, A VAUXHALL, AN AUSTIN ALEGRO. HE FREEZES IN FRONT OF A 1970 AUSTIN MARTIN SPORTS CAR. NED APPEARS OVER HIS SHOULDER.MARLON.What do you think kid? Can you see yourDad driving this. Vroom! Vroom! Thinkof it, when you hit 16 and your driving this beauty you’re going attract the chicks like a magnet.DARCY.Ned, a chick magnet?DARCY BURSTS INTO LAUGHTER.NED.Hey it could happen. DARCY.I can’t even see Dad driving this.NED. She’s got a point Marlon. He’s not exactly gonna go for that. DARCY.It’s not that he wouldn’t go for it Ned, I just can’t see him driving it.NED.Where is he anyway?THE THREE OF THEM LOOK INTO THE SHOWROOM. THEY FIND BLAKE TALKING TO A CAR SALESMEN WITH FLASHY BROWN HAIR AND A SLICK SUIT AND LOUD PSYCHADELIC TIE. THEY HEAD OUT OF THE SALESROOM AND OUT ONTO THE LOT. MARLON MARCHES OVER TOWARD THE CAR SALESMAN.21.MARLON.Hiya Mate. Marlon. Marlon Grainger atyour service. CAR SALESMAN.Sir, if you don’t mind I’m assisting thisgentleman.MARLON.Great than we have the same goal in mind.I happen to be his professional agent.THE CAR SALESMAN offers MARLON A PUZZLED LOOK. BLAKE pulls MARLON ASIDE.BLAKE.What he means is that he is my driver. He’s not a part of our negotiating. MARLON.Hold on Blake. Let me handle this. SeeThat Aston Martin there.CAR SALESMAN.That car might be a bit expensive for Mr.Livingston’s…MARLON.Blake sees himself in that. BLAKE.No, I don’t.MARLON.Oh come on Blake. Splurge. This is England, you should live a little fun while you’re here.MARLON leads BLAKE TO THE ASTON MARTIN. HE PLACES BLAKE’S HANDS ON THE METAL. BLAKE’S FINGERS WASH OVER THE SHINY WHITE PAINT. MARLON opens the car door and PUSHES BLAKE IN THE FRONT SEAT.MARLON TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND CLOSES HIS EYES.MARLON.Smell that new leather interior.22.BLAKE TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND ENJOYS THE SMELL. MARLON, A SMILE AND A NOD.MARLON.There you go Blake buddy dream. You’re allowed to dream.MARLON winks IN DARCY AND NED’S DIRECTION.NED. (VO)Marty, at this point the guy with thePsychedelic tie was no longer the Salesman. It was Marlon and he wasdoing a great job on my Dad. Heeven talked the salesman into giving my Dad a test drive. CUT TO EXT. BURY HILL WEST SUSSEX ENGLAND THE A29.THROUGH THE LUSH ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE, BLAKES CLIMB THE LONG WINDY HILL OF BURY HILL AT STEADY SPEED. THE CAR SALESMAN LEANS OVER FROM THE BACK SEAT.CAR SALESMAN.Well, how does she feel to you?BLAKE.Nice. It’s a gentle smooth ride. MARLON FROM THE PASSENGER’S SEAT GRIMACES FROM BLAKE’S TIMIDITY. MARLONNice. Oh come on live a little.MARLON STOMPS ON THE BLAKE’S FOOT HARD. BLAKE HOWLS. THE CAR BURSTS FORWARD TO THE TOP AND THEN COMES FLYING DOWN THE HILL AT BREAKNECK SPEED. BLAKE.Marlon! Marlon! What are you doing?THE CAR SALESMAN EYES POP OUT OF HIS HEAD. HE GASPS FOR BREATH AND TUGS AT HIS PSYCHADELIC TIE.23.CAR SALESMAN.Sir! Sir! This is a Fifteen thousand pound car! Please take your foot off the gas now!BLAKE elbows MARLON IN THE GUT. THE WHEEL JERKS INTO THE OTHER LANE. EVERYONE LOOKS UP. EYES WIDE OPEN. A FARMER WITH A GROUP OF SHEEP. THE FARMER FRANTICALLY WAVES HIS SHEEP OFF THE ROAD. THE SHEEP SCATTER. THE CAR SALESMAN JERKS OFF HIS TIE AND THROWS IT ON THE BACK SEAT. HE’S APOPLECTIC. HE POINTS AT THE SHEEP. CAR SALESMAN.Mind! Mind the sheep!!!!BLAKE LEANS FORWARD, HER JERKS AT THE LAST SECOND AND MISSES FIVE SHEEP. THE ASTON MARTIN FLIES UP IN THE AIR AND LANDS HARD INTO A DITCH. THE CAR SALESMAN CAN’T MOVE FROM FEAR. HE LOOKS OUT AT WHERE THEY ARE. THEN PRESSES THE AUTOMIC WINDOW CONTROL BUTTON. THE WINDOW COMES DOWN AND THE CAR SALESMAN LOOKS DOWN. THE FRONT TIRE AND THE BACK TIRE ARE BOTH POPPED. SMOKE