"COMING TO AMERICA" (1988)

Eddie Murphy & Arsenic Hall & David Sheffield & Barry W. Blaustein

First Draft September 2, 1987

A reddish African sun peers over the roof tops of the majes~ic royal pa.lace. It is an amazing place, a vision so perfect it might have come from a fairy tale. This vast dwelling is surrounded by lavish grounds which seem to stretch forever.

ATOP THE POSH ROYAL BARN

The King's ROOSTER looks down on the kingdom, a regal haughty bird. He CROWS.

A SERVANT GIRL picks luscious strawberries, snipping their stems with a pair of sterling scissors.

Another SERVANT examines blueberries under a magnifying glass tossing out the ones that aren't absolutely perfect.

IN THE ROYAL PIG PEN

A fat pink PIG wearing a ruffled bib sucks contentedly on a bottle of milk. He hasn't a care in the world. The door opens and a BUTCHER appears with a long shiny knife. The pig SQUEALS.

A dozen tuxedoed MUSICIANS tiptoe silently down the hallway carrying oboes, violins and flutes. They wear special cushioned slippers so as not to make the slightest sound.

The CONDUCTOR opens a massive door and the musicians follow him into •••

MORE SERVANTS enter the room, including the head servant OJA. •

A.keem nods half-heartedly. He strolls across the room. As he goes, ROSE BEARERS move ahead of him, tossing petals in his path.

-:.- . - ~- 4.

Akeem takes this in stride, because for him this is a daily ritual.

Akeem wrinkles his nose as if he's about to sneeze. Instantly, a dozen silk handkerchief are thrust in front of him. But it's only a false alarm. Akeem waves them away, gets up and heads towards the bathroom. Half a dozen servants follow.

The servants LAUGH at the absurdity of the idea.

Four Servants follow the Prince into the bathroom.

TITLES END

Akeem strolls down the stately hallway preceded by Rose Bearers.

INT, IMPERIAL DINING ROOM

Massive. The table alone is the length of a tennis court. Seated at one end are Akeem's parents, KING Jaffe Joffer and QUEEN Aoleon. Their servants are doing everything for them, feeding them, wiping their mouths.

Seated at the middle of the table is GRANDFATHER, the former king who is at least 110 years old. He's pretty much catatonic, sustained by an elaborate life-support system of tubes stuck in his mouth and nose. Every so often two DOCTORS zap the old man with an electronic defribrillator, jolting him back into consciousness.

Akeem sits at the other end of the tab.le, barely nibbling at his food.

The King presses an intercom button and talks into it. (this is a real long table)

Akeem smiles at his father's joke.

Akeem starts walking to the other end of the table. Everyone is shocked.

As Akeem walks, rose petals are thrown in his path. He passes by his grandfather who is momentarily revitalized. Akeem reaches his father.

The Rose Bearers quickly begin picking up the petals.

-. ' .. '-·· ': • :.,~ ">,-.,·· .,·:~,.=- ._;.,.. ··.-.·; - -

From out of nowhere, WHOOSH, a fencing sword lands with a THUD in the back of Akeem's chair, inches from his ear. Akeem springs up, pulling the sword from the chair, striking a defensive pose. He smiles at his attacker ..•

Semmi approaches the Queen. Something about him reminds us of Eddie Haskell, especially the way he sucks up to the royal family.

As Semmi and Akeem pass the comatose Grandfather, Semmi shouts in the old man's ear.

Grandfather twitches, startled for an instant, then he floats back into the ozone layer.

Akeem and Semmi stand in the middle of the enormous room wearing fencing garb. They taunt each other, feinting with their swords.

They SCREAM a WAR CRY and go at each other tooth and nail. Their fight is underscored by ORCHESTRA MUSIC.

Semmi thrusts in with an extremely menacing attack.

Semmi swipes at Akeem's head three times. Akeem ducks.

:-:',.;. "-; '.,: ._,. ~---;-_ . ; .

Akeem goes on the offensive, backing Semmi across the room. They pass by an huge PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA which is underscoring the fight with exhilarating MUSIC.

Semmi parries and returns with a thrust of his own.

In three swift moves, Alceem deflects the attack, knocks the sword out of Semmi's hand, and executes a spinning sweep-kick which sends Semmi crashing butt-first to the floor.

CLOSE ON a small round ball. We HEAR the THUNDER of hooves. WHACK.

Akeem, dressed in the royal polo uniform, sends the ball flying. He and Semmi are taking on an entire team. Their opponents make no effort to block the shot. Akeem scores.

The regal CROWD applauds politely.

Al{EEM You let me score. (to Semmi) No one even tried to block me. (more)

·. ..~ --:.- . ~· .,:. - ,·.:,;_-- -· ---~- ~ .-....-.::-..,.,,,.,....::.l - ~,;__... ... ··- •• .... -.,' .. -.....:. .. -~~ ::.~ :;: .. '!"' . .:.:: __ ·;,..-~:/·:\~? "~1:;;__:~·-=·r·> :-~~rr-

Play resumes. The action is ferocious. Dust flies as the servants try madly to stop Akeem from scoring. Akeem gallantly fights his way through, hitting a shot which bounces off a servant's helmet and into the goal! The servant, who was knocked to the ground by the blow, gets up cringing in fear. Two GUARDS seize him.

Akeem smiles at the servant, patting him on the back.

The Prince and Semmi are fishing, rowed by SERVANTS in a splendid boat across a beautiful sun-dappled lake. ANOTHER SERVANT holds Akeem's fishing rod for him.

IN THE WATER BENEATH THE BOAT

Two SERVANTS hold their breath as they put a big beautiful rainbow trout onto the prince's hook.

