An
Inside Job
Originally
Aired October 7, 1986
Boy Will Be Boys - Final Draft Script - July 23, 1986
Written by: MaryAnne Kasica, Michael Scheff, & Rick Mittleman
Released Under Show Title: The Adventures of Simon McKay
CAST LIST
Simon McKay
Alex Jagger
Tillie Russell
Traveno
Mary Hansen
Carl Dekker
Stereo System Voice
Todd
Mrs. Cranston
Refrigerator (Computerized Voice)
Anchorwoman
Pilot's Voice
Controller's Voice
Cabin Attendant
Back to Top
SET LIST
INTERIORS:
Hotel Room - Day
Car - Day
Simon's House -
Kitchen - Day & Night
Workshop - Day
Secret Workshop - Day & Night
Den - Night
Secret Workshop Door
Secret Workshop Closet Door
Hallway / Stairs - Day
Tenement - Day
Empty Apartment - Day
Bronco - Day
Warehouse - Day
Workbench Area - Day
Workshop Area - Day
Catwalk - Day
Elevator - Day
Elevator Well
Elevator Shaft
Van - Day
Cargo Area - Day
Jet Liner - Day
Hansen's TV Monitor - Day
EXTERIORS:
Fashionable Hotel - Day (Stock)
Alley - Long Shot - Day
Backyard - Day
Neighbor's Yard - Day
Simon's Backyard - Day
Garage - Night
Subjective Aerial P.O.V. (Point of View) - Open Field - Day
Large Meadow - Day
Binocular Matte - Model Plane - Day
Woods - Day
Insert Shot - Model Plane
Simon's House - Night (Stock)
Back Alley - Night
Garage Area - Night
Alleyway - Van - Night
Workshop - Day
"All Night Movie" Marquee
Sidewalk - Ghetto Area - Day
City Street - Day
Burned Out Tenement - Day
Deserted Hallway
City Street - Bronco Drive-By - Day (Stock)
Warehouse - Front Gate - Day
Warehouse - Day
Freeway - Van - Day
Gas Station - Day
Phone Booth - Day
Airport Approach - Day
Roadway - Day
Giant Jumbo Jet - Day (Stock)
Industrial Park - Day
Airport Approach - Bronco Drive-By - Day (Stock)
Van - Model Plane
Jet Liner in Flight - Day (Stock)
Model Airplane (Golden Fleece) - Day
Frontage Road - Day
Empty Lot - Day
Jet Liner - Day (Stock)
Jet Liner in Flight - Binocular Matte - (Stock)
Van - Day
Parking Lot - Day
Two Models in Light - Binocular Matte - Day
Slow Motion Shot - Bronco - Day
Back to Top
ACT ONE
FADE IN
EXT. FASHIONABLE HOTEL - ESTABLISHING - DAY (STOCK) - 1
TIGHT ON BEDSPREAD - 2
CAMERA PANS a litter of papers, political tracts & brochures, a crudely xeroxed political cartoon showing Uncle Sam as the dove of peace about to dive-bomb an amateurish rendering of Central America . . . CONTINUES PANNING PAST an open glove-leather attache' case containing an automatic pistol & several clips along with an electric razor, utility kit, etc . . . over which we hear a cultured voice with a heavy Latino accent:
TRAVENO (voice over)
The truth can no longer be denied. Central America has exploded like a raging brush fire. South America is next . . .
The CAMERA PANS ACROSS the hotel room & HOLDS ON:
DR. JUAN TRAVENO - 3
Although in shirt-sleeves, Traveno's tailored clothes & cultured bearing speak of his diplomatic stature. At the moment, his eyes burn with emotion as he tosses a copy of this morning's newspaper into the laps of two callers, CARL DEKKER, a boyishly good-looking , athletic-type with eyes the color of blue ice . . . & MARY HANSEN, stylishly attractive, intelligent, all business. They glance at the headlines which read: "PEACE CONFERENCE TO CONVENE."
TRAVENO
So you must understand, any attempts to negotiate a peaceful solution would not be in the best interests of the Revolutionary Front.
Hansen interrupts with an impatient smile.
HANSEN
With all due apologies, Dr. Traveno -- the package?
TRAVENO
'Package?'
DEKKER
The target . . . the hit . . . what you're paying us for!
TRAVENO
Ah! Forgive me. I forgot your political loyalties go no further than . . .
(studies a slip)
. . . Box 1521 . . . Bank of Zurich.
(intently)
Very simply. Condor Airlines Flight 524 arrives from San Paolo in two days carrying the 15-nation San Paolo Peace delegation. I want the plane blown up just as it touches American soil.
(on their reaction)
An unfortunate loss of life, I know . . . but it will be just the international incident we are looking for to destroy American credibility for decades to come.
HANSEN
What about your own agents?
