PLEASANTVILLE
-------------
Gary Ross
FADE IN:
INT. HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. DAY.
A college counselor stands at the Podium lecturing the high school
seniors about their future.
COLLEGE COUNSELOR
...For those of you going on to college next year, the chance of
finding a good job will actually decrease by the time you
graduate. The available number of entry level jobs will drop
thirty-one percent over the next four years. Median income for
those jobs will go down as well...
There is some rustling in the audience.
COLLEGE COUNSELOR
Obviously, my friends, it's a competitive world and good grades
are your only ticket through. In fact, by the year Two Thousand...
INT. HIGH SCHOOL. HEALTH CLASS.
A different teacher lectures a different class of students.
HEALTH TEACHER
...The chance of contracting HIV from a non-monogamous life-style
will climb to one in one hundred and fifty. The odds of dying in
an auto accident are only one in twenty-five hundred.
(beat)
Now this marks a drastic increase...
INT. HIGH SCHOOL. SCIENCE CLASS.
Same angle. Different teacher.
SCIENCE TEACHER
...From just four years ago when ozone depletion was at
ten percent of its current level. By the time you are
twenty years old, average global temperature will have
risen two and a half degrees, causing such catastrophic
consequences as typhoons, floods, widespread drought and
famine.
REVERSE ANGLE. STUDENTS.
They stare back in stunned silence. One of them, DAVID WAGNER,
sits in the front row with a pencil in his mouth. Nobody moves...
SCIENCE TEACHER
(chipper "classroom" tone)
Okay. Who can tell me what famine is?
CUT TO:
1958
Birds are chirping. The sun is shining. All the hedges are neatly
pruned and the lawns are perfectly manicured. A sweet stillness
hangs over the SUBURBAN STREET, which is bathed in beautiful BLACK
AND WHITE.
MAN'S VOICE (OS)
Honey, I'm home.
INT. SUBURBAN HOME.
GEORGE PARKER enters the front door and hangs his hat on the
coatrack. He sets his briefcase down and moves into the foyer with
a huge smile on his face. It's a frozen smile that doesn't seem to
be affected by too much in particular--like a tour guide at
Disneyland.
WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S.)
Hello darling.
WIDER.
MRS. GEORGE PARKER (BETTY) enters, untying the back of her apron.
She is a vision of '50s beauty with a trim figure and concrete
hair. Betty crosses to her husband and hands him a fresh martini.
She kisses him on the cheek.
BETTY
How was your day?
GEORGE
Oh, swell. You know, Mr. Connel said that if things keep
going the way they are, I might be seeing that promotion
sooner than I thought.
BETTY
Oh darling that's wonderful!
(an adoring gaze)
I always knew you could do it.
INT. WAGNER LIVING ROOM. NIGHT. 1996 -- (LIVING COLOR)
DAVID WAGNER sits on his couch watching this entire action on a
sleek new Sony T.V. He stares riveted at the set with a big smile
on his face. David wears black shoes, black pants, black T-shirt
and a black baseball cap, not a nerd exactly... He reaches next to
him into a huge bag of Doritos, never taking his eyes off the
show.
GEORGE (OS)
(on T.V.)
Hey, Pumpkin! What's that smell?
(sniffing)
Is that your meat loaf?
DAVID
(by rote)
"It might be..."
BETTY (OS)
(shy smile)
It might be.
He leans over and kisses her--again on the cheek.
GEORGE (OS)
Oh Pumpkin! You sure know the way to this man's heart.
There is a loud and inappropriate LAUGH TRACK. David smiles wider
and is just about to reach for more corn chips, when his real
MOTHER'S VOICE rings out from the other room.
DAVID'S MOM (OS)
...Bullshit Barry, that wasn't the deal.
INT. KITCHEN.
David's mom paces the room with the phone in her hand. Between the
plastic surgery and the make-up it's hard to fix her age.
DAVID'S MOM
No--you have custody the first weekend of every month
and this is the first weekend...
(pause)
I don't care if yesterday was the thirtieth, this is
still the first weekend.
INT. LIVING ROOM.
Her words drift in from the kitchen while David stares at the
show.
DAVID'S MOM (OS)
No I can't bail you out, I'm supposed to go out of town.
(beat)
La Costa.
(pause)
Barry, if I want to get a mud bath with my new
boyfriend, that's really my business, isn't it?
He reaches out and TURNS UP THE SOUND. PLEASANTVILLE plays at an
unnaturally high volume.
GEORGE
(on T.V.)
Hey. Where are those kids?
DAVID
(reciting--a little louder)
"Right behind you father."
BUD AND MARY SUE TOGETHER
(on T.V.)
Right behind you father.
RESUME T.V. (BLACK AND WHITE)
The Parkers' son and daughter (BUD AND MARY SUE) enter the foyer
together. Mary Sue wears her hair in a pony tail. Bud has on a
Letterman's sweater.
MARY SUE
Mother...Father...Bud has a little surprise for you.
BETTY
What's that Bud?
Bud hesitates for a moment, then holds up a shiny "blue" ribbon.
BUD
First prize at the science fair. There were lots of
swell projects--guess mine was just the 'swellest'.
BETTY
Darling that's wonderful. Except there's no such word as
'swellest'.
BUD
Well gee whizz, Mom. It wasn't the "English" fair.
There is another jarring LAUGH TRACK.
CLOSE UP. DAVID.
He smiles right along with it. David stares transfixed at the set
despite the continuing conversation in the other room.
DAVID'S MOM (OS)
Well sure they can stay by themselves. Barry, they're
seventeen years old, but that's not the point. You're
supposed to see them.
(beat)
Well fine -- You'll see them some other time.
(pause)
No, I'm not gonna cancel my trip just so you won't look
like a jerk.
DAVID
(quietly)
What's a mother to do?
BETTY (OS)
(on T.V.)
Oh--what's a mother to do?
CLOSE UP. DAVID.
He grabs another handful of Doritos staring at the T.V....
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL. (SERIES OF SHOTS) DAY.
A cacophony of modern life. Beepers and nose rings--blue hair and
tattoos. Dissonant boom boxes compete with one another. The
hormones are running crazy.
EXT. SCHOOL COURTYARD.
It is a large open area, alive at lunchtime. Groups of kids hang
out together, divided by their various cliques. The music pounds
in the background.
CLOSE UP. DAVID.
He stands at one end of the courtyard beside a chain link fence.
Beads of sweat form on David's forehead as he speaks to someone in
front of him.
DAVID
Hi. I mean...
(pause)
...Hi.
REVERSE ANGLE.
A very pretty blonde girl smiles back at him. It's a warm,
welcoming smile.
CLOSE UP. DAVID.
DAVID
Look. You probably don't think I should be asking you
this. I mean--not knowing you well and all...
REVERSE ANGLE. GIRL.
She smiles wider at him, inviting him to continue.
CLOSE UP. DAVID.
DAVID
(pause)
I mean I know you--everybody 'knows' you...I just don't
know you...technically.
REVERSE ANGLE. GIRL.
She nods at him... There's a SCHOOL BELL. The crowd begins to thin
out.
CLOSE UP. DAVID.
DAVID
Well-- I was just wondering--'cause I see you all the
time in Algebra and I heard you humming that Van Halen
song and I really like that song too...
(pause)
Anyhow, I don't know what you're doing this weekend but
my Mom's leaving town and she said I could use her car
so...
REVERSE ANGLE. GIRL.
She positively beams. The girl flicks her blonde hair and stares
back at him adoringly.
CLOSE UP. DAVID.
Instead of smiling back, David just stares, then looks at the
ground.
WIDE ANGLE. SCHOOL YARD.
For the first time WE SEE THAT SHE WASN'T TALKING TO HIM. David
stands a good hundred yards across the school yard, rehearsing
this speech while the young woman stands face to face with a much
cooler boy. He has a cell phone and a very hip haircut.
ANGLE. DAVID.
David watches as the girl throws her arm around the boy's waist
and heads out of the playground...
CUT TO:
EXT. "LUNCHEON COURT" DAY.
David and his friends are all gathered around the plastic picnic
tables and vending machines that form the luncheon court. The
chess club meets at one end and there are some teachers at the
other. All the cool kids are on the other side of the fence but
David and his friends eat lunch at the same table every day.
HOWARD
Okay, whose window did Bud break when he was playing
with his father's golf clubs?
DAVID
Easy. Mr. Jenkins. What job did Mr. Jenkins have?
Howard looks at him, puzzled.
DAVID (CONT.)
Salesman. What did Bud and Mary Sue name the cat they
found in the gutter?
HOWARD
Scout?
DAVID
Marmalade.
They all nod--and murmur with admiration.
DAVID
Okay--here's one: Why did their parents come home early
from their weekend at the lake?
Everybody thinks. Nobody knows.
DAVID
'Cause Bud didn't answer the phone and they were worried
about him.
It's quiet for a beat.
HOWARD
You're unbelievable. You'll win this thing for sure.
When is it on?
DAVID
Marathon starts at 6:30. Contest's tomorrow at noon.
HOWARD
(weighing it)
A thousand dollars...And it's on all night?
DAVID
Of course it is Howard. That's why they call it a
Marathon.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE
David's sister, Jennifer, hangs out with her friends in the
parking lot. All the girls are dressed in the exact same uniform:
Blue jeans, beeper on the belt, white V-neck T-shirt, car keys in
their hand. (Even the girls WITHOUT a car hold car keys in their
hand).
Jennifer is by far the prettiest and, thus, is the leader of the
group. They all look toward the Luncheon Court where David and his
friends are hanging out.
KIMMY
Omigod, it's so mor-tifying. I can't believe you're
like--
related to him.
JENNIFER
Only on my parent's side.
KIMMY
I know, but you're like...twins and stuff.
(beat)
You must be from like, the cool side of the uterus.
A group of VERY HIP boys strut through the parking lot. They bop
up and down with the self-confidence of all cool sixteen year
olds. The girls freeze when they see them.
KIMMY
Omigod, omigod--here they come.
CHRISTIN
Don't do anything. Just don't like--do anything...
JENNIFER
(coolly)
Hi Mark.
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
He pauses then looks over at her. Jennifer slides sinuously off
the fender of the car, flicking her hair like a young racehorse.
She has a perfect 16 year old body and the whole parking lot knows
it. Mark heads over to her, followed by his lackeys.
MARK
(to Jennifer)
Hey.
JENNIFER
(right back)
Hey.
Beat...
MARK'S LACKEYS
(to Jennifer's lackeys)
Hey.
JENNIFER'S LACKEYS
(back to them)
Hey.
MARK
Saw you at the mall yesterday.
JENNIFER
Yeah...Saw you too.
Everyone nods for a moment or two. No one says anything.
JENNIFER
So you watching Pearl Jam on MTV tonight?
MARK
Yeah.
(beat)
You?
JENNIFER
Yeah.
Jennifer pauses, weighing the next statement.
JENNIFER (CONT.)
My mom'll be out of town.
Kimmy and Christin positively GASP while Mark's Lackeys mumble and
glance around. The import of the thing isn't lost on anybody. Mark
bobs up and down a little faster.
MARK
So uh...Maybe we could uh...
JENNIFER
(smiling)
Cool.
MARK
(nodding faster)
Cool.
VARIOUS LACKEYS
Cool.
Everybody bobs and shuffles for a beat, when Mark nods, summoning
his flock.
CUT TO:
EXT. WAGNER NEIGHBORHOOD DUSK
It is a southwestern version of "Leave it to Beaver." The
uniformity of Suburbia has been washed in earth tones. There is a
red tile roof gracing every home. All the houses have the same
anemic palm tree. It's an urban planner's version of hell. A Westec
Security car rolls through the shot.
INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
It is just as sleek and impersonal as before. Maybe more so at
night. Jennifer crosses through the bedroom with the cordless
phone attached to her ear.
JENNIFER
...I know, I know -- He's just like so FINE... I'm still
like; "Omigod."
(pause)
It was amazing, Daph...I'm like: "Well my Mom'll be out
of town." And he's like "Well then, maybe we could--you
know..." And I'm like "Yeah, sure." And he's like "Well,
cool."
(beat)
I know, he's just so smart.
(pause...)
I don't know. Maybe that black thing I just got.
(pause...)
It is not slutty Daph, it's cute.
(pause...)
Well, "hello?" He's not coming over here to study...
(beat)
I know. Well I'm jealous of you too sometimes.
INT. DAVID'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
It is studious and academic--not joyless, but not colorful either.
David stands at his bedroom window, staring outside with a
cordless phone in his hand.
DAVID
...He's not homeless Howard, they just don't say where
he lives.
(pause...)
Well it's a silly question.
(pause)
Because nobody's homeless in Pleasantville.
REVERSE ANGLE. HIS POV.
His mother loads the final Louis Vuitton bag into her Mercedes.
DAVID (CONT)
...because that's just not what it's like.
EXT. DRIVEWAY
She fires up the car and pulls out of FRAME. David watches from
the upstairs window.
DAVID
Listen Howard--it's almost six-thirty. I gotta go.
INT. WAGNER LIVING ROOM.
The huge black TV sits like a monolith in the middle of the room.
All at once David comes bounding down the stairs making a B-line
for the couch. Jennifer enters just as quickly from the other
direction, fiddling with her clothes.
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
They hit the coffee table and reach for the remote control at
exactly the same moment. Both of them freeze then look up at each
other in shock.
JENNIFER
What are you doing?
DAVID
What are you doing?
Neither one moves. They clutch the remote together.
JENNIFER
David, cut it out. Mark Davis is gonna like be here in
five minutes.
DAVID
Well great. The Pleasantville Marathon starts at six
thirty.
JENNIFER
Omigod, I don't be-leeeeeve this! He's gonna like beeeee
here!
DAVID
Well great. You can watch it upstairs.
JENNIFER
Upstairs! Up-staiiiirs! There isn't any STEREO!
Jennifer gets panicked and yanks at the remote. David yanks back
and before they know it, the remote goes flying out of their
hands, CRASHING onto the hardwood floor. It smashes into a million
tiny pieces.
DAVID
(breathless)
Oh my God...
(sinking to his knees/scooping up the remains)
Oh my God...
JENNIFER
David, stop stressing, you can like--turn it on
normally...
DAVID
No you can't, Jen! It's a new TV. It doesn't work
without a remote.
David cradles the pieces like a fallen comrade, when the DOORBELL
RINGS behind him.
JENNIFER
Oh my God! He's here!
Jennifer sweeps some of the pieces frantically under the sofa and
tries to adjust her outfit on the way to the door. David just
stares in shock at the shattered plastic. Jennifer reaches the
front door and wets her lips. She fluffs her hair quickly, sticks
out her chest then swings it open.
DIFFERENT ANGLE. FRONT DOOR.
Jennifer steps forward with her sexiest smile, but it isn't Mark
Davis on the other side. TV REPAIRMAN STANDS ACROSS THE THRESHOLD
IN A BROWN JUMPSUIT. Jennifer looks at him puzzled. He steps
forward, flashing her a chipper grin, toolbox in hand.
TV REPAIRMAN
TV repair.
JENNIFER
...TV repair?
TV REPAIRMAN
Yeah. TV busted?
JENNIFER
Yeah...
TV REPAIRMAN
(smiling wider)
Well here I am.
REVERSE ANGLE. JENNIFER'S POV.
She glances out the front door toward a weird VAN parked at the
curb. It says "TV REPAIR" on the side but looks like something
from a medicine show. The antenna on top resembles a weather vane
and the mural beneath it depicts a happy family from the 1950s,
gathered around their TV set. Everyone wears a smile, including
the dog. The hand-painted motto reads "TV Repair--WE'LL FIX YOU
FOR GOOD."
INT. LIVING ROOM.
David looks back at TV Repairman who smiles at him, then crosses
to the living room stepping nimbly around the ottoman. He heads
toward the TV.
TV REPAIRMAN
(seeing the smashed remote)
Holy cow. Look at that. Had a little disaster didn't ya
fella.
DAVID
Yeah...Sort of...
TV REPAIRMAN
(setting down the toolbox)
We'll get you fixed up in no time.
He pops the top of the tool box while Jennifer and David just
stare. It's a strange looking box with the same happy family
painted on the side. TV Repairman pulls out another remote.
TV REPAIRMAN
I know how I'd feel if mine went out. Almost like losing
a friend.
DAVID
(tentatively)
You know, we didn't call any TV repair.
TV REPAIRMAN
Well that makes it a lucky day for both of us, hunh?
Jennifer shuts the door and crosses down toward the living room.
JENNIFER
You think you could do this like soon? It's almost six
thirty.
TV REPAIRMAN
What's the rush?
DAVID
(cutting her off)
The Pleasantville Marathon starts at six thirty.
At that moment there is a huge FORK OF LIGHTNING and a booming
CLAP OF THUNDER. It literally rattles the walls of the house as TV
Repairman turns toward David.
TV REPAIRMAN
Pleasantville?
David recoils slightly. TV Repairman flashes him a smile.
TV REPAIRMAN (CONT)
Gosh, I loved that show. Watched it for years.
JENNIFER
That's not the reason. I've got a date at six thirty.
TV REPAIRMAN
(ignoring her/leaning closer to David)
Hey--who did Muffin take to the masquerade ball when her
date came down with the measles?
DAVID
...Her father.
TV REPAIRMAN
Right. And how did she dress him?
DAVID
...Like Prince Charming.
TV REPAIRMAN
(studying David/nodding)
Nice...Nice...
JENNIFER
Um--hello? I've got like a social emergency here.
TV REPAIRMAN
(ignoring her)
Remember the one where Bud lost his cousin when he was
s'posed to be watching him?
DAVID
Yeah...
TV REPAIRMAN
What department store did they go to?
DAVID
McIntire's.
TV REPAIRMAN
McGinty's.
DAVID
No. McIntire's. Remember:
(sings)
"For the very best in men's attire, Head right down to
McIntire's."
TV REPAIRMAN
(stunned)
That's right.
He stares at David, speechless, for a moment, then smiles fondly
and reaches beside him for his tool kit.
TV REPAIRMAN
Say--why don't you take this remote instead. It's got a
little more "Ooomph" in it.
DAVID
Ooomph?
TV REPAIRMAN
Sure. Big beautiful set like this--you want something
that'll put you right in the show.
JENNIFER
(quickly)
We'll take it.
He flashes them a big smile and holds out a weird looking
contraption that seems more primitive than space age. It's a
strange combination of an early transistor radio and Flash Gordon
ray gun. TV Repairman extends it with pride, while Jennifer and
David stare at him warily...
DAVID
Thanks...
TV REPAIRMAN
Well, I better get going. Your show's almost on, and...
(smiling at Jennifer)
It's almost time for your date.
There is a SECOND CLAP OF THUNDER even louder than the first. He
smiles at them, then starts across the living room, pausing at the
front door to look back. There is a weird smile on his face.
TV REPAIRMAN
Take care now.
David and Jennifer look at one another while the front door shuts
with a THUD. It's quiet for a second or two before there is
another CLAP OF THUNDER. David cocks his head.
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
He glances down at the strange contraption sitting on the coffee
table. It looks a little scary. Slowly, very slowly, he reaches
down and touches it. Nothing seems to happen so he picks it up.
CLOSER.
David points the remote toward the TV set with an apprehensive
look on his face. He winces a little, then pushes one of the
buttons.
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
The TV set turns on. Psychic Friends Network appears.
SHOT. DAVID.
DAVID
Hunh.
It all seems normal as he pushes another button. This time the
channel changes.
DAVID
(relaxing)
Great.
He continues to press the button, flipping through the channels.
Jennifer sees that everything is fine and reaches for the remote.
JENNIFER
Lemme see that.
DAVID
No way.
He continues to flip through the channels, coming to rest on the
Pleasantville Marathon. BUD'S VOICE fills the room.
BUD (OS)
(on TV)
Gee whizz, Mary Sue--why can't I borrow your transistor
radio?
MARY SUE (OS)
(on TV)
I promised Betty Jane she could use it over the weekend.
FULL SHOT. TV SET. "PLEASANTVILLE" (BLACK AND WHITE)
Bud and Mary Sue clutch either end of a small transistor radio.
They seem to be in the EXACT SAME POSITION as David and Jennifer,
who are struggling over the remote control.
ANGLE. DAVID AND JENNIFER.
She tugs the remote while David yanks in the other direction.
JENNIFER
Do you mind. This is like the most important moment of
my whole life.
DAVID
Forget it Jen, I've waited a year for this.
JENNIFER
(yanking at it)
God, David. Just give it to me!
DAVID
(yanking it back)
Forget it!
They wrestle with the remote, inadvertently POINTING IT AT THE TV.
At that moment, a weird thing happens:
SPECIAL EFFECT
A huge white light emanates from the set, like its own atomic
blast wave. The entire room is filled with a BLINDING AURA for a
second or two, before it actually gets sucked into the TV.
WIDE ANGLE. LIVING ROOM
It is suddenly empty--illuminated only by the soft glow of the
picture tube. David and Jennifer are nowhere in sight.
INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM. (PLEASANTVILLE) DAY.
David and Jennifer are standing in the middle of the 1950's living
room, dressed in Bud and Mary Sue's clothing. They still clutch
the remote control in the exact same position that was occupied by
their fictional counterparts. David and Jennifer glance at one
another, then look horrified around the room. THE WORLD HAS TURNED
TO BLACK AND WHITE...
