Nothing But The Truth by Jamie Nicholas

Based on the novel by Avi.

Draft 2 Los Angeles, CA

INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY An oversized American flag hangs on the wall next to the basketball scoreboard and gymnastics awards for Harrison High. Red and brown paint adorn the walls, accenting the Indian chief mascot with a large feather head dress and the Go Reds logo. STUDENTS in matching uniforms play broom ball (basically hockey with brooms and a small plastic orange ball), while others jog around an indoor track. PHILIP MALLOY, a 14 year old runner with plenty of potential and no initiative, rounds a curve toward COACH JAMISON clutching a stop watch. Everyone else is in Philips dust. The late-forties, graying coach wears a blue jogging suit, a bit tight around the midsection, his hair buzzed short so it appears he is not balding. JAMISON Thats it, Malloy, steady breaths. BREATHING heavily, Philips scarlet cheeks pump in and out as the sweat pours from his head. He reaches Jamison. JAMISON (CONT'D) Excellent, kid, five oh nine. If only everyone on my track team were as fast as you. Philip crouches over briefly as other students jog past him. As he stretches, KEN BARCHET, 14, another athletic young man but gangly and less aware of peer pressure, approaches from the end of his mile run. KEN Please tell me youre going out for track, Phil. Philip stands on one leg, stretching the other. PHILIP Dont worry Ken, Ill be around to save your ass when you trip and fall. Ken shoves Philip, who almost falls over. (CONTINUED)

2. CONTINUED: JAMISON I better see both of you at tryouts in two weeks. Dont go injuring each other and ruin our chance for state. The boys laugh then notice ALLISON, 14 with pleasant features and a low-maintenance style, walking by. She eyes Philip, then rejoins a conversation with her nearby FRIENDS. Whos that? PHILIP

KEN Why? Your relationship with your right hand not working out? An elbow jabs Ken in the side. PHILIP Jackass. Seriously though, do you know her? Shes in my English class I think. KEN And you just noticed her? Most goes what know PHILIP of the time while Miss Narwin on and on about God knows Im nodding off and dont what the hells going on.

Philip watches her talking, Allison stealing a few glances his way. KEN Her names Allison Dorsett. Rumor is from a couple of her semi-close friends shes into runners, so you might have a shot. Philips eyebrows go up. KEN (CONT'D) Too bad youre so ugly. Ken takes off in a sprint, Philip hot on his heels. INT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY Gray cubicles fill the expanse of the third floor. A few EMPLOYEES walk around with files, coffee, or memos. (CONTINUED)

3. CONTINUED: A short bearded man, DOUG, mid fifties with broad shoulders and posture reflecting a metaphorical stick was shoved up his butt, steps out of his sunny corner office. Malloy! DOUG

BEN MALLOY, a 45 year old former athlete whose physique has seen better days, pops up from his desk and rushes down the aisle to the corner office. INT. CORNER OFFICE - DAY Doug sits in his large leather swivel chair, taking on the appearance of a thick child in need of a booster seat. Ben sits across and moves his leg rapidly up and down. DOUG The Carter deal went flat. The leg stops. BEN But, they said it was a sure thing. DOUG Well they backed out and the companys without its biggest potential account. Bagging this client ensures we stay afloat. BEN Its not my fault. What can I do?

Doug turns in his chair and maliciously chuckles. DOUG Ben, you were the man in charge, heading the pitch meetings. You brainstormed, you approved ideas, you spent the most time with them. If they didnt like us, they didnt like you. BEN Everything was gre-DOUG I dont care what it was, this is how it is. We need Carter. (CONTINUED)

4. CONTINUED: But-BEN

Doug straightens a stack of papers and avoids Bens eyes. DOUG Were done here. As Ben leaves he turns, but Doug interrupts his potential words. DOUG (CONT'D) Fix this, Ben, or youll personally lay off each of the hundred or so employees thatll go if the deal cant be repaired. Ben shuts the door. INT. MISS NARWINS CLASSROOM - DAY The tope walls have a red stripe in the center, and are covered in film posters of various adapted novels: A Tale of Two Cities, Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men, and Great Expectations. Macbeth is featured underneath a laminated card labeled: Currently Reading. Arranged in rows are wooden desk/chair combos, filled with sleepy STUDENTS and their books. MISS PEG NARWIN, 43, straight backed and more concerned about education than her own beauty, passes back a stack of tests. PEG Along with the test grade, Ive also written and circled your final winter quarter grade on the back. Come see me if you have questions or I made any mistakes. She reaches Allisons desk and places the paper into Allisons hands. ALLISON Thank you, Miss Narwin. PEG Youre welcome, Allison. Continuing past more students, Peg reaches Philip slouched in his chair and nodding off. (CONTINUED)