The Servant reels in the fish.

-: . -~.:.:-· -:.~--"'." . --

--..:··· ·:.. .--: ~'; ,_._ ·12 :'. •.--,,,,.,.~

~ .• ·,

Fireworks explode in the air as limos pull up in front of the palace. Klieg lights fill the sky. It's one helluva party. Everyone who is anyone in Zamuda is there. HAWKERS sell souvenirs to the Royal Event.

An officious TUTOR is going over the steps of the traditional dance of courtship.

The ball of balls is in full swing. The King and Queen are seated on their thrones. Akeem stands next to them, looking extremely dapper in his courtship attire. Standing behind him is his best man, Semmi. A long procession of DIGNITARIES present engagement gifts (gold, diamond-studded CUsinarts, toaster ovens covered with jewels).

We HEAR three tremendous GONGS. All the guests return to their seats. A MAN wearing military attire bows before the royal family,

, .:- --~·· ' -._

-·~· -~-~ .. ~:; =:~·F::. l:3.

TRUMPETERS sound a majestic FANFARE.

Akeem's eyes are fixed on the massive double doors in nervous anticipation. They open. Akeem swallows as a WOMAN carrying a nosegay of flowers walks into the room. In a word, she's a beast, at least 300 pounds. She approaches the royal family.

Colonel Izzi beams with pride.

Akeem looks ill. TRUMPET FANFARE.

The Princess-to-be enters. Akeem is captivated by her beauty. She has long black hair, her skin the color of caramel. Throughout the crowd we hears "oohs and ahhs". Imani's eyes are seductive and as black as coal. She smiles and it seems as if the room brightens.

She curtsies to the Prince. Akeem bows. They begin to dance, a dance they have rehearsed since childhood, a ceremonial dance that all the k.ings have performed as far back as Akeem' s history teaches. It is a waltz. They are a study of perfection as Akeem sweeps her around the ballroom.

Throughout the hall the guests are enchanted by the beauty and physical chemistry they exude. The Tutor wipes a tear from his eye. The King looks on approvingly. The Fat Woman who made the announcement stares at Semmi, breathing heavily.

- •'r

The TEMPO of the MUSIC picks up, segueing into a Cole Porterish beat. Akeem and Imani glide in perfect unison across the floor, performing intricate dance steps. Just like Fred and Ginger. She spins out of Akeem's arms. Akeem steps lightly onto the backs of chairs, riding them gracefully to the floor.

The TEMPO quickens. Imani springs to the top of a white grand piano. Akeem joins her. They leap fluidly from the top of one piano to another, to another, to another. They bound back onto thedance floor.

The MUSIC shifts into a rhythmical DRUMsolo. Imani spins her long black hair like Cyd Charisse. Akeem joins her, whirling his prince's lock.

Imani breaks away and does an amazing pirouette, spinning faster and faster, her hair flying, until she becomes a blur.

Akeem dances right up the wall and onto the ceiling, defying gravity a la' Fred Astaire in Royal Wedding. Beneath him, Imani has reached warp speed.

Akeem dances back down the wall and onto the floor. Imani finally stops spinning. Her shoes are smoking.

She and Akeem rush into one another's arms, performing a sensual Apache dance. It comes to a dramatic end with Akeem on his knees, holding her hand in his. The moment has come for him to pop the question. There is a long pause.

The Crowd buzzes in nervous disbelief.

Akeem and Imani are alone.

IMAN! Whatever kind of music you like.

:rmani doesn't answer.

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MANI Woof! Woof!

MANI (still hopping) I don't know what they sound like.

Imani starts flapping her lips, making CHIMP SOUNDS, hopping on one foot. The King enters.

Imani hops out of the room.

The Tutor pokes his head into the room.

CLOSE ON Akeem and his father as they move through the lush gardens.

We PULL BACK to reveal that Akeem and his father are sitting in velvet chairs atop a fancy litter, carried on the shoulders of four SERVANTS.

But I'm not sure if I am ready

-- -:--·-'-- :- ·-- ':'=-.~·;

ANTE CHAMBER OF THE ROYAL BALLROOM

Akeem and the King stride into .••

As the King walks out the door, we hear the o.s. SOUND of ONE HUNDRED BODIES CRASHING TO THE FLOOR. He walks into

•

QUICK PACKING MONTAGE:

Servants are packing Akeem's belongings into a huge set of matched royal luggage.

one fills a trunk with fine robes.

Another fills a suitcase with socks.

Others pack the prince's underwear.

The last servant fills a huge suitcase with condoms, box after box, at least two-thousand royal rubbers.

Akeem stops and looks around to make sure no one is listening.

They enter the .library and open a map of the United States.

Akeem flips the coin. It's heads. (Akeem's own princely image is on the face of the coin.)

--:---"~~

-~=--- -; :.:

They look at a map of the five boroughs of New York. Akeem and Semmi smile. They have found the answer.

A 747 makes its approach toward JFK. Below, the Manhattan skyline is aglow with lights. It looks monumental, magical.

Akeem and Semmi are sitting in first class, Akeem is staring out the window at the city below. Semmi tries to look over his shoulder.

Ak.eem lets him look.

Akeem and Semmi walk through the luggage area. As they go, TRAVELERS seem to step out of their way, amazed by their fine robes and regal bearing.

Trailing behind them is a procession of SKYCAPS pushing a row of luggage carts piled high with royal baggage.

Akeem and Semmi step ...

The taxi SCREECHES to a stop.

Akeem gives him several hundred-dollar bills.