DAVID
(a whisper)
Oh my God.
JENNIFER
What happened?
DAVID
I'm not sure.
WIDER
George Parker (Bud and Mary Sue's father) enters from the landing
whistling a happy tune. He's dressed in a gray suit with a gray
shirt, and a dark gray tie with little gray dots.
GEORGE
(as if to his own children)
Hi Sport, hi Muffin...Better get a move on, you're gonna
be late for school.
He continues to cross through the living room whistling into the
kitchen...
JENNIFER
(desperately)
What did you do?
DAVID
I don't know.
JENNIFER
(examining her black and white skin)
Uchh! Look at me! I'm like so...pasty!
He glances down at the remote control that sits lifeless in his
hand. David frantically presses the buttons but nothing happens.
All at once, there is a voice behind them.
VOICE (OS)
Psst! Over here.
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
They whirl around to see TV REPAIRMAN'S FACE smiling at them from
the TV set in the corner. It's an old '50s set with a big round
picture tube. They run over to him as he smiles.
TV REPAIRMAN
(beaming)
Told you it was your lucky day. Bet you thought I was
just a fan or something.
JENNIFER
What happened?
TV REPAIRMAN
A miracle.
They stare stunned at the TV set.
TV REPAIRMAN
(cont...)
...See, every time I thought I'd found someone they'd
turn out to disappoint me. They'd know the early
episodes, but they wouldn't know the later ones...They'd
know all about Muffin but they wouldn't know about
Bud...
DAVID
(to the TV set)
What the hell's going on!
TV REPAIRMAN
Shh! Can't talk like that now. You're in...
(smiles)
You know...
David glances around at his black and white surroundings. His
"mother's" voice rings out from the kitchen.
BETTY (OS)
Bud. Mary Sue...Breakfast is on the table.
DAVID
We're in Pleasantville?
TV REPAIRMAN
(grinning)
Dream come true, hunh?
JENNIFER
(panicking)
This isn't funny! I happen to have a very important date
in like five minutes!
TV REPAIRMAN
Well, you don't have to worry about that anymore.
FULL SHOT. TELEVISION SET.
All at once the scene on the TV changes and TV Repairman's picture
gives way to a WIDE ANGLE SHOT OF THE WAGNER HOUSE. DUSK.
Mark Davis is standing at the front door, BANGING on the brass
knocker. He checks his watch, shifts restlessly for a moment or
two, then turns and heads down the flagstone walk never looking
back.
MARK DAVIS
(under his breath)
...Bitch.
INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM (BLACK AND WHITE AGAIN)
Jennifer flings herself at the screen, as TV Repairman appears all
over again.
JENNIFER
Noooooo!
DAVID
You--you gotta get us out of here.
TV REPAIRMAN
(recoiling slightly)
Why would I do that?
DAVID
Because we don't belong!
TV REPAIRMAN
Oh sure you do..."McIntires Department store..." "Their
father dressed as Prince Charming." That was gorgeous
Bud.
DAVID
My name's David.
JENNIFER
(wailing on the floor)
Oh GOD...
TV REPAIRMAN
(a little snippy)
You know--this is a pretty strange way of showing your
appreciation.
DAVID
Look--we appreciate it. We really do. We just--we want
to go home now.
TV REPAIRMAN
(hurt)
But you don't know how long I've been looking for
someone like you.
(long face)
I'm very disappointed...
(deep breath)
In fact...I'm starting to get a little upset...
David moves toward the screen.
DAVID
Don't get upset.
TV REPAIRMAN
(snapping back)
Well wouldn't you! You look for someone for years... You
pour your heart into it...This is a privilege you know.
(shakes his head)
I don't think I better talk about this
right now.
DAVID
Where are you going?
TV REPAIRMAN
I don't think we should discuss this until I'm a little
bit more composed.
DAVID
Wait a minute.
TV REPAIRMAN
(turning his back)
Maybe tomorrow when I'm not so emotional... Give you a
day or two to think about it.
DAVID
COME BACK!!!!!!
TV Repairman shakes his head and walks out of the shot. David
grabs the remote and starts rapidly pushing buttons. Nothing
happens. He crosses to the TV, spinning the dial, but comes up
with nothing but local programming. He returns to the empty test
pattern.
DAVID
(dropping the gizmo)
Oh God.
JENNIFER
What's going to happen?
DAVID
I don't know....It's not possible...
(looking at her)
Is it possible?
BETTY (OS)
Bu-ud... Mary Sue... Your breakfast is getting cold.
DAVID
It can't be possible.
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
Betty (their "mother") sticks her head into the living room
wearing her black and white apron. She has a great big Pepsodent
smile.
BETTY
Well, come on kids. You're not going off to school
without a hot breakfast inside you...
They just stare at her.
BETTY
Forward march.
They exchange a strange little glance then slowly rise to their
feet. Jennifer waits for David who forces a smile then starts
toward the kitchen.
BETTY
I just love you in that sweater Mary-Sue. It's so
flattering.
JENNIFER
(dazed)
Thanks.
INT. KITCHEN.
David and Jennifer walk two steps into the kitchen when they
suddenly freeze--agape at the spectacle in front of them:
THEIR POV -- PARKER KITCHEN
Every breakfast food imaginable has been laid upon the table.
There are hotcakes and sausages and biscuits and eggs. Pitchers of
orange juice are dwarfed by the mountains of ham. The table
literally sags under the weight of the food. George Parker lowers
his morning paper and smiles at his children.
GEORGE
(once again)
Morning kids. Better get a move on or you're going to be
late for school.
They nod and wander forward into the room. Bright sunlight streams
through the kitchen window as a gentle symphony of songbirds sings
outside. David and Jennifer stare stunned as their "mother" adds
some waffles to the heap.
DAVID
I don't believe this.
JENNIFER
Neither do I.
GEORGE
Well, c'mon. Dig in.
Betty sets two heaping plates at their places. Neither one moves.
BETTY
(to Jennifer)
I put blueberries in them just the way you like.
JENNIFER
Actually--I'm not real... hungry.
BETTY
(big smile)
Oh nonsense young lady. You're going to start your day
with a nice big breakfast.
She takes Jennifer by the shoulders and "guides" her into the
chair. Jennifer looks down at a huge plate of GRAY WAFFLES.
BETTY
(oppressively chipper)
Here. Why don't you have some waffle cakes.
(beat)
And there's sausage and eggs and some good crisp
bacon...
(beat)
...And a ham steak.
Betty drenches the waffles in syrup and slathers on a huge slab of
butter. She glances back at David who just shrugs.
BETTY (CONT)
...And of course, a nice big bowl of oatmeal, then it's
right off to school.
Jennifer hesitates then glances over at her "mother" who looks at
her expectantly. Jennifer pauses then reaches down and takes a
forkful of the oozing mess...
CUT TO:
FULL SHOT. PAT BOONE
He stands facing the CAMERA in an actual Kinescope from 1958. The
backdrop is a painted pastoral landscape and the background
singers are all white debutantes. He wears a letterman's sweater
and button down shirt...
PAT BOONE
"...Tooty fruity -- oh rooty. Tooty Fruity... Oh rooty."
He CONTINUES his homogenized version of Little Richard's nasty
hit, (all the nastiness gone). It becomes a slow and lilting
melody...
PAT BOONE
"...Tooty fruity--oh rooty..."
(slowly...)
"...A wap bop a loo bop--a wap bam boom."
EXT. PLEASANTVILLE (ELM STREET) - DAY
The CAMERA CRANES DOWN in the middle of a beautiful tree lined
street to find the Milkman nodding to the Postman; Jennifer and
David are walking up the sidewalk, holding their stomachs...
JENNIFER
I'm gonna hurl, David. I swear to God.
DAVID
Just take deep breaths.
JENNIFER
All that animal fat. I feel it in my pores or something.
Jennifer clutches her stomach, but David's glance darts from side
to side--totally absorbed.
JENNIFER
I still don't see why we're doing this.
DAVID
Because we're supposed to be in school right now.
JENNIFER
We're supposed to be at home David! We're supposed to be
in color!
(wailing)
Oh GOD...
DAVID
Ssshhh...
A man calls out from across the street.
MR. SIMPSON
Hello Bud.
DAVID
Hello Mr. Simpson.
MR. SIMPSON
Hear your Dad got a new car.
DAVID
Oh yeah. A Buick. It's swell.
JENNIFER
You know him?
DAVID
Owns the hardware store.
JENNIFER
Okay, now you listen to me! I don't know what's going on
but you'd better fix it! I had a date with Mark Davis
and I even bought new UNDERWEAR!
DAVID
We just gotta play along for a little while...till that
guy shows up again. Then I'll talk to him and...
JENNIFER
Play along?
DAVID
Well, yeah. I'm...Bud Parker and you're...um--Mary Sue.
JENNIFER
(ripping the barrette from her hair)
No! I'm not gonna do it! If I don't dress like this for
Mom I'm sure as hell not going to do it for you!
DAVID
We don't have a choice Jen. We're stuck until he comes
back.
JENNIFER
Why can't we just EXPLAIN IT?
DAVID
To who?
Jen looks around this cheery little street, and the horror starts
to dawn on her. At that moment, they hear a screaming SIREN and a
bright GRAY FIRE ENGINE comes racing up the block.
WIDER.
Jennifer and David step back on the curb as the firemen come
flying out of the truck, grabbing the ladder on the back.
DIFFERENT ANGLE. (FOLLOWING THE FIREMEN)
They work in perfect precision. Two firemen grab the base of the
ladder while a third takes the front. They go tearing across one
of the lawns, in full "emergency response" anchoring the ladder
into the ground and winging it up into a tree.
FIREMAN
C'mere, kitty...
He emerges a moment later with the cat who was stuck in the tree.
Jennifer sinks to the curb as he carries the kitten by them,
petting it gently as he goes.
JENNIFER
Oh God, we are. We're stuck in like 'Nerdville'.
(shakes her head)
I always knew you'd pay a price for this. I knew you
couldn't be hopelessly geekridden for this long without
suffering some like, really tragic consequences.
(voice wavering)
...But it's just not fair. I mean--I'm starting to get
really--popular. Debbi Russell transferred to another
school and my skin's been great since March and Mark
Davis is starting to come around and...
BOY'S VOICE (OS)
Hello Mary Sue.
Jennifer turns to see a strapping blonde seventeen year old
driving by in his convertible. He is extremely handsome with Jack
Armstrong features and a Letterman's sweater. Despite her crisis,
Jennifer's jaw drops open as he slows to a crawl. Skip Martin
flashes a huge Pepsodent smile. The guy is a "dreamboat".
SKIP
What's all the commotion? Where's the cat?
JENNIFER
Um...It's...
Skip turns to see the fireman hand the kitten to its owner and
climb into the truck.
SKIP
Ah, right...
(smiling at her again)
Well--guess I'll see ya later Mary Sue.
He takes off down the street with the sun glinting on his really
keen convertible. Jennifer gapes as he disappears around the
corner.
JENNIFER
Who's that?
DAVID
Skip Martin. Captain of the basketball team.
JENNIFER
(still gaping)
Does he--you know--like "me?"
DAVID
As a matter of fact he does.
JENNIFER
(flicking her hair)
Hunh.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLEASANTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL. DAY.
Streams of impeccably kept youngsters file through the double
doors. All cheery and very pleasant looking. It looks like a Leni
Riefenstahl movie.
ANGLE. FROM ACROSS THE STREET.
David stands beside Jennifer looking at the entrance to the
school. Three girls huddle together by the front steps.
JENNIFER
Those are my friends.
DAVID
Peggy Jane, Lisa Anne and Betty Jean.
JENNIFER
(staring at them)
Can we do any better?
DAVID
I don't think so.
JENNIFER
Okay...
She flicks her hair back--cops a first day of school attitude, and
heads across the street like she owns the place.
CUT TO:
INT. GEOGRAPHY CLASS. LATER
It looks like a propaganda film from the Eisenhower
Administration. The boys all wear crew cuts and short sleeve
button down shirts. The girls all have lacy dresses buttoned to
the neck. Everyone stares straight ahead at a pulldown map where
Miss Peters stands with a pointer in her hand.
MISS PETERS
Last week Class, we discussed the geography of Main
Street. This week, we're going to be talking about Elm
street. Can anyone tell me one of the differences
between Elm Street and Main Street?
(pointing)
Tommy.
TOMMY
It's not as long?
Jennifer looks stunned as several students nod.
MISS PETERS
That's right, Tommy. It's not as long. Also, it only has
houses. So the geography of Main Street is different
from the geography of Elm Street.
ANGLE. JENNIFER
She glances around at several students who seem to be nodding in
agreement. All at once, she thrusts her hand into the air.
MISS PETERS
Mary Sue.
JENNIFER
What's outside of Pleasantville?
The teacher looks at her with a puzzled frozen smile on her face.
She looks vaguely troubled.
MISS PETERS
What?
(beat)
I don't understand....
JENNIFER
Outside of Pleasantville... What's at the end of Main
Street?
The class lets out a knowing groan--as if to say "Oh. We get it
now. Boy what a stupid question." Miss Peters gives a kind but
condescending look.
MISS PETERS
Oh, Mary Sue. You should know the answer to that. The
end of Main Street is just the beginning again.
Miss Peters gives a big grin as a series of heads nod up and down.
Jennifer stares straight ahead, dumbfounded....
CUT TO:
INT. GYMNASIUM. DAY.
There are fifteen to twenty boys scattered around the Gym. Each is
dressed identically in white shorts and black socks with a
"PLEASANTVILLE" Jersey.
SHOT. DAVID
He stands at the free throw line with a basketball in his hand.
(Not exactly an athletic image.) David lets go of a jump shot that
swishes effortlessly through the net. He looks a little surprised.
DAVID
Wow.
He stares at the backboard slightly intrigued. David retrieves the
ball and fires again, this time chucking it up blind. The ball
sails through the hoop again, HITTING NOTHING BUT NET.
FULL SHOT. OTHER SIDE OF THE GYM
Ten to twelve of his teammates fire simultaneously at the hoop.
ALL OF THE SHOTS SAIL THROUGH THE HOOP, NONE EVEN NICKING THE RIM.
The boys retrieve their shots as the coach claps his hands.
COACH
That's it men. Keep it up. Big game tomorrow.
ANGLE. DAVID
He gets the ball and turns his back on the basket completely.
David flings the ball wildly over his shoulder. It bounces off all
the walls of the gym, then glides through the net as smoothly as
the others. He stares in amazement.
SKIP (O.S.)
Bud....
WIDER.
Skip Martin (the boy in the convertible) approaches from the other
side of the Gym. He is a classic All American Hero--somewhere
between 4-H club member and a future astronaut.
SKIP
(a little nervous)
Hi ya Bud.
DAVID
Hi ya Skip.
He fidgets nervously for a moment looking down.
SKIP
Hi ya Bud... Can I ask you a question?
DAVID
Sure.
SKIP
Well... If I was to ask your sister.... What I mean is,
if I was to go up to Mary Sue....
DAVID
Oh God! Are we in that episode?
SKIP
What?
DAVID
I don't believe it.
SKIP
What's the matter?
DAVID
You want to ask her out tonight, right? And then you
want to give her your school pin....
SKIP
Yeah.... How'd you know?
DAVID
(shaking his head)
Lucky guess.
(beat)
Look, Skip... I don't think it's a real good time for
that right now...
Skip's expression falls. He stands crushed in front of David.
DAVID (CONT)
What I mean is... Mary Sue's been a little "different"
lately....
SKIP
(stunned)
She won't go out with me?
DAVID
I didn't say that. It's just that right now.....
SKIP
I don't know what I'd do if she wouldn't go out with
me...
All at once, Skip takes the basketball he's been holding and hurls
it toward the hoop. The ball does a couple of revolutions of the
rim, and then amazingly pops out.
WIDE ANGLE. GYM
Play comes to a halt. ALL THE PLAYERS TURN AND STARE, DUMBSTRUCK
AT THE SIGHT OF A MISSED SHOT.
SHOT. DAVID.
He turns back to Skip with a big forced smile on his face.
DAVID
I'm sure we'll work something out.
CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR. LATER...
David stands off to the side with his sister, while class pours
out around them.
JENNIFER
I don't know.
DAVID
One date, Jen--that's all I'm asking. If you don't go
out with this guy we could throw their whole universe
out of whack. Besides, I thought you liked him.
JENNIFER
It's too weird David. This place is giving me the
creeps. Did you know all the books are blank?
DAVID
What?
JENNIFER
I looked in the library. They got covers with nothing
inside them.
DAVID
What were you doing in a Library?
JENNIFER
I got lost.
(beat)
Oh here...look at this!
She reaches into her purse and pulls out a book of matches.
Jennifer tries to light a Kleenex on fire.
DAVID
JENNIFER!
JENNIFER
Just watch. You know why those guys just get cats out of
trees? 'Cause nothing burns around here, that's why!
They don't need any firemen....
Sure enough the tissue has become flame retardant.
DAVID
Jen, listen....
JENNIFER (CONT)
(trembling)
I like--really need a cigarette, too.
DAVID
(putting his arm around her)
I'll get us out of here. I really will. But if we don't
play along we could alter their whole existence. We may
never get home.
She looks over at him, slowly.
JENNIFER
You really think anybody's gonna, like, notice if I
don't have a chocolate malt with this guy.
At that moment, three of Mary Sue's "friends" come tittering
around the corner. They skitter up to her like a group of wind-up
toys.
PEGGY JANE
(high-pitched--rapid fire)
You won't believe what we just heard.
LISA ANNE
Skip Martin's going to ask you out.
BETTY JEAN
And that's not all....
PEGGY JANE
No, that's not all....
ALL THREE TOGETHER
He's going to give you his pin!
They explode in a torrent of TITTERS all over again. Jennifer
looks over at David.
EXT. PARKER HOUSE. DUSK
A lone streetlamp glows in the foreground. Jennifer's voice plays
OS.
JENNIFER
You sure I'm supposed to wear this?
INT. MARY SUE'S ROOM.
Jennifer emerges from the closet in a mohair sweater and a poodle
skirt. Under the sweater she wears a 1950's "bullet bra" that turn
her breasts into lethal weapons.
JENNIFER
(looking in the mirror)
I could like--kill a guy with these things.
DAVID
It's in your closet.
JENNIFER
(examining her profile)
I've worn some kinky stuff before....
DAVID
He won't notice anyway.
JENNIFER
Why not?
DAVID
They don't notice that kind of thing around here.
JENNIFER
So what's the point?
DAVID
Jen please....
JENNIFER
He-llo? I've got like three pounds of underwire here.
DAVID
Just go with the program, hunh? I'm late for work.
EXT. SODA SHOP. DUSK.
The flashing neon ice cream cone looks good enough to drink.
Underneath it, the swirling script spells "SODA SHOP." Johnny
Mathis drifts out into the evening air....
CLOSER
David comes sprinting up to the screen door and pauses to get his
breath. He adjusts a little soda jerk's hat, then plunges inside.
INT. SODA SHOP.
Mr. Johnson, the owner and proprietor is wiping down the counter.
He is a "pleasant" looking man, in his early forties wearing a
white apron and black glasses. The strains of "MISTY" get louder
as Bud lets the screen door slam behind him.
MR. JOHNSON
(looking up)
Bud?
DAVID
Sorry... I had to help my folks and then I couldn't find
my hat....
MR. JOHNSON
Oh.
He stops wiping for a moment, holding the towel in his hand.
MR. JOHNSON (CONT)
I didn't know what to do.
He stares at the rag a little troubled.
DAVID
What's wrong?
MR. JOHNSON
Well--I always wipe down the counter and then you set
out the napkins and glasses and then I make the french
fries....
DAVID
(confused)
Yeah....
MR. JOHNSON
But you didn't come so I kept on wiping.
He looks down at the towel clearly disturbed. David pauses for a
moment then starts toward him.
DAVID
I'm sorry.
He crosses to Mr. Johnson who has polished one section of the
counter right down to the wood. David takes the towel out of his
hand and folds it neatly in front of him.
DAVID
(gently)
You know, if this ever happens again, you can make the
fries even if I haven't put out the napkins yet.
MR. JOHNSON
I'm so glad you're here.
DAVID
I understand.
EXT. SODA SHOP. TIME LAPSE DUSK TO NIGHT. (LATER...)
The place is really hopping now. All the spots in the parking lot
are filled with vintage "jalopies" and several patrons are
streaming through the door. The SAME JOHNNY MATHIS SONG is still
PLAYING on the juke box, and the neon ice cream soda sign blinks
against the sky.
INT. SODA SHOP. NIGHT.
David is trapped behind the counter, furiously working to keep up
with the load. Several clean cut teenagers pepper him with orders
while he yanks at the pumps and spigots. It's clear he isn't used
to this.
DAVID
(frazzled)
Peppermint shake, chocolate soda, two orders of fries
and a split?
PEGGY JANE
Peppermint soda, two chocolate shakes, order of fries,
and we'll split it.
David nods quickly, wiping some sweat from his brow. He scoops
some ice cream into the metal blender as Mr. Johnson comes up
beside him.
