"THE LAST PICTURE SHOW" (1971)

7 ur *“*~aY ON ¥tye* ~~ ~~»I a EKBn sie,orienrshaeTeasdareie| olCODANCVEICH

a ch} rscrona—*al~a}rl OQweopbarrrryMemurtry

mane or white hair.

SONNY CRAWFORD. an appealing tcenasger,nelthnar

nandsome nor ugly ~ about 17 years old,

Sonny's best friend.

leader and 2 wholesome=Looking seventeen,

a retarded kid, in his early teens, sweet, abstracted, Tuy“2; loves movies,

rundown, older than her forty years, outattractive beneath it all.

O, stiil ost accractive,

GeNEVLEVE,ee8€ eucractive brimette, in her i creerSee

shirties, stillshavely and nigh- oreested. — .

HERMAN POPPER, ene es school agarletics coa

his la Forties or early fit an ashlete gong to seed, heir omellystout.-

local pool shark, foreman on rig, in his early thirties. witn heavy olack nair, neaviy

pleasant-looxing but weak man mid-forties.

LESTER MARLOW.ae a grinning, red-haired boy of

18, from Wichita Falls and th a Little more citified.

CHARLENE DUGGS.+. _* stcild, stocky and seventee

a stiff?permanent. *»

MISS MOSEY, a eeeeeree -eléerly ledy, pleasant and friendly,

runs the’ picture show,

ANNIE-ANNIE MARTIN,. -Boboy's girl, tall, willowy, very

a fat law man, not easily ruffled.

qwWwatenman,grizeled tyne,

WJACKIS LEE FRENCH... 62 pretty but very snort brunetta ln

SANDY SHEEN. opeeeses ~Seboy's little orother, freckled,

JSOBNNY.cee ecw eeeres wwitn @ heavy drawl and sex cn Ri ee

MBXICAN BOY.-.ceceee »sabous 10, and 2 Suide threush. the

OLD MEXICAN... ec. eee. wWater-selle*weg mite=-bearced,aand

AGNES BEAN.esse neces oa DiS ely mirl of L7 or le,

OMY LOGGAN weeeevee oa Vary fooc-lLocHint youth and a -¢

MONROB «we ee eeew seem veseveeerdCULL,Skinny deputy sheriftT,

MRS. CRARGe saree reeaeeececee ssherd-jawed, rednecx woman, *

MOLLY CLARG. wc vec eveecees neeeel five-year-olddaughter. . *

De Cee wwe er ee meee we we ee eeeseeeedCed-hnairedOxiahomaprisoner.

MAS. JACKSON. cee ee nee ee mee eeeDUaNG'SMother,athin,hesgard

CHE STERew snaaeneeeeerereseceaniolle-daaes Gytal:avive,alToot!ctiw]fo}t4,a'?*

2 MECHANICS. 2... cee ee eee eeveeDOUseedy-looxing.

MEI CAN BOYS, GIRLS.** ****4'..andlittle children o? Mexico.

A TRUCKEE Re we eee reneeen renee et adig

BOYS AND GIRLS. ...ea0eeeceee-in the Archer City end -Paduceh

pleyers, Tresnmen, seniors, ete,

Cold, windy morning in Texas. Except for one car -- an old white Nash that belongs to ANDY FANNER, the night- watchman, the square is deserted. Wind blows the curling dust down the empty main street, past the picture show, a laundry, a dinky beauty parlor, a grocery store. A black Chevrolet pickup, vintage 1941, is coughing itsway up the long road toward the square.

SONNY CRAWFORD riddles intently with the choke, trying to keep the pickup running. The radio is on but the sound of the motor all but drowns it out. In front of the picture show, the pickup dies and the popular 1951 song fills the cab. Sonny relaxes, yawns, peers at the movie posters a moment. (He wears a Levi jacket and his hair is neatly combed -~ except for a cowlick at the back, which sticks straight up; now and then, he tries to smooth it down.) Before hitting the starter again, he blows into his hands. The pickup grinds for a minute, then kicks off -~-Sonny races the engine before moving on. At the red light he looks over at Fanner, who is asleep in the front seat; his feet, in heavy brogans, aré visible, propped on the dashboard, A pickup with three horses in it goes through the light. Sonny starts to turn toward the pool- hall, but far down the street sees a figure sweeping, and drives that way instead. BILLY is sweeping down the white line, toward the city limits sign, ribbons of dust around the broom. (He too wears a frayed Levi jacket -- also an old red baseball cap.)

Sonny pulls up beside him and taps his horn. Billy looks up, grins happily, trots around and gets into the cab. Sonny makes a sweeping U-turn, reaches over and turns Billy’s cap around backwards. Billy grins. The song is over and an announcer comes on:

Rev. 10/2/70 | 2.

Sonny parks in front of the poolhall; he andBilly hurry in -- the dust blowing.

Near the front, there’s a counter, a small candy case, and a green Dr. Pepper machine. SAM ("the lion") is bent over the snooker table, brushing the felt care- fully and slowly. (He wears an old mackinaw and a pair of thoroughly run-down sheepskin house shoes.) He winces at the inrush of cold wind, but gives the boys no more than a glance. As he bends to brush again he is seized with a coughing fit and has to stop brush- ing until the fit subsides, going behind the counter for his cough medicine.

During Sam’s seizure, Billy picks up a piece of pool- chalk and ildy begins to lick it. Sonny gets himself a Peanut Pattie and a Dr. Pepper; puts a nickel on the counter and goes over to stand right in front of the old, open-burner gas stove to warm himself. Sam starts to roll a cigarette.

Sam holds out his hand for the chalk Billy is licking. Billy, his tongue quite green, hands it to him, and comes to stand next to sonny, who grabs his cap. Sam watches as Billy lunges for it and Sonny feints and © throws it across the room. -Billy goes to get it.

Sonny idly takes a cue stick, as the sound of very loud MUFFLERS is HEARD. Billy looks nervously outside as Sonny does.

Rev. 10/6/70 3.

ABILENE is seen getting out of his souped-up, shiny Mercury, wearing sunglasses.

SAM | (continuing) A few football teams’ve had some luck with tackling -- keeps the other team from scoring quite so often.

- SONNY Sounds too rough for me.

Abilene comes in, gives them a nod, unzips his cover- alls and hangs them on a nail. (His flannel shirt has pearl buttons, and his gabardine pants are well- pressed.) Billy begins to sweep along one side of the poolhall, restlessly.

Sam reaches beneath the counter and lays Abilence’s ivory-banded, jointed cue on the counter. Abilene lays his sunglasses on the counter and Sam automatically puts them in a drawer.

Rev. 10/6/70 4.

( ) Abilene looks at Sam as he assembles his cue. Sam ~ looks at him, gets the point, takes out an oldbut well-stuffed wallet, and hands Abilene a fifty dollar bill. Both are quite cool when their eyes meet.

: SAM (toSonny) See -- this here’s what I get for bettin’ on my hometown ball team -- oughta have better sense.

| cue together) .

Wouldn’t hurt if you had a better hometown.

Billy sweeps to thedoor, scared of Abilene; he goes out as Abilene comes by Sonny, who holds the cue awk- wardly, wishing he’d never picked it up. Abilene adds the fifty dollar bill to a huge wad held together by a money clip.

Sonny hurriedly points the cue at the floor.

SAM

: Don’t let Billy get too far away, | will ya, son?

| | _ ABILENE | | You’re a damn sight more dangerous | | in a poolhall than you are ona

foolball field. Ever heard of tackling?

Sonny puts up his cue. Abilene breaks a rack of red- balls, moves smoothly around the table. Sam starts to cough again and Sonny goes out.

Billy is three doors away, sweeping at the swirling dust. As Sonny catches up with him, a pickup stops in the mid- cot ddle of the street. THREE YOUNG ROUGHNECKS huddle in ( i the back, their coat collars turned up. One is DUANE 7 JACKSON, who jumps out quickly, holding an old lunch pail. ;

Rev. 10/2/70 5.

© SONNY “sence

Hey, Duane!

He and Sonny grab Billy, each gettingan arm. As they hustle him back to the poolhall, the DRIVER ofthe pickup © honks his horn at them, and yells out his window.

At a loss for a reply, the boys look at each other, hustle Billy back to the poolhall, and turn to go. Sam leans out the door with a green change-sack inhis hand, yells over the wind. |

He heaves the sack underhanded -- Duane leapsup and catches it one-handed, trous along, fades, andthrows a short pass to Sonny, who catches it, stops, stoops, and centers the sack back to Duane. They go on down the street, spiritedly throwing the sack back and forth between them. TWO MECHANICS are standing near the cafe, one of them morosely kicking at the tire of his car. They observe the boys without changing their poker~faced expressions.

1ST MECHANIC Look at that, Larry. They can catch. |

1ST MECHANIC Or do somethin’ useful. Team weren’t worth a kiss-my-ass this year.

The boys stop and frown, but the two men sullenly stare them down, so they go into the cafe, which is rundown on the outside -- much of the paint peeling off, the sign not hanging straight.

Rev. 10/2/70 6.

A cowboy looks around at them with disgust. x Sonny smiles at her and puts the sack on the counter. )

The boys laugh and stand in front of the jukebox as ome Genevieve waits on tables. Sonny tosses a quarter up - and catches it, studying the selections. When he tos- Ne ses it up again, Genevieve catches it.

) DUANE (grinning) : Nobody prosperous would eat here. :

Sonny laughs, and so does Duane. They take a booth and empty their pockets, pooling their money -- very little.

()Seong (CONTINUED)

Rev. 10/6/70

7s

A lanky COWBOY stops by their table on the way out, looks down at them, a toothpick in his mouth. The boys don’t notice him.

Duane follows Sonny’s look to the cowboy, whose expres- sion is somber, almost grave. After another silent moment, he shakes his head, says "Tsk," returns the toothpick to his mouth, and walks on out, never once changing his expression. The boys look at each other hopelessly. |

Sonny drives out of town in an old, battered, green International truck, with "FARLEY BUTANE AND PROPANE" lettered on the cab. It passes the city limits sign, goes up the long road between pastures of leafless, black mesquite, and over empty, windblown ridges. The country looks very cold, empty -- the grey ridges stretch far away. He SINGS with the RADIO.

Rev. 9/24/70 8.