5. CONTINUED: Peg clears her throat, getting Philips attention. PHILIP Sounds like a nasty colds coming on, Miss Narwin, maybe you should take a sick day. A few students laugh, and when Philip looks at Allison he sees her smile. PEG Thank you for the heart felt concern for my health, Philip. His test falls onto the desk in front of him. At the very top in bright green ink is C-. To the left in deep red is written: Final Grade D. Philip crumples the test in his hands and stuffs it into his bag. INT. ATHLETIC OFFICE - DAY A broom closet carved out of the wall in the hallway between the gymnasium and field house, the crammed athletic office contains two desks, chairs for both, and unevenly arranged posters all over the walls. Jamison spins in his rotating chair, using the wheels to shift back and forth, making a consistent SQUEAK. Old college and high school photographs of a young basketball and tennis player, along with tarnished trophies and newspaper articles, litter Coach Jamisons desk as silent credentials for anyone who might question his authority. Philip sits opposite the coach. He remains straight and stiff, not blinking if he can help it. PHILIP I never heard that rule. JAMISON Its in your student handbook. Read it? PHILIP I dont think anyone has. Supressing a smile, rhe coach holds up a slip of paper lying on top of a messy stack on the desk.

(CONTINUED)

6. CONTINUED: JAMISON This grade isnt too bad. And this one. Fine. And these. You like math? PHILIP Im good with numbers. JAMISON Then theres English. a passing grade. A D isnt

Philip finally breaks eye contact and starts balling up a piece of scrap paper on the other desk. PHILIP Its Miss Narwin. She doesnt like me. I keep trying but-shes so old fashioned. Boring. Coach Jamison puts down the piece of paper. JAMISON I know shes tough, but what about asking for extra work? Bring the grade up a few points. Its no good this way. PHILIP What do you mean? Coach Jamison stands and attempts to pace, but his movements look more like an awkward sway. JAMISON As it stands now Phil-- this isnt me saying this, but the rule-- Im not even supposed to let you tryout. And Im not going to kid you, this does mess with the team. PHILIP No one told me. Ive been practicing everyday. He throws the paper wad in his hand. PHILIP (CONT'D) Its so unfair. JAMISON Maybe if you talk to her. extra credit? Do some

Philip stands and makes his way to the door. (CONTINUED)

7. CONTINUED: (2) PHILIP I think its a personal thing with her. She has it in for me. I mean, if I knew it was a rule-COACH JAMISON Yeah. One thing sports teaches: a rule is a rule. Head down and shoulders sagging, Philip begins walking away. COACH JAMISON (CONT'D) Your dad was a runner, wasnt he? PHILIP Yeah. He had to quit. His dad got sick and he couldnt finish college. COACH JAMISON Yeah. Its never easy. Life is about priorities and what comes first. In your dads case it was family; in mine it was my health and for you its education. PHILIP I know how to read and dont understand why I read boring novels and pointless papers about write. I need to write them?

Jamison laughs as he straightens out the papers on his desk. JAMISON Its not my job to understand the rules, just to enforce them. Talk to Miss Narwin, Im sure youll work something out. And with that, Philip is on his way. INT. MALLOY HOUSE- KITCHEN - NIGHT MRS. JANET MALLOY, 43, wasp-ish with a face lined with years of chores and work, washes up the dishes from dinner. Chicken wallpaper lines the kitchen walls, complimenting the many wicker baskets and chicken & egg nic-nacs around the room and adjoining living room that complete the homes simple country style. (CONTINUED)

8. CONTINUED: A painting of a chicken substituting for the stars of the American flag hangs above the fireplace mantel. Janets gloved hands rigorously SCRUB a casserole dish free of food particles. A JINGLING of keys is heard at the back door and in walks Ben Malloy. He carries a briefcase and wears a black coat soaked with rain. Janet continues to scrub. JANET Honey, did you have a chance to look at Phils grades? Ben shakes the excess water off and composes himself before acknowledging the question. What? BEN

JANET Phils grades. I left them on the counter for you. BEN Its nice to see you too. How was your day? Janet stops scrubbing for a moment but her eyes stay on the dish. Fine. Yours? JANET

Ben hangs up his coat and places his briefcase in the usual spot by the door. BEN Doesnt matter. Janet focuses on cleaning the dish again, this time with intensity. JANET Theres a plate for you in the fridge. Heat it for two minutes. Opening the refrigerator, Ben grabs a beer and the plate of Tuna Surprise, green beans, and mashed corn. JANET (CONT'D) Dont forget to look at Phils grades.