MR. JOHNSON
There aren't any cheeseburgers.
DAVID
(turning)
What?
MR. JOHNSON
Well, usually I put out the burger and then you finish
with the lettuce...
DAVID
Listen to me!
Mr. Johnson recoils slightly.
DAVID (CONT)
Do you have the lettuce?
MR. JOHNSON
....Yeah.
DAVID
Have you cooked the burgers?
MR. JOHNSON
(quieter)
...Yes.
DAVID
Well you can just put on the lettuce, finish the burger
and pretend it was me doing it all along.
Mr. Johnson stares at him.
DAVID
Really. It's fine.
DIFFERENT ANGLE. SODA SHOP ENTRANCE.
The screen door swings open and is held there by the end of a
Letterman's sweater. A moment later, Jennifer sashays through,
parading her new Jane Russell profile. Her "girlfriends" TITTER
from the corner as Skip rushes up to a table, and pulls out a
chair. She sashays into it, brushing against him as she goes.
ANGLE. DAVID.
He stares motionless at the spectacle--concerned and apprehensive.
David holds a hot fudge sundae under the soda spigot and jerks
back on the lever blowing ice cream all over his chest.
FULL SHOT. TABLE.
Skip stares across the table at Jennifer with the wholesome
devotion of a labrador retriever.
SKIP
(haltingly)
I sure am glad you said you'd come out with me tonight
Mary Sue.
JENNIFER
(full blown "Mary Sue")
Well "gee whizz" Skip. I sure am glad you asked me.
He guffaws for a moment or two before speaking again.
SKIP
I don't know if I ever said this to you before, but,
well... I think you're just about the keenest girl in
the whole school...
JENNIFER
Really Skip? The keenest?
SKIP
Oh yeah.
JENNIFER
(all sarcasm)
Gosh. I hardly know what to say.
DAVID(OS)
What can I get you two?
WIDER
He stands at their table holding a little white pad of paper and a
pencil. Jennifer looks up at her brother and almost bursts out
laughing. He wears his soda jerk hat at a jaunty angle with large
white apron tied around his neck.
SKIP
Oh, I dunno Bud. Guess I'll have my usual cheeseburger
and a cherry coke.
More gooney laughs. David turns to Jennifer who puts on the same
dopey countenance.
JENNIFER
Oh, I dunno Bud. Guess I'll just have a salad and an
Evian Water.
He shoots her a dirty look. Jennifer just smiles at him.
JENNIFER
Cheeseburger it is.
ANGLE. FOLLOWING DAVID.
He glowers at her all the way back to the counter. David posts the
order in the little carousel clip board, keeping an eye on the
table the entire time....
RESUME. TABLE.
Skip gazes across the table at Jennifer with an adoring look on
his face. His hands are properly folded in front of him. She's
still trying to do her best "Mary Sue."
SKIP
..See the whole time we were in civics together, I
really wanted to sit next to you--but you were always
sitting between Peggy Jane and Lisa Anne.
There is some TITTERING behind her. Jennifer doesn't respond.
SKIP
...And you always seemed so smart and everything. Like
that report you did on "Our Town Hall." Gosh. I didn't
know what I'd talk to you about.
JENNIFER
Well, sometimes talking's over-rated. Don't you think?
SKIP
Hunh?
(gooney laugh)
Oh, right....
He still doesn't understand. Skip GUFFAWS for a moment or two then
glances down at the table top. There is a momentary break in the
Music as Johnny Mathis' "MISTY" starts up all over again. It's
enough to make you shoot yourself.
SKIP
So I know I haven't been steady with anybody, but I just
don't want to rush it. I mean, there's kids that are
even holding hands already but I figure there's plenty
of time for that kind of thing later on. Don't you?
JENNIFER
Oh you bet.
(beat)
Will you excuse me for a sec?
Jennifer gets up in a daze and heads toward the bathroom.
ANGLE. DAVID.
He freezes behind the counter and watches as his sister
practically stumbles through the bathroom door.
INT. BATHROOM.
Of course there aren't any toilets. Jennifer gropes her way to the
sink and leans against the counter.
JENNIFER
Jesus Christ...
She turns and sits against the sink for a moment with a dumbstruck
look on her face. Jennifer shakes her head for a moment or two,
when the door to the bathroom bursts open.
GIRL'S VOICES
(overlapping)
"Did he give it to you... Did he give it to you... I bet
he gave it to her... Did he give it to you?"
JENNIFER
(straight ahead)
I don't think he knows how.
They TITTER away, even though they don't get it either.
LISA ANNE
I bet he's gonna take her to Lover's Lane.
PEGGY JANE
I bet he is. I bet he is.
BETTY JEAN
I bet he's even gonna hold her hand!
They TITTER some more as Jennifer shakes her head.
INT. SODA SHOP.
David's gaze is fixed on her as she returns to the table from the
bathroom.
SKIP
(befuddled)
Anyhow... I really wanted to come over and sit next to
you in civics but...
JENNIFER
You want to get out of here?
SKIP
...What?
JENNIFER
You wanna get out of here? You wanna leave?
SKIP
(confused)
But where would we go?
JENNIFER
(shrugging)
...Lover's Lane.
SKIP
(swallow)
Lover's Lane!
There is an audible GASP from the booth behind them. Jennifer
ignores it.
JENNIFER
Yeah. Lover's Lane. You up for it?
CLOSE UP. SKIP.
He just stares at her with his mouth open... Jennifer reaches
forward and grabs his hand.
FULL SHOT. SODA FOUNTAIN.
David is in the middle of making a hot fudge sundae when he
glances through the window and sees Jennifer leading Skip up the
sidewalk. She clutches onto his arm and nuzzles against his cheek.
DAVID
NOOOOOOOO!
He vaults over the counter making a bee-line for the door.
Everyone turns and stares as he races toward the entrance...
EXT. SODA SHOP
Skip's car is just pulling onto the street when David sprints into
the parking lot. He takes off after the car, sprinting down the
street.
DAVID
YOU CAN'T DO THIS JENNIFER! HE DOESN'T EXIST! YOU CAN'T
DO THIS TO SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T EXIST!
CUT TO:
EXT. LOVER'S LANE. NIGHT
It is a beautiful tree-lined pond with a lush willow tree in the
foreground. The moonlight glistens silver across the water.
Several cars are parked in a row with their occupants HOLDING
HANDS. Skip's convertible is parked at the end.
SHOT. SKIP'S CAR.
He sits stiffly at the wheel staring straight ahead. Jennifer is
draped languidly across the seat beside him, making the most of
her mohair sweater. She stares at Skip in a not-so-Pleasantville-
kind-of-way. He glances over at her and swallows.
SKIP
...Sure is pretty.
JENNIFER
(staring at him)
Oh yeah.... Gorgeous.
SKIP
To be honest Mary Sue. I didn't think you'd want to come
here until we'd been pinned for a little while.
JENNIFER
Oh, Skip. You can "pin" me any time you want to.
She leans back a little more, draping her arm across the top of
the seat. Her tits point toward the sky.
JENNIFER
(breathy)
Or maybe I should just "pin" you.
He looks over at her a little confused, then breaks into his
gooney laugh.
SKIP
Oh, that's silly Mary Sue. How could you possibly pin
me?
CLOSE UP. SKIP
He is still guffawing when he looks over at Jennifer and suddenly
freezes. Skip's eyes widen...
CUT TO:
EXT. PARKER HOUSE. NIGHT
David comes sprinting up to the porch, then doubles over catching
his breath. He clings onto the porch swing when the door opens
behind him.
GEORGE
Bud?
WIDER
His "father" come out onto the porch. David catches his breath
then forces a smile.
GEORGE
Son, what's wrong?
DAVID
Have you seen Mary Sue?
GEORGE
Why no. She's still on her date with Skip.... Is
something the matter?
DAVID
(still panting a little)
No, I... I was just... worried about her.
His father gives him a "knowing" look and rests a hand on his
shoulder.
GEORGE
Bud, your sister's a little older now and she's
naturally going to start going out with boys. But she's
a fine young woman and she would never do anything for
us to be concerned about.
David looks back at him and rolls his eyes.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOVER'S LANE. NIGHT
The low guttural MOANS of two coupling animals drifts out over the
evening air. It is raw and primitive and desperate. The CAMERA
begins to TRACK behind all the other cars--their occupants primly
holding hands in a tender silhouette. It finally COMES TO REST on
a convertible at the end, with a girl's leg sticking out the
window.
CLOSER.
A Letterman's sweater hangs over the door. Jennifer's sweater is
draped over the backseat. The car is rocking.
INT. CAR.
They are clenched in a mad embrace: all arms and hair. Skip pulls
back for a moment, GASPING for air. His face is covered with
lipstick and there is a crazy look in his eye. He's stuck
somewhere between passion and fear as he clings desperately to the
steering wheel.
SKIP
(some terror)
...I think I better go home now Mary Sue....
She holds onto his shirt as her knee rubs the dashboard.
JENNIFER
(breathless)
...Why?
SKIP
(more terror...)
I think.... I might be ill...
He glances down at his lap a little confused.
SKIP
(a whisper)
Something's happening to me.
JENNIFER
(smile)
It's s'posed to happen, Skip.
SKIP
It is?
JENNIFER
Yeah... Trust me....
He looks at her completely confused as she pulls back down, and
OUT OF FRAME....
CUT TO:
EXT. PARKER HOUSE. NIGHT
A single light is burning in the kitchen window.
BETTY (OS)
Do you want some more cookies?
INT. KITCHEN
David is at the kitchen table with a nauseated look on his face.
There are three empty bottles of milk and cookie crumbs all over
the table.
DAVID
(sick)
Oh no... I'm fine.
BETTY
How 'bout some Marshmallow Rice Squares?
DAVID
I'm fine.
There is a knock behind them at the door. David springs up.
BETTY
Now who could that be.
FOLLOWING DAVID.
EXT. PORCH
He crosses into the foyer ahead of his "parents." David swings
open the door revealing Mr. Johnson, standing on the porch.
DAVID
Oh. Hi.
MR. JOHNSON
Hi there. You took off so quick. I wasn't sure if you
were okay.
DAVID
Oh, yeah. Sorry. I'm fine. I just... Had to get home
early.
Mr. Johnson leans in closer and speaks in a CONFIDENTIAL tone of
voice.
MR. JOHNSON
Bud....
DAVID
Yeah....
MR. JOHNSON
You know how when we close up, I close the register,
then you lower the blinds, then I turn out the lights,
then we both lock the doors.
DAVID
Yeah...
MR. JOHNSON
(proud)
Well you weren't around this time so I did the whole
thing myself.
Mr. Johnson has a strange look of "manly pride" on his face. His
shoulders square back. His chest puffs out a little. There is a
sudden sparkle in his eye.
MR. JOHNSON
Not only that, I didn't even do it in the same order.
First I lowered the blinds, then I closed the
register...
(beat)
Oh, hello Betty.
INT. FOYER
REVERSE ANGLE.
Betty stares at him from the foyer.
BETTY
Hello Bill.
Neither one says anything but neither one has to. David looks on
in horror as his mother locks eyes with Mr. Johnson and his new
found virility.
DAVID
(quickly)
Well, look, thanks for coming by. I... I really
appreciate it.
Mr. Johnson continues to stare..
INT. CAR. CLOSE UP. JENNIFER
She looks sweetly over at the driver's side of the car (OUT OF
FRAME).
JENNIFER
Well gee thanks Skip. I had a really wonderful time.
ANGLE. SKIP. OTHER SIDE OF CAR
He sits behind the wheel with a totally dazed look on his face.
Skip stares stunned at Jennifer, like he just got hit with a
couple of thousand volts.
SKIP
...Me too.
She leans over and kisses him on the cheek... Then she bites his
ear lobe, gently, and flashes him a big smile. Skip smiles back.
EXT. CAR
She climbs out and shuts the door. Jennifer nods to Mr. Johnson as
she heads up the walk.
JENNIFER
(sweetly)
Hello Mr. Johnson.
MR. JOHNSON
Oh, hello Mary Sue.
She is wearing a big smile by the time she reaches the porch.
David grabs her arm.
EXT. PORCH
DAVID
(urgent whisper)
What did you do to him?
JENNIFER
(innocently)
Nothing.
INT. HOUSE
She starts up the staircase. David follows her and the CAMERA
follows them both.
DAVID
What do you mean "nothing?" That's not nothing.
That's....
She reaches the top of the stairs and turns to him.
JENNIFER
Relax "Bud." We had a really nice time.
(mock YAWN)
...Now I'm really tired and we gotta get up early for
school in the morning so...
She flashes her brother an evil grin.
JENNIFER (CONT)
'Night.
She shuts the door softly in his face. David stairs at the gray
wood in front of him.
EXT. ELM STREET. NIGHT.
Skip pulls up at an intersection with the same dazed look in his
eye. The car rumbles at the stoplight for a moment or two, before
he glances over to his right.
CLOSE UP. SKIP.
The stunned look turns to one of sheer amazement:
SKIP'S POV. ROSE
There, against a gray picket fence, on a black and white street in
a black and white neighborhood, a single red rose is BLOOMING.
CLOSE UP. PAPER BOY - MORNING
He reaches into his basket tossing first left, then right. The
CAMERA CRANES back to reveal Main Street on a beautiful sun-
drenched morning.
INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM. MORNING.
David sits parked in front of the TV furtively turning through the
channels. He flips the dial frantically. No sign of TV Repairman.
There is only a WeatherMan.
BETTY (OS)
Bud. It's 7:30 in the morning. Are you watching
television?
He gives her a sheepish grin and sighs....
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL GYM. DAY
It is the same configuration as earlier. Everyone wears their
Pleasantville "Lions" jerseys, white sneakers and black socks.
David enters the Gym a little groggy. He hasn't had much sleep.
CLOSER
He looks up and stops. David cocks his head to the side, staring
across the gym.
HIS POV. SKIP AND OTHER BOYS.
They are huddled at the far end, each holding a basketball under
his arm. Skip is in the center of the group, animatedly describing
something that is holding their RAPT ATTENTION.
WIDER ANGLE. INCLUDING DAVID
DAVID
(quietly)
Oh no....
Skip continues his story while they stare at him with their mouths
open. The Coach blows his whistle.
COACH
Come on men. Let's go. Big game next week.
The huddle breaks up as the basketball players all wander toward
the hoop. Ten shots go up at once but NOT ONE COMES EVEN CLOSE.
Several clang off the rim, a couple hit the edge of the backboard.
One slams into the side of the gym. Everyone stares in disbelief.
DAVID
Oh my God....
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR. DAY.
David stands face to face with his sister in mid conversation.
DAVID
You can't do this, Jennifer. I WARNED you.
JENNIFER
So what's the big deal. Oh. Okay. They're like not good
at basketball anymore. Like--omigod, what a tragedy.
DAVID
You don't understand. You're messing with their
UNIVERSE.
JENNIFER
Well maybe it needs to be messed with. Did that ever
like--occur to you?
(beat)
You know, they don't want to be like this, it's just
that nobody ever helped them before.
PEGGY JANE
(walking past)
'MS' How you doin'?
JENNIFER
Kewl 'PJ' How you doin'?
PEGGY JANE
(relishing her new word)
'Kewl.'
Jennifer smiles at her friend as she goes by.
DAVID
You have no right to do this.
JENNIFER
Well if I don't who will?
DAVID
They're happy like this.
JENNIFER
David, nobody's happy in a Poodle skirt and a sweater
set.
(beat)
You like all this don't you?
He recoils slightly.
JENNIFER (CONT)
I mean, you don't think it's just like dorky or funny or
something... you really like it.
(shudders)
Oh God! I am so personally horrified to be your sister
right now.
DAVID
I just don't think we have the right to..
JENNIFER
David, let me tell you something. These people don't
want to be geeks. They want to be "attractive." They've
got a lot of potential, they just don't know any better.
DAVID
They don't have that kind of potential.
JENNIFER
Um--hello? You want to like take a look?
Jennifer motions behind her to a boy and girl who are locked in an
intimate conversation. The girl (LISA ANNE) wears bobby socks and
the boy (TOMMY) wears a letterman's sweater, but the conversation
is sexually charged. They speak to one another in a close whisper-
-their faces inches apart.
All at once the girl gets shy and glances away. She blows a big
bubble with her gum, but the BUBBLE IS BRIGHT PINK IN AN OTHERWISE
GRAY FRAME.
TOMMY
Wow. What kind of gum is that?
CLOSE. DAVID AND JENNIFER
He looks over in shock as she sucks the BRIGHTLY COLORED BUBBLE
GUM back into her mouth. Jennifer flicks her hair.
JENNIFER
I gotta go. I'm meeting Skip at the flagpole.
EXT. LOVER'S LANE. NIGHT.
It is the exact same shot as before: The CAMERA STARTS ITS LONG
SLOW TRACK behind the vehicles, except this time ALL OF THEM ARE
ROCKING. Various limbs and articles of clothing hang out the open
windows.
MOANS of pleasure waft out over Lover's Lane as the real (and
nasty) version of LITTLE RICHARD'S "TOOTY FRUITY" PLAYS OVER:
LIL' RICHARD (VO)
"...Got a gal--her name is Sue. She knows just what to
do...."
INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE. DAY. (MUSIC CONT...)
It is a typical '50s family practice right out of Norman Rockwell.
There is a jar of tongue depressors on the counter and a jar of
lollipops beside them. Lisa Anne (Mary Sue's best friend) is being
examined by Dr. Henderson. Her mother sits at her side.
DR. HENDERSON
Let me see it again.
Lisa Anne opens her mouth and sticks out a BRIGHT RED TONGUE.
Everything else in the frame is Black and White, but her tongue
literally gleams with color.
DR. HENDERSON
(examining it)
Well.... I don't think it 's anything to worry
about...Cut down on greasy foods and chocolate, that
kind of thing.
(aside/to the Mother)
It'll probably just clear up on its own.
EXT. LOVER'S LANE. NIGHT. (MUSIC CONT...)
It is really rocking now. More cars are lined up along the edge of
the lake.
INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM (MUSIC CONT...)
Tooty Fruity continues as David flips frantically through the
channels looking for TV Repairman. There are only some very local
programs. He shakes his head...
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM (MUSIC CONT....)
The Pleasantville Lions lose a game late in the second half. The
scoreboard reads 84 to 16....
INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM. (MUSIC CONT....)
David examines the back of the TV set.....
INT. FURNITURE STORE. (MUSIC CONT....)
A large group of customers is huddled in a circle, staring at an
item on the display floor, like it is the monolith in "2001". They
seem both confused and absolutely mesmerized as the CAMERA PUSHES
IN TO REVEAL: a double bed.....
INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM. (MUSIC CONT...)
David sits on the floor with a weird look of resignation as a
Brillcream commercial plays in front of him....
LIL RICHARD (OS)
"..A wop bop a loo bop--a wop bam boom!"
EXT. SODA SHOP. NIGHT. ON DAVID.
He heads toward work with his apron and his paper hat, but he's
clearly disconcerted. David stops and stares at A BRIGHT GREEN CAR
parked at the front door of the restaurant. He shakes his head.
INT. SODA SHOP.
The place has been transformed. What was cheery and benign a
couple of days before, has gotten a little bit dangerous. The
letterman sweaters have been replaced by leather jackets.
The Pat Boone and Johnny Mathis have given way to real Rock and
Roll. There is a James Dean/Marlon Brando edge in the air.
Somebody has played the flip side.
ANGLE DAVID
He enters the soda shop adjusting his paper hat. A young couple
makes out passionately in the doorway--all tongues and hands. When
they break David sees that the girl's cheeks are FLUSHED WITH RED.
He stares at her for a beat as they return to normal. David shakes
his head.
FOLLOWING HIM.
He crosses to the counter and grabs his pencil and little pad of
paper. Various things have already GONE TO COLOR AROUND THE ROOM:
The JUKE BOX.... The COKE SIGN..... THE NAUGAHIDE STOOLS.... David
starts down the aisle when his sister's arm reaches out and stops
him.
DAVID'S POV - BOOTH
Jennifer is sitting with her arm around Skip, eating an ice cream
sundae.
JENNIFER
(evil grin)
Think we could get two cheeseburger and some cherry
cokes.
She eats the bright red cherry in a taunting fashion.
DAVID
(pointed)
I'll be right with you.
He crosses behind the counter and posts the order.
DAVID
Two cheeseburgers, two cherry cokes.
There is no response. David looks in the kitchen...
HIS POV
No one is there. David looks over at the cash register where Mr.
Johnson is staring into space.
MR. JOHNSON
There aren't any cheeseburgers.
DAVID
Look. I thought we talked about this. I thought we
said....
MR. JOHNSON
(shrugs)
What's the point, Bud?
Mr. Johnson looks up at him with a weird kind of emptiness in his
eyes. David grabs his arm, and pulls him down the counter toward
the storeroom in the back.
INT. STOREROOM.
He shuts the door behind them.
DAVID
What are you talking about?
MR. JOHNSON
I'm just not sure I see the point anymore.
DAVID
You make hamburgers! That is the point!
MR. JOHNSON
No I know.... I know I do....
(he pauses, then looks up)
But it's always the same, you know? Grill the bun, flip
the meat, melt the cheese.... It never changes. It never
gets any better or worse....