Sonny is filling a butane tank. ‘Thedoor ofthe truck is open and the RADIO is playing a hillbilly hit. A couple of chow dogs are BARKING at him frombehind a fence.

cur TO:

The square is empty except for six or eight cars parked in front of the picture show. There is no one atthe ticket window, so Sonny just goes in.

MISS MOSEY is scraping out the popcorn machine; she | looks up and smiles at Sonny.

That’s what I keep telling ‘im.

Sonny hands her a dollar and takes a package of gum.

There are only slightly more than a score of people seated inside. CHARLENE and MARLENE DUGGS are sitting on the aisle, near the front. Sonny comes down, taps Marlene on the shoulder; the two scoot over a seat and he sits next to Charlene, who wears his football jacket.

( CONTINUED)

Rev. 10/2/70 | , SA.

14 CONTINUED: | 14 *

\ CHARLENE

(notwhispering) I decided you had a wreck.

Sonny holds out the gum. The girls instantly take sticks and pop them into their mouths almost simul- taneously. Sonny nudges Charlene and gestures with his head. The two get up and move toward the back. They pass Billy sitting alone, the broom beside him, his expression one of deep content as he watches the movie.

Charlene turns to be kissed, then stops to take the chewing gum out of her mouth. They kiss, Sonny keep- ing his eye on the movie. Charlene sighs, leans back, and languidly puts the chewing gum back in her mouth.

Pome Z} ayat CHARLENE

Guess what?

He notices Duane and JACY FARROW come in a front exit.

Sonny hands her the gum only, as Duane and Jacy sit down just in front of them, nodding as they do.

Sonny looks at her wistfully, with yearning. Charlene frowns and begins to pop her finger joints, sitting up, very prim and proper as jacy and Duane begin to kiss passionately.

Snare” Sonny tries to watch the movie.

Rev. 10/6/70 10/10A.

\ | ()meee Sam is opening the front doors of the theatre as a few people straggle out. Billy is already sweeping. Sonny and Charlene exit, Marlene right behind thenm..

Miss Mosey struggles with a large poster that is flap- ping in the wind. Sam comes out to help her. Duane and Jacy hold hands and dash off toward her convertible, which is parked across the street. AD LIB "Good nights." Sonny and Charlene start unhappily toward the pickup, not holding hands. Marlene is left waiting at the curb, shivering, as the other couples drive away.

CUT TOs

Sonny’s pickup stops by the desolate, deserted lakeside ~~ after a moment the lights go out.

om Charlene sits close to Sonny -- as steadies should.

Sonny opens the window a crack. The little light from the radio shows us their faces as a TUNE PLAYS. Charlene takes off the football jacket, and matter-of- factly lifts her sweater, HUMMING along with the radio. Sonny unhooks her bra, removes it, and hangs it on the rear-view mirror. He touches her.

(CONTINUED).

Rev. 10/2/70 il.

18 CONTINUED: | 18

See< CHARLENE

Eeh! Your hands are like ice.

They kiss a while -- then stop. Sonny holds one of her breasts in his hand; both of them are listening to the RADIO. Suddenly Charlene looks at Sonny angrily.

|

Sonny is startled, kisses her and abruptly lowers his hand. Charlene catches it at the navel and breaks the kiss.

Charlene scoots back across the seat, and takes her bra off the rear-view mirror.

‘SONNY (watches her fix her bra) You wasn’t no livelier than me.

(CONTINUED).

Rev. 9/24/70 12.

(>4,aa CHARLENE

That’s ‘cause you ain’t good- looking enough. You ain’t even got a ducktail.

| SONNY _Like Van Johnson...

-CHARLENE Yeah. I’m donelate anyway -- * let’s go home -- Some anniversary.

Sonny twists the knob on his steering wheel and stares * at the water.

CUT To:

Rev. 10/2/70 13.

Sonny is sitting at the counter eating a cheesburger, wearing his football jacket. ("Co-CaptainTMstitched across the front in green thread.) Genevieve wipes the counter across from him. The JUKEBOX is playing quietly.

ai INT. CAFE - NIGHT 21

Sonny watches Genevieve a little longingly, until she turns to him, comes over. |

Sonny watches her as he takes a last bite and hands her a ten-dollar bill.

Your Dad give you this?

Sonny nervously begins popping toothpicks out of a dispenser. Genevieve makes change.

( CONTINUED)

Rev. 10/2/70 14.

( ) Ainenel GENEVIEVE

Wouldn’t hurt you to take a little something from him once in awhile. I don’t know -- you and Duane -- both in a boardinghouse -- him with a mother, you with a father. Don’t seem right. An’ your dad’s takin’ too many pills, you know.

Genevieve slaps at his hand to make him let the tooth- picks alone and he walks over to the jukebox and combs his hair in the reflection.

a;NF

quittin’ before long.

Sonny comes back and gets one more toothpick, as Genevieve draws herself some coffee.

He goes out; she stares after him for a moment.

MR. JOHN CECIL is seated cheerfully on the edge of his desk, a book open in his hand.

Rev. 10/2/70 | 15.

23 CONTINUED: | . 23

C) The class is just settling down amid much RUSTLING of ae books. Duane and Sonny throw punches across the aisle; Jacy has just taken out her mirror, and JOE BOB BLANTON is slicking back his dandruffy blond hair with a comb. LEROY MALONE pops AGNES BEAN’S bra strap loudly; she looks at him fiercely. WINNIE SNIPS and BUD WOOD are also there.

General laughter; Duane looks for Jacy’s reaction -- she is studying her mouth. Joe Bob raises his hand, seriously.

-~ the nightingale, and it didn’t ey | sound so good to me. Sounded like | he wanted to be a nightingale.

wo Leroy pops Agnes’ strap again; she takes off her shoe ane and hits him in the nose with it. Mr. Cecil looks at wee them fondly. |

Rev. 10/2/70 . 16.

"23 CONTINUED: (2) . 23

* MR. CECIL ©a

Maybe so, Joe Bob, maybe so. Here, now let me read you this -- "When old age shall this generation waste Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe Than ours, a friend to man... "TM

While Mr. Cecil reads, Joe Bob opens his chemistry book, Duane dozes on his arms, Sonny looks out the window at two dogs sniffing around eachother on the * front lawn. Jacy studies her mouth, Leroy rubs his *

The COACH sits in a bridge chair, scratching his hairy gut (part of which is visible under his sweatshirt) and spitting tobacco juice into apaper cup. The TEAM, all but exhausted, is running laps around the gym, Joe Bob far to the rear, flopping his arms des- perately. Occasionally, when they pass his chair, the Coach leans over and pops one of them hard with a towel. Bud and KENNY WOOD and Leroy are among them.

| COACH Run, you little piss-ants. Tough it out! Tough it out! You gotta be men like the rest of us -- ain’t none of you pretty enough to be women... Here --~ Joe Bob! Quit flapping your arms -- you look like a goddamn goose! | (spits, strands, still scratching) a All right, off the court. If -y'falldidn’t jack off so much maybe some of you could stay in shape. Come here a minute, Sonny.

TOMMY LOGAN comes jogging past and the Coach uncon- sciously pats him on the ass as he goes off the court. Sonny stops in front of him, dribbling a basketball, which the Coach takes and throws casually at Joe Bob, who is still flopping his arms.

on SONNY

Sure, Coach.

Rev. 10/2/70

24 CONTINUED:

eM.‘ COACH ae oe

My old lady’s gotta go to th’ doctor tomorrow, over in Olney -- you know women, always something wrong with ‘em.

Rev. 10/2/70 7 18.

25 DELETED

Jacy is driving her convertible, Duane and Sonny with her; the car moves away from school. Other kids’ cars are in b.g.

They all laugh. Suddenly with some flamboyance, Sonny bursts into the school SONG.

( CONTINUED)

Rev. 10/6/70 | 19/20/21/22.

26 CONTINUED: | 26

Duane and Jacy join in, and the three LOUDLY SING the song as they drive down the street, all very happy in the front seat, Jacy’s hair blowing.

Leroy’s car goes by, HONKING LOUDLY at them; it is filled with teénagers.

27 OMITTED : | 27. *

All still in the convertible -- Jacy feeding Duane french fries -- cradling his head in her lap, RADIO PLAYING. JIMMIE SUE is getting orders.

Jacy dangles a french fry and Duane gobbles it. Sonny notices a Cadillac approaching as he takes a big bite.

| SONNY , Better watch it. Here comes your mother.

Jacy quickly makes a little room between herself and Duane, trying to look demure. The Cadillac pulls up beside them. GENE FARROW is driving, scarcely looks at the boys. LOIS FARROW rolls down her window and fixes Jacy with a stern look.

( CONTINUED)

| 28 CONTINUED: | 28

_ JACY (meekly) Okay, Momma. I was just giving the boys a ride.

Abilene drives up in his Mercury as the Cadillac pulls out. Gene gives him an ingratiating smile; Abilene nods, looks at Lois through his sunglasses. She looks at him through hers, both of them expressionless. Abilene gives her a small arrogant smile. Lois gives him the finger. Gene drives the car away.

cuT TO:

The TV is on. Gene is dozing in his chair, a half- finished drink in one hand. After a moment, Lois gets up, a @rink in her hand, and goes somewhat wearily up the stairs.

Jacy is sitting on her bed, reading a movie magazine. On the dresser is a big picture of herself as "Football a, Queen.” A large bulletin board is covered with snapshots of herself and Duane plus a few mementoes (menu from the Junior Prom). Stuffed animals on the bedside table. Lois knocks, comes in and leans against the door. Jacy picks up a jar of blemish cream and goes to the dresser, where she cleanses her face. HerRADIO is playing.

LOIS | I guess you hate me tonight.

Rev. 9/24/70

30 CONTINUED:

a LOIS

(continuing) ~~ he’d quit flattering you --

LOIS | You’re pretty stupid then.

ch

Rev. 9/24/70 25.

a

{beyond belief) But Momma, it’s a sin, isn’t it? Unless you’re married? You know Iwouldn’t do that.

Lois touches herself behind the ears, puts her hands on her throat for a moment, savoring the scent, closes her eyes. The cream is off Jacy’s face and she iooks j - very young. Lois softens.

Rev. 10/6/70 26.

C)

LOIS

ieitei nit You should leave your face just Dent iive like that ~- all you really need

now isan eyebrow pencil.

Jacy looks blank and sleepy. Lois touches her hair.

