"A CHRISTMAS STORY" (1983)

SCRIPT SHOOTING :ed

Shepherd Jean by Material

Original on based film A

b::r:eakdowrt. above the re script your ",in notation a make Please

Day ... .• BATHROOM SINK THEUNDER RANDY - CLOSE-UP62pt90 Page

OPEN· DOOR FLIESBATHROOM THE53pt81 Page

BATHROOM THE INTO RALPH PAST RACES RANDY53pt80 Page

car the of out gets "Ralph

Ralphie" something want you ".Did - Sh.ields Miss Day- - CLASSROOM INT. - -REALITY & RALPHIE35pt58 Page

" ••• racket voluminous a hears Ralphie reality, in

reverie" his in lost is "Ralphie Day BEDROOM - INT.25pt37 Page

SCRIPT NOT NOTED IN -BREAKDOWN SCENE .SPECIFIC ,,t

trails. Randy by, race Kids

••• Michigan Lake frozen over screamed North the to miles hundred few a w:i,lds Canadian the of down out howiing wind 'l'he year. that of blizzards great the 0£ first the seen had Deceml:)er Early Cont'd) (V.O. NARRATOR

fence. delapidated past tun Kids

skies. gray steel the against dominoes mali.gnant like stacked ) ____C mills steel the uninhabited, and cold mysterious, and Dark range. mountain private own mysterious, our lay tanks, refinery great the and yards railroad the beyond horizon, far On the steamer. tramp a of hulk rotting the to clings barnacle a like Chicago of underbody the to precariously clings :tt Indiana. Hohman,

behind. RANDY-trails foreground.

in heap slag a across .run SCHWARTZ FLICK and RALl?HIE,

· images. the to contrast striking a form OF CLASSIC CHRISTMASCAROLSwhichMEDL_EY a. We hear up. fades (JEAN.SH:SPHERD) NARRATOR'SVOICE The Hohman.

of views microcosmic more ever show SERIES OF CUTS to a begins then city, PANS theCAMERA Michigan; Lake beside squatting town steel a FIND Hohman, TO UPFAOE

s. 1940 the in sometime Indiana, Northern says Graphic

to just a;ouncl miles from in brought

wel:'e Kid·s Jubilee. Yuletide giant their of motif the tone, the set It season. Chri:stmas... pre the of mark water htgh- major a tz-aditionall.y was window corner Stores' Department Higbee's

TOWARD !NMOVES CAMERA splendor. Yule the of front in

"aahi.ng" and "oohing" stand Citizens window. Store Pepartment s Etigbee' Qf SHOT WIDE TO A CUTS CAMERA

men. to will good and earth on peace of Bacchanalia yearly its for prepared was Downtown Hohman revolved. year kid entire the which around Christmas, glorious beautiful, Lovely, NARRATOR

closer. day one was Christmas because last, the than exciting more was day Each way. its on was Christmas excitement. building the was chorus off-stage thin faint, a like all, it over But NARRATOR

shoppers. and cars with Filled

ornaments. radiator furred tiny, like forward tilting gales, hour an miles 45 through school to plodded kids and ice caked under creaked wires streetcar- sang, and cracked air the where temperatures sub-zero and icicles story-high long, and snow drifts.of great town the on Hohman·, laying hit and Cont'd) (V.O. NARRATOR

Me''. "Hug legend, heart-tugging th~ bearing paw, his in lollipop a holding panda stuffed a beside Taxicab Air F~e-sh pedal-operated Andy's and Amos in sits Dopey round. and round goes sxnoke real burping train freight

Lion~l a which through moat, the in feet his bridge,

draw- the on sitting Andy Raggedy with castle cardboard

Arthurian an stands away feet A few Indiana.) in vague

been always has (History tanks. medium Army o.s. six by attack an off fending doughtily are who HighlandE!rS _ lead kilted of qompany a by manned is Logs Lincoln of built stockade frontier a foreground the !n· light.. $pot- golden the in glowing sets Toy Tinker and Flyers,

Flexible dolls, Temple Shirley on drifts,down snow artificial Sparkling· shirt. red· a iron$ ceaselessly Claus Mrs. ine>.:plicably, background, the in while

marimba, a plays Sleepy and engine steam Road Island Rock

eight-wheel miniature a of controls the at sits Grumpy

we go". work to off it's ho, heigh ho, "Heigh of· choruses by interspersed -- loudspeakers placed strategically eight through hO•ho-hois knee, mechanical,. his on Wnite Snow bouncing Santa, while paint and chisel and hammer pies... cutie seven Disney's Walt Snow White. mother den virginal their and s Dr,;arf Seven the of heyday the is This ... o

joy. electronic mechanized of panoply tinkling golden, a before admiration rapt in jostled glass, plate sparkling the up clouding breath steamy their earmuff, to earmuff packed nights First (Cont'd) NARRATOR

also. RANDY and SCHWARTZ FLICK, We see grownup.

startled a of legs the between up bobbing comesRALPHIE boy little One in. peering faces rapt PANS theCAMERA

hit. smash instant an It_ was night. Saturday crowded a on unveiled officially been had display magnificent The years. those of one was This times. ordinary in than more. fulsomely flowered had window the when years vintage recall would codgers Old Cont'd) (V.O. NARRATOR /..______ \ ()

page: the on copy ing

follow- the see We Ryder. Red of face smiling the INTO

A SLOWZOOM$TAB.TS and POV Ralphie's CUTS·toCAMERA

· ' Life. s 'Boy' .tn ad cover back full-page a in illustration smeared three--color a in pictured it, on eyes laid I time first the maddeningly ner,1ously, itchingly, clearl~l, remember I NA...~RA'I'OR

deadline. school before

minutes waning the interm.tttently oallsMOTHER Ralphie's

winter. Indiana indefatigable the against f.ight good

the fights he as distance the in dimly roars Man, Old The as known FATHER, hereafter Ralphie's background. the in CRACKLES RADIO omnipresent The morning. school a of - routine hectic the we hear Downstairs Li:fe. s "Boy'

reading is RaJ,.phie that re:veal to BACK PULLS CAm:RA

Ralphie. of face entr.anced the TO DISSOLVEWe everywhere. kids aching to

rifle:aB D.aisy the hustling is who Ryder, Red of face

beaming the fact·To rapt Ralphie'sFROM FANSCAMERA

past. Chri~tmases among out stand Christmas that made perserverance Olympian and brilliance Machiavellian whose scheme a way, under well was scheme own my Already day. big the for made.plans and -- bed in restlessly tossed town. whole the until mounted excitement the balloon, Christmas swelling a Like one. great a even Maybe year. good a was It NARRATOR

Rockwell. Norman like look Dali Salvador makes

workshop Santa's all; in All triplane. Fokker balsawood

high-flying a of out bailed just having parachutes, billowing from hang kriickers ~olf plaid wearing dolls quintuplet Dionne above, clouds cotton fluffy From

his ZOOM INTO SLOW a begins and Ralphie TO co~sCAMERA

• ECHOESA~lD REVERBERATES VOICE s Ralph' ofSO.ON:0 The

gift! Christmas swell a make will it and

great it's Dad Tell miss. can't just you and sight, cloverleaf design special own my over sight stock, this 'gc;1.inst cheek your just,lay You wilds. the in out time tellirtg for sundial _)..C Ryder Red official an also and trail, the on lost you're if direction the telling for stock the in compass secret built-in special a has It own! very your be can guys bad and rustlers them cha.sin' wars my range all •in used I one the like just rifle, air action carbine shot two-hundred this fellows, Yes, (O.S.) RALPH

himself. to loud out it reading begin Ralphie we hear as copy following the seeing page, its OVER PANSCAMERA

on. eyes laid ever I'd as weaponry of piece a looking deadly coolly as beautiful, as of stock knurled wasthe hand his In eye. to eye to,me directly speaking and me manfully, at out staring squared, jaw his Ryder, Red NARRATOR(Cont'd)

RIFLE~ AIR SHOT RANGEMODELHUNDREDACTION TWO

CARBINERYDER ~D AN OFFICIALOWN CAN AT LAST YOU BOYS!

them. to turns Ralphie calm Herculeart With Nit!m.ATOR

speaks: Father Ralphie's millertium. the of coming the beheld they if

as stare eyes His teeth,. chattez-ing hi_s before poised

fingernails his arms, desperate mother's his in clasped

is brother, Ralphie'sRANDY, feet, her At fear. cosmic with roll eyes whose Mother, Ralphie's a:botit arms his

corrt.er, the in huddle Father s Ralphie' see weBACK PULL TO

CCNT:CNUESCAMERA As ready. the at rifle air Ryder Red

trusty his knee, one on Ralphie see to BACK PULLSCAMERA

fantasy. daydream Ralphie's is which following, the We DISSOLVE to eye. Ralphie's CLOSE SHOT of EXTREMELY AN ATARRIVED HASCAMERA

lunancy, genuine of symptoms initial the my life in time first the For gifts. Christmas of_ Grail Holy the gift, Christmas quintessential the -- gift Christmas the but gift Christmas swell a merely not was it that well full knowing -- underplay demonic calculatingly his with Ralphie his.pal me, nailing himself Ryder Red was Here gift! Christmas A swell 0 NARRATOR

us ! • saved youand Ralphie, goners, all were Weus! saved you Ralphie, us, savedYou FAMILY

kindly. but stoically t.his tolerating

stands Ralphie Ralphie. embracing wildly, cheer They

down disappear and fence the over headlong plunge ar.d

unceremoniously race They Blue." "Ol' of sting the by dumbness into stricken up, stand others The wounded..

mortally a~r, the into acrobaticall~.t leap guys bad Three

YARD THE SHOT - LONG

whip- a as fast then coolly, situation the surveys He

One fence. the over slinking are two house; the nears One blackjacks. carry and shirts striped wear all They goggles. like looks that kind the mask, black type Burglar Bandit- thin a wears each and them, of eight about are There house. the toward snow the across bellies their · on creeping are men desperate backyard, the across

points various At sees! Ralphie what see window we kitchen the out and faucet kitchen the past Looking

the survey eyes steely The edge. the over appears

face Ralphie's Slowly house. Ralphie's of sink kitchen the obviously is CUTS BEHIND whatCAMERA Then

rifle. air BB his up He holds

minutes. two means minutes 'l'wo -t:hing. Brother Little his

do to starts and drawer the tnto plunges Randy ready. get to scurries and up leaps He voice. mother's his by

fantasy his of out jarred been has Ralphie realiz'e We

family. 0 my now contrite by_ me upon afflicted was that hurt distant that· of my. eyes in showing trace a just with heroically, bravely; zone danger the into staring moment, a after away turned I NARRATOR

there? got Whatcha FAT!iER

back. his behind Life" "Boy's the puts cleverly Ralphie Ralphie. at down looks ae shaving. of strokes final

the in Man Old The find we and in bcS.rges He door.

bathroom the to Ralphie FOLLOWING and Randyl:iOSING

HALLWAY l'HE MED. SHOT -

pitch. sales Ryder Red a reading into euchere.d cleverly herself find d would Romances' 'Screen of copy her for grabbing My mother, NARRATOR

covers. th.a between Life" "Boy's

slip and Romances" "Screen of copy a up pick him see we where room parents' his into FOLLOWS Ralphie CAMERA

strategy. conscious into my cortex through surge to began ages the through plots Kid of memories Race necessity! absolute an was it -- gun a such. have I should only Not it. about question no was There Evil. insensate and family huddled tiny your between stand alone you and you only where kitchen the toward snow the through burrowing marauders creeping about know not.hing Mothers NARRATOR _/____ '-.n

magazines. Stream' & 'Field father's

his of one inside Life' 'Boy's a placing Ralphie We see

Sox. White great a make He'll .. tterh.i. one~eighty".'"seven solid, good, a ...... Shottenhoffer for got•- t:hey player only the -- Oulbelsky traded Sox The sake. Christ For FATHER

that'? was What MOTHER

breakfast. with table

the to coming Mother Ralphie's FIND TO Ul? PANSCAMERA

it. believe don't I Dulbelsky. traded They bitch. a Of Son (continuing) FATHER

page. sports the to going immediately paper, morning his unfolds and down sits table, room dining the to walks

he Man as The.Old FOLLOWSCAMERA closes. door The

go. you There FATHER

bathroom. the from He walks off.

lather the wipe to mirror the to back Man looks Old The

today. different very be would world the defense, unassailable that of power the understood had Inquisition the of victims the only If time. all of rejoinder kid classic the -- 'Nothin'' NARRATOR

point. the to and pungent is wit Irtdia.na milk. his over knocked brother. litt.l.e my why That's let•up. a never was there and bodily, claw, and t.ooth wintex:- fought :tndiana Northern in People Indiana. Northern in Fighters Furnace fea~ed most the of one was My father NARRA'J.'OR

furnace? new a it Is see. l.et's •••anunm FATHER

Dad. Christmas, for you got I what guess never you'll bet I'll

tactics. Switch~d I Casually, hand. my overplaying of danger imminent in was I tell could I ears. CJ my of out crawling lobsters had I if me as at looked parents My NARRATOR

silence. sudden a is There

day. other the store candy Pulaski's nea:i:- bears I grizzly some saw he says Flick I ' (abruptly) RALPHIE ' there. it planted had I that aware being their without consciousness j my parents' into indelibly rifle air model range Ryde.r Red the implant to necessary devices subtle infinitely the with up come to trying of effort the with seethed brain My fevered NARRATOR

eats. never Randy food. his at ~tares Randy breakfast.

for table the to up climb Randy He and kitchen. the to bathroom the from Ralphie PANS withCAMERA

it. boQted had.really I Kid•dom. :to known means ~ny by surmountable not was mothe;i:s of hundreds by before times :many phrase, deadl.y That Block. Gun BB Mother classic the was It NARRATOR

out. eye your shoot You'll Oh no. MOTHER

c;.oming. was knew what I mouth, her opened she before Even qead. was ::C NARRATOR

rifle! air mod.el shot·range two-hundred actj,.on carbine Ryd.er !led offic~al An RALl?HI:S

out. it blurt myself heard I Horrified, NARRATOR

Christmas? for like you would What MOTHER

blue. the Of out asked suddenly pot, oatmeal used a scouring innocuously My mother, inevitable. was next happened Maybe what tighten. to beginning noose Christmas the feel could I o. Kids 1, Parents over. One was Round NlulRATOR

galoshes. his on pull to begins he and table the clears she as mother his and Ralphie on HOLDSCAMERA

already. late running I'm Yeah, FATHER

gas. the on flic:king stove, the

on it deposits andw<;1..ter with it fills and pan large a grabs sink, the to march~s he as him FOLLOWSCAMERA

again! up froze is Goddamn Olds entering) (continuing; FATHER

good.kick. one .least

at in gotten obviously He has YELP. LOOO a hear We

buggers! dumb you here, of Getout (0 .S.) FATHER

them fights he as Man curses Old The HOUN:CS. OF PACK a. by chased Man being Old The SOUNDSof the We hear

it. under was I and lowered been boom had The NARRATOR

out. eye his shooting anybody want don't I dangerous. They're MOTHER

it. buy never she'd -- Logs Lincoln my own ears. believe couldn't I NARRATOR

Logs. Lincoln some a ••• like I'd uh, guess, I ... guess I one. getting is Flick though Even kidding. just was I Heh heh ••• RALPHIE

dike. the rebuild to began immediately I that carbine Ryder Red a for desire my my mania, was such But (CONT) NARRATOR n

bitch! a of son clanky go4ga.ntn The aga;in! out gone has bitch a of son The FATHER

beliowing. way, the of out skates roller kicking and ja;i:-s Ball over knocking steps, basement the down .off was he and cry war the·Indiana,. was It NARRATOR

clinker!! Sonofabitch charge) bugle a like d"tawn out voice his of top the at (continuing; FATHER

billows smoke blue of puff A soft AGAIN.COMES SOUND "'.J:'he r7

roadrunner. a manic like side one to head his cocks He

Wait! (continuing) FATHER

up. perks ears Man's Old The EXPLOSION. SOFT LITTLE PUFF OF AN a hear we moment that at Just

••• Pitchers Little voice) her in reproach (no MOTHER

equator! the on up freeze would sonofabitch that Christ, FATHER

man. Oldsmobile an was My father Jews. or Catholics ••• others NARRATOR (CONT)

. ,. .. :. •.Qamp~r ..gofuiddaittn tJ:te said I stupid, Chris·sake, roi; (continuing) FATHER

Faust. before ing appear- M~phistopheles like smcke blue of cloud a from Man emerges Old The .and open flies door The steps. the

v suddenl then seconds; few a for s:ilent ·i:s All HOLDS.

and dJ:;>or c.ellar the TOBACK PANSCAM.ERA "draft."

marked chain the pulls and kite.hen thE:! to flies Mother

dammj.t! God again? down way the all turned get it did hell the How you'? will damper, the up open Chrissake, For (O.S.) FATHJ:;R

overclothes. their on put to start Ralphie and Randy Meanwhile SCREAMS! GROANS, MUMBLES, SNORTS, RATTLES, CLANK$, ROARS, sword. ceremonial nearest the on post"."haste himself impale to forced be would he that movie monster Japanese

a of producer the to face of loss such cause would

basement that of out come hurtling SOUNDSthat The

Michigan. Lake over space the in hanging still is we know, as far as that, obscenity of tapestry a wove my father battle, of heat the In basement. the in dragon iron the with combat into go to about was father my whenever retreats tactical these planned My mother NARRATOR

minutes. three in door the out two, you right, All Randy) and Ralph (to MOTHER

bottom. hitting and stairs down the Man tumbling Old The SOUNDof horrendous the We hear

new. by desperate ·quite is He

say? you did, What MOTHER

fiercely. mumbles He

Uhbum! U;m! !UIJl Um! . RANDY

semaphor. abandoned an like out straight sticking arms his with forlornly stands Randy muffled. totally is sound The suit. Randy's inside from coming whimpering zaint a We hear neck. his around scarf enormous an wrap to

begins MOther scarecrow. tiny a ;Like sides his from extended hands both with stands He up. him stands and

in him gets she 'Finally snowsuit. .his into him stuff to trying head his on practically Randy has Mother

middle. the in face chief's Indian an with star r:ed large a and gauntlets leatherette with mitt.ens goggles, helmet, sheepskin, leatherette fleece-lined sweaters, four shirt, lumberjack flannel checkered knickers, corduroy johns; long div:i.ng; deep-sea extended for ready getting like was school to go to ·Preparing NARRATOR

clothes. his with Randy help to moves she as Mother FOLLOWS CAMERA house. the below darkness Stygian

the in on Man toils Old The kids. the to turns and closed door basement the pushes Mother again. bottom

