"ROCKY IV" (1985)

STATS107pages126scenes15,816words33%dialogue72characters

Words

  • dialogue5,28133%
  • action9,70061%
  • other8355.3%

Scenes

location
  • INT 53
  • EXT 25
  • UNKNOWN 48
time
  • DAY 15
  • NIGHT 19
  • DUSK 1
  • UNKNOWN 91
5

INT. MICJ<:EY'SGYM- NIGHT 22

mrrm ARTISTSroRPORATION

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The film commencesnearly where the other one left off. ROCKY and CLOBBERLANG are engaged in a brutal re-match.

APOLLOangrily spinsRocky around as they get to their corner, seizing him by theshoulders;

You've got to try! Hey, ya came here to win this fight, win it! Eye of the tiger, damn it! Eye of the tiger,

REMATCH COMMENTATOR fl Herewe are in the third round of· this alreadyincredible grueling contestt:hatshould logically have nevergone beyond round two... • The bell soundsand Clubber rushes • to continuehis ruthless body attackon theformer champion --

Clubber starts tomove in -- Rocky moves away and stiffly counters and keepsClubber at bay.

IIEMA'l'CHCOMMENTATOR11 {continuing) Five quick jabsin Clubber's face -- The championbrushes them aside andchases Balboa down -- Oh, a solidhook drives Rocky into hisown corner •·-This could be all shewrote.

Balboa is getting jarred by thebarrage thrown at him -- He tries to slip away,but he is hopelessly trapped.

When all appears lost, Rocky throwsa beau~iful combina- tion that jars Clubber... Suddenly energized,Rocky begins to back Clubber up and has theman in trouble.

Rocky now begins to·workClubber over, angling the man's body every which way fromthe variety of punches.

Rocky has driven Clubber painfullyalong the ropes.

REMATCHCOMMENTATOR t2 (V,O.) Rocky is back buryinghis fist in Lang's face, then switching to caving in the champion'sribs -- AA incredible comeback --No, wait... Rocky is hurt!

~lubber rips an uppercut to the liver thatfreezes Rocky's motion... Clubber reverses theaction and drives Rocky back,

Adrian is standing and chanting with the audience.

When all appears hopelessly lost, Rocky againturns the tide with., sudden flu:i:-:i:-ythatmoveshimtothecenter of the :i:-ing--He motionsfo:i:-Clubbertocomeahead,

goes wild at the sightof the challenge,

Look at that!-- Balboa is • challengingthe champion to come ahead, tcan't believe it~

Clubber wades intoRocky and the men bomb away at each other from pointblank range ..•Both are nearly out on their feet.

REMATCH COMMENTATO:~11 Balboawith a col'llbinationand reply to thehead by the champion -- It's trenchwarfare -- The old Rocky isback -- Oh, the champion is hurt! Heis being demolished!I

Rocky matches the intensenessof the champ:lon,and going back to his old styleof bruising in-fighting, gains on Clubber, and findingthe right openi1~g,pours out a rapid volley of pinpointaccurate punches that knock Clubber backwards. The championcannot regain his balance, and Rocky pu!lllllelshimintoacorner.

Rocky pulls out all stopsand tattoos his opponent and finally whips a murderousright hook that topples Clubber sideways, through tharopes and out of .thering... Rocky leaps to a neutral corneras the REFEREE counts over the prostrate champi9n.

is insane with praise...Rocky looks at Adrian, his eyes are wild like an animal'sin the heat of battle.

Apollo·and Paulie are in suspended animationwhile moni- toring the Referee's count.

:REMATCHREFEREE Six -- seven -- eight -- nine tenl You'.reout!

The topnearly blows off the arena. The ring is flooded withpress and well-wishers. Rocky leaps into theair and intoApollo's embrace.

Rocky smilesand el!lhracesApollowho is overwhelmedwith emotion.

REMATCHR!NG ANNOUNCER Winner by a knockout-- in one of the most incrediblecomebacks in boxing history,and once again Heavyweight Championof the Worla, the pride of Philadelphia,Rocky Balboa.

New CREDITS begin to ROLL OVER this SCENE. A pair of LOCKERS are heard SLAMMING SHUT in the otherwisedeserted and silent gym,

ROCKY (O.S.)
Y'know... I can't believe you're doing this,
APOLLO (O.S.)
We made a deal. 1e .::.;n ROCKY 1•~ ir, Yeah, but this is =tremel.y crazy.
APOLLO
Yeah, mentally irregular. .,.::-.-=-r

Apollo andRocky are dressed in their boxing outfits and move toward thewell-worn ring,

APOLLO
(continuingI ... But itmakes all the sense it needs tomake -- You owe me a favor, right? ~U?
ROCKY
Ye~h --When'd you think of this?
APOLLO
About three years ago.
ROCKY
This is crazy.

Cl

7,

CONTINUED: 22

APOLLO
The last timewe met you ~ere lucky --Heat me by one second One second-- Now that is hard for aman of my intelligence to handle,

• ROCKY But didn't yousay you'd learned to live happyafter losing to me?

APOLLO
(laughs)
... r lied.
ROCKY
So you've just gottaknow for yourself.
APOLLO
Just for myself.

The men climb into the ring.

ROCKY
Go slow -- Ya not as your1gas springtime no more.
APOLLO
Young enough to whip your.butt.
ROCKY
How can you win? Ya taught me all your tricks.
APOLLO
(laughs)
Not everything.

Apollo stands inhis corner smiling.

APOLLO
(continuing)
... Stall~on,~ want you to remember that~•oumight fight great,but I'ma great fighter••• Ready?
ROCKY
••. Absol.utely,

They move to the centerof thering and begin sparring••• They resemble two grownchildren trying to hold onto the last fragments of youth.

22 CONTINUED: (2)

APOLLO
Too bad we gotta get old, Stallion.
ROCKY
Just keep punchin'. ~

Rockypd Apollo are seen unleashing the samepunch at thesame time.

22A

22A

EXT.GYM - NIGHT

A HIGHANGLEfrom the staircase reveals Rocky andApollo as theyENTER the SCENE.

Bothmen appeardamp. Rocky's left eye is reddened and Apollo's righteye is noticeably swollen.

APOLLO
Answerone thing? Do-you have ahammer in your glove?
BOCRY
I was gonnaask you the same

\..: thing.

APOLLO
That hurt youas much as it hurt me?
ROCKY
••. Absolutely!
APOLLO
That makes me feel awho.lelot better. Y'know, I thinkit's about time we stop damagin' each other.
ROCKY
I agree.
(shakes Apollo's h.ind)
... Hey, Apollo -- I wanna say thanks for everything ya did -- and to me ya always be the best.
APOLLO
Well...
(MORE)

CONTINUED: 22A 22A

APOLLO (CONT'!))
(awkwardpause)
... I'm gonnamiss it, and I'm gonna missyou.
ROCKY
.. Where areyou going? . • APOLLO I don't know --maybe fishing.

Apollo smiles and heads tohis car.~. Rocky turns and moves away.

MONTAGE - OMITTED

23

INT.•ROCKY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

We see Rocky drive his new black sportscar into the driveway of his home.

23A

23A

ROCKY'S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - NIGHT

Rocky steps out, and wearily eyes the buildingequipment. The door flies open, ,indROCKY, JR. jets out. He is wearing a bright cone~shaped paper party hat. He has the bright light of a sun-gun that is fastened ontop of a movie camera aimed in Rocky's face.

ROCKY JR.
Dad, you're late! Mommy's gonna kill you I I
ROCKY
{squints) Sohow ya doing?
9

ROCKYJR.

Fine-- if you don't hurry, you're gonnaget it -- this is a warning!

ROCKY
Ya know,it's kinda bright out here, don'tya think? -
ROCKY JR.
It's okay --Dad, l wouldn't wanna be you --you better hurry or else!

COIITINUED: 23A 23A

Rocky removes a small wrapped present fromthe car.

ROCKY JR.
(continuing)
Hurry, Dad.

1 ROCKY • (pa tsthe boy•s • head) Y'know, ya gettin' a very loud personality.

They move to the house.

ROCKY JR.
Don't go too fast or ya go outta focus.
23B

INT.ROCKY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Rocky entersas his son runs ahead.•• bright sun-gun still onhis father•••

Several piecesof crepe paper have been strung with a sagging "HappyBirthdayn sign stretched across the room •.. on the tableare party favors.

PAULIE sits at thehead of the table with a large party hat on his head ...helooks forlorn. He listens to a BALL GAME on a pocketRADIO •

11

PAULIE

Yo! It's about time!

ROCKY
sorry, Paulie.

Adrian steps out of the kitchenholding a flaming birth- day cake.

ADRIAN
Oh, Rocky -- great you're here.
(to Paul.1,.)
Now you can stop callin'him names•.
PAULIE
If we waited much longer, it'd be ti.mefor my next birthday,

23B CONT.INUED: 23B

ADRIAN
Where were you?
ROCKY
Gettin' punched... Letme do this. • • • ADRIAN • No, seriously.
ROCKY
Seriously.

Rocky takes the small movie camera and beginsfilming the scene.

PAULIE
So why don't we get the cake in here and get this celebration going.
ROCKY JR.
You're gonna love your present, Uncle Paulie.
PAULIE
So where is it.

The dooris held open by Adrian and a Robot entershold- ing a flamingbirthday cake. The Robot has a ribbonon its head.

PAULIE
(continuing)
What thehell's that?
ROCKY JR.
Your present.

Paulie gazes at all theburning 40 candles and the Robot.

PAULIE
Yo, Iwanted asports car for my bi.JCthday.
(laughs)
Not a walkin' trashcan! I don't believe this.
ADRIAN
Since you don'thave any friends, we thought you'd likeit.

23B CONT.INOED: (2) 23B

ROCKY
(fihning)
It'll keep ya company. C'mon -- pretend ya happy,

RockyJr. playfully slaps his shoulder.

• ROBOT Please make a wish.

l'h:lsthingiscreepy

ROBPT
Please make a wish.
PAULIE
Relax, metal-head! I'd like to make a wish, and start eatin' this strange creation here ...
(toRocky Jr.)
Wanna help me put out this £orest fireon the count of three.••one -- two -- three!

Paulie starts toblow out the candles as Rocky Jr. dumps a glass ofwater on the rest.

·aocKYJR. They're out.

Paulie is simply dumbfounded. He gl:ancesat Rocky.

PAULIE
(to Rocky)
Ya's are gonnahave trouble with this kid.
ROBOT
Please make a wish .••

J:NT.OFFJ:CE- ~;i:Gml' 23C 23C

~cky is in his study. The room is fairlydark except for the flickerin~ lights emitted from ahome computer.

The computer is programmed to teach English.

Adrian enters.

Hi -- Do you want to get ready for bed?

ROCKY
Yeah -- Y'know, this machine . can make ya feel real bad. • • • ADRIAN
ROCKY
.Themore I learn from it, the more I think I don't know anything --
ADRIAN
But ya learning more every day.

l'lockyfacesAdrian,then rises after turningoff the machine.

ROCKY
How'd ya end up with such a dU!llbperson?
ADRIAN
Just lucky, I guess.
ROCKY
One thing I do know is that you're the best.
ADRIAN
Ithink you have it backwards.
ROCKY
Ya know what's amazin' is after allthese years everything still feelsnew.
ADRIAN
Thinkit'll ever change between us?·
ROCKY
Absolutely,no way.
ADRIAN
I hopenot.

23C

23C CONTINUED: (2)

ROCKY
RemeinberI told you the night we got married that you're never getting rid of me --

Adriannods .

14

(CONTINUING)

-- well, you're not.

Rocky kissesher and the SCENE FADES.

23D

230

INT. HALLWAY- NIGHT

Paulie is walkingdown the hall, being followed by the Ro.bot.

ROBOT
•.. I willwake you up. What time doyou wish to get up? Pick a time,please, I can be progrllfflllledto>makecoffee-- Do you want coffee? How many cups, please?

Paulie reaches his ro0111,heentersand sla!DSthe door in the Robot's face•.. A second laterhe re-opens the door.

PAULIE
... c•111on--But don't askno more guestionsl
24

INT. N.EWYORK AIRPORT

Many policemen are located every several feet approaching aboarding gate•.. Several detectives with earphones.mill around thegrowing army of minicams, photographers and reporters. The NOISE begins to SWELL as an entourage steps fromthe boardi1iggate and into .theglare of ca.roeras. The entourag&is Russian. Present are several Russian security agentsthat flank a huge blond athlete with a hard angularface that appears to have been forged steel ... His eyesbetray no emotions, almost robotized in his motions... one thing forcertain, IVAN DRAGOis an awe- some specimen of carefullyconstructed manhood. Beside him is his gruff,barrel-chested manager, IGOR RIMSKY, and shorter trainer,NICOLI ~OLOFF.

24 CONT.INUED: 24

Almost employing a phalanx throughthe REPORTERS, the Russians move straight ahead in anarrogant fashion.

REPORTER il Would you answer a fewquestions?!

.. REPORTER 12 • i~en are you going to fight, • Drago?

REPORTER 13
How long are you here for?

We talk at press conference.

REPORTER 11
Is it definite thatthe Soviet Union will enter professional boxing?
RIMSKY
Please, we will talk atpress conference. Excuse~s.

Tbe Russian contingent brushes throughthe crowd like a Roman phalanx.

25

EXT. STREAM - DAY

Apollo sits in a rowboat. A fishingpole is balanced in his•hands. Apollo's eyes are glazedand bored. Gaz- ing on this tranquil scene, it couldbe said Apollo looks like a major displacement of manpower. A small portable television is situated on the front seatof the boat.

SPORTSANNOUNCER
... Well, today may haveproved to be a landmark in sports. After unraveling years ofred tape, Russia will now throwits hat in the ring -- the prize ring, that is --

Apo1lo's eyes lift from the floor and finallyshow a keen ray of mounting interest. The Announcer'sface disappears, and on the 'Tl/a.fullblownpress conference appears... Seated in front of a forestof microphones, is the Rus·siansuper heavyweight, IvanDrago and his bearish manager, Igor Rimsky.

(CONTINUEDI

25 CONT:t:NUED: 25

Next to .Rimskyis a CUban trainer. Stationed behind the111isa row of Russian security11uards. The men are almost engulf.edin the strobe-likeeffect from the bat- tery of cBJ11eras.