DRIFTS FROM THE ENGINE AND FILLS THE AIR. CAR SALESMAN.Oh dear god.THE CAR SALESMAN THROWS OPEN THE DOOR TO THE CAR. HE CHECKS THE FRONT. THERE IS A SMALL DENT IN THE HOOD WHERE SMOKE DRIFTS OUT. BLAKE GLARES AT MARLON. THE CAR SALESMAN THROWS OPEN BLAKE’S CAR.CAR SALESMAN.Out of the car! Out of the car now.MARLON.Hey buddy calm down. There’s no damage.CAR SALESMAN.No damage. No damage! Come have a look.MARLON pops out. BLAKE THROWS HIS HEAD BACK AND SHAKES HIS HEAD. MARLON’S EYES ON THE FRONT. HE DOESN’T SEE THE PROBLEM.MARLON.That’s minor. I’m good at mechanics. Ifyou want I can bang that dent out for ya.24.CAR SALESMAN.No. You have done enough sir!THE CAR SALESMAN HEARS SOMETHING FALL OFF FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. HE LOOKS AT THE EXHAUST AS IT LAYS IN THE GRASS.CAR SALESMAN.Right! Out of the car.BLAKE STEPS OUT OF THE CAR. HIS FURROWED ANGRY BROW FOCUSED ON MARLON.BLAKE.Marlon. All was looking for was a beater.Now, I am going to have to pay for the damage to this car. It’s going to comeout my salary. When Glynn hears about `this he is going to be pissed. MARLON.Maybe we can talk him into giving us abreak on a beater.CAR SALESMAN.What? A beater. Now? No, when we getback from this test drive, you are to leavemy car dealership immediately. QUICK CUT TO BLACK.END OF ACT TWO.25.ACT THREE.CUT TO. INT. THE BLACK RABBIT-DAYDANIEL and BLAKE SHARE A PLOWMAN’S LUNCH. DANIEL.How much was it?BLAKE.Fifteen thousand pounds.DANIEL raises an eyebrow.DANIEL.The damages were the entire cost of thecar?BLAKE.Yes.DANIEL.I never should have let you go with Marlon. BLAKE.He’s banned now from everything. DANIEL.Marlon means well. I think he was carried away.BLAKE.I’ll be paying for this out of my salaryfor next four years. Where am I goingto get a car now? DANIEL.It’s funny you should ask that.CUT TO. EXT. BULL WARD’S HOUSE-DAYTHE POWDER BLUE WOLSEY. BULL WARD WALKS AROUND THE CAR WITH BLAKE. BLAKE KICKS THE TIRES AND BULL WONDERS WHAT HE’S DOING. 26.BULL.May I ask something Blake?BLAKE.Sure?BULL.Why do American’s kick the tires?BLAKE THINKS ABOUT IT FOR A MOMENT AND ALL HE CAN DO IS SHRUG.BLAKE.How long have you had this?BULL.It was the wife’s. I’ve been working onit. I put new breaks in and an exhaust.DANIEL OPENS THE DOOR, THE HANDLE CREAKS. THE WHITE LEATHER IS CRACKING. THE DASHBOARD RETAINS IT’S ORIGINAL LUSTER.BLAKE.Where did you wife get this?BULL.Her Dad drove it while he was on the Littlefleet Constabulary. BLAKE.Oh, so this was a police car.BULL.Yes. I had new pistons and spark plugsput in.BLAKE MOVES AROUND THE FRONT AND STARES AT A CRANK.BLAKE.What’s the crank for?BULL.In case the car has trouble starting. You turn this and it helps to startthe car. 27.DANIEL.Does it ever have trouble starting?BULL.Not since I put the new spark plugs and pistons in.DANIEL.How’s the timing belt and the alternator.BULL.They run smoothly.BLAKE GETS IN THE CAR AND SITS AT THE WHEEL. HE STARTS THE CAR. IT IS A BIT LOUD AND CLUNKY. SMOKE DRIFTS FROM THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. BULL PUZZLED.BULL.Turn the engine off.BLAKE TURNS THE ENGINE OFF. BULL.Pop the bonnet.BLAKE POPS THE BONNETT. BULL EXAMINES THE INSIDE. FRAYED WIRES AROUND THE WATER PUMP. BULL.Chipmunks have chewed the water pumpwires.DANIEL LOOKS OVER HIS SHOULDER.DANIEL.Oh, I see.BULL.Blake, I can fix this. All it needs is aIs some new wires.BLAKE.How long?28.BULL.Probably a day. BLAKE STEPS OUT OF THE CAR. HE LOOKS AT IT FROM THE FRONT.BULL.I can understand if you’re not interested.BLAKE.How much do you want for it?BULL.One thousand quid.BLAKE.One thousand? This is a beat up old car.BULL.I don’t know what you mean? There is notone spot of rust on this.BLAKE.That’s not what I mean. It’s