DAVID
Just listen to me....
MR. JOHNSON
(not hearing him)
...Like the other night, when I closed up by myself.
That was different...
DAVID
Forget about that!
MR. JOHNSON
Oh... Okay... But I really liked it.
DAVID
(deep breath)
Look, you can't always like what you do. Sometimes you
just do it because it's your job. And even if you don't
like it, you just gotta do it anyway.
MR. JOHNSON
Why?
DAVID
(exasperated)
So they can have their hamburgers!
This sounds stupid even to David. He shakes his head.
MR. JOHNSON
(like a secret)
You know what I really like?
DAVID
(warily)
....What's that?
MR. JOHNSON
Christmas time.
David rolls his eyes. Mr. Johnson leans closer, speaking
furtively.
MR. JOHNSON
See every year on Dec.3, I get to paint the Christmas
decorations in the window. And every year, I get to
paint a different thing...
(beat)
One year it's the North Pole. The next I do Santa's
workshop. Here I'll show you.
He pulls a photo album from the back of the desk and opens it for
David.
DAVID
(impressed)
Wow.... That's pretty good...
MR. JOHNSON
Thanks.
(continuing)
But this morning I was thinking about it and I realized
that I looked forward to it all year. And then I thought
"Gee. That seems awfully silly. That seems like an
awfully long time to be waiting for just one moment,"
don't you think?
David looks at him speechless.
MR. JOHNSON
Well don't you?
DAVID
I think you should try not to think about this anymore.
MR. JOHNSON
Really?
DAVID
Yeah.
MR. JOHNSON
Oh. Okay. I'll try that then.
CUT TO:
INT. BARBERSHOP. DAY
The Barber Pole spins in three shades of gray. Several men are
gathered around the two chairs in the front of Gus' shop. Besides
being the barbershop, it is the bastion of all male life in
Pleasantville.
GUS
Have they ever lost before?
GEORGE
Basketball? No they sure haven't.
GUS
Just feels "wrong", that's all.
There are several murmurs.
RALPH
Maybe that's where they get that saying, "can't win 'em
all."
GUS
Yeah. That's a good point, Ralph. They do have that
saying.
BOB (O.S.)
But they do win 'em all, Gus. They've always won 'em
all.
REVERSE ANGLE. DOORWAY.
"Big Bob" McGee, owner of the drugstore, Chevy dealership, and
supermarket stands in the doorway. He's an imposing figure with a
razor-sharp crewcut.
BURT
Oh. Mr. Mayor. Here. Go ahead.
Burt climbs out of his chair as Big Bob crosses over.
BOB
Don't be silly, Burt. I couldn't possibly take your
spot.
(takes Burt's spot)
What I want to know is this: if they've never lost
before, and they've never tied before, isn't that
"winning em all?"
BURT
Well, yeah. That'd be "winning em all," sure.
The men nod and mumur...
CUT TO:
INT. PARKER KITCHEN. DAY.
The women's bridge club has assembled in the Parker kitchen like
it does every Wednesday afternoon. Four women are seated around
the kitchen table with a nice bowl of bridge mix between them.
Betty is sitting next to Marge Jenkins, the woman who accompanied
her daughter to the doctor's office.
MARGE
(dealing the cards)
...He said it would clear up on its own if she just
stayed away from fried foods and sweets....Except it's
spread to her lips now too. Oh, I don't know.
MARY
(a THIRD WOMAN)
And you say it's just "red?"
MARGE
Well -- like you know... real red.
MARY
Hunh. I know what you mean. That's like this car that
was in front of Bill Johnson's shop. I was going by it
the other day and it looked green... real green.
Betty looks up quickly--then grabs some bridge mix.
MARGE
(lowering her voice)
Have you seen him lately? The man doesn't look like
himself. I was getting my sewing machine fixed across
the street and he was sitting in the window of his shop
just staring. Wasn't looking at anything particular.
Just staring.
MARY
That is strange.
Betty reaches out and grabs her cards. She fans them out in front
of her, when her eyes go wide.
HER POV. BRIDGE HAND
They are ALL HEARTS and all BRIGHT RED. It looks like a fistful of
valentines.
CLOSE UP. BETTY
She puts the cards down quickly and takes a sudden breath. Betty
keeps them like that for a moment or two, before lifting them up
and taking another look...
MARGE
It's your bid, Betty.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARKER HOUSE. DUSK.
The SOUND of the television plays OS while a warm light burns in
the window.
INT. KITCHEN. DUSK.
Jennifer and Betty stand at the sink finishing the dishes. Betty
washes while Jennifer dries and it's clear who's more used to
this. Jennifer examines a chipped nail as she places a dish in the
drying rack.
BETTY
Mary Sue?
JENNIFER
Yeah?
Betty hesitates. Rinses out a pot.
BETTY
Can I ask you a question?
JENNIFER
Sure.
She pauses for a long moment.
BETTY
What goes on up at Lover's Lane?
JENNIFER
(turning toward her)
What do you mean?
BETTY
Well, you hear all these things lately. You know--kids
spending so much time up there...
(she looks over)
Is it holding hands? That kind of thing?
JENNIFER
Yeah....
(beat)
That--and....
She stops herself.
BETTY
What?
JENNIFER
It doesn't matter.
BETTY
No. I want to know.
JENNIFER
(glances toward the living room/lowers her voice)
Well ... Sex.
BETTY
Ah.
Betty nods from the import of the tone but not the meaning. She
starts washing again; then stops.
BETTY (CONT)
What's sex?
Jennifer looks over at her stunned, but Betty just looks at her
with a blank, curious expression. Jennifer hesitates.
JENNIFER
You sure you want to know this?
BETTY
Yes.
JENNIFER
Okay.
She crosses to the kitchen door and closes it. The sounds of the
TV in the living room disappear. Jennifer crosses back to the
kitchen counter and turns to her.
JENNIFER (CONT)
You see Mom...
(softer and with understanding)
When two people like each other very much....
Betty looks at her and nods.....
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PARKER HOUSE. TIME LAPSE - DUSK TO NIGHT.
The TV keeps flickering in the window.
INT. KITCHEN. LATER.....
The CAMERA PANS across the kitchen table where there is a full
quart of milk and some uneaten cookies. It finally comes to rest
on Jennifer who is staring across the kitchen table with a
concerned look on her face.
JENNIFER
You okay?
REVERSE ANGLE. BETTY
She nods--shaken but "fine." Betty stares long and hard at the
plate of chocolate chip cookies. She's far away.
BETTY
Yes...
(softly)
It's just that....
JENNIFER
(gently)
What?
BETTY
Well...
(looking up)
...Your father would never do anything like that.
Jennifer bites her lip weighing her next sentence....
JENNIFER
Oh. Hmm....
(whisper/woman to woman)
Well, Mom...there's ways to "enjoy" yourself without
Dad.
ANGLE BETTY
She looks across the table, perplexed.
CUT TO:
INT. PARKER BEDROOM NIGHT.
George crosses from the dresser to the TWO TWIN BEDS in the middle
of the room. He wears long sleeve pajamas that are buttoned up to
the neck. George puts his glass of warm milk on the nightstand and
climbs in his own single bed. It is barely wide enough for his
body and takes some maneuvering.
GEORGE
Sweetie? You coming to bed?
There is no answer.
GEORGE
Betty?
INT. BATHROOM.
She stands in her bathrobe staring down at the tub. Her dressing
gown is buttoned to the neck as well.
BETTY
(calling out)
Yeah.... I'm just going to take a bath first.
CLOSER. BETTY
She swallows once as she stares down at the tub--then reaches for
the spigot and turns on the water. Betty's heart beats a little
faster as she HEARS the WATER THUNDERING DOWN.
CLOSER STILL....
Betty reaches up and unties the little silk ribbon at the top of
her robe. She slips it off, and lets it drop to the floor,
standing naked in the middle of the bathroom. Betty glances toward
the mirror and then quickly glances away. She takes a deep breath
and steps into the tub.
EVEN TIGHTER. ON HER FACE...
Betty slides down into the warm water, breathing in the steam, and
closing her eyes for a moment. She lingers like that for a second
or two, before settling a little lower in the tub. Betty opens her
eyes, but they only half open. There is the slight trace of a
smile.
EXTREME CLOSE UP BETTY'S FACE.
Her eyes close again as she bites her lower lip gently. The water
continues to THUNDER DOWN as she arches her back. Betty's
breathing seems to quicken as she opens her eyes all over again:
HER POV. BATHROOM....
ALL AT ONCE, EVERYTHING AROUND STARTS TO TURN FROM BLACK AND WHITE
TO COLOR. A BIRD OUT THE WINDOW BECOMES A RED BREASTED ROBIN. THE
TILE ON THE TUB TURNS OUT TO BE PURPLE. GREEN TOWEL.... PINK
ROBE.... PALE BLUE UNDERWEAR DRAPED OVER A CHAIR...
CLOSE UP. BETTY'S FACE
She stares in amazement. Beads of sweat form on Betty's forehead
as the world goes to TECHNICOLOR. The THUNDERING WATER POUNDS IN
THE BACKGROUND, but beneath can be heard the beginnings of a
faint, low, MOAN. Her eyes dart around the room. Her breathing
quickens: Faster.... Harder.... More intense.... THEN SUDDENLY....
18: Betty takes a bath
-----------------------
EXT. ELM STREET. NIGHT
The HUGE ELM TREE across the street suddenly BURSTS INTO FLAMES.
Fire shoots straight up into the sky as billowing clouds of black
smoke fill the air. BRIGHT ORANGE FLAMES LIGHT UP THE NIGHT.
INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.
David is staring at the television set when he notices a weird
orange glow. He glances behind him, out the living room window...
DAVID
Oh my God!
19: ÒFire! Fire! Cat?Ó
-----------------------
EXT. ELM STREET. NIGHT
David comes racing out of the front door and down the walk. A
small CROWD has gathered in front of the fire. (They don't seem
frightened--just sort of amazed.) The street is still BLACK AND
WHITE but it is now bathed in a weird ORANGE LIGHT. The flames
leap higher and higher......
DAVID
Jesus Christ....
FOLLOWING DAVID
He takes off down the block, as fast as he can run. The crowd
continues to stare as David turns the corner at Main Street...
EXT. FIRE STATION.
He races in the front of the building SCREAMING at the top of his
lungs.
DAVID
FIRE! FIRE!
INT. FIRE STATION.
There is no sign of life on the ground floor. David races up the
stairs toward the bunk room on the second story.
INT. BUNK ROOM
All the firemen are sitting around playing Gin Rummy when David
rushes in the front door. They can hear his voice from down the
hall.
DAVID
(entering)
FIRE.... FIRE....
They still don't move. All the firemen just look at him from their
bunks with a perplexed expression.
DAVID
(beat)
CAT!!!
All at once they spring to their feet grabbing their helmets and
their yellow slickers. They race to the landing just outside the
bunk room and leap onto the pole....
EXT. MAIN STREET. NIGHT.
The FIRE ENGINE comes SCREAMING toward the house from the top of
the block. David sits in the front of the truck next to the Fire
Chief who drives the vehicle at break neck speed.
DAVID
Right here!
The Fire ENGINE screeches to a halt. The Fireman looks around....
FIREMAN
Where is it?
David shoots him a look then glances at the inferno. He shakes his
head and leaps from the truck.
FOLLOWING DAVID
He races around to the back where the other firemen are standing
just as confused. David grabs one of the hoses and begins to pull
it from the truck.
DAVID
Here! Grab this nozzle.
FIREMAN
But where's the cat?
DAVID
Just grab it!
He strips out about fifteen feet of hose, then grabs the fireman
and pulls him toward the curb. David hands him the hose and opens
the valve sending out a huge FLUME OF WATER.
FIREMAN
Whoa!
(beat)
So that's what these do.
A huge smile breaks out across the fireman's face--like a man who
has suddenly found his purpose in life. He beams from ear to ear
dousing the flames, while David runs to get another hose....
BOB (VO)
(fading in......)
"....In honor and in recognition of your heroism..."
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. TOWN HALL. DAY
David stands at a podium receiving a commendation from "Big" Bob
McGee (the man from the barbershop). He holds up a large shiny
medal for public display, while "David's" whole family beams in
the background.
BOB
....And with great appreciation from the citizens of
Pleasantville..."
WIDER
A huge crowd is gathered on the town hall steps. There are lots of
balloons and bunting.
BOB (CONT)
...I am pleased to present you with this special
commendation, from the 'Pleasantville Chamber of
Commerce'.
He hands the medal to David as the entire town bursts into
APPLAUSE.
CUT TO:
EXT. MAIN STREET. LATER....
David walks away from the center of town looking down at the gold
medal around his neck. He takes his sleeve and starts to rub off a
smudge when a young woman comes up beside him.
GIRL'S VOICE
Hi Bud...
WIDER
She is MARGARET ANNE HENDERSON, the prettiest girl in school, and
one of the most popular. Margaret wears a cheerleader's outfit
that only accentuates a bombshell '50s figure. Nonetheless, she
seems the image of girly innocence.
MARGARET
That was sure swell....
DAVID
Oh. Thanks, Margaret.
MARGARET
(smiling)
I baked you my oatmeal cookies.
DAVID
(vaguely remembering an episode)
Oh, no... You baked those for Whitey.
MARGARET
No. I baked them for you.
DAVID
No. You baked them for Whitey.
MARGARET
No. I baked them for you.
DAVID
No. You baked them for wh...
MARGARET
(low and guttural)
No. I baked them for you.
All at once, Margaret grabs his arm and presses herself up against
him. Her breasts shove up against his chest. Her mouth is inches
away from his.
DAVID
Um...thanks.
David can smell the weird combination of hot moist breath and
freshly baked cookies. He stares into her eyes for a moment,
unable to speak. Margaret flashes him a not-so-Pleasantville
smile.
MARGARET
See ya.
She turns and heads around the corner, while David just watches
her dumbstruck.
CUT TO:
20: Take Five
-------------
EXT. SODA SHOP. DAY.
David heads toward work with his apron and little paper hat. The
BUDDY HOLLY music has given way to "hip" '50s JAZZ. DAVE BRUBECK
drifts out of the soda shop as David pauses for a moment, and
looks at the door. The same couple that was making out before are
at it again. This time, when they part, however, the color doesn't
fade. They remain rich and saturated. David takes a bite of his
cookie and goes inside.
INT. SODA SHOP.
The place has "morphed" even more. Brubeck's "TAKE FIVE" plays in
the background while several patrons talk "intensely" in their
booths.
DOORWAY
David walks into the building and pauses. There are several COFFEE
cups on the table. Jennifer gets up and comes over to him.
JENNIFER
Nice medal.
DAVID
(quietly)
Thanks.
JENNIFIER
Look, I know things got a little out of hand...
DAVID
It's okay.
He glances at the booth beside them. All the kids are staring up
at him, with a weird expression of awe.
DAVID
What's going on?
JENNIFER
(still under her breath)
Um... They like wanna ask you a question... I didn't
know how to handle it. So....
DAVID
Sure.
He crosses to the booth where Skip and two others look up at him.
It's like Elvis has entered the building.
DAVID
How you doin'?
VARIOUS KIDS
Swell....
DAVID
You wanted to ask me something?
They keep on staring. Several glances are exchanged back and forth
like they're sharing a secret. Finally....
TOMMY
How'd you know about the fire?
DAVID
What?
TOMMY
How'd you know how to put it out and all?
David hesitates, weighing his words.
DAVID
Oh. Well--where I used to live...That's just what
firemen did.
This sends a MURMUR through the shop. The boy leans forward.
TOMMY
And where's that?
DAVID
(carefully)
Um...Out-side of Pleasantville.
This sends a much LOUDER MURMUR rifling through the kids. It's
like electricity. They glance excited at one another. A hush
descends.
TOMMY
What's outside of Pleasantville?
DAVID
Look it doesn't matter. It's not important.
TOMMY
What's outside of Pleasantville?
David stops and looks out at the kids who are hanging on every
word.
DAVID
It's really not important.
MARGARET
What's outside of Pleasantville?
REVERSE ANGLE. INCLUDING DOORWAY.
Margaret Henderson (the girl with the cookies) stands in the
doorway staring at David. She hangs on his words with the same
excitement as the others.
She's ten feet away but might as well be touching him.
DAVID
(slowly)
Um... Well...There are some places where the road
doesn't go in a circle. There are some places where it
keeps on going.
There's an excited giggle. They lean forward.
MARGARET
(an exotic concept)
Keeps going...
DAVID
Well, yeah -- it all just keeps going. Roads...rivers...
WILL
(from the back)
Like the "Mighty Mississippi."
DAVID
...What?
He moves forward extending a book. The boy is in full, rich color.
The cover reads: "THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN." David opens
the first page. There is printing inside, with COLOR
illustrations...
WILL
(quoting)
"It was big 'n brown n' kept goin' an' goin' as far you
could see."
DAVID
(turning to Jennifer)
I thought the books were blank?
WILL
They were.
He looks over at Jennifer.
JENNIFER (CONT)
(quickly)
Okay look, this like--wasn't my fault. They asked me
What it was about and I like didn't remember 'cause we
had it back in tenth grade. But I told them what I DID
remember, and the next thing I knew the pages had filled
in.
DAVID
The pages filled in?
JENNIFER
But like only up to the part about the raft, because I
didn't read any farther.
David flips through the book and sure enough only the first
chapter has print. The pages are blank after that.
TOMMY
Do you know how it ends?
DAVID
(hesitating)
Well, yeah...I do.
MARGARET
(breathless)
So how does it end?
She has moved closer and is gazing at him from a couple of feet
away. It's silent in the soda shop.
DAVID
Well--see.... they're both running away--Huck and the
slave.... And... They go up the river.... But--in trying
to get free..... they sort of see that they're free
already....
INSERT. BOOK.
David looks immediately down to the blank pages of the book that
aren't blank anymore. Rows and rows of FRESH NEW TYPE materialize
in front of him. He turns to the back of the book, that is
complete with a COLOR illustration.
SHOT. DAVID.
DAVID
(quietly)
Oh my God.
WILL
Wow!
PEGGY JANE
Do you know this one?
DAVID
Oh yeah... well this is great.
CUT TO:
21: Kind of Blue
----------------
EXT. PLEASANTVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY. DAY.
The CAMERA PANS down from the "PUBLIC LIBRARY" sign to find the
front door. A long line of kids waiting to check out their books
stretches onto the sidewalk......
EXTREME WIDE SHOT. LIBRARY. FROM ACROSS THE STREET.
Several men from the barbershop lean against the wall next to the
spinning barber pole. They watch the spectacle for a moment or
two, as teenager after teenager exits with an armful of books.
GUS
Look at 'em, Burt. It's spreadin' all over the place.
Look at the color on her books.
BURT
(swallow)
Look at the color on her sweater.
(pause)
I mean goin' up to that lake all the time is one thing,
but now they're going to a library? I mean what's next?
BOB
Oughtta be havin' an ice cream soda. That's where they
oughtta be.
At that moment, Lisa Anne, the girl with the red tongue, walks by
them with an armful of books. She wears a plaid skirt, tight
angora sweater and BRIGHT RED LIPS. Her EYES SPARKLE A BRILLIANT
BLUE. She smiles at the men as she passes and their eyes nearly
fall out of their head. They follow her progress down the block.
BURT
(swallows, faintly)
You're right, Bob... Somebody oughtta do somethin' about
that.
(watching her ass recede)
...Soon.
Big Bob glances over and nods...
WIDER STILL
From the shadows of the Town Hall, up the block, David watches the
stream of kids emerge with their books. They cradle them in their
hands like a piece of newfound treasure...
CUT TO:
22: ÒStand up for whatÕs right!Ó
---------------------------------
INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.
George sits on the edge of his Barka Lounger, across the coffee
table from "Big" Bob McGee. Even sitting down the man is a looming
presence. Besides owning the market, auto dealership, hardware
store, and gas station, he also owns the insurance agency where
George works. George sweats into his collar.
GEORGE
Want some bridge mix?
BOB
Oh, no thanks....
GEORGE
Betty's making some pineapple kabobs...
BOB
I'm fine--but thank you.
George nods as Bob takes a belt of his Martini and leans forward.
BOB (CONT)
George, you're probably wondering why I asked if I could
come over today....
George shrugs--then nods--then shrugs....
BOB (CONT)
I'm sure you've noticed the same things we all have--
certain 'changes' going on in the town.
(beat)
You know what I mean by 'changes?'
GEORGE
'Changes.'
BOB
(nodding)
'Changes.'
(takes a belt of martini)
And it's not just the fire or big stuff like that. It's
little things.
(beat)
Did you hear about Bill Miller?
GEORGE
(concerned)
No. What?
BOB
Wife wants him to get one of those new beds.
GEORGE
One of those... big beds?
Bob nods.
GEORGE (CONT)
Oh my gosh. What's he gonna do?
BOB
I really don't know. It's everywhere, George. Bill
Anderson's boy just quit his job at the market.
GEORGE
What do you mean quit?
BOB
Took off his apron in the middle of an order. Said he
didn't "feel" like it anymore. There were groceries all
over the counter. Took 'em three hours to sort it all
out.
GEORGE
Sheesh.