IUMSKY
(reading)
• .. Today, the Soviet Unionhas officially entered professional boxing•.. Our great and undefeated heavyweight champion, lvan Drago, will be the1:irstto co~pete, and if we are fnirly treated, other great ath~etes from the Soviet Union, East Germany and CUba will foilow.

o.s. REPORTERVOICES are heard firingquestions at the Russian.

18

REPOLTTER(O.S.)

Mr. Bimsky -- who will be your first fight?

RIMSKY
Anyone who is qualified.

:REPORTER(0.S.) D1·ago! Have you ever boxed against a real professional?

Drago shiftE his eyes to the camera, thento Rimsky.

RIMSKY
Not yet.. But having been trained in Russia and in CUba by the great boxing coach, Manuel Vega --

The Cuban coach nods his head in agreement.

RIMSl<Y (continuing) He may be the most perfect athlete in the world. I have never seen an!_'jnematchhis strength, his coordination or his aggressive~ess.

REPORTER (O.S.)
You make it sound like he's indestructible.

ICONTINUEDI

CONTINUED: (2) 25

RIMSKY
Yes --He could be.

The Reporter comesback en.

.. REPORTER No shortageof confidence there• • Can thismaJ11111oth,Cuban-trained • Russian, who'salready been nicknamed 'TheSiberian Express,' wreak havoc among theprofessional ranks? Time willtell, but one thing for certain-- whoever he fights first willbe one hot ticket..• New let'sget tonight's action in basketball•••

Apollo turns away from the televisionand pulls in his fishing rod and rapidly begins rowingfor shore.

25A

25A

INT. ROCKY'S HOUSE - DAY

Rocky is with his son in the office room, The room is fullof the child's toys, but all the focusis on a smallhome computer. Paulie stands witha beer and the Robot in the doorway•

20

ROCKY

C'mon, ya gotta learn this stuff. Who was the thirty-fifth President?

ROCKY JR.
Why? -- I wanna go outside.
ROCKY
You canalways go outside -- It's importantto fill up your brain whenya young -- What's the answer?
ROCKYJR.
John F. Kennedy-- is that right?
ROCKY
That's great.
PAULIE
He should be learnin'how to fight!

25A CONTINUED; 25A

ROCKY
Why?

'Cause he's your kid andpunks are gonna wanna squashhis head

21

•CAUSE OF WHO HE IS. YAWANNA

24

ROCXY (sighs) Nicely put, Paulie.

PAULIE
Forget computers, Just buy the kid a bat -- Beer!

The Robot rolls forward and Paulie takesthe beer••• Adrian's voice is heard:

ADIUAN (O.S.)
Rocky Apollo's here.
ROCKY
What? Ya kiddin'l
ROCKY JR.
(to Rocky)
Not another rematch, I hope.
ROCKY
No, no more -- Listen, keep studyin' -- Paulie, let him work, okay?

He moves away; Paulie turns to Rocky Jr.

PAULIE
(toRocky Jr.)
Remember how to play gin?

Theywalk off together.

CUT TO:

A26 SCENE A26

Rockywalks up to Apollo in the living room and they shakehands.

lll.

A26 CO?-:T.INUED; A26

APOLLO
Hey, Stallion -- What'veyou been up to?
ROCKY
Nothin' much -- Why're you here? . • APOLLO • Have you been listenin' to the news?
ROCKY
What happened·,•
APOLLO
Let's step outside.

S26 EX~. ROCKY'S HOUSE - DAY B26

Apollo picks up a football that is lying on thelawn.

APOLLO
The Russians sent over this giant who plans on taking your title. Heard about it?
ROCKY
I've heard some talk.
APOLLO
Like what?
ROCKY
Like they want us to fight, like put on an exhibition.
APOLLO
You didn't agree. You didn't commit to anything, did you?
ROCKY
Not yet.
APOLLO
You'resure.
ROCKY
Yeah,I'm not that punchy.

-.. 20.

B26 CONTlNUED:

APOLLO
Great Then l think l've come up with a greatidea -- Le~•s go talk·--hut one -- hut two!

Apollo.makes a couple offakes against ~ocky, who grabs £or the ball.

25

a'1ld

and OMlTTED

2SA

,26A

lNT• .RUSSIANTRAlNlNG ROOM 27

The gym is very antisepticwhite and resembling somewhat of an experimental laboratory.

The press stands with several miniclllllsfillllinga_portion of the training method of Drago.

Drago is in a tank top and sweat suitbottoms. Both ga%111entshavethe insignia of the SovietUnion mobroid- ered on.

There are a pair of electrodes hookedup to Drago'& upper back. Behind him a video carneraand a largecomputer graph with a diaphramatic readout instrumentthat basic- allycharts the angle o~ the body when itmakes impact with a stationary target,

RIMSKY
We wish to show the American press a small portion of the advances our country's made in the technology of hwnan performance.

llPORTER What exactly does this do to enhance performance?

RIMSKY
Itmakes a man a better man a great athletea super athlete by harnessing all his power ••• Butthis country, like most of ·theworld, is ignorant in body chemistry.
REPORTER
Has thisbeen proven?

CONTINUED:- 27

26

RDISKY

Do we not embarrass you whenever our a~letes meet?

Rimsky turns toIvan Drago and the giant throws a punch into a.paddedarea above which is a digital readout.,. the meter 1650lbs .

• • lUMSKY (continuing) Your so-calledheavyweight averages&even hundred potmds of pressureper square inch. Drago averages1650 pounds .•• So the~esult's quite obvious.

REPORTER
What results?

... Whateverhe hits, he destroys•

28

APOLLOIS PACING ALONG THEDINNER TABLE LIKE A WILDCAT.

Rocky and Adrian followhim with their eyes •••Paulie is engrossed in watching Rocky Jr.eating a massive piece of chocolate cake,

APOLLO
The Russians know thedivision is damn weak and they canstOlllp their way up the ranks ifnobody tries to stop them.

Rocky looks •atAdrian and receivesno response. She is definitely not enjoying this conversation.

ADRIAN
Why do you want to fight again?

Apollo looks to Rocky in a split-secondof disbelief at Adri~n•s statement.

APOLLO
Let's say for the sport of it, and I wanna put on this fantastic exhibition match with this monster before he fights anyone else in this country... the thing is gonna be a major media event, folks.
ADRIAN
(to RockyJr.)
You can get ready forbed.
ROCKYJR.
. Okay, •

The ch1Id.takes off and Rockyre-faces Apollo .•

ROCKY
Apollo, don't you thiM people are expectin' me to fighthim first.
APOLLO
And you will, for real. All I want is an exhibitionmatch.
ADRIAN
What's the purpose? What at this point in your life is worth getting hurt for?

Paulie pushes a button. The Robot enters carryinga bottle of beer and a glass.

APOLLO
Not money -- What's that?!
PAULIE
My new girl -- thanks, honey~
ROBOT
Yes, handsome -- You are the greatest. See ya, sport.
ROCKY
Who taught it to talk like that?
PAULIE
Nobody.

Paulie pushes abutton and the Robot e~its.

APOLLO
Back to'business. I don't want thisbum coming over here and tryingto make us look bad. They tryevery other way, but this timewe'll make them look pitiful...

28 CONTINUED: (2)

ADRIAN
How much:morecan you take, Apollo? Eitherone of you?

Roc:xy What'reYO\lsaying? .. ADRIAN • What areyou both trying to prove? You both arechampions. Don't you think it'stime to think about doing somet.hingelse.

APOLLO
Stallion, Iwas inyour corner when you neededme, now :I'maskin' you to be in mine.
ADRIAN
(rises)
Nice seeing you again and I hope you change yourmind •
29

APOLLO

Are you with me?

\...

ROCKY
I'll be right back.

Rocky rises and goes aftar Adrian.

29

INT.KITCHEN - NIGHT

Adrianis putting away some food.

ROCKY
Adrian, please, I don't want ya to be mad over this.
ADRIAN
I'mnot mad. r just have bad feelin'sabout it.

She places amiJ.kcarton in the ice box.

ROCKY
Yeah ...I don'tknow, Apollo just has this great imagination.

29 CONTINUED:

ADRIAN
Itis imagination! It's not real. lt'snot to prove he's a man anymore. Apollo just can't stand being forgotten. It's something he's got toface, you will, too. : So whatare you t.ryingto prove by gettinginvolved in this, • Rocky?
ROCKY
-Just thathe's a friend.

Rocky turns and exits thekitchen and re-enters the din- ing room. Rocky facesApollo who looks at him with an expression of apprehension.•.Rocky look& at Apollo and nods his acceptance. Apollo smiles.

30

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY

Rocky is standing outside a pairof double doors for someone..• After a moment he entersthe double doors.

:31

31

INT. RECEPTION BALL - DAY

Apollo Creed radiates despondency as hescans the many empty folding chairs... In the audienceare only six reporters. Behind Apollo are several largephoto blow- ups of his fight with llockyand one fromRocky I, garbed in his uncle Sam outfit.

Rocky steps into the h1gh-ceilinged room and shakeahis head "no"at Apollo, who moves to the podium.

APOLLO
Well, ah -- well, let's not wait forthe television cameras•••

A pair of REPORTERSexchange glances.

APOLLO
(continuingI I called thisexclusive press conferencetoday -- and I mean exclusive,because as you can see, Ionly wanted the important writers likeyou all to hear what I'mabout to say••.

31 CONTINUED:

REPORTER
...And what is that?
APOLLO
What 1plan to do is something that's gonnashake this room, .. shake thiscity and definitely .. shake thisworld ...With that .. man, RockyBalboa, in my corner, I plan onchallenging and publicly destroyin' theRussian heavyweight in an exhibitionmatch. •
REPORTER
(pause)
Mly?
APOLLO
(at a slight loss)
.•• Because it's justmeant to be -- Call it destiny.

The Reporters are not impressed.

REPORTER
Haven't you been retired for nearly five years?
APOLLO
Retired? No, sir, just beenon a long vacation. Next question?

The Reporterslook idly at their pads.

APOLLO
(continuing, losing poise)
Who out there wants to know my fight strategy?

A long deadlysilence.

REPORTER
Wny don'tyou fight, Rocky You'rethe man ~ow. '

Rocky glances atApollo who is crushed by the lack of attention.

ROCKY
(verylow)
.•. I don'tknow.
33

INT. HOTEL - RECEPTIONROOM - NIGHT 32

Apollo is thoroughlydepressed as he sits beside his pictures on the receptionroom stage,

Rocky sits in the emptyaudience... Rocky finally breaks the silence.

.. ROCKY •.. Apollo,don't do this to yourself.

Apollo raises his eyes.

ROCKY
(continuing)
Don't let themget to you.
APOLLO
(introverted)
I've never mademyself feel like a fool.
ROCKY
You' reno fool,

APOLLO

'-- I must be -- Look at mein this

room. We're alone,man nobody cares.

He rises.

ROCKY
You're wrong.
APOLLO
No, you're wrong. They care when ya bleedin', they care when ya gettin' pounded to death -- But soon as ya step out of that ring, nobody cares. You spend years tryin' to get people to respect you, and years learnin'to respect yourself; then ya step out of the 1ight fora while, and you're ancient history.
ROCKY
Maybe you set yourself up, Apollo.
APOLLO
How?

CONTINUED: 32 •32

ROCKY
Maybe you don'twanna hear this.

Al'OLLO What? l wannahear it ..What?

• ROCKY :It'sy'know, ego. • APOLLO :Idon't wanna hear this.

ROCKY
Everybody knows you're agreat fighter, a great .showman,y'know, and sometimes the hardest thing to admit is.when the .&howis over.
APOLLO
When you think it's over, it really is over. :It'snot time to play roll-over dead. You don't think it's over for you, do you?
ROCKY
Soon.
APOLLO
:Ifyouthink you're gonna get beat soon,then why the hell don'tyou retire before you get beat.
ROCKY
•cause gettin'beat is all part of it, y'know
APOLLO
You're crazy!
ROCKY
No, you're crazy! Because a real champion shouldwin i~ and lose it in the ring, lik~you did.
APOLLO
Then what?! Where do we go; •cause we sure as hell can't be born again.
(MORE)

lCONTitlUED)

APOLLO (CONT'DI
I can't acceptthis yeti l can't make a new life. l tried, man, but l burninside -- l burn and it's wreckedmy life -- l don't • hardly seemy family anymore, I • don't do anythingbut think about being somebodyagain • • ROCKY Once you'reso111Hbodyyoualways are. But we can't stay the same forever,we gotta change,
APOLLO
Maybe we looklike we're changin' toother people, but we're not changin'inside. You and me, we don'thave a choice -- we can't changeour breed. We are what we are,man -- I know you better thananyone, 'causel've seen you likenobody else has seen you. I'veseen that animal look, and thatlook can never be tamed,

You andme, we can't turn it off •.. You have to go the limit. We havetolive on the edge. We're different,manl We're never gonna fit in to anormal life -- never; 'causewe're the warriors, we're the lastone~ left standing, and without a war to fight, a warrior may aswell be dead tool!!

33

EXT, TRAINING HEADQUAA~ERS- DAY

'l'hetaxiis seen idlingin front of the large squarish industrial building. The Driver glances at his watch ·then glances at thebuilding.

35

INT. TRAINING HEADQUARTERS- DAY 34

Apollo is standing-withRocky in front of a pair of security GUARDS..• TheGuards are blocking the fighters• passage down a longgrey corridor... SOUNDS of athletes TRAINING can beheard in the background.

APOLLO
I askedyou toget who's ever in chargeout here.

GUA!UlS (Russianaccent) You do nothave permission to be here.

APOLLO
•. What permission? I just want to talk. • GUARD Leave orwe call your city police.

He shoves his way past theGuard. Rocky follows.

GOAIU) (continuing) You cannot do this!

ROCKY
... He's moody.

You cannot do this!

APOLW
Hey, Stallion.
ROCRY
Yeah.
APOLLO
We're doing it.

- ROCKY I'm impressed,

Apollo and Rocky enter a pair of large swingingdoors.