(CONTINUED)

9. CONTINUED: (2) BEN I was just about to. Where is he?

JANET On your rowing machine. Leaving the plate next to the report card, Ben grabs a couple freshly baked cookies from a plaid plate on the counter and studies Philips grades. BEN Should use that thing more myself. Ive put on some weight since we married. JANET You certainly have. Ben puts one of the cookies back. She turns on the faucet and lets the WATER RUN over the soapy dish. Then she turns to her husband. JANET (CONT'D) What do you think? BEN Im not happy about English. Me either. teacher. JANET He says its the

She takes her damp red plaid washcloth and wipes up the remaining crumbs from Bens cookie. BEN I never was one for reading much-except sports. And now papers. Janet picks up her scrub brush and attacks a particularly greasy frying pan. JANET Ben, he could flunk the course. Breaking off half of the second cookie, Ben sneaks it into a napkin and places it in his pocket. BEN Wouldnt be the end of the world. Maybe take some summer school, could be good for him. Is he going out for track? (CONTINUED)

10. CONTINUED: (3) JANET You know, I completely forgot to ask him. Probably not with that grade, schools have rules about these things. For the first time Ben consciously looks at his wife. BEN Ill straighten this out. She stops scrubbing. Ben-JANET

They are now both looking at each other for the first time. JANET (CONT'D) About a week ago he asked me if we were... getting a divorce. What? BEN

JANET Maybe he overheard us. I told him bickering happens in a marriage. That life isnt a sitcom. Ben opens the basement door off the kitchen. BEN No kidding. The real world doesnt have a laugh track. The door shuts. Janet stares the spot where he husband was just standing, another line etching its way into her face. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - BASEMENT - NIGHT Philip is in his junior high track outfit, blue and silver with a beaver mascot on the front. His BREATHING is heavy and his movements are fast. FOOTSTEPS creak down the wooden stairs, and Ben enters the unfinished basement. He watches Philip until his son stops for a break. BEN How much time are you spending on this? (CONTINUED)

11. CONTINUED: PHILIP Short sprints a few times a day like you recommended. BEN Just make sure you warm up each time. Keeps the back strong and helps with starts. PHILIP Thanks for the reminder, Dad. Ben sits down on the dusty bar bell bench across from the rowing machine. He leans forward, resting both elbows on his thighs. BEN So Phil, straight up. story with English? PHILIP I can speak it. Philip stands and begins stretching. BEN Seriously Phil. PHILIP Its just the teacher. Nobody likes her. People dont do well in her classes except for her favorites. BEN What are you reading in school? Philip gets back on the machine and begins ROWING again. Macbeth. Uh oh. PHILIP BEN Whats the

PHILIP Tell me about it. No one understands it, and I mean no one. Ben heads back to the stairs. BEN Well, reading is important.

(CONTINUED)

12. CONTINUED: (2) Thanks. PHILIP

BEN How you getting on with the track team? PHILIP I dont think Im gonna tryout. Ben is at full attention and rethinks his accent from the basement. BEN But high school track is... Why? PHILIP Just because you did it doesnt mean I have to. BEN You told me the coach asked you to be on the team. What about college? The rowing stops. PHILIP Its my choice. Philip watches his dad walk up the stairs reluctantly, then goes back to training. INT. MISS NARWINS CLASSROOM - DAY A bell RINGS and the students get up from their desks, bags in hand, as Peg stops writing notes on the dry erase board. PEG I want the vocab list defined and two interpretive questions from everyone tomorrow. Have a good day. Allison and a GIRLFRIEND are close to the door, Philip hurrying to catch up to them when-PEG (CONT'D) Philip, can I talk to you for a minute? He looks longingly at the back of Allisons head moving through the hallway then slumps over to Pegs desk. (CONTINUED)