TRAVENO
Impossible. The airport, the parade cavalcade, the hotel security is much too tight. No! We pay what you ask because you are best at what you do.
Back to Top
EXT. ALLEY - LONG SHOT - DAY - 4
Simon's Bronco moves down the residential service alley that runs behind his house & turns into his garage. CAMERA PANS TO:
TIGHT SHOT - TODD - 5
in the f.g. (foreground), watching intently FROM a HIDDEN VANTAGE POINT across the alleyway. Tough, streetwise, & oozing hostility from every pore, the 12-year-old Todd is dressed in worn jeans, a tattered pullover & a pair of old sneakers.
ON SIMON - 6
climbing down from behind the wheel & reaching for a bag of groceries as ALEX circles the other way & removes several more bags of groceries via the rear window.
SIMON (wrinkling nose as he inspects contents)
Uggh! Squash . . . spinach . . . brussels sprouts. What's Tillie trying to do? Kill us?
ALEX (laughing)
What a way to go. 'Vegetabled' to death.
Simon closes the car door & locks it, then joins Alex & heads for the garage door leading to the rear of the house.
SIMON (as they go)
Next time I make up the shopping list!
ANGLE ON TODD - 7
He makes sure the coast is clear, then slips furtively into the garage & peeks through the side window of the Bronco.
TODD'S P.O.V. - TIGHT SHOT - CAR STEREO - 8
A state-of-the-art wonder we'd expect from Simon, now the obvious object of Todd's attention.
BACK TO TODD - 9
He slips a thin shiv from under his sweater & pops the door lock. Silently, he opens the door & sprawls across the front seat producing a screwdriver which he starts to apply to the dash panel bolts that secure the stereo system. All of a sudden, the tuner LIGHTS UP in a rainbow of colors & the speaker system, literally, starts SHOUTING ALTERNATELY with BEEPS! OF THE CAR HORN & THUMPS! OF THE CAR HOOD that BANGS UP & DOWN.
STEREO SYSTEM VOICE
Simon! . . . BEEP! . . . Help! . . . BEEP! . . . THUMP! . . . Simon! . . . BEEP! . . . Help! . . . BEEP! . . . THUMP!
Todd recoils & leaps out of the car as if struck by lighting, muttering to himself.
TODD
Oh jeez!
EXT. BACKYARD - 10
Simon & Alex react to the commotion.
SIMON
My car alarm!
ALEX
Wait here!
Alex hands Simon his two bags of groceries practically burying him & rushes back toward the garage.
BACK TO TODD - 11
turning tail & sprinting down the alley. CAMERA HOLDS as Alex bursts back through the side door in hot pursuit.
THE CHASE - 12
Todd knocks over several trash barrels which Alex deftly hurdles & leaps a fence into a neighbor's yard. Alex, a few strides behind, gracefully vaults the fence.
EXT. NEIGHBOR'S YARD - 13
strung with laundry drying in the warm morning sun. CAMERA TRUCKS WITH Alex dodging THROUGH the obstacle course as Todd, a few yards in advance, pulls everything off the line desperately trying to slow Alex down.
ON HOUSEWIFE (MRS. CRANSTON) - 14
She pauses from sweeping the back stoop & looks on in shock as Todd runs past her & veers back in the direction of the alleyway. Furious at seeing her morning's labor go down the tubes, she pounds Alex with her broom as he rushes by in pursuit of Todd.
MRS. CRANSTON
Oh! You beast!
TIGHT ON TODD - 15
rushing back into the alley through an open gate & only to have Alex overtake him & clamp down on his shirt collar.
ALEX
Hold it right there, pal!
Simon approaches Todd & displays the shiv.
SIMON
I believe this belongs to you?
TODD
Lemme go!
(screaming loudly)
Child Abuse! Helllp! Police!
ANOTHER ANGLE - 16
as Mrs. Cranston peers nosily over the fence. Simon smiles & waves.
SIMON
Everything's just dandy, Mrs. Cranston. Just a little misunderstanding . . .
(to Todd pointedly)
. . . Right, young man? Or do you really want her to call the authorities?
ALEX (panting, disheveled)
She's got my vote!
SIMON
Now, now, Alex. No damage was done.
(more to Todd)
Frankly, I'd prefer discussing it over a glass of milk. What do you say?
TODD (sullenly)
Yeah, sure . . . like I got a choice.
Alex looks at Simon as Simon turns the boy around & gives him a gentle shove back in the direction of Simon's garage.
ALEX
Simon, the kid broke into your car!
SIMON (to Todd)
What's your name lad?
TODD
What's it to you, 'Shorty'?
SIMON (to Alex, chuckling)
Well, we know one thing. The boy certainly knows up from down.
Back to Top
ANGLE ON CAR - 17
unobtrusive, parked in the shade in the distance.
INT. CAR - 18
Dekker, behind the wheel, sits with Hansen watching Simon guide Todd through his back gate with Alex trailing.