Man hits Old The as CRASH inevitable the We hear

damnit! God late. be gonna I'm 'em Tell ·goddamn office. the Call (continuing) FATHER

describing. is Narrator the what just see We

ice. stone and drifts advancing the back pushing door, front the against shoulder her throw simply would mother My school. of out stay to scheme fraudulent any in used be not could such as and nature·, of fact a pal::'ents, and clouds air, like accepted, was that something was Cold home. staying of question no was There (continuing) NARRATOR

protests. furious his against Randy rewind to proceeds She

practical. very are solutions sometimes Indiana, In NARRATOR

again. tries and forward steps Mother whimpers. Randy

back. spring they however, away, steps she as soon

As side. his down to ~ s Randy' forces and forward steps Mother down. arms his put can't Randy enough, Sure situation. the appraises and back stands Mother

down. my arms put can't I tearfully) (continuing; RANDY

what near We face. Randy's exposing hood, the parts and off, scarf the· gets she Finally .. frantic quite is Randy scarf. the unwinding of task painful long, the begins She

um! Ump·um Umrnmph. RANDY

Ralph. wait, Just MOTHER

1 'Spot. named dogs and cats fat with dealing lessons reading Peru; of exports the involving lessons Geography for bound wer.e us of All tundra. the ove1: away miles school Harding G. Wa•.rren the toward toiling pa,infull.y all humanity, wi.nd-driven of jots· b,efurred tiny, other seen be could us around waste icy the over out Scattered I' NARRATOR

way. their on kids other the we see and block whole

the IN TAK!S CAMERA street. the to walkway their up coming stj.ff-apned.Randy hapless the and R~lphie se~ We on. goes windmill the with tilt Man's Old The. drafts. r the from billowing smoke ·black house, 's Ral,phie see..We

BLOCK RALPHIE'S OF SHOTLONG

die. or school was.make it -- it was that and us behind shut clanged door The NARRATOR

shut. clangs door The wind. fierce -the

into leaning Ralphie and Randy see Wedoor. the outside

' space. unfriendly into astronauts

after· .•• one launched.· be we would and

anything? al::>out know man ol' yo~ would What ·. balon•Y! Ah, FLICK.

you. to.ld I like Just pole. the to right freeze will it says he and winter, in pole$ light metal to tongue you.J: sticking Man about Ol' my asked I ass, smart listen, Hey Flick) (to SCHWARTZ

kids. to icie-nt suff app.are=nt+Y but

adults, to indeciphcarable it, :behind reason and order is there apparently and rituals Kid in important is orde:i:-

pecking 'rhe Schwartz. and Ralphie between repeated

is arm ritual The them. toward driveway the clown plows SCHWAATZ house. Schwartz's pass they moment this at Just

goobers? pickin' I ·do~ng, I'm like look it does What FLICK

the over back stretching imperative territorial dim some in doubt, no rooted, all is It hell. like hurts obviously it until other, the then one, First arm. the on punches trading everywhere, schoolboys common to ritual

inexpliciable that begin they and Flick to up runs Ralphie

up! Wait up! wait Flick, Hey, RALPHIE

brother. kid perpetual the after, s-cruggles Randy him. toward runs FLICK and friend his sees Ralphie

it. watch just well, Yeah, F!,ICK .

kidding. just was I Flick. mc;,ther, your against nothin

say t wouldn I know you Yeah,

Flick , 1 nothin mean didn't he Aw, RALPHIE

vendetta. ruinous and instant for grqunds was innocuous, how no·matter dictionary, the in adjective any with mother one's of m~ntion mere the Just slight. the remote or vague how matt.er no gauntlet, down the throwing like was mother one's Any reference·to NARRATOR

laughter. kid Crazy laugh. .Ralphie and Schwartz

know! oughta She right. all Wife 01 an she's well, Yeah,

my mother. does so and tale, wife's old an that's says My brother ariything.. for suckez-s- real are guys you jeez, Aw, FLICK

Flick. right, he's think I RALPHIE

:there. right froze It off. it get couldn't he 'cause track the off tongue guy's the get come to had Department Fire the And a bet. On track.. railroad a to tongue stick.his guy a saw once he because He knows

it. try to you dare I right, All SClIWARTZ

too you' re .·and. leg your pulling Man is Old your well, Yeah, FLICK

school. .toward off start They punching.· arm more in resolved is this Somehow all

' Imagine averted. been I have could carnage and mayhem untold ages the through statesmen by deployed and understood been

mice. mesmerized like watch they as

by. glides figure

the as fence the PANS CAMERA ominously. up oozes

MUSIC The side. other its on moving figure a sense vaguely to boards the through enough see jμst can We

FENCE SLATTED A WOODEN CLOSEUP - ... POV THEIR

fear-struck. peer, they as another to ../___\,

face fromoiii PANSCAMERA .. sequence this du.ring grows It Jaws. from music theme the unlike not up, creep to

CHORDOF MUSIC begins ominous slow, A o.s. something acknowledge they as group the onSLOWLY MOVESINCAMERA

minute! a Wait in) jwnping ( RALPHIE

ya. dare double I SCHWARTZ

ostracism~ prolonged and immediate to offender luckless the subject and argument, one's demolish credibility, one's destroy immediately could who' 'Says or yeah' 'Oh One misplaced important. very is ritual this in phrase of nuance and exchange exact The NARRATOR "··--··· ) (

scurry. Kids RING. BELL a hear We courts. ball basket- the cover sheets Ice ground. the Snow covers

school. toward road the across bolt They

here! of out get s Le.t' SCHWARTZ

close. was That Whew! RALPHIE

faces. their floods Relief

the behind disappear figure the see to UP. TILTSCAMERA

arrogantly. move off

the.n moment, more one for stand brogans the in feet The

wide-eyed. tremble, they as

SLOW-DOWN TILTS CAMERA on. glides presence ominous The i

teeth. wax their in handing past, file they one by One

meaning. subtle with palm her wiggles She

beavers. demented 25 like look

They her. at ·giggling and grinning all them We see teeth. wax of set a wearing is class the in kid Every

THE CLASS SHOT - LONG

class. the TO Shiel.ds Miss PANS FROMCAMERA patience. professional studied, with up, palm out, hand her holo.s :She slowly then

moment, brief a for puzzled looks 'shields Miss pilot.

kamikaze Japanese a on take-off comic a like funny, eound they but unison, in answer class the hear We

class. Good morning, SHIELDS MISS

desks. their to hurry kids The

moves She mold. classic the in teacher grade A fourth

around. something ing

pass- obviously conspiratorially, together huddle They

again. ya dare I Alright, SCHWARTZ

continues. morning the from conversation

The kid.s. the UP PICK TO pole the DOWN PANSCAA.'1ERA

· scene. the to tempo ringing sinister a provides w:l.nd no~th cold the in flagpole th~ on yard

lan.., a o-f BANGING steady 'l'he way. the on blizzal:d a sense we · sc:ene.s. e.arliex- the in. than d,a;rker are Skies

in stand kids snow, di;c-ty drifted the In Reces.s.

readers. their opening studiousness, exagger~ted with bent heads class, reveal toBACKPU'.I;iLSCAMERA

••• was Marnel:' Silas remember~ you As • thirty-two p.age. to readex-s your open class, right, All SHIELDS MISS

iltlpassive. calm, is She

MISS SHIELDS CLOSEUP~

of treasures other and books comic lurid six or five · top, a caps, bottle liquid, g;c-een vernti.nous a with

filled wax bottles small four or three players, ball

base- of pictures with cards ball, ·rubber black hard small a knife, Scout a string, unused, used_and both

jaw-breakers Lugers, like shaped pistols water plastic mustaches, fake attached, noses with·false glasses

eye- lensless plastic slingshots, shooters, pea noses,

rubber yo-yo's, Effluvia; I<id of collection credible.

in- an containing drawer, Friday the drawer, huge a in teeth the deposits she down as hand oneFOLLOWSCAMERA

Finally one. by one over handed are wax teeth The

HAND SHIELDS' MISS CLOSEUP-

p.ow. :back going no was There sneer. defiant a in curled lips His stiffened. spine Flick's

showdown. great the watch They

KIDS IN TURNTH:E OF EACH

ya! dare dog triple I SCHWARTZ

throat. the for right going and dare triple the by-skipping etiquette of breach slight a created Schwartz dog--dare? triple sinistel:' the dares, all of de-s:race coup the finally and dare~you triple a but left was What.else dare. dog · double_ A • serious wa$ Now it NARRATOR

kids. other the from gasp An audible

ya. dog dare double I SCHWARTZ

ya. dare double I SCHWARTZ t

shot. a like· off are Schwartz

and Ralphie :it. That's hell. of out shriek a like

RINGS BELL The Flick. to back then and school the

·at look Schwartz and Ralphie RING$. BELL the Suddenly

off. back doom, official impending of aware now vaguel.y Ralphie, and Schwartz

help. for cry inchoate an grunts Flick

K!OS OTHtR THE - C~OSEUP

open-mouthed. the:r:e stia,nds Ralphie

works! really It Jeez! SCHWARTZ

astonishment. to turns smirk His

He free. pull to tries and panic in mumbles Flick

popsicle. a as solid freezes sticks, It

flagpole. the onto forward it

plunges and extension full to tongue his thrusts disdain utter with and turns, laugh, little bravado a He laughs

/ dumb! is this Ah, FLICK

confidently. less little a but He smirks,

down. it staring pole, the from inches few a He stands

that?~ .was What (continuing} SHIELDS MISS

playground. the to hurriedly points girl little The

Jane? Esther Yes, (continuing) SHIELDS MISS

Shields. Miss to beckons girl little one F.inall~

Well? (continuing) SHIELDS MISS

silence. Conspiratorial

recess? at Flick see anyone Did (continuing) MISS SHIELDS

silence. Conspicuous

Flick? is Where MISS SHIELDS

wrong. is knows.something She warm up. to begins radar Shields' Miss row.

back the in halfway seat empty an now have We wince.

collectively Schwartz and Ralphie Flick. hapless the see we schoolyard, the across away shoulders, their Over dumb. play and desks their into slide

flagpole. the to frozen figure huddled tiny a for

except emptied is playground the beat, drumming steady a BANGSwith lanyard the· and rises wind the And as

exception. no was predicament Flick's desk. your to flight headlong your stayed tongues frozen nor snow nor sleet Neither went. you rang, bell. school the when Indiana, In NARRATOR

rece~ve. might you puni$hn\ertt any than worse be will pain this causing at f_eel you guilt the know I and blame, their know it who did those But who. Say to refuses Flick but this, to up Flick put you o.f some know I SHIEl:aDS MISS

squealed? Flick Has Schwartz.· and Ralphie at directly looks Sh.ields Miss But down. sits and seat his to moves

he as ahead straight looking.·. a word, say He doesn't

classroom. the into back led being tongue bandaged with

with another one at look and turn Schwartz and Ralphie

SIRENS. of keening steady the hear We pole. the from Flick removing just are engines fire two and lances Ambu• playground. the to out kids LOOKINGPAST the

room. the from flies Shields Miss

involved. were they tell never could You ceiling. the at up nonchalantly looking unconcernedly sit Schwartz and Ralphie terested.

unin- remain innocents two Only out. gawking window, the toward stampede children twenty-two point, this At

God! my Oh (continuing) SHIELDS MISS

closer. looking window, the to walks She- figure. the sees She playground.. the . at

out looks Shields Miss again. points girl little The \

A theme! fame. Inquisitional of chin-breaker medieval dreaded the with only ranks that torture a is t~emes w;-iting kid, human air-breathing normal, a to but themes, writing love who somewhere kids be must There Christmas! before theme rotten A A theme! NARRATOR

classroom. the through rolls mumble sullen A low,

assignment. an you give to am going I girls. and boys notebooks, your Open Flick. little poor about say to am going I all is that Now, (continuing) SHIELDS M:rss

room entire the subjects ?,nd dramatically pauses She

done? have you what for remorse feel you Don't terrible? ee.l f you Now don't cold. the in alone all there him left you worse, even but thing, awful this suggest you did only Not

guilt. their of hint a not

is There emotion. no absolutely betraying Shields, Miss at stonily stare Ralphie and Schwartz tongue.

wounded his and Flick A CLOSEUPof CAMERAMOVESINTO

caught. get to no.t better always was it well darn We knew know better. kids But that. like things say to love Adults NARRATOR

says which look a other each give Schwartz and Ralphie

Wait! alert) (ever ~PHIE

Aw, baloney. SCHWARTZ· I.neyez-•bawled! (bristling) FLICK bawling. .w~re sure you Boy, SCHWARTZ

guard. off me caughd. jus' It think. a feld neber I Naw; FLICK

Flick? hurt, it Did RALPffIE

stuck? how it see you did Boy, SCHWARTZ

banshees. like WH!STtE WIRES TELEPHONE GALE, theHOWLING the! In snowbanks. craggy gray the amid warmth for together huddle Flick warrior wounded the and Schwartz Ralphie,

excuses. hear to want don't I and I tomorrow, themes your in hand You will margins. about. careful particularly be to you want I SHIELDS MISS

my mind. in unfolding was masterpiece a Already, did! one ever if about talking needed that subject a on theme a was Here gloom. of cave black the of end other the at light of gleam faint a saw I lifted. clouds The NARRATOR

(MORE) porches. uncaer duclted and alleys up ran c:ont.inually hedges, behind hid whQ victims of rabble na.lneless th~ of one or toady, a bully, a either You were drawn. clearly were lines The it. had We had Farkas. Scut toady little fierce s Dil.l' w:as cat, Cheshire venomous a like up curling I There, N¢hope. alley. ; ' the of end the at fence the for started and panic primal blind a in tw:ned I NARRATOR

speecn. of semblance a in teeth green his over curl.ed lips His toadstools. like out flared which ears, his on resting brow, non-existent his low over slunk cap His eyesl yellow God, me So help eyes. yellow had He eyes. yellow his with us at out staring Di.ll Grover alley, the and us between stood he There tr.apped. were We name. rotten a What Dilll Grover NARRATOR

appropriately. SHUDDERS MUSIC The GROVER DILL.

dreaded the is It personified. meanness of face the is It face. a malevolent is It boards. two between gap the in suddenly appeai:-s A face late. too is it But

Dill!!! It's Run! RALPHIE

fence. the of direction the

in looks and He stops something. senses Ralphie

ashaJned. being continually and belted, gettillg running, of lot a meant just. it kids, of herd formless great the to but. Drive, or Talent cal.led often is life in later aggression of kind This aggressive. truly was Dill because Dill, of afraid not was who kid one know not did I wasn't. it when even running, wasalways nose His bully. of type running~nose a was Dill NAaAATOR.

le! One Uncle! Uncle!_ SCHWARTZ

and arm Schwartz's takes method;ically Dill Dill. to goes Schwartz snake, a approaching bird hypnotized a of manner the in much hopeles$ly, Obediently,

over·here. Get you. Ya, Tilly! Aunt your Nah, DILL

come here. Hey you, DILL

Schwartz. me to past looked Dill some reason, For continuing)(

easter. breathed .t now, foe But

Dil.l Grover was T~th of moment My

·shoulderbl.ades. th'e betweEart down trickles sweat c:old that when roc>ms ' s meti conv•nient into and coolers, water cabinets, filing behind ducking still and Keds mental. wearing up grown have us ~f Many X.i;f!.'·iOY$ in · ad ·gt~at a' 'taake wouid. !I{' l9, t.aJ.e. ~Ile teti~;tr:> h~r«f 'll ';t ·. ',::t And ~ ~ed!ii wear~x,.ft.utt.e. ft\I ¢.. · :i.es bul

with: sneakers Champion Keds endorse to well-qualified wa$ I quiQker. mark the off get to but choice, from school to wear.sneakers not did who Runner Alley accomplished an was X NARRATOR

b.g. in Dill running. Ralph 0

· vic:tims. fleeing the after laugh They

Dill. joins and fence the down off oozes Farkas Scut go. them lets Dill rabbits. jack like bolt The boys

Ahhhhhaggghhhhhh! continuing) ( DILL

them~. at lunge Frankenstein mock. a makes then and malevolently He laughs

next? who's Alright, DILL

alley. the in sprawls Schwartz and shove a gives He knees. his down to Schwartz twisted has f~nally Dill

* ....2 , CONTINUED21. ' \

{'l i

R-21/12/82 -33A-

.......__a;;_ ............ ~ ~--------..L. - ____________ ....._ - - -- - - - ------ ,,/· -

- - - ;:_,_

j ..___ ,,,~--::

write$. .he as SHOUX,OER Hl.SOVER

look We not.abOok. Head J;lldia:i his in fra.ntieally artd swiftly writing begins and pen out takes down, sits He

pap~~s. and .books sca'f:.tering desk, his to races R•lph

23. QAX . -B9PM il\&E!if'S_ INT. 2 3 •

this. of come No good'll MOTHER

Mother. on HOLPSCAM!:RA stairs. the up dashes He

homework. ltly do gotta I Ma. RALPHIE

puzzlement. in him at looks She No fever! brow.