The cab groans out of the airport, a moving mountain of luggage. Bags are hanging out the windows, bulging out of the trunk, lashed to the fenders, stacked in an eight-foot heap on the roof.

SEMMl The Palace. That sounds good. Take us there.

A graffiti-covered train ROARS overhead on elevated tracks. We CRANE DOWN to reveal the cab, parked in front of a row of dilapidated buildings. The cabbie has stacked all the luggage on the sidewalk in front of a run-down tenement built over a barbershop. A sign says "Room For Rent. Daily. Weekly. Monthly".

The Cabbie checks the meter. It reads, "$JO".

Akeem gives him the money. The cab pulls away. Akeem surveys his surroundings. EVery kind of blight known to urban life is within walking distance. Akeem is filled with wonder.

He sees a broken bottle lying in a gutter.

' ·-··::: ., -:'-::-;'"" w •

Akeem picks up a piece of glass, staring in amazement.

Akeem walks towards ...

Akeem shows him the wad of bills. The Landlord instantly changes his attitude.

Akeem and semmi enter, leaving the stack of luggage behind them.

The landlord is telling the truth. The walls are covered with graffiti, the floors littered with refuse.

As Akeem and Semmi walk up the stairs, we see that the sidewalk behind them is bare. The entire mountain of luggage is gone.

•..:.'• . ..._., ,.. ' -

': ..::::::.: .

~~ :..... ~~--~:~.-~-~: ~ t··~ ~t;!:~'

The Landlord opens the bathroom door. It's filthy, flies everywhere.

He shuts the bathroom door.

The Landlord walks to a door which is crisscrossed with yellow police tape. He rips it off.

They enter •..

On the floor is the chalked outline of a blind man with his seeing-eye dog lying beside him.

Al<EEM (enthused by the squalor) We will take the room!

Semmi looks sick.

FADE IN:

A big RAT. He is in

Akeem is not in the room. Semmi bolts into ...

Akeem opens the door, a towel around his waist, excited.

Akeem strides down the hall, opens a window and steps onto ...

Through the windows of the tenement A.keem looks out upon a cacophonous cross section of urban decay. COUPLES fighting. MOTHERS yelling. KIDS shouting. Glass BREAKING. Loud LATIN MUSIC.

A.keem joyously shouts to the world, his arms outstretched.

:..

IN THE STAIRWELL - A FEW MINUTES LATER

Stu the drunk lies on the landing, wearing a royal African fez. Akeem and Semmi step over him and exit onto ...

He opens his coat, displaying a collection of jeweled toothbrushes.

He pulls out a hair dryer studded with diamonds and rubies.

The Hustler leaves.

PEOPLE gawk at Akeem and semmi as they stroll grandly out of the store dressed like the ultimate tourists. Akeem wears a N.Y. Met's shirts, a Yankee jacket and a big button that says "I Love NY". Semmi has on an Ed Koch "How am I doin?" t-shirt and a jacket plastered with big red apples.

They stop and look at their reflections in a store window.

An old-style neighborhood barbershop where a group of old regular CUSTOMERS come to read newspapers, place bets and antagonize each other.

The head barber, a contentious old man named CLARENCE (Edd~e), is cutting a YOUNG MAN'S hair while at the same time arguing with SWEETS, an old black man who is getting a trim in the next chair.

In the third chair is MORRIS, a sullen barber with a thin little Cab Calloway moustache. He is eating lunch, sopping corn bread in a plate of collard greens.

Akeem and Semmi enter.

JO.

He cuts a big clump of the Young Man's hair and holds it up.

The Young Man leaves. Clarence dusts off his chair with a whisk.

Akeem gets into the chair.

It is my natural hair. I have been growing it since birth.

Nothing but juices and berries.

Just make it nice and neat.

With one whack of the scissors, Clarence lops off the lock.

Akeem pays him. He studies himself in the mirror.

7:~•'. . ••,~• -~ ~~•--;•?~::(•~'.:~/~~f~~-;.i1;:,_~;~ -~ W• .,•- - ~ •~ '

A SERIES OF QUICK SHOTS:

Akeem and Semmi out with several women on different nights in different bars.

Two aggressive MUSCULAR GIRLS sitting at a table with Akeem and Semmi. Big gold medallions around their necks spell out their names, "FRESH PEACHES" and "SUGAR CUBE".

,~~ :~~->i.r;~ .#.;fl:.~ .. _9. -~ · ··. --~ -·. ·· , .., __ "~

A DITZY WOMAN with a hand puppet, cornering Akeem.

She smiles sweetly at Akeem who grins feebly.

Fresh Peaches and Sugar cu.be going into their rap, twitching their arms, contorting their faces. Akeem and Semmi look trapped.

FRESH PEACHES & SUGAR CUBE: (rapping) Whoo, unh unh, hoo. Unh unh hoo, unh unh hoo!

A pair of IDENTICAL TWINS wearing the same outfits. The twins seem to be leaning towards one another.

Fresh Peaches up on the table, swinging her arms and hips while Sugar Cul:>e does a huffing, puffing rhythm.

Sugar CUbe starts spinning on her head on top of the table. Akeem and Semmi sink into their chairs.

Akeem and Semmi walk back toward their apartment, dejected.

They pass by the barber shop where Clarence (Eddie) is locking up for the night.

A big banner stretched across the stage reads "WBLY . . . 106. 2 FM. BLACK AWARENESS WEEK." A well-dressed CROWD representing a cross section of the community has gathered for the celebration.

On the stage a LOCAL DISC JOCKEY is surrounded by seven ATTAACTIVE GIRLS in swim suits.

The BAND starts to play. Randy goes into a wretched, off-key, over-dramatic version of "The Greatest Love of All".

