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NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

by

Brett Alan Bentman

[email protected] on the music written andperformed by Billy Joel.

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

FADE IN:

EXT. MANHATTAN PIANO BAR- FRONT DOOR - NIGHT

1985

BILLY, from behind, locks up the front door of his bar. Heputs his hat on, turns and begins walking down the street.His breath can be seen as he breathes in and out. Musicstarts in the background.

BILLY(sings)

Some folks like to get awayTake a holiday from theneighborhoodHop a flight to Miami BeachOr to HollywoodBut I'm talking a GreyhoundOn the Hudson River LineI'm in a New York state of mind

BILLY walks along and empty times square.

BILLY (con't)(sings)

I've seen all the movie starsIn their fancy cars and theirlimousinesBeen high in the Rockies under theevergreensBut I know what I'm needingAnd I don't want to waste moretimeI'm in a New York state of mind

BILLY down an alleyway.


It was so easy living day by dayOut of touch with the rhythm andbluesBut now I need a little give andtakeThe New York Times, The Daily News

A MOMENT LATER

2.

EXT. CENTRAL PARK - NIGHT

BILLY dances through the park, passing people. The peoplewatching stare at him awkwardly.


It comes down to realityAnd it's fine with me 'cause I'velet it slideDon't care if it's Chinatown or onRiversideI don't have any reasonsI've left them all behindI'm in a New York state of mind

It was so easy living day by dayOut of touch with the rhythm andbluesBut now I need a little give andtakeThe New York Times, The Daily News

EXT. DOCKSIDE - NIGHT

BILLY emerges from the shadow and into a street light. Hestares out at the Hudson river and the lights, singing.


It comes down to realityAnd it's fine with me 'cause I'velet it slideDon't care if it's Chinatown or onRiversideI don't have any reasonsI've left them all behindI'm in a New York state of mind

I'm just taking a Greyhound on theHudson River Line'Cause I'm in a New York state ofmind

BILLY, teary eyed stares out at a few boats passing by.

BLACK SCREEN WITH WHITE LETTERS: BILLY

3.

EXT. DOCKS - NIGHT

BILLY blows air into his cold hands. From the right a figureemerges from the darkness. BILLY, cautious, calls to him.

BILLY(into darkness)

Hello? Hello there?

PAUL emerges from the shadows and steps on to the dock.BILLY stares at him.

BILLYWho are you?

PAULWho are you?

BILLYI asked you first... who are you?

PAULMy name is PAUL. I was told tocome here tonight- I'm a littleearly.

BILLYYea, me too. Only I knew tocome... I was told by a friend.

PAULThat's good. You, uh, you nervous?I'm nervous.

BILLYWhy are you nervous? You shouldfeel relieved. You get to getoutta this place.

PAUL leans up against the railing, looking out at NewJersey.

PAULI used to live out there-Bergenfield. Before I moved here,and before all this mess happened,I was a somebody. Yea, man I wasking of that place.

BILLY(interested)

OK... well, I dunno you very well,and you don't have to answer thisbut... but you wanna talk about it

(MORE)

4.

BILLY (cont'd)or something?

BLACK SCREEN WHITE LETTERS: PAUL

INT. STRIP CLUB- NEW JERSEY - NIGHT

PAUL counts money at the bar, the place is packed and PAULbegins to walk the room.

PAUL(sings)

Well you went uptown riding inyour limousineWith your fine Park Avenue clothesYou had the Dom Perignon in yourhandAnd the spoon up your noseAnd when you wake up in themorningWith your head on fireAnd your eyes too bloody to seeGo on and cry in your coffeeBut don't come bitchin' to me

Because you had to be a big shot,didn't youYou had to open up your mouthYou had to be a big shot, didn'tyouAll your friends were so knockedoutYou had to have the last word,last nightYou know what everything's aboutYou had to have a white hotspotlightYou had to be a big shot lastnight

PAUL gets up on stage, he dances and sings while throwingdollar bills out to the crowd.

PAUL (con't)(sings)

They were all impressed with yourHalston dressAnd the people that you knew atElaine'sAnd the story of your latestsuccessKept 'em so entertainedAw but now you just can't remember

(MORE)

5.

PAUL (cont'd)All the things you saidAnd you're not sure you want toknowI'll give you one hint, honeyYou sure did put on a show

Yes, yes, you had to be a bigshot, didn't youYou had to prove it to the crowdYou had to be a big shot, didn'tyouAll your friends were so knockedoutYou had to have the last word,last nightYou're so much fun to be aroundYou had to have the front page,bold typeYou had to be a big shot lastnight

PAUL now stands in an empty bar, a beautiful woman stares athim, he takes her- kisses her and dances with her on thebar.

PAUL (con't)(sings)

Well, it's no big sin to stickyour two cents inIf you know when to leave it aloneBut you went over the lineYou couldn't see it was time to gohomeNo, no, no, no, no, no, you had tobe a big shot, didn't youYou had to open up your mouthYou had to be a big shot, didn'tyouAll your friends were so knockedoutYou had to have the last word,last nightSo much fun to be aroundYou had to have a white hot spotlightYou had to be a big shot lastnight

EXT. DOCK- RAILING - NIGHT

BILLY and PAUL talk against the railing.