Ralph's on hand her plc1.ces and stairs the up She moves

there. right Stop Ralph! (instantly) MOTHER

homework! my do gotta I No. time) a at two stairs the up (flying RALPHIE

milk? of glass a like Would you MOTHER

stairs. the up heads Ralphie

22. DAY. - HOQSE RALP!f'S INT~ 22.

_,,__

r"'\

su.rpri$e. in

back who draws Mother, by opened. is Poor bell. th.e rings 'She authority. and d.;Lgnity presence, great with walk front the up now strides She mousy teacher. and

nondescript rather the than Shields Miss different a

is this but walk, front the coming-up is Shields Miss

24. DAY - HOUSE EXT. 24.

projected. thoughts Ralph's we.see Again face. his TO INMOVES CAMERA

him. over sweeps fantasy His .chair. his

in back leans He closed. notebook his slaps faction, aatis- of sign a with Ralph, Finally MUSIC). MadJ,.gan" Elvira( Andante s Mozart of lines melodic magnificent 11 1 the background, the in hearswelll.ng we reads, he As

Maqnum,01:ius. his over reads wo:rk, his completes Ralph

.. Somehow out. work would everything and Be That Powers the to behalf my on appeal an make and my plight with sympathize would she that theme eloquent magnificent, my read Shields Miss when that knew I about-margins. careful very was I NARRATOR

pre.sent. Christmas good very a is football a think don't I Christmas. for good very are They gun. BB Ryder Red a have should everybody think I time. tells that thing this and stock the in compass a with ·gun BB Ryder Red a is Christmas for want I What VOICE RALPHIE'S

imagery. consise and phrases winged glorious its day this to remember I fluidity. feverish such with pencil my penny from poured words the had Rarely NARRATOR i/ •. \

23. CONTINUED 23. (~---,

-35-

- -- - - - -- - -- ...,__. ..... __ ......... _ -.~-------------~-~~--~- ...... ---· ~------•--- ...... .__......,• ..._., ~· _~_,_- ..... -- ...i... ...:.. - - - - - - - - --- - -- --

_., ,~.-·....... -, \:- I

are. you lucky how realize you that gla.d certainly !'m SHIELOS MISS

son! our as Ralph having in fortunate so We are letter. the to instructions your follow will we Shields, Miss you, Thank MOTHER

Friday. by·next it return and it grade will I $Chool. me at to deliver to Ralph for less or words hundred one of theme a in them write please said, just have I what about questions any have you If responsibility. and skill customary his with gun BB Ryder Red his use will he that certain G feel I Ralph, of case the in but recommendation, a such make not would I Ordinarily, family. your of protection the for BB gun, ~yder Red a given be Ralph that necessary absolutely is it. that·· theme eloquent and magnificent his through doubt a beyond me convinced He has gun. BB Ryder Red a of owner the be should he not or whether to as son, extraordinary your Ralph, about doubts expressed have you understand I (continuing) SHIELDS MISS

speaks. sofa, on seated now Shields, Miss as respectfully listens house, the into Shields Miss ushers Mother

25. WAY - HOUSE INT. 25.

teacher. a as my duties of part as· here am I call. social a on here am not I Parker, Mrs. MISS SHIELDS

24. CONTINUED24.

-36~

~ ..........._........_._____ -- .. ·----~- .--. -- -~- .--

{CONTINUED)

ageless. skin parchment \,~:._-:,.7 ' ( yellow .his horror, the to adding mustache Manchu Fu his evil, with glittering eyes his light, natural

un- the in flashing symbols cabalistic gold si.nister with robes jade-green in dressed tall, feet eighteen be· to appears He screen. th~ i.lls f MERCILESS THE MING planet. alien an of atmosphere dank futuristic, the be to appears what in we are DISSOLVES and scene The

26. MONGO PI,,ANET EXT. 26.

moments. few a for blankly cover the at stares Ralph Mercile.ss. The Ming arch~nemy evil his facing gleaming,

hair golden his Gordon. Flash of ~cene a show!:3 cover The

MONGO. FLASH GORDON ON THE PLANET OF ADTvENTORESFURTHER

reads: cover lurid Its

blankly. it at stares He him. to next wall the at books comic his of one flings and s.tomach his on over flops He

Ohhh ••• RALPH

groans. Ralph

hurt. my stomach making was it bad sp BB gun that wanted I me. on nothing had whale white that about thing crazy his and Ahab Captain NARRATOR

ceiling. the a.t. stares

He books. comic of pile a amid bed h:Ls on down flops and room the across aimlessly wanders and up gets he as

vacantly, smiles He reverie. his in lost is Ra\phie

Ralph. ...... being human great truly the of parents

the be to fortunate indeed are they that agreement and approval solemn in nods background, the in Father,

fervently. Shields Miss thanks Mother

store. candy Pulaski's of vicinity the in reported been have bears wild that now especially gun, BB Ryder Red a needs he and boy, magnificent a is Ralph (CONT) SHIELDS MISS

25. CONTINUED 25.

-37-

--

·--,----------,...---,-------~------- . - . - -'----~----. .L. I.'1...L.L~.i-..J.. lillt..Jt..lL!LJLL_t_f.iJI.

,)................... \ (GONTINUEO) I

pl.anet. foolish your destroy now to time is It Earthling! stupid Enough, MING

Ming. of LAUGHTER SCREAMING HIGH, the by off cut is voice His

were ••• Ralph companion my faithful If FLASH

him. about d.etermination gr:im of air an is there yet wonder, with wide. are eyes H.is pageant. awful this at out peering eyes Ralph's undergrowth, jungle dank the in we see, and CUT QUICK a is There

you. devour and awaken · will Tree Cobra that moments, In MING

imperiously. whip his snaps Ming

•• You~ forever. live will we earthlings Ming, FLASH

Rays. Z-Ga.mma deadly its with Balloon, Space Turbo~Xenori my with Eatth P.lanet the destroy to proceed now will ! Gordon. Flash you, for hope no is There MING

it. on painted eyes cat's lido.ad sulphurous has balloon The balloon. futuristic curiously a: of basket woven the see we

him Behind viciously. air the in bullwhip golden his

MING snaps bark. of instead snakeskin have to appears

that trunk·· tree sinister strangely a to foot and hand ropes hug:e with, tied Flash see. we PULLS BAC!\ andCAMERA

laughter. fiendish with He cackles

my mercy. at you have I Gordon, Flash last, At MING·

_.,,/___.. ', ') (

26. CONTINUED 26. ;'~

-38-

- - ---- ---- ·- •. - - - - -- ~---....... --- ~.....--......,,.-~~~ ____ ...... _,_ ......................................................... ~i, -· ~--"---'--· ~~ ·-····- . -- - - - --·

{CONTINUED)

planet. our saved have You Eatthlings. all saved You have Ralph. it, done have You Merciless. The Ming of end the !t's emotion) reverent with quivering voice (his FLASH

instant. the by smaller and smaller growing crazily,

off careening noise, farting obscene an makes baloon His

NO! Oh no, MING

shriek. SCREAMING Ming's hear We upward. streaks A projectile

Merciless. ~he Ming that, Take teeth) his through (hi~sing RALPH

BB gun. Ryder Red his of trigger the· pulls Ralph

Earth! to Death Earth! to Death MING

shrieks. he as heard are Ming of cacklings ·Maniacal The MONGO. planet the of sky yellow

the in high balloon evil Ming's see we distance the In barrel. its along ~ights He magically. glows It BB gun. his raises and heroically stands Ralph

act! to time Now it's Flash. Yes, determined) and (grim RALPH

Crocodiles! Space the escaped You alive! You're Ralph! relief) astonished registering face (his FLASH GORDON

overhead. high ascended has balloon

The BB gun. range~model Ryder Red his carrying He is undergrowth. the of out lurches and feet his to leaps Ralph

SOUNDtrack. the filling and maniacally echoingLAUGHTER

his rise, to begins which balloon, the into He leaps

',,.J ~ ·~ (

26. CONTINUED26. \ /

,....,...,-

-39-

~-------, - ·--·-··-·-. --------------. l:t~•-••:=-'••+••·+·:fdfff:f::i:&:MM:·tk:-MW&lt~••Jl!o•--·. !ilftl Li_"!!,-

j____·'--. \ I

in. moved all they and Bum.puses, of thousands were There changed. neigh.borhood ant.ii.re the instant, an In in. loaded f h.ad

and out moved had years, for us to door next lived who have family quiet a .Taylors, The NARRATOR

leaping. .andHOWLINGYAPPING,.BARKING,

dogs, hound flop-eared dozen a least at by pursued is He driveway. the up Olds the driving Man is Old The

DUSK . - .. HQUSE EXT.27.

We see: out. looks and window the to

runs He RACKET. vc•luminous a hears Ralphie Sudder1ly,

triumph. in smiles He reality. in

RALPH!E

Justice. and Truth for standing and everywhere Evil fighting business, same the in are I He and Ryder. Red that meet to like I'd sometimes Ralph, You know, FLASH

you. untie I'll Here, know. I (modestly) RALPH

debt. your in forever be will Earthlings all Ralphie, cheeks) down his streaming joy of (tears FLASH

baby. this to up stand can nothing and gun, BB model range- Ryder Red my trusty had I all, After Flash. nothing, was It modestly) (smiling RALPH