·. ~ ..~:-~;~m~~ ..~; -

Akeem and Semmi are in the crowd studying the beauty contestants.

Have patience.

The Crowd APPLAUDS politely. Randy bows deeply, as though it is a standing ovation.

MR. MCDOWELL, a self-made, middle-aged businessman. He waves to the crowd from behind the counter where he is handing out cold hamburgers and warm soft drinks.

LISA MCDOWELL starts toward the stage.

BACK TO SEMMI AND AKEEM

;~ ~-=-,;::,...:: ''."' ..~. -

The Crowd APPLAUDS. Akeem is mesmerized by her.

AlCEEM She's perfect.

AlCEEM Sssshhh!

She smiles. The D.J. comes over.

, .. - ._:-:-: "".· ""

Ak.eem is smitten, totally in love. Someone passes the box to him. Without taking his eyes off Lisa, he reaches into his pocket, pulls out a huge wad of money, and drops it into the box.

Ak.eem and Semmi head toward a newsstand.

Al<EEM Because I must be perfect when we meet. The first impression is everything. We must change our approach.

They pass by a newsstand. Ak.eem picks up a copy of Cosmopolitan.

Al<EEM (CONT'D) American women are so demanding. We need to know what they want what they desire in a man.

Ak.eem picks up a copy of Essence. on the cover is a photo of Michael Jackson and Prince with the headline "The Men that Drive Women Wild".

MUSIC: A SENSUAL HARD-DRIVING ROCK BEAT

Ak.eem and Semmi ge~ dressed to go out.

_.,..,.

3 9.

A SERIES OF RAPID CLOSE-UPS:

Alceem's WRISTS He shoots the cuffs of a fancy ruffled shirt.

semmi's EYES as he draws on eyeliner.

Akeem's LEG slipping into a black fishnet stocking.

Alceem's LIPS as he smears on lipstick.

Alceem's FOOT sliding into a high-heeled boot.

Semmi's HAND putting on a sequined glove.

Akeem's BUTT wiggling into a pair of tight "Prince" pants.

The MUSIC continues as we CUT TO:

The Black Awareness dinner-dance is in full swing. The dance floor is filled with COUPLES having a great time. OTHERS sit at tables talking, laughing, drinking -- including Lisa McDowell who is chatting with some GIRLFRIENDS.

The MUSIC shifts into a THROBBING, PULSATING BEAT.

Suddenly, the big double doors swing open. Semmi enters, dressed as Michael Jackson, moon walking backwards into the room. The couples stop dancing and stare at him, astonished.

Semmi does a Michael Jackson spin and strikes a pose, pointing towards the door.

The MUSIC becomes SENSUAL.

Akeem slides into the room on his knees in full Prince attire: open ruffled shirt, fishnet stockings, stacked heels, make-up, a curl of hair dangling in his eyes.

Everyone in the room gazes at him in open-mouthed amazement.

Alceem gets up and shimmies across the floor, licking his fingers, rubbing his hands all over his body.

Lisa looks at him like he's crazy.

Alceem drops to the floor and slithers toward her on his belly, moving in time with the sensual music, humping the floor like a reptile in heat.

He wriggles up to her, lying at her feet, flicking his tongue.

Lisa stares at him, astounded, repulsed.

.. .... C : "--:;:-. ~ - • ; "'""""-'·

•-:...·:=:::.::::-:..:.:...~~

~~ ~:: ;'~ -~~: :~..:~-•·

Akeem speaks in a low, breathy Prince-like moan.

He tires to lick her knee.

He wriggles half-heartedly.

All the bravado drains from Akeem's face. He slithers back out of the room as inconspicuously as possible.

Akeem and Semmi, still in their ridiculous outfits, walk down a deserted alley, dejected.

A.Jceem and Semmi are dressed in plain, simple clothes, applying for a job. Lisa's father, Mr. McDowell, is interviewing them in a tiny, crowded employee area in the back of the restaurant. He looks at them skeptically.

(with a warning glance at Semmi) This will be our first job in the United States.

Mr. McDowell leads them on a tour. They pass by a small business office in the back. Lisa steps out, carrying a clipboard.

Lisa walks back to her office. Akeem can't keeps his eyes off her.

Mr. McDowell, Akeem and Semmi stand outside McDowell's which looks suspiciously similar to a McDonald's.

: ':::"

Mr. McDowell notices A YOUNG MAN in a business suit taking a picture of the facade of the restaurant.

The Young Man retreats. Mr. McDowell fumes.

Mr. McDowell points to the red and yellow McDowell's sign which is topped by big golden arches.

They walk into .•.

\

Mr. McDowell rolls out a mop bucket, a commercial model with a roller attachment. Akeem tries to pick up the mop. It's stuck in the roller. Akeem has no idea how to operate it. Mr. McDowell sighs and releases the mop, shaking his head, wondering if he's made the right decision in hiring these Africans.

INT, THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA - LATER THAT DAY

Semmi is cleaning the grease trap of the grill, scraping vile muck into a bucket with great distaste. Working alongside him is MAURICE, an overly-eager young man.

Akeem passes by mopping in a stiff, formal manner ... like a prince.

Maurice demonstrates, making exaggerated fluid movements. Akeem tries to copy this. Akeem walks away, mopping, trying to move his body like Maurice ••• kind of rolling his shoulders and sliding his feet along. Real loose.

THE OFFICE AREA - CONT.

Lisa is inside, working at her desk. Akeem passes by still mopping.

I am Akeem.

She goes back to working on some papers.

I have recently been placed in charge of garbage. Do you have any that requires disposal?