35

:INT,ULTRA-MODERNGYM- DAY

Rocky andApollo enter what appears to be a timewarp. Allthe gym equipment is dazzling chrome and high tech. ~he iiko~of which the two fighters have never seen,

In the room areeight Russian fighters, ten trainers and six white-cloakedlab technicians,

Apollo boldly steps forward.

APOLLO
Hey, everybody, listenup! Apollo Creed is here inthe flesh and ready to negotiateand decapitate.

rhe Russians begin tomurmur among themselve&.

APOLLO
(continuing)
I hear yougot some large potato who thinkshe can rwllble-- If that's so,.thenbring that heavy • bag with eyeballshere right • now sowe candiscuss that.
(to Rocky)
Good so far?
ROCKY
(low)
Excellent.

From behind Apollo, Ivan Rimskyappears followed close- ly by the massive Dragoand the rest of the trainers. Koloff stands in the background•

37

ROCKYEYES DRAGO ANDWHISPERS TO APOLLO.

ROCKY
(continuing)
Apollo.
APOLLO
What?
ROCKY
He's a very large structure.
APOLLO
Details,
JUMSKY
You're trespassing.
APOLLO
(to Rimsky)
You wouldn't come to me so I came to you. As the for111er world Champion, I want to fight your man here in a friendly exhibition.
RIMSKY
(laughs)
:Impossible...

35 CONT.INUED: (2) 35

APOLLO
Why?
RIMSKY
Why? Why,because you are has- been.

Apollo.tightens andmoves foIWard. Rocky grabs his arm. Rimsky shoots a fleetingglance at Koloff who remains hard-eyed.

RIMSKY
(continuing)
You are nothingto us. To beat you is not a worthyaccomplishmentr no.
(to Rocky)
But soon we fightyou. You mean something.
APOLLO
Get that robot in the ringright now and .I'llshow youwhat a 'has-been' can do -- .I mean nothing?! Get him in thering!

Big Drago starts to move to Apollo. Jtimskyblockshis

andeyes Koloff

progress and mocks Apollo in Russian again.

APOLLO
(continuing)
c•mon, any way you want it -- .Ifyou think everybody is trash, then come and get it.

Eightpolice led by the Security Guard burst:into the room.

GUAlW ...There!

APOLLO
Everybodythinks the Russians are sobad! So dangerous. To who? Not tomel

Koloffnods to Rimsky who, in turn, gives Drago an order in Russian.

,3S CONTIUOED: (3) 35

Just then, Drago grabs Apollo aridshoveshim violently backwards. Apollo regains bisbalance and charges the Russian who remains as impassiveas a mountain of granite,

POLICE
. That's enough! Apollo, that's • • it! You have to go! •

The police hold Apollo back•as Rimsky looksat him and Rocky with disdain.

C'mon, right now! Let's see what you've got! c•mon -- I'm waiting for you!

The police start to guide Apollo out.

IUMSKY
You really want to get hurt, don't you?
APOU.O
I'll leave
(to police)
I'm sorry -- no problem.
(to Drago)
Any place, any time, any where,

Apollo looksat him with a hard expression ashe exits.

PCLICEHlUJlll We're sorry, Rocky -- just doin' our job.

As they move downthe hallway, Apollo leans over to Rocky,

APOLLO
How'd I do?
ROCKY
A little loud,but good.
APOLLO
Think they'll go forit, Stallion?

36 INT, CO~lFERENCEHALL- DAY

Apollo sits in front of aba~tery of microphones -- likewise Rocky,,, At the oppositeend of the table is Koloff, Rimsky, ManuelVega and, of course, the massive :IvanDrago.

33,

In front of the fighteris a wall of m:PORTERS and :inini- cams. Adrian and Pauliestand off to the side•.

REPORTER11
Drago, why didyou choose to fight Apollo_Creed first?

Rimsky:leans forward.

• RIMSKY He came begging tous -- and we do not likewhat he represents, and after this fighthe roay learn respect.

REPORTER 12
How do you plan todo that?
38

RIMSKYNODS AT !>RAGO..

DRAGO
Punish him,
REPORTER 13
Apollo, do you care to elaborate?
RIMSKY
·(overriding) Let me say that we come as sportsmen, but we see that .Alllericanprejudice,andarrogance is everywhere -- You have fantasy that you are leaders -- You are not! You have fantasy that this country is so very good, andwe are so very bad -- All false propaganda, and perhaps the simple defeat of this old man will be an example of how pathetically weak your society has become. •

Apollo risesand points at Rimsky.

APOLLO
(irate)
Ican't listen to this anymore The press can call me a flag waver or anything else they want ...
(MOREi

36 CONTINUED: (2)

APOLLO (CONT'D~
..•I don't care, •cause stallding up for your honor is everyth:.ng; without honor you're a loser. You call this a pathetic and corrupt society? Maybe this country isn't perfect, hut it surebeats any place else, 'causehe.rewe walk around f1:ee. Herewe don't have to keep our peoplein with a wall and . machin2guns. Maybe I can't do nothing 'boutchangin' the world. ·BecauseI'm sure I can't,but I can say I'm a manwho's proud of coming from the greatestplace on earth. And I'm tellin'you and anybody else who canhear, that when we get it.on, that fool'sgoing to be the newestRussian satellite in the sky •causeI plan on blastin' his buttto the dallln

--.... moonl

DRACO
(very hard)
The m.~.reyoutalk, theworse your d.efeatwill be.

Rimsky and Drago rise.

The Russians exit. Rccky turns away fromthe Russian and faces Apoll•.'.l.

APOLLO
So what d'you think?
ROCKY
I'm impressed again•••

"REPORTERS Apollo, can we ask you a few· questions... Apcllo, over here!

APOLLO
You got.it Excuse me, Stallion.

(CONTlNUEDI

(3) 36

36 CONTINUED:

Paulie advan.;e.Apollo joins a cluster of

Adrian and Rl!porters.

ADRIAN
:Rocky,can l talk toyou? . • Please don't do this-- You're • a champion. This is apublicity ,stunt,not a real fight.

:ROCK~ It's important to him.

]ID.IUAN Rocky, this wouldn't be happening if you weren't backing it. It's not right.

:ROCKY Maybe it's not right for me -- but it's right for him, Adrian.

~ -~~.. 37 37 OMITTED

38

INT. OLDGYM

Apollo is jumpingrope. Rocky is observing the stop watch.

39

INT. OLD GYM

Apollo is sparringwith a large partner. He is get- ting the better ofhim, At the height of his assault, he throws a hard rightand drops the sparring partner. He turns and walks away.

APOLLO
That's good enough.
ROCKY
What?
APOLLO
Let's move on.
40

EXT. STADIUM STAIRS - DAY

Apollo is seen sprinting up whatappears to be an end- less flight of stairs. Rockystands at the bottom and cheers him on.

ROCKY
Again!

• APOLLO ~ Slavedriverl •

Apollo starts back down.

41

INT. GYM - DAY

Apollo is on the heavy bag.

ROCKY
Let the right got
42

INT. G'!LM-NIGHT

Apollo is completing a grueling seriesof sit-ups. Rocky•s expression shows gr,::>wingconcern.

43

INT. GYM - NIGHT

Apollo is seen shadowboxing alone... Rockyis at ring- side.

ANOTHER ANGLE 44

Apollois jumping rope .••Rocky clockshim with a stop- watch,

4S

INT.GYM

Rockyis pounding Apollo in the midsection•••Apollo liesprone on a table.

46

INT.GYM

Rocky isblowing bubbles and Apollo is snapping them withhis lightningjabs.

thru OMITTED thru

49A

INT. GYM - NIGHT

Apollo is shadowboxingin the ring alone. Rocky observes from ringside.

ROCKY
••• Ti:me!

~pollo stops boxing.

APOLLO
Long day . • ROCKY How do you feel?
APOLLO
l could eatnails, Stallion.
ROCKY
l think ya needanother week to sharpen up.
APOLLO
?Joway -- I'm readynow.

ROCKY

48

--.

Why don't we justpostpone it a couple weeks.

APOLLO
Can't do that.
ROCKY
Apollo, we don't know nothin' about this guy.
APOLLO
What if I pull out and somebody else takes my place and whips him, where's that leave :me?
ROCKY
What d'you mean, 'leave you'? It's just an exhibition.
APOLLO
That's whereyou're wrong! TO you it's justa fight. To me, it's my lastchance. Don't you understand, it'sus against them. Do you alwayswanna be remembered as a guy who justtook punches for money? Rememberedas somebody who was just apain n1achine?
(~JORE)

ICONTINUED)

49A CONTI.NUED: 49A

APOLLO (CONT'D)
I don't; I wannaremember myself as somebody who didsomething. We gotta be more thanguys standing around watchingtheir lives go by -- and ifyou don't understand what r•m talkin' • about now, you willwhen it's .. over.

so EXT. HOTEL - Nl.GHT so

People head into the glittering casinoor ballroom above which hangs a bold marquee that reads: nsPECIAL EVENT APOLLO CREED (USA) VS. IVAN DRAGO (USSR).•

49

INT. BALLROOM AREA 51

The CAMERA MOVES DO'HNFROMTHE CEILING REVEALING a packed room. The room itself is more like a discowith a well- dressed audience pulsating to a live bandand extra- ordinary lightshow. The entire scene hasthe aura of a fantastic but slightly decadent late nightNew York club. Drago stands in the ring. He solemnly eyesthe scene, drinking this strange environment with absolutedisdain. Beside him is Rimsky and the other cornerman,Cuban, Manuel Vega. Seated nearby is the sinister presence ofKolouff ...The spectators eye the Russian giant,the way theywould a caged bear..• Suddenly themusic changes andApollo C~eed is seen entering the room. Apollo is dressed as Uncle Sam, and striding throughthe crowdbehind a wall of smaller u~hers••• Rocky stands besideApollo. He appears concerned. Beside Rockyis Duke. Apollo is waving to the crowd with two small American flags. The crowd LOVES !T. •

APOLLO
(toR0ckyl God,it's great to be back• • • •

Apollo reaches theb~nd, jumps up w~th the players and to the crowd'sdelight, sings for a few seconds, ~hen hurries to the ring...Apollo has the ropes held open by Duke and climbsinto the ring.

APOLLO
(continuing;to Drago)
I.wantyou! I want you! ROCKY Save your energy.

(CONTI.NUEDI

39,

51 CONTINUED:

APOLLO
Relax, Stallion,it's just a show.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
. Ladies and gentlemen,welcome • . Tonight's fight isbeing brought • to you by Tiger EyePromotions••• •

51A

51.~ APOLLO'S CORNER

Apollo eyes the Russian across thering while flicking his jab into the air.

APOLLO
• • •We'lltake him•
ANNOUNCER
••• Before we go any further, l would like to announce the presence of a true fighting champion that defines the word courage -- The Stallion, Stallion Rocky Balboa!

Rocky smilesat Apollo.

ROCKY
...Excuse me.
APOLLO
Of course.

Rocky steps forw~rdand waves at the crowd.

The RINGSIDE TELEVISIONCOMMENTATORS adjust their head- phones and obser<JeRocky.

COMMENTATOR il The Great championfrom Philadelphia -- tonight helping in Apollo's corner.

COMMENTATOR 12
Truly an odd couple if there ever was one -- Almost asodd as this location.

51A CONTil-lUED: SlA

COMMENTATOR il Definitelya first.

Rocky returns to the corner.

PAULIE
• When do I getintroduced? •

.. ROCKY ••• Tomorrow.

From across the rin9 thegiant Russian eyes them.

ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen-- Tonight's special event featurestwo great athletes. In theblue corner weighing 221 pounds,the former heavyweight championof the world, The Dancin' Destroyer,the Count of Monte Fisto.
PAULIE
Think ya got enough nicknames?
ANNOUNCER
The future Master of Disaster, the one and only, Apollo creed.

Apollo settles down and the BELL·RINGS forsilence.

ANNOUNCER
(continuing)
In the red corner, weighing an even 261 pounds, gold medalist and the undefeated world amateur champion from the soviet Union -- making his ]lmericanboxing debut this evening, 'The Siberian Express,' Ivan Dragol

The crowdCHEERS mixed with a smattering of BOOS and Drago merely staresdeath-like at Apollo. Rocky moves closeto Apollo.

ROCKY

APOLLO
Fine, Stallion.

Rin9side-co1N11entator~.

tl.

51A

51A CONTINUED: (2)

COMMENTATOR tl The bad blood between these two can be felt all the way in the last row.

Apollo,Rocky.and Paulie move to the centerof the ring••• Likewise,the Russian corner, Drago never removeshis penetratingeyes from Apollo. His ferocious concentra- tion i~ unnerving.

• REFEJIBE You both know the rules --

The manager,Rimsky,·translates into Russian.

REFEREE
(continuin9)
I wanta clean fight, In the caseof a knockdown, go to a mutualcorner -- Good luck to you both.
DRAGO
(unnervingly)
You cannotwin • • • • APOLLO .•• Bring iton.

The Russian continues to stareeven more intently aff Apollo backs into his corner.

APOLLO
{continuing) Hurry up and ring the bell.

The Russian moves to his corner, stillnever breaking his stare•.• Rimsky gives the lastminute instruction in Russian.

Duke leansthrough the ropes for last-minuteinstrut:- tions.

DUKE
Just don't get crazy you're the man, you're the teacher.
APOLLO
Yeah-~ We're qonna do it, Stallion!

Rockynods -- Apollo tenses aa-tbe BELL RINGS.

(COtl'!'INUEO)

..-.

SlA CONTINUED; (3) SlA

The fighters move to thecenter of the ring and Apollo wastes no time inpushing five blinding jabs in the Russian's static stoicface.

SlB RINGS°iDE SlB

• • COMMENTATOR tl Apollo is ingreat form hitting the Russii!llllatwill.

SlC ROCKY IN THE CORNER SlC

ROCKY
... Keep stickingl

Apollo changes directionand continues to jab the Russian.

SlD

51D

RINGSIDE - THE RUSSIAN, :KOLOFF

coldly eyes the action.

SlE

SlE RUSSIAN'S CO:RNER

RIMSKY
(in Russian)
Right hand over the jab!!

Apollo hits the Russian twicemore when suddenly an ex- press train right hand explodes againsthis jaw,

Apollo staggers back, but the Russianis on him. The Russian bombs him with hooks and righthands, most of which land... Apollo is in trouble!