6.

PAULAnd that was it, a month later- Ilost the club, the bar, the money-my girl. All gone.

BILLYI owned a bar too. Closed ittoday- just tonight, just before Ileave.

PAULI should have never come here,this city can kill ya.

BILLYNo. No it's alright. It's a greatcity- she just got a little mixedup is all.

An explosion is heard in the background, a slight flash oflight is seen behind the buildings. BILLY and PAUL look up-when the lights stop they pan down and see a Priest standingthere.

FATHER CARMINEThey blew up most of the uppereast side. Burning, riots, youname it.

BILLYI saw that this morning.

FATHER CARMINEThe explosions are them trying torestore orders up there...

PAULYou here for the boat too?

BILLYHe's a father PAUL, he can't be...

FATHER CARMINE(walking to them)

No, no it's ok...

FATHER CARMINE walks to them and takes off his collar,handing it to PAUL.

FATHER CARMINEI was a man of GOD... until today.

7.

PAUL looks in his hand at the collar. FATHER CARMINE walkspast the men...then sits by the railing.

PAULNo offense but I never been tochurch before father.

FATHER CARMINEPlease, I am not a fatheranymore...just do not call methat.

BILLYSo...so your leaving here too?

FATHER CARMINEThere isn't much I can do anymore-for anyone. See, people thinkbecause you wear that collar youdon't have a past...

PAULEveryone has a past...evenpriests.

FATHER CARMINEExactly. What time is it?

BILLY looks at his watch.

BILLYEight, still have some time beforeit gets here.

PAULSo what happened?

FATHER CARMINEYou don't want to know son...

BILLYI think we do... nothing else todo- no judgement here.

BLACK SCREEN WHITE LETTERS: FATHER CARMINE

FATHER CARMINE stands up- pictures of his "non-catholic"life show his mistakes in life.

FATHER CARMINE(sings)

If it seems like I've been lostIn let's rememberIf you think I'm feeling older

(MORE)

8.

FATHER CARMINE (cont'd)And missing my younger daysOh, then you should have known memuch better'Cause my past is something thatneverGot in my wayOh no

Still I would not be here nowIf I never had the hungerAnd I'm not ashamed to sayThe wild boys were my friendsOh'Cause I never felt the desire'Til their music set me on fireAnd then I was saved, yeahThat's why I'm keeping the faithYeah, yeah, yeah, yeahKeeping the faith

FATHER CARMINE begins to dance and sing around the dock,PAUL and BILLY watch.

FATHER CARMINE (con't)(sings)

We wore old matador bootsOnly Flagg Brothers had them witha Cuban heelIridescent socks with the samecolor shirtAnd a tight pair of chinosOhI put on my shark skin jacketYou know the kind with the velvetcollarAnd ditty-bop shadesOh yeahI took a fresh pack of LuckiesAnd a mint called Sen-SenMy old man's TrojansAnd his Old Spice after shaveOhCombed my hair in a pompadourLike the rest of the Romeos woreA permanent wave, YeahWe were keeping the faithYeah, yeah, yeah, yeahKeeping the faithYou can get just so muchFrom a good thingYou can linger too longIn your dreamsSay goodbye to the

(MORE)

9.

FATHER CARMINE (cont'd)Oldies but goodies'Cause the good ole days weren'tAlways goodAnd tomorrow ain't as bad as itseems

FATHER CARMINE grabs BILLY'S hat and continues...

FATHER CARMINE (con't)(sings)

Learned stickball as a formaleducationLost a lot of fightsBut it taught me how to lose O.K.Oh, I heard about sexBut not enoughI found you could danceAnd still look tough anywayOh yes I didI found out a man ain't just beingmachoAte an awful lot of late nightdrive-in food Drank a lot of takehome payI thought I was the Duke of EarlWhen I made it with a red-hairedgirlIn the Chevrolet. Oh yeahWe were keeping the faithYeah, yeah, yeah, yeahKeeping the faith

You know the good ole days weren'talways goodAnd tomorrow ain't as bad as itseems

I told you my reasonsFor the whole revivalNow I'm going outside to haveAn ice cold beer in the shadeOh, I'm going to listen to my 45'sAin't it wonderful to be aliveWhen the rock 'n' roll plays, yeahWhen the memory stays, yeahI'm keeping the faithYeah, yeah, yeah, yeahKeeping the faithI'm keeping the faith,Yes I am

10.

As he finishes, FATHER CARMINE, sits back down fiddling withBILLY'S hat. He looks sad. PAUL walks to him, hands him thecollar.

PAULYou might need this again someday... you never know.

FATHER CARMINE looks and exchanges the hat for the collar.

BILLYAh, it's not so bad. Everyone hasmade mistakes in life...no bigdeal ya know?

FATHER CARMINEMistakes are only mistakes, whenyou don't mean to do them.Besides, who said anything aboutmistakes?

PAULKind of depressing isn't it?

They three men sit in silence on the dock looking in threedifferent directions. BILLY picks out a picture from hispocket. He smiles and giggles.

PAULWhat? What's so funny?

BILLYYou remember this?

It is a picture of the lights on Broadway.