26. CONTINUED26.

-40-

~~~•~-•-•-,..__...._...._, ......_...·-.e·•-•••-•-•w........,.- .....,•-••--•....._.•· •..-.+....._,,.,,......._+ .•• ·~~~-...____. --.L-·-···----- --- .•. .L . .L •.-· ·. +r~t.LL.LI.

(CONT!NUEP)

)_____l,

won! I won! I FATHER

like: sounds it but saying, he's

what out make quite can't We lungs. his of top the at

screami.ng and. life, his. for fighting is Man Olc:1 The

leg. his off take to trying were half other the and face h;t.s lick to trying were them of half that was trouble The him. on descend would eyes bloodshot and flanks heaving of wave tidal whole the outside foot set he time Every Man. Old my but earth on being buoan other every ignored They my father. loved they and smell•- the see almost could You bodies. flea-bitten and tongues and tails of mass churning great a just were hand, other the on hounds, Bumpus The Prince, or Zero like names with dogs ordinary around, walking dogs had always had neighborhood our Now dogs! forty-five and hundred seven least at had they ' dogs, the were there And then r NARRATOR I car. the of out get to trying Man is Old

The oμt. sticking pipes with boilers water tall big of lot a and board ironing an corncobs,· wire, barbed

wire, baling wire, chicken collars, horse nine or

eight bedsprings, ancient 57 least at bathtub, old an

crates, chicken busted pitchforks, rusty tires, truck

old junk: swamp of thick a by surrounded is house The

THE BUMPUSHOUSE SHOT -L.ONG -POV- RALPHIE'S

shack. hillbilly sagging hinge-sprung .battered a became bungalow, nondescript a been had what Overnight NARRATOR(CONT) _;,_'. \

27. CONTINUED 27. ,.,.___,__ ·.·

-41-

-·-·----:--.•~· - - . . ..., --------~-,----~--. ..............L.OA._.P.......•..._....__,..a...A...&_A-"'--" . ...:a.......L...L.~Jli. ............... _.a... __ -. ·- ----· - •--·- ___ .:...:....1.

(CONT!NUE:O}

reads: It teleg~am,. the see We around. crowd kids Tha tel.e~am. the Mother He hands

iook! won! I won! I prize. A major prize. A major FATHER

it? is What Whatl What! MOTHER

won! I won! I won! I FATHER

head. his over telegram a room waving living the

al;;)out Man leaps Old The as background the HOWLSin dog The pack. SNARLING the of insi$tent most the of one of ears the on it closins: door, front th~ through

Man lunges Old The as downstairs arrives Ralphie

come! had payoff now the and -- guessed and struggled glued, and clipp~d Man Old The ready, the at ink and pen ·ruler, and scissors handy, pot Paste table. room dining on·the out spread was American Chicago the evening Every jackpot. the hit to nightly struggled millions countless newspaper, two•certt a of cost the For jackpots. giant dollar thousand fifty offering all Picture,' this in are mistakes many 'How and History,' in Figures 'Famous Stars,' Movie 'Mystery I Presidents, the Name I of parade endless an was There junkie. contest puzzle jackpot giant a Man was Old The and contest newspaper the of age golden the were days depression The NARRATOR

downstairs. dash~s and turns Ralphie

28. ... NIGHT - HOUSE - INT .28.

aloft. thing

some- holding up, backing and dogs the at kicking He's

27. CONTINUED27.

-42-

-----,.,----....,-~~-_____....,... -- ----- _ -· ·----. y ·--.- ~~- -~~· 4i ..... W::::l!z:itt§ :!l:t:il:~-•:f:::::it:tt ttJ:::~ ff,,...<,W,1-;jf t : :.JL-~-.t£ __!___L ;;__t_!

(CONTINU!O)

ahead! Go ca:re. don't I me. on It's bite. a take boys, bite, a 'l'ake Tonj..ght! Tonight! (cont:i.nu.:1,ng) FATHER

comically. there it

holds_ and door front the out leg his sticks He ear. s dog' poor the relea-ses and door the to over He dances

Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! (continuing) FATH$R

jig. his continues man old The

there. already. is prize the late, was telegram The tonight. out it send gonna He's there! It's office. freight the at down Mcclosky Ernie called I tonight. corning !t's Tonight! FATHER

mean? you do What MOTHER .

tonight!dam, Hot Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! tonight.coming it's Tonight, FATHER

HOWLING. is

door, the in are ears whose dog, the whooping, are kids The room. the around jig a now dancing is Man Old The

28. CONTINUED28.

-43-

it. with play "_...) ' \ don't food, your eat Randy, (automatically) MOTHER

time.

to time from impatiently watch his at Man glances

Old 'l'he fQrk. a wi.th potatoes mashed his of face

sur- the plow to begins He food. his at listlessly

poking· chair, his of ].egs the tw:i.nedaround feet his with t·s si Randy page. sports '1':ribune Chicag.o the reads Father stove. to back table, to stove from scurries Mother table, at sit Randy and Ralph

29. NIGH'l' - KI't'CHiN IN'l'.29.

faces. awestruck Rancly's and on Ralphie CAMERA.DWELLS

work. hard is rich Gettin' sta,rving. I·'m eat! Let's while! a be it'll Well, (continuing) FATHER I expansiv.eness. his spoil to going is Nothing He laughs.

• alley \~,j ~.. r bowling damned the deliver gonna were they think didn't I mean, I Chrissake. for deed, the deliver could they Well, FATHER

minute. a for stumped Man is Old The

tonight. alley bowling a deliver they how could But MOTHER

alley. bowling a won Haute Terre in Guy down alley. bowling a be could it Or items. their.big of one That's Florida. Gables, Coral in houses adobe Spanish them of one be probably It'll (continuing) FATHER

serious. suddenly gether,

to- hands his He claps door. the slams quickly-and in leg the Man pulls Old The YELP. dog a We hear

•.( ... ·-.1. ) (

28. CONTINUED28. ,,,--...,

-44-

•·· .. -•· ··-··- 0···C ... - --,---.- ........_~~---.~--~ ___ .___.._..........,,......._••..._ ......_.............,,............... ---·----··------~~-"-".-~M·...,.•.-...· -· -·····-·- -

_/ I ' CONTINtn:D)(

any. gE:at didn't I cabbage? rad the Where's sits) Mother as (just RALPHIE

seat. her take to retuming stove,

to pan removes and cabbage red Father serves Mother

sorry! be gonna you're or that, eat and around fooling stop you Now food. your with playing quit don't you if minute one in about cry to something you give gonna I'm FATHEll

•• • AWWW'.'1. RANDY

huh? cabbage, red the Pass you,. tells mother your Do what meatloaf) of mouthful a throu·gh (absently, FATHER

football. a of configuration the into potatoes mashed shape to begins Randy

•.••Awww RANDY

eat. you Now, that. have to glad be wot1ld people Starving MOTHER

my brother. was it case, our In Eat. Won't Who Kid a has family Every NARRATOR

awwwww. .•• gee •••Aww (whining) RANDY

29. CONTINUED 29. /

; \ I ,,,,•-.,

-45-

, .. ··.,_ ·-. --~-~-

go? piggies little the do How Randy? MOTHER

idea.

an with up lights face Her Randy. at looks Mother

subtl.e. more was though, mother, My (continuing) NARRA'rOR

napkin. paper her with milk spilled Randy's up wipe to hurriedly,_pa.using eats Mother

in. it stuff and open mouth his pry just He'd helper?' plumber's the Where's screwdriver? my Where's eat! kid damn the make 'I'll yell, he'd 'Dammit,' stack. his blow would my father while, a in Once way. same the went me.al Every NARRATOR

Eat. off. it Knock FATHER

meatloaf. of slice congealing cold, his around circle artistic an in ca-bbage red now arranging other, the to plate of side one from

food pushes finger, with milk stirs fidgets, Randy

•••• beetloaf double smeetloaf, Meatloaf, sing-song) whining a (in RANDY

years. fifteen about in meal hot a had not had my mother that see could You NARRATOR

stove. to goes and Mother•rises Patiently,

29. CONTINUED29.

-46-

-·· --------···

),.,,__ ,( . CONTINUEO)(

here. It's FATHER

whisper: hushed a Man in Old The pause long a After freezes. family The RINGS. 000:RSELL the Suddenly,

Rushmore. Mount half-finished a like lookirig face his plata, clean

his over oinking and smiling Randy with Scene.ends

piggy. little'iQ9,S piggy, Nice (beaming) MOTHER.

disgust. total of one is tone His

Jesus. newspaper) {behind FATHER

emptied. is pl.ate as smiles Mother while.

the all "oinking" frantically, food gobble to begins plate, into face shoves forward, bends Randy Suddenly,

eat. piggies the how Show us boy. good a Se (continuing) MOTHER

coaxing. more for waits Randy

eat. piggies the how me Show trough. your There's eat'? piggies the do How piggies. Nice·little oink. Oink right. That's MOTHER

material. J:;"eading heavy favorite his was it and Book, Golden little a had He bag •. Pigs Little Three his in deep was My brother NARRATOR

Oink? (tentatively) RANDY

29. CONTINUED:29.

-47-

I ···~·····---------- - --.--'......... '-- -.... If--4

_/ I i\ i

(CONTINUED}

victory. of won symbol hard his bare la.y to haste supercharged in fumbled excitement, with flushed face his Man, Old The NARRATOR

in. dives Man Old The Then object. mysterious

the sur::i:-ounds fQreboding of air an depart men the As floor. kitchen the on gently depositeo, is box the where kj,.tchen the to them directs Mother as said is word a Not carton. c:.ardboard high a waist in carry

movers burly two as stands.open-mouthed family The

in! it haul Okay, (continuing) 2\N...M FREIGHT

frantically. scriboles and pad the grabs Man Old The C7 here. Sign FREIGHT MAN

Yeah. FATijER

MAN FREIGHT

lading. of bill a down at looking doorway, the in stands MAN a open, flung is door The

I 30. NIGHT HOUSE - THE .l~T./EXT.30. I

door. front the to dash all they As one,

rainbow? the of end The moon? the to A trip Fame? dollars? thousand Fifty here? was What NARRATOR

RINGS incessantly. BELt The move~ to unable sit '!'hey

29. CONTINUED29.

-48-

- f ;r • II t ••• t t t ....... ••·• .. t a::z·: ..."l!"·:Jl.oz:'.'!!!' 't: ~. !. I~.

'- r (CONTINOEO)

statue. a like -- l~g a it's Well voice) his to edge (an FATHER

it? is But ••• what MOTHER

pause. long a There·is

leg! A -- (incisively) FATHER

it? is What MOTHER

recover. t,o fi.ri;;t the is Mother

Award.' 'Major the of beauty unexpected shimmering sheer the at awe in and silent We stood murderer. '-,---- . ·. ~ C' trunk the -- period that at active very was that type the of artist an of work the mail the in received had we that we thought instant an For nicely. matured and well dined had who obviously lady large rather a to am referring I life-size say When I heel. ~- spiked with pump leather patent I black modish a wearing and tones fle$h pink blushing I true -in -- leg ' s -lady r life-size a stood kitchen i cabbage-scented fragrant, t heavy, the in us, Before continuing) ( NARRATOR .

prize. the aloft holding He emerges moment. long a for disappearing carton the

into plunges Man literally Old The air. the into

explodes excelsior of cloud mushroom A billowing

30. CONTINUED30.

-49-

--,·.-----

~~-:--:------,--...,--.__,___,___----c-_-------------- --- ~---,..~.....-....,.,....r

\ I I.,',( CONTINUtD) (

What? MOTHER

it. .believe don't I that! at look you woul4 smokes Holy (continuing} FATHER

Silence.

is? that know what Do you (continuing) FATHER

sil,.ent. fall all They

I

smokes! Holy

I FATHER I

shock. electric

an received he's like up stands Man Old The Suddenly ~ [

I bed? for time it Isn't /.....____, i---~ MOTHER I statue'. 'the and I us between herself insinuate to trying was My mother NARRATOR

statueJ won a We statue! a Whoopee RANDY & RALPHIE

statue! a Yeah, FATHER

other. the in book a and hand one in torch a holding robes, concrete and wreath wearinga lady a :be to considered always was A statue statue. a owned never had family Our NARRATOR

A statue? MOTHER

30. CONTINUED 30.

-so-

_ ___ -~..... ..,....,..~--------- .~~ ~rh----o:.-.. __......_, _t-•-H-t<.._......,. ♦-A- _....._....,>_ ..._...+ua+uoA♦tiln"----'ilL..<4'-"..W:r L.0 ---.----~• -·- _ -- .~ -.- ·- - .- ______ •

\ I

CO!{TINUED)(

toaster. the from cord extension the Get (continuing) FATHER

room. living

the a int ru~hes and trophy plastic the .up sweeps He

window. front the for we need what exactly is Wow this lamp! great a What FATHER

know. don't Oh I MOTHER

lamp. great a What FATHER ' ,,1__ \ I art! by overcome almo.st was He glasses. Lloyd Hct.rold his behind boggled eyes Man's Old The ~- NARRATOR I great. that My God ain't (continuing) FATHER

high. feet four full a stands, it thighand.there fulsome

the atop it screwed Man has Old The instant an In

shade! the here's Aha, FATHER

seen. ever had we·. that lamp magnificent most the question, without was It art. lighttoliers of stroke A master lamp. a indeed was It NARRATOR

lamp! a s It

~-··

-51-

··················-·---- .. ··.' --. .

street. the down walking observer casual a be to

pretend$ He x-oad. the across further moves Man Old The

... NIGHTHOUSE·_ EXT.32.

Okay! (continuing) FATHER

compl.ies. reluctantly . Mother

left. the to little a it Move FATHER

Man. Old The around gathered has crowd A shoulder.

Ralphie's over window the out look We guard.

off caught and st.artled are Bumpus dogs ··•·The poJ:"ch. the across darknel;ls, the into out Man rushes The'Old

31. NIGHT. -. STREET· ANq. HOUSE THE. . · !NT/EXT.31.

outside. the from it see to want I Hey wait! FATHER

glory. his in Man is Old The But ridiculous. is

lamp leg The admiration. in away Man backs Old The

two. or bone a maybe and toms tom- was needed it All fire. pagan of nimbus -orange/pinkish luminous, sensual, vibrant, a radiated flesh translucent the thigh to ankle From glory. unparalleled in forth blazed lamp the and ozone of whiff quick . a sparks, few 'a of snap The NARR.7\TOR

emerges. cursing and breathing heavy Much couch. the behind Man disappears Old The cord •. extension the with in rushes ·Ralphie direction. every in heading wires plugs, 4-way and cords extension of jungle a into plunge Man Old The We see

-52-

_.·:_ ·.. ··----·____ .

\ CONTINUED) (

Annie. OrphAn Little It's ? ..... see I do Who ••• locks auburn curly with one The .._.? • chatte.rbox little that Who's

radio. model Dame Cathedral Notre Crosley our to hcime get to porches, under fences., over alleys, the :through streak blue a like tear and was, it what matter no doing, was I anything drop I'd kid, a was I when 6:45, at day Every continuing) ( NARRATOR

house. the re-enter Man Old

it snap and radio the to across race RAndy and Ralph

mothers. after looks Someboo.y window. the in gleaming sex electric of glow soft the from away us have.dragged could wo:rld the in thing one Only •. right was She NARRATOR

program. favorite somebody's for time nearly it Isn't tin1e. the at look uh Well MOTHER

dilemma. a of horns the on truly was mother My victory! Man's Old The of symbol the Street, down Cleveland and up seen be could It on. turned was neighborhood entire The NARRATOR

here! out from it, see You oughta it. got That's FATHER

out. stare kids the and Mother

33. NIGHT - HOUSE EXT./INT.33.

-53-

·---.--~··- ....,..·-___.

announcer. .radio definitive the Andre, Pierre named guy a come would on Orinoco, dreaded the of headwaters the near place took usually which adventure, nightly the after Immediately NARRATOR

OF RADIO FRONTORNATE ... CLOSEUP

head. his au::ound tQwel a wore He neighborhood. our in Especially Punjab. named somebody was it needed nine of kid a anything was there if that figured I off. head everybody's cut and up show just would spot tight a in really was she who whenever Punjab, named friend th.is had also She NARR.~TOR ' I radio. the before enraptured, sits, he as ~,_j i t RALPH CLOSEUP - I I I

' notice. to not pretends Father lamp. leg the I

off snap and blinds the draw and window the to over

'

walk rise, casually Mother see we background the In !"

Uncle. and Corntassle called.Joe people were There Corners. Tompkins called place great thi~ in lived Annie Orphan Little NARRATOR

Sandy. goes Arf RADIO

it?· forget Who can kick. side- airedale Annie's Orphan Little Sandy, with dealt that line brilliant particularly one was There more. any that like tunes write don't they Ah, NARRATOR

33. CONTINUED 33.

-54-

I 5. a,; M::E - •· -- M ,a:,c,: ffl ffl ~W:ffl Wi e-,p ■ &a-~·-· M ,L...i.....;.li..r--4.-.1...1.

_.).......· ..

a

I.ear. King of out squeeze to al)le was Welles Orson than ntlmPers just of out more get eouJ.d Andre Pierre NARAA,TOR

n,ineteen. ••• fc::mr • . one. . . twenty-two. ••• th,t"ee! ••• Thirteen ••• nine forty- ••. eight ••• nineteen •.• twenty-two ••• seven B-7. to pins your Set right. All (V .O.) RAOJ:O

neighborhood. drinking ovaltine-... non a in lived I Group. Out an of kind worst the And nine. of age the at Group Out an of A member pin. decoder no got I NARRATOR

slumps. Ralph

Circle. 0 Secret Annie Orphan Little the of members to Annie Orphan Little from direct message secret another for Time pin. decoder secret your out get to Time kids. Okay, RADIO (V.O.)

cerned.

uncon- be to pretends Mother lamp. the on He snaps

here. in dark kinda 0mph, snow! like Looks FATHER .

street. the at out stare to pretending

stands and drapes the open draws He Mother's. matching

casualness his Man, Old The see we background the In

Circle! Secret Annie Orphan Little the of meeting a for set Get gals. and Fellas RADIO (V.O)

33. CONTINUED•. 33 \i

~.

-ss-

CONT:tNOEO)(

(MORE)· is kid a to mail tJle in come to something for weeks three for Waiting waited. I eon, aft.er eon day, after cay pin. decoder my for away mailed and tin Ovaltine necessary the corralled had I ago weeks Three Yetl pin. no had I And message. The Annie. orphan from truth real ·the getting were kids Somewhere --.decoding. kid$ of millions. were there country the over all darkness the in there out that feeling sinister a had you and over show was The silence. -- Then NARRATOR

troubled. vaguely looks also

Ralph over. is show The disinterest. shows Ralph

"'-·-·,,/ out. and over gals, and fellas Okay, two. thirty- • • • • nine. Fourteen. (V .O.) RADIO

Annie. Orphan but all to oblivious was I moment, the for But night. after momentum night gathering days for continue to was lamp the of ballet evolving slowly This set. was stage The NARRATOR

difference.

in- feigns Man Old The closed. drapes the snaps She

draft.· a feel I chilly. it's Brr, think. I snow, that about right You're MOTHER

new magazine. a pick to stops

She window. the toward amble and rise Mother We see

CONTINUED33,.

-56-

fantasize. to begins he as face IN TO Ralphie'sSLOWLYMOVESCAMERA

further. it demonstrate me to ask to ridiculous seemed it that prose my of power and clarity the was such • • school. high until least at or· days, my school

from me excuse would ecstasy, her in Shields, Miss that envisage to began I but mine, irrevocably rifle air carbine 2oo~sho~ Ryder Red the was only Not Shields. Miss overwhelm absolutely would theme this that doubt no be could There it. done had I 0 NARRATOR

victory. implied of flourish little a with pile the

1 to his adds Ralph it. on paper theme their places

carefully each desk; Shields' Miss past file Children

Extras. Shields, Miss Flick, Schwartz, Ralph,

drapes. the move on another

yet Man makes Old The as scene the We FADE OUT on

day. another for skunked ~~s I Anyway, motor. the without theone set, #3 Erector the using singlehanded, pyramids the build to asked being like (continuing) NARRATOR

33 •. CONTINUED•.3.3

-57-

~-- -·.-·-,---. ·- - ... . . ----- ..,..~~~•..._.•..__... .._.•.._., •...., ......_..._,. _____A:<L;MIL.l,-LIN,._.,...._.,.LIIAli"-"'..__...,A.A-A Jl...a...&....A ..!!..~_:!_ ..:.....- . __;::.

* 62.*** & 61 60, 59, PAGES OMIT -

scarecrow. a like out stuck still arms by, waddling comes Randy then moment, empty another pursuit, hot

in past race Farkas Scut and Dill Grover until moment, a for empty is frame The Schwartz.·. and Flick Ralphie, is It by. Qlur figures some see we foreground the in suddenly •. then moment long a for mill steel the on holding We are

36* DAY - MI~L ST.EEμ ~X~. 36.

quizzically. him after looks Shields Miss Shields.

my theme. in turning just •.• Uh now. not no, Oh, What? to} (coming

Ralph? something, want you Did MISS SHIELDS REALITYANO. RALPHIE C

BACKTO: DISSOLVE ••• then moment, long a for this We HOLD on classmates. adoring his of ovation thunderous the acknowledging modestly, standing him see we where TO Ralphie, Shields Miss PANS OFFCAMERA

walls. the around and board the off them writing

continues then board, of out runs she until plusses writes She A. the after plusses writing begins she then "A"; A huge

A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RALPHIE

· with: this

follows and letters huge in board the on name Ralphie's writes She blackboard. the to races and air, the into theme the throwing feet., her to leaps She more. no herself contain can she Finally, ecstasy. in exclaims she sentence, evety With herself. contain to able barely again, reading begins She

style. movie silent bosom, her to theme the clasps and joy of

exclamation an utters She on. reads She open. flies mouth

Her brightens. face Her theme. Ralphie's reading begins She

again. in plunges she then moment, for'a

despair in forehead her to hand her puts She another. yet and another and treatment, same the it gives and another up picks

She it. on "F" large a scribbles and disgust in down one ( one throws She grumpily. papers grading Shields Miss We see (~

35. DAY MISS SHIELDS IN RALPH'S FANTASY- SCHOOL- INT. 35.

----·..... \~ \

INlJED)(CONT

fence. the of side other the on them stalking

presence the .to boys the from FORTH ANDCUTS BACKCAMERA

boyhood. of jungles the in unpunished go not does unwariness Such menace. the to oblivious are boys

The stride-for-stride. Ralphie's matching brogans

familiar the see We fence. the D.OWN PANS CAMERA

sound. rasping a making pickets, the across stick a drags Ralph faintly. very up, creeps MUSIC familiar old The fence. wooden a before passing are They

day. every

this do they Obviously, hits. it if see and turn to bothering eyen not insulator, pole telephone a at

languidly rock a hurls cans;.Schwartz at kicking

home, way their working slowly ramble, purposeless of sort a in moving him, ignore others the and Ralph

up! Wait Ma. tell gonna I'm •..Awwww guys. you Come on, up! Wait RANDY

slee~,e. his on nose his wiping open, galoshes

his behind, yards fifty about along trails whining,

Randy, street. down the heading boys the We see

Dill. Grover Randy, Flick, Schwartz, Ralph,

36. - ·DAY ALLEYWAY •.EXT36.

Woolworth's. of treasures beckoning ever~ the course, of meant, that and gifts, family the to my attention turn could I assured, was booty Christmas my own Now that Flick. and Schwartz with up catch to off took I Mania. Ryder Red of stuff the was Such NARRATOR

CONTINUED 1.

35. 35. I

~

-59-

INUEO)CONT(

(MORE) . porches. under duekad and alleys up 2:'an continually hedges, behind who hid victitns of rabble nameless the of one or toady, a .bully, a either wer:e You drawn. clearly were lines '!'he