I see .•. well ... if you ever do, just call me and I will take care of it immediately.

-::~:~:--~-' :~~--:--•·' '}'.. : .. ~.

I AKEEM Just say my name and I will be here ... (snapping his fingers) ••• like that.

Akeem mops away. Lisa grins, shaking her head. This guy is really strange.

They walk into .•.

' ~' - ~.~~?~-~~.: ~;":-:---;;_:-:!_':.·.·~:. -· .:•!.. :"'- :_ ~~::. ~'.'. --

Lisa looks up from her desk, happy to see Darryl.

Mr. McDowell leaves. Akeem mops just outside the door, trying to overhear their conversation.

Darryl looks at her admiringly, sipping on his milk shake. She puts away some papers and crosses to him.

Lisa kisses Darryl on the cheek. They walk out the back door. Akeem picks up a bag of garbage and follows them outside into ••.

Darryl casually tosses his milkshake cup. Akeem tries to catch it, but the top pops off and milkshake splatters all over his shirt.

Lisa and Darryl drive away.

An ELDERLY CUSTOMER pays Clarence (Eddie) for his haircut. Morris, the other barber, sits in his chair sopping up his dinner.

Akeem enters.

Akeem points to a photograph on the wall: A stylish young black man with a wet, greasy gerry curls.

::'....; ~::;-: ' t·

It's morning as Mr. McDowell goes to work. He opens the back door and enters

Mr. McDowell walks into ...

so.

The smile slowly drains from Akeem's face. He turns and mops across the floor, out of the room into

:,, ...,. '•r -.,_ .,. ,: --:.":. .

ANGLE - TH:RU THE FRONT WINDOW

•

Darryl is dropping Lisa off at work in his Trans Am.

Alceem thinks about what Maurice has said.

MUSIC: SOMETHING LIKE JANET JACKSON'S "NASTY"

A Tiffany's van pulls up in the circular driveway of the modest colonial house in an upper-middle class neighborhood of Queens. A DELIVERY MAN gets out.

INSIDE THE HOUSE - SAME TIME

We see the source of the MUSIC. Lisa is in the den trying to read a magazine while her younger sister PATRICE is practicing sexy dance moves, admiring herself in the mirror. There is something wild and lascivious about Patrice. ·

The DOORBELL RINGS

~ -/~-:::,:;..: ...,.;.; ,•:--= ~~ ~:; .,: ·~,~

Patrice answers the front door. A DELIVERY MAN is waiting with a small gift-wrapped package.

Patrice signs the clipboard. He hands her a small gift wrapped package.

Patrice starts to rip open the package. Lisa enters.

She tosses it to Lisa who opens the package.

Lisa opens the card. She is puzzled but pleased.

- C ,--

PATRICE

you, he's not gonna send you earrings like that unless you're giving him a little booty.

Akeem and Semmi are cleaning the front windows. They look out and see Lisa and Patrice walking towards the restaurant.

Lisa and Patrice enter.

Patrice stares at Akeem. She likes what she sees.

He sits back down with Lisa, Akeem and Patrice.

Patrice wraps her blanket around him.

Hidden under the blanket, Patrice is inching her hand up Akeem's leg. He tries to ignore it.

Under the blanket, Patrice goes for the gold. Akeem leaps up, pretending to cheer the action on the field.

Out on the field, nothing is happening.

Akeem walks down the aisle and up the steps.

AREA OUTSIDE THE STADIUM MEN'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Akeem is waiting in a long line. A VENDOR passes by carrying a tray of sodas. Suddenly the man stops dead in his tracks.

Akeem tries to calm the man down. Other people are noticing.

Everyone in the line looks at Akeem.

Akeem hurries away.

IN THE STANDS - MINUTES LATER

Akeem returns to his seat. The Vendor is still following him, now accompanied by a FRIEND who carries a small flash camera.

Lisa, Darryl and Patrice watch, bewildered, as the Vendor puts his arm around Akeem. The friend SNAPS a picture.

The Vendor leaves.

AI<EEM Just some man I met in the restroom.

Some CUSTOMERS are eating as Akeem passes by with his mop. Semmi is working nearby.

The customers look at Akeem like he's from outer space. Lisa sits at a table alone, having lunch. Akeem manages to mop in her direction. She notices him.

Akeem stands there, still twirling his mop.

Akeem sits. Lisa is growing increasingly interested in Akeem. There is something about him she finds fascinating.

···-.' -...

Suddenly their conversation is disrupted as a HOLD-UP MAN bursts into the restaurant, brandishing a sawed-off shotgun. He points the weapon at the frightened COUNTER WORKERS.

The counter workers quickly empty their registers.

An EMPLOYEE rakes the money into a McDowell's bag.

Another EMPLOYEE nervously stuffs some french fries into a sack.

Keeping a close eye on the gunman, Akeem craftily unscrews the heavy handle of his mop.

Akeem calmly rises to his feet. He approaches the hold-up man, holding the mop handle like a truncheon.

The gunman turns around, staring at Akeem astonished.

Please refrain from any further obscenity in the presence of this young lady.

I warned you. Please desist. I shall be forced to thrash you.

Akeem has had enough. As quick as lightning, he flails out with the mop handle, deflecting the shotgun. With another thrust, he breaks the weapon from the gunman's grasp. It goes flying.

Akeem spins and slams the broom handle into the gunman's stomach, doubling him over. He brings the mop handle down again, knocking the assailant to the floor.

The hold-up man reaches for a pistol in his belt. He freezes as he sees •..

Semmi calmly aiming the shotgun at him.