13. CONTINUED: He notices a photograph of her and another woman in what appears to be London stuffed into her grade book. Peg sits in her chair and intertwines her fingers. PEG (CONT'D) So Philip, whats going on with you? Huh? PHILIP

PEG Your grades, Philip. Theyre less than satisfactory and from what the other teachers, its unusual. Youre actually very smart. Philip sits in a desk and smiles. PHILIP Is it that surprising? Peg doesnt respond in kind. PEG This is serious. Whats the problem? What can I do to help? Philip hesitates then shrugs and drops his guard. PHILIP I hate English. I think its pointless reading books written in weird English by dead people. But I need to up my grade to get on the track team. Coach Jamison wanted me to ask you for some extra work to boost that D. Peg SIGHS then flips pages through her teaching binder, removing the photograph from the book and placing it in a drawer. PEG I will help you, but you have to take the assignment seriously. Who knows, you might learn something. She smiles. He doesnt.

14. EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT - DAY A crowd of students with teachers monitoring the lot, stand around talking and getting onto the many school buses. Philip waves to Ken and bounces onto Bus A12. INT. BUS A12 - DAY Philip sits in one of the empty brown seats and leans on the window. ALLISON (O.S.) Can I sit here? Seeing the owner of the voice, Philip practically climbs the bus wall to make plenty of room for Allison. Awkward, they stare at a picture of two dogs mating permanently etched into the seat in front of them. ALLISON (CONT'D) You were funny in class today, Phil. (Beat) Can I call you Phil? PHILIP Yeah, everybody does. Except Miss Narwin. I thought I was going to shit a brick in class today. Macbeth is pure torture. She shrugs. ALLISON I dont know, I kinda like it. Shakespeare writes beautifully. Philip is at a loss for words and redemption for a moment then chimes in with: PHILIP Coach Jamison says I have a good shot at taking the track team to state this year. ALLISON Wow, Phil, thats awesome. Maybe Ill come to the meets to watch you.

(CONTINUED)

15. CONTINUED: Allison pulls out an organizer and starts writing a note about the track team. Philip watches her write. PHILIP You have pretty handwriting. She looks up smiling at him. EXT. MALLOY HOUSE - DAY The two-story, brick home has a large front yard with several trees and bushes sporadically placed throughout the lawn-- Bens attempt at landscaping. A ragged and dirty American flag hangs from a pole near the garage, but is overshadowed by the much larger Cubs flag next to it. Ben works in the front yard tending the pile of new mulch just delivered for spring. A husky man with a beard, beady eyes, and posture that suggests overconfidence approaches: TED GRIFFIN, 49. TED Good afternoon, Ben, hows the gardening coming along? Ben rests on his shovel. Slow, Ted. boys? BEN How are Carol and the He grins back.

TED Out of control, as usual. (Beat) The boys are angels. Ted laughs a bit louder at his joke while Ben chuckles. Ted shifts his feet and puts his hands in his pocket. TED (CONT'D) So hows your boy? Entered high school this year, didnt he? BEN Yeah, hes adjusting fine though. Ben shovels a large bunch of mulch from his barrel onto the garden and spreads it out. (CONTINUED)

16. CONTINUED: TED Im thinkin I might run for school board, try and get involved in the community more. We need to make some changes around here. Yeah. BEN

Philip walks up to the two men on his way into the house. TED Hi Phil, how are ya? PHILIP Hey Mr. Griffin, Im good. TED I found my paper in the potted geranium at the end of the porch. Your aim is getting sloppy. PHILIP Im a runner, not a pitcher. Ben and Ted both laugh as Phil reaches the front door. TED Youll be top of your class you smart ass. Phil waves and disappears into the house. his attention to Ben. Anyway Ben-Ben stops his work. TED (CONT'D) I better head home. You wouldnt believe what my coming home late does to Carol. Youd think I killed her mother. He leans in. TED (CONT'D) Though that wouldnt be a bad idea. He begins to leave. TED (CONT'D) Ted redirects

(CONTINUED)

17. CONTINUED: (2) TED (CONT'D) Ill be speaking about election reform at the Lutheran church in two weeks, and the community center after that. Feel free to come. BEN Okay Ted, take it easy. Ben watches him walk away for a moment, then rips out a weed poking through the newly laid mulch. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT The family sits around a brand new antique wooden table, finishing up dinner. Janet dabs her lips with a napkin, folds it neatly, and places it next to her plate. The other two eat their food, faces down. JANET What did Ted want earlier? Ben crumples his napkin and tosses it onto his plate. Janets eyes casually move from Ben to this new mess. BEN Not sure really, something about him running for school board. Do people actually campaign for things like that? JANET They campaign for third grade class president-- so much ceremony for something so trivial. BEN You said it, hon. She stands and clears the serving dishes. Philip downs his milk, tosses his napkin to the side and gets up. JANET Is there anything you wanted to talk about, Philip? He is almost out of the room.