Lois goes out. Jacy looks after her and goes sleepily toward her bed.

Gene has gone. Lois freshens her drink, looks at the TV a moment, then picks up the telephone and dials.

ABILENE’S VOICE Hello.

ABILENE’S VOICE

'ABILENE’S VOICE Thought I’d drive out and see how my well is coming.

She hangs up, and sits down at the TV with her drink.

CcuTTO:.:

Sonny stops his pickup in front of the house.

Rev. 10/2/70 27.

Quite nonchalant, he walks up the sidewalk, looks through doorpane and sees RUTH POPPER sitting inthe living room, purse in her lap, looking rather drab in an unbecoming suit. She is listening to the RADIO. ~ When he KNOCKS, she comes to the door.

SONNY | Coach said you needed a driver --

RUTH | (disappointed) No, he didn’t mention it. I thought he was going to drive me himself. I guess he just couldn’t get off.

She hands him the key chain and he goes to get their Plymouth out of the garage. She goes to turn off the radio.

33° INT. POPPERPLYMOUTH (OLNEY)= DAY | 33

The wind is blowing, as they drive. Sonny is trying to think of something to say, looks over at her. She daubs at her eyes with a Kleenex. He looks forward again. Ruth opens her lipstick, holds it a minute and puts it back in her purse without using any.

Sonny is waiting in the car -- the RADIO playing. As Ruth comes out of the clinic, the wind blows her hair. Sonny opens the door for her; she is crying as she gets in, a strand or two of hair sticks to her wet cheek. * They drive off.

Rev. 9/24/70 27A.

Sonny looksat her nervously. She is still crying, looking out at the bleak country.

Re ae tg vay Rev. 10/2/70 Hea xeWee Fe 35 CONTINUED: 35 oxow nz ok oe nme init SONNY irri yygge Is itsomething bad? siti ationnin ee RUTH IR No. It’s just... something dreary. I They drive on in silence.

36 XT. POPPER GARA’ - y. 36 *

Sonny pulls in, switches off the car. Ruth is looking dully ahead, at nothing. Sonny fiddles with the car keys, then goes around and opens the door for her.

She looks at him apologetically, not taking the keys. The wind blows.

Reluctantly he follows her through the back door.and into the kitchen.

Small, messy, the breakfast dishes haven’t been washed or the table cleared. Ruth can barely find a place to set her purse. Sonny doesn’t know whether to stand or sit.

Rev. 10/2/70 29.

37 CONTINUED: | 37

She gets him one, watches him drink; suddeniy, to his amazement and disgust, she bursts out CRYING again, loudly, puts her head in her arms and sobs, body shak- ing. Sonny doesn’t even want to swallow what he has in his mouth. After a moment, she looks up and tries to stop. . |

| RUTH | Why? |

She lays down her napkin and looks at him as if for the first time. Stops crying.

She stares at him a long moment -- he gets uncomfortable.

He stands up, awkwardly.

Rev. 10/2/70 30/31/32.

oo rt te She nods. He backs out and leaves. She looks after him unhappily.

Sonny comes out quickly, lookingvery relieved. He runs up the street to his pickup.

thru OMITTED thru

47 EX RICAN LEGION HA ~ NICHT 47

The Christmas dance is inprogress, the hall strung with decorations. A hillbilly band SAWS away. People file in, laughing and clapping one another on the back. As Jacy drives up in her convertible, LESTER MARLOW, a more citified boy, comés to her, bourbon flask in hand. She is uninterested in him.

te ol ,

Rev. 9/24/70 33. ast

,

on yt

Be | LESTER gw \(pause} eeBe we Duane coming? gg (Jacy nods) eeae say,you know Bobby Sheen, don’t you -- over toWichita Falls?

Lester and jJacysee Duane and Sonny pull in; he starts to back off.

As Duane comes over, Lester rakishly takes another sip of bourbon, goes into the dance. Sonny wanders in be- hind them.

Rev. 9/24/70. | : 34.

47 CONTINUED: (2) | oe 47

JACY © Who? Oh, Lester -- he’ ssuch

citi a bore. ties.

Jacy kisses Duane, looks at him fondly. Behind then, Abilene and JACKIE LEE FRENCH, are going intothe dance.

JACY> (continuing) I love you so much tonight. I wish we could stay together all night.—

AS Abilene and Jackie come in, Lois, who has been danc- ing and is a little flushed, comes over, wearing a low- necked dress ~~ the center of most eyes. She gives Abilene a kiss on themouth, hands. lockedaround his neck. Jackie Lee is angry. Gene turns away.

JACKIE | What do you mean kissin’ her like that -- I’m embarrassed to death. .

; LOIs * French? That your name or — * something you like to do? | *

Jackie Lee’s mouth falls open. Abilene is amused. *

JACKIE * I oughta slap your face. *

LOIS. * (smiling) — k You can’t even reach it, honey.» *

Rev. 10/2/70 35.

Takes his arm and pulls him toward dance floor.

Stricken, Jackie Lee turns away angrily, walks toward refreshment stand, passing Ruth and Coach Popper, in a corner; he is irritated.

He walks away. Ruth looks after him, miserably, as Abilene and Lois dance by.

49 The band PLAYS on. People take refreshments. Men play dominoes. Mr. Cecil dances with his wife. Charlene is there with a junior. Joe Bob is eating cookies. Leroy comes by and takes them out of his hand. Sonny stands about awkwardly. Jacy and Duane dance by Lester -- she signals him over Duane’s shoul- der. Abilene and Lois dance by grandly. Aware that her mother is upstaging her, Jacy pouts openly.

(CONTINUED}

, “ are ra mefe

‘ Ne ~*,* oe‘onFahaere a”—a’* pT aae oe t

, s seme : { tree | i * SAT .;a a | + i i | DUANE a J ou ~|

* ‘ 1 . ‘ ' fo. i

OXAYe i a PG rst “i

i |. ede. . a |Ei J 2 * : JAC’ baerts;ufhoro

4 ar . ” . | x don twoint a lot of drunk Hillbillies a« *re id ces

aeeee eeee eeee --romoing. onay"faa ce.7 ee ee ~ee

a DUANE a ‘+ ; . i. :

a Tn»Traygo,theypassSonny4standing-1ontalone1athetheside.{qditWao:age_oan-|VaanPoae? atte - oscyts FATHER wateniay than he cvoases to Sonny. rsweet*th-OL natnme

~| ‘ QTE PDSE ‘

ee ee — we — ee.- ATER ~—- eeee ee es~ a ~~ StaldtthtedFaoPleo «,4¢ ; AR Pare en ees ho7Eiy- Sonnys ¢“TDY: wieof.Qleff

aa : SONNY |t meanOF ” oTeead a:«. .. ae ‘ } ~ +a ' ve , Hi,Dad. fi* . a «" « Faae ad Lote . . . _ . ‘5 r ‘ -* ~w| meanFw

3+: . . . k wiide~~wee o2. . Howyouadoling? Poh, moramyaogthimsensy © : “ me_ ~~emos———“~~sealSalralLad———-_~Saaloom=al—_-_aaaSdae~~eee Tl allt Eat Mil———Cal-Fal-—Sal : RPP Tm TEteeyaad Ny a SONNY ! x r YOUATbee ettemaejaal Gernaeo rerere aaPaani:OV-3f-[5

ObSkye i :

;” : ‘ : Raw.eememw~~fraememet

oteSO on anatiszood.. fo.i woatferorspttoe oe We wdmeee - . ; esca a idi7 © ® « oebhtsotees ~ ee gorwi j «et ~ wpe,. .. - . . ertwoe ered

Well,sa6 yee . ; eee Phesee

L- * acom ifai amen

~ eraORNah

pee oe ee Telks out. is fathex looks. after nia ;tRIn roves ous dnvanothes.20. Pal a. t ‘ dims evtomsAbS- SUAUC -<-OUPCAM+ OF-BL-fL y

a . eonde Lo .. Loe 7

-- ot,;¥ a . oe! a. Coe.i . t-

t ~ - veh.\ ot a mmwe_ eoTomjoo.<f

oe ‘+em . . : . “as : teeng ” pase ee eeoe al a Roe‘ - - .. an 1 : ‘ . . - - Liew let“wet akCi aad

i ** ‘ om ~mS ‘«* * 4 .- ‘ a - . . Fr wyoanweycoo « .+ ” a a _ ” ** . att omomeaoe

aelee\somite

ww-—om-LealGaalom—me = -_., Th,ME,weweeeea a hecahiientaivataiaditoaslined—_alCadLadealone

» * TMatom .a phe 2 ” . ta-* : .

- ‘ , >

ok » a . - wy ® . - - a0 * l, 14 r . . .

Seos .7,. wae, : *: ; af “ ...wt‘ce*.* . . , a ~*-, , >.“ .

*. : * .

- * 27OAS. ne oo . * - ,. , - a*®~

, ey »7 . , , . . : * * . , ts. ‘ none : * . TM * at 7.Toe':. . thee , . oe.- .’ : . 2k. sot “ * ar ' ‘ . .* . ie * “ . ’ , Poo. * ve * “s

+ . : » : ' *

cewhe Mug wee ay vteo naan tle

Rev. 10/2/70 | 36.

As they go, they pass Sonny standing alone at the side.

At the pickup, Duane reaches under the front seat and * gets a package, hands it to her shyly. She brightens.

Jacy unwraps the package -- it’s a wrist watch.

( CONTINUED)

Rev. 9/24/70 37.

O) DUANE

| (surprised) You don’t!

JACY | , (lookingunhappy) |

ie Oh, I do too. I could justkill |

my mother -~

ee JACY i (mightcry) | “

She made me promise to go to a swimming party in Wichita, with

ee what’s his name -- Lester Marlow | |

-- ‘causehis folks are so rich. |

i

| DUANE Well, Goddamn! What kinda thing is that?!

JACY | | 7 “Don’t be mad at me, Duane. * |

DUANE | | I ain’t mad at you, but Goddamn -- * can’t I come too?

She kisses him, sprawls across his lap, takes one of his hands, guides it downward to her panties. Duane can hardly believe it. He hesitates, then proceeds. Jacy looks slightly martyred. Duane expects to be stopped, but isn’t -- grows bolder. Jacy seems about to give way, but when Duane tries to lay her down in the seat, she pushes him off.

: | | | JACY | ) No, no, Duane, I gotta go. * a : I gotta go. .