BOB
Everyone likes you, George.
GEORGE
Oh, well....
BOB
No. They do. And it isn't just 'cause you're a great
bowler... They respect you....
GEORGE
(heartfelt)
Thank you very much.
BOB
And, George, it's important for them to see someone they
respect, stand up for what's right. If you love a place,
you can't sit around and watch this kind of thing happen
to it.
GEORGE
No. Of course not.
BOB
(big patriarchal smile)
And, George, that's why I want you to be on the
Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce.
Big Bog reaches forward and extends a small square jewelry box. He
pops open the lid and extends it in front of George.
INSERT. BOX.
Sitting inside is a shiny silver lapel pin in the shape of the
Chamber of Commerce insignia.
SHOT. GEORGE.
GEORGE
(stunned, moved)
Oh my Gosh. I hardly know what to say.
(stares at the pin)
It looks just like yours.
BOB
(smiles)
It's exactly like mine.
George looks at him speechless.
BOB (CONT)
Why don't you start by saying "yes," and then getting me
one of those swell pineapple kabobs.
GEORGE
Oh sure... You bet.
(calling out)
Betty....
There is no answer....
GEORGE (CONT)
BETTY -- BOB WANTS TO TRY ONE OF YOUR GREAT HORS D'
OEUVRES... BETTY!
WIDER
George turns around to see David, standing on the landing,
listening to the entire conversation. Their eyes lock for a
moment...
DAVID
I'll get her.
He moves quickly to the kitchen shutting the door behind him.
23: WhatÕs a mother to do?
---------------------------
INT. KITCHEN.
David gets a couple of steps in and stops. He looks across the
room to see Betty standing at the kitchen sink, just staring out
the window. Her back is to him. She grips the formica kitchen
counter.
DAVID
(approaching slowly)
Are you okay?
She doesn't answer. David moves up to her and rests a hand on her
shoulder.
DAVID
Are you alright?
Betty turns around to face him. HER FACE HAS TURNED COMPLETELY TO
COLOR. THE EYES ARE GREEN. THE LIPS ARE RED. SHE HAS A NATURAL
BLUSH IN HER CHEEKS. In fact the whole thing looks like a
beautiful color portrait except for the tear stains on either side
of her face.
BETTY
(fighting tears)
What am I going to do?
David moves closer and looks at her. Her lip is quivering.
DAVID
It's okay. It's alright.
BETTY
(trembling)
I can't go out there. How can I go out there?
She looks right up at David.
BETTY (CONT)
(quieter)
Look at me...
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
He stares at her for a second. Big green eyes full of fear and
confusion. David pushes a reassuring smile.
DAVID
Have you got any make up?
BETTY
In my handbag.
He crosses to the counter and grabs her purse. David sits Betty on
a kitchen chair and fishes inside the handbag for her compact. He
finds it along with a wadded up Kleenex.
DAVID
Okay--first we'll dry you out a little.
He dabs at the tears, while she smiles at him in gratitude. Then
David opens the compact and takes out the large GRAY powder puff.
CLOSER.
It is a truly amazing sight. As David smears on the makeup, she
returns gradually to BLACK AND WHITE. The skin tones disappear.
The flush of her cheeks goes. David takes out a DARK GRAY
lipstick, obliterating the bright red of her lips.
REVERSE ANGLE. OVER BETTY'S SHOULDER.
He works on her for a second or two, then takes a step back. All
at once, David seems to wince:
REVERSE ANGLE. HIS POV. BETTY'S FACE.
The life is gone from her face. In an instant Betty has gone from
three dimensions to two. She stands in front of him, the fictional
version of herself all over again.
BETTY
(off his reaction)
What?
David shakes his head and forces a smile. He hands her the compact
so she can examine herself. Betty holds it up to her face, turning
her head first right, then left.
BETTY
(beat)
Does it look okay?
DAVID
Looks just like it did.
BETTY
And they won't be able to tell?
DAVID
(even quieter)
No... They won't be able to tell.
Betty takes a deep breath and fluffs her hair. She grabs the plate
of Pineapple kabobs and heads for the door. Just before she goes
in, she pauses, then plasters on a big wide "stewardess" smile....
BETTY
Thank you.
DAVID
(sadly)
Sure.
He watches as she opens the door, and marches in the room,
extending the little tray of hors d'oeuvres in front of her...
CUT TO:
24: A book of art
------------------
INT. SODA SHOP. DAY.
Mr. Johnson is all alone in the shop, setting up the napkin
dispensers. He whistles BRUBECK'S "TAKE FIVE" when the screen door
slams behind him. Mr. Johnson looks up with a start.
MR. JOHNSON
Oh, hi.
DAVID
(entering)
Hi.
MR. JOHNSON
Aren't you a little early?
DAVID
(quietly)
I brought you something...From the library.
CLOSER. FOLLOWING DAVID.
He has a large book tucked under his arm that is easily three feet
long. Mr. Johnson looks at him a little intrigued as David crosses
to the counter.
DAVID (CONT)
It's an art book.
MR. JOHNSON
Oh my Gosh, Bud....
DAVID
Open it.
Mr. Johnson reaches out and opens the cover. After a beat, his
eyes widen.
DAVID (CONT)
I just thought since you liked painting it might help
to....
Mr. Johnson gasps. It's quiet, and subtle, but it's still a gasp.
David looks over at him but he's lost in the pages.
HIS POV. (INSERT) ART BOOK....
Massacio's "Expulsion of Adam and Eve" leaps off the pages in
vibrant, tortured color. The beauty of the garden is offset by
their agony and their shame. HE TURNS THE PAGE....
Titian's "Venus of Urbano". Soft, fleshy, in a rich golden light.
She is utterly real and entirely nude. The folds of her flesh
almost seem to glow....
MR. JOHNSON
Who's Titian?
DAVID
I'm not sure.
Rembrandt's "Self Portrait." Dark reds, umbers, blacks and browns.
He looks back at Mr. Johnson with pain and wisdom. There's a
brilliant light on his hair.
MR. JOHNSON (OS)
Mmmmgh....
Faintly, almost imperceptibly, the SOUND of a rich ARIA begins to
UNDERSCORE THE IMAGES. It's so faint you can't be sure you even
hear it at all.... like you're hearing it with your eyes.
He TURNS THE PAGES faster: Breugal's "Harvesters"... Turner's
"Steam Train"... Monet's "Cathedral"... Cezanne's "Oranges"... Mr.
Johnson shuts the book.
WIDER. SODA SHOP
They sit like that for a beat.
MR. JOHNSON
It's beautiful, Bud...
He looks up at David, troubled.
DAVID
What's wrong?
MR. JOHNSON (CONT)
I'll never be able to do that.
DAVID
Oh, well--you're just starting out. I mean, you can't do
it now....
MR. JOHNSON
No, that's not it.
Mr. Johnson shuts the book gently.
MR. JOHNSON
Where am I going to see colors like that?
ANGLE. DAVID
What can he say. David looks over at Mr. Johnson who just smiles
and shrugs.
MR. JOHNSON (CONT)
Must be awfully lucky to see colors like that. I bet
they don't even know how lucky they are.
CLOSE UP. DAVID
He just stares for a second.
25: ÒThose are not your cookies, Bud!Ó
---------------------------------------
EXT. MAIN STREET. LONG SHOT. DAY...
Margaret walks up the center of Main Street toward the CAMERA with
her books pressed against her chest. She passes the drugstore,
then the hardware store... Far off in the distance, a young man
comes racing out of the soda shop, pulling off his little paper
hat as he goes. He comes running up behind her as fast as he can.
CLOSER.
He takes a deep breath and tries to quiet the panting.
DAVID
Hi.
MARGARET
(turning/lighting up)
Oh...Hi.
DAVID
(pause)
Look, I probably shouldn't be asking you this--not
knowing you that well and all...
Margaret stops in the street and turns to him: a moment of truth.
All at once, he abandons the speech.
DAVID
...You want to go out with me tonight?
He wants to turn away but doesn't. David forces himself to look
back at her. All of a sudden she beams. It's the whitest,
pearliest smile in the world.
CUT TO:
EXT. ELM STREET. DAY.
David comes flying around the corner in complete jubilation. He
vaults over a picket fence, swings around a lamppost and leaps off
the bumper of a parked car. David hi-fives into the air at no one
in particular and sails over Mr. Simpson's hedge almost decking
him in the process.
DAVID
Sorry....
He races across the street bobbing and weaving like an All
American fullback. David bounds up his front steps two at a time
flinging open the door.
INT. PARKER HOUSE. FOYER.
DAVID
"Oh when the Saints.... Go Marching in...."
He lets the door slam behind him as he takes off his apron and
tosses it on the coat rack. David starts up the stairs, when he
HEARS a MAN'S VOICE coming from the living room.
MAN'S VOICE (OS)
Bud...
He pauses a second and glances back.
MAN'S VOICE
David....
He peers into the living room. David goes a little grayer....
HIS POV. TELEVISION
TV Repairman is looking back at him from the middle of the TV
screen. He seems to have a bit of a stubble.
TV REPAIRMAN
Hello there.
DAVID
(wary)
....Hi.
TV REPAIRMAN
(stage whisper)
Well c'mere, young fella.
INT. LIVING ROOM
David crosses slowly over to the TV set.
TV REPAIRMAN (CONT)
(big smile)
You know I've been thinkin'.... I might have been a
little "hasty" the other day when you asked to come
home--just took me by such surprise, ya know--ha ha...
He gives a gooney laugh. David just looks at him....
TV REPAIRMAN (CONT)
So even though I can't make any promises, well--I
figured if you asked me real nice--I might just be
willing to talk about it again.
DAVID
(quickly)
I can't.
TV REPAIRMAN
What?
DAVID
Talk about it. Right now, I mean. I got to... um....
The look turns suddenly dark and ominous.
TV REPAIRMAN
Bud--I thought you wanted to come home.
DAVID
Oh... I do. Yeah. It's just that I told my "dad" I'd
clean out the rain gutters and Mr. Johnson wanted me
to... to change the tape in the register...
TV REPAIRMAN
(getting testy)
I'll be honest with you Bud. I'm getting sorta concerned
about what I'm seeing in some of these re-runs...
DAVID
Re-runs?
TV REPAIRMAN
Like when Margaret Henderson makes her cookies for
Whitey.
(losing it a little)
....Those aren't your cookies Bud.
DAVID
Oh, I know they're not. But I mean--they're just
"cookies" after all...
TV REPAIRMAN
Excuse me?
DAVID
Well they're not just cookies... I mean, they're great
cookies...
TV REPAIRMAN
Those are Whitey's cookies, Bud. They belong to him.
Then he eats them, then he asks her to go to Lover's
Lane, then...
DAVID
Look, I'd love to get into all this but I'm really
running late, why don't we hook up tomorrow...
TV REPAIRMAN
Bud...
DAVID
Look I can't hear you -- it's really cruddy reception.
I'll talk to you later...
CLICK. He switches off the TV sending TV Repairman to electronic
limbo. David stands in the middle of the living room, breathing
hard....
INT. JENNIFER'S (MARY SUE'S) ROOM.
She sits on the bed staring down at the front cover of a book.
(It's an alien experience.) Jennifer is just about to open it when
she senses something and glances toward the door.
REVERSE ANGLE.
Bud is standing in the doorway just staring at her. He seems to be
out of breath.
JENNIFER
What's wrong?
DAVID
Nothing.
JENNIFER
Nothing?
He keeps breathing hard in the doorway. David holds the remote in
his hand.
DAVID
Listen....
He takes a couple of steps into the room and then suddenly stops.
DAVID
You're reading?
JENNIFER
(glancing at the book)
Yeah. Can't believe you started such a dorky fad.
She holds up the cover.
JENNIFER (CONT)
D.H. Lawrence. You ever heard of him?
DAVID
(amazed)
...Yeah.
JENNIFER
I read a couple of pages. Seemed kinda sexy.
DAVID
(still stunned)
It is.
He just stares at her for a second as his mind seems to drift....
JENNIFER
So what is it?
DAVID
Well...
(out of the blue)
Can I ask you a question?
JENNIFER
Sure.
DAVID
Remember when Dad moved out?
JENNIFER
(rolls her eyes)
Uh, yeah... slightly.
DAVID
Well... Did you want them to get back together?
JENNIFER
Sure. For a little while...
DAVID
(searching for something)
Then you stopped?
JENNIFER
(thinks)
I never stopped wanting it. I just stopped thinking
about it. I figured it was never gonna happen so I
just...
(shrugs)
Moved on.
DAVID
Moved on?
JENNIFER
Yeah.
David stares at the wallpaper in her room like it's a window or a
mirror or something. He seems a million miles away. Jennifer
shifts closer to him.
JENNIFER
Can I ask you a question?
DAVID
Sure.
JENNIFER
How come I'm still in black and white?
DAVID
(back to earth)
What?
JENNIFER
Well I've had like ten times as much sex as these girls
and I'm still like this. They have one hour in the back
of a car and suddenly they're in technicolor.
DAVID
Oh, I don't know. Maybe...
(thinks)
...it's not just the sex...
JENNIFER
(looking up quickly)
What?
She stares at him wide-eyed like someone who has just heard their
name called. Jennifer's eyes dart around like she's calculating a
math problem. After a moment or two, her expression changes: a
vague look of recognition.
JENNIFER
No, maybe it's not.
She glances down at her book. It's a big book. Jennifer takes a
deep breath and stares at the gray skin of her hand. After a
second or two, she looks back.
David looks at her for a beat...
CUT TO:
26: ÒAt LastÓ
--------------
EXT. MARGARET HENDERSON'S HOUSE. (MAPLE STREET) DAY.
David gets out of his "dad's" convertible, carrying a dozen "gray"
roses. He takes a deep breath and heads up her front walk....
INT. CAR. DAY. LATER...
David sits behind the wheel of the borrowed car with Margaret
Henderson by his side. He concentrates hard on the road, holding
the wheel at "10 and 2" as he steals a glance to his right.
HIS POV. MARGARET
It's not quite evening yet, and late afternoon light makes her
glow. Margaret smiles as she turns her face into the warm wind
that swirls inside the convertible....
SHOT. DAVID
He studies her for a moment or two, then suddenly swerves to avoid
a parked car on his right....
WIDER.
They pass a sign with a happy family on it that reads:
"NOW LEAVING PLEASANTVILLE"
INT. CAR.
Main Street turns into a winding country road as they leave the
town behind and head off into the woods. They wind through the
dense woodland for a moment or two before a second sign appears,
much like the first:
"NOW ENTERING PLEASANTVILLE"
DIFFERENT ANGLE. THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD.
Sure enough, the town emerges in front of them again, completing
the 4 dimensional circle. David looks confused.
MARGARET
Um...You gotta turn off Main Street.
DAVID
Oh...Right.
He looks over at her and smiles. Margaret turns on the radio.
EXT. CAR. DUSK.
SAM COOKE sings for them as David turns from Main Street onto a
smaller unmarked lane. The car starts to rise up a small hill,
with Dogwood trees blooming on either side of the road. It
continues to climb up the narrow gravel lane toward the crest in
the hill. David looks over at Margaret who takes a deep breath
shutting her eyes. He glances down at the seat between them...
HIS POV. CAR SEAT.
THE ROSES THAT WERE GRAY HAVE SUDDENLY TURNED TO COLOR. They sit
next to him on the seat: a deep, rich RED...
INT. CAR.
David looks up and out the windshield. The same thing seems to be
happening around them.... Many of the Dogwoods have started to
turn PINK. Not all of them, but at least fifty percent of the
petals have "bloomed" in some weird false spring. The road twists
and turns on its way to the top, as they finally reach a crest in
the hill.
DAVID
Wow.
THEIR POV. LOVERS LANE
There, sitting in front of them, is a whole world gone
Technicolor: THE LAKE IS BLUER THAN BLUE. THE WEEPING WILLOW IS
GREENER THAN GREEN. THE DOGWOOD PETALS (all
"turned" now) SWIRL IN THE WIND LIKE SOME STRANGE PINK SNOWSTORM.
A LONG LINE OF PASTEL CARS STRETCHES OUT ALONG THE SHORE.
SAM COOKE (VO)
(over the car radios)
"Cupid, draw back your bow..."
SHOT. CAR.
Slowly, David rolls the convertible forward. Many of the kids have
left their cars and sit down along the grassy bank by the edge of
the water. A few of them have books open. It almost looks
"Athenian."
INT. CAR.
David looks at the whole scene for a moment then suddenly cocks
his head to the side.
DAVID
What's that smell?
WIDE ANGLE. LAKE.
A beautiful wild rose in mid-bloom eats up half the frame, while
David and Margaret stare at the view in the distance.
EXT. MAIN STREET. DUSK
Betty is staring into the window of the FLOWER SHOP with a
shopping bag on either hand. From a ways away, she looks like any
other homemaker in Pleasantville. You don't even notice the gray
make-up.
CLOSER. FOLLOWING BETTY.
She nods to Mrs. Filmore in the bakery and smiles at Don in the
Post Office. Betty is just about to turn on Elm Street when she
glances up, and suddenly stops.
HER POV. ACROSS THE STREET.
There, in the middle of the block, sits Mr. Johnson's soda shop.
The whole scene is still black and white, except for the large
CUBIST PAINTING THAT FILLS MR. JOHNSON'S WINDOW. It is rendered in
bright PINKS, YELLOWS AND ORANGES, and
looks like a Braque or a Picasso except for the unusual subject
matter. Upon closer examination you see that all the spheres and
cones add up to an avante garde snow scene, with a Cubist Santa
hovering over the roof tops.
SHOT. BETTY
She stares at it, mesmerized for a moment, then starts to wander
across the street. It's late afternoon and the business district
is empty. Betty crosses in the middle of the block, staring
straight ahead.
INT. SODA SHOP.
The door opens and she sticks her head inside. Most of the place
is dark except for one streak of sunlight shining through the
window near the back of the store. Betty glances around. The
little bell JINGLES as she enters.
MR. JOHNSON (OS)
We're closed right now...
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
He sits in front of a small easel near the back, staring at a
board which doubles as a canvas. Mr. Johnson glances over his
shoulder and recognizes Betty in the doorway.
MR. JOHNSON
Oh, hi....
BETTY
(turning to leave)
I'm sorry....
MR. JOHNSON
No, no... Come on in.
REVERSE ANGLE.
He gets up from his stool and crosses toward the door, still
holding the palette in his hand. Betty stares at the "Cubist
Christmas" in the window.
BETTY
I just thought..... It's beautiful.
MR. JOHNSON
Thanks.
Their eyes lock for a second. Sort of a clutzy silence. Mr.
Johnson motions toward his easel.
MR. JOHNSON (CONT)
I was just trying to do one of these "still lifes."
Having kind of a tough time.
He sighs and looks beside him. Next to the easel is a bowl of GRAY
FRUIT. Betty moves down the counter, glancing at the painting.
BETTY
I think it looks nice.
MR. JOHNSON
Well...
(shrugs)
Here's what it's s'posed to look like.
He reaches across the counter and grabs the art book. It's open to
a Cezanne that nearly burns off the page.
BETTY
Oh my....
CLOSER.
They are standing almost on top of each other gazing down at the
book. Neither one of them moves. Betty almost disappears into the
pictures--drawn by a strange new world.
MR. JOHNSON
Here. Look at this.
He turns to Kandinsky--a massive swirl of color. The image is
nearly electric.
BETTY
(breathless)
Where'd you get this?
MR. JOHNSON
Bud brought it to me.
BETTY
My Bud?
MR. JOHNSON
Here's my favorite.
INSERT. BOOK.
He turns the page near the back to one of Picasso's "Weeping
Women." The woman is rendered in pink and red and green. Her head
is a large sphere, laying "peacefully" on her own shoulder.
27: From the tree of knowledge
-------------------------------
WIDER
MR. JOHNSON
What do you think?
She doesn't answer...
MR. JOHNSON
Isn't it great how she's resting like that?
BETTY
(faintly)
She's crying.
MR. JOHNSON
No she's not.
BETTY
Yes she is.
He looks up at her.....
REVERSE ANGLE.
A single tear is running down Betty's cheek. She senses it and
reaches up to wipe it quickly away, but instead of just wiping the
tear, she takes off a huge swath of GRAY MAKE-UP. A long strip of
PINK FLESH is revealed underneath.
ANGLE. MR. JOHNSON
He stares up at her in amazement.
ANGLE BETTY.
She senses something and glances down at her hand. Her fingertips
are covered in GRAY MAKE-UP. Betty turns and bolts for the door.
WIDER.
MR. JOHNSON
(following her)
Wait...
BETTY
I've got to go....
MR. JOHNSON
It's alright.
He stops her near the door and she turns her face toward the wall.
Mr. Johnson touches her shoulder.
MR. JOHNSON (CONT)
It's alright. Let me see.
BETTY
(shame)
No...
He reaches up and gently touches her chin. Mr. Johnson moves
around to glimpse the other side of her cheek.
MR. JOHNSON
It's beautiful.
CLOSER...
She freezes like that for a moment, then slowly, haltingly, turns
toward him. THE COLOR of her real flesh is revealed underneath.
Betty stands there exposed.
MR. JOHNSON
(a whisper)
....It's beautiful.