PAUL takes it and passes it to FATHER CARMINE.

FATHER CARMINEI used to love the theatre... myfamily would come in and go see ashow a few times a few times ayear.

BILLYIt was something special...thelights.

PAULI hardly remember it, seems likeanother life.

11.

Music begins to play in the background. As BILLY, PAUL, andFATHER CARMINE sing- the scenes reflect the lyrics.

BILLY(sings)

Seen the lights go out BroadwayI saw the Empire State laid lowAnd life went on beyond thePalisadesThey all bought CadillacsAnd left there long ago

They held a concert out inBrooklynTo watch the island bridges blowThey turned our power downAnd drove us undergroundBut we went right on with the show

PAUL(sings)

I've seen the lights go out onBroadwayI saw the ruins at my feetYou know we almost didn't noticeitWe'd seen it all the time on Fortysecond street

They burned the churches down inHarlemLike in that Spanish civil warThe flames were everywhereBut no one really caredIt always burned up there before

I've seen the lights go out onBroadwayI saw the mighty skyline fallThe boats were waiting at thebatteryThe union went on strikeThey never sailed at all


They sent a carrier out fromNorfolkAnd picked the Yankees up for freeThey said that Queens could stayAnd blew the Bronx awayAnd sank Manhattan out at sea

12.

BILLY(sings)

You know those lights were brighton BroadwayThat was so many years agoBefore we all lived here inFloridaBefore the Mafia took over MexicoThere are not many who rememberThey say a handful still surviveTo tell the world aboutThe way the lights went outAnd keep the memory alive

Back on the dock, BILLY stares at the picture again. PAULlooks at the Hudson and FATHER CARMINE folds his arms with asmile on his face.

ANTHONY (OS)Was that what it was like?

BLACK SCREEN WHITE LETTERS: ANTHONY

Pan out to see young ANHTONY standing there, still in hisapron from work.

ANTHONYWas it like you all said? Iwouldn't know... I was sorta newhere.

More explosions in the distance. Planes overhead.

PAULWhat's your name kid?

ANTHONYANTHONY, ANTHONY LEONE. Nice tomeet you all.

BILLYBILLY...that PAUL and FATHERCARMINE...you here for a spot onthe boat?

ANTHONYYea, yea I was told to get herebefore 10. I didn't miss it did I?

FATHER CARMINEOnly nine o'clock... we're allwaiting.

13.

ANTONY takes off his apron and folds it.

BILLYJust got off work?

ANTHONYYea, it's my first job.

BILLYWhere at?

ANTHONYKind of embarassing but, uh I workat the Save Rite, on third ave...just for now.

PAULFor now? As of tonight yourofficially unemployed.

BILLYWhat he means is that once theboat comes and you get on- youaren't going to be coming back.

ANTHONY looks some what cautious.

FATHER CARMINEYou OK son?

ANTHONYSure...just thinking. I could haveleft here, before the election andall. Before the crazy stuffstarted...but I didn't listen.

BILLYFew people do.

PAULYea don't beat yourself up overit. We already established we allmake mistakes... no worries kid.

Music starts playing.

INT. GROCERY STORE- NYC - DAY

ANTHONY begins bagging some groceries and sings as he bags,stocks shelves and packs meat.

14.

ANTHONY(sings)

Anthony works in the grocery storeSavin' his pennies for somedayMama Leone left a note on thedoor,She said,"Sonny, move out to the country."Workin' too hard can give meA heart attackYou oughta know by nowWho needs a house out inHackensack?Is that what you get with yourmoney?

It seems such a waste of timeIf that's what it's all aboutIf that's movin' up then I'mmovin' out.

ANTHONY dances through ailes, on registers, in the back roomwith a mop.

ANTHONY (con't)(sings)

Sergeant O'Leary is walkin' thebeatAt night he becomes a bartenderHe works at Mister Cacciatore'sdownOn Sullivan StreetAcross from the medical centerHe's tradin' in his Checy for aCadillacYou oughta know by nowAnd if he can't driveWith a broken backAt least he can polish the fenders


ANTHONY juggles fruit and races a cart through the lanes.

ANTHONY (con't)(sings)

You should never argue with acrazy mindYou oughta know by nowYou can pay Uncle Sam withovertime

(MORE)

15.

ANTHONY (cont'd)Is that all you get for yourmoney?


EXT. DOCK - NIGHT

ANTHONY stands there, somewhat embarrassed. PAUL smiles athim.

FATHER CARMINEAh, to be young again.

PAULSecond that FATHER. Second that.

PAUL takes out a flask and takes a swig, then he hands itout to ANTHONY.

PAULDrink up kid, you never know ifthis damn boat will actually makeit... might as well enjoy yournight.

BILLY laughs and ANTHONY drinks, swallows and suffers theburn.

FATHER CARMINEMy turn, ha! Is it whisky?

He drinks and they four of them laugh. For a moment, all iscalm and safe. From the dark, a young lady emerges. She isno seen but softly talks.

VIRGINIA(low)

Excuse me...excuse me.

The men are so into the alcohol and jokes they tell to eachother they dont notice her there.

VIRGINIAIs this where we wait for theboat? At 10 o'clock?