old. BULL.This is a vintage late fifties Wolsey. Doyou know how popular these were in the day?DANIEL.Bull does have a point there.BULL.Eight hundred.BLAKE.Six.BULL.Six fifty.NED AND SIMON SIT IN DANIEL’S CAR WATCHING THE SALE.NED.They seem to be dickering on price.29.SIMON.Dickering?NED.Bargaining. SIMON.Oh right.SIMON AND NED GET OUT OF THE CAR. THEY WALK OVER CURIOUS TO WATCH THE BARGAINING GAME.BLAKE.Three thirty.BULL.Two fifty and not a pound lower.BLAKE LOOKS OVER AT DANIEL. HE NODS. SIMON AND NED STARE AT EACH OTHER AND MAKE A HORRID FACE. SIMON WHISPERS.SIMON.Sorry mate.BLAKE.Sold.BLAKE WRITES A CHECK AND HANDS IT OVER TO BULL. CUT TO. EXT. THE GEORGE AND THE LION PUB-OUTDOOR PATIO.NED STARE AT A LARGE HAMBURGER WITH TOMATO, ONION, CHEESE, BACON, MUSHROOM AND LETTUCE ON TOP. HIS MOUTH WATERS. THE REST OF THE FAMILY AWAIT NED’S CRITIQUE. SAUCE DRIPS DOWN HIS CHEEKS. NED’S FACE TURNS INTO DELIGHT. EILEEN.How is it dear?NED TALKS WITH HIS MOUTH FULL AND NO ONE CAN MAKE IT OUT. DARCY PICKS AT HER SALAD WITH A GRIMACE. BLAKE.Ned, finish the bite and then tell us.30.EILEEN.Your father is right. Don’t talk with your mouth full. EILEEN STARES DOWN AT THE SMALL ROUND PATIO TABLE. NED’S ELBOWS ARE DIRECTLY ON THE TABLE.EILEEN.Ned! Elbows off the table. You’re ina restaurant?NED JERKS HIS ELBOWS UP AND FINISHES HIS BITE. HE POINTS TO THE HAMBURGER.NED.This has to be the best burger I’ve ever had.This is better than HowardJohnson’s. This is better than Burger King or McDonald’s. This is awesome!DARCY.It’s cow! You’re eating a cow. It’san animal. You condone murder. NED.I don’t care Darcy. It’s protein. I love this.DENNIS BASKINS. (VO)I’m so pleased you are enjoying your meal Ned.NED looks UP. DENNIS BASKINS HAS A CHEFS APRON AROUND HIS WAIST. NED, WARMS INTO A SMILE.NED.Hello Mr. Baskins. Do you work here?DENNIS BASKINS.I’m the proprietor. DARCY, ELLEN AND BLAKE EYES ON NED AND THEN DENNIS. NED SENSING HE’S RUDE PUTS HIS BURGER DOWN.31.NED.Oh, Mr. Baskins. This is my family. My Mom and Dad. Blake and Eileen Livingston.This is Darcy my sister.DARCY, BLAKE AND EILEEN SMILE AND NOD THEIR HEADS AT DENNIS.DENNIS BASKINS.Nice to meet you. EILEEN AND BLAKE STILL PUZZLED AND ARE ABOUT TO ASK…DENNIS BASKINS.I met your son while he was playing Football the other day with the localLads. I was the match referee.EILEEN AND BLAKE NOD.BLAKE.Football. I wasn’t aware the Englishplayed Football.DENNIS BASKINS.No, not American Football. Ours is with a round ball. I believe youAmericans refer to it as Soccer.BLAKE.Ah yes of course.NED.Dennis, did you make this burger?DENNIS BASKINS.I did. NED.How do you make this?DENNIS BASKINS.Do you want me to show you?NED.Would you?32.EILEEN.Ned, I think Mr. Baskins is a busy man.DENNIS BASKINS.It’s no trouble Mrs. Livingston. I’d be delighted.NED RISES TO HIS FEET AND NED TAKES HIM THROUGH THE BAR AND BACK INTO A KITCHEN.CUT TO-LIVINGSTON TABLE.DARCY WATCHES EILEEN AND BLAKE BITE INTO THEIR BURGERS. THEY BOTH HAVE A LOOK OF HEAVEN ON THEIR FACES.DARCY.Oh God, you’re condoning murder byeating that poor cow. You make me sick.NOAH. (VO)I hope I don’t make you sick.DARCY looks up. NOAH, A WARM SMILE ON HIS FACE WITH A LAGER IN HIS HAND.DARCY.Oh, thank god Noah! Take me away from my cow killing family.EILEEN.Darcy?DARCY.Sorry Mom, I can’t bare to watch youeat cow any longer.NOAH MAKES A FACE.BLAKE.I take it Noah is not a meat eater.NOAH.Not really. However, I will not impose33.NOAH. (Continued.)my vegetarian views on you. Listen I amhaving a meal with Mum, Dad and Simonwould you care to join us?DANIEL AND NORMA WAVE. SIMON IS CONSUMED WITH HIS BURGER. THE LIVINGSTON’S WAVE BACK. DARCY.Yes please. Oh, are we still going surfingtomorrow?EILEEN AND BLAKE