HANSEN (impressed)
He did it! McKay's taking him in!
DEKKER
McKay's a sucker for the hearts & flowers stuff. It's all in his profile.
HANSEN
Thank goodness. Trying to get past that audio-electronic security system of his . . . that could've been a major problem.
EXT. SIMON'S BACKYARD - 19
Alex pauses as Simon holds the gate open for Todd who moves on ahead.
ALEX
Simon, you're a pushover. Any stray on the block, you've got to take it in.
SIMON
Thank you, Alex. I'm glad you keep reminding me of that.
ALEX
Simon, this kid needs special handling. He's not some kind of . . . toy you can take home & fix.
SIMON
You're right. He's much more than that, Alex. He's a human being.
TODD (chiming in)
Yeah. Right!
SIMON (sternly)
As for you, young man, you'll speak when spoken to . . . er . . . er . . .
(fishing)
. . . What's you say your name was?
TODD
I didn't
(begrudgingly)
Aghh! Go ahead & call me Todd.
SIMON
Todd it is!
Simon reaches the backdoor & holds it open for Todd, then winks at Alex as Todd exits into the house. At least it's a start.
Back to Top
INT. KITCHEN - DAY - 20
TIGHT ON Todd chasing a huge mouthful of a huge sandwich with a long swig of milk. PULL BACK TO INCLUDE:
SIMON - 21
seated with him at the breakfast table as Alex pours himself a cup of coffee from a coffee maker in the b.g. (background) (PRODUCTION NOTE: A VARIETY OF TOYS & ELECTRICAL DEVICES IN VARIOUS STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT ARE SCATTERED ABOUT THE KITCHEN AREA IN INFORMAL REPOSE IN KEEPING WITH SIMON'S TENDENCY TO CLUTTER THE WORLD AROUND HIM.)
SIMON
Now then, Todd. The truth. Why did you try to steal my car stereo?
TODD
Whatta you care? You won't believe me, anyway.
SIMON
Try me.
TODD
I was hungry, okay? So I was gonna hock it & buy some food.
Todd glares hostilely, an attitude that will prevail throughout. Alex joins them, probing for specific information.
ALEX
You have a last name, Todd?
TODD
I forgot.
ALEX
Hey, look. We're trying to help you out. But you've got to help us.
SIMON
Like telling us where you live.
TODD
That's easy. Most of the time a deserted tenement down on Fourth Street -- once in a while, if I'm lookin' for company an all-night movie . . .
SIMON
What about your parents?
TODD
They're dead. Okay?!
ANOTHER ANGLE - INCLUDING TILLIE - 22
steaming INTO VIEW bearing a plate of fresh muffins.
TILLIE
Oh, let the boy eat. Can't you see he's starved half to death!
(serving muffins)
Here you go Todd. Fresh whole wheat muffins!
Todd grabs for the muffins with both hands, stuffing one in his mouth.
TODD (mouth full)
Mumg nedffmorpff milsfer . . .
TILLIE
Right. More milk coming up!
ALEX
You understood that?
TILLIE
After all those years cookin' aboard ship? Stuffed mouth's my second language!
Tillie EXITS. Todd checks out the clutter of toys & equipment & does a little probing of his own.
TODD
So what do you guys do? Run a Fix-it shop?
SIMON
I'm an inventor. Toys, mostly.
TODD
No bull? You mean here? In the house?
SIMON
My workshop's right downstairs.
TODD
Man, would I love to see that.
SIMON
Well then, when you're finished eating, Tillie will show you the way. Won't you, Tillie?
FAVORING TILLIE - 23
She nods as Simon & Alex EXIT, then turns to open the REFRIGERATOR, automatically cueing a computerized voice.
REFRIGERATOR
Good evening. We need more orange juice.
Fascinated, Todd approaches as he polishes off one last muffin. Tillie fills her glass with milk.
TODD
You gotta be kiddin' me. A talking refrigerator?
TILLIE
Yep. I shoulda bit my tongue that rainy afternoon I sounded off to Simon about all the trips I had to make to the market!
TODD
Weird . . .
TILLIE
Listen up, boy. You just count your blessin's that little man's takin' such a shine to you.
(clearing table)
More milk?
TODD
Naaa.
TILLIE
Good. Then you can help with the washin' up. You can dry.
Tillie crosses to the sink & tosses Todd a dish towel. Todd stares at it nonplussed.
TODD
Me? Dryin' dishes? No way!
TILLIE
Tough tomatoes! Around here, you eat, you work!
TODD (manipulatively)
Uh -- listen, how about I take out the garbage instead. That's work.
TILLIE
Well . . . okay. Just make sure you haul that skinny bag o' bones back here after I'm done cleaning up. Deal?
TODD
You got it.
Todd smiles. Tillie smiles back & turns away to clear his dish. Todd gives her a silent Bronx Cheer behind her back.