(CONTINUED)

18. CONTINUED: PHILIP Nope, got lots of homework to do. Hes gone. Janet and Ben look at one another. over to her husband and pushes him. JANET Go on up and talk to him. BEN But it sounds like hes busy. She turns her back to her husband. Ben. JANET She walks

He exits. Janet observes the crumpled up napkin on what was formerly Bens dinner plate, picks it up and stares at it for a moment. Then its thrown into the trash. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - PHILIPS ROOM - NIGHT Philip has his books spread all over his bed as he writes notes in a notebook. Theres a meek KNOCK at the door. Phil? BEN (O.S.)

Philip tosses his notes aside and falls back onto his pillows. Yeah? Its me. PHILIP BEN

PHILIP Who else would it be? Can I come in? Philip shakes his head. PHILIP I dont know, can you? Phil. BEN (CONTINUED) BEN

19. CONTINUED: Ben enters the room. Sure, come in. PHILIP

Ben sits on Philips desk chair. BEN Your mom is under the impression something is bugging you and has sent to me to find out what it is. Philip just stares. BEN (CONT'D) So, is anything bugging you? No. PHILIP

BEN Okay then. That wasnt so hard. Have you thought more about track? Philip picks up his notebook, trying to look busy. PHILIP Not really, Dad, I have a lot going on right now. BEN I just dont unders-PHILIP Ill think about. Im just not sure Im good enough. Ben stands. Not good? trophies. BEN Phil, look at these

He gestures to the many golden runner statues on a few shelves around the room, as well as a few ribbons and junior high team pictures. BEN (CONT'D) I had to give up running-- there was no choice for me. Youre blowing it, son. PHILIP Dad, come on, Ill probably tryout, so its not a big deal. (MORE)

(CONTINUED)

20. CONTINUED: (2) PHILIP (CONT'D) Right now I have homework to worry about.

Ben leaves, shutting the door behind him. Philip taps his pen a few times, then begins writing more. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY The feet on the chicken clock read 6:15. Bounding FOOTSTEPS enter, bringing a frazzled and uncombed Philip into the room. Janet, wearing a tan UPS uniform, fixes eggs and sausage, as four pieces of toast pop up from the toaster. Philip grabs two, bites off half, then dives into the refrigerator for a bottle of juice. JANET Breakfastll be done in a minute. Im driving you today. PHILIP I dont have time for breakfast, I was going to catch the bus. JANET Since when are you in a hurry to catch the bus? Philip turns red as he stuffs his books in his bag. PHILIP Theres this girl... The sausage begins HISSING loudly, forcing Janets attention on the burning meat. Philip checks the clock that says 6:18. PHILIP (CONT'D) Mom, I really have to go. Bye. He runs over, kisses her on the cheek, and uses a plastic fork to take one of the sausages. Janet yells after him. JANET What girl? Were not done talking about this!

21. INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY Philip, Ken, and a few other BOYS are sitting at a table, eating lunch. The others have pizza, french fries, and cheeseburgers, while Ken and Philip eat pasta and fruit. KEN Have you grown the balls to talk to Allison yet? PHILIP Yeah, and theyre bigger than yours. Christy White still doesnt know you exist. KEN Talking to her in your dreams doesnt count. Hey Phil. ALLISON (O.S.)