BILLY notices her and sees her, the other men see her now aswell.

16.

VIRGINIAThe boat? We are supposed to comehere and meet up? Ten o'clocktonight?

BILLYYes that's right, but I don'tthink we all were to meet here. Itjust happened.

FATHER CARMINE, walks to her slow. He looks upset.

FATHER CARMINEWhat are you doing here? I thoughtyou got out weeks ago?

VIRGINIAI wanted to, but I wanted to seeyou get out first. The church,they said you had left for thelast boat.

FATHER CARMINE(angry)

You shouldnt have come, you shouldnot be on the island. It's notsafe- you were supposed to besafe.

VIRGINIAI am safe, I just wanted to seeyou father.

Loud crash is heard and more lights in the sky.

PAULDoesn't sound very safe...

ANTHONYHe's not a priest anymore, see nocollar.

VIRGINIAI know that...

BILLYYea, but you called him father,so...

VIRGINIAI know I called him that...

17.

FATHER CARMINE(to the guys)

She's my daughter...

BLACK SCREEN WHITE LETTERS: VIRGINIA

FATHER CARMINEBut she should not be here...sheshould be safe.

VIRGINIABut I had to see you, I wanted totell you- I'm pregnant. I am gonnahave a son.

ANTHONY(drinks)

Congrats!

FATHER CARMINE covers his mouth and walks to the railing.VIRGINIA follows him to talk alone.

VIRGINIADid you hear what I said?

FATHER CARMINEI did, but... I dunno VIRGINIA.

VIRGINIAArent you happy, even a little?For me... for your son?

FATHER CARMINEAnd who is the father? huh?

VIRGINIAHe, he left...for overseas a monthago. He had too... he had nochoice.

Music starts to play.

VIRGINIA(sings to FATHER CARMINE)

Some love is just a lie of theheartThe cold remains of what beganwith a passionate startAnd they may not want it to endBut it will, it's just a questionof whenI've lived long enough to havelearned

(MORE)

18.

VIRGINIA (cont'd)The closer you get to the fire themore you get burnedBut that won't happen to usBecause it's always been a matterof trust

I know you're an emotional girlIt took a lot for you to not loseyour faith in this worldI can't offer you proofBut you're gonna face a moment oftruthIt's hard when you're alwaysafraidYou just recover when anotherbelief is betrayedSo break my heart if you mustIt's a matter of trust

VIRGINIA holds her belly and smiles, she walks into thestreet light and everything is blacked out but her.

VIRGINIA (con't)(sings)

You can't go the distanceWith too much resistanceI know you have doubtsBut for God's sake don't shut meout

This time you've got nothing toloseYou can take it, you can leave itWhatever you chooseI won't hold back anythingAnd I'll walk away a fool or akingSome love is just a lie of themindIt's make believe until it's onlya matter of timeAnd some might have learned toadjustBut then it never was a matter oftrust

I'm sure you're aware loveWe've both had our share ofBelieving too longWhen the whole situation was wrong

FATHER CARMINE steps out and sings with her.

19.

FATHER CARMINE(w/ VIRGINIA)

Some love is just a lie of thesoulA constant battle for the ultimatestate of controlAfter you've heard lie upon lieThere can hardly be a question ofwhySome love is just a lie of theheartThe cold remains of what beganwith a passionate startBut that can't happen to usBecause it's always been a matterof trust

They hug. A thunderous flash and boom is heard. It startlesthem all. VIRGINIA holds onto her dad. BILLY looks up.

BILLYI can only imagine what is goingon out there...only GOD knows.

ANTHONYI wonder if i'll ever see myparents again ya know?

BILLYAnything is possible, anything.You may one day.

BILLY looks at his watch, he turns to PAUL.

PAULWhat is it?

BILLYIt's late, a few minutes late isall. Nothing to get worked upabout.

ANTHONYAre you sure? How late?

BILLYA few minutes...

FATHER CARMINEI am sure it will be here, withthe bridges being gone they haveto be careful coming in and out yaknow.

20.

VIRGINIALet's hope they make it through.

ANTHONYThey'll make it through though,right? I mean...

BILLY(arm around ANTHONY)

It'll be fine- it will make ithere.

ANTHONYYea, I guess better late thannever ya know?

PAUL sifts through some rubble of screen and pulls over afew garbage cans, he turns them upsdie down and offers themas chairs.

PAULHere, in case you were tired ofstanding, like me.

VIRGINIA, PAUL and ANTHONY sit. FATHER CARMINE looks intothe distance.

FATHER CARMINEHey, you hear that? I think I hearsirens...

BILLY(alarmed)

Sirens? Where?

FATHER CARMINEOut there... listen, shhhh.

Everyone listens, police sirens are heard. They are allalarmed.

BILLYShoot, they are sirens, the policeare coming.

ANTHONYWhat do we do?

BILLYStay calm...let me think- can wehide?

21.

FATHER CARMINEThere is no where to hide, its adock.

PAULThere are OTHER ways of handlingthis...

BILLYThat's crazy, dont talk like that.

VIRGINIAYea, what are you some kind ofcriminal?

PAULNo, lady, I am realist and I wannaget on this boat and no cop isgonna stand in my way... that'sall. I'll do what it takes.