EXCHANGE A LOOK. THE NEWS TAKES THEM BY SURPRISE. NOAH, NERVOUS GRIN. EILEEN/BLAKE.Surfing?FADE TO BLACK.END OF ACT THREE.34.ACT FOURFADE IN. EXT. THE ST. GEORGE AND THE LION PUB PATIO-EVENINGSECONDS LATER. EILEEN AND BLAKE WAIT FOR AN ANSWER FROM DARCY. DARCY.They have a surfing tournament in Bogner.Noah and I were going to watch. His mateis in the tournament.EILEEN.Oh, that sounds fun.DARCY.Yes. It will be. DARCY FACE IS RED. SHE SNATCHES NOAH’S HAND AND JERKS HIM AWAY FROM THE TABLE TO A CORNER.DARCY.Sorry.NOAH.No need Darcy. You covered that beautifully.DARCY.Can I ask you something?NOAH.Surely.DARCY.Why would your parents object?NOAH.It’s not my Dad I’m worried about. It’s my Mum. She tends to worry about our brood. NOAH LEADS DARCY OVER TO THE DORSETT TABLE. NORMA TAKES A BITE INTO HER CHIPS. NORMA.The chips are lovely.34.DANIEL AND NORMA LOOK UP AND SMILE.DANIEL.Oh hello Darcy. Is your family here?DARCY.Over there.DANIEL.Let me pop over and have a word.DANIEL WIPES HIS MOUTH AND RISES TO THE TABLE. DARCY GRABS A CHAIR FROM AN EMPTY TABLE. SHE SITS DOWN NEXT TO NOAH.NORMA.How do you like it here Darcy?DARCY.Uh. Well…the salad is good.NORMA.Oh, I love the George’s burger. It’sso American.DARCY.Uh, yeah. I’m not much of a meat lover.NOAH.Darcy’s a vegetarian mum. Like me. NORMA FEELS AWKWARD.SIMON.You’re not going to talk about the evils of meat like this prat are you?NOAH.Little brother, I find meat offensive.SIMON.Offensive? It’s dead cow. How can dead cow offend anyone. It’s dead.NOAH.Oh my dear brother, you have so much 36.NOAH. (Continued.)to learn.SIMON LOOKS UP. NED APPEARS FROM THE BAR AND SITS BACK DOWN.SIMON.I think I’ll go have a more sensible conversation with Ned.SIMON WALKS OVER TO THE TABLE AND LEANS OVER NED’S CHAIR.SIMON.Hello.NED.Oh, hi Simon. SIMON.What do you think of Dennis’ burger?NED.As you English would say, bloody smashing.NED LOOKS UP. EILEEN TAKES A SIP OF HER WINE. BLAKE IS MISSING.NED.Mom where is Dad?EILEEN.He’s in the bar. Your Dad is buying usdrinks.SIMON NODS.CUT TO. INT-THE GEORGE AND THE LION PUB-BAR.DANIEL COLLECTS THE DRINKS FROM THE BAR AND HANDS A LAGER TO BLAKE.DANIEL.What do you think of this place then?37.BLAKE.The burger’s are great.DANIEL.Dennis has really perfected it. BLAKE.We met Dennis.DANIEL.He’s a bit of a celebrity in these parts.Played Football locally and then was spottedby Liverpool and played with the big boys.BLAKE.Wow. A retired Football player.DANIEL.Yes. Everyone loves him. He scouts now.One of Simon’s mates has a talent. I know for a fact Dennis is looking at him.THEY HEAD OUT TOWARDS THE PATIO.BLAKE.Do you come here a lot?DANIEL.This is my local. Do you have a local yet?BLAKE.No, not yet.DANIEL.Oh, then you must come here then.DANIEL AND BLAKE walk onto the patio. DANIEL SERVES EILEEN HER GIN AND TONIC. SHE LOOKS AWAY FROM A RECIPE IN HER HANDS.EILEEN.Daniel. Thank you.DANIEL.Your welcome. Cheers.38.DANIEL RAISES HIS GLASS AND THEN TAKES A SMALL SIP.NED.So you should make this for dinner tomorrow night?EILEEN.Ned, burgers two days running for dinner?No Sam, I think we’ll have something else.DANIELS STARES AT THE RECIPE. HIS EYES POP.DANIEL.How did you manage this?SIMON.Dennis showed him how to make a George’sburger. He gave him the recipe.DANIEL.Did he? My word Ned you have pure goldthere. Norma’s been trying to coax himinto it for years and he won’t budge.NED.So mom, make these.EILEEN.Ned, I am not very good with burgers.`I’ll tell you what, why don’t youmake it?NED.All right I will.EILEEN’S EYES DRIFT OVER TO NOAH’S TABLE. NOAH AND DARCY ENGAGED IN A CONVERSATION WITH NORMA.EILEEN.Aren’t our children lovely together.DANIEL.Yes, I would say Noah, fancies yourdaughter. 