scut toady little fierce Dill's· was cat, Cheshire venomous a like up curling There, No hope. alley. the of en~ the at fence the for started and panic primal blind a in turned I NARRATOR

mess! Fat Hey! DILL

speech. of semblance a in teeth green his over curled lips His toadstools. like out flared which ears, his on resting 0 brow, non-existent his over low slunk cap His eyes! yellow God, me So help eyes. yellow He had eyes. yellow his with us at out staring Dill Grover alley, the and us between stood he There trapped. were We ncUne. rotten a What Dill! Grover NARRATOR

appropriately. MUSIC SHUDDERS The DILL.GROVER

dreaded the is It personified. meanness of face the is It face. malevolent a is It boards. two between gap the in suddenly appears face A late. too is it But

! Dill! It's . Run! RALPHIE

fence. the

of direction the in looks and He stops something. senses Ralphie minute, last the At MUSIC RISES. the

cul•de-sac, the near they As way. their on continue

to scale must they fence a is which of end the at

alley, an into them take wanderings aimless Their

36. CONTINUED36.

-60-

· 'W - W 15 • ·p-.. ffi_ft P riff- ½ F ■ iii :r i # t• :i: :it Ii ~

·'.........·-...

(CON'l'INUEO)

asha,ined. being continu~lly and belted, getting running, of lot a meant just it kids, of herd formless greai:: the to but Drive, or Talent called often is life in later aggression of kind This a·gg_ressive. truly wa$ Dill because Dill, of afraid not who was kid one not-know did. I wasn't. it wh$n even running, always was nose His bully. of type running~nose a was Dill NARRATOR

cry. baby, Cry sing-song) ( DILL

tJncl.e_ _Uncle! uncle! SCHWARTZ

• 'Uncle' Say __/___ \, DILL

out! it cut Dill, gee, Aw, SCHWARTZ

· it. twists

and arm Schwartz's takes methodically Dill Dill. to goes Schwartz snake, a approaching bird hypnotized a of manner the in much hopelessly, Obediently,

i here. over Get you. Ya, .Tilly! Aunt your Nah, DILL

••• me? SCHWARTZ

come here. Hey you, DILL

Schwartz. to me past looked Dill reason, some For (continuing) NARRATOR

36. CONTINUED36.

-61-

·.··_-' -----------------------

) (

easi~r. breathed I now, for Sut Dill! Grover was Truth My moment of Sht:>ulde:rblades. the between down trickles sweat cold that when rooms men's convenient into and coolers, water cabi;nets, filing behind duc:king still· and Keds mental weari;ng up grown have us 0~ Many Li.fe. Bo;::s :t.n ad g:teat. a·mike Ituwou!c! - ·•·. &le. ·~ .tfi .l' ,e.;,I. t' ;p··o I.. ..here . ... .'still •·1m ·- !nd'.f ec:is... ,:ear.ing ti~e., my of. ie~- Qul

with: sneakers Charnpi9n Keds endorse to well-qualified was I quieker. mark the off

I get to but ehoice, from school to

sneakers wear not who did Runner Alley accomplished a,n was I

I .

NARRATOR

' I --- b.g. in Dill running. Ralf)h

__,/_ (

victims. fleeing the after laugh They

Dill. joins and t,he·fence off down oozes Farkas Scut go. them lets Dill rabbits. jack like bolt boy.s The

Ahhhhhaggghhhhhhl {continuing) DILL

them. at lunge Frankenstein mock a makes then and malevolently He laughs

next? who's Alright, DILL

alley. the in sprawls Schwartz and shove a He gives knees. his to down Schwartz twisted has finally Dill

36. CONTINUED36.

-62-

'(CON'?INU!IJ)

trees. Ch.;'istmas at looking lot, vacant

frozen a around walk Randy ~d Ralph, Father, Mother,

NIGHT

39. ..,. .MAN TREE CH!ISTMA@ FAMIL¥, ~ LOT ~lU:£ CHRI,~'rMAS, EXT. 39.

•. splendor Yuletide the see to town around ride a then and -- tree Christmas the selecting -- year the of advantu1;es great the of one on off were we And man. oldmy . chase to garage Bumpus the under from out come even wouldn't dogs l3t,Unpus the that cold so and clean and crisp was air when theHohmct.n in nights rare those of one was It

the into pile and door the way out their bundle all ,.....,..........\/ They pass. itI lets .but look a her give$ Man Old The

38. NIGHT - HOOSE EXT. 38.

electricity. waste wan:t to Don't (continuing) MOTHER

lamp. leg the out snaps and window the to moves She

gracious! Goodness coming. I'm coming, I'm MOTHER

stairs. the down racing comes Mother

gone! wiIIbe trees good the all hurry, t we don Ifl

I. impatiently waiting stand Man ·01d The and Randy Ralph,

* 62. & 61 60, PAGES 59, OMIT -

INU:E:0)CONT (

:lull;). red bright a nose his Reindeer, Red-Nosed

The Rudolph and cow, plastic a sheep, plastic three by watched Infa,.nt, the ado:ring straw, the in kneel Mary and Joseph lawno a.front on g:t'OiJJ? Nativity a see We

tableau. this

accompanies carollers Christmas of choir A faces. Santa

smiling surrounding posts lamp the from hang hqlly

·: of wreaths plastic garages, of tops the front s·m;i..le

Santas plastic houses, fe$toon .lights Christm~s

decorations. the at looking car, the in family the We see

40. N~GHT - FA.MIL~ ~ STREE~SHOHMAN EXT. 40.

rope. knotted grimy, of lengths with bumpers

' the to tied and trunk the of out sticking car, the of back the to lashed securely is it difficulty, of deal great a After chosen. finally is tree Christmas The

Oh. MOTHER

balsams. them that's Nah, CHRISTMAS TREE MAN

out? fall needles the kind the this Is FATHER

••• know don't I (doubtfully) MOTHER

hot. gets it when lady, out, fluff It'll MAN CHRISTMASTREE

back. the on spot bare a There's MOTHER

discussion. soul-searching and long after only always was tree Christmas the Buying

NARRATOR.· I·

39. CONTINUED39. ,/" ....

I ) . (~

-64-

over. slops slush· icy of spraty a past, boom$· ttailer

tractor- a time evezy and shoulder, the on up is car

The IN. OOLLII::SCAMERA ea.z-. the of out gets Ralph

anything. with father my help go I suggested been had it time first was-the It NARRATOR

Daddy? help go you don't Why Ralph) (to MOTHER

az-:m. his under

jack tire, spare rolling window, side pass.es Father

Speedway. Indianapolis the at pits the in hL--nself saw always· He it. loved my father Actually, NARRATOR

· car. the of back the

from heard be can STEADYCURSING ANDBANGING-TOOLS of sowid The car. the from leaps over, pulls Father

flat! damn a We got FATHER

it? is What MOTHER

Dammit! FATHER

lurches. ca.r

The heard. is G-DONK" G..-DUNK, "G-DUNK, like A sound

· ·shed. cardboard

the of roof the on stand reindeer plastic more Eight

CONTINUED ./ .. \

40-. 40. I I

(~,r I

-65-

'3

.......,.~---------,-. ............._. ____-·■A.a,H,-..,e-•:n-s-....ALIIA....&LiA._,+ .LA.:1!:...i:L.A....:A...,._,H ..i. ...1..-,_ •. ··. ....... · _____ -----·- __ .. ...r-

_~_.,,.·....... \ ) (

bolts. 'the gilnl'tte now,· Okay, da.J,nmit! still, Sta.nc:1 (continuing) FATHER

f.linche-s. Ralph that water

filthy icy; and slush of plume a such \l.P throwing past,

roars semi A giant tires. their un.d,er from slush

throwing by, whiz Cars hubcap. the holding him, to next

stands Ralph tire. the with le_s strugg Man old The

· · · ! .it ~move .don' t Chrissake, Fer it. in bolts the put gonna I'm huJ::>cap. this hold Listen, Yeh. Oh. FATHER

help. should I Mom said RALl?H

doing'? you are hell the What Ralph) (noticing FATHER

watches. Ralph wrench. with bolts wheel remov~ to begins car, up jacks jack, fits Man busily Old The

them. through right Tribun.e the of Want Ads the read could you say to used Man Old The that them on tread little so was There spares. as used be to trunk car's the of bullpen dark the in were they time the by but rubber, of made been once had they round; were They sense. academic the in tires only actually were tires spare Man's My Old (continuing) NARRATOR I II tire. spare patched and worn his with struggles

Man Old The night, slushy and dark the In snow.

'' drifted the of out poking tops weed ravine, weedy ~''

deep a is road, the from away car, the of side other

II On the jack. the with struggles he Man as Old The

41. CONTINUED41.

------ . . . . -- . -~--6-6-------,-----....,......5 •............ -. __......................~..............................,....JLIO-1-----'-'-

- .___.___,_.·_____ , ... .··_.· '•- .

:-..___ \,,.. ; (

tr'1.ffic. oncoming the

of glare the in caught are :figures bot,h pu-ase, long A

said. you thought I what That's (grimly} FATHER

••• uh er ... Ah ••• RALPH

S?-lf? Y?l.l, dici What (·ominously) FATHER

pause.

long a is There astonishment. in frozen is face His

Word. said!!:!:!, has Ralph

that evident is it but spoken, it see or word the hear not We. do sound. the out drowns and ROARSbyTRUCK a moment, that at Just Word. The forming is a·s he just mouth PAST hisZOOMSCAMERA exclamation.• an make to about is he as just face, s Ralphie' on ZOOMSIN CAMERA

SLOWMOTION IN - RALPH - CLOSEUP

abyss. the into ravine down· the car, the under snowbank, the into gone, were they then And traffic. the of lights the against silhouetted bolts the all saw I moment, brief one For NARRATOR

41. CONTINUED41. \.,

•' . ('/~ -

-67-

\

gallows. the to taken

being someone of air the with ~lph home silently, ride They snickers. Randy Ralph. at glare to turns She

~ Ohhh! MOTHER

shock. in upright :bolt sits Mother Whispers.

•.. said son Ypur Mother) to closer (leaning FATHER

wagg.ing. been have would it tail, a had he If it. loved he and troul::)le, in suddenly was I knew He ' ~ttentively. forward leaned and' up perked seat, back the in Randy, puzzled. looked Mother NARRATOR -· .,/___C"7 t said? just son yo:u1: know what Do you FATHER ; I Randy. Ralph, Mother, Father,

42. NIGHT - CAR INT. 42.

car. the in Get Okay. continuing) ( FATHER

dumbly. watches Ralph tree. Christmas down lashed the with tussle brief a after trunk the to jack

the returns hubcap, the on puts bolts, the replaces and them, of three retrieve to manages he struggle,

enormous an After constantly. muttering bolts,

lost the for looking snow, the in around He crawls

flashlight. the Hold Here. (continuing) FATHER

41. CONTINUED41. / \

/~..

-68-

- --·-'-___ ' __ _.·. . ._· -- - .·,_

•, _I ( ·, \

..... ummmffff Mu.mph£,

hand ••• other the on Lifebuo~/, NARRATOR

impassively. him over stands Mother mouth. in soap of :t;>ar toilet, the on sits Ralph

smpothness. mellow of touch a just with but heady, flavor, after-dinner piquant nice, a had Palmolive found I but Lux, for is preference personal My soap. of connoisseur a quite be to got I while, a After NARRATOR

word. that heard you me where tell to ready you're until out that take to going not Now you're MOTHER

mouth. Ralph's in soap of bar sticks Mother

Er .•. RALPH

word? that hear you did Where now. truth, The _MOTHER

uh ••• Uh... RALPH

word. that heard you me where tell to you want Now I MOTHER

menacingly. him over stands Mother toilet. the of lid closed the on sitting is Ralph

AND RALPH.MOTHER

43. NIGHT aATHROOM_- - HOUSE INT.43.

_) ( ..,,....-··•

-69-

_- .- ------------~_,_..,.....,.__,_._~----------- --- .---···-···- .---- ---------···-.- ·--. · .l..~.Li_1•". μULI.iLl

(CONTINUED) . ,..___ '-,, ; \I I words. the hear cannot but

reply Schwartz's Mrs. of GIBSU:•G!BBLE hear We Pause.

said? just Ralph know what you do Schwartz, Mrs. you? are how fine, Yes, Schwartz? Mrs. Hello, (continuing) MOTHER

pauses. dials, She phone. the to goes and heel

her on turns she determination, grim of air an With mouth. Ralph's .in :back soap of bar the puts Mother His

see. I Oh. MOTHER

Scllwartz! (blurts) RALPH

mind. to came that name first the o~t blurted and desperately groped I out. chickened I But .•• NARRATOR

waiting. I'm MOTHER

it. at master a was he and medium, true his was It marble. in worked way Michelangelo the clay, or oils, in work might artist another way the Profanity in worked fatner My Man. Old my from day a times ten least at word that heard had Now I NARRATOR

word? that hear you did where Now, right. All (continuing) MOTHER

soap. removes Mother yes. nods Ralph I'

me? tell to ready you Are MOTHER

43. CONTINUED43.

I

-70- I

·: . . ·. . - --------- ·--. '--·~. - --- ··-- ,.._,

CONT!NUEO)(

on. light that see to want don' t I and up, come to going I'm punished. being you're books, comic reading No bad. into right get and off light the put to you want I because afternoon, this homework your finished you glad I'm bed. to go Now right. All MOTHER

· mouth. s Ralph' from soap removes bathroom, to returns ,phone, up hangs Mother

exception. no was Schwartz and another, way or one in guilty, all We are immaterial. is It Injustice? Justice? Justice. official inexoral:ile mysterious, of shot Another Schwartz. come to had Retribution NARRATOR

SCREAM. a is there faintly, very

Suddenly, retreating. HEELS s Schwartz,' Mrs. of TAP-TAP

TAP- quick We hear phone. holding stands Mother

son! From your pause) dramatic (long it? heard he know where you do And That. Yes. MOTHER

Eeeeeek! faintly) (very (V.O.) MRS. SCHWARTZ

whispers. and mouthpiece over hand puts She

•.• He said no. Well, continuing) ( MOTHER

43. CONTINUED 43.

-71-

..·- ~- --- ·--- --·-·.-:- ~~~~-~----................ ~.................. ~........................... ----------·--·-··- - --·-··-- --. ,------'.--

I'\

Ralph? you, to happened What's cane! a carrying he's Why, MOTHER

been? you have Whet"e Ralph. in, Come on FATHER

you? to haepent:ad What's God! my Oh, lphie Ra God, my· Hoh, (appalled) MOTHER

her. behind stanc.s Father her. before figure little pathetic the at down looking doorway, in stands Mother

RALl?HIE'S POV C

46. DAY :...HOUSE: .. ~ EXTJINT46.

opens. door tall Huge door. on taps Cane steps. front up tap-tapping

45. DAY WALK- FRONT EXT. 45.

thinking. is he what PROJECTION of

a we see head, his SCREEN, above THE OFCORNER HAND

UPPER LEFT- the In bed. his on forlornly lies Ralph

44. NIGHT - RALPH. - BEDROOM •. INT44.

stairs. the up slowly goes Ralph

43. CONTINUED43.

/-~ .....-·. ' \ ( /--·,

-72-

---- -- -- - - -~-- -.--·- - ---···- - ---- -________................-.JI!,._•• - ...Ii.. • it, jjjj, &... :+ .. i: it I: t ....!L..l....J..--L.I

CONTINUED) (

(~

... was It RAlJ'HIE

Yes? MOTHER

was ... It will) his (against RALPHIE

on? this brought What we did. know what I must: Please. please. Oh, ( continuing) MOTHER

pain. the back fighting head, his turns Ralph

do? we did What it? is vfuat hurts. how it no matter us, tell Please Ralph. Please, MOTHER

silent. is Ralph

state? lowly this to you brought has What it? is miat we do? did What fault. . our know it's We ~lph. Please, FATHER

glasses. dark his under down

runs A tear no. head his shakes smiles; bravely Ralph

we did? something it is Ralph, (brokenly) MOTHER

table. at bravely

sits Ralph table. kitchen the to Ralph leads Mother

table. room

dining the under from out peering horrified, looking

way into his taps bravely nothing, saying Ralph, Little I

/.-,'\,

46. CONTINUED46.

-73-

-- ----- - -------------------------------------------I"'--------

past. fly Farkas

and Dill see we then moment a for empty remains SHOT The past. fly others the and Flick Ralphie, se.e We

-• ...DAY J" . . . ·. . .--~.. -!ll. ...(... '•. ·' ... • . <.. §~ATSF'.ENC#!'i

7. 4 SQM.:S ',I'HROOGHLQOK:tN,G .., LONGSHOT ....ALLEYWAY . EXT.47.

tear. large FOCUS on cheek. down his rolls tear lar.ge One CAMERA. THE INTO stare eyes blind blank, poor, His FRAME. INTO moves larger, and la:i:ger face, Ralph's

sorry! they'dbe

And then twenty-one. reached he before blind stricken be would he that insistently, but vagu~ly believe, -didn't I who kid a b.een . never has There NAF.rul.'!'OR ~- Ralph. b_rave, so You're MOTHER . i Il it. deserved I somehow. ••. along get !'11 RALPHIE 'l

j ankle. to.Ralph's lovingly clings Randy ders.

shoul- sob-wracked Father's his on hand his puts Ralph

l r-·-·\ it! done I.have ·,.·..,,· How.could myself! forgive never

'11 God! my Oh, my God! Oh, MOTHER I )

together. cling They Father. down beside sinks Mother

Poisoning. Soap ••. ,· down) (breaking RALPHIE .

yes? Yes, MOTHER

46. CONTINUED46.

-74-

~ . - - - . - . ---- .. - - . -. -- . ' ~ . .. +i :f5 M i :5 5 iPqft il&M +w,&e,ii9, ... ·iiie·1ilti/ik;1 1li W 111 !I .£...~ . .:i .J...L--1..A,.A._;:_ __ - ...~ ____ _ _

'--~-~.-··'

moment. a

silence the onHOL:O t,y. racing come Farkas and Dill then Silence, past. thunde·ring go others the anc;l

FEET.'Ralphie OFPOUNDING the hear we then Silence,

DAY •

so. EARL!SRSAW WE Sl\ME.FENCE SHOT -I..QNG .ALJ:.EYWAY EXT.50.

away. slides Ralph

Ralph! you, thank Why -- SHIELDS MISS

· stuff. old same them of tired getting be might you thought I RALl?HIE

amazement.

in him at looks Shields Miss Harry." "Oilcan as

subtle as about grin a He grins pineapple. the of

top on foliage the through up eases face Ralphie's

indeed. sight a is depression the du:):'ing Hohman in pineapple A

desk. the upon placed is p.:i:neapple looking tropical

particularly and large very a a pineapple, Suddenly

flower. solit~ry a cookies,

some cupcakes, few a apples mostly up, piling booty the

We see custom. the is as gift little a Shields Miss give to pauses child -fourth or third Every class. into filing are children The Friday. is It

49. DAY. SCHOOL- INT. 49.

' WIND HOWLS Snow and ~: l

48. DAY SCHOOL- EXT. 48.

-75-

- - -- - -- - THE~TO. ACCRUIMG BENEFITSANDHONORSTHE ALL TO ENTITLED -ISANDCIRCLE SECRETANNIE ORPHAN LITTLE THE OF MEMBER A APPOIN'i'EDHEREBY IS PARKER WESLEYRAtPH MR. THAT SUNDRYAND ALL TO KNOWN IT BE

letter: CUTS TO the C&'1E!lA

card. me1,12bership And my knob. With pin. decoder plastic si111Ulated-gold my -- w~s .it there and open it ripped I mystery. with p'.t'egnant and fat .thick, is that envelope an over hands my :-un I when exultation of surge wild a feel I day this to Even rattle. that letters lumpy than life in thz-illing more things few are There (continuing) NARRATOR ./...........\---:;'

box. the of out envelope large a takes Ralph

who waits. he to comes Everything survive. to we need which that given are we But -- ·(continuing) NARRATOR

mailbox. the into looks and up straightens Ralph ,.-

madness. was nearing I_ was unbearable. triumph in theme my receive could I so pass to days the waiting-for of agony the But tolera~ed. be .could such as Man and Boogie the snow and the and wind the like nature of elements hostile the of another just was_ Dill Grover NARRATOR

him. behind looking breath, his catch

to stops and mailbox the to up dashing comes Ralph ' .,.,.✓ .... \'

51. DAr SHOT - LONG - RALPH'S HOUSE - EXT.51.

-76-

·-:.- .---- .--------- --- .

(CONTINUE!))

pin. his setting fz-at1.tically Ralph see We

PINS AT B-12.YOTJB. SET GO. WE H'£RE SET? ALL . CIRCLE SECRETANNIE ORPHAN LITTLE T'rlE OF MtM!EllS ANNIE,ORPHAN LITtLE PALS OF REGULAR THE ALL FOR MESSAGESECRETTHEFOR TIME PINS . YOURDECODER OUT GtT GALS.AND OKAY,FELLAS (V .0.) RADIO

meeting! secret first My In. am I now. friends my of one He's Pierre. old last, c1-t long comes, On a word. hearing hardly perils Annie's Orphan Little and ing arf Sandy's through sat I pirates. and smugglers about jazz this all need don't· I itl with on get Let's NARRATOR

radio. to closer hunches Ralph

Annie. Orphan Little It's · · . ·· · ' · ? see ... ! doWho ... locks auburn cu;rlv with· one The· ..• chatterbox little Who's.that RADIO (V.O.) r

_break ... station a .pause, A . radio the to next hunched I as spine down my and up rippled goose_ pimples of waves .. Running mounted. ~citement My NARRATOR

frantically. dial the whirls and radio the to races Ralph

r·

52. EVENING · RALPH - • ·HOUSE . INT52.

t_. nine. of age the at Alreaay, . r

Andre. Pierre Countersigned:· Annie. Orphan Little Signed:_ NARRATOR

51. CONTINUED51.

-77..,

(CONT!NUiD)

/..,__ ,____\ \ ' (MORE) . decode. to starting I'm other. the tablet·on Chief my Indian knee, one on is pin My decode. and privacy in sit nine·could of boy a where house t:he in room only the in am I later seconds Ninety NARRATOR

53. EVENING~-- MLPH" BATHROOM.-- .. L.~53.

? •.. cksIo.. aμ,tmrn !;,cu.r wit:h qhe The!

... chatt~rbo~ little that 'sWhQ ••• HEAR YOU WHEN NIGHT, TOMORROW AGAIN LISTEN MESSAGE. SECRET . TONIGHT'S 'STHAT • KIDSOKAY, (V .0.) RADIO ' I .. Finally~ excitement. i and tension with dripping voice booming his up with keep to furiously I·strugg~ed NARRATOR

concentration.

manic in furrowed brow mad, like writing Ralph see We

I EIGHT NINETEEN... THIRTEEN.••

(V.O.) RADIO

· important. really was message tonight's that tell could I tonight. voice great in was Pierre Old NARRATOR

pencil. of point licks Ralph

SET? ALL READY? PENCILS ·RADIO(V .0.)

52. CONTINUED52.

-78-

(CONTtNUED)

(MORE) 12 ... 16 ... DR... 9 ... 17 ... NARRATOR - ·· --- ·- · out! right be ~'11 Mal RIG.HT, All · (frantic)

oN·r Come ! Ralp't:J,ie annoyance) (with • S • ) (O MOTHER

dist:t:"actedly. hair

through hand running frantically, more scribbles Ra.J.ph

say? to trying Annie Orphan Little was What what? to stire Be . . . . 0. t. 8 . . . . . 14. Be sure ... Word. The was getting I my gut. gripped Excitement through! coming was message A Be sure! E . R. • . • 15 • . . . • U S . • .

- whizl Gee Mal out,. right be I '11 RALPHIE

go! gotta Randy's up! Hurry (O.S.) MOTHER

my mother. of shriek faint the then steam, gathering wail his whimpering, brother my kid hear could I house the in out From somewhere u. 19 ... now. easier coming was It S. ... 13 B-E. is word first The I. i ' .. E dial. the spun Again_ I : . ~ 22 ... .. i

next. the to went I ..,I number~ decoded down my first .., 'r wrote carefully I B. Alla! letters. of scale plastic ·the I i over poring dial, the spurt I_ 7 ... (CONT'D) NARRATOR -----."' r

53~ CONTINUED .. 53

i -79- ·-

------~---------------- --·~ -- -·- -· .. - --·· ·- --·- -.. --.-- - -.--·

(CONT!NUED)

'..,.1. ____ \.,' I up? wash you Did MOTHER

pads .. Brillo of field a on rampant plumber '·s helpers crossed of consist would it m.idwest, the in arms of coat a had mothers If pad. Brillo her with eternally swabbing sink, her over was hanging My mother sizzled. meatloaf perpetual the where oven the in look to bother even didn't I cabbage. red chance•- fat H:a., (continuing)- NARRATOR _

stove. the _pot on the into peers Ralph

surprise. a was Maybe there relief. bring would dinner hoped I Again me. over crept agony The /..i:::::-.7 ii (continuing) NARRATOR

kitchen. the to down on tinues

con- Ralph bathroom. the into Ralph past Randy races

victim. another decapitated had Punjab _ cabbage. red the and loaf meat the face to out went and pants up my corduory pulled I NARRATOR I - r loud. _out crying , I For Ma! out,· right be I '11 .· ! :- RALPH

O.S. Randy, THIN WAIL from another We hear

commercial. crummy A notebook. Chief Indian my at down staring · room, steamy that moment in long a for sat I LT... .. ·. 19 ...OVA 32 ••• K .•• N .•. 9 ••. 1 •.•• (CONT'D) NARRATOR

-so-