BILLYOK, enough... look follow my leadok? Just follow what I say.

The headlights stop just short of the dock and a policeofficer steps out of his car.

BLACK SCREEN WHITE LETTERS: BOBBY

MARTY walks over with his flashlight and hand on his hip. Heglances over the group one by one. BILLY stands up to him.

BILLYEvening officer... something thematter?

BOBBYThat depends on what you all aredoing out here past hours?

BILLYJust sight seeing, it's stilllegal to come out here and getsome air isn't it?

BOBBYI suppose, large group of you tobe out here though, seems...suspicous.

22.

PAULWe're old friends, haven't seeneachother in a while...

BOBBY walks to the railing, looks down to the water, thenback to the group.

BOBBYYou guys woundn't be waiting for aboat now would you?

ANTHONYNo, what boat?

PAULThere's is no boat...

BOBBYIt's late.

BILLYHow did you know that?

VIRGINIA gets anxious.

VIRGINIABILLY!

BOBBYIts ok m'am. I know all about theboat, i know that's why yourhear...

BOBBY takes off his trooper hat, holding it in his hands.

BOBBYI know this, because that's why Iam here.

BILLYReally?

BOBBYYes really.

PAULWell that is a relief officer.

FATHER CARMINEAMEN to that.

BOBBYWhat are you a priest?

23.

PAULUsed to be.

BILLY(confused)

Wait, wait. Whay would a New Yorkcity officer want off the island?I thought the government took goodcare of you? Why run?

BOBBYWell, because... I have a family.Ya know? I have a brother- hisname is John. He lives back inHollywood- that's my home town. Icame here to help- ended upcausing more problems... and now Iwant out.

ANTHONYThat sounds fair enough.

BOBBYLiving there was so muchdifferent...

BOBBY begins his song, as he sings we flash back to the Westcoast he sees younger days riding around with his brother.We also see BOBBY has left his lover back in California.

BOBBY(sings)

Bobby's drivin' through the citytonightThrough the lights in a hot newrent-a-carHe joins the lovers in his heavymachineIt's a scene down on SunsetBoulevardSay goodbye to HollywoodSay goodbye my babySay goodbye to HollywoodSay goodbye my baby

Johnny's takin' care of things fora whileAnd his style is so right fortroubadoursThey got him sitting with his backto the doorNow he won't be my fast gunanymoreSay goodbye to Hollywood

(MORE)

24.

BOBBY (cont'd)Say goodbye my babySay goodbye to HollywoodSay goodbye my baby

Movin' on is a chance that youhave to takeAny time you try to stay -togetherWhoaSay a word out of lineAnd you find that the friends youhadAre gone - foreverForever

So many faces in and out of mylifeSome will lastSome will be just now and thenLife is a series of hellos andgoodbyesI'm afraid it's time for goodbyeagainSay goodbye to HollywoodSay goodbye my babySay goodbye to HollywoodSay goodbye my baby

Movin' on is a chance that youhave to takeAny time you try to stay -togetherWhoaSay a word out of lineAnd you find that the friends youhadAre gone - foreverForever

So many faces in and out of mylifeSome will lastSome will be just now and thenLife is a series of hellos andgoodbyesI'm afraid it's time for goodbyeagainSay goodbye to HollywoodSay goodbye my babySay goodbye to HollywoodSay goodbye my baby

25.

Back at the Dock, BOBBY looks around. The group seems to besaddened a bit.

PAULAnd here I thought all cops werebad news...sorry for yourtroubles.

BOBBYIt's all I think about... gettingout of here, righting my wrongs.

More explosions, more flashed of light. VIRGINIA clings toFATHER CARMINE as she is scared.

BOBBYYou know what those sounds are?

BILLYBombs? Trying to hold back themobs?

VIRGINIANot quite, see they're testingexplosives under and around theisland...to loosen her up,before...

FATHER CARMINEThey get the call to let her floatto sea.

BOBBYThat's right, should not be longnow. And most poor bastards dontknow what is coming to them.

PAULThat's terrible, is there anythingwe can do?

FATHER CARMINEThere is no time son.

BILLYHow long?

BOBBYNot long, the best thing we canhope for is the boat gets heresooner than later.

26.

ANTHONYIt's already late,who knows if itwill even show up.

Everyone hangs thier head, they are all upset and BILLYstares at his watch. FATHER CARMINE talks to VIRGINIA tryingto lighten the mood.

FATHER CARMINEBaby, what's the first thingyou're gonna do when we get offthe boat? Tell me...

VIRGINIAI'm gonna find a place, a quietplace on a quiet street somewhere.Nothing too big- just big enoughfor me and the baby and you tovisit. A warm bed, a garden, and ababy blue bedroom. Wouldn't thatbe nice father?

FATHER CARMINEYour mother would have loved it.

VIRGINIAWhat about you ANTHONY?

ANTHONYFinish school. Meet a nice brownhaired girl. Gte married, start alife of my own. My own Americandream. It's gonna be great... whatabout you PAUL?

PAULI want to open a club, the cleanway this time, open for businesson a Friday night in June andwatch the crowds come in. It'sgonna be amazing, the best clubyou've ever seen, hardest one toget into- but all of you go to thefront of the line, I mean it.