39.EILEEN.I heard Noah is taking her to Bogner fora surfing tournament.DANIEL RAISES AN EYEBROW.DANIEL. A surfing tournament? No Bogner doesn’thold those. EILEEN AND BLAKE EXCHANGE A LOOK. DANIEL AND NOAH’S EYES MEET. DANIEL FROWNS. SIMON TAKES A SIP OF WATER AND LOOKS UP. ATHERTON-HALL, EVE AND ROSALYN SIT AT A SMALL TABLE ENJOYING THE LION BURGER. HIS JAW DROPS. NED TAKES A BITE INTO HIS BURGER AND NOTICES SIMON TRANSFIXED. HIS ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO THE ATHERTON-HALL TABLE. ROSALYN AND NED’S EYES MEET.SIMON.You’re not…NED.No. Of course not. She’s made it perfectly clear she finds me rude.SIMON.Good.ROSALYN RISES FROM HER TABLE. HER ATTENTION TOWARDS THE DOOR TAKING NO NOTICE OF NED. SHE DROPS A NOTE ON THE FLOOR. DANIEL.Well, I must return to my family. Coming Si?SIMON.In a moment Dad. DANIEL.Don’t be too long.DANIEL WALKS BACK OVER TO HIS TABLE. HIS EYES PAUSE ON THE ATHERTON-HALL’S. HE’S PUZZLED BY THEIR APPEARANCE. LORD 40.ATHERTON-HALL NODS AND DANIEL RESPONDS IN KIND. HE RETURNS TO THE TABLE. NOAH.So Mum puts on this big feathered hat and she’s walking about…DANIEL.Noah?NOAH.Dad.DANIEL.I need to go to the loo.NOAH, FINDS THIS ODD.NOAH.All right. No need to tell us.DANIEL.I think you need to as well.NOAH.I’m perfectly fine Dad.DARCY AND NORMA ARE BIT PUZZLED.DANIEL.It’s that surprise for Simon?NOAH.His birthday is in February. It’s hardly time.DANIEL.I think we should discuss it now.DANIEL SNATCHES NOAH UP AND LEADS HIM INTO THE PUB.NOAH.Dad!41.DANIEL.Noah, I’ve covered for this surfing obsession long enough. Now you aretaking Darcy?NOAH.Oh. The Livingston’s?DANIEL.Yes. Eileen. Your mum. She still doesn’t know. Are you sure you’recertified to train her.NOAH.Sort of?DANIEL.Sort of? Oh bloody hell!CUT TO. EXT. THE GEORGE AND THE LION PUB-EVENING.NED’S EYES ARE ON THE DOOR INTO THE PUB. HE FIDGETS IN HIS SEAT. NED’S EYES MOVE TO AN EXPENSIVE BALL POINT PEN IN BLAKE’S POCKET. NED SNATCHES THE RECIPE FROM EILEEN AND PUTS IT IN HIS POCKET. HE FEELS PAPER FOLDED. HE PULLS IT OUT AND READS IT. “MEET ME OUT BY THE CAR PARK. DADDY BELIEVES I’VE GONE TO THE LAVATORY.” NED FEELS EYES ON HIM. SIMON OVER HIS SHOULDER. HE SHAKES HIS HEAD. NED SMILES AND NODS YES. SIMON.You are daft! I’m not watching this.CUT TO. INT. GEORGE AND THE LION PUB-DAYDANIEL TAKES A HARD SWALLOW OF HIS LAGER. HIS NERVES FRAYED.DANIEL.You have to tell your mum.NOAH.Why? She’s only going to worry?DANIEL.If you are not certified and Darcy ishurt, than you are liable. Her parents42.DANIEL. (Continued.)would never forgive me. NOAH.Must I?DANIEL.Yes.CUT TO-GEORGE AND THE LION CAR PARK-DAYNED APPEARS OUT OF THE PUB AND SEARCHES THE CAR PARK. NO SIGNS OF ROSALYN. ROSALYN. (VO)Daddy has arranged for a young man to court me.NED TURNS AROUND. ROSALYN APPEARS FROM A HEDGE BY THE EDGE OF THE DRIVE. NED NOT SURE HE HEARD HER.NED.What?ROSALYN.Daddy. He arranges suitors for me.NED.Is that why you have been so snooty to me?ROSALYN.No, I really did think you were a beastof a boy when we first met. NED.Now?ROSALYN.I don’t know. NED PRESENTS A COCKY SMILE.NED.I got to you didn’t I?43.ROSALYN.I didn’t say that. NED.What does I don’t know mean then?ROSALYN.It means you’re a curiosity.NED.I have that kind of effect on people. ROSALYN.I don’t think you do. I think you aredeeply shy.NED.I am not shy? I came to you remember. If I was shy, I would have run or hidunder some tree. ROSALYN.I don’t think so. You fumbled and bumbled. You made a spectacle in front of me. I don’t think you’ve ever fancied anyone before and you aren’t sure how to handle me?NED.Don’t play with me Rosalyn. I don’t needthis bullshit.NED heads towards the pub. ROSALYN PANICS.ROSALYN.Daddy is holding a soiree at Hopkins Collegeto celebrate his Chancellorship