10/2/70 | 38,

She quickly gets out. Too flusteredto stop her, 51 Duane straightens his shirt, then sees Lester step out on the hall porch. Jacy gets in Lester’s convertible. Duane rushes up the steps, grabs Lester by his lapels. Straightening her hair, Jacy watches.

awe DUANE You chickenshit, you! What do you mean, asking my girl for a _—_ date?

A corwd immediately begins to form around them. Lester is scared but tries to keep up a front.

As he puts up his fists, the SHERIFF looms between them, wearing cowboy hat cigar.

Lester hurries down to the convertible. Duane stands fuming, clenching his fists.

As the car pulls out, the Sheriff casually slaps Duane on the back.

SHERIFF

Le

Well, Merry Christmas!

Rev. 10/6/70 39. ke

eke

Ssh

‘. _.A aman Sonny watches the dancers wistfully, goes into a game ete

pepsi

room where the Coach and some others are playing domi-

nace

noes. ss

nse sempeyse COACH | Heil, you askme, too bad we got we elections comingup next year -- now we got HarryTruman in there. ‘f itwas me, Iwouldn’t have no more.

DOMINO PLAYER #1 Well, Idon’t know...

DOMINO PLAYER #2 Hey, you boys heard any jokes? Iain’t heardone in amonth a Sundays.

Sonny goes intothe kitchen where Ruth is gathering empty punch cups and dirty paper plates into a large trash basket. |

tm

Rev. 10/6/70 39A. blk

icc

52 CONTINUED: 52 et

eeemm

Ruth raises eyebrows, then heads for back door, carry- * ‘eens

sige

ing her basket; Sonny follows. *

ia a ite SONNY (continuing) a I never did, really. I guess we broke up ‘causewe didn’t like each othermuch to begin with. mene

The only light comes from a street lamp a block away.

NP They dump the cups into the barrel, are suddenly very close. Ruth lifts her head and they kiss. Their mouths don’t hit just right and she holds his face and gently guides his mouth to hers.

He bends down to find her mouth and kisses so hard that her head is pushed back. A car turns the corner and they hastily break apart, picking up their wastebaskets awkwardly.

tet

Rev. 10/2/70 40.

we SANDY SHEEN, a ten-year-old, wearing a diving mask, is swimming around underwater observing a group of teenage boys and girls playing in the poolnaked. One girl kicks him away andhe surfaces as Jacy and Lester come timidly in the door.

_ BOBBY| Hey, look! New victims.

The kids stop their water fights, swim over to the side of the pool. BOBBY SHEENmakes a big show of jumping * out of the water and shaking Lester’s hands, grinning.

BOBBY

ee

Glad you made it. We’re dressed informally, asyou see.

Big laugh. Bobby cocks his leg inacknowledgement. Jacy laughs thinly, trying not to look down. ANNIE- ANNIE MARTIN gets out of the pool, comes over, puts an arm around Bobby.

Cheer from the others.

ANNIE~-ANNIE We all did the first time.

ee ae

Rev. 10/2/70 40A. cm mem

ee ene? ee

Okay.

i 55 Everyone gets out of the pool and sits on the edge, 55

lai kicking their feet in thewater. The room goes quiet except for the record playing. As Jacy gets to the i diving board, she hears Lester jump into the pool behind A her. She gingerly climbs up on the diving board, so nervous she can hardly keep herbalance. nel ns

( CONTINUED)

i

——

ee

9/24/70 | 4l.

55 CONTINUED: : | 55

She is surprised to see Sandy beneathher.

The kids laugh, then quiet. Sandy dives underwater. Hesitantly, Jacy begins to strip.

JACY | Goodness, I hope I don’t fall off. this thing.

| BOBBY Sandy can fish you out, if you do.

Jacy strips -- just as sheis taking off her bra the phonograph stops and clicks off. Sudden silence. Un- nerved, she almost falls, has to sit down. Just beneath the board, Sandy surfaces, lookingup at her. She yanks off her panties and indignantly throws them on his mask, jumps into the water. Everyone roars applause, jumps into the pool, starts splashing. Pleased withherself, Jacy holds onto the side and suddenly notices that she is still wearing Duane’s Christmas watch, puts it to her ear, listens for a moment, concern inher face. She shakes it and listens again; it has stopped. She looks up to see that Bobby has been watching her, smiles broadly and . shrugs at hin.

Duane, already a little drunk, morosely takes a swig from a bottle of whiskey, passes it to Leroy; several other BOYS are with them as Sonny and Billy come up.

Rev. 10/2/70 42.

eu

es eeeie

JOHNNY tasmanian (a small teenager) aaa ne When he weren’t lookin’.

Lyi ‘Fd

56 CONTINUED: abate

LEROY can’: Macms Momma says idiot kids don’t live leng ch? anyway. EMEE"E PS

LEROY | Shit, heifer’s better that Jimmie Sue.

57-59 DELETED

Rev. 10/6/70 , 44.

oTM ed Under a flickering flashlight, over a dollar in change

lies in a baseball cap. Jimmie Sue is looking Billy ® cian over. | ettot

an disc LEROY We’re a quarter short.

JIMMIE SUE | DUANE I oughta get at least He ain’t gonna care. two dollars -- this thing’s justa kid. SONNY

He would -- an’ I’d as soon

LEROY not get crosswise with San. Hell, no, you said a dollar and a haif. DUANE

Look, will ya lend me a a

JIMMIE SUE quarter -- (openingstick of gum) SONNY iii. nn Well -- I guess I'd jus’ It ain’t the money -- a as soon an idiot as not -~-Only thing I draw the DUANE line at is Mexicans and Aw, don’t be such a niggers. I guess I tol’ chickenshit, Crawford -- ya ‘bout that nigger man in high-heels stole ny KENNY * suitcase right outa the I got another quarter. bus station -- that time I went to Los Angeles... LEROY

Okay, that’s it.

61 Holding a flashlight, Leroy gives Jimmie Sue the 61 change; she pockets it, climbs intothe car. The boys remove Billy’s pants. Sonny hangs back unhappily.

LEROY

Cocksmen like you don’t need it.

JIMITE SUE’S VOICE Get the stupid little thing in here ~~ I ain’t got all night.

They shove Billy into the car, all tight with lust.

Rew vteilt 6ow

9/24/70 45.

JIMMIE SUE’S VOICE Why, this is the dumbest thing I ever seen -- it don’t even know what to do.

Sonny looks worried. Suddenly the car begins to rock -- the boys yell encouragement.

JIMMIE SUE‘S VOICE You kids stop that yellin’ an’ get ahole of this thing. He ain’t -- why Goddamn you -- mow just look would you? Goddamn -- you stupid little thing, you couldn’t even wait! Look at this mess!

Rev. 10/2/70 46.

Billy half-falls out of the car. Jimmie Sue has bloodied “Se his nose. Sonny helps him with his pants, as Jimmie Sue gets out.

Sam stands inthe open door, steps down onto the sidewalk as the car drives up. Sonny gets out with Billy, who runs * into the poolhall. Sam stops him for a look, then lets him go inside, looksback at the boys as they get out. Duane stays in the back seat, feigning sleep.

Oe Billy --he don’t understand EE fighting. What happened, Sonny?

Sam gives them all a long look.

Rev. 10/6/70 | 47.

62. CONTINUED: 62

7 SAM. (cont’4)

‘ Scarin’ an unfortunate creature like Billy -- just so’s you can have a laugh or two. I’ve seen a lotta trashy behavior -~ seen a lifetime of it -- and I’m tired of putting up with it. You can * just stay outta this poolhall -- and outta my cafe and picture show, too -~-I don’t want none =" “amunae of your business. ceaapaeaaaane* ae

He looks at Sonny for a moment.

He goes inside, closes door, turns off light. Long pause.

Stricken, they struggle to the car, where Duane sits up and grins.

, DUANE | Lucky I fell asleep -~ I’d hate not bein’ ableto shoot no pool.

The boys look lost as they slowlyget into the car.

The car drives in. Sonny reaches forRuth’s hand; she scoots over to him; they kiss, awkward but warm, get out a little reluctantly and head for the back door.

One one wall is a plaque from the Boy Scouts National Jubilee; some copies of High School Athletics lay on the bedside table. Ruth and Sonny enter awkwardly.

Rev. 10/2/70 | | 4s.

64 CONTINUED: | | 64

C) a SONNY

You sure he won’t come?

She takes his hand again; they kiss standing up. Both nervous, they hurry about their own undressing. When Ruth bends to pull the slip over her head, one of the straps catches on a bobby pin -- for an awkward moment, her face ishidden in the silk. Sonny moves to help her, but she tears it loose. Both choked with embar- rassment, they getunder the covers, Ruth first. They embrace, and he startshesitantly to move on top of her.

He moves into place. The squeak of the bedspring is not loud at first, but steadily it grows, begins to distract Ruth. She becottes even more tense, looks anguished. | Spring grows louder. Ruth twists, looks aside. Springs grow louder. f | |

shrills loudly.

67 OMITTED | | +67

68 BACK TO SCENE | , : 68

\

Ruth begins to cry. Sonny raises up to.see what’s wrong -- she forces his head down, hooks her arm around his neck, continues to cry. He finishes, the spring is silent, but tears stream down Ruth’s cheeks. He looks at her questioningly -- she shakes her head, silent, unable to speak. Sonny doesn’t know what to say. Ruth tries to smile, strokes his shoulder with one hand; a little calmer.|

RUTH

oN I’m sorry I cried. I was just Lo, scared, I guess.

Rev. 10/2/70 49.

7 RUTH | No, not scared of that -~ I was scared I could neverdo this, Iguess. I can’t do anything without crying about it -- how could you likeme?

| SONNY (awkwardly) I like you.

He kisses her.

A69 A69 thru OMITTED | | | | thru D69 D69

Sonny drives slowly through town, hair combed as if he were going someplace. He slows down passing the pool- hall. MThroughthe window he can see Sam, Duane and Billy. He drives on, slows a moment in front of the cafe to see Genevieve, serving cheesburgers and laugh- ing with the customers. Sonny stops at the red light, uncertain, slowly drives out to the Y. *

Sonny arrives at the Y, stops, sits on the hill, the * RADIO on, eating a peanut pattie and looking back at * the lights of the town. *

The bed is neatly made up, but there is a quilt on the floor that is rumpled. Clothes lie around. Sonny is sitting at Ruth’s dresser in his underpants; she has a man’s shirt on, is combing his hair for him; he watches fascinated. She parts it in the middle; he laughs. A RADIO is playing.