Back to Top
INT. SIMON'S WORKSHOP - DAY - 24
The workshop is filled with a Pandora's Box of fascinating toys in various stages of completion. At the moment, Simon is making an adjustment on a mound of hinged shoe-brushes surrounding an opening the size of the human foot. He motions to Alex who stands behind the workbench.
SIMON
Three-quarter inch wrench . . .
ALEX (hands him tool)
Simon, I'm not questioning your good intentions. They're terrific as usual --
SIMON
Alex, the boy's obviously a runaway. I can't just dump him back on the streets. I couldn't live with myself.
ALEX
I couldn't either. That's what Juvenile Hall is all about.
SIMON
Poor Alex. Seeing everything in black & white when there are a hundred shades in every rainbow.
ALEX (the pragmatist)
What the devil does a rainbow --
SIMON (finger to lips)
Shhhh!
Todd descends the stairs & joins them, belligerent as ever.
TODD
You guys don't have to whisper. You want me to split, just say so.
SIMON
Matter of fact, it's just the opposite. Alex & I agree you can stay as long as you wish. What do you say?
Todd looks at Alex suspiciously. Alex concurs with a shrug.
ALEX
A deserted building's no place for any kid.
TODD
Sure. Why not? I got nuthin' better to do.
SIMON
All right!
Alex forces a smile & EXITS. Todd looks around, underwhelmed by what he sees. He points to the brush contraption.
TODD
What's that?
SIMON
This? I call it my 'Quick-Soiler.' Here. Take off your right sneaker & slip this on.
Simon hands Todd a brand new white sneaker which he slips on as Simon places the Quick-Soiler on the floor.
TODD
Yeah . . . now what?
SIMON (motioning)
Go ahead. Put your foot in that opening . . . that's it. Now watch.
Simon flips a switch, the brushes swirl around Todd's new sneaker with a happy HUM, then stops. Todd takes his foot out & looks down at the sneaker.
INSERT SHOT - SNEAKER - 25
now dirty & scuffed to perfection, almost matching his other old, worn sneaker.
BACK TO SIMON & TODD - 26
Simon beams triumphantly.
SIMON
Da-dummmm!!! Presto! A brand new sneaker dirtied to perfection the day you buy it!
(as Todd stares)
No?
TODD
Dumb!
Todd tosses the experimental sneaker aside & slips his old one back on. Undaunted Simon presses on in hopes of reaching him.
SIMON
Well . . . silly, maybe. But not dumb. Dumb means silent & I'm certainly not that. Neither are you. I'll bet you have a lot to say given the proper time & place . . .
Todd ignores Simon, turning away instead to check out the workshop, & wander -- not so accidentally -- in the direction of Simon's secret workshop whose entrance is graced by a prominently lit key pad security device.
FAVORING TODD - 27
He picks up a futuristic frisbee & inspects it.
TODD
More junk. You got anything good around here?
Simon gently takes the frisbee from Todd, flips a self-contained switch & SWISH! The frisbee, glowing in an ethereal light, takes off, circles the room & returns to Simon's upraised finger where it spins to a stop. Simon puts it down & confronts Todd.
SIMON
Look, son, the sooner you take that 200-pound-chip off your shoulder & relax the better.
Todd turns away & preoccupies himself with another toy. Simon follows.
SIMON
Todd, I know there's a solid citizen in there somewhere. I can feel it.
Again, Todd averts his eyes elsewhere. Not to be denied, Simon circles the boy & confronts him.
SIMON
Todd, look at me. Sooner or later you've got to trust somebody. Why not now?
This seems to reach Todd. He looks at Simon suspiciously.
TODD
You trust me?
SIMON
Of course I do. It's like eating peanuts. Once you start trusting people you can't stop.
TODD
Okay, prove it.
(points off)
What's inside there?
Todd crosses to Simon's secret workshop & indicates.
SIMON (taken aback)
In there? My secret workshop?
TODD
Yeah. Open the door. I wanna look around.
SIMON
Todd, that's a very special place. Nobody goes in there --
TODD
You see? You don't trust me! You're just like all the others! You're all full of --
SIMON (quickly concedes)
All right, all right! I'll be glad to show you around. You can even punch in the code.
TODD
You probably change it every day.
SIMON
Close. Every two years.
(indicating)
Just press four-double six-two on the key pad.
Todd punches in the numbers to the SOUND of MUSICAL BEEPS & the door opens REVEALING Simon's secret workshop within.
INT. SECRET WORKSHOP - 28
Todd ENTERS with Simon & looks around, seemingly in awe at the sight of several of Simon's most special projects.
TODD
Not bad.
His hands trail over a space-age bicycle (or whatever).
TODD
Bet you can make some big bucks from all this stuff.
SIMON
Once in a blue moon. But that's the lot of an inventor. Most of the fun is in the doing.