Everyone slowly steps out from hiding to see what has happened. Lisa looks at Akeem, amazed. Mr. McDowell comes out of the back to see what all the commotion is about.

Akeem is dumping garbage while Semmi tromps it into an overstuffed bin. Mr. McDowell joins them.

For the first time, Mr. McDowell smiles. Akeem heart soars, he has won him over.

Akeem and Semmi stand in front of the house wearing red bus boy jackets. Mr. McDowell is explaining things to Semmi..

Semmi shoots Akeem a dark look. Akeem pretends not to notice, as he and Mr. McDowell walk •..

Akeem follows Mr. McDowell into the ostentatious living room.

They enter

THE Dl!.N

A typical wood paneled room.

- ;_:-;.;!7.. ,,.:·;_:., ~ ·:-:. -=-~ •: - ,, 1:.' :·-·· -· .,

AI<EEM You have a fine house, sir.

I have seen it done.

Mr. McDowell leaves. Akeem gets up and looks around the room. He walks down ••.

Akeem stops when he comes to a big blow-up of Lisa on her sixteenth birthday. She is smiling, a big fancy cake in front of her, surrounded by friends. A younger Mr. McDowell has his arm around Lisa. on the wall behind them is a big hand-made sign spelling out in glitter: "Happy Birthday, Princess."

Akeem is startled by a voice from behind him. Patrice is standing there wearing a low cut dress.

Patrice advances toward Akeem.

Patrice throws her arms around Akeem, kissing him hungrily. He tries to resist. They hear the family dog BARKING. Someone·is coming.

··-.-···"

Lisa pulls away, goes to the closet and opens the sliding door. Luckily, Akeem and Patrice have moved to the other side of the closet. Lisa takes out a dress and closes the closet again.

Lisa puts the dress back and opens the door on the other side.

Darryl leaves. Lisa enters her bathroom to put on her make-up. Akeem slips out of the closet, sees the coast is clear, and sneaks out of the room. Patrice follows.

The party is underway. The mostly upper-middle-class GUESTS are chatting with one another, sipping drinks, eating hors d'oeurves.

Mr. McDowell is trying his hardest to ingratiate himself with Darryl's parents, MR. AND MRS. JENKS who are sitting on a couch with Darryl's GRANDMOTHER. Like Darryl, they are loyal users of Afro Glo Products. MR. JENKS has a soggy mop of graying gerry curls. MOM sports a massive glistening weave. Even GRANDMA JENKS has big processed curls dripping down to her shoulders.

Semmi passes by carrying a tray of hors d'oeuvres. Mr. Jenks takes a cocktail sausage.

'·•,-t•:..: . ---'-¾' , •. ··--~s .. ~F'>· ~ • '!.,, . '·¥~ ' :: ~ -:--,-· .

--~- .

Mr. Jenks waves him away. Semmi could kill. He passes by Akeem who is opening a fresh bottle of Korbel.

Semmi leaves. Mr. McDowell approaches, smiling, his arm around Darryl.

Mr. McDowell walks to the center of the room. He taps his glass.

The Jenkses get up and join Mr. McDowell, leaving three big wet greasy spots on the back of the couch.

Mr. McDowell beams a knowing smile at Lisa who looks confused. She has no idea what is going on.

Lisa is stunned.

Mr. McDowell and the guests drink up. All are in a happy, celebratory mood except for Lisa who stands alone, hu.militated. A well-meaning GUEST comes up to her.

Lisa crosses to Darryl, trying to muster a polite smile for the well-wishers.

They walk into

He tries to put his arms around her. Lisa recoils.

J 68.

Lisa stares at him in disbelief. She storms out of the kitchen towards the backyard.

Lisa sits in a swing set left over from her childhood, still smarting over what has happened. Akeem appears behind her, - carrying a bottle of champagne and a glass.

Akeem fills the other glass and settles into a child's swing next to Lisa. Even in the swing, Akeem cannot conceal his regal bearing. He might as well be sitting on a golden throne.

Lisa takes another sip of champagne, sighs, staring ahead.

~r< :J,J..:.f .....~ ~· ,. ,co

Patrice and some GIRLFRIENDS enter the yard, GIGGLING.

Akeem gets up. Both he and Lisa seemed saddened by the interruption.

Akeem walks back into the house, smiling, a spring in his step.

Akeem enters from the bathroom, dressed for work, extremely upbeat. Semmi lies in bed, depressed by the shabby surroundings.

•;~--t~. -._1·~,\

{picking up some fast food wrappers) I am not afraid of garbage! (kicking the wrappers at Semmi) You want to live better? Fine! Fi~ this place up!!

Akeem SLAMS the door behind him as he stomps into

Akeem and Lisa are leaving work. He is patiently .listening to her problems.

LISA

just because everyone expected me to ... Do you know what I mean? (Akeem nods) You must be tired of hearing about my problems with Darryl.

Akeem and Lisa walk up the stairs, carrying sacks of groceries. Stu the drunk lies passed out on the stairs.

They step over him and onto

Akeem looks inside, shocked by what he sees

Akeem quickly SLAMS the door. Lisa is startled.

Akeem steps inside, locking the door behind him, leaving Lisa outside, bewildered.

I am supposed to be a poor man!

Akeem opens the door with the chain locked. He speaks to her through the crack.

Fine. Just let me tidy up.

He SLAMS the door in her face.

Akeem finds what he's looking for. He pulls out big handfuls of hundred dollar bills.

Akeem stuffs the money into his pockets •.

Akeem exits hurriedly into ...

,If\ AKEEM I've very sorry.

Lisa tries to enter the apartment. Akeem blocks her path.