Rev. 10/2/70 49A.

There is a plate of cookies and a glass of milk there that Sonny is casually eating. She finishes his hair.

RE RUTH

(getting sewing things) Throw me your pants. I/’11sew that pocket for you. I never noticed how ugly this room is ar, -~what’s your favorite color -- coe

OE en

a,

eee SONNY 1.

I don’t Know -- blue

SONNY ° How come you’ve stayed with the Coach -- you don’t like him’ much?

ci Mteyarom TE etese stn i Rev. 10/2/70 5A

ie SONNY

What’d’ya think he’d do if found us?

i re, RUTH

(cheerful)

N,N Shoot us, probably. He‘’salways NE glad to have an excuse to use his

deer rifle. ume

gage

A, ‘wns

A71 - H71L DELETED

ec seas oe ee Rev. 10/2/70 51A. EE UE

ars

Soonny walks overto the cafe and looks in the window.

TIA = WN JIA *

Genevieve issitting in a booth, reading Ladies Home Journal; a car goes by in the reflection. *

Sonny hesitates, then timidly opens the door. Genevieve looks up, smiles.

GENEVIEVE

< Come on in —~ I’m not gonna j throw bottles atyou.

meteotechenteomcoeemenentoonmenalitenanhchrenortoreeteeen

Rev. 10/2/70

7LB CONTINUED: 7LB

| SONNY Huh? .

allli GENEVIEVE

(cooking) He wag there, wasn’t he? Just _ didn’t have the decency to own up to it. (looks at Sonny) Don’t worry ~- I won’t tell on him. Should though.

Rev. 10/6/70 53.

71B CONTINUED: {(2) 71B

He is embarrassed. She looksat him fondly -- then chuckles. oo, ,

Sonny grins and goes to the jukehox,plays a TUNE, takes a toothpick. The front door opens and Biliy and Sam come in. Sonny is dismayed. Billy breaks into a big grin, comes over at once. Sam looks stern. Hesitantly, Sonny turns Billy’s baseball cap around backwards. Billy is content.

He starts for the door as Genevieve comes in and sets the cheeseburger down on the table loudly.

Relieved, Sonny comes back quickly, sits. Billy joins him. Sam looks at Genevieve, who is smiling.

She goes back to the kitchen, smiling. People start to come in. Sam sits with the boys.

‘5on

Rev. 10/6/70 54.

71B CONTINUED: (3) | 71B *

SAM

ae Guess y’all need glasses... a, Sonny grins, Sam coughs, blows his nose.

The coach pulls intohis garage, takes some fishing gear out and goes happily in the back door. The front door opens and Sonny comes outquickly.

cuUTTO:

73 OMITTED | 73

ores

Three fishing poles ara propped up at the water‘s edge. Sam is sitting on the grass, whittling. Sonny and Billy are on the dam, throwing stones.

' SAM I thought you boys wanted to fish. Come on, keep an eye on them corks, Billy.

Billy runsdown to the poles, Sonny sits by Sam, who starts to roll a cigarétte.

SONNY

~~ I don’t think there’s anythin’

in this tank ‘cept turtles.

SAM

ya the truth. (about cigarette makings) Wanna try one?

Sw

SONNY

———

sure.

ie SAM — (hands him makings)

I never liked to clean fish -- or eat them, either -~-ya spend half your time picking out bones. [ jus’ come out here to get a little scenery -- too pretty a day to spend in town.

Sonny fumbleswith the paper and tobacco as Sam finishes his own, looksaround sadly.

Rev. 10/2/70 55A.

Sonny ishaving a terrible time with the cigarette. Sam takes themakings, does it for him.

eT drowned. She bet me a silver —

dollar she could beat me -- and she did -- my horse never wanted to take the water. She was always on the lookout for something like that ~- something wild... She’s still got the silver dollar. (Looks at the water)

Rev. 10/2/70 | | 56.

74 CONTINUED: . 74

se (conta)

oe SONNY Bein’ married always so miserable?

The water is still, as Sonny and Sam stare quietly at * it. x

cuT To: |

75 I BBY’ - NIGHT . oe 75

The ‘pool is silent, empty. The phonograph is playing. In the den, two teenage couples are dancing, a couple more are hecking in corners. On a couch, Jacy ismaking no attempt to conceal her disgust with Lester, who is alternately kissing her neck and trying to unbutton the first button on her blouse. Finally succeeds.

JACY | Ma Gawd, I’m glad it wasn’t on fire. I’da burned to death before you got one button undone. *

ey, (shoves him back,

gets up) I’m going to get a drink of water.

She goes out; Lester fixes his shirt. *

Rev. 10/2/70 57.

i\4 A Bobby is spreading himself a peanut butter sandwich as Jacy comes in.

As she comes néar, Bobby casually puts his hand on her crotch. Taken by surprise, Jacy is at a loss, but doesn’t move away. Bobby kisses her, smiles.

cut TO:

Rev. 10/2/70 58.

coe 77. DELETED

Sonny and Duane sit gloomily at the counter, eating some pie, the jukeboxplaying. They sit in silence for several moments. Suddenly:

SONNY * Okay! *

They head for the door.

cuUT TO:

Rev. 10/2/70 | | | 59/60.

79 79 *

Moves down Main Street. Sam is sitting on the curb in front of the poolhall, scratching his ankles. Sonny drives up, sticks his head out the window.

Sam comes over, puts foot on the running board.

| SAM | Goin’ where did you say?

os . SONNY

Alla way to Matamoros!

| SONNY I guess the town can get along without us till Monday.

| SAM (grinning) — I reckon. If I was young enough to bounce that far I‘d go with you. |Need any money?

Sam takes his wallet out, hands Sonny a twenty dollar oe bill.

Better take this for insurance -- money kinda melts when you take it across a border. An’ try not to drink too much of that buggy water.

Rev. 11/14/70 61.

79 CONTINUED: | 79

Saenti SAM

You get the clap you’11 wish you hadn’t drunk nothing. (looksat them fondly, sighs, steps back) Oh, me. (shakeshis head)

SONNY DUANE So long. ‘Bye.

The boys wave, pull away. Sam lifts ahand with a far- away look in his eye. Through the rear window, Duane and Sonny see him standing there, alone in the empty street.

cuT TO:

80-89 OMITTED B0-89

Rev. 11/14/70 | 62-66.

They cross past the city limits sign.

Sonny driving doggedly, unshaven; Duane asleep against window, mouth open. They have a couple of Mexican hats.

DUANE — Maybe Genevieve’s got somethin’ -- My stomach don’t feel so good.

Duane closes eyes in pain. Sonny looks off, slowing.

It is closed and dark.

| SONNY It’s closed.

SONNY| Not even for Christmas.

Rev. 11/14/70 67.

The pickup pulls up, boys get out, stagger to door. It is locked and it’s dark inside. They peer in.

Andy is sleeping with his feet sticking out the window. Duane shakes one foot until he sits up. bewildered.

9/24/70 68/69.

ANDY | Yep -- quite a blow! Keeled over on one of the snooker tables. Had a stroke,

--KONNY Sam the Lion?

Andy nods his head. Sonny and Duane look at him Silently. | |

Sonny sits down on the curb, looks across the street at the dark poolhall. Duane kicks at one of Andy’s tires.

Sonny looks up, but the information barely registers.

Rev. 10/2/70 ai | 70.

94 CONTINUED: (3) | 94 \

| ANDY Left Genevieve the cafe -- that’s the only thing he done made any sense. Left the picture show to. old Miss Mosey. Hell, she’s too far gone to even run a popcorn machine -- (spitsagain, clears throat) And the craziest thing of all -- he left a thousanddollars to Joe Bob Blanton -- the preacher’s boy -- beats all I ever heard of. He could just as easy have left it to me. I deserve it least as much as | that little ingorant bastard. |

They :are all silent.The stop light blinks. Sonny sits staring at it. Andy sits on the fender.

| ANDY | Anyhow, it’s done. They’re burying him tomorrow.

cuUTTO:

The graveyard is on a rough, gravelly hill, the wind is blowing loudly. Brother Blanton is praying. Joe Bob is near him. Sonny, Billy and Genevieve are standing together, watching the casket being lowered. Sonny’ s sportscoat is too short at thewrists -- the wind blows Genevieve’s veil. Sheis crying. Duane is standing back in the crowd, so isMr. Cecil. The Coach andRuth are there, as are most ofthe town. She and Sonny exchange a look. Lois Farrow stands slightly apart from therest. She is cryingopenly -- tears stream down her face. She wipes itwith her glove. People start to move away. .

cuT TO:

A crudely~painted sign reads: "SENIOR PICNIC OR BUST-

+ +

ARCHER HIGH, 1952". It is attached to a car in a line of ten cars on its way down the road at a moderate pace. | +e

Rev. 10/2/70 71.

It is a large old model,packed with boys: Duane, Sonny, Bud and Leroy, all of them hacking around, kidding Duane with wild references to some future event. He is taking it cockily.

‘BUD Sure is a ripe one.

Sonny is abstracted, not paying attention, as he sits by the back window, looking sadly out the cracked window. Past his reflection, the gray wastes of West Texas can be seen. The car passes atank dam. Tears come into his eyes as he looks out at the barren landscape, and the other boys’ wild revelry goes on behind hin.

The senior class, a couple of TEACHERS and ROOM MOTHERS are relaxing on the grass. Some long tables of food have been set up. A large group of the kids are playing softball. Joe Bob is in an earnest conversation with Mr. Cecil. Leroy is popping girls bra straps.

99 _ ‘EXT.WICHITA FALLS PARK - DAY a 99

At one corner of the park near some bushes, Jacy, Winnie Snips and Agnes Bean. aresurreptitiously con- gregating, glancing furtively around. They look at each other and indicate for Jacy to go. She slips away behind the bushes. After a moment, Agnes goes. Winnie looks across the field where she sees: |

Sonny and Duane looking at her. She nods several times. Duane nods back, and she, too, Slips away. Sonny and Duane walk over to Bud, who gives them some keys, then walk toward the bushes with a mock-casual manner.

‘Rev.10/2/70 | 71A.