TODD
You know what you could make a fortune at? Model planes & boats, stuff like that.
SIMON
I see. A born promoter, are you?
TODD
I'm twelve right. I should know what kids like, right?
(innocently)
Ever do any radio-controlled stuff?
SIMON
Right behind you. Take that plastic cover off . . .
ANOTHER ANGLE - 29
FAVORING a large, plastic-covered object on a pedestal in the f.g. Todd turns & takes off the cover REVEALING a breathlessly modern model jet, it's gold fuselage gleaming in the light. Todd WHISTLES in awe.
SIMON
Meet the 'Golden Fleece' . . . built to soar on the wings of progress like it's namesake soared the heavens of Greek mythology.
TODD
Wow! That's 'rad'! A jet, right?
(on Simon's nod)
Man, would I love to fly that thing.
SIMON
Well, good. It just so happens I'm putting it through it's final paces tomorrow & I could use a good co-pilot.
TODD
You kiddin' me?
Simon spits on his hand & offers it to Todd.
SIMON
Spit & a handshake says I'm not!
Taken aback, Todd hesitantly shakes Simon's hand.
SIMON
Now then, I've got to make a few quick adjustments on the 'Quick-Soiler.' When you're finished in here, lock it up. You know the code.
Simon & Todd's eyes meet. Simon knows despite all of Todd's bravado, he's at least established a beachhead.
Back to Top
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT - 30
Tillie makes a final wipe of the spic & span counters as Alex ENTERS.
ALEX
Tillie, I put my coffee cup down somewhere. You happen to see it?
TILLIE
Nope. But feel free to ask the Refrigerator.
Alex laughs as Todd ENTERS, defensive & demanding as ever.
TODD
Okay, Tillie. Where's the garbage?
TILLIE
Full speed astern (editing notation: "?") there, boy! You want results, you talk to me, not at me!
TODD
Okay, okay. I'd like to take out the garbage . . .
(sarcastically)
. . . Ma'am.
TILLIE (jerks head)
In the pail. By the backdoor.
Todd EXITS. Tillie shakes her head as Alex takes a clean mug & pours himself another cup of coffee.
TILLIE
Simon's got a tiger by the toe with that 'un!
ALEX
Yeah, but try telling Simon that. He forgets he's not a social worker. You have to know what you're doing to figure out a kid like that.
Suddenly a large, motorized plastic ear on wheels WHIRRS across the kitchen floor, accompanied by a BOOMING:
SIMON'S VOICE
I heard that remark!
Simon ENTERS, removing an earpiece & setting it on the counter with a small remote-controller.
SIMON
Where's Todd? He's really into remote controls. But please, don't let me interrupt . . .
TILLIE
And set some kind of precedent around here? Don't be silly!
ALEX
Simon, you know how I feel. We are not professionals. We could be doing Todd a lot of harm.
SIMON
But I'm making progress! Look, Alex. The boy's hardly an incorrigible. He's just a little confused . . . and very, very angry. All we have to do is help him sort things out.
TILLIE
I'm sure game. Compared to what I've had to deal with that kid's mean streak is about as wide as an eel's shirt collar!
SIMON
Alex?
ALEX
Maybe I'm just jealous I didn't have somebody like you to straighten me out when I was a kid.
(grins)
Okay. I'll give it a shot.
Back to Top
EXT. GARAGE - NIGHT - 31
Todd dumps the trash & looks around expectantly. Hansen & Dekker step out of the shadows.
DEKKER
Well?
TODD (the braggart)
No sweat. The guy was an easy mark!
HANSEN
What about the plane? Did you see it.
TODD
Naturally.
DEKKER
What about getting it out?
TODD
No problem. McKay's even invited me to stay over. I can rip it off any time you want.
HANSEN
Tomorrow night, Todd. The plane & the controls tomorrow night.
TODD (curiously)
Then whatta you gonna do with it?
DEKKER
Hey. Remember our deal, kid. No questions.
HANSEN
Just get us the plane & we'll have your money waiting.
Dekker & Hansen turn & EXIT into the night. Todd watches them go then dismisses any second thoughts with a wave of the hand.
TODD
Ah, big deal!
FADE OUT
Back to Top
END OF ACT ONE
*********************************************************
ACT TWO
FADE IN
SUBJECTIVE AERIAL P.O.V. - OPEN FIELD - DAY - 32
We SEEM TO BE ON a wild roller coaster ride, zooming along the ground, then in & out of bordering trees, then zooming high into the sky, faltering into a Hammerhead Stall, then nosing downward in a power dive. We PULL BACK TO:
EXT. LARGE MEADOW - DAY - 33
Simon studies a small monitor on which the AERIAL SHOT is registering. Beside Simon, an intense Todd handles the radio controls attached to the monitor, obviously flying the model while watching the screen. Behind them, Alex looks on apprehensively not far from the parked Bronco.