It is late at night. The place has pretty much emptied out. The BARTENDER is wiping down the bar as two MIDDLE-AGED CUSTOMERS finish their last round. A lone WAITRESS brings two after-dinner drinks to a booth where Akeem and Lisa have just finished a very pleasurable dinner. Over the jukebox we hear Sam Cooke's version of You Send Me.

They clink glasses.

Akeem laughs nervously.

The waitress brings the check. Akeem reaches for it. Lisa puts her hand on his.

There is beat of silence as Akeem and Lisa look at one another, their hands still touching. In the background, we can hear Sam Cooke singing.

They get up from the table. Akeem takes Lisa in his arms and they begin to dance, slowly, gracefully. Lisa places her head on his shoulder. He clutches her closer to him, and now they are barely moving, just holding each·other tight. Lisa looks into Akeem's eyes.

They kiss. As the song ends, they remain in an embrace, lost in their own world.

A sour, pudgy WESTERN UNION EMPLOYEE sits behind the counter reading the telegram Semmi has just handed him.

----,·.

Lisa is at her desk working. Mr. McDowell enters, carrying a large floral arrangement, trying hard to be cheerful.

Lisa gets up from the chair and puts on her jacket.

To a museum with Akeem.

She walks out of the office.

· She leaves. Maurice enters.

Mr. McDowell heads for the front, followed by Maurice.

They enter ...

Mr. McDowell offers the man a fish sandwich.

The Man hands Mr. McDowell a legal-size envelope.

The Man in the Suit beats a hasty retreat.

Mr. McDowell hurls the fish sandwich at the man, but it misses, splattering tartar sauce on the glass front door.

Akeem is dressed to go out in a sports jacket. Sem:mi is stuffing his own clothes into a duffe.l bag, getting ready to move.

There is a LOUD KNOCK at the door. Akeem answers it. It's the Landlord.

The Landlord walks in and looks around at the high-tech splendor of the room. His mouth drops open.

Akeem walks out and heads down the street on his way to the date with Lisa. He goes up the stairs to the elevated train. As Akeem disappears from view, we CRANE DOWN to the street below •••

The ROYAL MOTORCADE is approaching. The lead car, a black Mercedes with Zamudan flags flying from the fenders, SCREECHES to a halt in front of Akeem's building. Several GUARDS leap out at once. Right behind them are two limousines -- a long one and an even longer one. A host of SERVANTS and ROSE BEARERS jump out, hastily taking their positions.

The KING'S OWN LIMOUSINE wheels up to the curb. It is the longest of them all, a gleaming gold, custom Mercedes 600 stretch. A SERVANT opens the door. The rose bearers toss petals on the sidewalk as King Joffe Joffer gets out, followed by Queen Aolean. They look at the squalid neighborhood.

The King, preceded by rose bearers and surrounded by servants, marches grandly towards the •••.

The doors to the barber shop burst open as the guards enter, followed by the rose bearers. The King strides into the room.

Without a word, the King spins around and.marches out. Clarence shouts at the rose bearers as they depart.

THE STAIRWAY LEADING TO AKEEM'S APARTMENT

We are CLOSE on Stu the drunk who is sprawled across the landing. He is sprinkled with rose petals as the rose bearers step over him, followed by the King and the host of servants.

The Landlord is living it up, soaking in the jacuzzi, listening to his new stereo which is tuned to Nat King Cole singing Unforgettable. There is a loud RAP at the door.

The door bursts open and the royal procession enters. The Landlord's jaw drops as he sees the King. For all he knows, this could be an apparition.

The King sees a photograph of Akeem hanging on the wall. It's an "Employee of the Month" certificate from McDowell's.

The King is outraged at the sight of his son wearing a paper McDowell's hat.

The King turns and exits, preceded by his huge entourage.

Akeem and Lisa are among the CROWD who have gathered for the opening of an African Art Exhibit. Lisa looks especially pretty. She is wearing a nice dress -- and the ruby earrings Akeem sent her.

They walk along, examining the exotic masks, carved wooden figures and pieces of sculpture.

They stop to examine a piece of sculpture which depicts two lovers entwined in an em.brace.

Are you familiar with Buale sculpture?

Lisa closes her eyes and places her hand on the sculpture. Akeem places his hand on hers.

They continue through the exhibit. One room of the center is displaying the art of Zamuda.

~A i<'.£.f./v'/ Oh, it's very beautiful. You would love it. The people are so friendly. Believe me -- they would treat you like a queen.

Lisa smiles. She examines some works of art. Akeem looks at the far wall and is instantly alarmed at what he sees

A PORTRAIT OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

Akeem in his prince's attire, posing with his parents.

He kisses her again, turning her away from the painting.

He tries to rush her out of the room. Lisa stops him. The painting of Akeem is right behind her, but miraculously she has not seen it.

Akeem kisses her again. A middle-aged MUSEUM GUARD is standing nearby, pretending not to notice.

They hurry out, arm in arm. The Museum Guard shakes his head. He looks around to see if anyone's watching. He rubs the fertility sculpture.

Maurice and the other employees gawk at the sight of the king and his entourage in their magnificent clothes, striding toward the counter.

THE OFFICE IN BACK - SAME TIME

Mr. McDowell is on the phone.

Maurice hurries in, all excited.

Mr. McDowell hurries out to

The King and company exit as quickly as they came. Mr. McDowell watches them take off in the magnificent limousines. He can't believe it! He looks at the bill in his hand --

' - - ..... __

I

A taxi pulls up. Akeem gets out, holding the door for Lisa. Suddenly Akeem sees something on the sidewalk that makes his heart freeze -- a path of rose petals. He knows his father has arrived.