Winnie’s car, full of Jacy, Agnes, and Winnie -- pulls up to the office of the motel. They sit inside, egging Jacy to go out and register. She is shaking her head nervously, enjoying it all enormously. Finally, Agnes gets out and heads inside, followed by Winnie. Jacy watches excitedly.

102 102 *

|Sonny and Duane drive up in Bud’s car, looking around nervously. They pull in two spaces away from the girls’ car, where Winnie and Agnes sit anxiously. 'Their eyes meet. Winnie points excitedly toward one of the motel rooms. Sonny grins at Duane, who gets out cockily and walks over to the door. Sonny and the girls exchange embarrassed smiles. Duane knocks on the door furtively.— |

- JACY’S VOICE (fromwithin) Come in.

103 OMITTED | | ae | 103. *

104 104 *

gdacy is standing: in the middle of the darkened room, wearing a néw nightgown and a rapturous expression. — ‘Duane closes the door. They embrace. There is a long kiss.

Kisses her again, fondles her; they sit on the bed and he takes off her pajamas, looking at her with disbelief.

He takes off his clothes, hands shaking, rolls overon top of her eagerly. They kiss again. When they part, Jacy closes her eyes, sucks in her breath. Duane’s face begins to cloud. Jacy wiggles; after several moments, opens her eyes again.

Rev. 10/2/70 : 71B.

Duane is suspended over her, raised on his arms. He has an expression of extreme dismay on his face.

( CONTINUED} ©

9/24/70 | | 72.

104 CONTINUED: | 104

See Jacy shuts her eyes again, waits, opens her eyes.

| JACY Well, what’s the matter? Aren’t you gonna do it?

| JACY | What do you mean? How could anything be wrong? Just go on and do it.

She shuts her eyes, screws up her face. Opens them again. |

| DUANE | I don’t know. I don’t know. Something’s happened.

|JACY | Well, get off a minute, for goodness sake. You might fall and mash me.

DUANE | I don’t know what happened.

Gloomily he sits on the edge of the bed. Jacy sits up and looks with vexation at the offending organ.

JACY | | It was Mexico. No telling what you got down there. I just hate you! I don’t know why I ever — went with you.

Jacy gets out of bed and stalks around the room, naked and furious, holding her voice down as best she can. *

Furiously, she flings a towel across the room. Duane starts to dress.

~

Rev. 10/2/70 | | 73.

; C)‘ x

| JACY : | I might have known you couldn’t do it -- now I'll never get to not be a virgin. What do we tell everybody? The whole class knows -- I just want to cry. I think you’re the meanest boy I ever saw ~--my mother was dead right about you.

He starts to leave.

| JACY Don’t go out there! We haven’t had time to do it -- they’de know! I | don’t want one soul to know! You better not tell one soul! : (picks up panties) You just pretend it was wonderful!

JACY — (throws panties at him) — Oh! If you say that one more time, I’1l bite you!

Duane comes out, dressed, pretending cockiness, goes toward Sonny in the car, avoiding the girls’ looks. He and Sonny exchange smiles.

Winnie and Agnes pile into the room. Jacy is sitting . on the well-rumpled bed, her nightgown on askew. She , looks at them languorously, calm, a little wasted even.

Rev. 8/2/70 | 74.

106 CONTINUED: | . | 106

Graduation ceremonies. On the stage the teachers are singing the State Song... Standing in the first two rows is the entire Senior Class, who are intheir grad- uation robes. Also there are the parents of many of the seniors; also, a score of other students. Winnie, Agnes, Sonny -~ all singing. Jacy istoo, but Duane standing next to her, is whispering something. She just shakes her head grimly, keeps on singing. His voice rises slightly. .

Jacy just looks annoyed.

It is the same motel. The pickup is parked in front of one room. After a moment the door opens and Jacy comes out, looking cross, followed by Duane, who acts pleased and cocky. He shuts the door, smirks at her smugly, as they head for the pickup. | | ,

cuT TO;

109 OMITTED | . 109

Sonny comes in the back door. Through the window, we see Ruth’s face brighten as he enters. They embrace and kiss. She touches his cheek. The RADIO is playing. She takes his hand, leads him into:

L1OA INT. POPPER BEDROOM — DAY : 110A

Ruth goes to bureau, takes a package from a drawer, and gives it to Sonny, eyes shining.

9/24/70 75.

O RUTH

It’s your graduation present.

He opens it quickly, finds a leather billfold with his name on it.

They kiss again.

lil INT. JACY’S BEDROOM - DAY , | 111

Phone RINGS. Jacy is doing her hair, lets it ring * twice, then unhurriedly picks it up, cradles it in her neck.

INTERCUT with:

Duane is on the pay phone.

_ WJACY What’s on your feeble mind, Duane?

‘DUANE | Same as it’s been... I want a date!

_JACY Uh-uh -- why don’t you go back to Mexico -- I guess girls are just easier to please down there.

( CONTINUED)

9/24/70 76.

She calmly hangs up, and turns her attention back toher eyes. Duane throws a pool ball as hard as he can at the back wall. It scares an OLD MAN sitting there half to death.

He throws another two. Billy and Sonny look on, amazed. Duane storms out.

Sonny, Duane and Billy stand near a large cattle truck. All look solemn, even Billy, but Duane has also a kind of sullen stubbornness. Hecarries a cheap suitcase. Sonny shakes his head.

SONNY — Hate to see you go, Duane.

DUANE : Not a Goddamn thing to stay for. All the roughnecks say you can get a job out in Odessa any time.

Duane turns Billy’s cap around, sadly, and climbs up in the truck, which starts up slowly. Duane leans out.

ieoa ooi nevd me- BeaaaePenOURGeSane.Steereenthe.WoareustUMMCMNnentSeumeurenatvcrumesSeow

| Rev. 10/2/70 77/77A/78/79.

CONTINUED: 113 \ itun

we | DUANE ‘esis wataen Listen, ifyou hear they busted up, let me know. Seremiuepeitin emmempreanse

Sonny and Billy stand looking after the truck.

| 114 114 | and OMITTED and

Jacy, in shorts, isglumly watching TV, her face slight- ly puffy; she twitches restlessly from time to time, sniffs. Abilene comes to the door,raps on the doorjamb.

He looks at her silently a moment.

( CONTINUED)

Rev. 10/6/70 80.

_ JACY |

Want me to turn the TV off?

Jacy gets up a little nervously, smooths her hair.

A117 EXT. POOLHALL - NIGHT A117

Abilene unlocks the door and they come in.

Only the light from the street lamp comes through the window. Jacy looks around.

JACY * Goodness, it sure is dark in . here.

She gets a pool cue, goes to hit the ball, while Abilene takes off his coverall. He comes over behind her, takes away the pool cue and pulls her to him into a kiss. When they part, he lays the cue down on the table, gets a cloth, lays it on too, and lifts her to the table. She hooks her hands into the corner pockets.

(

weage eeu

Rev. 10/6/79 SOA.

— 118 NT. ABILENE’SC OW STREET) - NIGHT 118 * 5 i a On the dashboard isa nude woman with tiny bloodstones * for nipples. Jacy is rumpled, uncertain, subdued. Abilene is inscrutable. The RADIO plays.

She leans over to kiss him but he turns his face away.

Jacy gets out, very puzzled, starts across the yard, carrying her sandals. Abilene races his motor, making the mufflers ROAR, as he backs out.

Lois is in her bathrobe, watching TV. She has heard the mufflers and heads for the kitchen, a d@rinkin her hand. In passing, she glances in a mirror and fluffs her hair.

9/24/70, | 81.

Ss Jacy comes in as Abilene guns away. Still barefoot, hair | tangled, she looks scared and confused. A lookof pain crosses Lois’ face when she sees her. Jacy starts to cry, sits helplessly at the kitchen table.

Lois just shakes her head, puts her drink down, wipes Jacy’s face with aKleenex.

LOIS * Oh, no, that’s just the way it goes, you know -- win a few, lose a few --

JACY * What do you do? Nothing’s ever the way it’s supposed to be at all.

Lois embraces her, and leads her into:

The TV is still on. Lois sighs.

~LOIS

got about as good a setup as anybody. ,

Rev. 10/2/70

ener” JACY

(incredulous) Ruth Popper?!

Sonny is racking for eight-ball, as the Sheriff aims his cue; MONROE, the deputy, bursts in.

The Sheriff shoots and the cue-ball bounces onto the floor.

SHERIFF

a Goddamn you, Monroe! You made me a

scratch. |

Rev. 10/2/70 §3.

122 CONTINUED: | 122 (()

Sonny and others in the hall are listening.

SHERIFF

mn What the hell? Maybe Joe Bob give her a ride home -- be doing her a favor, hot as it is. Why’d he want to kidnap Molly Clarg?

MONROE | Don’t ask me. But she ain’t at home -- Miz Clarg’s all upset -- she’s done looked everywhere for ‘em. They was seen drivin’ out of town toward Olney. Miz Clarg’s afraid Joe Bob might be goin’ to mo~lest her or something.

The Sheriff frowns gravely, quickly slaps his cue into a rack, heads for the door.

Sonny and the others come forward quickly.

Three cars roar down the road, the Sheriff’s in the lead.

Sonny is sitting in the back seat with two men. The Sheriff mops his sweating brow on his shirt sleeve.

SHERIFF

a

Boys, I don’t know what to think, but I fear the worst... (seeing something) There he is!

Rev. 10/6/70 | 84.

2D The preacher’s old Plymouth stops as the three cars come skidding up. The Sheriff quickly gets out, rolling down his shirt sleeves. Joe Bob sits in the Plymouth, look-. ing miserable. Everyone gets out of the cars and starts looking indecisively at the Plymouth. A couple of men ! spit. Sonny is apprehensive and confused. MRS. CLARG suddenly becomes hysterical, runs over and yanks MOLLY out. She is five, holds and all-day sucker and a stuffed dog and doesn’t have her panties on. |

The Sheriff and Monroe pull Joe Bob out of the car.

| SHERIFF What’d ya do to that child? We all know you done something’.

Joe Bob starts to say something but is too scared and nervous to get it out. He catches Sonny’s eye and looks pathetically at him. Mrs. Clarg goes berserk: as Joe Bob hangs from the arms of the Sheriff and Monroe, she suddenly beats at him with the stuffed dog.

In her fury she hits the Sheriff and Monroe, knocking one man’s glasses flying.-

SHERIFF | Here now, grab her! None of this Goddamn frenzy!