SlF APOLLO'S CORNER SlF

ROCKY
Tie him up! Hold him, Apollo!

51G CENTERRING SlG

Apollo attempts to clinch but in a displayof shocking strength,Drago breaks the grip and shovesApollo against theropes •..Apollo brilliantly slips undera thunderous hookand backpedals to the center of t~ering.

51H APOLLO'SCORNER 51H

• • ROCKY J>on'tstand there!

DUKE
(scre8!11s)
Move!

SlJ

SlJ CENTER RING

Apollo steps forwardand unleashes his best Sundaypunch in the centerof the Russian's face .••It barely stops the Russian's forwardmomentllmas the enraged Russian charges in for thekill.

SlK

511{ RUSSIAN'S CORNER

RIMSKY
(in Russian)
Knock himoutl Nowll

SlL

51L CENTER RI:NG

Apollo is valiant as he triesto ward off the attack••• The Russian is now loose, andboxing with deadly grace.

SlM

51M RINGSIDE COMMENTATORS

COMMENTATOR f1 The Russian has trappedCreed.

51N

511<1Cl::NTERRJ:NG

Apollo and the R~ssian stand toe-to-toe•••using more guts than brains. Apollo tries to tradewith the giant.

I SlP

51P APOLLO S COlmER

ROCKY
Don't trade with himll
PAULIE
Is he crazy!?

SlQ CENTERRING 510

Apollo manages toste? around Drago and drive an incredi- ble flurry of threepicture-perfect left/right combina- tions, but insteadof backing up for more punching room he insanely callsfor the Russian to come ahead for more.

The epraged Russiandances forward then steps to the side and smashes Apolloflush on the jaw with a sneaky right hand 4nd nearly crumplesthe former champion•

Apollo slumps against therope and the massive Russian moves in for the kill,

"SlR APOLLO'S CORNER SlR

ROCKY/PAUL'IE Grab him! Tiehim up!

SlRl

51R1 R'ING

The BELL RINGS and Apollo staggersto his corner as the Russian mocks him,

51R2

51R2 DAAGO'S CO:RNER

Drago returns to his corner with anair of supreme confi- dence. Rimsky speaks forcefully tohim in Russian, about how hard Apollo Creed hits... Drago givesa nonchalant shrug and eyes the stunned audience. •

51R3

SlRJ APOLLO'S COBNER

Apollo is slumped 011a stool, panting. His lefteye is swellingbadly.

DUKE
Let's call it! The fight's finished.
APOLLO
Nuthin' is finished!
DUKE
You can'tdo no more, champ.
APOLLO
1'm hereto fight.

(CONT1NUEO)

51R3 CONTINUED: 51R3

ROCKY
Re's killin' ya -- I gotta stop this.
APOLLO
(panting)
. Don't stop it! Promiseya : won't stop it. It's what I want --
ROCKY
Don't do this to mel
APOLLO
(rises)
I'm doin' it for me. Please, it's what I want,

51S RING 51S

TheBELL RINGS and once again Apollo is being crushedby the ferociousRussian, Granite hard blows raindown on Apollo. Life is progressively being pounded outof him.

51T

51T RINGSIDE

Apollo'swife screams out in fear.

MRS. CREED
Stopthis fight!

51U

51U RING

Apollo is now beingheld up by the Russian and hi~ lethal arching right handpunches down on the barely conscious Apollo.

SlV

51V RINGSIDE COMMENTATORS

COMMENTATOR f2 Why they haven'tstopped this fight is beyondmel?

APOLLO'S CORNER SlW 51W

Rocky is just about readyto throw the towel in ..•Adrian rushes up.

ADRIAN
Rocky, he's dyin'l

51X JUNG 51X

Apollo turns to his cornerand shakes his head -~no." Rocky looks at Duke,who yells, "Throw it.• Rocky looks back at Apollo and dropsthe towel to the floor. In a final display of raw fightinginstinct, Apollo rolls off the ropes and unleashes afinal flurry of jabs and hooks that manage to halt Drago'sbrutal assault momentarily and tbe crowd goes berserk.

.. ROCKY He hurt him!

DUKE
Hook_.;.Hook!

ADRillN Please stop thisll

CENTERRING SlY 51Y

Rather than run, Apollo chooses tohold his ground and° the Russian charges through Creed'spunches and nearly crushes Apollo's head with a killingright hand bomb••• Be hits the defenseless eharnpionwiththree more punches that nearly decapitate Creed .••TheReferee tries to step in to end it, but in a blind fury theRussian shoves hilll aside and delivers one final blow thathammers Apollo to the canvas. The back of his head collidesheavily against the ring floor.

51Z

51Z AUDIENCE

The CROWD BOOS at the outrage.

SlZl

SlZl APOLLO

Rocky andPaulie rush to Apollo, followed by the ringside PHYSICIANS.

51Z2 KOLOFF 51Z2

smiles dryly at the•1ictoryand nods his approval to Rimsky.

51Z3 RINGSIDE COMMENTATOR 51Z3

COMMENTATOR 11
There'sno movement by Creed!

47,

51Z4

51Z4 CENTERRING

Rocky removesApollo's mouthpiece.,, Reportersand cam- eramenhover around like vultures.

ROCKY
Let the doctor in here -- Back upll
52

• winner by knockout at .S2 of • the second round, Ivan Drago.

The furious crowdyells out its displeasure••• The vic- torious R11ssian addsinsultto injury by having a large Russian flagdraped around his shoulders. Rimsky guides him to the centerof the ring and grabs the announcer's microphone. He hands it to Drago. There is chaosin the ring.

DRAGO
(asprogrammed)
My name isDrago. X cannot be defeated.

Rocky is helping placeApollo on a stretcher.

PAULXE
Everybody getthe hell back!
DUKE
Move it.
ROCKY
Where's the arobulancel
DOCTOR
We've called for one.
ROCKY
There's not one here?l

A minicam glares in Rocky's face.

XNTERVIEWER
How is Rocky?
DUKE
Get out of here!

The camera remains filming Drago in centerring . ..-

DRAGO
Tonight I defeat an oldman -- An inferior Alllericanfighter.

51Z4 CONTINUED: 51Z4

Adrian catchesRocky's eye for a slicing glance.andthe emotional turmoilbetween the two is electric.

ROCKY
Get everybodyout of the wayl

Drago~in center ring .

• DRAGO Soon I defeatreal champion and soonwhole world will know my name: Dragol

Several minicams glaretheir harsh lights in Drago's face... The atmosphere'schaotic.

51Z5 1'POLLO'SRET\D SlZS

is being cradled in Rocky'slap.

ROCKY
(to Paulie)
Where's the stretcher?

SlAA

SlAA

thru

thru OMITTED

52A

52A

53

INT. ARENA - NIGHT

'REPORTER Did you ever think the fight would be so easy?

DRAGO
Yes -- He was old •••very weak.

53A

53A

INT. RING - NIGHT

Rocky is with Apollo who is at d~ath's door.

55

ROCKY

...Hold-on, Apollo -- you're strong. Believe it. If you can hear me, grab my hand. Grab it.

O~UTTED 54

56

INT. RING -NIGHT 55

'l'h•~pressinterviewwithDrago is still goingwith gr-eat en-::husiasm.

REPORTER t2 • • Drago, Apollo Creed appears to be invery serious condition. Any comment?

Drago looks atRimsky, who nods it is all right tospeak.

DRAGO
••..Ifhe dies_,he dies.

Drago eyes the confusionsurrounding Apollo and exits with Rimsky.

SSA

SSA RING

Rocky· isstill withApollo who is semi-conscious withhis eyes closed.

A second -- then thirdminicam followed by reporters and photographers surroundRocky and Apollo.

PAULIE
Get backl Get thehell back!
ROCKY
Get that light offhim.

'l'hesceneFADES FROMAN OVERHEADSHOT into:

SSB

ss:a EXT. FUNERAL- DAY lt is a misty day. Thirty mournerswatch as Apollo•s casket is being lowered into the grave•••Rocky stands with Adrian and Paulie.

Apollo's wife and two children are there. Also Duke, Apollo's trainer.

Rockyraises his ~yes from the descendingcasket and looksat Adrian .. ,Alsopresent are two televisionfilm crews.

Rockyplaces his heavyweight championship belton the cof:fin...Helooks back down as the coffin disappears from sight...His reddened eyes are set in a darkaura of vengeance.

·55B

SSB CONTINUED:

Rocky starts tomove away, He pauses in fro~t ofMrs. Creed.

ROCKY
... I'lllsorry.

Mrs. ~eed remainsfrozen with her eyes still downcast as Roc~.Ymoves away.

MRS. CREED
Why didn'tyou stop it?

Rocky pauses and turns. The camera crew faces them.

COMMENTATOR
Get a shot of this.

(softly) Why didn't you stop it-- He was your friend••• (almost to herself) Why didn't he?

Rocky is speechless, The television cameraswings onto him, Rocky is totally lost••,

ROCKY
. • •I_'msorry.

Rocky startsto move away. Adrian stepsup beside him.

ADRIAN
I know what you're thinking, don't let this happen •••What if ithappens to )'OU? It could, You're not a Superman, just aman, What if you end up the sameway -- Boxing has already killedyour two best friends. You"ve said before you were afraidof losing . everything,Rocky. Don't risk everything just tobeat that animal.
ROCKY
... got to.
ADRIAN
Why?

Sl.

SSB

SSB CONTINUED: ('Z)

ROCKY
(softly)
... I let ithappen.

Rocky turns away, leavingAdrian alone•

• SSC

SSC •

thru

61

EXT. OFFICE B:JILDING- NEW YORK- DAY

Traffic and city life abound as theCAMERA SLOWLY PJ\NSUP a New York skyscraper... Conversationis heard above the metropolitan DIN.

62 OMITTED

58

INT. UNITED ~OXI.NGFEDERATION CONFEM?LCEROOM- DAY 63

Rocky is seated in front of a GROUPOF FIVE MEN who sit likea gathering of the Spanish Inquisitionon one side of the table, as Rocky sits alone on theother •

...The atmosphere is tense.

COMMISSIONER il ...We've gone over the facts many times, Mr, Balboa, but the answer is still the same.

Rocky lookstired, despondent.

ROCKY
can'tyou change the rules?

COMMISSIONER i2 Under thepresent federation rulei,,a fi9htbetvteenyou and this Russian isnot and will not

59

BEPERMITTED.

Rocky shifts nervously inhis seat• ..-..

COMMISSIONER fl Let's be realistic-- The Russian -- he has yet tohave one legitimate professional fight. (MORE)

63 CONTINUED:

COMMISSIONER tl (CONT'D)· His bout with Creed was a publicity stuntthat backfired -- whether you want to believe it or not, Drago is still considered an amateur •

60

• ROCKY Itwas no amateur who beat Creed todeath.

COMMISSIONER 12
lt'sunfortunate these things happen,but they do.
COMMISSIONER 11
It was a fluke.

Rocky coldly eyesCommissioner fl.

COMMIS'SIONER13
Let's be rational. Once Drago moves up inthe rankings, and once he isin the top ten, you have ourblessings,

llOCKY That might be acouple of years.

COMMISSIONERtJ Yes, it could -- Butif it helps prevent another fatality,it's well worth it. The bestway to have boxing banned is tohave one more accident.

ROCKY
What you're really sayin' is you don't think I have achance, isn't it?

COMMISSIONER t3 What we're saying is why tempt £ate -- Let•s £~nd out more about this man -- So far, hP."S had one professional fight, and one man·is dead.

Rocky rises and heads to the door.

(CONTINU':':D)

53/54.

63 CONTINUED: (2)

COMMISSIONERfl Rocky, you want toknow the bottom line on all this. (in.sensitively} We have rules and everyonehas to abide by those rules.

• ROCKY • (pausing) There's gotta be a timewhen rules stop and people start.

Rocky exits.

64 OMITTED

61

INT.EANQUET ROOM - CLOSEUP - A WALL OFPHOTOGRAPHERS 65

- DAY

andhot glaring mini-cam lights.

The o~jectof their attention is Rocky,who sitsbehind a long table. At the other end is the Russiancontingent of Drago,Rim.skyand the ever-present Koloff.

Adrian sitsoff to the side.

_Rocky staressternly into the lights of theunrelenting cameras.

62

REPORTER 11

Rocky,is the decision final?

ROCKY
Yes.

llEPORTERf3 Rocky Rocky -- over here, please. ls thisthe first time a champion hasever given up his crown?

ROCKY
That I don'tknow.

CONTI.NUJ!D: 65

REPORTER 12
Doesn'tthe title mean anything toyou anymore?
ROCKY
It'smy life.

The Reporters shifttheir attention to the Russian sector"of the table.

REPORTER 14
We know you•veagreed to tak~ this fight. Do you think you're moving along tooquickly?

Why wait -- victorynow, victory later, itlllakesno difference.

REPORTERts But Rocky Balboawill have no official championshiptitle if you win, it will bea hollow victory•

63

,....''\

RIMSKY

V

The world knows he is thetrue ·champion-- When he is defeatedwe will be recognized as thebest in the world.

JIEPORTER13
Drago, you were criticized £or being overly aggressi•,ein your last fight -- any comment?
RIMSKY
You Americans are the most aggressive people in the world. You have no right to criticize anyone.

Paulie shakeshis head.

PAULIE
(low)
.•.COffll!lie,idiot.

Rocky gives him a sternlook.

REPORTER t6 Drago,any thoughts on this?

......... 56.

C:ONTINUEDi (2) 65

nilnskyquickly whispers inDrago's ear.

REPORTER 16
(continuing)
The question was for Drago.
RIMSRY
(snaps)
• • What do you sayl! That we c;iin not talk private?!

T.heReporter backs up. Rimsky looks towardsKoloff lthonods,

PRAGO
This will be an easy fight, no problem.

:REPORTERtS Considering Rocky's known punching power, why do you say easy?

RIMSK'l He is old-fashioned -- we're scientific. Drago is thirteen years younger and the most perfectly trained fighter ever, This other man has not the size or the staminaor the genetics to win. Itis physically impossible.

UPORTER fl Has the fight datebeen set?

ROCKY
In nine weeks, Decembertwenty-fifth.