TODD
Oh yeah! Yeeeaaaah!
SIMON
Good, Todd. Now ease off the throttle just a hair . . . easy . . . that's it.
BINOCULAR MATTE - MODEL PLANE - DAY - 34
following the flight of the model plane.
HANSEN'S VOICE (coaxing, to self)
Good . . . now hit the trim . . .
ANGLE ON WOODS - DAY - 35
Hansen drops the binoculars as she & Dekker watch from a secluded grove of trees. Their van is parked nearby.
HANSEN (excitedly)
Look at the way it handles.
DEKKER
It's gonna work out, eh?
HANSEN
Like a charm! McKay's design is even more sophisticated than the one he submitted with his patent application.
DEKKER
You really know how to fly one of those things, huh?
HANSEN
Look, Dekker. If it's got wings, I fly it. That's why I'm here.
DEKKER
Hey, easy. Just makin' conversation.
HANSEN
Well don't. After we do our number on Flight 524, I never met you before in my life.
Dekker gives Hansen a muttering look as the model plane SCREAMS past, it's engine WHINING like a banshee.
TIGHT ON ALEX - 36
shielding his eyes as he looks upward in alarm.
ALEX
Watch out!
SUBJECTIVE AERIAL P.O.V. SHOT - 37
as the plane heads straight for a tree.
ANGLE ON SIMON & TODD - 38
The excitement building in Simon's voice as he barks a saving command:
SIMON
Left aileron! No! That's right! I want left!
INSERT SHOT - MODEL PLANE - 39
zigzagging & narrowly avoiding a large tree trunk.
BACK TO TODD, SIMON & ALEX - 40
TODD
Oh wow! It's like being up there myself.
SIMON
That's the whole point of the miniature TV camera in the cockpit. So all of us armchair pilots can let our fantasies soar up into the clouds!
ALEX
And down into a tree!
SIMON (chuckling)
I think Alex has had enough thrills for the day. Let's bring her in for a landing.
TODD
Here. You take it.
Todd tries to hand the controls to Simon who waves them off.
SIMON
Why? You're doing just fine.
TODD
Flying. Not landing! Hey c'mon, Simon!
ALEX (nervously)
Uh -- Simon -- I think Todd has a point.
SIMON
Nope. Sorry. A deal's a deal. I shook on it.
TIGHT ON TODD - 41
A nervous wreck as he works the controls.
ON THE MODEL PLANE - 42
wobbling closer & closer to the ground at high speed.
ON SIMON & ALEX - 43
SIMON
That's right. Throttle back. Now lower the landing gear.
ON THE MODEL PLANE - 44
as the landing gear lowers.
P.O.V. AERIAL SHOT - 45
OF the ground rising up & the three figures of Simon, Alex & Todd looming ever larger.
TODD'S VOICE
The ground's coming up too fast.
BACK TO SCENE - 46
Tension oozes from every pore as Todd works the controls. In contrast, Simon's voice takes on a soothing quality.
SIMON
Easy . . . flaps down . . . good . . . now throttle all the way down . . .
ON THE MODEL PLANE - 47
bouncing into a rough but safe landing.
BACK TO SIMON, ALEX & TODD - 48
reacting with both joy & relief.
TODD (proudly)
I did it!
SIMON
I told you you could do it. Right, Alex?
ALEX
Yep. Nice job, Todd-o!
Alex moves out to collect the model plane. Todd takes a deep breath, then turns to Simon who starts to pack it in.
TODD
Why'd you let me do that? I coulda wrecked that thing.
SIMON
You didn't, did you?
TODD
Yeah, but you didn't know that.
SIMON
Nice feeling to be trusted by somebody, isn't it?
Simon picks up the Flight Box & starts toward the Bronco, knowing the point has hit close to home.
ON TODD - 49
crossing toward the Bronco, he catches sight of Dekker & Hansen's van bouncing off on a distant access road. He swallows nervously & turns away to hide the sinking sensation that sweeps over him.
ON ALEX - 50
noticing Todd's expression as he opens the Bronco's tailgate REVEALING various sections of an older, blue-epoxied, somewhat battered prototype of the "Golden Fleece" among other assorted parts, tools, transmitters, etc.
ALEX
You okay, kid?
TODD (forcing smile)
Couldn't be better.
(points to blue plane to change subject)
Hey! What's that old plane?
SIMON (approaching)
That, my lad, is the 'Blue Streak.' Precursor of the golden Fleece.
(pointedly at Alex)
As Alex can tell you, I throw away very little . . .
Back to Top
EXT. SIMON'S HOUSE - NIGHT (STOCK) - 51
ESTABLISHING.
INT. SIMON'S DEN - NIGHT - 52
TIGHT ON the TV SET where a local ANCHORWOMAN extols the evening news:
ANCHORWOMAN
. . . Authorities say flood waters are expected to recede by Friday. Meanwhile, on the international scene, world attention is focused on the American sponsored San Paolo Peace Initiative beginning tomorrow at the luxurious Palace Regency Hotel . . .