She swallows, not sure what to do. Betty glances down.
MR. JOHNSON
You shouldn't cover that up.
Mr. Johnson reaches over to the little napkin dispenser on the
counter and pulls one out. He leans forward and dabs at the tears
beneath Betty's eyes. Then slowly, gently, he starts to wipe the
makeup off her cheek.
CLOSER STILL
She recoils a bit, tensing up, then just looks at him. Mr. Johnson
is gazing at her "true color" with wonder and acceptance. She
hesitates for an instant, then seems to make a decision. Betty
slowly turns her face to the side, exposing her flesh all the way
down to the neck. Mr. Johnson continues to wipe off the make up in
larger and larger strokes as the beautiful pink flesh begins to
emerge....
CUT TO:
INT. JENNIFER'S (MARY SUE'S) ROOM. NIGHT.
She lies on her bed, reading the same book she was browsing
earlier. Jennifer seems strangely engrossed as she flips the
pages, lying on her stomach, scouring every word. After a moment
or two she gets restless and shifts position, lifting the book.
The cover is plainly visible: "LADY CHATTERLY'S LOVER."
CLOSER
She doesn't have enough light so Jennifer rises from the bed and
crosses to "her" desk. She sits in the chair and flattens the book
in front of her. Jennifer is deep into the plot and doesn't even
look up as she flicks on the desk lamp. She could almost be
studying algebra as she sits upright at the little desk.
DIFFERENT ANGLE
She flips the page and peers more intently. Her hair is bothering
her so she pulls it back and knots it in a pony tail. It's cold by
the open window and she puts on a sweater. After a little while
her eyes begin to get more tired and she looks up and blinks a
couple of times. Jennifer notices something across the desk.
REVERSE ANGLE.
A pair of Mary Sue's glasses are neatly folded in front of her.
Jennifer reaches out, puts them on her head, glances back down at
the print.
JENNIFER
(impressed)
Hunh.
She can see much clearer now. Jennifer folds her hands in front of
her and doesn't even realize that she has mimicked the PHOTOGRAPH
OF MARY SUE THAT SITS BESIDE HER IN A SILVER FRAME. The face is
the same, but that's to be expected. So is the pony tail, the
glasses, the posture and the studious look on her face. Jennifer
turns the page engrossed in her novel when there is a loud TAP on
the window.
She rises from the desk and pulls back the curtain. Jennifer
slides open the window.
EXT. PARKER HOUSE
Skip stands on the front lawn tossing pebbles at the window.
SKIP
Mary Sue--C'mon....
JENNIFER
(leaning out the window)
What are you doing?
SKIP
(jiggling in anticipation)
It's six-thirty....
JENNIFER
So.
SKIP
We were gonna... You know...
He jiggles some more.
JENNIFER
Oh
(remembering)
...I can't.
SKIP
Why not?
She glances down at her book.
JENNIFER
I'm busy.
SKIP
(surprised)
With what?
INT. JENNIFER'S ROOM.
She hesitates for a second then glances back at the desk. Her own
image in the silver frame stares back at her. The hair is pulled
back in a pony tail. The glasses sit on the front of her nose.
JENNIFER
(turning to Skip)
I'm studying.
She thinks about it for a moment, then suddenly smiles. Skip
stands dumbfounded on the sidewalk as Jennifer reaches up and
quietly closes the window...
CUT TO:
EXT. LOVER'S LANE. NIGHT.
David and Margaret sit on the edge of the grass, looking out
across the water. Even in the moonlight, the COLORS are vivid.
David still clutches the rose in his hand, taking a long hit like
an Opium addict.
DAVID
(inhaling)
Mmmmgh.
MARGARET
Do they have those...Where you come from?
DAVID
Yeah...I guess.
(beat)
I don't know.
MARGARET
You don't know?
Margaret laughs like that isn't even possible. She shifts on the
grass hiking her skirt up above the knee. It reveals a long tan
leg beneath it. David watches as she kicks off her shoes, rubbing
her feet through the long cool grass.
MARGARET
So what's it like?
DAVID
What?
MARGARET
(a whisper)
Out there.
She clings onto the words like they could transport her by
themselves. David thinks for a moment.
DAVID
Oh. I don't know...It's different...
She leans forward.
MARGARET
How?
DAVID
Well it's louder...And scarier I guess...And...and a lot
more dangerous...
MARGARET
Sounds fantastic. You know some kids came up here the
other night to go swimming--took off all their clothes.
She giggles. David looks at her in amazement.
MARGARET
You want some berries?
DAVID
Hunh?
She unfolds a handkerchief revealing a handful of berries in REDS
AND BLUES AND PURPLES.
MARGARET
I picked them myself. They grow wild up here.
DAVID
They do?
MARGARET
(looking straight up)
Oh yeah. There's a lot of stuff. Here. Look at this.
She hops up and scampers across the grassy bank, kicking her heels
behind her. Margaret reaches a tree in the distance and reaches
toward an upper limb, stretching out her body like a piece of
statuary. She picks a piece of fruit and scampers back toward him,
hiking up her skirt as she goes....
MARGARET
Here.
CLOSER
Margaret sticks out her hand, offering him a BRIGHT RED APPLE.
It's brilliant and shiny and glistens in the moonlight.
ANGLE. DAVID
He hesitates just looking at it. Margaret speaks in a whisper
MARGARET
Go on. Try it.
HIS POV
She is lying on her stomach now, and behind the outstretched apple
he can see an ample view of her cleavage. Margaret is smiling at
him as the apple shines in the foreground. David reaches out and
takes it.
WIDER. DAVID AND MARGARET
For this instant, they seem alone in the garden. He looks down at
it, then glances over at Margaret. David hesitates for a split
second then takes a bite of the apple...
CUT TO:
28: Rain
---------
EXT. ELM STREET. NIGHT
George heads home with his briefcase in hand whistling a happy
tune. He smiles at Mr. Simpson and swings the attache case as he
turns and heads up his front walk.
INT. FOYER
George opens the door and sets the briefcase by the stairs like he
always does. He hangs his hat on the hatrack, his coat on the
coatrack, and beams as he hollers his nightly greeting:
GEORGE
Honey--I'm home.
There is no response, just a BOOMING CLAP OF THUNDER. He looks a
little perplexed but smiles as he calls out again:
GEORGE (CONT)
Honey--I'm home...
CUT TO:
INT. SODA SHOP. NIGHT.
Betty sits in a corner of the shop, next to the gray bowl of
fruit. She holds her head to the side, sitting gracefully with her
chin in the air. Mr. Johnson sits behind his easel, painting her
portrait from a few feet away. Betty looks radiant with no trace
of the makeup, the warm PINK OF HER FLESH TONES lit softly by a
bare forty watt bulb...
CLOSER
She looks over at Mr. Johnson when they hear the BOOMING CLAP OF
THUNDER. Each of them freezes. There is ANOTHER, LOUDER BOOM....
ANGLE. WINDOW
The "Cubist Snow scene" lights up brightly, illuminated by the
sudden flash of lightning behind it. Betty leaps up from the chair
and crosses to the window looking out.
BETTY
(frightened)
What is that?
MR. JOHNSON
I don't know.
Betty looks back at Mr. Johnson and suddenly sees the painting.
She flinches for a second. Her eyes go wide.
REVERSE ANGLE. INCLUDING THE PAINTING
It is cubist (like the rest of his recent work) but that isn't the
shocking part. Even though she sits in front of him fully clothed,
Mr. Johnson has painted a beautiful, sensual nude. Betty just
stares at the canvas, stunned to see herself revealed like that.
The COLORS are all hot pinks and oranges and yellows--like some
Fauvist celebration of summertime. There is another even LOUDER
PEEL OF THUNDER.
WIDER. BETTY AND MR. JOHNSON
She looks over at Mr. Johnson and he glances down. After a moment
or two he looks back at her, but she doesn't turn to run. Betty
just stares at him, then without even realizing it, moves slightly
closer.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOVER'S LANE. NIGHT.
David and Margaret are locked in a deep passionate kiss. At first
they don't separate when they hear the BOOMING CLAP OF THUNDER. It
is only when they hear the SECOND ONE and the RAIN starts to fall,
that Margaret pulls back and looks up in the sky.
MARGARET
What is that?
ANGLE. DAVID
He is still in an amorous daze and doesn't even feel the
increasing rain. It starts to pound harder and Margaret looks to
him in terror.
MARGARET (CONT)
What's going on?
DAVID
Rain.
MARGARET
Real rain?
DAVID
Yeah... You don't have rain either?
She looks at him frightened. David smiles.
DAVID
Right. Of course you don't...
He puts his jacket around her and starts to lead her up the grassy
slope. A dozen other couples go scurrying up the bank, looking in
terror at the water falling from the sky.
MARGARET
What do we do?
DAVID
(reaching the car)
We'll just put up the top.
He goes fishing around the boot of the car, looking for the catch
to release it. David leans into the back seat fishing around as
the rain starts to pound harder.
MARGARET
What top?
He looks back at her. No top either. David smiles, drenched in
rain and puts his arm around Margaret who is starting to shiver.
DAVID
It's fine. Come on.
ACROSS THE POND...
He leads her back to a thicket of bushes where several of the kids
are clustered together. They look at one another, terrified, as
they huddle for shelter beneath the ledge of an overhanging rock.
DAVID
It's alright. There's nothing to be afraid of. See?
David points his face toward the sky, letting the water pound on
him. They look a little reassured as he closes his eyes against
the storm...
CUT TO:
INT. JENNIFER'S ROOM. NIGHT.
She stands at the window looking out at the driving rain. Jennifer
still holds the D.H. Lawrence book in her hand. There is a huge
flash of lightning and another clap of thunder.
JENNIFER
Cool...
She flops back down on the bed and continues to read...
INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM
George wanders through the empty and darkened house completely
perplexed and utterly disoriented. He looks around for his family,
but all he can find are the darkened rooms and the sound of the
driving storm.
GEORGE
Honey, I'm home.
(a little frightened/a little petulant)
Honey, I'm home.....
INT. KITCHEN.
He still can't find her as he crosses into the KITCHEN. The lights
are dark there as well and he looks around confused.
GEORGE (CONT)
(baffled)
Where's my dinner?
He sniffs a couple of times but there are no familiar cooking
smells. George crosses to the stove.
GEORGE
Where's my dinner...
(beat)
Where's my dinner...
INT. FOYER
George comes reeling out of the kitchen into the foyer. He slams
his shin on the coatrack but keeps on going....
GEORGE
(insistent)
Where's my DINNER....
EXT. HOUSE.
It's really blowing now. The rain is coming down in heavy sheets,
being swirled and driven by the wind. The front door opens and
George wanders out onto the front porch, still dressed in his
shirtsleeves.
GEORGE
Where's my DINNER!
ON GEORGE
He stumbles down the front walk in a state of complete confusion.
The rain pounds against his body and within seconds his shirt is
soaked through to the skin.
GEORGE
(over the storm)
WHERE'S MY DINNER.....
EXT. ELM STREET.
He keeps stumbling through the torrent. George reels down Elm
Street screaming skyward in the distance.
GEORGE
...WHERE'S MY DINNER! WHERE'S MY DINNER!
SERIES OF SHOTS. FOLLOWING GEORGE....
He turns on Main Street and goes reeling past the insurance agency
where he works. George howls into the wind and he passes the
hardware store, the gas station, the bakery.....
Finally he pauses outside the barbershop. It's empty as well with
the spinning barber pole being buffeted by the rain. George lowers
his arms and just stares into the darkened shop. His voice grows
quieter: bewildered and shivering....
GEORGE
(plaintively)
Where's my dinner?
He wraps his arms around himself and shivers on the sidewalk....
29: A question of values
-------------------------
INT. BOWLING ALLEY. NIGHT.
The regular occupants of the barber shop spread out across three
lanes. Each wears a Pleasantville bowling shirt, sponsored by one
of Big Bob's businesses.
The NOISE from the crashing pins is deafening and there aren't any
windows so the storm has gone unnoticed...
ANGLE. BIG BOB.
He picks up a 7-10 split and claps his hands in delight. He starts
to cross back to the scorer's table when he looks up and suddenly
stops.
REVERSE ANGLE. HIS POV
George is standing in the doorway to the bowling alley cold and
shivering. His shirt is soaked through to the skin. His hair is
drenched and dripping.
BOB
What happened?
He doesn't answer. George clutches his body and keeps shivering.
WIDER.
The men stop bowling and rush to George's side. He blinks a couple
of times, still soaked to the bone.
BOB
Are you alright?
(looking at him)
What is it?
GEORGE
(faintly)
Rain.
BOB
(beat)
Real rain?
George nods. Bob rushes to the glass door of the bowling alley and
sees the driving storm. A huge fork of lightning lights up the
sky.
BOB
Oh my God....
George shivers and Bobs leads him over to one of the benches and
guides him into the seat...
BOB
Are you alright?
GEORGE
(still shivering)
...I came home like I always do. And I came in the front
door. And I took off my coat. And I put down my
briefcase and I said "Honey. I'm home."
The men all nod in recognition.
GEORGE
...Only no one was there.
A MURMUR goes through the men.
GEORGE (CONT)
So I went into the kitchen and I yelled it again.
"Honey--I'm home." But there was no one there either. No
wife. No lights. No dinner.
They all GASP.
GEORGE (CONT)
So I went to the oven you know--because I thought maybe
she had made me one of those "TV dinners..."
The men nod and lean forward. George shakes his head.
GEORGE (CONT)
But she hadn't. She was gone. And I looked and looked
and looked -- but she was gone.
A LOUDER MURMUR moves through the crowd. George lowers his head
and just shakes it from side to side. Big Bob moves up and puts a
hand on his shoulder.
BOB
(gently/the patriarch)
...It's gonna be fine George. You're with 'us' now.
George looks up at him helplessly. Bob pats him on the back and
crosses away, gathering his thoughts.
GUS
What do we do Bob?
BOB
Well--we'll be safe for now--thank goodness we're in a
bowling alley--but if George here doesn't get his
dinner, any one of us could be next. It could be you
Gus, or you Burt, or even you Ralph....
They murmur again. Bob gathers a little steam.
BOB (CONT)
(like a WWII movie)
...That's real rain out there gentlemen. This isn't some
little "virus" that's going to "clear up on it's own."
There's something happening to our town and I think we
can all see where it comes from.
He turns to one of the men in front.
BOB
Burt, why don't you show them what you showed me before.
BURT
Bob...
BOB
Go on. Show them.
Burt glances around then slowly unzips his windbreaker. He lowers
the jacket to reveal a HUGE BURN mark on the back in the shape of
a STEAM IRON. There are MURMURS...
BOB (CONT)
He asked her what she was doing and she said "nothing".
She was just "thinking".
There are more MURMURS.
BOB (CONT)
My friends, this isn't about George's dinner or Burt's
shirt. It's a question of values. It's a question of
whether we're gonna hold onto the values that have made
this place great.
There are nods of agreement.
BOB (CONT)
So the time has come to make a decision. Are we in this
alone, or are we in it together?
MEN
Together... together...
Bob smiles and places a reassuring hand on George's shoulder.
CUT TO:
30: Caught in the storm
------------------------
CLOSE UP. A BRIGHT RED ROSE.
Drops of moisture cling to the petals as it GLEAMS BRILLIANT RED
IN THE MORNING SUN....
AERIAL SHOT. PLEASANTVILLE.
The rain is gone now. The town glistens in the sunlight complete
with a huge RAINBOW arching across the sky. Literally all the
COLORS IN THE RAINBOW shine against the black and white of the
town. It looks like a greeting card.
INT. SODA SHOP.
Betty and Mr. Johnson are asleep in the booth, lying in each
other's arms. Sunlight streams in through the window, warming Mr.
Johnson's face which has now turned to color. He opens his eyes
and looks outside...
INT. JENNIFER'S ROOM.
She has passed out on her bed with her book on her chest.
Jennifer's hair is still tied in a bun and she still wears Mary
Sue's glasses, but her face has returned to its rosy pink hue. She
blinks open her eyes, feeling the sunlight, and looks out the
window.
EXT. LOVER'S LANE
Birds are chirping. David and Margaret also lie asleep in each
other's arms, beneath the shelter of the rocky overhang. Margaret
lifts up and sees the vista. She has turned to color as well...
CUT TO:
CLOSE UP. MILK BOTTLES.
They jingle happily in their metal carrier, just as they did
before. The CAMERA WIDENS out to REVEAL Elm Street in all its
idyllic glory, with one notable exception: In the foreground is
the trunk of a tree with a hastily scrawled public notice tacked
to the bark:
TOWN MEETING TONIGHT
____ ALL "TRUE" CITIZENS
OF PLEASANTVILLE
CUT TO:
INT. PARKER KITCHEN. DAY.
George and Betty stand face to face in their suburban kitchen. He
is black and white. She is in full color.
BETTY
I told you where I was.
GEORGE
All night?
BETTY
I got caught in the storm. You were gone all night too.
GEORGE
(the ultimate defense)
I was in a bowling alley.
Betty turns--glances out the window.
GEORGE
(sudden smile)
Look. Let's just forget about it. Let's just go to the
meeting and....
BETTY
I told you, George. I'm not going.
GEORGE
(bigger smile)
Sure you are.
BETTY
No I'm not.
She turns to face him. George flinches slightly.
BETTY
Look at me George. That meeting's not for me. Look at my
face.
GEORGE
It's fine. You'll put on some make up and....
BETTY
I don't want to put on some make up...
George's eyes widen. It's a watershed moment.
GEORGE
(protesting)
It goes away.... It'll go away.
BETTY
(gently)
I don't want it to go away.
He suddenly squares back his shoulders and puffs out his chest.
GEORGE
(the '50s patriarch)
Okay--now you listen to me....
(beat)
You're gonna come to this meeting and you're gonna put
on this make up, and you're gonna come home at six
o'clock every night and have dinner ready on this table.
BETTY
(softly)
No I'm not sweetie.
His expression leaves as quickly as it came. Betty moves closer to
him.
BETTY
(half whisper)
...There's a meat loaf in the fridge. You just put it in
the oven and turn this little knob up to three-fifty. If
you put the pie in forty minutes later, it'll be hot in
time for dessert.
George's eyes widen.
BETTY (CONT)
I made a couple of lunches for you and put them in brown
paper bags....
(much quieter)
I'm gonna go now.
GEORGE
Where are you gonna go?
BETTY
I'm gonna go now.
She turns and starts out the kitchen door when George calls after
her.
GEORGE
Betty, don't go out there like that! They'll see you!
(beat)
They'll SEE you!
And she closes the door behind her....
GEORGE
Betty, come back here!
EXT. ELM STREET. NIGHT
David and Margaret stand beneath the big Elm tree outside
Margaret's house: a statue of two young lovers. The meeting across
town seems a million miles away. Margaret holds a beautiful new
umbrella tied with a bright red bow.
MARGARET
It's beautiful. Where'd you get it?
DAVID
It was a prop for the school play....
MARGARET
Can I open it?
DAVID
Sure.
Margaret gives him a little giggle then opens the umbrella. She
puts it back on her shoulder and turns a series of pirouettes--
like her own kind of rain dance. Margaret points her face up to
the sky as if she is being showered by a summer storm. All at once
a pair of HEADLIGHTS round the corner.
WIDER
David grabs the umbrella and closes it quickly. Margaret looks to
the street as the convertible slows to a crawl and two TEENAGE
BOYS, WHITEY AND PETE, pull up beside them. They are clean cut
with BLACK AND WHITE faces....
WHITEY
Hello Bud.... Hello Margaret.
DAVID
(clipped)
Hello Whitey.
The two boys smile at each other for no good reason. It's scary
and arrogant.
WHITEY
(loud)
Hey Bud, how come you're not at the town meeting right
now?
DAVID
(curt)
No reason.
(pause/firing back)
How come you're not?
WHITEY
Oh. We're s'posed to go out and let everybody know about
it. See.
He points to an ARMBAND that has some sort of Chamber of Commerce
seal on it. Whitey leans out of the car and leers....
WHITEY
I thought maybe it was cause you were too busy
entertaining your colored girlfriend.
Margaret literally flinches. The boys share a PEEL OF LAUGHTER AND
SNORT AT EACH OTHER. David puts an arm around her and pulls her
close.
DAVID
Why don't you guys just get the hell out of here.
WHITEY
Oh, okay, Bud. We'll do that.
He guns the engine as if to leave, then pauses and turns toward
Margaret.
WHITEY (CONT)
You know Margaret, you can come over and bake those
Oatmeal cookies for me anytime you want to.
They share another CHORTLE as Whitey guns the car and peels out
with a SCREECH. Margaret's lip starts to quiver and David holds
her tighter....
CUT TO:
EXT. TOWN HALL - NIGHT
The Chamber of Commerce insignia hangs over the entrance to the
building...
INT. TOWN HALL. NIGHT.
The chamber of commerce meeting is in full swing. Various citizens
are on their feet, screaming from the audience.
WOMAN
Burt Campbell's got a blue front door.
BURT
It's always been blue!
WOMAN
Not that blue!
CLOSE UP. GEORGE.
He sits up on the stage in an honored position right behind Bob.
George wears the new silver "handshake" PIN in his lapel: it's
first official flight. He sits stoicly upright with the sense of
sobriety that only a shiny new pin can give you.