:REPORTER12 On Christmas? WhyChristmas?

RIMSKY
It is what we want,

REPORTER i3 And whe·rewill it be?

RIMSKY
In Russia.

The room becomes a morass of confusion.

CONTINUED: (3) 6S

PAULIE
:i:shenuts?!

Adrian looks on in disbelief.

REPORTER13
~ Rocky, what'sgoing on?

Rocky just stares over at Drago.

REPORTER f2 Did you say Russia?

Paulie rubs his eyes.

PAULJ:E We ain't going over there?

REPORTER 14
Why Russia?.
RIMSKY
This country could never judge a fight fairly. We fi,,;htin Russia or we fight nowhere --
PAULIE
You bUl!ISsayin'this country ain't fair:?!

Rockyeyes Paulie who stands.

PAULJ:E (continuing) Let's see your liberty bell, pal!

RIMSKY
(standing)
Who isthat?!
PAULIE .
Who am I? I'm the unsilent Jnajority,that'swho I am.

REPORTER fl Rocky, Rocky1 Why did you agree to fight inRussia?

ROCKY
I'll go whereI have to.

Adrian lowers her head. Drago is motioned to by Rimsky, who is motioned toby Roloff to rise and depart. Drago and his people rise. He looksover at Rocky•

64

(CONTINUED)

·,

65 CONTINUED; (41

DRAGO
For you, I feel one thing.••

Rocky turnsand eyes Drago. Flashbulbs are reflecting off their faces.

65

• DRAGO lcontinuingI •••Pity.

The tense lookbetween the two rivals. FREEZE and--

DISSOLVE INTO;

65A

65A FRONT PAGE SPORTS PROTO

The caption reads, "GrudgeFight Set for Soviet Union.•

65B

65B OMITTED

66

EXT. ROCKY'S HOUSE -NIGHT

Rocky is carrying his son slungover his shoulder up the stairs..• It is bedtime. RockyJr. is in pajamas,

ROCKYJR.
It•·sstill early,
ROCKY
No it isn't.
ROCKY JR.
I don't want to go to sleep.
ROCKY
How are you going to grow?
ROCKY JR.
Take vitamins.
ROCKY
(smiles)
Wise guy,

ROCKY JR•

..- Daddy,everybody says you're

gonna fighta giant man.

67

-.. 59 .

ROCKY
Yeah,he's tall.
ROCKY JR.
Why?
ROCKY
• rt•ssomething r•ve got to do.

Rocky entershis son's room which is lit by a single lamp which revealsan array of neatly placed toys.

ROCKY JR.
Xids at school say you're gonna lose. They think you're gettin' tooold to fight.
ROCKY
r a111,believeme.
ROCKY JR.
I wantto fight, too .

..·--.

ROCKY
No way!
ROCKY JR.
Why not? You do it.
ROCKY
I do it, 'causeI have to I do it soyou won't have to. Understand?
ROCKY JR.
No.
ROCKY
.•. You will, I want you to use your head,not your hands to make a livin•• That's what would make111eproud,

~ocky k~sses h~& son undheads for thQ door.

ROCKY JR.
Daddy?
ROCKY
Yeah?

--

S9A.

66 CONTINUED: 121 66

68

KOCKYJR.

l.thinkyou'll win.

:ROCKY l.loveyou.

·. ROCKY JR. • you . .. l.love

Rocky turns out thebedroom light.

Rocky steps out intothe hallway and spies Acrian at the bottom of the staircase...they lock eyes for a fleeting moment, thenthey almost painfully step from each other's view.

JNT. GYM - DAY 67

Drago is seen in the antisepticconfines of his gym••• He is in the ring sparringwith a partner that resembles Rocky's stature.•. Hismanager yells at a precise mo- ment, and l.ikethe machi.neheis, he drops the hapless sparring dead in his tracks.

6B

68 OMITTED

69

INT. GYM AREA - CLOSE SHOT -ROCKY 69

enters the-gym. FLASHBULBS EXPLODE inhis face. The room is crowded with gym typesand many local mal.eand femal.ewell-wishers and·a contingentof children. A large flag is strung across the centerof the gym, and many of those present hold s111allAmericanflags,plus a couple of placards that read, "America 11,""Don't ~omb. send Rocky," "Beat the Bear," ~Prideof AJuerica,""U.S.A. All The way."

A powerful sungun attached to a portablemini-camera blares into Rocky's eyes.

ROCKY
Whgt is this?

Duke comes over and greets Rocky.

DOKE
Key, Rock -- graat to see ya.

59B.

CONTINUED: 69

ROCKY
• Thanks. How ya been? -- What isthis?
DUKE
Looks like ya got people crazy • aroundhere, .

An IVY LEAGUE-TYPESPORTSCASTER st~ps forward,,.Paulie enters and stepsbehi~d Rocky.

69 CONTINUED:•

SPORTSCASTER
Rocky,we're from.the Sports Channel. Canwe have a quick word with you?
ROCXY
I have towork now. . •• SPORTSCASTER • Let's talkabout it shall we -- Roll. We're here for what appears to be apep rally, but in truth, it is a gatheringof fi~ht fans and well-wishersfor Rocky Balboa. The reason? Today starts training for theRussian giant.
(to Rocky)
Rocky, you're here,back in the gym preparing to defenda title you·no longer possess-- why?
ROCKY
Just the way thingsworked out.

SPORTSCAS't'ER There•s been rumors tha·:.you totally peaked after you defeated ClUbber Lang and that you'reready t.obe taken.

PAULIE
That's a stupid questio11 F.efusecomment, Rocko.
ROCKY
...There's always a chance of losin',but, it's bow you lose.
SPORTSCASTER
Though theRussian is relatively unknown, theodds are even at this point --How do you feel about this totallack of confidence by thefight authorit:.ies?

ROC!cr That's ~he way it is.

SPORTSCASTER
Today's sports section has stated th~t you, being 38 years old •••
(MORE)

CONTJ.NUED: (2) 69

SPORTSCASTER(CONT'D)
... with aginglegs and over 75 hard professionalfights behind you that perhapsyou should have retired, and now withthis fight being set • on ChristmasDay and all, the whole event isbeing called 'The ImmaculateDeception'. Any • . feelings aboutit? .
ROCKY
Y'know, Paulie, isfunny how the si'U!leguysthatworkedhard buildin' ya up, work hardertearing ya down.
(to Sportscaster)
Thanks for comin' over,but I gotta go now.
SPORTSCASTER
One last thing -- Don't takethis wrong, but is the real reasonfor fi'ghtingthe Russian for.the glory or the guilt.

JtOCKY Guilt?

SPORTSCl<STER For what you let happen to Apollo Creed?

Rocky turnshis penetrating e~pression from the brash Sportscaster.

ROCKY
Ya pushin'real hard. Hope ya get a raise,
70

EXT. ROCKY'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

As Rocky pulls into his drivewayhe sees a group of WOMEN wearing red, white andblue ribbons on their coats. Rocky rolls down the window.

WOMAN
Mr, Balboa, we hope we'renot disturbing you, but we represent • 'The Sisters of the Revolution,' a group that upholds the American I.deals, And we would like to present you with an American Flag that has actually flown over the Capitol.

.....·.

70 CONTINUED;

ROCKY
Thankyou.
WOMAN
You'rewelcome and you're an inspiration.

.. ROCKY Thanks . •

WOMAN
Hope you knock hl.111out.

Rockynods and proceeds up the driveway.

PAIJL1E
Don't let it bother you. {picksup the car phone) Am I invited to dinner, or do I call out for pizza?
ROCKY
You're invited -- just watchya dinner talk.,
PAULIE
What's wrong with it?
ROCKY
... Adrian and the kid don't wanna hear about squirrels you run over aml things like that.
PAULIE
Fine, I'll just chew.
71

INT. ROCKY'S HOUSE - DUSK

Rocky and Paulie step through the kitchenand see Rocky Jr. making a colorful concoction in a drippingsalad bowl.

ROCI<'lJ.R. Hi, Dad.

ROCXY
Hi -- Whatta ya doing?

ROCKY JR, Making jello

(CO!lTINU.E:D)

CC·NTINUED: 71

ROCKY
Nice color Don't ya wish you could swim in somethinglike that? ROCKY JR. Oh, that's weird! ~

Adrian.enters.

• ADRIAN Rocky, I'm gladyou're home~ we have eompany.

ROCKY
Who?
ADRIAN
Two men from the StateDepartlllent.

Rocky steps out behind Adrian.•.Paulie lingers for a second and eyes the jello. He lightlygrabs the child's arm in gangster fashion.

PAULIE
Add some bananas anddon't ••• ask no questions.

72 LIVING ROOM Rocky enters the beautifully decorated, thougha bit overly racoco living room and TWO OFFICIAL LOOKING GENTLEMEN, one of medium height, middle forties,and the other, thicker, same age and pugnacious in appearance, put down their eoffee and rise.

ADRIAN
Rocky, this is Mr. Griffin and Mr, Holmes.

Rockynods.

GRIFFIN
Pleasure, Mr. Balboa -- I'm a big fan -- we both are.

HOLMES

GRIFFIN
Beautifplhome here -- you're a busyman so we'll get down to the reasonwe're here.

At this point, Pau1ieenters with a half-devoured Yankee Doodle ereroe-filledabominationin his hand. Behind him is the robot holding --beer.

(CONTINUED}

,2

72 CONTINUED:

The guestseye Paulie.

PAULIE
(holdsup Yankee Doodle)
Yo, Adrian, weren't thera two . Yankee Doodles left? • • • ADRIAN You hadone for breakfast, Paulie.
PAULIE
I had eggsand bacon.
ADRIAN
Eggs, bacon,and a Yankee Doodle,Paulie.
(tovisitors)
sorry.
HOLMES
I know you'rebusy so we'll get right tothe point. Th2 Bureau has been followingthe details of this fightfor quite awhile and quite simply,we have been asked to askyou, that you not go to Russia andpartake in a fight of thismagnitude under these circumstances. We believe that this typeof contest, you know, the typical us against them, can onlycause the countriesto move further apart and create further friction in relations.
(nervous smile)
Already people are calling it World War III.
ROCKY
I know what you're sayin',
GRIFFIN
Of course you do -- the controversy isonly going to grow, the national fervoris only going to grow, and if somethingvery unfortunate were tohappen --
HOLMES
Like ifyou lose.
72

65,

72 CONTINUED: (;!)

GRIFFIN
:Itc:ouldhappen.
HOLMES
And, with it would come tremendous international embarrassment and truthfully, .. at this stage of your career, • you don't need unnecessary embarrassment and humiliation, and neither does the country.
GR1FFIN
1'm going to be blunt -- of all the data we reviewed, along with the extensive computer readouts, it is conclusive that you're going to lose -- I mean, Mr, Balboa, let'sface it, you can't beat thecomputer.
ROCKY
Ne~er foughtone.
(stands)
Y'know, all Iwant to do is settle somethingfor me -- I don't want toembarrass this country or anybodyelse. :Ilove this country, it gaveme every- thing I got. But this fightis about punchin' not politics It's just between twoJ'IIEln.
HOLMES
:n:.•smoreinvolved than that, Mr, Balboa.
ADRIAN
No, it isn't -- like he said, this i~ just between Rocky and another man, no politics, no crowd pleasin'. He's given up peace of mind, and he's rc•dY to give up anythingto do this. And you haveno right to stop him, no matterwhat you think.
HOLMES
We can revokeyour passport.

Adrian gets up and leaves.

72 CONTINUED: (3)

PAULIE
He ain'tdoin' nothin' illegal soyou ain't revokin' nothin' andya not dealin' with moronshere -- you guys are state employeesand we're tax- payersand that means we pay you, •, so asya employer, I'm revokin' youses outta those chairs and outta thishouse.

Rocky smiles at Paulieand exits towards the kitchen. He passes Adrian headingin the opposite direction carrying an armful ofpressed clothing.

ROCKY
Thanks for standin'up for me in there.
ADRIAN
I don't believe inwhat you're doing, but they don'thave a right to stop you, either.

Adrian moves away and Rocky entersthe kitchan.

72A

72A KITCHEN Rocky steps in and sees his son staring sulldnlyat the bowl of Jello-0, which has several bananapeels nearby.

ROCKY
What's wrong?
ROCKY JR.
Uncle Paulie made me put bananas in it -- l hate bananas.
ROCKY
Yeah .•.someti.Jneslifecan be kindarough.
73

INT. RUSSIAN TRAININGROOM

Drago is hookedup toa computer readout machine by elec- trodes that are fastenedto his upper back••• He pounds away at al½ foot squarepressure plate located in the • center of a large suspendedheavy bag that is fastened by chains at the bottom and top. He bombards it with thun- derous blows.

ROCKY'S GYM - DAY 14

Flashbulbs burst from the largegathering of spectators who wave slogans and jockey for a betterposition to watch Rocky train.

Rocky is working the speed bag at a vengefulpace but cannot help being distracted by theexcited spectators •. ,Paulie,who is wearing a T-shirt thatreads Paulie on top• andin smaller le·::tersbelow,reads"a very importantperson.n He holds the towel, Duke holds the stopwatch.

'DUKE Time! Let's g2t threee rounds on the heavy bag,

Paulie,Rocky and Duke move towards theheavy bag.

PAUL:IE (eyes stopwatch) Yo, I can't tolerate all these people eyebal~in' -- how 'bout you?

ROCKY
(catchingbreath)
Ya talk to Adrian lately?

PAUL:IE Hey, she'sboring lately -- If I was you I'dmark a day on the calendar,like every two weeks and giveher a crack in the mouth -- tha·tteaches.

ROCKY
Teaches what?
PAULIE
Respect, pal.
ROCKY
Ya gotta very twisted personality, Paulie -- Y'know, she's gonna have another kid.
PAULIE
No.

Yeah.

PAULIE
When do you get the time?

74 CONTINUED:

Just then, agroup of five OLDER MEN dressed in the garb of the localVeterans of Foreign Wars outfits step forward.

VETERAN
Rocky. Some of the local vets ·. around here would like to give you this here --

Hehands over a symbolic hat like they all arewearing.

VETERAN
(continuing)
-- And we hope you knock the hell out of him, for Americaand local Veterans of ForeignWars.
ROCKY
••• Thanks, but I•m
VETERAN
(overriding)
Let's have a picturewith you -- Bob, take it.