Everyone at the table looks up from their conversations. Hey Allison. PHILIP

She continues walking past the table with a few of her FRIENDS and smiles. ALLISON Save me a seat on the bus. Shes gone. KEN Youve made your point, Phil. TOM NELLS, 15, a sophomore football player who hides his homosexuality by acting overly masculine, approaches. TOM A few guys are heading out to the field for some frisbee. Any of you interested? They start grabbing their trash in agreement, but Philip pulls out his cell phone. PHILIP Shit. I gotta do extra work for Narwin. What for? TOM (CONTINUED)

22. CONTINUED: PHILIP I got a D in her class. TOM Bummer. But shes cool enough, shell help you out. And he heads off with the other guys. KEN See you later, Romeo. Ken jabs Philip, dashing off before Philip can retaliate. INT. FACULTY LOUNGE - DAY A large tope room with vending machines and plastic tables and chairs. One shabby couch sits against a wall. Peg sits across from Jamison and MR. LUNSER, 51 and welldressed to make up for his cynicism. Peg eats tuna salad, yogurt, and an apple with iced tea, while Jamison has a sub sandwich and Lunser enjoys gyros from the cafeteria. MR. LUNSER I dont think gyros are supposed to resemble beef jerky. He takes a bite and chews as if he were eating an old piece of gum. Mmmmm... MR. LUNSER (CONT'D)

JAMISON Youre a braver man than I, Mike. Peg looks up, spoon midway. PEG Me, Robert, braver man than me. JAMISON Sorry Peg, I should know better. He winks at her and she responds with a smile. So Peg-MR. LUNSER

Lunser chews through his words. (CONTINUED)

23. CONTINUED: MR. LUNSER (CONT'D) Are you diving into the early retirement fund like old Bill in the science department. Your number is coming up fast. PEG Not at all, though lately it has been tempting. JAMISON Kids getting out of hand? Peg scoops up the last of her yogurt as she speaks. PEG There just arent that many students who have the enthusiasm for Shakespeare and Keets. Lunser leans into Jamison. MR. LUNSER There arent many with enthusiasm for Shakespeare and Keets. PEG Maybe Im losing touch with them. Lunser gestures with his fork for emphasis. MR. LUNSER Im telling you: early retirement. PEG No, no, I cant simply give up on them because Im frustrated. I did apply for funding to take a teaching improvement seminar to update my methods, but Gert turned me down. Jamison shakes his head. JAMISON Of course she did. We barely have money for toilet paper let alone paying for teachers to take classes. This budget problem is getting out of hand. MR. LUNSER And the new budget proposal wont be enough. (CONTINUED)

24. CONTINUED: (2) JAMISON Nobody in this town wants to pay more to better their kids education. Cant say I blame them, what with the economy the way it is and inflation and taxes and what not. Peg gets up to throw away her garbage while Mr. Lunser grabs a cup of coffee to wash down the gyros. PEG Well as long as they want me, Ill be here. MR. LUNSER Its not a question of want, its a question of need. Right, Jamison? Jamison salutes with a diet Pepsi. MR. LUNSER (CONT'D) Well see what happens to art and sports after this budget has its way. Ill say it again Peg: early retirement. Peg begins to leave, shaking her head. JAMISON Despite my better judgment, I agree with Mike on this one. They want to make room for young teachers who will work for less. Dont be surprised if your buddy Gert mentions extended vacations or unused sick days. Just then, DR. GERTRUDE DOANE, a 38 year old health nut and former ambitious teacher, enters the lounge. GERTRUDE Hello everybody. Peg, are the classes going well since we last spoke? PEG Just fine, thanks. Peg walks out rather fast. Gertrude grabs a soda from the vending machine while Lunser and Jamison eat their lunches in silence.

(CONTINUED)

25. CONTINUED: (3) GERTRUDE See you two at the faculty meeting later. She leaves. Lunser saws his food, causing the table to shake, then smothers the gyros in sauce and shoves a forkful into his mouth. Jamison stares. Want some? MR. LUNSER

INT. SCHOOL LIBRARY - DAY STUDENTS work at tables and on computers, the LIBRARIAN SHUSHING a few loud girls, who promptly giggle after she walks away. Philip sits behind bookshelves, alone, his work spread all over the surface in front of him. Bent over a sheet of paper, he answers questions about the literature. Allison skims the shelves, apparently looking for something, and spots Philip through the reference section. As she walks up to the table, he notices her shadow and turns around. PHILIP Hey Allison, have a seat. She does so while observing the paperwork on the table. ALLISON Didnt we finish Call of the Wild last term? PHILIP Yeah... well, Im trying to earn some extra credit for Narwin. Get my grade up. ALLISON Im glad shes helping you. Shes really nice. Philip shuts a book. So I hear. Not a fan? PHILIP ALLISON

(CONTINUED)