They all smile and laugh.

PAULHow about you BILL?

BILLYOh I dunno. Find a little pub, geta gig playing the piano onSaturdays. There's something about

(MORE)

27.

BILLY (cont'd)it, seeing the faces when youplay...you can tell your touchingthem in one way or another. Thefaces, yea, that's what I'll do-make them feel good in thisterrible time... how about you?

BOBBYEasy. Back to the West coast, findmy girl- kiss her for an hourstraight and take her for a ridewith the top down. Like heaven.

They all smile again. BILLY looks at FATHER CARMINE and hisbig smile as the mood is now light.

BILLYYou, you never told us what youwould do...

FATHER CARMINE(low)

Find a church... pray.

PAULOK, so now your back in thechurch?

FATHER CARMINEPray for the souls of thethousands that have no way out...

BILLYYou're a good man...

From off screen a lady's voice is heard, the group all turnfrom thier conversation. A man and woman stand there in theheadlights. They are holding hands.

BRENDAHello. I'm sorry...

EDDIEWe're here for the boat, did wemiss it?

BILLYNo, it's on it's way...you are intime.

BRENDAOh thank god.

28.

PAULJoin the club folks...

BLACK SCREEN WHITE LETTERS: BRENDA AND EDDIE

BRENDA and EDDIE walk to the group.

BILLYI guess since we're all on thesame path I should introduce. I amBILL, that's PAUL there, FATHERCARMINE, his daughter VIRGINIA,ANTHONY and...

BOBBYBOB. Nice to meet you guys.

EDDIESame here... how long you all beenwaiting?

PAULJust about all night- give ortake.

BRENDAYou do still think the boat iscoming don't you?

BILLYPositive. It will be here...

VIRGINIASo are you guys together?

EDDIETogether?

VIRGINIAYea, like a couple?

BRENDA(smiles)

Oh, I see. I guess it would lookthat way.

EDDIEYea, no we're not... together.Just here right now together.

PAULSounds complicated.

29.

ANTHONYI'll say. Very complicated.

FATHER CARMINENow guys, let them be. I am sureyou have reasons.

EDDIEIt's OK, see we used to be, yaknow together together but thingsgot...I dunno.

BILLY(jokes)

Complicated?

EDDIEExactly.

BRENDAAnd we promised we would help eachother if we ever needed it, andwith all this terrible stuff goingon we needed eachother's help.

EDDIEI heard about the boat and she wasthe only person I could think tocall.

PAUL(jokes)

Sweet, how cute!

BILLYNow, now I think it is.

PAULYou would Piano man!

VIRGINIAI think so too. Tell us, whathappened?

EDDIEIt's a long story...we'd need alot of time.

ANTHONYSo how come you to never hookedup?

30.

INT. ITALIAN RESTAURANT - DAY

EDDIE sits across from BRENDA by the window at an ItalianRestaurant. The table riddles with glasses and wine bottles.They sing.

EDDIE(sings)

A bottle of white, a bottle of redPerhaps a bottle of rose insteadWe'll get a table near the streetIn our old familiar placeYou and I--face to face

A bottle of red, a bottle of whiteIt all depends on your appetiteI'll meet you any time you wantIn our Italian Restaurant.

They jump up and dance through the tables or people eating.

BRENDA(sings)

Things are okay with me these daysGot a good job, got a good officeGot a new wife, got a new lifeAnd the family's fineWe lost touch long agoYou lost weightI did not knowYou could ever look so good afterSo much time.

EDDIE(and BRENDA)

I remember those days hanging outAt the village greenEngineer boots, leather jacketsAnd tight blue jeansDrop a dime in the box play theSong about New OrleansCold beer, hot lightsMy sweet romantic teenage nights

As they sing, they act out the lyrics as they relive momentsof their lives together.

BRENDA(sings)

Brenda and Eddie were the popularsteadiesAnd the king and the queen of thepromRiding around with the car top

(MORE)

31.

BRENDA (cont'd)down and the radio onNobody looked any finerOr was more of a hit at theParkway DinerWe never knew we could want morethan that out of lifeSurely Brenda and Eddie wouldalways know how to survive.

EDDIE(sings)

Brenda and Eddie were still goingsteady in the summer of '75When they decided the marriagewould be at the end of JulyEveryone said they were crazy"Brenda you know you're much toolazyEddie could never afford to livethat kind of life."But there we were wavin' Brendaand Eddie goodbye.

They got an apartment with deeppile carpetAnd a couple of paintings fromSearsA big waterbed that they boughtwith the breadThey had saved for a couple ofyearsThey started to fight when themoney got tightAnd they just didn't count on thetears.

BRENDA(and EDDIE)

They lived for a while in a verynice styleBut it's always the same in theendThey got a divorce as a matter ofcourseAnd they parted the closest offriendsThen the king and the queen wentback to the greenBut you can never go back thereagain.

32.

BRENDA(sings)

Brenda and Eddie had had italreadyBy the summer of '75From the high to the lowTo the end of the showFor the rest of their livesThey couldn't go back to thegreasersThe best they could do was pick upthe piecesWe always knew they would bothfind a way to get byThat's all I heard about Brendaand EddieCan't tell you more than I toldyou alreadyAnd here we are wavin' Brenda andEddie goodbye.