Akeem rushes ...

I

Stuck on the front door of Apt. 1-A is a note which reads "I have gone to Royal Suite at Waldorf-Astoria ••. Semmi.". Akeem tears down the note, stuffing it into his pocket. He dashes ••.

9 3.

They get back into the cab and drive away.

Akeem and Lisa enter. Mr. McDowell greets them enthusiastically, throwing his arms around Akeem, pounding him on the back.

They walk into .•.

We FOLLOW Mr. MCDowell as he rushes into ...

We hear the CLICK of the phone, then a LOUD DIAL TONE. Mr. McDowell hangs up the phone and walks back into ...

The DOORBELL RINGS.

Mr. McDowell goes to ...

The DOORBELL RINGS again.

Mr. McDowell leaves the room and opens ...

BAM! Mr. McDowell slams the door in his face. He walks back into •.•

He tosses the bell into the closet with the ladder and then saunters back into

We hear a LOUD KNOCKING at the door.

The McDowell's German Shepherd charges out of the door, snarling, chasing Darryl around the corner of the house.

BACK IN THE LIVING ROOM

Mr. McDowell returns, all smiles.

Mr. McDowell exits to the kitchen.

Akeem leaves.

Mr. McDowell enters carrying a tray of cocktail wieners.

Lisa looks at the bill, shocked.

l MR. MCDOWELL (CONT'D) i He's a prince! You've hit the jackpot! Your little goat herder makes Darryl look like a welfare case!

It is now raining. There is an immense traffic jam.

Akeem pays him, jumps out of the cab, and runs down the rain- soaked street to the Waldorf-Astoria.

Sem:mi is having his nails done by two Maidens. Akeem runs in, wet from the rain.

SEMMI - I They've gone to find you. ,<

Akeem's servant Oja enters, excited to see the Prince.

OJA I Your Highness, thank God you're safe! The King and Queen are worried sick about you.

Akeem starts to leave.

Oja hands Akeem a splendid robe. Akeem hurries out.

Akeem jwnps into a royal limo carrying his robe. The car speeds away.

Mr. McDowell is pacing, worried.

There is a loud KNOCK at the door.

Lisa stalks off to her room. Mr. McDowell answers the door. The King and Queen are waiting impatiently.

The King and Queen enter the house.

Mr. McDowell leads them into ••.

The Queen sits tentatively in the Barca Lounger.

Mr. McDowell pulls the lever on the chair. The Queen rocks back and her feet shoot up. She is taken by surprise.

Mr. McDowell offers the King a tray of hors d'oeuvres.

The PHONE RINGS in another room. Mr. McDowell goes to answer it.

Mr. McDowell enters

MR. MCDOWELL {CONT' D) Hello.

Maurice is calling from a pay phone across the street. Several FEDERAL MARSHALS are milling around, setting up a barricade, padlocking the door of the restaurant.

Mr. McDowell exits.

• Lisa tries to maintain her aplomb.

Lisa rushes past them, very upset.

The Queen looks at Lisa, concerned.

Lisa runs out.

The King returns. The Queen turns on him.

Mr. McDowell has had enough.

Alceem comes running in.

Akeem dashes back out the door.

It's raining hard. Lisa is walking determinedly down the street, wearing no coat, only the dress she wore to the museum.

Lisa sees Akeem and starts walking faster, heading for a subway station just ahead.

The car stops. Akeem hops out into the pouring rain, holding his princely robe over his head as he runs after her.

The ROYAL GUARDS pile out of the limousine after him.

He runs after Lisa who disappears into the subway station.

Lisa, who is now soaking wet, boards a waiting train. Akeem leaps over the turnstyle and runs to the train, wedging his leg in the door just as it's about to close.

She opens the door and walks into ••.

Lisa stalks off into

Several of the passengers put down their newspapers. This is getting interesting.

• I came to America?

Lisa begins to soften.

AKEEM {CONT'D) What do I have to do to prove myself? Do you want me to renounce my throne? (throwing his robe onto the floor) Fine! There! I renounce my throne. (loudly to the other passengers) I renounce my throne!

The Passengers look at him like he's nuts.

AKEEM {CONT'D) I don't care about the crown. I only care about you. Marry me, Lisa McDowe.ll.

Lisa wavers. A MIDDLE-AGED LADY PASSENGER is carried away by the moment.

Joyful BELLS ring in the tower. We CRANE DOWN to reveal the scene of a royal wedding so splendiferous that it makes Princess Di's ceremony look like a backyard affair. Masses of WELL WISHERS are gathered. Droves of uniformed SOLDIERS are assem.bled wearing plumed hats. Elegant horse-drawn carriages await the wedding party.

The doors of the chapel open. Akeem and Lisa emerge. She wears a wedding gown that would put Cinderella to shame. The newlyweds smile and wave to the crowd. A huge CHEER goes up.

The King and Queen walk out of the chapel, accompanied by Mr. McDowell who looks very dapper in his grey cut-a-away morning coat. Mr. McDowell waves to the cheering fans, having the time of his life. The CROWD ROARS again as Mr. McDowell raises the King's arm in a gesture of triumph.

The King looks as though he would like to protest, but he is stifled by a sharp look from the Queen.

TWo DOCTORS roll out the ancient Grandfather in a wheelchair. They ZAP him with a defribrillator. He waves to the crowd.

Semmi, dressed as the best man, is standing on the steps beside Imani Izzi, the young woman Akeem was to have married.

Semmi's courage falters, but his smile remains.

Akeem and Lisa get into a magnificent carriage drawn by a team of white horses. They wave to the CHEERING throng.

They kiss.