on the boardof trustees. If you show up…NED.Wait. Your Dad is going to be there. He’ll see us together. I can’t evendance with you, let alone be seen withyou.44.ROSALYN.I’ll take care of that.NED.Will this suitor be there?ROSALYN.I have no choice.NED.Great. How am I supposed to…ROSALYN.I told you I will handle it. NED.When is this soiree?ROSALYN.Three weeks. Listen, I have to returnto dinner, otherwise Daddy is going tobecome suspicious. ROSALYN SASHEES PAST NED. HE’S CURIOUS.NED.What changed?ROSALYN.Let’s just say, Daddy and I may notsee eye to eye on things.NED.So you do like me.ROSALYN.Stop putting words in my mouth. NED.Rosalyn, you’re asking me to show up ata soiree to play second fiddle to yourboyfriend.ROSALYN.Ruppert Twickenham is not my boyfriend.45.ROSALYN. (Continued.)He’s Daddy’s recent favorite. BesidesI think there’s more to you than Daddy’s prejudicial judgments aboutAmericans. I’ll find a way where wecan chat. Now I must get back. Daddywill be suspicious. I suggest you waitten minutes before returning. ROSALYN EXITS INTO THE PUB. NED WALKS AROUND THE CAR PARK FOR A MINUTE. HE SITS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HEDGE BY A FENCE.SIMON. (VO)Boo!STARTLED NED FALLS OFF THE FENCE AND ONTO THE GRASS BEHIND. SIMON LAUGHS AND OFFERS A HAND UP.NED.Why is it, that I always end up on theground when you show up. SIMON.You’re mad.NED.I am not.SIMON.You are chasing a fantasy mate, or you really fancy being tortured. NED.Is there a better way to be torturedthan by a beautiful girl?CUT TO. EXT. GEORGE AND THE LION PUB-PATIO.LORD ATHERTON HALL CUTS INTO HIS GEORGE AND THE LION BURGER.ROSALYN SITS DOWN.LORD ATHERTON-HALL.Smashing hamburger. The only reason I come here. Everything all right?46.ROSALYN.Perfectly Daddy.LORD ATHERTON-HALL.I ask only because you were gone a longtime my kitten.ROSALYN.Daddy! I was attending to my visitor.ROSALYN EXCHANGES A LOOK WITH EVE. SHE UNDERSTANDS.LORD ATHERTON-HALL.What visitor?EVE.Oh don’t be obtuse Francis!LORD ATHERTON-HALL’S EYES TAKE A SHARP TURN TOWARDS THE DOOR. NED APPEARS AND SITS AT THE TABLE WITH EILEEN AND BLAKE.LORD ATHERTON-HALL.Your visitor had better not be that uncouthAmerican boy.EVE AND ROSALYN’S EYES FIND NED AT THE TABLE. EVE ROLLS HER EYES AND WHISPERS IN ATHERTON-HALL’S EAR. LORD ATHERTON-HALL’S EYES POP. HE UNDERSTANDS NOW.LORD ATHERTON-HALL.Oh, I am sorry kitten. I hope it’s nottoo dreadfully bad.ROSALYN.It’s all right Daddy.ROSALYN AND EVE take another glance towards NED. HE TAKES A LONG SWALLOW OF HIS COKE AS ROSALYN AND NED’S EYES MEET. HIS ATTENTION TURNS TO ATHERTON-HALL. A QUICK SUSPICOUS GLANCE AT NED, BEFORE HIS EYES FALL UPON DARCY. HE ACHES TO TALK WITH HER. HE WIPES HIS MOUTH AND APPROACHES THE DORSETT TABLE.LORD ATHERTON-HALL.I am sorry to disturb you Daniel. 47.ATHERTON-HALL’S ATTENTION TURNS TO DARCY.LORD ATHERTON-HALL.I was wondering if I might have a wordwith Ms. Livingston. NOAH RAISES AN EYEBROW.NOAH.Is this a private conversation or…LORD ATHERTON-HALL.Nothing private I assure you. DarcyI’ve been giving thought to our ride.DARCY.Oh yeah. I was gonna call you about that.NOAH.Oh, you didn’t tell me Lord Atherton-Hallhad asked you to go riding. Perhaps Ishould come.LORD ATHERTON-HALL.Do you ride young Dorsett?SIMON SMIRKS.NOAH.I’ve been known to.DARCY.You have?NOAH.Once in a while.LORD ATHERTON-HALL.Then you must come. Next Saturdayat nine am sharp.DARCY.We’ll be there. 