~~~------------.....-~~~- -·---··-··· - ··-·

CONTINUED) (

rug. the over limply hanging.out: wire· insulated of entrails its watermelon, rotten a like open split -- pulchritude feminine poem of voluptuous that -- -radio the under ankle well-turned cracked, the table, cqffee the under kneecap shattered The was. it There NARRATOR

it? is where it is Where FATIIER

room. living the

into and t.a.irs s down the. headlong Man rushes The Old

heartbreak. feigning voice, phony soft a I in my mother said ' lamp, 'The ;' voice) 's Mo·ther (mimicking NARRATOR

broke! What happened? ·what What broke? FATHER

eyes. his in look a wild doorway, the in framed

Man stands The Old and open flies door The bathroom

day. first very the since it fearing been had he Man knew -- The Old -- began it t:hen and -- ignited and sputtered fuse the while silence of second split Another gasp. stifled phony a and room living· the from crash loud a then silence moment of brief a was There nasturtiums. her for bound tow in can watering her with kitchen the of out walked My mother unreal. was rather next What happened NARRATOR

Yeah! RALPHIE

53. CONTINUED53.

-81-

.......... --------~-

(MORE) ... fury with quivering stoo.d Man Old The NARRATOR

glue. of out 'reWe MOTHER

glue. the Get voiae) comma.nding- a (in FATHER

war. cold the began fa.that' an4 mother ti:ly c:oined was the.phrase before years tan least, At (continuing) NARRATOR.

dignity. bristling with her at glares

and height full his to up himself draws Old Man The

irretrievably. out, was it Now NARRATOR

saw! ever I lamp ugliest the was That what? of Jealous Jealous! ridiculous! That's MOTHER

won! I because jealous You were FATHER

leg? plastic: a Of Jealous? MOTHER

lamp. that of jealous always You were FATHER

vo ic:e . measured in·

speaks moment then long a for her at looks Old Man The

and ... flowers the was watering I happened. what· know don ' t I . . . MOTHER

debris. the amid knees his to drops Man Old The

5·3. CONTINUED . 53

-82-

- - - --·-------.-.-~~~~--,--------,---------~---~-~-- ----- --. ;- - -----··-: -----~----·- - - -..:..... ~-.:::.

collapse! would '--~/

thing whole the room and the across sail and up spring would kneecap the Being ...... slowly hand his remove would he Then successful. almost looked again,-it Time and (continuing) NARRATOR

leg. the over intently Man bending Old The see We

55. NIGHT HOUSE - INT. 55.

insignificance. into pale effort best Albee's Edward make to image Freudian a leg,. lady's shattered a around walking breath, his under swearing hat, straw his wearing my father,

I see still can I day, To this

trying window the in silhouetted Man Old The We see LONG SHOT. in house the at looking We are later. is It

54. NIGHT ,.. HOUSE (INT.· EXT. • 4 5

Silence. door! the slams and He wheels

lamp! that touch Don't it! touch Don't continuing) ( FATHER

bellows:M_an Old The and open ripped is door

the then moment, a for silence is There him. with door the taking nearly house the from races and He turns

Dammit! FATHER

-- only managing -- retort. crushing a with come up tried.to he as stammering •.• {CONT'D) NARRATOR .

53. CONTINUED 53.

-83-

.. -- - -- - - •. - - -·-·:- ------ -.-- - -- • - -- ·• . • -~-~---~- - a; ......... 5 .... -- ............ ----·~-- - - - - ---·~-

'···- -....)· --

you. to talk wanna I here. over Come Mess. Fat Hey, DILL

gym. jungle ice-encrusted the about lounging Dill Grover see We INTO VIEW. move others the and Ralph

58. DAY_ DILL - _ , BOYS "'.' THE GROUNDSSC:HOO:t,_ _ EXT. 8 • 5

scho.ol. for out head tnen and arms punch They

Flick. join and walk down the run '!'hey Randy. brother, his is which ball bowling the by purs.ued Ralphie see We '

DAY FLICK - RALPHIE, SHOT - MEO.

Mother.

anxious their by out hurried being Randy and Ralphie I We see door. front TO the house theDOWN PANS CAMERA I

~,_../.. \~- furnace. villainous the of defiance his ING out \!-

Man ROAR- Old The We hear smoke. ZOOMSINTO theCAMERA

puffs. acrid

black out belches which one, except chimney every of out pours smoke Cheery day. wind-whipped raw, a is It

57. DAY E;OUSE_- RAI..PH'S EXT. 57. I

\

I i " Bethlehem. i::-

Town of "O Little of STRAINS FAINT the We hear air. winter. brilliant the in tranquilly there sits hous.e The

ever. -- this forget won't I FATHER

faintly. voice his we hear moment a After house. the into back resolutely He marches garbage. the in mess whole the dumps and house the of side the to way hs makes door, front the out appears he Suddenly moment. long a for window the of out Man disappears Old The - )

f

floor. the CRASHINGto come lamp the hear and We see

/ ' NIGHT - HOUSE EXT./INT. ,·..., ,.......,,--~-

-84-

Flick. ignoring anticipation, with pants He virtually

RAL?HIE ..CLOSEUP

blackened. is eye his by, files Flick

good. very generally were They pleased. I'm you. for themes Christmas your have ! class, right, All MlSS SHIELDS

59. DAY - MISS .SHIELDS· .... CLOSE'tij' ·.... ct.A.SSR.00~ INT.59.

loyalties. knows no Mania Gun BB but annihilation, certain to Schwartz and Flick leaving for guilty vaguely felt I NARRATOR - here. ove~ Get You! (continuing) /....."- DILL ,-----.

Flick. luckless the to turns He furious. is Dill

Hey youJ DILL

school. for runs Ralphie

later. pay would I knew I however. retreating, no was There all. of most myself everyone, stunned ploy this of The audacity NARRATOR

Shields. Miss to report gotta I G.rover. can't, I RALPH

mouth. the in you hit just he mostly But and warm inside. great felt you you, to 'Hi' a:s said much so Dill if Ordinarily, NARRATOR ....______ ,'~ I

58. CONTINUED58.

-85-

....__-" -.-....... - -- -. - - - - -- - ·- - - -- - - - - -. ·- -- --- - ·- -. - - . - - --·- ' .

,/..... ~ \. ; ~

CONTINUED) ( \ I

red: in pulsate They words. fatefuJ.. TO theZOOMS and DOWN PANS and paper TO theBACK

TILTS then face, 's TO Ralphie UP BACK CUTSCAMERA

my neck. of back the. Otl leechlike itself fastened and room the around and page the off leaped it -- it saw I then But made. been had Illistake a obviously that was first-impulse My NARRATOR

IN ANDOUTOF FOCUS. ing

pulsat- ..c grade the and we see paper the TODOWN BACK PANS CAMERA drops. face His theme. his unfolds he as face To his UPPANS CAMERA on~ others the passes and his He extricates desk. Ralph's at They arrive ~.

I PAPERS THE - CLOSEUP

CLOSEUP

breath. his holding from red turning is He

PANS CAMERA rows. the along back themes the passing

KIDS OF THE HANDS THE - CLOSEUP

classmates. my of intelligences ordinary the to deference in praise her was restraining Shields Miss imagined I row. t;he came down papers the as my breath held I --~✓-. •• ''• NARRATOR (,,--)

CONTINUED59.

Ralph. toward

street the down manner cocky his in walking seen is

DILL GlOVER -SHOT LONG

O.S. He looks up.

well to threaten that tears the back chokes and eyes his from slush the clears He feet. his off him knocks nearly It kisser. the in right Ralph artd-smaeksFRAME IN'I'O whi_stles basketball a of size the about snowball brackish a suddenly when face Ralph's onCLOSE are We

next. happened what explain partially may which hope. abandoned but all haci I raged. merriinent: unbridled me around while lamps street distant the of glow yellow feeble the through softly drifting Snow was Indiana. Northern in fast falls Night NARRATOR

behind. along tags

Randy sidewalk. down the ice dirty of slab a kicks he as him on MOVE IN We house. hi~ to dejectedly ~···......'• .

r--,-

walking Ralph of figure forl9rn the CATCHESCAMERA The

~a. , KIDS GROVER, , . RALPHIE - ,LONG .SHOT - .AL;LEYWAY_ EXT.

TO: DISSOLVE

on my head. sitting lady pound three-hundred- a me like over settled Despair Christmas. for wanted they what get: to going all who were kids happier other watched gloomily I peace-maker? his and Red Ryder against prejudice irrational of conspiracy this to end no there Was explanation. other no be could There Shields. Miss to gotten had My mother (continuing) NARRATOR

- out. eyes your_ sho.ot You' 11 P. S.

SS. CONTINUED59.

-87-

-.--, -. ------------------. -~--------·-·--··--

'----~·

earnest:. in fight to begin Dill and Ralph

my skull. of out gone had I and blew fuse A happened. had something But flc;1.t. minute a in away blocks four been have I'd it, done had I before seconds ten for Dill attacking about thought: had I If nuttine.ss. latertt of a kind just exist, rtot does B:ravery (cont:£,nuing) · NARRATOR

him. pounding begins and back on his him flat

knocking Dill, startled the over all explodes Ralphie

mouth. and ears and eyes my of out exploding came and size man to grown had demon red my time this By NARRATOR 't" ......,:::--::,

over. come better ya come over, to ya tell when I Jerk, Listen, DILL

Ralph. of

front in spread, legs stands, and up strutted has Dill

grow. to flame began little red-hot tiny a my brain of recesses the in Somewhere deep NARRATOR

face. INTO Ralph'sSLOWLYMOVESCAMERA

RALPH - SHOT :MED.

Ralp~. approach they

as laugh little nasty their laugh Farkas Scut and Dill

sandwich! snowball your like How'd ya Mess. Fat Hey, DILL ,, \

60. CONTINUED60.

-88-

- •" ---------------------··--·----.

I say? you did What MOTHER

moment. long a for

him at looks Mother 's ltalphie could. ever fathers and mothers the than happening is what about more know who kids scared exultant, and grownups su:rging of ring great a amid a.part kids two the drag They before. him. to happened never has This hysterically. wailing is time this by Dill insan~ly. fight to continue Boys

me. of outside

coming was it though as was it yet and it of conscious was I it. over control no had I though as fantastically, swear to continued I NARRATOR

arriving. Mother Ralph's see We

narration.)

under lost indistinguishable, be will swearing (The

screamed. I me as of out pouring was swearing and obscenities of torrent steady a that conscious became I tortgues. strange in speaking duress extreme under people of heard since have I continuing) ( NARRATOR

60. CONTINUED 60.

-89-

-·---Ji-------------------~--- .

_)__~-.,

(MORE) occasionally. mewing mops, the among hiding john, the in sink the under now was by brother My kid NARRATOR

sink. the underRANDY CLOSEUP -

there. lying just was :i: wo_rk. from home come to my father for time almost outside, so.ft and purple getting was light The NJ.--RRATOR

done. has he

what of scared really scared, there He lies daybed. the down on him pushes and shoulder the by Ralph takes She

62. DUSK - BE;DROOM ·. INT. 62.

down. lie and in go Just easy. it Take daybed. the on down lie and in go better ¥ou'd MOTHER

hysteria. from red and puffed were which my eyes at dabbing and my head over it pouring bathroom, the me in on water put My mother daze. a in house the into got I NARRATOR

.. 61 DUSK --. RAl:.PH:!:E - HOUSE INT. 61.

TO: DISSOLVE

hood. neighbor- the over sprayed had I obscenity of tornado believable un- that of shame incredible the was of think could I all and mind my of left was what from ppeared disa- Dill Grover of thought all instant that At face. her on look funny a was There all. That's NARRATOR

CONTINUED· 60.