INT. ITALIAN RESTAURANT - DAY

BRENDA and EDDIE sit int he table by the window- in love,gazing at one another.

BRENDA(and EDDIE)

A bottle of red, and bottle ofwhiteWhatever kind of mood you're intonightI'll meet you anytime you wantIn our Italian Restaurant.

EXT. DOCK - NIGHT

BRENDA and EDDIE finish telling their story. The otherslisten closely. PAUL lightens the moment.

PAULThat's the thing about living inthe moment, it always will pass.

VIRGINIAI think it's romantic...

BILLYI am glad you could be there foreach other... gives us allsomething to look forward to.

33.

A loud horn is heard. They all turn to the dock end, a boatis coming.

FATHER CARMINEThere it is!

BILLYHere we go, I knew it would come.

PAULAbout damn time!

They begin to all make thier way down to the end of thedock. The boat docks and a man with a beard talks to thecrowd from the captain's deck.

CAPTAIN JACKI'm CAPTAIN JACK, and I am here totake you down river. I don't knowwho you are, and I don't wannaknow who you are- I have 7 spotsopen and only 7. So come on up andmove fast!

BILLYWait! Seven spots? We have eightpeople here.

CAPTAIN JACKToo bad son, my crew members comefirst and I have a sick cook. Heneeds to lay down and takes up aspot. One of you will have tostay- I'm sorry.

ANTHONYBut who's gonna stay behind?

BOBBYThis is nuts... I'm not staying.

PAULMe either, I am goin.

CAPTAIN JACK5 minutes I leave with seven ofyou.

CAPTAIN JACK heads in. BILLY turns to the crowd.

BILLYOK, ok lets see. We don't havemuch time to decide.

34.

PAULNo this is wrong... it can't bethis way.

BILLYFact is it's unfair but itsreality. So...VIRGINIA you have togo, your dad too. ANTHONY andBRENDA and EDDIE go. PAUL, you tooand BOBBY as well.

ANTHONYAnd you? Your going to stay?

BILLYWhat can I do? I would ratherseven of us live long lives thandie here on this dock... it's theonly way.

Silence. Then FATHER CARMINE steps up.

FATHER CARMINENo, there is another way. I amstaying.

VIRGINIA(mad)

WHAT? No way.

BILLYNo, no way, you're getting on thatboat.

FATHER CARMINESon, I have lived a long life- youhave many years left to make adifference.

FATHER CARMINE turns to his daughter.

FATHER CARMINEGo with them, be safe, have mygrand baby and love him like younever loved before. I will see youagain...

VIRGINIA(crying)

Daddy, please...

35.

FATHER CARMINE(hugs her)

I love you VIRGINIA, always.

FATHER CARMINE looks to all the crowd and then to BILLY.

FATHER CARMINELook after my girl. I will prayfor all of you- it was a blessingto have met you all.

BILLY nods and one by one they begin to get on board theship. BILLY gets VIRGINIA on and she blows a kiss to herfather. BILLY gets on and unties the rope. Flashes are seenin the sky and the boat engine starts up. FATHER CARMINEstands on the dock looking at the boat pull away. The othersall sad, stare at him as BILLY hold VIRGINIA close. Beforelong, sirens are heard and FATHER CARMINE cannot see theboat in the distance.


Goodnight, my angelTime to close your eyesAnd save these questions foranother dayI think I know what you've beenasking meI think you know what I've beentrying to sayI promised I would never leave youAnd you should always knowWherever you may goNo matter where you areI never will be far away

Goodnight, my angelNow it's time to sleepAnd still so many things I want tosayRemember all the songs you sangfor meWhen we went sailing on an emeraldbayAnd like a boat out on the oceanI'm rocking you to sleepThe water's darkAnd deep inside this ancient heartYou'll always be a part of me

Goodnight, my angelNow it's time to dreamAnd dream how wonderful your lifewill be

(MORE)

36.

FATHER CARMINE (cont'd)Someday your child may cryAnd if you sing this lullabyeThen in your heartThere will always be a part of me

Someday we'll all be goneBut lullabyes go on and on...They never dieThat's how youAnd IWill be

When done FATHER CARMINE finds his collar on the dock groundand picks it up. Puts it back on and smiles up at the sky.He then turns, and walks into the darkness. Bombs are heardin the distance. The light on the dock, goes out.

TEN YEARS LATER

EXT. BUS STATION- PENNSYLVANIA - DAY

An older BILLY steps out of the bus station with his hat inhand. He looks around and begins to walk down the road.

EXT. CARNIVAL- GROUNDS - NIGHT

BILLY arrives at the Carnival and sees many people playinggames and riding rides. He smiles as he makes his way pastthem and to a tent marked PRIVATE, he takes a breath andenters the tent.

INT. TENT - NIGHT

As BILLY walks in he sees everyone and they let out acollective "HEY!!!" BILLY tears up and walks to them.VIRGINIA is first to meet him with a small child in hand.BILLY kisses her cheek and bends down to the boy.

BILLY(to boy)

Hey there fella? How are you?