BOB
People, people.... I think we all know what's going on
here.
SHOT. BOB.
Bob lifts his hands in the air. The crowd quiets down a bit.
BOB (CONT)
Obviously certain "changes" have been happening. Up
until now, things in Pleasantville have always been--
well... "Pleasant." And, recently, certain things have
become... "Un-Pleasant." Now it seems to me the first
thing we have to do is to separate out the things that
are pleasant, from the things that are "Un-Pleasant."
There is a loud murmur and nod of agreement....
BOB
George, why don't you and Burt take the lead on this.
Why don't you put together kind of an "Un-Pleasant
Activities Committee...."
CUT TO:
31: A lovely shade of blue
---------------------------
INT. SODA SHOP. NIGHT.
Mr. Johnson has scrubbed the snow scene from the window and stares
with his palette at a blank pane of glass. There is a knock at the
door....
WIDER.
Mr. Johnson puts down the paints and crosses to open it. Betty is
standing in the doorway clutching her purse and a "Lady Samsonite
Weekender" bag. She stares up into his eyes.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MAIN STREET - DAWN
First rays of sunlight peek over the roofs of buildings.
FULL SHOT. SHOP WINDOW. MORNING.
Mr. Simpson opens up the hardware store like he does every
morning, only today there is a slight difference. He swings open
the door, puts out the rakes and shovels, then sets a newly
handwritten sign clearly in the front window:
"NO COLOREDS"
SERIES OF SHOTS. SHOP WINDOWS.
As the businesses are opened on Main Street, more and more "NO
COLOREDS" signs appear in the windows: next to the donuts... by
fishing poles... beside the stationery supplies... Everything else
looks frighteningly the same....
CUT TO:
EXT. MAIN STREET. MORNING.
Joey Anderson, the local paper boy, is finishing his morning
rounds. He reaches in his bag and tosses left toward the bakery.
Then he throws right toward the post office. Then he turns left
toward the soda shop, does a double take and slams into a trash
can....
WIDER. SODA SHOP.
Where Mr. Johnson had once painted his cubist snow scene, there is
a brand new painting that isn't cubist at all. A NUDE version of
Betty graces the shop window--painted in curving sensual brush
strokes. Joey stops his bike and just stares in amazement. He gets
up and rides away as fast as he possibly can...
CUT TO:
EXT. MAIN STREET. LATER.
David is in a happy daze, wandering up Main Street and doesn't
even notice the crowd gathered outside Mr. Johnson's soda shop.
After a moment or two, he glances up and sees the window....
CLOSER. DAVID
His eyes go wide. The murmur of the crowd grows louder as stray
derisive comments rise above the noise. David glances from the
nude in window to the growing angry mob...
EXT. MAIN STREET. DAY.
David goes tearing through the business district looking for any
sign of his "mother." He glances in the flower shop... toward the
green grocer.... David is just about to turn on
Elm street when a booming voice seems to come from the sky....
TV REPAIRMAN (OS)
WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?
David stops and looks to his right. There, in the window of the
Philco TV store, are twenty screens of various sizes displaying
the image of the TV Repairman.
TV REPAIRMAN
Get in here! NOW!
The sound reverberates like God Himself. David ducks inside the
store, slamming the door behind him.
INT. STORE.
There are fifty screens. David glances around, not sure where to
look.
TV REPAIRMAN
You think this is a toy? You think it's your own little
goddamn coloring book...
DAVID
Look -- it just sort of happened.
TV REPAIRMAN
A deluge doesn't 'just happen'. Bolts of lightning don't
'just happen'.
DAVID
(finding courage)
I didn't do anything wrong.
TV REPAIRMAN
Oh no? Let me show you something!
SHOT. TV SCREEN.
All at once a box appears in the upper right hand corner of the
screen containing the image of David and Margaret at Lover's Lane.
The VIDEOTAPE rolls forward as she extends the BRIGHT RED APPLE.
David hesitates, then takes it, then puts it to his mouth and
takes a bite.
TV REPAIRMAN
"YOU DON'T DESERVE THIS PLACE."
The image of David biting the apple PLAYS BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS
like some football instant replay....
TV REPAIRMAN (CONT)
YOU DON'T DESERVE TO LIVE IN THIS PARADISE!
WIDER.
David just stares at the repeated images of TV Repairman on the TV
screens.
TV REPAIRMAN
(quickly)
Where's the remote control I gave you?
DAVID
Why?
TV REPAIRMAN
Because you're coming home. I'm gonna put this place
back the way it was.
DAVID
I can't let you do that.
TV REPAIRMAN
WHAT!?
DAVID
(gathering strength)
I'm sorry.... I can't let you do that.
TV REPAIRMAN
(nuts)
JUST GIMME THE GODDAMN REMOTE!
He lunges toward the screen and slams his hand against the
"barrier."
TV REPAIRMAN (CONT)
OW!
DAVID
(backing out)
I'm gonna go now.
TV REPAIRMAN
You're not going anywhere! You're gonna get that remote
and you're gonna come home and we're gonna make
everybody HAPPY AGAIN!!!
(exits)
Don't make me get rough with you! I can get awfully
fucking rough!
EXT. TOWN SQUARE. DAY.
David bolts from the store, breathless and terrified. He glances
at the shop windows with their "NO COLOREDS" signs prominently
displayed. In the distance he hears shouting. David rounds the
corner onto Main Street and sees a crowd at the other end. He
stops and stares at them...
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
The crowd is moving toward him. A woman walks in front of a group
of young men who circle around her, taunting and harassing her. A
moment later David can make out the face: BETTY clutches her
handbag to her chest while the crowd circles her like a pack of
dogs.
CLOSER. BETTY
The ROSY HUE of her face stands out in stark relief to the black
and white faces around her. Betty holds her head high with dignity
(and fear) while the ugly epithets overlap one another:
"Oooh--let's see the rest of you... Let's see what's under that
nice blue dress.... Bet she's even pinker than her picture..."
One of the boys yanks at Betty's skirt and she quickens her pace.
Just at that moment the boy is shoved to the ground....
WIDER.
David shields his "mother" as he shoves one of the boys into the
dirt. The kid gets up but David punches him hard in the side of
the jaw and the rest of them just stare. (Violence is as new as
anything else and it seems to freeze the moment.) David steps in
front of his "mother" with both fists clenched.
DAVID
(as scared as she is)
Come on!
He plants his back foot primed for action. The crowd of black and
white thugs just stares at it.
DAVID
COME ON!
ANGLE. CROWD
They look at him warily. The boy reaches up and feels the side of
his mouth where a trickle of RED BLOOD is running down his chin.
He looks at his finger in horror and starts backing away.
DAVID
Get out of here!
They back away further and David takes a threatening step. The
boys turn and run as he turns back to face his "mother."
DIFFERENT ANGLE. BETTY. (OVER DAVID'S SHOULDER)
David moves up to her gently.
DAVID
Are you alright?
She nods, still clutching her purse to her chest. David reaches
out and touches her cheek when suddenly her eyes go wide.
DAVID
(off her look)
What?
CLOSER. STILL OVER DAVID'S SHOULDER
Betty reaches into her purse and pulls out her compact. She opens
it, and holds it up to David, showing him the reflected image of
his own face. AT LAST HE HAS TURNED TO COLOR.
REVERSE ANGLE. DAVID
He holds the mirror staring at his own reflection. The courage
which transformed him only seems to grow. They look at each other,
both in color now, when David puts a gentle arm around her
shoulder.
DAVID
(quietly)
Come on.
He begins to lead her up toward the corner.
CUT TO:
32: Code of conduct
---------------------
FULL SHOT. SODA SHOP WINDOW. DAY.
A larger crowd of hooligans has now gathered around the nude
painting of Betty in the window. The jeers and cat calls are even
louder. The "closed" sign still sits in the doorway. After a beat
or two, a HUGE BRICK SHATTERS THE GLASS...
WIDER
A big CHEER goes up from the crowd. Drunk on adrenaline, the fever
builds and ANOTHER BRICK SMASHES THE WINDOW. In an instant, Mr.
Johnson's "canvas" is totally destroyed. The CHEERING grows
louder...
Almost by osmosis, the crowd rushes the building together. The
door is kicked in and they stream into the place. Soon all that
can be heard is the weird SOUND OF LAUGHTER AND BROKEN GLASS.
INT. SODA SHOP.
It is an orgy of destruction. Stools are hurled--tables ripped
out. The cash register is turned over. Two boys kick in the front
of the juke box...
EXT. MAIN ST. DAY
David and Betty round the corner to find the Soda Shop being
destroyed. They stand at the far side of the intersection watching
the carnage as the crowd continues to run amok. After a moment or
two, there are some more HOOTS as MARGARET comes running toward
them with the front of her blouse ripped open.
DAVID
Oh my God.
He takes her in his arms and Margaret starts to sob. David strokes
her hair.
CUT TO:
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD. (LEADING TO LOVER'S LANE). DUSK.
They all ride in George's convertible up the twisting turning
road. It has turned completely PINK with the dogwood petals. David
winds up the trail, in the fading light, looking for refuge. All
at once, he slams on the brakes.
THEIR POV: LOVER'S LANE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD
A phalanx of BLACK AND WHITE THUGS have created a roadblock across
the entrance. It is a weird incongruous image; the black and white
barrier in the foreground with the lush green pond beyond. They
have turned their cars sideways across the road. They hold axe-
handles in their hands.
BETTY
We better go.
EXT. MAIN STREET. NIGHT
Darkness has fallen and the streetlamps have come on. Some debris
is scattered around the street and distant sounds of the mob still
fill the air. David rolls back into town with the headlights off.
CLOSER. CAR.
MARGARET
Where are they?
DAVID
I'm not sure.
They head down Main St. and turn the corner on Walnut. All at
once, a weird ORANGE LIGHT bathes the car....
REVERSE ANGLE. THEIR POV
A BONFIRE has been lit in the middle of the street between the
library and the barber shop. Twenty to thirty people are gathered
around it still whooping and hollering as the bright ORANGE FLAMES
shoot into the air.
ANGLE. CAR.
David pulls over by the curb, and their eyes go wide....
REVERSE ANGLE.
From closer up, it becomes clear what they're burning. Huge piles
of library books have been dumped onto the sidewalk, waiting their
turn on the pyre. There is a strange celebratory atmosphere as
they chuck book after book on the flames, with the glee of a
teenager tossing a firecracker. David sees something and bolts
from the car...
DAVID
Oh my God.
ANGLE. SIDE OF THE BONFIRE.
Jennifer is locked in some strange wrestling match with Skip. He
clutches a book over her head while she tugs at his wrist trying
to stop him from throwing it on the fire.....
SKIP
Just let go.
JENNIFER
No!
SKIP
It's better, Mary Sue.
JENNIFER
I said, NO!
(yanking it)
...I've read like one book in my whole life and I'm not
gonna let you throw it on that fire....
Jennifer wrestles with him for a couple of seconds and then
suddenly kicks Skip in the groin. He doubles over in agony when
Jennifer snatches the book and bolts in the other direction.
DIFFERENT ANGLE. STREET.
She sprints up the street and is just passing the barber shop when
David steps out of the shadows...
DAVID
It's me.
CUT TO:
WIDE SHOT. SODA SHOP. OTHER SIDE OF MAIN STREET
The crowd has moved on and all that is left is the dark wreckage
of the soda shop. Several stools lie out in the street and shards
of brightly painted glass are scattered around the sidewalk. It is
eerily quiet.
WIDER.
David, Betty, Jennifer and Margaret sit silently in the car,
across the street with the lights off. He unlatches the door
handle and gets out slowly. The rest of them follow him into the
empty street as they move silently toward the soda shop, like some
platoon on patrol.
REVERSE ANGLE.
As they get closer, more of the wreckage comes into view. Half a
booth... a soda spigot.... After a moment or two Jennifer looks up
and gasps.
CLOSER
Several teenagers step out of the shadows. They have scraped faces
and ripped clothing--the signs. Most are dazed and ALL OF THEM ARE
IN COLOR. After a second or two, more appear: Betty Jean... Peggy
Jane... Lisa Anne and her boyfriend... Will, the boy who was
reading Huck Finn... Tommy...
ANGLE. DAVID
The kids turn to him as if he has some kind of answer. Of course
he doesn't. The sounds of the Mob still carry through the air from
somewhere off in the distance.
DAVID
Let's go inside.
INT. SODA SHOP.
The place is just sad. All the remnants of what they had are
strewn around the floor. The jukebox is turned over. The stools
are ripped out of the floor. Betty looks over at the corner where
he painted her... The easel is smashed to bits.
ANGLE BETTY
She brings a knuckle to her lip and David puts an arm around her
and draws her close. After a moment or two they HEAR a weird
SCRAPING sound.
DAVID
Hello?
The SCRAPING SOUND stops. They all look to the open door and after
a second or two, Mr. Johnson appears holding a broom and dustpan.
MR. JOHNSON
Just thought I'd try to tidy it up a bit.
Betty runs across and throws her arms around him. The teenagers
watch as she holds him tight.
MR. JOHNSON
It's okay. Once we sweep it up it'll be alright
again....
Betty stifles a sob as he strokes her hair. No one says anything
while they just embrace for a moment. Finally...
DAVID
Well he's right. Come on. Let's turn these booths back
up. "Mary Sue", why don't you help me slide this in
front of the door. We'll be okay in here.
They respond to the tone of leadership. One by one the kids start
to pitch in, sifting their way through the wreckage. Jennifer and
David slide a barricade in front of the door as the kids try to
put their shop back together.
CUT TO:
INT. TOWN HALL. (CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING) NIGHT.
Big Bob stands at the podium addressing a packed house. The
atmosphere is odd: somewhere between a bake-off and a lynching.
People sit in the aisles and in the window sills. Bob points his
finger.
BOB
This is not the answer people.
The crowd quiets a bit. He leans over the lectern.
BOB
No matter how upset we may get, or how frustrated we may
be, we're not gonna solve our problems out in the
street. It's just the wrong way to do it. We have to
have a "Code of Conduct" we can all agree to live by.
His tone grows softer--more concerned....
BOB
Now, I asked George and Burt here to sketch out some
ideas--and I think they've done a terrific job.
(beat / scans the crowd)
If we all agree on these then we can take a vote and I
think we'll start to move in the right direction.
ANGLE. CROWD.
They murmur and nod....
BOB
(reading from the "CODE OF CONDUCT")
"ONE: All public disruption and acts of vandalism are to
cease immediately."
EXT. BONFIRE. NIGHT.
It is still ablaze with books. Bob continues to READ in VOICE
OVER.
SHOT. FIRETRUCK.
The same fireman who learned to use the hose before can barely
contain his excitement as he gets to open the valve and extinguish
the raging bonfire...
BOB
"TWO: All citizens of Pleasantville are to treat one
another in a courteous and 'pleasant' manner...
SERIES OF SHOTS. LAMPPOSTS.
The CODE OF CONDUCT is nailed to lampposts and tree trunks in
rapid succession. It is plastered on walls and in shop windows...
EXT. SODA SHOP.
Debris is still strewn around the street. A dim light emanates
from inside.
INT. SODA SHOP.
It looks like a scene from the French Revolution. Ten to fifteen
kids huddle behind the barricade while David reads the code of
conduct out loud by flashlight.
LISA ANNE
"Courteous and Pleasant manner." That doesn't sound too
bad.
David just looks at her then continues.
DAVID
(reading from THE CODE)
"THREE: The area commonly known as Lover's Lane as well
as the Pleasantville Public Library shall be closed
until further notice."
This sends a murmur amongst the kids.
DAVID (CONT)
"FOUR: The only permissible recorded music shall be the
following: Pat Boone, Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, Jack
Jones, The marches of John Phillips Souza or the Star
Spangled Banner. In no event shall any music be tolerated
that is not of a temperate
or "pleasant" nature.
VARIOUS KIDS
(overlapping)
"Oh my gosh.... No...."
David holds up his hand.
DAVID
"FIVE: There shall be no public sale of umbrellas or
preparation for inclement weather of any kind."
Various glances dart back and forth between them. David continues.
DAVID
"SIX: No bedframe or mattress may be sold measuring more
than 38 inches wide.
(pause)
"SEVEN: The only permissible paint colors shall be
BLACK, WHITE or GRAY, despite the recent availability of
certain alternatives."
David looks over at Mr. Johnson who just winces slightly. Betty
clutches his hand.
DAVID
"EIGHT: All elementary and high school curriculums shall
teach the "non-changist" view of history--emphasizing
"continuity" over "alteration."
(David pauses....)
Wow.
David lowers the paper.
DIFFERENT ANGLE.
It is SILENT in the soda shop. Everyone sits motionless for a
moment or two, letting the decree sink in. David just stares down
at the piece of paper in his hand with a weird kind of sadness.
Off in the corner, however, one of the boys has been fiddling with
the jukebox and hasn't paid any attention to what was being read.
All of a sudden, his voice rings from the corner.
WILL
Hey. This thing still works.
He hits a button and BUDDY HOLLY's voice fills the soda shop. RAVE
ON blares at almost top volume recalling a more festive time.
BUDDY HOLLY
Well all the things that you say and do
Make me want to be with you-oo-oo....
LISA ANNE
(suddenly/in a panic)
Turn that off!
The boy looks back at her.
LISA ANNE
(shrieking)
You're not allowed to do that now!
He flinches and pulls the plug from the wall. The jukebox winds
down with a groan as the electricity drains out of it. David looks
at the kids then suddenly speaks in a calm clear tone.
DAVID
Sure you are.
He walks across the soda shop and plugs it back in. The kids watch
spellbound at this personal display of defiance.
WIDER SHOT. SODA SHOP.
Buddy Holly's voice fills the Soda Shop but it has a suddenly
different meaning. All the kids listen spellbound, as if to an
anthem, while the Rock and Roll lives up to its rebellious
reputation.
BUDDY HOLLY
The little things that you say and do
Make we want to be with you-oo-oo...
RAVE ON! It's a crazy feeling...
RAVE ON! It's got me reelin'...
Jennifer looks over at her brother with pride. Betty puts an arm
around Mr. Johnson, feeling a little stronger-- a little safer...
The kids seem to relax a bit, and even if they don't feel totally
reassured, at least they don't feel ashamed. Twenty "colored"
faces listen as Buddy Holly tells them RAVE ON. David stands
beside the jukebox like a captain at the helm of his ship....
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. TOWN SQUARE. NIGHT.
The Fire Department is cleaning up the charred remains of the
bonfire...
33: Civil disobedience
-----------------------
INT. SODA SHOP. LATER...
The kids sleep on the floor. Betty is asleep in one of the booths.
David and Margaret sleep next to the juke box with Margaret curled
up against his chest. David opens his eyes.
REVERSE ANGLE. HIS POV
Mr. Johnson is standing in the middle of the shop, staring at the
large piece of plywood where his window used to be. He just gazes
at the thing as if he could look through it. There's a faraway
look in his eye.
SHOT. DAVID
He rises carefully from the booth, without waking Margaret. David
crosses over to Mr. Johnson and speaks in a whisper.
DAVID
It's okay. We'll get you a new one.
MR. JOHNSON
(softly)
...I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't paint anymore
Bud. I just don't know what I'd do...
CLOSE UP. DAVID
He just nods. David glances down at the table next to him. He
picks up one of the brightly painted shards of glass and just
looks at it. It's orange and pink and yellow. David thinks for a
second.
DAVID
Maybe I have an idea.
CUT TO:
EXT. MAIN STREET. DAWN.
The same paper boy who rode into the trash can, peddles down Main
Street tossing his papers toward the curb. He throws right toward
the post office, then left toward the hardware store, then right
toward the bakery, then finally looks up.
CLOSER
This time the boy slams into a trash can. He tumbles off his bike
and stares straight ahead in disbelief...
HIS POV. TOWN HALL.
Two men sleep at the base of the wall next to a clutter of paint
cans. Above them, however, is painted A VIVID ALMOST UTOPIAN MURAL
OF THE TOWN OF PLEASANTVILLE in LIVING COLOR. Instead of being
drab, the place literally gleams with life. The post office turns
out to be a RICH RED BRICK. The sky shines in vibrant BLUE. It is
a rendering of what the town could look like..... David and Mr.
Johnson sleep soundly next to their own signatures.
ANGLE. PAPER BOY.
He turns around and rides and away as fast as he can.
CLOSE UP. DAVID AND MR. JOHNSON.
David opens his eyes. Mr. Johnson stirs a moment later. They look
straight in front of them...
THEIR POV
A small crowd has gathered gawking at the brilliant colors
revealed in front of them. There is a growing BUZZ in the air...
ANGLE. DAVID.
He smiles slightly as the BUZZ gets louder.
HIS POV (TIME CUT)
The crowd has grown, as has the noise. A good portion of
Pleasantville stares at the massive mural plastered across the
police station... All at once, Big Bob fights his way through the
front of the crowd...
MEDIUM SHOT. DAVID AND MR. JOHNSON
They sit upright in front of their creation proud, difficult. The
NOISE of the crowd grows even LOUDER. The bright colors glisten in
the sunshine...
CUT TO:
EXT. MAIN STREET. NIGHT.