48.LORD ATHERTON-HALL NODS AND RETURNS TO HIS TABLE.FADE TO BLACK.END OF ACT FOUR.49.ACT FIVE.FADE IN. EXT. THE GEORGE AND THE LION PUB-PATIO-DAYBLAKE PAYS THE BILL. HE LOOKS UP AS ATHERTON-HALL EXITS THROUGH THE PUB. ATHERTON-HALL IGNORES NED, WHO WATCHES HIM LEAVE. HIS EYES FALL ON ROSALYN. SHE OFFERS A SLIGHT SMILE IN HI DIRECTION. NED BEAMS. EVE CATCHES THE MOMENT AS THEY ENTER INSIDE THE PUB. EVE STOPS BEFORE MOVING ANY FURTHER.EVE.Francis, Rosalyn and I need to use the lavatory. ATHERTON-HALL.Are you?EVE ROLLS HER EYES.EVE.Powder time Francis.ATHERTON-HALL.I shall never understand women.EVE.Apparently not.EVE LEADS ROSALYN INTO THE LAVATORY.EVE.Your father can be so lost sometimes.ROSALYN.Mother, my make up is fine. EVE.I know. I want the truth.ROSALYN.When have I lied to you mother?EVE,I am not sure, but I saw the look youand Ned Livingston shared. Did you 50.EVE. (Continued.)meet with him?ROSALYN ROLLS HER EYES AND FOLDS HER ARMS.CUT TO. PATIO-EVENING.DARCY AND NOAH APPROACHES.DARCY.Mom, Noah’s going to drive me home.NOAH.If it’s all right.EILEEN.That’s fine.NED.You two kids aren’t going parking are you?NOAH.Perish the thought.CUT TO. INT. WOMEN’S LAVATORY-THE GEORGE AND THE LION’S PUB-EVENING.EVE, SENSES ROSALYN HAS FIBBED.EVE.Rosalyn.ROSALYN.No! You and Daddy have made it perfectlyclear.EVE.I’ve never made it clear at all. ROSALYN THINKS ON IT.ROSALYN.No, you haven’t. Why?51.EVE.Your father and I grew up in a time whenprestigious families arranged relationships and marriages. Most are loveless. Look at father and me. Perhaps it’s time to change that. You should feel free to accept anysuitor that attracts you. ROSALYNMother, I must say this comes as a bitof a surprise to me. Do you like Ned?EVE.It really shouldn’t be for me to say. This is your choice. You must feel youare living in a prison. ROSALYN.Daddy’s my jailor.EVE.What do you think of Ned?ROSALYN.He’s intriguing. EVE.What about him intrigues you.ROSALYN.He’s bold. He wasn’t afraid of me mother.Most boys are afraid. Daddy, intimidatesthem.EVE.What was your meeting about?ROSALYN.I told him about the Soiree at Hopkins College. I told him we would be ableto find a way to talk.EVE.Let me help with that.52.ROSALYN.How?EVE.I will preoccupy your father. ROSALYN.What about Ruppert?EVE.Is he coming with his Father and Mother?ROSALYN.I believe so.EVE.There’s a way to divert that. I know justhow to do that.ROSALYN LAUGHS. ROSALYN.Mother, you are naughty.EVE.I’ve had a good tutor.ROSALYN.Who?EVE.Your father.CUT TO. EXT. THE LIVINGSTON COTTAGE-EVENING.THE LIVINGSTON WOLSEY PULLS INTO THE DRIVE FOLLOWED BY NOAH’S CAR. BLAKE PARKS IT IN THE DRIVE.CUT TO. INT. NOAH’S CAR-MINUTES LATER-SAME EVENING.NOAH LEANS IN AND SHARES A KISS WITH DARCY. A RAP ON THE DOOR MAKES THEM JUMP OUT OF THEIR KISS. BLAKE LEANS INTO THE CAR.BLAKE.Don’t be too long.54.EILEEN.Darcy when you come in we want to talkWith you.DARCY.Oh no that is never good.NED NODS APPROVINGLY. DARCY SENSES SOME COMMENT.DARCY.All right let’s hear it brother.NED.What?DARCY.You’re going to make some snarky comment. Let’s hear it.NED.No. I don’t have one. You two kidsshare some time together. I approve.I think it’s great that you have found a neat guy. Have fun.NED IS ALL SMILES. HE FOLLOWS HIS PARENTS INSIDE AND WE FOLLOW HIM THROUGH THE DINING ROOM AND UP THE STAIRS TO HIS ROOM. HE TAKES A NOTEPAD AND A PEN AND BEGINS TO WRITE WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE.CUT TO. EXT. LIVINGSTON DRIVEWAY-EVENING.NOAH AND DARCY LEAN AGAINST THE CAR GAZING AT THE LATE SUMMER STARS. A SHOOTING STAR EXCITES DARCY.DARCY.Did you see that?NOAH.Yes, rather lovely. NOAH A FRETFUL TUG OF HIS CHIN. 54.DARCY.You were quiet on the way home.NOAH.I was. Can I ask you something?DARCY.Sure.NOAH.This ride with Atherton-Hall. How didit come about?DARCY.He asked me when he found out I likedhorses.NOAH.Oh?DARCY SUDDENLY REALIZES HIS WORRY.DARCY.Noah, he could be my father.NOAH BURSTS OUT LAUGHING.NOAH.I wasn’t thinking that. No. Idon’t trust him. He wants somethingfrom