A couple of men hold her off; the Sheriff and Monroe hustle him toward the car as Brother Blanton runs up, yelling almost incoherently.

Rev. 10/2/70 85.

They half-drag, half~carry Jqe Bob to the Sheriff’s car. ed A couple of men help Mrs. Clarg who still clutches the stuffed dog. Molly trails behind, still lickingthe all-day sucker. Sonny goes to the Plymouth where ha finds her underpants an the front seat.

cuT TO:

There is a crowd of people gathered in the street talk- ing to one another, shaking their heads. Sonny comes from the jail as Jacy drives up in her convertible, honks, waves. He comes over.

plcdiccklladsid MainaelaNPSsSe lindaAgdle ale 5tls “a Hellerac AMil9AeR”Oe orik,siaMee4“ts_

Rev, 10/6/70 86.

Sonny looks at her, then opens the door. a,

CUT TO: !

Bright afternoon sunlight fills the room. Ruth has re- papered the walls and is just putting on some finishing touches. Fresh, expectant, she looks out the window, then glances at her watch, a little anxious. The RADIO is on,

CUT To:

128 ‘ TTY E E = : i2& *

Jacy‘s arm is stretched out as Sonny drives. RADIO playing. She sighs.

JACY | | You ever hear from Duane?

: SONNY I had a postcard.

She scoots over, sits close to Sonny. He glances at her quickly.

129 EXT, ¢ = 129

The car pull up and stops.

130 _JACY’S C ITY EB)- : 130

They sit together for several moments, Sonny scared to look at her.

ea:20h seinansindel Wicmr-SdaiandMalesiatahRt os" Whnaraananinnlaaanbaal:RStieeeeCMTSEEReeen

Rev. 10/2/70 B6A.

lan 130 CONTINUED: 130

3 JACY

Sonny.

She closes her eyes, leans forward and sighs. Hesitant- ly, not quite sure he can believe it, Sonny kisses her. Jacy puts her arms around his neck.

CUT TO;

131 T E ROOM ~ DUSK | 131 *

It is almost dark. Ruth sits on the bed, her face blank, RADIO still on. A car pulls into the driveway, door SLAMS, garage door SCREECHES, back door SLAMS. Mechanically, Ruth gets up.

CcuTTO:

The water is tranquil, the sky is beautiful. The kiss-~- ing has become more passionate. Jacy’s blouse is un- buttoned, her breasts are bared. He works her down on the seat. Suddenly she puts hand over his mouth, speaks huskily. |

‘ JACY Not here. I’m too old for screwing in cars. ‘(kisses him) I don’t like to be in a hurry.

A ear)

We'll do it when it’s safe... we've got all summer...

CcUTTO:

Rev. 10/2/70 87/88.

Driving past Ruth’s house, he looks guiltily at it; turns the corner.

134 OMTTTED . 134 *

A bright, second-hand Mercury is parked infront of the poolhall, as a pickup full of ROUGHNECKS pulls up and Sonny jumps out, dirty and greasy. He looks inthe car, sees Duane just sitting up, blinking in the sunlight. Sonny is unéasy.

9/24/70 | 89.

| SONNY Hey, Duane. |

Tanned dark, Duane gets out, wearing a Levi shirt with the arms cut out; they shake hands.

_DUANE | | Hi, buddy. Didn’t know you’d turned roughneck.

A moment of stiff silence; both grin, but they’re not really friendly. Sonny looks at the car.

| ‘SONNY This yours?

| DUANE Yeah, how about that? Thirty-— eight thousand miles on her. Runs like new. (lights a cigarette) © Wanna beer? | *

SONNY | ; Not me.| *

SONNY> Sure is a nice car. * : * DUANE I like to drive it so much I thought I’d run home for the weekend.

QL

Rev. 10/2/70 90.

: “TM,

136 Duane drinks his beer and absently wipes bugs off 136 the grill with a kerchief.

_ DUANE Can‘t take too good care of a car like this. I wash her évery week.

SONNY | Doctor said he didn’t really do nothing ~~ just got her to take off her underpants.

SONNY | Yeah, we have, a little -- she’s been kinda bored... once and 4 while we eat Mexican food or something.

SONNY| Whoever told you didn’t know what he was talkin’ about. Sure, I been ggin’ with her, why not?

Rev. 10/2/70 91.

136 CONTINUED: : . 136

{ CONTINUED)

DUANE

\ (smugly)

I coulda screwed her in five minutes - I wouldn’t even need no pickup.

SONNY , Yeahi? Well, the only.reason Jacy went with you long as she did was ‘cause you was in the backfield. I was in the Goddamn line!

9/24/70 93.

ox 136 CONTINUED: (3) 136

Enraged, Duane hits him with the bottle, catching him * on his eye. They slug at one another wildly, close, and struggle. Sonny’s eye bleeds, almost closed. Some men run out of the cafe; Genevieve behind them. Sonny Slowly collapses to his knees. Duane goes to hin, scared. Sonny passes out as the others run up.

Sonny is in bed, one eye bandaged, trying to roll a cigarette. The RADIO is playing. A NURSE comes in.

She hands him a note; Sonny opens it.

It reads: "May I come in and see you a little while? Ruth."

139 BACK TO SCENE 139

Sonny looks at the Nurse, unhappily.

9/24/70 94.

-_ SONNY | at If I go to sleep right now will

you tell her I’m asleep? Please?

She goes out. Sonny lowers himself uneasily in the bed.

Ruth walks out the door slowly, heading for the car.

Sonny sits behind the counter, eating a cheesburger. He looks drawn, but is dressed. The bandage on his eyé is smaller. Billy is sweeping, Genevieve cleaning up the counter for him.

Oh, he was jus’ holdin’ that * hottle ~- Gidn’t mean to hit me * with it -- *

She looks him in the eye, but Sonny turns to his sandwich.

9/24/70 95.

_ GENEVIEVE | (tiredsmile) Oh, sure, Iwish we’d made it.

She waves at Billy, who grins back. Sonny layshis wallet down.

Jacy is just getting out of her car as Genevieve comes out. She looks at Jacy hard, which flusters her.

9/24/70 96.

Ne Billy brings Sonny a peanut pattie as Jacy comes in, looking sorrowful.

She comes over, gives him a big kiss... she looks at Billy, who moves away warily; Jacy clearly doesn’t like hin. oe

SONNY — | I been missin’ you -- I’m a lot better’n I was.

7 JACY You just can’t believe how famous we are -- we’re all anybody talks about in this town now --

She picks up the wallet Ruth gave Sonny and fondles it, _ which makes him a little nervous.

- (CONTINUED)

9/24/70

— JACY| I don’t care about that -- I love you -- that’s more important. You were so dear to fight for me. My folkswon’t like it, butwe can run off.

SONNY | Sure. I justhope I cansee to drive.

|TACY | Now don’t you worry --I can drive.

Cur TOs

\S

A sign says, “Madill, Oklahoma, 5 miles." Sonny and Jacy drive by in. herconvertible; she’s driving.

a

Sonny, wearing and eye patch, looks extremely happy. Jacy’s hair blows, her smile a little strained. Sonny puts his hand on her leg,under her skirt. She pushes it off, looks at himnervously. The RADIO plays.

| SONNY Why not? We’re man andwife now -- we cando anything.

JACY | ; Not while I’mdriving. I might have a.wreck.

Sonny leans over and kisses her on the neck. She flinches.

: JACY Goodness, wouldn’t it be just awful ifMomma and Daddy got the police after us?

Rev. 10/2/70 99.

145 CONTINUED: . 145

CUT TOs:

The sun is setting as they drive by.

147 147 *

Sonny is nat sitting so close but Jacy looks even more nervous. A patrol car comes toward them. Jacy is hopeful, Sonny worried. It goes by. Jacy looks dashed; glancing _ in her rear-view mirror, she sees the car make a U-turn behind them. Her face brightens, but she feigns otherwise.

Sonny looks back miserable. Police car pulls them over, lights flashing. PATROLMAN gets out. *

Rev. 10/2/70 100.

The Patrolman goes to his car. Jacy kisses Sonnylightly as she puts the car ingear.

Rev. 11/14/70 | | 101.

148 OMITTED | | 148

Gene Farrow is coming out with Lois, Sonny and jacy, whom he grabs by the arm away from Sonny.

ES _ SONNY

~~ We was gonna get another apartment.

OE = ee GENE

svar I bet youwas. Where’s your car —

ee

keys, hon? —

a Sniffing, Jacy fishes themout. —

Jacy looks back. Gene leads her to the Cadillac, spins off with her. Sonny stands watching her go off. Lois comes over, taps his arm.

She brings out a little flask.

Rev. 11/14/70 102.

Sonny sips from it several times. Lois grins. They walk back toward the car.

Fl

you're lucky we got you clear of her quick as we did... you’d’ve been a lot better off stayin’ with Ruth

ee

Popper.

SONNY

Se Does everybody know about that? —

They get in the car.

150-151 OMITTED , 150-151

They drive hy. Thunder is heard.

Lois frowns at the sky as Sonny sips; she turns on radio.

Rev. 11/14/70 LO2A.

oe LOIS

That'll be a big help if you mean to live your life in Anarene.

ae wouldn't go through with her

wedding night. When I was her age

ee

Ifd go through with just ‘bout any

—

old night.

SS not with this eye.

Se IDGE — NIGHT 154

eS Moonlight on the water; they drive into Texas again. a aia

— The car pulls up in front.

Rev. 10/6/70 103.

| SONNY I guess you likedhim, didn’t you? I guess everybody did.

, Surprised, Sonny looks at herand it dawns on him.

SONNY _ are you the one he used to take swimming? Out to the tank?

|LOIS (looksat him; sniles) He told you about that, huh? > Oh yeah, I was the one. (pauses) _ If it hadn’ta been.for hin, you know, I’d have missed it -- whatever it is. I’d have. been one of those Amity types that think bridge is the best thing life has to offer. He’s the only man I ever met who knew what I was worth. Sam the Lion. (smiles) | Sam the Lion. Nobody knows where he got that name. I gave it to him -- one night. Just came to me. He was so pleased. I was twenty- two then -- can you imagine?

Looks at Sonny briefly, holding back her tears; a few . spill over.

LOIs (continuing) You know something, Sonny? It’s terrible only to find one man your whole life that knows what you’re worth. (MORE).