As a "San Paolo Peace Conference" logo is supered behind the Anchorwoman, CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL:
ALEX & SIMON - 53
Alex settles into an easy chair to watch TV as Simon ponders his library shelves & selects a research book.
ANCHORWOMAN
For a direct report from International Airport where security measures are being taken to insure the safe arrival of the 15-nation peach delegation when Condor Flight 524 touches down at noon tomorrow, we go to reporter Bill Middleton . . .
ANOTHER ANGLE - TODD - 54
peeking in as Alex uses a remote to switch channels to a baseball game. Seeing both men are preoccupied, he tiptoes across the back of the den toward the kitchen . . . only to have both Simon & Alex turn his way. He wiggles his fingers in guilt-ridden recognition.
TODD
Hi, Alex . . . Simon . . . uhm . . . don't let me interrupt anything . . .
Todd continues on & EXITS. Simon looks at Alex.
SIMON
Will wonders never cease, eh Alex?
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT - 55
Dinner is cooking & the table is set for four. Todd ENTERS, checks to see that Tillie is o.s., then quickly stuffs two apples from a fruit bowl into each pants pocket, then moves stealthily toward the backdoor. As he does, Tillie ENTERS.
TODD
Hi, Tillie.
TILLIE
Where do you think you're going?
TODD
Me? Oh. Into town. You know, see a couple of buddies . . .
TILLIE
What about dinner?
TODD
I ain't hungry.
Tillie plucks an apple from each pocket & holds them up.
TILLIE
What's this? Ballast? So you don't blow away?
Tillie tosses the apples back to him, opens the oven door, & proceeds to baste a glorious roast turkey.
TODD (wavering)
Well . . . maybe I am hungry.
TILLIE
That's better. Now take this garbage out.
Tillie closes the oven & reaches for a plastic bag (already tied off) that bulges from a plastic trash can.
TODD (visibly uptight)
Do I have to?
(on Tillie's look)
Okay, okay!
Todd EXITS with the garbage leaving Tillie looking after him.
Back to Top
EXT. BACK ALLEY - NIGHT - 56
Dekker & Hansen wait in the shadows. Visibly impatient, Hansen checks her watch.
HANSEN
Where is he? He promised he'd be here.
DEKKER
Good question.
HANSEN
I just hope you didn't make a mistake, using that kid.
DEKKER
Right! Instead of playing it cool, we should've blasted our way in & put every cop in town on our tail.
HANSEN
What if the kid blows it, then what?
DEKKER (flaring)
Hey! You stick to the technical stuff, I'll handle the arrangements, okay?!
EXT. GARAGE AREA - NIGHT - 57
Todd carries a trash bag around the back of the garage. He looks around cautiously, then breathes a sigh of relief.
SMASH CUT TO:
A HAND - 58
reaching out of the darkness & grabbing him & muffling his instinctive CRY of surprise. PULL BACK TO REVEAL:
DEKKER - 59
who is quickly joined by Hansen.
DEKKER
Shhhh!
TODD
Well you scared me!
HANSEN
We're sorry about that, Todd. But we do have a little business to conduct.
DEKKER
You're supposed to turn over that plane tonight, remember?
TODD
Yeah, but I can't. They're watching me like a hawk. I need more time.
HANSEN (to Dekker)
He's stalling.
TODD
No I'm not. It's just . . . just not as easy as I thought it'd be.
HANSEN
Todd, we have to have it tonight!
TODD
What if I can't get it?
DEKKER
Then we'll have to go in & get it any way we can . . .
Dekker pulls back his jacket REVEALING the glint of a sawed-off shotgun in an under-the-shoulder holster.
HANSEN
That's why we hired you. To make sure nobody'd get hurt.
TODD (in a sweat)
You'd kill Simon? A-And Tillie & Alex?
DEKKER
Whatever it takes. Now . . . you want to earn your money or not?
As Todd twists in the wind, trapped on the horns of a dilemma from which there is seemingly no escape we:
DISSOLVE TO:
THE BEAM OF A FLASHLIGHT - 60
moving across a floor past a potpourri of toys.
INT. SIMON'S WORKSHOP - 61
TIGHT ON a foot accidentally kicking a toy POLICE CAR activating its FLASHING LIGHTS & sending it careening across the floor zigzagging in SKIDDING TURNS, its tires SHRIEKING via a self-contained SOUND SYSTEM.
TIGHT ON TODD'S FACE - 62
frozen in fear as the toy POLICE CAR hits the far wall & goes silent. Todd takes a deep breath & shines his flashlight on:
SECRET WORKSHOP DOOR - 63
Todd approaches the glowing key pad & taps out the code. The door slides open.