Before Rocky can object, the groupof men line up behind hi111.Each one holds a small flagon a stick over Rocky's head and a FLASH goes off...Paulie's expression reflects his growing sympathy for Rocky'splight,

75

EXT. ROCKY'S HOOSE - NIGHT

Rocky and Paulie veer from the streetand head int~ the driveway. Out in front of thedriveway is a gathering of twenty people, Several have flags. They begin to cheer as Rocky enters. •

PAULIE
And r thought r had a lotta pressure.
FANS
wa love ya, Rock! --Beat him, Rock? -- How 'bout anautograph, champ -- Hey, Rock,give my kid a kiss, come on,maxe bim a winner!

Rocky forces a smile buthis eyesare vacant, The scene slowly DISSOLVES THROUGHthe franticfans.

76

EXT. ROCKY'SHOME - NIGHT

The large home isdark except for one light on ~nthe downstairswindow.

77

INT. DEN -NIGHT

The C1!MERAPANS AROUNDthe many lovely possessions and array of awards andfinally comes to SETTLE ON Rocky who is silhouettedby thelight emanating from a single lamp ...Rocky isputting away his awards into boxes.

Adrian enters dressedin a houseco~t and obviously just awakened.

ADRIAN
ROcky -- ?
ROCKY
• • •Yeah . ADRIAN Are you all right?

She moves doeper into the room,

ROClCY ..• Yeah. I'm just puttin' this s1:uffaway.

ADRIAN
Why?
ROCKY
They remind me of thin9s, y'know, I did inthe past -- I just wanna thinkabout what I gott.ado now.
ADRIAN
You don't haveto do anything.
ROCKY
... I gotta leave here,Adrian• N)l{:tAN Why?
ROCKY
(gently)
I can't get ready here. Too many things interruptin'

CONTINUED: 77

ADRIAN
Then findanother gym.
ROCKY
It's not thegym -- it's here. I gotta getall this off my . mind . •. • ADRIAN All this? You mean your family,

Rocky does not answer.

IIDRIAN
(continuing)
So where areyou going?
ROCKY
They're gonna letme train in Russia. I wanna trainwhere there's nobody I know.
77

M>RIAN

Rocky, don't do this. Give it some till\e.

ROCKY
I don't have so111uchtime.
ADRIAN
You're not the only one who lives with hurt. Lots of people do.
ROCKY
A lotta people don't have a choice, I do.
ADRIAN
And for that you're willing to maybe lose·everythingl
ROCKY
I can'tlive feelin' like I do inside. I gotta get it out.
ADRIAN
You're theone who's keepin' this revengething going! When Apollo foughtit wasn't for vengeance, itwas for a cause.
(MORE)

· (CONTINUED}

CONTINUED: (2) 77

ADRIAN (CONT'D)
Rocky. please don't do this to yourself. After all the hell you've been through, you'd think you'd had enough. If you don't care about me, care about your • son and the baby. .. • ROCKY I do --
ADRIAN
Then don't throw it all away. Before there were reasons for fightingI could understand, but thisl can'tl 1 can't understand. Because even if youwin, what have you won? Apollo'sstill gone •••Why can'tyou change your way of thinking? Everyone else does!

ROCKY

...-...'• •cause I'm a f:i.ghter.ldidn't -··· ask to be one,but that's what ~J I am. That's ~heway I'm made.

That's what youmarried. Sometimes I wit:hIwas like other people, 1,utI 'm not.We can't change what we real.lyare. You can change the outside,but not the inside.

71DRIAN But you can't win -- you've seen what ne can do -- you read what the papers say. Everyone thinks it's suicide.

ROCKY
No, I can't beat Drago on speed, on power,on nothing, Adrian. The only thing I can do is take everythinghe's got and ask for more -- 'Causeto bQa~ me1 he's gonna haveto kill me and ·;.odo that hehas to have the heart to stand infront of me -- to do that,he has to be willin' to die himself. Is he?

Rocky exits the room, leav.i.ngAdrianalonein hf-r despair.

78

EXT.ROCKY'S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - MORNING

Pauliestands at the rear of a limo,watching the bags being loadedinto the trunk.

PAULIE
(todriver)
Careful with the plaid ones -- they're mine . ... •
79

INT.ROCKY JR.'S BEDROOM - MORNING

Rocky sitsat the side of his son's bed.

The CAMERASLOWLY DOLLI~S IN on the scene.

ROCKY JR.
When will you be back?
ROCKY
Soon as I can,
ROCKY JR.
Are you scared?
ROCKY
No.
ROCKY JR.
Yes you are -- a little maybe?
ROCKY
Would yoube?
ROCKY JR.
If a huge giantwanted to beat me up, I'd be realscared.
ROCKY
The truth is, sometimesI get scared, and I'm sobeat-up I can't lift my armsno more and hurtin' somuch I'm hoping the other guy knocksme out so it all goes away -- But there's another part of me that isnot scared, that wants to takemore, to go one more round -- 'cause going that one more roundwhen ya don't think you can, iswhat will make the difference in your life.
(MORE)

79 CONTI.NUED:

ROCKY (CONT'l>I
(strokeschild's headl Ya know,when ya get older, ya gonna haveto do some things that everybodyelse thinks is ·. wrong. But it'll be right for .. you -- andyou've got to do it• • Understand? And remember, Daddy loves youmore than anything in the world. Always remember that, okay?

ROCKYJR • • • .Okay.

They embrace as the scene ends.

I.NT.ROCKY'S STAI.RCASE- MORNI.NG 80

Rocky comes down holding his coat. Adrian is waiting at the bottom.

ROCKY
Well, I.guess this is it.

Adriannods,

I.can'tmake you stay?

Adrian slowly shakesher head no. Rocky embraces her and they kiss.

PAULI.E (O,S.I
come on! The meter's running.

I.love you.

AOR.11\N Oh, Rocky, I.don'twant you • to yo -- F1e~~e dcn•t.

ROCKY
Remember once I.told ya I'd never ask you to stop being a woman -- Don't ask me to stop being a man.
81

-.

80 CONTINUED:

Rocky turns and enters the limo ...Adrianstares:de- featedly at the departure.

80.l\

BOA OMITTED

81

EXT. LITNINGRADAIRPORT - DAY

A massive 747 jumbo jet sets down onthe runway.

82

EXT. IJ:RPORTFRC►NTENTRANCE - DAY

A.pair of GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS exit theterminal followed by Rocky, Paulie and Duke, the Cutman.

Rocky is wearing a heavy short jacket, lesssartorial and more earthy, whereas Paulie is wearingan overly thickinsulated worn-out jacket with "NationalRifle Association" and a flag embroidered on theback •••On hishead is a Philadelphia Eagles wool capwhich is perchedabout a pair of fake dirty white rabbitearmuffs •

84

·- .. DUKE ISALSO THERE IN A HEAVY WOOL JACKET.

PAULIE
This is Russia -- It don't look so tough.
ROCKY
You tookAdrian's earmuffs, didn'tya'2
PAULIE
They lookbetter on me.
ROCKY
How ya feelin', Duke?
DUKE
Good, but cold, man.

They ~rrive at a dark car. The GovernmontOfficials standwaiting.

OFFICIAL 11
Mr. Balboa?

7S.

82• CONTI.NUED: 82

ROCKY
Yeah.
OFFICIAL 11
(cold)
.. We will take you toyour quarters .. now~- your bags willbe brought after they havebeen cleared -- • please get in now.
PAULIE
(low to Rocky)
Guy sounds like Dracula'sbrother.

Rocky eyes the expressionless Officialand disappears into the auto.

85

EXT. COUNTRY HOUSE- DAY 83

The car pulls up to a rather plain lookingfarmhouse with an overwhelming aura of loneliness•••A second dark ........ car pulls in behind Rocky's car, but thetwo occupants remain inside.

OFFICIAL
(gestures at house} Like you requested, yes?

Rockynods.

PAULI.E
You asked for this dump?
ROCKY
Yeah.
PAULIE
Why? You plan on growin' potatoesor something?
ROCKY
I justwanna be away from things.
PAULIE
What a depressin'vacation.
OFFICIAL
The equipment you requested is in the barn -- thisway.·

83 CONT.INUED:

They walk towards a largebarn •..Rocky gestures at the two men seated in the trailingcar.

ROCKY
Who are they?
OFFICIAL
They are assigned toyou . • Official chaper,:mes,yes? Where you go, they go.
84

IN'I'.BABN- DAY

The barn door opens and all themen are FRAMED in the backlit entryway.

I •hopethis is satisfactory.

Rockysteps forward for a closer loo~ at thedull, op- pressive interior, In the room is a heavybag,·speed bag, and a double end bag.

Sb.aftsoflight from high ventil.ationwindowsprovide a most secularaura.

PAULIE
I'mhavin' a bad dream here.
ROCKY
(toofficial)
, , •::ttIsokay. PAULIE Okay for a retardedreindeer This is beneath human standards here. compl~in, willya •• , We'll crack out here! DUKE When do the sparring partners get here?
OFFICIAL
I do not ~nverstond~ We pr~~ide no sparring partners,
DUKE
We were supposed to have them
OFFICIAL
This I don• tJu.ow,but you have everythingI have been instructed toprovide -- ~e are done, yes.

CONTINUED: 84

PAULIE
What about sparring?-- I mean I'd sparwith ya, but I'd lose control.
ROCKY
• We don't needit, •

Rocky looks at the gymand starts to move out.

Rocky steps outside and seesthe two policemen still sea·r;edinthe dark justwatching. The ·twolock stares for a moment.

JtOCICY· (continuing; turningaway) Let's go_.

85

INT. RUSSIAN HOUSE - BEDROOM -DAY

On the mirror are pictures ofAdrian, Rocky Jr., and off to the side, Drago. Rocky stepsINTO VIEW and studies it with intense concentration,then moves away.

Rocky steps out of his spartan bedroom.

86

EXT. RUSSIAN HOUSE - DAY

Rocky steps outside. Paulie is waitingwith Duke••• In theb.g. are the two policemen.

PAULIE
Don't those bwas ever get tired?
ROCKY
They'redoin' their job.
(toDuke)
we better start.

Moves away.

PAULIE
Start what? No sparring,no nothin' -- How canhe train like this?

--·-

Dlll<E 'Cause whathe• sgotta trzdn don't needsparrin' -- He's gotta train what'sin here.

Gestures to his heart.

PAULIE
To do what? .. 1 DUKE . . .To notcare.

,BEGINTRAINING MONTAGE:

87

EXT.FLATLAND - DAY

Rocky is·seenrunning across barrP.nfrozen flatland•••a tiny figureall alone... the CAl-1ERAPANS and.REVEALSthe secretpolice watching...

90

INT.GYM 88

Drago is seenon a treadmill running in the sterilecon- fines ofhis gym. ------

89

INT. BARN

Rocky is poundingaway at the heavy bag in the darkbarn. A large log firein the center of the barn blazes and turns·thebarn into a sweat box.

90

INT. GYM

Drago hits the heavybag with such force that it takes two men to hold it steady.

91

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Rocky is seen chopping wood alone,

92

1NT. GYM - DAY

Drago is working pn a modern pieceof Nautilus-type exer- cise equipment... His pulse andblood pressure are being monitored by fastened electrodeswhich read out on the computex-.

92A

EXT. BARN - DAY

Rocky is loading rocks into an old, formerlyhorsedrawn sled.

..-..

928

EXT. SNOW TRAIL -DAY

92:S

Rocky is seenpulling the incredibly heavy and cumber- some sled along theflatlands.

93

INT.BA.RN

Rocky•~s doingincline sit-ups while Duke pounds his stomachwith a medicine ball.

94

INT.GYM

Drago isusing a high-tech machine that is chromewith water-filled cannisters for his legs. He performsthe dramatic st.retchingexercise with great power.

9S

INT.ROCKY'S BEDROOM - NLGLI'L' 95

A single lamp on the dresser shows Rocky staringat the photograph of Drago.

96 BXT. ROAD 96

Rocky passes several farmhouses in the bittermorning cold ...a pair of Russian peasants leading acow, stare as he passes...

97

INT. GYM - DAY

Drago is using the speed bag with great fluidmovement.

98 •EXT.FIELD 98

Rocky pulls the sled across another snow-coveredfield. His face is wind-burned and ice has formed onhis eye- brows and strands of hair that hang beneathhis wool cap.

J:NT.CY.M 99

Drago is sparring. After several flicking jabs,he pul- verizes a hapless sparring partner with a singleright hand. ,•·-.

100

INT. BARN

nocky jumps rope and runs backwards and forwardswhile spinning.

Rocky hits thespeed bag. Rocky climbs athick hemp rope hanging from a be·am twenty feetoverhead. Rocky doespull-ups behind his neck. Rocky_ducks underneatha rope held taut by Duke.

100A

INT. BEDROOM -NIGHT

Rocky removesAdrian's picture from the mirror.

103

INT. GYM 101

Drago uses a modernwater ma.chinefor behind the neck presses. Drago sprints harderon the incline treadlllill. Drago is being rubbeddown by two trainers. Drago floors another sparringpartner with ease.

102

EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE

Rocky is seen pulling the sledup the torturous incline, until he buckles from exhaustion.

103

INT. BEDROOM - NIGBT

Rocky removes Rocky Jr.'s;picturefrom the mirror. Only Drago's picture remains. Rocky'sbearded and shadowed face stares at his rival with intenseconcentration.

104

INT. BARN - NIGHT

In the flames given off by the intense logfire, Rocky is seen doing handstand pushups against theb~rn wall.

105

EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE

Rocky is seen pulling the rock-filled sled furtherup themountain.

106

EXT. WOODS

Rockychops furiously at a massive tree.

107

EXT.MOUNTAINSIDE

Rocky continuesto ascend with the sled. His body is being pushed tothe limit.

110

INT. BARN 108

Rocky insanely assaults theheavy bag. Paulie can barely hang ~n.

109

EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE

Rocky is nearly at its peakwith thesled.

110

INT. BARN

Rocky elirnbsto the top of the ropeand slaps the beam.