-90-

-· - . - - - - - - .- - - - - ~------ - -,,__,_.__.._.._~~~ML.£_~_,_,-·-~-~-

way out! no is There neck! my naked over poised is axe The NARRATOR

·are. know how kids you Oh,

fight? of kind What Fight? FATHER

a had Ralph much. not Oh, MOTHER

said: mother my then and pause, short a was There comes! it Here NARRATOR

today? happened what Well, FATHER

down. sits and kitchen the into walks Ralph

63. NIGHT .-:- KITCHEN INT. 6 3 •

nothing. He said sink. the over together washed I and brother My kid bathroom. the into skulking sneaking, buffet, the under woodwork, the along sneaked and daybed the off myself dragged painfully I NARRATOR.

up. wash kids, Come on, ready. Supper's MOTHER

now. kitchen the in him heard I me. over broke terror of wave a and way drive- the up roar car the heard I (cont'd) NARRATOR

62. CONTINUED 62.

-91-

( CONTINUED)

/...\,,._ (MORE) . I · . . forth. and back curtains the blew air cold The

bed. in lies Ralph

N.:IGHT_ ....R.AJ;..PH .:~B£DR09M. . ·INT · • 4 6

normal. to

back is Life whines. Randy eats. Father sto:t.1e. to table from goes Mother food. the tasting actually were he though e.s time this eating, res'l$l.es Ralph.

mother. my me and between different were things on, From then continuing) ( NARRATOR

notice. not does Father bump.

little understanding friendly, a him gives and der shoul- Ralph's arm against her leans casually Fath.er,

,/__\.

to cabbage red more serve to oveJ;:' leaning Mother,

destroyed. be to about was not I that realize to began slowly I NARRATOR

more meatlo.af. in shovels Father

there. out off keister your freeze you'd Oh well, did. I wish I Boy, tickets. has Zudock Yeah, FATHER

treadmill. refrigerator-to-table-to-stove table-to-stove"-to- endless her resumes Mother

Sunday. Bay on Green playing are Bears the see I way, the By to. talking him a gave I much. wasn't it Oh, MOTHER

(·~---'

(CONTDHJED)

Appeal. Last Of Couxt official the is this and Indiana, Hohman, in Store Department s Higbee at found be can Claus I Santa real the that well-known equally is it but largess, Christmas the of sonie off siphon to order in street the bell.sin ringing around run and devices such othet' and pillows with themselves stuff mett foolish that. well-known is it Now Clausi Santa -· Connection The Hone.ho. Head The One. N1.1;nber himself, Man Big the forth. shone not yet · as had that sunshine Daisy of ray madd.ening , glorious one yet: unfiled, as appeal one hope, last was one There lost. yet was not all that realization glowing the with morning that awakened I had -:_....... i~ NARRATOR

.. air the fills Bells Jingle by.

flow parade the watching family the and TO RalphZOOMS AND PANS CAMERA Parade. Hohman Christmas the seeing we are now realize We Santa. rubber huge was a ing see- been we have what that BACKand we realize PULLS CAMERA air. the along.in be bobbing to appears It head. Santa's a huge of CLOSEUl?EXTREME an see We

NIGHT ..CRO't,.,11) .FAMILY. STREtT - EXT. HOHMAN69.

· being. time the For We rested. Devil. Tasmanian furry fanged, red-eyed little my me and quietly, rested us of Both Lake. the of head at"the wilderness the Woods, North Great the from wind a of tail the we caught as ... (CONT'D) NARRATOR

- - -~------------------~

CONT!NUED) (

infinity, to reaching snake human a like stretches It

LINE !HE SHOT• LONG

nearer. racing was o'clock ten of time closing and it: of ~d the at I was and Haute, Terre to least at back stretched Cla'lls Santa see to waiting line The NARRATOR

Claus. Santa see to

waiting urchins greedy fidgeting, nervous, of line long a end of the on get they as Randy and Ralph STAYSwith Ck.'1ERA Department:. Men's the of direction the in off go Father and Mother then but said, being is what hear not do ~1e together. heads briefly,. confer ter, ... coun- a by They pause shoppers. maddened of w~ves the by forward ca.rried are Father and Mother Randy, Ralph,

department. to department from si,zes

all of whiners dragging slapping, cuffing, co'unters; the under and aisles the into and wide far ranging mob, surging the on herd ride thet"apy, dishwater of years from raw and chapped hands their collars, fox-fur ratty with coats cloth frayed wearing mothers

flush-faced Worried-looking, kids. mufflered topped,

high- leatherette-jacketed, of by millions trailed treasures, unattainable beautiful, shiny, of floor after floor through stot'e, pulsing wildly the through ing trudg- shop·fugitives and welding plant coke mill, tin converter. Bessemer heap, slag hearth, open of hordes motley men, refinery grey-faced workers, foundry eyed, agate- blue-jowled, of crowds milling We see Store.

Department Higbee's of scope full IN the TAKE

to face laughing Santa's real the BACKfromPULL We

66. NIGHT - .C:ElOWD FAMILY, - S HIGBEE' INT.66.

sign. Store Higbee's.Department gold-plated the above reindeer and Santa huge the see TILTS UP to and past march Shriners last the as parade OFF the PANSCAMERA

65. CONTINUED65.

-94-

turn. our for line .:.______ \.. i in w-aited we so .i!.nd chances, - tal<e to pay not did: It tell. I C!J.1'1 ~eVEiZ'yo1.1. Well,_· suspi<;:i.ott: nagging drifting, float:i.~g, the wa.s heal;'t scoffing each in finally until themselves, of sure less and less and moodie:t: grew us axuong atheists The (continuing) NARRATOR

kids. the before infinity to up stretching

mountain glass soaring a like high, exaggeratedly is , Ralph 's · eyes through seen Ramp, ran,.p. high a of top . the at grotto golden glowing a POV) (RALPH'S see We

disbelieve. to dared few who were there Flyers, Flexible shiny with bristling Department: Toy the and wreaths green and red gar!a:riaeawith windows store the Are, Or1.ent: ThreeKin~sOf We of st':ains the to pulsing air the with Hour, Zero moments before but scoffers, were μs of Most NARRATOR

9:45.

silver blowing angels plastic of squadron suspended a under canes, candy red-and-white with framed throne, snowy gigantic a we see ahead Far forward. inches slowly line whining sniffling, restless, shoving, The

existence. his of denial and affirmation the of, existence the of, nature the over arguments theoTogical many were there and in, believe to much else wasn't there because Claus, Santa in fully disbelieve to easy was not It NARRATOR

66. CONTINUED.· 66.

-95-

--~~~---,.-.---0------------------ - - - -- ---

feet. your draggirtg Quit kid. moving, Get bark) harsh (a WITE SNOW

slope. the up him l.aunching .grip, iron an with

shoulder s Randy·' g:eabs WHITESNOW brother. kid her with same the does glasses the in girl the behi-nd, while., himself of ahead him h~rds Ralph steadily.

and whimpering whining back, hang to begins Randy

order. keepili$ and traffi<; dire~t:i.ng line, the of head the at preside hair, artificial golden, the1.r to clipped tiaras an~ seguins w~th glitteriz:ig fOwns iauzy costumes, White Snow in dressed ladies Pretty year. another for oblivion into back and 19.vel floor to down

a down and right his to on customer last his passes Santa as left Santa's on mountain the of side ,the at staircase tiny a up prodded is turn in kid Each

ornaments. gleaming and bulbs tree Christmas ing

flash- with carpeted tinsel green and red mountain.of '•···-··. a on heads their above feet fifteen or ten soars -~ throne a of snowdrift white gleami.ng enormous Santa's

Olympus itself. Mo1Jltt of foot the line, the of

head the reach they Suddenly them. behind kids of hordes the by pushed and jostled Department, Bicycle and Tricycle the through slowly Randy wind and Ralph

Nick. Saint old jolly of "Ho-ho-ho-ing" the distance faint the in off far from and DINGING, REGISTERSCASH MOOING,COWS MECHANICALTOOTING,'WHISTLES TRIC TRAINS, OF ELEC-CLATTERANDHUM CAROLS,THE BELLS, RECORDED

TINKLING sound: sea-of a great roars line pentine

ser- the Over knee. red broad on his turn in each sit to waits CLAUS SANTA cave, glowing magic his in

distance, hazy the in while forward, painfully ing

inch- earmuffs and mittens mufflers, caps, stocking of procession uneven an line, IN longTAKESCAMERA

running. and red nose his fear, vague in watering eyes his numbly, stands coat sheepskin huge a in boy fat a them, Behind damp. are knickers corduroy maroon his and open are galoshes His eyes. his over down ·pulled goggles with helmet aviator's an wearing He is line. in him keep to steadily brother little her -hits glasses gold-rimmed and cap stocking a brown wearing girl seven-year-old skinny a Randy and Ralph Behind

\ t' ·• ~-....,_ CONTINUED 66.

-96-

· ·.. ,- · .. -- .. _..--- .. -- - -- -·- ------.---· .-..----..,i,...__.---.. -._..__.______..IL._._... --...~·~-~

(CONTINUED}

,. ... b?¼? l.ittle, name, xou; what's And SANTA

Ra.lph. of

eyes the to God like world~filling, enormous, immense, vast, seems He pitch. thundering a to amplified is voice His stomach. belt-creaking thruntming, real a and beard, white snow of nimbus a boots, paterit..;leather black shiny high tall.; feet eight seemingly ENORMOUS, is He eyes. child's th<:Jugh a seen is he as Santa rather .but Sani:a, store department conventional the not i.s Claus Santa This

poop. straight the get to have to going was Claus Santa Ryder, Red with range the ride to going was I If stuff. kid No line. the on it lay really to Santa,, with level to decided before long had I it. for richer am the I that convinced am not 1: and Bunny, Easter the on up gave finally I before my twenties into well was I dream. true the of nature the know never can birth; from Claus Santa in non-believers cynical upbringing, romantic less of products tots, of generations later that felt always have I NARRATOR

mountaintop. the toward upward struggle to begins

Ralph and claw iron an with elbow his grabs Snow White

Suddenly wail. trailing high thin, a We hear floor. the above miles seems what lap Santa's on bobs it as cap stocking brown and yellow tiny brother's his We see

RA!iPH'S POV

chipmunks. reverberating echo-chambered thousand ten by

JINGLE BELLS,· JINGLE ALL THE WAYsung JINGLE BELLS, above: SPEAKERS tne from MUSIC blasts Deafening

66. CONTINUED 66.

-97-

football! a My God, NARRATOR

Hc,-ho-ho! SANTA

Yeah! RALPHIE

out. liiqueaked voice my· will· COI'i.$CJ.OUS Without foot~i;ill. Foot.bal.l, groped. My mind NARRATOR

· · · · · football? n:i.ce a like ::t:ou Wouldn't SANTA

Uhhhh •.•• RALPHIE

it! blowing was I wanted. I was it what . - I remember to tried I Frantically blank! gone had My mind NARRATOR

••.••• Ehhhhrrrrr RALPHIE

croak. feeble a

with again open convulsively, shut snaps opens, mouth His panic. mindless in ahead straight stares Ralph

little.be:(? Christmas, wa_nt for ;(OU do what And HO"'.'hO-ho! boy! little name, fine a That's SANTA

uhhhhhh. uh ••.•• ••••• Ah RALPHIE

distance. the into off wind

that figures tiny the to down and Toyland of expanse endless the over out and down looking knee, huge Santa's on sits Ralph upward. him swooping coflar, sheepskin his- hooks neatly and down reaches Santa as quails Ralph

/.. ,,.. ~.. \

66. I

CONTINUED. 66. -~-

-98-

•. ;;p -- - - - - - - - - - - •• ii( •• ,. ••• le ½..i:.......__.__ll: - -··- - - -- -·

)_...,.,___ ..._\ \ /

wanted? you what Santa tell you Oid FATHER

reappear. ·=her Fa and

Mother nowhere, From dolls. Ann Raggedy with high piled counter a under snivelling stands who Randy, meets Ralph

chute. the of bottom the at earth to returned I me as neath ... be leadenly c.lanked feet My numi:>. was my head of back The feel. must know how it I but lightning, of bolt a by struck been never have I went. I chute Down the NARRATOR '

• disappeaz-s.

he as ECHO N00000000 this We hear shove. little a I

11 11 '--~---••'.,.

Ralph gives and boot his with gently out reaches Santa ~-

Chris~as Merry

You'll;~hooty_our Ho-ho'."".ho!, SANTA

chute. the to clinging

Ralph of figure absurd the at surprise in looks Santa

in ce>mJ?a~s a and sight spec.ial a with le rt.; air ModelRefige shot

Red official an want I No! No! semi-hysterically) rush a in (all RALPHIE

desperately. it over up face his thrusts and chute

the of lip the to up way back his claws frantically,

struggling and, to comes he slide to begins he as Just

floor. ground the to slide his for chute red the in

de-posited and knee Is Santa off slid being is Ralph

66. ;CONTINUED. 66.

-99-

--, --· - - ___ -· ._____ .. ----- ---~~-·-.... .a.._ ..1i.._;,_ ......_....._....._.._~ i. ·• , ;,, · -i r i:t ti ti M ii •••A ·r 'ff: • •"':t

,.

brilliant.

and crisp is· night The snow. the in nestled is house '!'he

67. NIGl!T . HOUSE - l?AaK~a ·. E:XT. 6i.

TO: DISSOLVE

Ho-ho-ho! Christmas. Merry (O.S.) SANTA

Claus. Santa hear still can we

distance the From store. the of doors front the to crowd the through struggle to begin upstream, swimming salmon a like family, The gone. is hope All hangdog. looks Ralph

bygones. be bygones let to content not were both pe~haps or Santa, or my father, either that see could I ment. punish- a but threat a only not was football the that and been had I how rotten know did Santa maybe that realization the with reeled My mind it! was that Maybe NARRATOR

He knows. anyway. He knows worry. Don't Ha! FATHER

No. RALPHIE

boy? good a been had you if you ask he Did FATHER

yeah. •..• RALPHIE

66. CONTINUED·, 66

-100-

----------,-,------------ ---------- --. - - - - - - - - - ·- .. -

(CONTINUED) ,,-'..__\___ / \

up. lights tree Christmas The

· coveted. and rare were house our in Outlets 'extension$'. with together strung was world entire Our NARRATOR

extension. into lights of string the plugs Mother

again. in 'er Plug Okay. FATHER

bulb. new the

in screws t.ree, the of top the to ladder the up back runs new bulb, a gets ladder, down the scraml:;)les Father

dammit! tell~, Don't FA'!'HER

ones .•.•. blue the It's lit. are ones green The MOTHER

Dal!llnit lit. ain't ones Them green FATHER

matter? the What's MOTHER

bitch! a of Son FATHER

lights. tree Christmas in plugs sofa,

under cord extension finds around, scrambled Mother

in. 'em Plug right. All FATHER

tree. the of top the to lights stringing teetering, also ladder, a on stands Father

teeteringly. toweringly, fragrantly, holder, tin red little its in standing is

out" "fluff not did which spot bare a with complete tree, The Eve. Christmas nights, all of important most this o'n tree the trimming is family· The dinner. after is It

68. NIGHT - FATHER MOTHER, RANDY, RALPH, ROOM - 'LIVING · INT.· •· 68

-101-

---------- -------. -. ,~-~~~-~·=·-*-•~½-•---·-·-·~¼-·~~~-•-·~~-~-~~~.--~·.~~-~----··-------~~-·~·

i .

lit. remains house

The up. lights tree Christmas The in. it plugs Mother

in. ,it P1,.ug . ,.. O~a¥ FATHER

ladder. the up hurries and extension, the into tree the from plug the rams junk,

electrical of nest rat's a into extension the plugs Father

go. let's here, it give come on, Okay, FATHER

toaster.

the from extension the carrying return, Randy and Ralph

darkness. into town the half plunging fuse, main the out blowing often more or homes, of blocks down whole burning sometimes off, -went bombs electrical these of one and reached was point critical a houses some in Occasionally NARRATOR

kitchen. the to run Randy and Ralph I toaster! the from extension the Get FATHER

· lights. tree the unplugs

and extension, the grabs ladder, down the runs Father

Qammit! FATHER

out. goes flickers, moment, one for wildly burns light kitchen

the dim, and blink lights out, goes Tree Christmas The

Ah! FATHER

68. CONTINUED · 6 8 •

-102-

---· - -~ - - - - .., - ' - ·-. ------- ·--....,..--- -·-, - - -- - - - - - ___ _....,.. ..lL...!.'......-- .. j # jl i: ., i I" ., ~ :i ii_~:!....!......:..

, ' ...______l I

Perfect! FATHER

star. crookri,d t!?;§ ment!pns Nob9g-::r

Okay. Ah. FATHER

cockeyed. now noticeably is star The upright.·

back it shoves and tree, the of top the grabs Father

bitcl}! a of Son Damm.it. FATHER

careful~ Be Oh! MOTHER

tilt. to begins

tree the majestically, slowly, Then, her.hands. wrings nervously Mother admire; Randy and Ralph glows; tree The suspended. hang all moment a For tree. the of top the at star the places and ladder, the from over leans Father

doing. I'm know what I Chrissake; fer Oh, FATHER

Be careful. MOTHER

ladder.

the climbs Father box. cardboard the in digs Mother

star. the gimme Okay, FATHER

beauty. magnificent its in drinking tree, the around silence awed

in stands family The ladder. down the comes Father beauty. fragrant splendid its all in stands tree The

bitch. a of Son (admiringly) FATHER

pretty. that isn't My, MOTHER ·

j__.

68 • ·coNTINUED: 68.

-103-

/... ,__./ \

{CONTINUED)

Squealer! RALPHIE

Santa. nothin' mean didn't Ralphie But RANDY

window the to bac:k t1.1.rns He face. his

on flickers indecision of moment a them at looks Randy

tattletales. like doesn't Santa Randy, MOTHER

Hey!. RALPHIE

any. said never I and twice words bad said Ralphie Santa! yea,r all good was I RANDY

window. the to dashes Randy

Santa. see wanta I Santa see wanta I RANDY

street. the of side other the up headin' back while a bells sleigh some heard I Yeah, FATHER

by. came he when bed in weren't boys some because house this up pass to had hasn't Claus Santa hope I time. the at look Oh goodness MOTHER

clock. the at glances Mother apron.

her on hands her wipes and sighs Mother tree. the admires and hands, his rubs ladder, down the runs .He

68. CON.TINUED 68.

-104-

j..

("····_).

Store. Candy Pulaski's down at spotted been had bears all af'.ter hope, of clamor distant some to listening myself found I himself. Claus Santa from down come had word final and official the though Even hard. die am-s dre Kid NARRATOR

face. his on MOVESinCAMERA

· window. his outside falling snow

light the see We bed. his from forelornly stares Ralphie

70. NIG.HT - BEDROOM. RALPH'.S. ...I:NT 70.

mass. furry the of ahead

step one doo:r front the He·makes snow. new the on sliding and slipping door, the for man dashes old The up. sets_ A howl stir. hounds 1 Bumpuses the of Several

risk. calculated a is It Olds. the of

trunk the to goes and door front the Man opens Old The Claus. Santa play they Man as elld the and Mother We see

street.

the across PEERS from CJ\MERA falls. snow A light

6 9. NIGHT ... HO.lJSE S RALPHIE' . EXT. 6 9.

another. one at look

Man Old the and Mother stairs. the up dash boys The

double. On the FATHER

stairs. the Up it. that's two you Alright MOTHER

68. .CONTINUED 68.