INT. SECRET WORKSHOP - NIGHT - 64
The flashlight beam falls on the Golden Fleece model.
TIGHT ON TODD - 65
summoning all his strength to do what he has to do.
TIGHT ON THE GOLDEN FLEECE MODEL - 66
being loaded gingerly into the bed of the van. PULL BACK TO DISCOVER:
EXT. ALLEYWAY - VAN - NIGHT - 67
Where Hansen lovingly secures it while Dekker peels $100.00 from a roll of bills & hands it to Todd.
DEKKER
Here you go kid. Payment on delivery.
TODD (hating it, but going with it)
Yeah. Thanks. It's been a pleasure.
DEKKER
Now get lost. Forget you ever saw us. Unless you want to see someone get hurt.
TODD
Hey, man. I'm history!
Todd waves, hops a fence & disappears into the night. Dekker moves to the back of the van where he helps Hansen close the doors, smiling just a bit smugly as he does.
DEKKER
Well! I took care of my end. Now it's your turn.
Hansen caresses the Gold Fleece lovingly.
HANSEN
Don't worry. You get me to the launching site on time, this little sweetheart is going to give Flight 524 the surprise of its life.
DEKKER
You mean 'death,' don't you?
Pleased at his little play on words, Dekker punctuates his ominous remark by SLAMMING the two rear doors shut as we:
FADE OUT
Back to Top
END OF ACT TWO
******************************************************
ACT THREE
FADE IN
INT. SECRET WORKSHOP - DAY - 68
The next morning. Simon stares at the empty pedestal that once housed the Golden Fleece model, trying to understand. Alex ENTERS & puts a gentle hand on Simon's shoulder.
ALEX
Simon, I'm sorry. The kid fooled me, too. I thought he was coming around.
SIMON
He was.
(a helpless shrug)
There's no rhyme or reason, Alex . . . none at all.
ALEX
Maybe you should chalk it off to human nature. Some people are going to self-destruct no matter what.
Simon SIGHS & heads back out to his workshop area.
SIMON
Perhaps. But not Todd. He's a good kid.
EXT. WORKSHOP - DAY - 69
Alex follows Simon who pauses to pick up the errant toy police car & ponder it.
ALEX
You can still say that? After he takes off with one of your most priceless prototypes?
SIMON
Mere fiberglass & epoxy, Alex. That's a far cry from heart & soul . . .
ALEX
Anything besides the Golden Fleece?
SIMON
I suppose I should check, eh?
ALEX
I think so, Simon.
FAVORING CLOSET DOOR - 70
as Simon approaches, making a quick mental inventory of all the workshop items in full view. Reaching the door he opens it & is virtually inundated by an unending cascade of toy parts, trolls, stuffed animals, mannequin components, pots, pans, you name it -- all with an accompanying cacophony of NOISE. Each time we think the outpouring is over, another half-dozen items fall out until -- at the very end -- we end up with the TINKLE of a tiny little bell.
TIGHT ON SIMON - 71
Knee-deep in the stuff surveying the mess with a blase eye.
SIMON
Nope. Everything's here. Like I thought.
(with new resolve)
Alex, we've got to find Todd! That's all there is to it!
Simon marches out of the pile of toys & heads for the stairs. Alex follows, totally confused.
ALEX
Simon, why?
Simon pauses on the stairs & looks Alex in the eye.
SIMON
Because I care! Because he could be in trouble. Because perhaps he was forced to steal the airplane against his will. Because I hate standing on stairways! Now are you with me or not?
Simon turns & trudges on up the stairs. Alex shrugs in resignation & follows.
ALEX
Okay. That's what I'm paid for, right? To be with you.
Back to Top
INT. KITCHEN - 72
Tillie is crossing toward the refrigerator with a bowl of fruit when the cellar door bursts open & Simon appears with Alex in tow.
TILLIE
What now, & where are you two off to in such a hurry?
SIMON
To find Todd.
TILLIE
An' how in Blue Hades you plan to do that?
SIMON
You forget, Tillie, the boy all but gave us his address.
TILLIE
The deserted tenement?
ALEX
You know what they say, Tillie. Home is where the heart is!
Simon EXITS. Alex shrugs Tillie's way, indicating he's got no choice, then is gone, the door shutting behind him.
TILLIE (calling after them)
Good luck!
She opens the Refrigerator cueing the computerized voice:
REFRIGERATOR
Good morning. We are out of eggs.
TILLIE
Oh, stick it in your ice-maker! Can't you see we've got more important things to worry about?
Tillie closes the door & sits down at the kitchen table trying to fathom this new development.
Back to Top
EXT. BURNED-OUT TENEMENT - ESTABLISHING - DAY - 73
A deserted, graffiti-scarred building devoid of the remotest suggestion of human life.
The CAMERA MOVES LATERALLY PAST fallen beams & masonry & CATCH