113

EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE 111

Rocky finally reaches the top of theawesome hill and breathing as though he were goingto explode, stares down into the valley below with chillingdefiance••• He hoists the massive sled onto its side and sendsit spilling into space.

ROCKY
Dddrraaa999ooooooo!l

The Russian's name 'REVERBERATESDOWN themountain as thestone plUlllllletstoearth.BND TRAININGMONTAGE.

112 OMIT1'ED

112A

112A

EXT.RUSSI1'NHOUSE - DAY

Rockyhas returned home after his grueling ordealof training. As he approaches the house, the door opens and Adrian stepsout.· She is beautifully dressed ina fur coat andhat, a stark contrast to Rocky's garments. ROcky stops at thesight of her, then almost timidly approaches. Adrian is taken aback by the hardened and worn expressionon her husband's face.

ADlll:AN I couldn't stayaway any more.

Rocky nods and moves closer,but his expression stays the same.

ADRIAN
(continuing)
1 missed you somuch.
115

ROCKY

,.. I missed you, ADR'IAN I'm with you no matter what? ROCKY No matter what?

112A CONTINUED: 1·.2A

ADRIAN
No matter what.

Rockykisses her and the SCENE FADES.

and

and OlilTTJ:P

114 •

115

EXT.RUSSIAN SPORTS ARENA - NIGHT

People garbedin their heavy winter clothing, fileinto the thicklyconstructed arena.

116

INT.ARENA

The arena ismostly packed with native Russians. soviet symbols andposters of past political leaders hang in every cornerof the dark arena. One particularlymassive red flagwith the Soviet Hammer and Sickle is stretched across theprivate box of the highest ranking Soviet officials. We see RINGSIDECOMMENTATORS from Japan, south America, England, Italy, and,of course, Ame·rica.

DRAGO'S HANDS 117

INT, DRAGO'S DRESSINGROOM- CLOSEtlP -

being taped.

CLOSEtlP -ROCl<Y'S 118 DRESSING ROOM- EXTREME:

118

INT. ROCKY'S

HAUD

A FLASH Cl.ITofhis eyes.

being taped.

119

INT. DRAGO'S DRESSING ROOM

Orago's back muscles are being greasedup.

120 INT,ROCKY'S DRESSING ROOM Rocky's back and arms are being greased up.

121 ARENARINGSIDE The pair ofAMERZCAN COMMENTATORS face a portable tele- vision camera.

COMMENTATOR 11
Well, good evening, ladies and gentle· men fromaround the world, welcome to whatwill be the most widely watched ringbattle in history -- the 'Iron Horse' fromAmerica, Rocky Balboa, taking onthe 'SiberianExpress,' Ivan Drago, inwhat has been touted as a mini-WorldWar III.
122

INT.DRAGO'S DJU:SSLNGROOM

Drago stands in front of the mirrorsnapping out punches. He pauses, take~ a deep breath and spitsin disdain.

123

INT, ROCKY'S DRESSING ROOM - MATCHCUT

From ~he preceding scene, finds Rockypraying alone in the lavatory. Once done, he rises andcrosses to Adrian at thEidoorway.

ROCKY
It:'11 beall right• • • •
PAULIE
Yo, Rocke --
ROCKY
• • •Yeah .
PAULIE
Listen, I know ya kinda busy now, but I just wanna tell ya something I never told ya. What :lseen ya do here, what I seen ya give up, and what ya gotta do next -- all this, y'Jcnow, makes you look great to me -- I know 1 act stupid sometimes and say stupid things, but you letting me stay with ya all these years, a lotta people woulda just said get ridda that bum, but ya give me respect -- It'shard to say these things •causeI'm not this way, but if Icould un~ip myself and step outand be somebody else, I'd wannabe you •••Ya all heart,Rocke.

:ROCKY Thanks, Paulie.

'PAULIE Hey, Rocke...Beat the guy's brains in.

122

INT. ARENA - VARIOUS SHOTS 124

A SHOT of the Italian commentatorsspeaking.

A SHOT of the Japanesecommentators speaking.

A CLOSEUPof the A!llericanCommentatorsspeaking.

COMMENTATOR j2 Rumor has it,Rocky trained .. himself fer thisfight, but as strong as he may be,his • strength iscertainly dwarfed by Drago'smassiveness.

l.24A OMITTED 124A

124Al ROCKY'SBOUSE 124Al

Rocky, Jr. and several ofhis friends are glued around the television.

ROCKY JR.

':.

Does anybodywant to bet?

124A2

124A2 COMMENTATOR fl

COMMENTATOR #1 Drago's power iswithout question, as evidenced by the tragedyof Apollo Creed -- Balboamay be ready, but with speed, ageand size against him, ~ost experts have Balboa on the losing end, I might note this is themost widely viewed sporting event in recent history. Streetshere and in America are virtually empty.

124A3

124A3 INT.ARENA

The SOUND of BOO~NG and piercing WHISTLES cutthrough the arena.

COMMENTATOR il One of the fighters -- yes, the ex-champ Rocky Balboa is making his way down to the ring... listen to this crowd!

124A4 CROWD - SEVERALDIFFEl'tENTANGLES 124A4

123

:JEERINGROCKY.

Rocky, Paulie andDuke move forward.

COMMENTATOR 12
We knew hewouldn't be popular .. but thisborders on pure hatred, folks! •

Rocky, Paulie andDuke head past the hostile crowd to the ring... Rocky stares straightas though in a trance.

COMMENTATOR 11
Rocky's faceis like stone -- It seems thebooing crowd has no effect onhis concentration.

Rocky glances up at thehuge red Soviet flag that hangs above the dignitaries'box and locks eyes with the Soviet Prime Minister.

COMMENTATOR 12
The ex-champhas a look tonight that couldburn through lead.

Rocky passes the Commenta~orand enters the ring and the BOOINGescalates.

COMMENTATOR 12
(continuing)
This crowd sounds insane.

COMMENTATORfl It has to be kotheringthe ex-chall\p.

COMMENTATOR t2 If it is, he's not showing it, I've never seen such tension at a sporting event.

Rocky shakes his muscles loose and ignoresthe JEERING.

Just then the jeering turns to CHEERSas Drago and com- pany enter the ~rena... all present riseand the RUSSIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM is PLAYED,

Drago is a towering structure of confidence,

124

~........ 86 .

l24A4 CONTINUED~ (2)

Rockywatches Drago approaching and his facetightens with anticipation.

As Drago passes the dignitaries'box, he nods his head in respect an~ continues on.

·-

l24A5RING • 124A5

Drago enters the ring and glares at Rockyas he grace-- fully shakes his muscles loose.

CUTS of the Russian ringside Sportscasterspeaking rapidly.

CUTS of the South American SportsAnnouncer speaking.

American Cor.1111entator.

COMMEl~TATORI1 Look at those expressions -- This is like waiting for a volcano to explode.

COl'lMENTATOR12 It sure is.

124A6RING 124A6

Paulie rubs Rocky's back.

PAULIE
Ya goin' al~ the way tonight, aocko.
ROCKY
All the way.

TheRussian spectators start a droning CHAHT,resembling the typeheard at soccer games and the arena wallsREVER- BERATE.

Drago waves tothe packed house and removes his robe. On the cornerof his dark maroon trunks is the Russiansym- bolof thehammer and sickle.

TheBELL isRUNG and both fighters are summoned intothe center ofthe ring by the Referee... the CHANTINGMOUNTS.

REFEl'mE (inRussian) Fight clean, break clean

124A6

124A6 CONTINUED:

PAUL'.!=E Tonight's your night.

REFEREE
•..go to a neutral corner during aknockdown -- now fight• •• PAULI.E • (toReferee) • Try speakin'.American,ace.

124A7 INT. ROCRY'SHOUSE - NI.GHT 124A7

Rocky Jr. sits·withhis FllENDS.

ROCKY JR.
That'smy dad. FRIEND We know,you said that ten t!mes!

124A8

124A8 BACK TO RING

Drago glares at Rocky.

DRAGO
•••I.will ~reak you.
ROCKY
••. Go for it.

Rocky returns t~ his corner;Drago to his,

124A9

124A9 DRAGO'S CORNER

Rimsky the manager steps out of thering while addressing the Russian fighter.

RIMS!cr (subtitled) The world is watching --you must beat him. You must disgrace him!

124B

124B ROCKY'S CORNER

Rocky shakes his neck loose as Paulie loosensRo~ky's robe.

Dlll(E You're the man, Rock. There•~ no better -- do what ya come to dol Do it.

l24B ·CONTINUED: 124B

Rockynods and sees Adrian sitting in a designatedfront row seat.

Rocky finallyhas his robe removed beneathwhile he is wearingApollo Creed's red, white and blue trunks•••The arena goesinsane at the patriotic sight.

ROCKY
• Now we know one t.hing.
DUKE
What?
ROCKY
Nobody here is color blind.

Rocky glancesat Adrian, then quickly bends to oneknee and makes the signof the cross..• He rises and locks his combativeeyes with Drago, who smirks in disdain.

The BELL RINGS.

Rocky fires outof his corner and the big Russian circles to the side flashingstiff jabs and keeping Rocky off- balance.

the body, Drago con-

As Rocky continues to flailaway at

He clearly is not

tinues to bomb the Italianat will. intimidated by his opponentat all.

PAULIE
Go after him, Rockol

Rocky leaps up and cracks Dragowith a murderous right hook, but the Russian merely shrugsit off and smirks••• The crowd GOES WILD.

124Bl

124BlOMITTED

12482

12492RINGSIDE COMMENTATORS

COMMENTATOR 11
Rocky comes firing from his corner, but is met with stiff opposition ...The Russian, with massive reach, is keeping the Philly Slugger off balance.

COMMENTATOR ii2 Rocky justpulverized Drago with a leapinghook -- •

(CONTINUED}

124B2

124B2 CONTINUED:

COMMENTATOR fl And Drago justsmiled!!!

Rocky goes after theRussian with a vengeance, but to no avail.

Adrian's expressionis brimming with concern.

Drago •.1sbeing.CHEEREDonby the rabid spectators, and responds by catching Rockyoff guard and commences with a vicious assault thatnearly topples Rocky. The crowd leaps to their feet as one.

Adrian is on her feet.

ADRIAN
Back up!ll

Paulie and Duke are frantic.

DUKE
Christ, tie him upl

The Commentators are flushed with excitement.

COMMENTATOR fl Rocky's hurt! ~e woke the giant up and is paying the price!

COMMENTATOR f2 He's cut, too!

In the centerof the ring, Rocky is trying to remain upright, but thebombardment is intensifying·. Rocky is knocked down.

COMMENTATOR tl The e~-champ isdown!

The crowd leaps to their feet.

Rocky rises and motions th~the is all right••• Drago 1110ckshim. Drago attacks,

Rocky now employs the skill he learnedfrom Apollo creed. with deft; quick movements,he evades the majority of orago's blows and seems tobe successfully weathering the storm... Suddenly he ispounded down again. Rocky is stunned, but rises tohis feet. The crowd's CRAZED.

(CONTINUEIJ)

124B2

12482CONTINUED: (21

COMMENTATOR f2 Rocky was smashed to the canvas.

COMMENTATOR ll But he wants more!

.. ADRIAN • Rocky, don't! •

RilllskymotionstoDrago to ~ove in for the kill,

124BJ

124B3 RINGSIOE

SOUTH 11MERJ:C1'NCOMMENTATOR {inSpanish) Magnificent offense by Dragol

12484

124B4 INT. ROCKY'SHOUSE NIGHT

Rocky Jr. in frontcf the television.

AMEIUCAN COMMENTATOR (V ,O.)
Amazing --Balboa has taken Drago'&heavy bombs and is running forhis life.
FRIEND
Your dad's getting smashed.

124BS

l24B5 RING Drag<>,with unexpected speed, attemptsto cut off the ring and corner Rocky.•. Rocky miraculouslyslips out of the corner and whips a powerful three-punchcombina-· tion into Drago's stoma.ch•••

12486RINGSIDE 124B6

PAULIE
Go, Rockol Beat his asslll

1?4B7 RING 12487

Rocky side-stepsa whistling hook and drives another series of bodyblows into Drago.

l24B8 RINGS.IDE 12(B8

ADRIAN
Get him!

124B9 DRAGO'S CORNER 124B9

The ~nager, Rimsky, isgoing insane•

• • RIMSKY (in Russian) Defense, you fool!ll Defense!!!

·124C RING

Rocky appears to be gettingthe upper hand, and Drago's face becomes more maniacal.

121Cl

124Cl DRAGO'S CORNER

RIMSKY
Don't wait! Attack!11

~-~-~ ' 124C2 ~J 124C2 RING

As if a button for computerized frenzyhas been pushed, Drago unleashes a violent fist-sto:a.1thatsendsRocky reeling backwards and into a corner. Rocky is dropped again. Rocky shakes it off and rises to faceDrago.

l24C3

l24C3RINGSIDE

COMMENTATOR il (V.O.) The southpaw is in serious trouble -- If they don't stop this, someone's going to get killed.

124C3A

l24C3A ROCKY'S CORNER

Adr~an moves toPa~lie.

ADRIAN
Stop it, Paulie!

Rocky nods he's all rightto his corner.

l24C3ACONTINUED: 124C3A

DUKE
Don't

l24C3BDRAGO'S CORNER 124C3B

Rims~ is very incensed at Rocky's resiliency•

• RlMSKY Destroy him! What is wrong!

Drago flushes with embarrassment.

l24C4

124C4R:tNG

Dragocharges and rains blow after blow on Rockyand severaltimes Rocky's knees buckle. When all appears lost,the BELL RINGS.

Dragoglares at Rocky with undiluted hatred.

DRAGO
...1 will kill you!

The audience startsa groaning CHANT, repeating Drago's name over and overwith mounting intensity.

124C5

124C5 ROCKY'S CORNER

Paulie and Duke guidehim to his seat.

DUD
Give him water! What's happenin' out there?!
ROCKY
lie•swinnin•.

124C6

124C6 DRAGO'S CORNER

Rimsky stands directly in front ofDrago as the corner- men attend the fighter... Dialogue isSUBT1TLED.

l24C6 CONTINUED: 124C6

JaMSKY • (inRussian) You are notdoing as you're toldl. He issmall, he is weakl You are the strongest!