VIRGINIA(older)

It's good to see you again BILL.Meet my son, William Carmine.

37.

BILLY(tears)

Oh VIRGINIA...

They hug. Next, PAUL comes over and shakes BILLY'S hand.

PAUL(older)

Look who it is!

BILLYPAUL, how are you?

BILLY sees a ring on PAUL'S finger.

BILLYWell I see!

PAUL(smiles)

Who knew huh?

An older ANTHONY comes up to BILLY, and hugs him.

ANTHONYBeen so long my friend! You lookgreat.

BILLYHa, and you still look to young-just like that night on the dock.Haven't ages a bit!

BILLY sees BRENDA and EDDIE there as well. He walks to them.They smile.

BILLYAnd you too?

EDDIEWhat? Still friends...

BRENDABest of friends...good to see youBILL.

BILLY(jokes)

You too will never learn ha!

ANTHONYWhere is BOBBY?

38.

BILLYI uh, heard last year- he died.Cancer of the lungs. He didn'tknow...but he did make it backwest. God Bless him.

PAUL passes out drinks.

PAULLets toast.... to BOBBY, to FATHERCARMINE, to CAPTAIN JACK, and toeach other. We will always haveeachother.

They all clang glasses and drink. Music starts in the background. They exit the tent and begin to sing as they ride,play games, and enjoy each other for that one night.

EXT. CARNIVAL - NIGHT

"BILLY lives in New Jersey. He opened his Piano Bar inNewark and named it CARMINE'S. He now no longer plays pianobut still loves the faces of his customers"

BILLY(sings)

Harry Truman, Doris Day, RedChina, Johnny RaySouth Pacific, Walter Winchell,Joe DiMaggio

Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon,Studebaker, TelevisionNorth Korea, South Korea, MarilynMonroe

"PAUL lived in Boston for a while, but was killed by a drunkdriver recently. He was married to a girl from Brooklyn. Shestill lives there today."

PAUL(sings)

Rosenbergs, H Bomb, Sugar Ray,PanmunjomBrando, The King And I, and TheCatcher In The Rye

Eisenhower, Vaccine, England's gota new queenMaciano, Liberace, Santayanagoodbye

39.

BILLY(w/ ALL)

We didn't start the fireIt was always burningSince the world's been turningWe didn't start the fireNo we didn't light itBut we tried to fight it

"ANTHONY graduated from Brown. He is a teacher of law inPhiladelphia where he is engaded to a blonde girl namedAnnabelle."

ANTHONY(sings)

Joseph Stalin, Malenkov, Nasserand ProkofievRockefeller, Campanella, CommunistBloc

Roy Cohn, Juan Peron, Toscanini,DancronDien Bien Phu Falls, Rock Aroundthe Clock

"VIRGINIA lives in Washington DC with her son. He is inschool and she works as a waitress at night and banker byday. She recently paid a visit to her father's grave locatedin Patterson NJ."

VIRGINIA(sings)

Einstein, James Dean, Brooklyn'sgot a winning teamDavy Crockett, Peter Pan, ElvisPresley, Disneyland

Bardot, Budapest, Alabama,KhrushchevPrincess Grace, Peyton Place,Trouble in the Suez

BILLY(w/ ALL)


"Brenda is married, and still keeps in contact with EDDIEfrom time to time. She owns a dry cleaning store in Miami."

40.

BRENDA(sings)

Little Rock, Pasternak, MickeyMantle, KerouacSputnik, Chou En-Lai, Bridge OnThe River Kwai

Lebanon, Charles de Gaulle,California baseballStarkwether, Homicide, Children ofThalidomideBuddy Holly, Ben Hur, SpaceMonkey, MafiaHula Hoops, Castro, Edsel is ano-go

"EDDIE never married. He is motivational speaker and travelsa lot. He has no kids and anytime he is Miami he takesBRENDA out for a nice Italian dinner."

EDDIE(sings)

U2, Syngman Rhee, payola andKennedyChubby Checker, Psycho, Belgiansin the Congo

BILLY(w/ ALL)


BILLY(sings)

Hemingway, Eichman, Stranger in aStrange LandDylan, Berlin, Bay of Pigsinvasion

Lawrence of Arabia, BritishBeatlemaniaOle Miss, John Glenn, Liston beatsPatterson

VIRGINIA(sings)

Pope Paul, Malcolm X, BritishPolitician sexJ.F.K. blown away, what else do I

(MORE)

41.

VIRGINIA (cont'd)have to say

BILLY(w/ ALL)


PAUL(sings)

Birth control, Ho Chi Minh,Richard Nixon back againMoonshot, Woodstock, Watergate,punk rock

ANTHONY(sings)

Begin, Reagan, Palestine, Terroron the airlineAyatollah's in Iran, Russians inAfghanistan

BRENDA(sings)

Wheel of Fortune, Sally Ride,heavy metal, suicideForeign debts, homeless Vets,AIDS, Crack, Bernie Goetz

EDDIE(sings)

Hypodermics on the shores, China'sunder martial lawRock and Roller cola wars, I can'ttake it anymore

BILLY(w/ ALL)


Fire works end the night with the groups dancing under thenight sky. FADE

FADE OUT.

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