-105-

-------------- .. -.- . -- ·- - - - -· . ·----- -·--. - ---- ~...:,i____. • ;, ,ii it:¥: !: i i• i: ,., •' ,. .. oi- --

---~--·· -··--·-··-------------·-·-··------··-··

on! Come Randy~ RALPHIE

window. the from turns Ralphie kingdom fairy a is It fences. eaves, wires, trees, everything; cover that icicles silver gnarled the from

radiating light colored of sprays sends sun morning The

wand. crystal a with neighborhood the touched has storm ice overnight An backyard. the into window the out loo;k PANS toCAMERA

out. peers and bed

the over He leans eyes. his shield him makes window the from light bright The sleep. from stirs Ralphie

72. DAY ,.. BACKYARD ...BED:ROOM . !NT/EXT. 72.

· Ralphie. of top

on presentafter present who piles Santa by rewarded is and rifle air trusty his bandits•with the off

He chases rooftops. the over racing appears Ralphie

fantasy. first Ral.phies from burglars same the by menaced being He is rooftop. snowcovered like tale

fairy very a on reindeer the and Claus Santa We see

71. NIGHT R,OOFTOP."." EXT. 71.

fantasizes. he as Ralphie on MOVESinCAMERA

70. CONTINUED . 70. .~--

-106-

(CONTINOEP)

open.

drops mouth Ralph's slippers. Bunny slippers. of pair ,~ is It off. wrappirtgs the tears Ralph Frantically,

Cl.ara. Auni:. from Ralpbie TQ reads tag tthe We see

gift. red.,...wrapped lumpy, largish, a out .pulls He work. to returrts and Randy to over it passes feverishly Ralph

Santa. E'rom R_andi To tagged is It package. a

grabs Ralph Marley. Old of Ghost the and T.im Tiny and

Bob Cratchit of kindly speaks voice old friendly wheezy, Barryntore's RADIO, Lionel the on background, the In

avarice. unbridled of ecstasy the and desire with quivering cornucopia, the into plunged We begun. officially had Ch~istmas (continuing) NARRATOR

presents. the to reaction kids' the watch and

down sit They them. behind enter Man Old the and Mother

worst. And knew the largess. wrapped revealingly /'' I of mountain the eyed quickly I controlled more and cooler -- I while softly, moaning tree, the around circled brother My come! had Claus Santa NARRATOR

it. beneath

packages the and tree the at awe in stare Randy and Ralph

snowbank. magic some like light, soft

the in looks, that bedsheet white a of folds the amid

half-hidden tree, the under packages enigmatic sparkly,

crinkley, tissuey, of heaps great find PULLS BACKtoCAMERA

room. living the into and.stare stop They stairs. down the creeping Randy and Ralphie We see

l·· \..............,,.,;

-107-

wow! Whoopee ! Whee! in! l zeppa A Wow! RANOY

zeppelin. the hits he u.ntil package after

package strips doggedly silently, Randy Ralph, to Next

hell. verita.ble a School Harding G. Warren at life make easily could humiliation this of word the as them, spot never would Flick that hoped just I us. visited Clara time-Aunt every them wear to have would I years two least at for that knew I and .....me at up sappily stared eyes button blue the with bunnies little flu:ffy two those as sweat to began feet my Immediately NARRATOR

slippers. on puts Ralph -:-.......... '.~ fit. they if see on; them Put presents. nicest the you gives always ClaJ;'a Aunt . ! (continuing) ; MOTHER

disgusted. Ralph_looks

sweet! they aren't Oh, flames) the to oil (adding MOTHER

girl. a also but old, years four perpetually only not was I that delusion the under labored years for had Clara Aunt slippers. bunny lop-eared cross-eyed, idiotic, pink, fuzzy, of A pair Oh no. (continuing) NARRATOR

73. CONTINUED 73.

/____·,- \ . .........,,.---~

-108-

______;...· ,' i (CONTINUED) i

tree. the to

pack and room living the around legged sti,ff clumping -walk, Frankenstein famous his does up, stands Ralph

him. on good looks it think I FATHER

away. it put and off it Take how terrible. Oh, MOTHER

face. Frankenstein on puts immediately Ralph

face. Frankenstein rubber a haul: mediocre remarkably otherwise an in spot bright only the was me to gift brother's My (continuing) NARRA'I'OR

etc. game,

Monopoly a truck, dump a Andy, Sandy A packages: more opens Ralph zeppeJ,.in. with play to continues Randy

familiar. sickeningly become to was that sound ·a was It NARRATOR

rug. room living

the across madly, clacking propellers fiendlishly, I beeping zeppelin, pushing begins knees, his on Randy,

i And beeps. rolls. It RALPHIE

fly? don't that zeppelin a is good What Ahhhh. RANDY

nut. you fly, to supposed not s I·t:' RALPHIE

out. winks lights of string a and floor the to

crash 'bugle golden a and angels Two glass tree. the of branches middle the into upward it launches Randy

73. CONTINUED73.

-109-

r---

(MORE) burned there, And World. Western the of treasures the alJ. like gleaming stock pol.i.~hed dark, .its taut, and grace:f·ul barrel !5teel Blue (continu:ing) NARAATOR

eestasy. and surprise of gasps inarticulate makes Ralph

gun! BB range.,.model carbine-action Ryder Red A NARRATOR

·- off.

- - wrappings the tears Ralph Frantically, Scinta. From Ealphie, To marked is It package. red-wrapped heavy, long, a is, it there enough Sure out. them pulls and drapes to He runs believe. to afraid up, looks Ralph

drapes. tne behind there over something is there think I Why, drapes? the behind stuck there over something see I Don't dramatiaally) pauses (he Si;iy FATHER

tree. the to over

moves and ceremoniously up He gets hand. his in wine of g_lass eighth his chair, easy his in forward leans Father

in. taken completely been had I admit must I came. it then But heart. saddened the uplift can giving of joy The zeppelin. the as well as swatter, fly the and Simoniz the •with heavily scored had I that denying no was There NARRATOR

other. the in truck fi~e new his and hand

one in clasped zeppelin the rupble, the amid dozing lies Randy boxes. empty and string, paper, tissue crumpled of pile great a only tree, the under packages

mysterious more no are There over~· all is it Finally

73. CONTINUED73.

-110-

--~----- •'"-'•"---'•.__,"LilliLii,OWiii"-"""__..~...._.,"""•·--- ••.tt:.JLit ,ii ir i: ·r 7 ----·-·-·--·-, ____

- - ----. ----· •· ·-····---·--- .. . -

(CONT!NUED)

Ho1Jnds! Bumpus Except MAN OLD

animals. any or bird's at shoot And don't MOT!itR.

him. after look Mother and Man

Old '!'he out. dashes and bqcty his up gathers Ralphie

dangerous. ate things thbse say still I Ralphie careful be you and outside out out, it try you right, All Narrator) behind backg=ound, (in MOTHER

· · · · · · hurt; friemds my o~ a,ny want t • dcfo I and ~uys,bflC. Eut a'niEody. shoot ·.never I .. house t.he in gun BB a fire never Kids,. own words: Ryder's Red in said, book instruction the but out, it try to wait hardly could I (continuing) NARRATOR

targets. printed white and black and

BB'S of tubes with up comes box, the into back digs Ralph

COME. H~S. LORP THE WORLD, TifE'i'O. JOY choir: heavenly

thousand-voiced a RADIO thunders the Over smile. doubtful

weak, a smiles Mother expansively. broadly, grins Father

showed. vertisements ad- the in pictures the than malevolent and beautiful more even was face His himself. Ryder Red was hard, and clean jaw his unmistakable, gaze level his walnut, the into NARRATOR(cont'd)

73. CONTINUED73.

-111-

( -... - -......------- ~--. - ........__.........-....____.___ - - - ·- ...

(CON'r!NUEO)

gUn. BS Ryde:rRed·· the of· stock walnut the onto and cheek down his trails Blood .. happened what-has knowing not

paralyzed, stands He snowbank. a :i..nto head his from

spin glas$es riitllited... horn Ralph's upward. jerks gun The

CRAAAACK~

... It back. it ~e11d to have 11 WE!' work. t<;ioes.n' It wildly, thought I instant one For (continuing) NARRATOR

· back. •... back •.• Back trigger. frosty the

squeezes he slowly Slowly, ·barrel. the over sights Ra].ph

time. first the for

beauty blue-steel his coeks and lever carbin.e icy the into fingers his hooks kneecap, left his down onto stock the slams feet, twenty good a snow ·,the into off backs He tene.ss. whi snowy the against starkly out standing eye bull's and ri:::igs black the target, Ryder Red gleaming a up props step, front off snow brushes Ral.ph

affair. love ecstatic painful, long my great, consumma.te to ready air, clean the in stood ·I NARRATOR

74. DAY -- _·BA~KYA~ EXT. 4. 7

me work. let and funnies the read now go yet, done even not it's sake heavens For MOTHER

away. skin some man pulls old The table.

the on it places She oven. the of out turkey succulent golden a pulling and kitchen the in is Mother time this By

ful. care- be Ralphie, Now hush! MOTHER

73. CONTINUED 73.

... \ : ,~

-112-

.... · .. -------------·-•---•·

,/....- I \ -. (

cheek. his on scrape bloody

long the sees glasses, broken his sees Mother door. the inside right Mother meets house, tbe into dashes Ralph

wcrk! to had It work. woul.d It plot. spectacular a evolved miil~ my Rapidly, r know< t'. didn She . seen. hadn't She

out! eye your shoot Don't careful. .ee (Calling) MOTHER

bathrobe. chenille red .. Chinese Mother's his of

blur the see can Ralph crack. a just opens door back The

Dill. Grover from got I one the even top would that way the on shiner a was here that realized I eye, black swelling rapidly my f.ingering gingerly .then, But gone'! is. lens know the never• The.Y'.11 ... it! fake I'll thought I moment a for and whistle, a as clean as out was lens left The glasses. busted of pair the as kid a on bution retri- terrible and swift such brought time those in Few things pulverized! were They story. anothe.r were glasses the but out, my eye shot not had I that immediately knew I (continuing) NARRATOR

last. I I

at them He finds glasses. his for snow the in around

scraml:>les Ralph daze, his of out snapping Finally,

cheek. the on Ralphie

struck and target tin the off ricocheted BB has The

74. CONTINUED .._,,.

·~. .,

-113-

on? goin' What's (OFF) MAN OLD

.. OFF! It. PTJLL§DHA.D. I SHOT) (OV'ER NARRATOR

it. on rag this hold Here, lucky. really You're people. kill evel;l sometimes icicles Those eye. your cut didn't you lucky You're bump. little a just It's see. now, There (soothingly) MOTHER

chest. his to BB gun clutches

still Ralph cheek. Ralph's on puts.it water, cold in washcloth wets bathro.om, the iμto Ralph leads Mother

75. DAY - MOTHER RALPH, - BATf!ROOM :CN'!'. 5 • i

roof the off fell it and •..•. harder) cry to (beginning RA:tPHIE

I

first. at it faking cry, to began I

I NARRATOR I me and ••• hit and up bounced it

and gun the hit and roof the off fell icicle the but •...• way the of out get to tried I and •..• cut it and and ..•• up bounced it and up ••.• flew gun the ..••. icicle this then and gun, the hit it and fell, it and icicle, this was There (brokenly) RALPHIE

74. CONTINUED 74. j__..

·~

-114- I

.. ~ - . .ii... • . -- • --~. ..-.~. .....-.. ............ . ........... ·- - •. •

•~,../ .. \ \.'·\ r

Old.Man~ the from bellow thundering a then another, by c:losely followed crash, huge a We hear

us. upon descend disasters unthinkable most the world, the with right most. is When all zenith. its at is joy our when reveries our of height the at Sometimes that. like is Life NARRATOR

s wounds. Ralphie' cleaning still is Mother

77. DAY ... BA'I'HROOM INT. 77.

s.atisfaction. great

with page sports the up taking sits and chair his to back He glides nostrils. his into essence turkey of draft deep long a drawing turkey the over leaning Man Old the We see

76. DAY .. KITCHEN INT. 76.

sharp. tines fork honed,the was knife the sure make to set carving his check would he hours few Every light. ravenous· and wild a with gleam to begin would eyes. his . Christmas before days A few freak. turkecanus galli bonafide A •. junkie turkey a is man old the that midwest the out through- known well is Now it NARRATOR

worms. get You'll hour. another for cook to has It turkey. that from away stay and down right be we'll Nothing,

MOTHER·

75. CONTINUED 75.

-115-

--- ---- -----·- - -- - --- --- ·- - --- --··-·· ··--- - --

Suey! Chop haYe to going re We' joint. cbinese the to going We're coats! your Get MAN oio

Finally, frustration. with quivering there Man stands Old The

come. him seen ever I'd as crying to close as came Man eld The gone. a.,ll gone, soup, turkey of gallons or king, la a turkey hash, turkey gravy, turkey no salad, turkey no sandwiches turkey no -- turkey no -- gone all -- gone was it But house. the in heavy hung still aroma heavenly The NARRATOR

stuffing.

oyster of clumps big and gravy turkey warm with drippirtg ·..... ~.......

i::-7 wax paper of sheet big the down at looking He stands

kitchen. the into back walks and turns Man Old the Finally

distance. the in recedes

hounds the of sound the as door the out staring Man Old the see to time in just arrive Mother and Randy Ralphie,

hinges. the off it taking but all door kitchen

the through disappear fury, snarling of mass a in and turkey pound twelve the grab table, the upon leap dogs the see to time in just kitchen the for He races

turkey. The dogs. goddamned Those turkey. The turkey~ the Christ, Holy MAN OLD

feet. .

his to scrambles man old The past. roars pack who.J.e Now the hound. Bt.unpuses' the seeing we are we realize and another Then by. whizz.es blur another Then stares. man old The shot. our of foreground the by streaks

blur A is. tragedy the what see we beat a After

newspaper. his over horror in man peering old the We see

78. DAY LIVING ROOM- INT. 78. ,I

-116-

-~--~~~••·•·······)-.

·-: ------------· ~-~·

CONTINUEP) (

•. \ ... '

face. his on smile a awake, Lies

81. NIG~T - RALPH .BEOROOM:RA:J:,PH'S .. INT 81.

snow. the in sle•pily nestles It

80. NIGHT - IiQOSE •.EXT 80.

TO: DISSOLVE

· world. the with right was All turkey. Chinese to introduced we were when Christmas the as our·memories in live would Christmas That NARRATOR

in. digs fa."'Ilily

the beam, to Man begins Old the then exchange, hear-an we family. the before placed is t-ray The duck. large a bearing tray a carrying waiter a by followed are They

lights. colored of string sad a with dotted palm potted wilted a with out come marching waiters, Two them. around hover family Chinese The happy customers. only the are 1

They family. the at in looking street the across ~re We

i

restaurant. the from emanating tune Chinese faint a We hear J

j l

79. DUSK - . RESTAURANT.CHitJESJ;;. ~- .·l:J;.ij'T,E;XT,79.

I

we understood. But that. than deeper went it. but day, Christmas on open restaurant other no was There I Naturally. We under·stood. I NARRATOR

stare. They Randy. and Ralphie,

Mother, HOLDSonCAMERA flourish. with exits Man Old The

78. CONTINUED78.

_J· \..

-117-

:-""..&.....ii..~ ............. -~-.~ _:_ ................... ..,..-!-. ...-...-. ------ ··--·- ·-.--·- -· -·· --.

·----- ··• --··-- ...·--·-·· ._•.:: ·_______.._

(CONTINU£!>)

zeppelin. magical his with

journey joyous his continues and blanket the beneath quickly ducks then time, of couple a air the throl,lgh it whirls and covers the under from zeppelin his lifts he '!'hen moment. a for comically and furtively aroqnd looks and covers the under from out pops suddenly Randy bed, the As .we near louder. SOUNDgets BEEPING THE

covers. the under figure

a out make can We sound. theTOWARD DOLLIESCAMEM. BEEPING. a like sound faint a hea_r We dark. is room The

83. BEDROOM s 'RAJ;,P~+E,, .. INT 8 3 •

needed. are words

no share; they and entwine hands their and Ma.n Old the beside sits Mother affecting. and uncontrived simple, moment, nice a is It us. of any to rarely comes that

satisfaction of oneness a with another one at look They

world. the with is•right all . _/___ (

moments brief these For Man. Old the down at looks and \ ,. stops· Mother moment. the and wine the of glow the in I luxuriating Man sits Old the where to room the crosses . ~, She debris. the of last the away cleared has Mother

Crosley the from softly swell Night" "Silent of sounds gentle The bulbs. multi·colored the reflecting icicles its glows, tree Christmas the only dim; are lights The

82. NIGHT ROOM - .LIVING INT. 82.

I

nothingness. into dissolved

I I as shots hip spectacular

off getting and wing the on ducks pra:nging sleep, to off drifted .I Gradually received. ever had I gift Christmas greatest the beauty, blue-steel my oiled lay the.blackness me in to Next NARRATOR

81. CONTINUED 81. J :

i~•.,

-118-

- I)__..__ ·\· . ' I ·.. \ / ··-, .~-- r·

TO TAKE face blissful FROMRalph's MOVESSLOWLYCAMERA

us. to up gently float Night" "Silent of strains The chest. his across lies Blue

01' Ralph. sleeping OVER TO theSLOWLY PANSCAMERA

83. CONTINUED83.

-119-