Drago:nod~ and staresacross the ring at Rocky•

l24C7 ROCKY'S CORNER 124C7

DUKE
Stay in his face-- he'll tire out. He's neverbeen hurt! You hurt himyou'll take his heart. Give himthe hurt!

124C8

124C8 RINGSIDE

Ad.:i.,rn3H:siontheedge ofher chair, lost in a vortex

of confusion. She starts torise: reconsiders, then resits... The BELL RJ:NGS.

The audience's CHANT continues to111ount.

l24C9 RINGSIDE 124C9

COMMENTATOR tl There's the bell for round two of this one-sided battle!

COMMENTATOR f2 It will take more than luck for Rocky to survive this ro1,1J1d.

1240

l24D RING

Rocky firesout of his corner with renewed ener\jYI

DUKE

Rocky explodes intoDrago's body with both fists pound- ing like rampagingpistons.•. Drago is startled ~nd moves backwards.

12401 DIGNITARIES'BOX 12401

All thehigh-ranking officials' faces showconcern•••

124t>2RING 124D2

Rocky slipsDrago's countering lethal jabs andcontinues his ij~isteringpace ...The~udience is angry andVOCAL•

• 124D3

124D3 RINGSIDE

PAtrt,IE Take his heart, P,,ckol

124D4

12404

ANOTHER ANGLE - !UNGSIDE

Adrian looks revitalized.

ADRIAN
(low)
Please.

Rocky tries to bull ahead,but Drago holds him off with a painful straight righthand. Rocky wades through its conci.siveforce and maintainshis assault.

124D5

124DS

INT.ROCKY'S HOUSE - NIGBR

are jumpingup and down.

RockyJr. and group. The kids

COMl-lENTATOR12(V,0.) Rocky is tearing holes tllrough the Russian!

ROCKY JR.
Incredible.

12406

12406 RING Rocky continuesto fight like a mongoose againsta cobra. He lunges forwar~with a single violent col!lbination,then leaps backbefore Drago can effectively counter.

12407

12407 JWCKY'S CORNER

Paulie is ecstatic,

PAUi:.::E Chop himdownlll

95•

127

,···-.

124DB THE CROWD 124DB

The majority of the audience is standing and JEERING.

124D9 RING 124D9

Rocky's attack is suddenly halted by a frenzied counter atta~k that has Rocky stunned and reeling backwards ••• The crowd CHEERS. Though stunned, Rocky halts his back- ward momentum and tears back into the Russian.

Drago's force is seen in all its terrifying agility as he nearly.de~apitates Rocky with a series of ring-hand bombs.

124E ROCKY'S CORNER 124E

DUD
Stay with himl

124El RINGSIDE 124El

124E2

124E2 RING

Though very hurt, Rocky stayswith the vicious Russian, staggering, swaying, bouncing off the ropes, but taking the big man's best.

124E3

124E3 .RlNGSJ:DE

COMMENTATOR I1
Rocky should be out! But he's fighting back!
COMMENTATOR 12
~ethal punch after punch! 11mazingwillpower -- I The Russian is cut! He's cutlll

124E4

124E~ RJ:NG

Rocky catches tlieSoviet with a sledgehammer punch that cuts Drago over the eye. orago touches the blood and goes berserk, The Russian continues to rain punch after punch on Rocky, but the Italian refuses to buckle,•• The carnage if,finally stopped by the SELL.

ICON'l'lNtlED)

124E4CONTI~UED: l24E4

..

Drago•s expression is serious. His chest heaves from ex- pended energy.

DRAGO
•..I will kill youl

Drago.starts,,tomove away.

• • ROCKY Drago!

The huge fighter glares over his shoulder as he heads to his corner.

ROCKY
(continuing)
• • •You'rebleedin• .

The Russian tenses, and Rocky heads for his corner••• The crowd is ECSTATIC over the competitiveness.

l:.!4ES

COMMENTATOR 11
Balboa, hurt and tired, took the Russian's best -- but how much punishment can a human being withstand?!

124E6

124E6 ROCKY'S CORNER

Rocky sits as Duke tends to his cut.

PAULIE
Ya doin' great, Rock, great -- l.couldn't do no better, really.
ROCKY
.•• Thanks.
DUKE
ne•s cut bacl You got him worried. You hurt hiln• .

Rocky glances over at Adrian and nods that everything is all right.

l24E7 DRAGO'S CORNER l24E7

Rimsky and the cornermen are attending the fighter.

DRAGO
How is my eye? RIMSKY
(inRu:::sian)
• • How can you do:,thisl? He is • • easy foryoul To be cut by this man is a disgrace.
DRAGO
He fights like an animal. How is my eye? RIMSKY He is nothing! He isweakl
DRAGO
You are wrong~ He is like stone.

l24E8

124E8 RINGSIDE

COMMENTATOR 11
Rocky may be on the receiving end so far, but he's here to fight. This is shaping up into a personal war, and right now it's anybody's fight.

124E9

124E9 ROCKY'S CORNER

DUll You know what you gotta do, so do it, Rock -- All the way.

Rocky stares across the ring at Drago and nods •••The BELL RINGS.

What begins is an extremely dramatic MONTAGE depicting an epic back and forth battle between the two rivals ••• The insanity of the crowd who is s1owly being won over by Ro~k~, who is displaying impossible courage by withsta~ding thunderous assaults and coming back for more •

•.. Between rounds it is apparent that Drago'» confi- dence is waning as reflected in his rapidly swelling face.

... By contrast, Rocky's savaged face radiates an un- sh&kable confidence, as if drawing from some bottomless spiritual well.

ICONTINUED\

124E9 CONTINUED: 124E9

The Russian Premier and his delegation are beco~ing ex- pres~ly concerned.

Adrian watches this nightmare unfolding with great inner strength.

Pauli~ is frenzied, devoted and demonic in his desire to chee~.Rocky on to new highs in battle.

The rounds continue to slip hy until we arrive at the fourteenth... Both men are on the verge of collapse. Rocky continues to stand with Drago, but suddenly Drago catches Rocky with a mighty right hand, and Rocky stag- gers back. Drago senses the kill and, with total abun- dance, bombs Rocky until the slugger is pounded to the canvas.

Rocky looks up with glazed eyes as Drago glares down at hilnthrough badly swollen eyes.

He looks over at his corner at Paulie and Duke who are nearly out of focus... The SOUND of the REFEREE fills his head.

Rocky rises to his feet and, without hesitation, charges after Drago and actually has the giant backing up in won- derment••• The crowd is BERSERK..• The round ends with Rocky beckoning for Drago to come ahead and fight roore. Most of the Russian spectators stand and APPLAUD Rocky's gallantry.

124F RINGSIDE 124F

COMMENTATOR 11
This place is ready to explode! .1,nincredible fight with neither man backing off -- And Balboa's bravery is actually winning over the crowd.

l24Tl ROC~Y'S COJUIER 124Fl

Rocky is sitting as Duke illllllediatelybeginsattendinghis wounds.

ROCKY
What round -- what round is it?

l24Fl CONTINUED: 124Fl

DUKE
The fifteenth! Ya gonna do it, You can win it all -- one more round!

l24F2

124F2 CROWD

A CHANT begins• The audience is chanting Rocky's name.

• l24F3

l24F3 OMITTED

124F4

124F4 DRAGO'S CORNER

Rimsky stands in front of his weary fighter. Be is in- censed.

RIMSKY
(inRussian)
You had him hurt. you had him down -- why did you let him up?!
DRAGO
He's not hwn:anl RIMSKY Do you hear this!? our people cheer forhiml He isnothing! You're a fool and a disgrace tome!

Rimsky smacks Drago across the face. Drago rises and grabs Rimsky by the throat and glares at him with death in hls eyes. Then he glares al the crowd. Then, re- leasing Rimsky, faces Rocky.

RIMSKY
(continuing) • After this fight, you are finished!

Rimsky gives Koloff a look of frustration,

124F5 ROCKY'S CORNER 124FS

Duke and Paulie are at~ending Rocky. The Referee comes over.

REFEREE
(accent)
Your man is hurt -- is itbetter to stop fight, ROCKY No! Nol

100,

l24FS CONTINUED1 l24FS

DUKE
He's hurt, too -- don't step nothin'. He didn't come this far to end it sittin' down. REFEREE :i;watchclose.

Adriaytcomes up and yells Rocky's name •

• ADRIAN Rockyl

Rocky turns his bruised faceto lock down at her.

ADRIAN
(continuing)
Do it, Rockyl Do itl You canl The whole world is proud of youl 1 love you! De itl

124F6

124F6 RINGSIDE

COMMENTATOR fl An incredible sight -- Rocky's fighting spirit has won the respect of this crowd -- Amazing!

124F6A

l24F6A ROCKY'S CORNER Duke stands behind Rocky as he rises to face the bell.

l)Ul(E You're behind on points -- to win you gotta knock him out -- you gotta punch and punch till you can't punch no more -- This is the whole life here -- get him ncwl

l24F7

l24F7 AUDIENCE The Soviet Premier and his delegation redden as the THUN- DEROUS CHANTING REVERBERATES throughout the arena. Tne 5£LL RZNGS, and the fighters move to the center of the ring and begrudgingly touch gloves.

DRAGO
I will beat you, you bastard.

124F8

124FB

INT. ROCKY'S HOUSE- NIGHT

Rocky Jr. and friends.

124F8 CONTINUED: l24F8

COMMENTATOR 12 (V .0.}
·The men touch gloves and prepare for one more brutal round. They move cautiously around one another with Rocky moving ahead.

• ROCKY JR • • • t>addy,;gofor itl •

124F9 RINGSIDE 124F9

COMMENTATOR 12
~- Drago snaps out a stiff jab, and another, another!

The crowd's chanting begins to die down as the fight seems to be shifting in Drago's favor.

124G

124G RINGSIDE

COMMENTATOR 11
Rocky is jost taking punishment and moving ahead, totally exhausted.

124Gl

124Gl RING

Rocky continues to t.akethe unanswered punch from the Russian behemoth.

124G2

124G2ROCKY'S CORNER

PAUL'IE/t>UKE Fight, Rockl Whatta ya waitin' for?l

124G3

124G3 AUDIENCE

The Soviet Premier and group se~m overtly satisfied by Drago's command.of the fight,

124G4

124G4 AUDIENCE

Adrian is on her feet.

ADRIAN
Rocky, hit himl
124GS

INT. ROCKY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Rocky Jr. and crowd.

COMMENTATOR fl (V.O.) It had to happen. Rocky is absolutely exhausted, taking punch after punch -- • • • • COMMENTATOR 12 (V.O.) • -- They may stop this.

ROCKY JR.
Please, Daddy.

·124G6AUOIENCE 124G6

The crowd is beginning to JEER and WHISTLE, but out of it the CHANT BEGINS,

AUDIENCE • (growing in intensity) Rocky -- Rocky -- Rocky!

124G7 RING 124G7

Rocky continues to bore straight ahead and glare into Drago's cruel but concerned expression.

RockyI RockyI

Rocky suddenly explodes off his feet and sends a sledge- hammer right hook into Drago's jaw •••The Russian is reeling backwards. •

Rocky is on him like a cat.

12408

124G8 INT. ROCKY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Rocky, Jr, and his three friends.

EVERYONE
(chanting)
Go for ~ti Go for itl

124G9 RI.HG 124G9

Rocky whips punch after punch into Drago's mid-section•••

{CONTINUED)

l24G9 CONTI.NUED: l24G9

Drago manages to turn Rocky into the corner and bombard him with bone-crushing punches...

Rocky fights his way out into the center of the ring. Drago stuns Rocky and nearly drops him, Rocky holds on and,•digging deep into his soul, fights back .

..

124H DRAGO~S CORNER 124H

Fight, you bastardlll

The audience is going absolutely insane... Adrian is al- sochanting wRocky.•

124Hl RINGSIDE l24Hl

COMMENTATOR
Technique is gone, strategy is gone, it's just toe-to-toe warfare -- It's just who wants it most!II

124H2 OMITTED 124&2

12483

124H3 RING

Rocky slams Drago, who returns the punishment with equal intensity.

But Rocky starts digging into the man's mid-section. Blow after blow into Drago's ribs cause the Russian to begin buckling.

124H4 RINGSIDE l24H4

COMMENTATOR fl Like a tree -- Balboa is chopping the Russian down!

124HS

124H5 I.NT.ROCKY'S HOUSE- NIGBT

Rocky Jr. and friends.

EVERYBODY
(chantint;)
Go for itl Go for itll

l24H6

124H6 RING

Drago is in serious trouble and falls against the ropes as Rocky begins to rain holy hell on hilll.

Drago fights back with his remaining strength and backs Rocky to the center of the ring..• With.his remaining strength, Rocky lunges up and catches Drago squarely on t~e jaw, reeling him backward, another lunge and Drago-collides with the rope; a third hook and the Sovie( giant t\lltlblesthroughtheringside press corps.

The arena EXPLODES and the Premier and his group uncere- moniously depart.

Rimsky drops his towel in disgust and walks away as the crowd begins to ruah past him and into the ring.

Adrian is swept up by the crowd as shegropes towards the ring.

124H7

124H7 INT. ROCKY'S HOUSE - NIGBT.

Rocky Jr. and his friends are leaping insanely all over the furniturt:.

l24H8 RINGSIDE 124H8

COMMENTATOR 11
Rocky has done the impossible, and these people love it -- it's absolute pandemoniuml

124H9

l24H9 OMITTED

124J

124J RI.NG

Paulie and Duke :maketheir way to Rocky and hug him.

DURE
I.ncrcdib1el You're incredible, man. Look what you did! You made history.

Rocky hugs them.·

ROCKY
.•. Thanks thanks .

l24J

124J CONTINUED:

PAULIE
I been savin' this.

Paulie pulls an American flag cut cf a paper bag and shakes it loose.

Adria~ makes her way past the massive crowd that now surro~nds Rocky.

ADRIAN
I1m so proud of you.

She kisses hilllasPaulie drapes the American flag over his shoulders.

The crowd suddenly lifts the American to their shoul- ders and there, wrapped in Red, White and Blue, with the giant Soviet flag in the b.g., Rocky ·aalboa is truly the champion of the world.

FADE OUT.
THE END
130

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