A group of "colored" kids hangs out by the police station. They
stare off in the distance, at the orange light glowing from
David's jail cell.
INT. JAIL CELL. NIGHT.
CLOSE UP - NEWSPAPER
A large advertisement on the back page reads:
"TOMORROW! TOWN HALL 10 AM! PLEASANTVILLE'S VERY FIRST
TRIAL EVER!"
It depicts a cheery judge holding up his gavel with a smile. David
lowers the paper and looks around his new surroundings.
34: The trial
--------------
REVERSE ANGLE. JAIL CELL.
The place has never been used so there is still plastic wrapping
on all the sheets and pillow cases. He can't help smiling. David
hears the jingling of keys...
SHOT. POLICE CHIEF.
He approaches David's cell from the other direction and knocks
gently on the bars. David turns around.
DAN
There's someone to see you Bud.
He sits upright on the bunk trying to think who it could be. After
a moment, he hears the sound of the key turning in the lock.
DAVID
Oh, hi...
REVERSE ANGLE.
George enters the cell carrying his jacket and a small brown paper
bag. He glances around the cell. It's a weird new experience.
GEORGE
Is this a bad time?
DAVID
No, no... It's fine. Come on in.
GEORGE
(extending the bag)
I brought you something. Thought you might be hungry.
DAVID
Thanks.
David glances inside -- pulls out a small glass jar.
DAVID (CONT)
Cocktail olives?
GEORGE
Well, everything was frozen and I didn't know how to...
His voice trails off.
DAVID
I appreciate it.
George nods and takes a deep breath. He fidgets a little.
GEORGE
(suddenly)
You know your Mom went out.
DAVID
Went out?
GEORGE
Yeah. She went out for a little while...
DAVID
(beat)
When?
GEORGE
Three days ago.
DAVID
Oh.
David just looks at him. George stares straight across the cell.
GEORGE
(big forced smile)
Boy, there's so darned many gadgets in that kitchen. I
didn't know it was so complicated. You got that timer on
the oven and it won't turn on without that timer.
(glances at David)
Did you know it didn't work without a timer?
DAVID
No I didn't.
GEORGE
I didn't either. I always told her. I always said
"Betty... My job is one thing, but your job, hey, that's
something else."
David nods. His "dad" stares right at him.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I told her that Bud. I said it to her.
David just stares.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Well if I said it to her, then why would she "go out."
DAVID
(quietly)
I don't think it has anything to do with you.
GEORGE
Well that's good.
(beat)
...Is that goOd?
DAVID
I'm not sure.
GEORGE
(sitting on the cot)
Oh, I'm not sure either. Jeez. It's all so cockeyed
right now. I didn't even know it was Tuesday. Tuesdays
we play bridge with the Jenkins but there was no bridge
so...
He heaves an exhausted sigh and just stares straight ahead on the
cot. He glances at the jar of olives.
GEORGE
Can I have one of those?
DAVID
Sure. You hungry?
George nods emphatically. He takes the olives pries off the lid.
GEORGE
(stuffing two in his mouth)
Mrs. Benson was making a meat loaf next door. I almost
climbed in the kitchen window.
David smiles. George wolves down three more olives, then suddenly
pauses.
GEORGE
What happened Bud? One minute everything was fine and
the next...
(shakes his head)
What went wrong?
DAVID
Nothing went wrong... People change.
CLOSE UP GEORGE
He turns and looks right at David. There's a stunned expression on
his face.
GEORGE
(a brand new concept)
People change?
CLOSE UP. DAVID
It hits him as well -- as if he's heard the words for the first
time.
DAVID
(nods, a brand new concept)
Yeah... People change.
GEORGE
(pause...)
How?
MOVING CLOSER ON DAVID
DAVID
(slowly...)
Well... Sometimes they realize that what they thought
they needed isn't what they need anymore...
(thinks...)
Sometimes they see that what they're scared of -- they
don't need to be scared of anymore.
(quieter)
Sometimes they just... let go.
WIDER
George straight ahead, stunned. A couple of seconds go by.
GEORGE
Can they change back?
David looks down at his own skin. It's a bright rosy color. He
smiles...
DAVID
I don't know. I think that's harder.
WIDE
They sit quietly in the cell for a moment. Finally, George jerks
himself out of it.
DAVID
You okay?
GEORGE
Yeah, yeah... Just not fair, you know. You get used to
one thing and then...
DAVID
(re: himself)
No. It isn't.
Several seconds go by.
GEORGE
Well I better get going.
DAVID
Sure.
He rises from the bunk and puts on his jacket. All at once the
stark image of the black and white armband fills the room. David
stares at the "two shaking hands". George glances down at it as
well.
GEORGE
I've got a meeting later...
DAVID
It's okay.
(beat)
Why don't you take these with you?
David extends the jar of olives to his "father" who looks down at
them.
GEORGE
Thanks Bud.
DAVID
Sure.
He takes the jar then turns and leaves the cell. David watches him
head down the hall, before glancing back at his window. David
rises and crosses to it peering out of the bars.
EXT. TOWN HALL - NIGHT
A large "HANDSHAKE" BANNER is unfurled on Town Hall as the NOISE
continues...
SERIES OF SHOTS - NIGHT (QUICK CUTS)
More BANNERS roll open... On the library and the police station...
The NOISE OF THE CROWD GROWS TO A ROAR...
EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT
TIME LAPSE. Dawn comes on quickly as the TOWN HALL is suddenly
bathed in sunlight.
CUT TO:
EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY
It is DRAPED IN "HANDSHAKES". People begin to stream toward the
front of the TOWN HALL as a GAVEL BANGS THREE TIMES.
BIG BOB (V.O.)
Bud Parker and William Johnson...
INT. TOWN HALL. DAY.
The place has been transformed from meeting hall to courtroom. The
huge Chamber Of Commerce symbol still adorns the back wall, but
instead of the podium, there is now a judge's bench. Big Bob sits
several feet above the proceedings finally living up to his name.
He reads from the indictment.
BIG BOB
You are charged with descration of a public building and
the intentional use of prohibited paint colors in
violation of The Pleasantville Code of Conduct and "Laws
of Common Decency."
REVERSE ANGLE. ROOM.
David and Mrs. Johnson sit alone at a table in the middle of the
room. The "Jury" lines either side of the chamber like some weird
image from the Spanish Inquisition. There is a Black and White
section on the ground floor and a "colored" section above. Franz
Kafka meets "Inherit the Wind."
BIG BOB (CONT)
Do you admit that on the night of May 1 you did
consciously and willfully apply the following FORBIDDEN
paint colors to the North Wall of the Pleasantville
Police Station:
(beat)
Red, Pink, Vermilion, Puce, Chartreuse, Umber, Blue,
Aqua, Ox Blood, Green, Peach, Crimson, Yellow, Olive and
Magenta.
DAVID
Yes I do. Where's our lawyer?
BOB
We prefer to keep these proceedings as "pleasant" as
possible. I don't think a lawyer will be necessary.
There is a MURMUR and a great deal of nodding amongst the black
and white faces. David turns and locks eyes with Betty who is
seated in the front row of the balcony.
BOB (CONT)
Do you further admit that this was done surreptitiously
and under the cover of darkness?
DAVID
Well--it was dark out....
BOB
Good. Do you further admit that this unnatural depiction
occurred in full public view where it was accessible to,
and in plain sight of, minor children?
DAVID
It was accessible to everyone.
BOB
Very well. Let the record show that the defendants have
answered in the affirmative to all the charges.
He looks directly at them for the first time.
BOB (CONT)
Do you have anything to say in your defense?
SHOT. DEFENSE TABLE.
Mr. Johnson just looks at David, confused and terrified.
MR. JOHNSON
I didn't mean to hurt anybody. I just have to paint... I
have to...
(pause)
Maybe I could paint something different. Maybe I could
use less colors or something... Or just -- you know --
certain colors. Maybe you could pick them before hand
and then they wouldn't bother anybody...
DAVID
(leaping up)
I've got something to say.
BOB
(turning)
Very well...
DAVID
You don't have a right to do this.
There is a murmur in the courtroom. David continues.
DAVID
I mean, I know you want it to stay "Pleasant" around
here, but, there are so many things that are so much
better: like Silly... or Sexy... or Dangerous... or
Wild... or Brief... And every one of those things is in
you all the time if you just have the guts to look for
them.
BOB
Okay -- that's enough!
DAVID
I thought I was allowed to defend myself.
BOB
You're not allowed to lie.
DAVID
I'm not lying.
(pointing to the colored section)
See those faces back there. They're no different than
you are. They just happened to see something inside them
that you don't want to look at.
BOB
(pounding the gavel)
I said that's enough!
DAVID
Here! I'll show you.
He suddenly turns toward George.
DAVID (CONT)
Dad.
GEORGE
(defensive)
Yes, Bud?
DAVID
It's okay, Dad. Just listen for a sec...
(closer)
I know you miss her. I mean you told me you did. But
maybe it isn't just the cooking or the cleaning that you
miss. Maybe it's something else.
(even closer)
Maybe you can't even describe it. Maybe you only know it
when it's gone. Maybe it's like there's a whole piece of
you that's missing too...
(motioning toward Betty in the gallery)
Look at her, Dad. Doesn't she look pretty like that?
SHOT. BETTY.
She sits gracefully at the railing of the "colored" section
looking down at the trial.
DAVID (CONT)
Doesn't she look just as beautiful as the first time you
met her. Do you really want her back the way she was.
(pause)
Doesn't she look wonderful?
SHOT. GEORGE.
Slowly, almost imperceptibly he nods. A single tear rolls down his
cheek. As it traces the side of his face it leaves a long trail of
COLOR behind it.
DAVID
Now don't you wish you could tell her that?
He nods again and it all comes out. Betty smiles at him through
her tears. Even Mr. Johnson smiles as well.
BOB
(POUNDING the gavel)
YOU'RE OUT OF ORDER!
DAVID
Why am I out of order?
BOB
BECAUSE I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TURN THIS COURTROOM INTO
A CIRCUS!
DAVID
Well I don't think it's a circus. And I don't think they
do either.
David motions behind him to the black and white section. There are
now ten to fifteen "colored" faces.
BOB
THIS BEHAVIOR WILL STOP AT ONCE.
DAVID
But see that's just the point. It can't stop at once.
Because it's in you. And you can't stop something that's
inside you.
BOB
(tightly)
It's not in me.
DAVID
Oh sure it is.
BOB
No it isn't.
INT. TOWN HALL (CONT.)
He crosses to the bench looking right up at Big Bob. He leans over
the bench and gets right up in his face.
DAVID
(smug whisper)
What do you want to do to me right now?
Big Bob starts to tremble. He shakes with rage as David moves
closer.
DAVID (CONT)
C'mon. Everyone's turning colors. Kids are making-out in
the street. No one's getting their dinner--hell, you
could have a flood any minute....Pretty soon you could
have the women going off to work while the men stayed
home and cooked....
BIG BOB
That's not going to happen!
DAVID
But it could happen.
BIG BOB
No it couldn't!
Big Bob looks at David and starts to tremble. It starts around the
base of his neck, spreads quickly up the rest of his head. After a
moment or two, Big Bob has gone completely RED IN THE FACE.
WIDER
A gasp goes through the courtroom. David looks at him and just
smiles. The crowd reaction turns almost to a ROAR as Big Bob sits
there confused.
ANGLE. GALLERY
Betty leans over the rail.
BETTY
Bud...
He looks up as she tosses him a compact makeup mirror. David
understands immediately and smiles at her.
ANGLE. DAVID
He crosses to the bench and opens the compact. David holds it
right up to Big Bob, putting him face to face with him own, ruddy
reflection. Bob stares in horror at the mirror then looks down at
his bright pink hands. He freezes for an instant, then bolts from
the bench fleeing the courtroom.
ANGLE. DOORWAY.
As Big Bob flees, he flings open the doors to the courtroom
revealing an amazing sight: the TOWN SQUARE GLISTENS IN LIVING
COLOR. The huge lawn is a rich deep green. The sky is a dense
opaque blue. Dozens of spectators bolt from their seats and rush
to the doorway as the crowd moves outside.
EXT. PLEASANTVILLE. (FULL COLOR!)
All the birds are really chirping. Red Brick, Yellow cars, Green
hats... The barber pole in front of Gus' has finally turned to
red, white and blue--he can't help smiling. David walks out into
the sunlight and stares in wonder at his creation. The whole town
is washed in joy.
WIDER.
Margaret comes up and throws her arms around him. They meet in a
rich passionate kiss (in direct defiance of the code of conduct).
Several people around them actually clap, like spectators at a
wedding. Jennifer moves up next to them and looks at her brother
making out.
JENNIFER
Uch... I am like gonna hurl....
David turns and looks at her. Both of them laugh. Then he glances
across the street and pauses for a moment. David turns and starts
down the steps of the town hall...
FOLLOWING DAVID
He moves across the street to the small row of shops on the other
side. He stops and stares in the window of Philco TV store.
35: Farewell
-------------
HIS POV. NORM'S TV STORE.
There, on the screens that once held TV Repairman is a late
fifties travelogue showing a world of possibilities: The Eiffel
Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Hong Kong, Egypt, the blue
shores of Hawaii. All of them are vividly real and all are in
living color.
SHOT. DAVID
It's over now. He stands for a moment and just stares. A quiet
smile spreads across his face...
EXT. TOWN SQUARE. THE NEXT DAY...
It is a lush green park now -- the birds have something to sing
about. Betty sits on a park bench next to her George. They look
out across the square at Main Street in the distance. There's a
breeze.
GEORGE
(quieter)
So... Are you going to stay with him?
She reaches over and takes his hand. George looks at his wife.
CLOSER
The CAMERA PANS from HIS CLOSE UP TO HERS as she takes a deep
breath.
BETTY
It's not 'him' or 'you'. It isn't. I just need to think
for a second. I never took a minute to stop and think...
I just... I never...
MR. JOHNSON
I understand.
She looks back at him. The CAMERA PANS back but instead of George
sitting on the bench beside her, it is MR. JOHNSON.
BETTY
Really?
MR. JOHNSON
Yeah.
BETTY
Thank you.
Betty leans against him. Mr. Johnson puts an arm around her and
kisses her gently on the forehead...
EXT. MAIN STREET. DAY.
David and Jennifer stand together on the edge of town. She
clutches a valise in her hand. He holds the remote control.
DAVID
This thing works now. We could go home.
JENNIFER
I'm not ready yet. I gotta do this for a little while.
WIDER.
They stand on the edge of town (which finally has an edge.)
A large sign says: "Springfield 12 miles" and for the first time,
the end of Main Street is no longer the beginning. Jennifer is
dressed in Mary Sue's clothes with a little bit of style thrown
in. Rich fields of wheat spread out in the distance.
JENNIFER
Besides. You think there's like a chance I'm gonna get
into college back there?
DAVID
(thinks...)
Honestly... no.
They both smile.
DAVID (CONT)
You got the admissions letter.
JENNIFER
Right here.
He pauses and looks at her.
JENNIFER (CONT)
I've done the slut thing, David. It's really kinda old.
DAVID
(smiles, nods)
I'll come back and check on you in a month.
Jennifer nods and gives him a hug. She holds on tight for a couple
of seconds.
JENNIFER
You're like the coolest brother in the world.
David smiles. Never been called cool before. They suddenly hear
the SOUND of a motor and look to their left. A huge Greyhound bus
lumbers up the highway, pulling to a halt at the sign. The doors
open beckoning her in. Jennifer smiles at her brother, then turns
toward the door...
EXT. PARKER HOUSE. DAY.
In glorious color now. The CAMERA begins to push up the walkway
one last time.
DAVID (O.S.)
I've got to.
MARGARET
Why?
INT. LIVING ROOM.
They stand face to face in front of the TV. David holds the
remote.
DAVID
(gently)
I've got to see what it's like. I've got to try it.
(quieter)
I'll be back and see you... I promise.
MARGARET
No you won't.
DAVID
Sure I will.
MARGARET
Just don't forget me. Even if you don't come back, I
just don't want you to forget about me.
DAVID
I couldn't do that.
She throws her arms and clings onto him, like a farewell at the
train platform. Margaret clings onto him for several seconds, then
finally lets go. She hands him a brown paper lunch bag.
MARGARET
(softly)
Here.
DAVID
What is it?
MARGARET
Well -- lots of stuff.
He starts to look in the bag...
BETTY (O.S.)
A meat loaf sandwich... And a hard boiled egg...
(softer)
...And some marshmallow rice squares.
DAVID
Oh... Hi.
WIDER
Betty is standing in the doorway with a letterman's sweater draped
over her arm. She shares a glance with Margaret then crosses down
to David.
BETTY
There's some fried chicken in there too. Don't go
skipping dinner just cause you're not here anymore.
DAVID
...I won't.
(looks at her)
I thought you weren't gonna...
BETTY
(painful, quieter)
I had to come say goodbye.
She looks up at him and their eyes lock. Betty unfolds the
sweater.
BETTY
(fighting it)
And wear this on the trip in case it gets cold.
DAVID
It's a pretty short trip.
BETTY
Still...
She drapes it around his shoulders and fusses with the collar.
Betty arranges his clothes for a second or two, then finally
throws her arms round his neck.
BETTY (CONT)
Oh, Bud, I'm just so proud of you.
DAVID
Thanks...
She hugs him tigher and whispers something in his ear.
DAVID (CONT)
(nods)
I know. I love you too.
She clings on tight for a second or two then lets go. Betty flicks
away a tear and draws a deep breath.
BETTY
Well...
She steps back and looks at him. David glances down at the remote.
DAVID
You better stand back a little.
Betty and Margaret cross toward the corner of the room. David
points the remote at the TV...
CUT TO:
EXT. MODERN HOUSING TRACT. DUSK.
All the ersatz Spanish houses stretch out toward infinity. A
WESTEC security patrol cruises by them at a crawl.
INT. DAVID'S LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.
He stands in the middle of the living room looking at his new/old
surroundings. Everything is the same as it was: The black onyx
coffee table, the sleek white Berber rug -- black tile in the
entry and the stark white walls. David glances around the room
still clutching the remote control in his hand. The only sound
comes from the TV.
TV ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Well that concludes the first hour of the Pleasantville
Marathon; boy was that a weird episode. Don't forget
folks, we go all night long till noon tomorrow...
David smiles and reaches forward shutting off the TV. A sudden
smile descends on him. He stands there, in the silence for a
moment, when a strange SOUND comes from the kitchen.
FOLLOWING DAVID
He crosses toward the noise and after a moment it becomes clear:
the unmistakable sound of a woman sniffling...
HIS POV. KITCHEN.
David stops in the doorway and stares. There are four Louis
Vuitton bags next to the kitchen table. His mother (his real
mother) faces away from him, still in spandex jogging clothes.
DAVID
You okay?
She turns back to him. There's a tissue in her hand.
DAVID'S MOM
Oh, hi.
DAVID
I thought you went out of town.
DAVID'S MOM
(breaking again)
I came back.
She trembles slightly and stifles a cry. David crosses to the
kitchen table.
DAVID
What's wrong?
She starts to cry all over again. David's Mom shakes her head
trying to draw a deep breath.
DAVID'S MOM
Oh, I don't know. It's all so fucked up. I got halfway
down there and then I thought, "what am I doing?" He's
nine years younger than me and it doesn't make me feel
younger it just makes me feel older...
He nods.
DAVID'S MOM (CONT)
So I stopped in the market to call him and there was
this young couple getting out of a station wagon with
two kids and a big lab and I thought, "that was me. That
used to be me."
She starts to cry again.
DAVID'S MOM
You know, when your father was here I thought well this
is it. It's always gonna be like this. I have the right
house and the right car and the right life...
DAVID
There is no right house. There is no right car...
DAVID'S MOM
Oh, God. My face must be a mess.
She chokes back a sob and wipes away a tear. There is mascara all
over her cheek.
DAVID
It looks beautiful.
DAVID'S MOM
Honey, that's very sweet of you but it doesn't look
beautiful.
DAVID
Sure it does. C'mere.
He takes a tissue from the box on the kitchen table and (aware of
the parallel) begins to wipe the smeared makeup from her face. She
glances at her reflection in the shiny black oven.
DAVID'S MOM
Oh God. It's not supposed to be like this. I'm forty-
four years old...
DAVID
It's not supposed to be anything. Hold still for a
second.
He continues to clean his mother's face as she looks at him with a
strange new expression.
DAVID'S MOM
(quietly)
How'd you get so smart all of a sudden?
He stops for a second and smiles to himself.
DAVID
(shrugs)
I had a good day.
EXTREME WIDE ANGLE.
They sit alone in the half lit kitchen surrounded by her
suitcases. David, carefully, gently continues to wipe the smeared
makeup off her face as the MUSIC builds...
CUT TO:
36: Across the universe
------------------------
SERIES OF SHOTS. PLEASANTVILLE. FULL COLOR (END CREDITS)
The MUSIC CONTINUES (Frank Sinatra: Vo-La-Ray) as the town
explodes to life in rich, drunk, saturated color. The most mundane
pieces of daily living acquire a weird new meaning in their reds,
and greens and yellows: A tire is changed... a grapefruit gets
smelled... a lawn is watered... The CREDITS ROLL...