you?DARCY.I doubt that. Noah horse people area special breed. We’re like a private club.NOAH.Do you really think that’s whathe’s thinking?DARCY.I’m sure of it. You’ll see whenwe ride.55.NOAH.I believe we will.DARCY SEES ANOTHER SHOOTING STAR.DARCY.There’s another one.NOAH ARMS FOLDED NODS HIS HEAD.DARCY.Noah, are you still thinking about Lord Atherton-Hall?NOAH.No. I can’t ride.DARCY BURSTS OUT LAUGHING.NOAH.It’s not funny you know.DARCY.I have plenty of experience. Letme be your tutor.NOAH.All right then.NOAH AND DARCY SHARE ANOTHER KISS. A SHOOTING STAR EXPLODES. BOTH OPEN THEIR EYES AND ARE CAPTURED HOW IT LIGHTS UP THESKY.NOAH.Now that was special.DARCY.I’ll say.CUT TO. INT. LIVING ROOM-EVENING.DARCY ENTERS THE LIVING ROOM. EILEEN LIGHTS A CIGARETTE, TAKES A PUFF AND LEAVES IT IN THE ASHTRAY.56.DARCY.You wanted to talk to me.EILEEN.Yes. Why did you lie about surfing?DARCY.I didn’t.EILEEN.We talked to Daniel. He says there areno surfing tournaments in Bogner.DARCY TAKES A GIANT GULP.CUT TO. INT. DORSETT KITCHEN-SAME EVENING A FEW HOURS LATER.NORMA MAKES TEA. NOAH ENTERS THE KITCHEN, TAKES A BIG SIGH AND TAKES HIS SPORT COAT OFF. NORMA TAKES A GLANCE AT NOAH.NORMA.What’s that sigh for.NOAH.Mum, I need to tell you something.CUT TO. INT-LIVING ROOM LIVINGSTON COTTAGE-SAME EVENING.EILEEN.Oh thank god. I thought you two were…DARCY SUDDENLY FREAKS OUT.DARCY.Oh god mom. No!EILEEN.Surfing. Whew. He teaches surfing.DARCY.He’s going to teach me.CUT TO. INT. DORSETT KITCHEN-EVENING.NORMA CLATTERS THE TEASPOON ON THE TABLE. NOAH CRINGES.57.NORMA.Surfing?NOAH.Yes. NORMA.That’s dangerous luv. NOAH.I’ve been surfing for three years.NORMA.You never told me this. PerhapsIt’s a good thing. I would haveGiven you a thick ear you know.NOAH.I’m accomplished. In fact Stuart Taught me and he hired me toTeach others.NORMA.I was wondering where you got allThe pocket money. How long haveYou been teaching.NOAH.About a year.NORMA.Bloody hell. You are careful right?NOAH.Of course.NORMA.Does your Dad know?NOAH.Yes, he told me to tell you.NORMA.Oh Crickey. 59.NOAH.Are you cross? I can’t tell.NORMA.You’re going to be 18 this year. You’re growing up my lad. Whatkind of a mum would I be if I kept holding you back from living your life. NOAH RISES TO HIS FEET. HE GIVES NORMA A WARM HUG.NOAH.Mum, you are special. Thanks.NORMA.You be careful. Mind the board andThe water.NOAH.Promise. CUT TO. INT. NED’S BEDROOM-EVENING.HE WRITES ON HIS NOTEPAD. WE WATCH HIS WORDS FLOW ONTO THE PAD.NED. (VO)Now onto Rosalyn. I thought I didn’t haveA chance, until tonight. How things changeMarty how things change. We had a chanceMeeting. Her father is some rich ogre andhates me. He doesn’t want me anywhere nearher. Tonight we showed up at a pub and there she was. She left the table to go into the pub and dropped me a note by my table. I picked it up and she wanted to meet me in the parking lot. We had a secret forbidden rendezvous. She’s wants to get to know me. We’re going to meet at a dance. I can’t believe this is happening to me. Anyway Marty it is late and I have to get to bed. I hope all is well. Until the next time Marty.Perhaps Rosalyn and I will be dating theNext time we talk. I can only dream 59.NED. (Continued.)About it in my sleep.NED RIPS OFF THE LETTER FROM THE NOTEBAD AND SEALS IT IN AN ENVELOPE AND WRITES MARTY’S ADDRESS ON IT. HE THEN LIES BACK AND SMILES. THE WIND WHIPS UP AND THE RAIN PELTS DOWN ON HIS WINDOW. NED GOES TO THE WINDOW AND LOOKS OUT. THE LARGE ELM TREE IN THE GARDEN SWAYS LEFT AND RIGHT. HE FEELS AT PEACE THAT IT ISN’T BENDING TOWARDS THE COTTAGE. A BIG SMILE LIGHTS UP NED’S FACE.FADE TO BLACK.END OF EPISODE SEVEN. ................
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