Rev. 11/14/70 104.

7 155 CONTINUED: (2) | 155

She looks forward again, then back at him amoment, with a reckless smile. He looks back, curiously. Finally:

LOIS | Nope. I’11ljust go on home.

Throws back his head and swallows, then coughs and sputters. Lois is amused. He hands her back the flask.

She drives away. He goes into the poolhall.

cur TO:

155-160 OMITTED | 156-160

Teams are warming up, much activity on the sidelines, inthe stands. Band warming up.

Rev. 10/2/70 a | 105.

161 CONTINUED: _ | | | i es 161 —TM! ae, Sonny, cleaned up and inhis football jacket, is on the sidelines, holding one@nd ofthe firstdown chain. A middle-aged man named CHESTER holds the other, watching the warm-up intently. —Coach Popper strides up and down| the sidelines, waving and yelling, cheerleaders lead cheers, drum majors twirl. Sonny tries: not to be de- * pressed. Tommy Logan runs by.

| CHESTER | | That Logan.boys a quarterback, now ain’t he? Boy, we finally got us ateam... Didn’t back in your day, did they, sonny?

SONNY > No, we wasn’t much good.

162 As the Coach comes by, towel over shoulder, chawing 162 tobacco, he scarcely glances: atSonny, but shakes Chester’s hand.

oe, (winks, goes on)

Rev. 10/2/70 106.

a | | | CHESTER

He’ Ssa good ol’ Poy, ain’t he?!

163 Everything grows quiet, players take off helmets | 163 Coach takes offhis cap; ahushed moment -- then the band begins the school song and whole school ‘begins -toSING:

| ALL | . "Anarene High School, we love you... Love you oh so grand. We will always be so loyal, Loyal to a man...

Whether in defeat or victory, We will always be true. | Dear old Anarene, we love you, And we? li fight for you..." cee

The song sweeps over the quiet field, the still town. Sonny moves his lips, but doesn’t really sing. Caught by a strong emotion, he loooks around the stands, at the players, theband. The song comes to an end.

164 ~ 164

The scoreboard indicates that Archer city won. Sonny and Billy walk from the ball parktogether, down a ~road of departing cars. Sonnygives Billy his eye patch. Gradually, the carsthin and Sonny and Billy walk on.

164A 3 164A *

Sonny and Billy walk past the quiet lake, Billy * sweeping occasionally. :

164B DELETED

—164¢c XT. GRAVEYARD - NTIZ : 164C *

Sonny and Billy walk past the cemetery.

Ned

Rev. 9/24/70 | | 107.

\ate Sonny and Billy continue walking past the school. Horns are HEARD celebrating hometeam victory.

164E DELETED

cold, windy. Sonny drives the pickup to the shabby little unpainted three-room house, off an unpaved | road; no walk. Duane’s Mercury is out front. Sonny KNOCKS on the door. MRS. JACKSON answers with some washing in her arms. .

_ SONNY | Hi, Mrs. Jackson -- Duane here? —

She goes back inside. Sonny shuffles nervously onthe porch, Duane appears in uniform, hair is slicked down. Nervous, he steps outside. Wind catches the screen door and SLAMS it back against the house; Duane shuts it.

SONNY > Oh, pretty good.

- DUANE ts Been thinking all week I’d run into you.

( CONTINUED)

CS

Rev. 10/2/70 108.

“— od

They head toward the car.

They sit stiffly, awareof one another, only eight or ten people inthe theatre. Billy sits in the balcony watching. The western ends and Duane and Sonny get up and start out.

Billy comes sweeping down the aisle. The boys grin at him as they pass.

Miss Mosey is scraping out the popcorn machine, close to tears.

DUANE |

a, Sorry you’re closin’ the show.

(CONTINUED

10/2/70 109.

167 CONTINUED: | oe 167 —_ Nae,

Marlene Duggs is shivering at the curb. The boys glance at her as they pass. The wind is blowing trash from the gutters into the street. They get into the Mercury, drive away. The picture show’s neon sign goes off.

170 170 *

The boys sit drinking beer. The MOTOR is running, RADIO on. Sonny rolls a cigarette.

| DUANE Sure no women around tonight -- guess the next piece of ass I get’1l be yellow.

| _SONNY Wisht I was goin’ with you.

DUANE _

\ (looks guilty).

Hey, why don’t you look after the car for me?

( CONTINUED)

Rev. 10/2/70 1O9A.

‘DUANE , I wouldn’t want her drivin’ it, not better than she can drive. You might help her run the | groceries. home if youhave the time.

| SONNY Okay.

171 *

Trailways bus pulls in; Sonny gets Duane’s dufflebag from back seat,hands it to him. They stand a minute in the cold singing wind. Duane doesn’t look athim.

‘DUANE. Ever hear from Jacy?

A gust of wind hits them, they turn their backs to it.

Rev. 9/24/70 | | | 110-113.

171 CONTINUED: . we | 171

~DUANE. Well, better get on, before we both freeze. | | (handshim car : x keys) Here’s the keys. So long,buddy. *

They shake hands awkwardly, their eyes not quite meeting.

About to step on the bus, Duane turns back.

_DUANE. See you in a year or two, if. 1 don’t get shot.

The bus drives away down the dusty street. -Sonny walks slowly across the square toward the car.

CUT OUT:

Billy walks up with his broom, but the doors are locked. Mystified, a little sad, he goes across the street, sit on.the curb, looking at the picture show.

173 DELETED

Rev. 10/2/70 | | | 114.

Sonny comes shivering fromthe back room, goes tolight + the old gas stove, sneezes severaltimes. Lighting the jets,he HEARS a big cattle truck ROAR past inthe streets, then, alarmingly loud, the SCREECH of air brakes. Sonny looks around, but goeson, lights the fires. Then goes to the door, looks out.

175 175 *

The big truck is stopped in frontof the courthouse, several PEOPLE standing in frontof it.

Sonny steps outside, curious. The cold wind makes him catch his breath. The Sheriff’s car pulls up and the Sheriff hurries to the front of the truck in his bathrobe. A cowboy, passing in a pickup, stops. Sonny turns to go back inside when he suddenly sees Billy’s broom lying in the street... he runs toward the truck, then jogs toward it, then slows to a walk. The Sheriff, a TRUCKER, two COWBOYS, a GAS STATION MAN, a PUMPER are gathered around Billy, who is lying in front of the truck, dead. The truck is full of Hereford yearlings, bumping one another. ,Numb, Sonny approaches the men, who look at Billy indifferently, spitting, shuffling. -

PUMPER _ Yeah -< hard to see.

114A,

oN el GAS STATION MAN

He was a kinda wandering ol’ kid -- always inthe street.

10/2/70 115.

176 CONTINUED: (2) | | | 176 *

-PRUCKER . What was he doin’ out there anyway, carryin’ that broom?

| COWBOY | Sorta retarded, you know. Wasn’t your fault.

COWBOY | Let’s go to the cafe, Ira. I ain’t had no breakfast.

177 Crying, Sonny grabs Billy under the arms, picks up hat, 177 and drags him - trying to run - across the street, lays him on the curb in front of the picture show; takes off his old football jacket and covers him. The men follow, slowly, looking at Sonny curiously. For several moments he looks at Billy’s cap, then lays it down next to hin, walks away.

( CONTINUED)

Rev. 10/2/70 116.

177 CONTINUED: (3) o4177—~«*

Sonny has walked across the square to the poolhall, where he’s leftthe dooropen, the wind blowing in. The place looks empty, cold. He gets in Duane’s car, still crying.

Drives fast past the city limits sign, slows stops. The wind blows through the mesquite, over the grey ridges. Sonny sits aminute, then turns the car around. | / |

Sonny drives intotown. The truck is gone, the square empty again.

180, 180

Sonny drives to Ruth’s house and parks.

Sonny walks numbly up the sidewalk,KNOCKS on the door. Ruth opens it in her bathrobe, lookingvery faded. Surprised, she makes a movement to hold her robe to- gether. Sonny barely glances at her.

She holds the door open for hin.

They go through the living room, into the disordered kitchen. Sonny sits at the table, while Ruth gets the coffee, moving awkwardly. A RADIO is playing in another room.

pegnaie Ae aAAME Fn yl So Mestaie:biesieORARaaerte okleesllhesetailamiananeSolaBr oredievielir habiantet oe aliiaBllbvecnebsaaieninsoiendamaiinianen. 5ecdeaaibashhocadtuchidasasctenilibedt

LIGA.

Sonny cannot lookat.her. As she begins to pour the coffee, her face tightens with anger. Suddenly, she flings Sonny’s coffee cup at the cabinet, then herown, then the coffee pot at the wall. It breaks. A great brown stain spreads over the wallpaper and drips to the linoleun,

aoLou

Rev. 10/2/70 | L117.

182 CONTINUED: (2) | 182

S

Sonny begins to say something.

| RUTH (continuing) I guess you thought Iwas so old and ugly you didn’t owe me. any explanations. Didn’t need to be careful of me. (pauses, struggling) | There wasn’t anything I.could do about you and her -- why should you be careful of me? You didn’t love me. Look at me! (sitsopposite) Can’t you even look at me?

Sonny looks, finally, but doesn’t know what to say.

Ruth’s hands are nervously clasped on the table. Sonny reaches out andtakes one of them. She is startled and ‘J stiff, but Sonny holds on and in a moment, disconcerted, she lets him hold it. His fingers weave through hers. Ruth looks at him, cautiously. He sits blankly.

Rev. 9/24/70 : | 118.

i82 CONTINUED: (3) 182

With the fingersof her other hand, she begins to smooth the hair at the back of his wrist, then turns his hand . over, traces the lives in his palm up tothe wrist, presses the tips ofher fingers against the blue viens athis wrist and goes upward under the sleeve of his shirt. All at once tears spring inher eyes. She takes Sonny’s hand and presses itto her throat, to her wet face. She is on the verge of saying something fine, something wise or brave or beautiful, gasps with it, squeezeshis hand, loses the words. After a moment, quieter, she puts his hand on the table, strokes his fingers with hers. She notices his shirt collar iswrinkled, under his jacket, and tenderly reaches to straighten it.

PULL AWAY from them slowly.

LAP DISSOLVE TOs: *

The street is empty, and so is the square. Thewind is blowing, raising the dust, andthe picture show is closed.