26. CONTINUED: PHILIP Shes so boring, and I swear she hates me. She never laughs at my jokes. Allison laughs. ALLISON Thats cause most of them arent that funny. Philip tries to offer a retort, but it is in vain. PHILIP You have a point. But still, she keeps favoring everyone over me. ALLISON I have noticed that. PHILIP Thats cause youre a straight A student. Allison folds her arms and begins shifting away. ALLISON At least shes allowing you to boost your grade. PHILIP If it werent for her I wouldnt need to boost it. A tense silence passes between them. PHILIP (CONT'D) Do you want to have lunch with me tomorrow? Her arms relax. ALLISON Are you buying? PHILIP Well see how the first lunch goes, then maybe I will. ALLISON Ill see you on the bus, Phil. She begins to leave then changes her mind.

(CONTINUED)

27. CONTINUED: (2) ALLISON (CONT'D) Phil, will you go to the movies with me this Friday? Like... on a-Date. them. Right. PHILIP ALLISON Youve heard of

PHILIP Yeah, Id love to. Well, I mean, not love... but... ALLISON I know what you mean, I am a straight A student after all. Philip clears his throat and puffs his chest. PHILIP Ill meet you there at six, and we can go to the Diner after. See you later. ALLISON

He watches her leave and likes what he sees. INT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY Ben works hunched over his desk, trying to draw out plans for what appears to be a hotel. Doug shuffles up behind him, wearing a ridiculous Looney Toons tie. DOUG Malloy, whats the progress on the Carter deal? Ben jumps and makes a mark on the plans. BEN No word yet, Mikes on it. DOUG I said I wanted you to take care of it.

(CONTINUED)

28. CONTINUED: BEN And I am, but I needed to get the Havord plans done, so Mike is making some calls and arranging a meeting. Doug peers through Ben and grips the cubicle wall. DOUG Just remember, Im holding you accountable. He walks away in a huff. Sir, yes, sir. He salutes. INT. CLASSROOM - DAY Peg collects work from her students in Philips class. PEG No homework this weekend, but next week expect to dive into Macbeths inner struggles and downfall with new fervor. See you all Monday. The bell RINGS and everyone scrambles for the door, chatting, a few wishing a nice weekend to Miss Narwin. Philip, bag in hand, is about the leave when-PEG (CONT'D) Philip, can I speak to you for a minute? He halts and drags himself back into the room. PEG (CONT'D) I promise I wont keep you from Allison for very long. Eyes wide, Philip cant speak. PEG (CONT'D) You two need to work on your stealth tactics for passing notes. Her smile fades. BEN

(CONTINUED)

29. CONTINUED: PEG (CONT'D) Just keep the flirtation down to a minimum. She opens her binder and sifts through papers as Philip once again tries to exit. PEG (CONT'D) Hang on, Philip, that wasnt why I called you back. He gracefully turns on his heel. PEG (CONT'D) Those questions I gave you about Call of the Wild,... your answers were wonderful, thorough and original. Great job. She hands him the graded work. Thanks. PHILIP

PEG Youre well on your way to raising that D to a C, maybe even a B-. Philip smiles. PEG (CONT'D) All thats left is the five page paper with two sources. Id like it by next Wednesday, just in time for the track tryouts on Friday. PHILIP Ill have it for you Monday. Peg stands up straight and smiles. PEG Well all right, Monday it is. looking forward to it. Im

Philip walks over to a nearby desk, rests his bag on the top, and puts the paper inside. PEG (CONT'D) If you dont mind my asking, why track? Leaning on the desk, Philip pauses.

(CONTINUED)

30. CONTINUED: (2) PHILIP I guess I was just built to do it. Its like I have no choice-- I run because I can. Peg nods her head in acknowledgment. PHILIP (CONT'D) Besides, its a great way to chase down girls. He races out of the room, missing the exasperated look on his teachers face. EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - BUS STOP - DAY A yellow bus pulls up to a street corner, its red lights and stop signs flashing. YELLING STUDENTS can be heard coming from inside. The door opens. Philip, two GIRLS, and three sophomore BOYS exit from the bus. Allison sticks her head out the window. ALLISON See you at six, Malloy. be late. And dont

PHILIP You used to be so sweet, what happened? ALLISON Guess youre starting to rub off on me, but my jokes are still funnier. The bus pulls away. What? six! She waves. PHILIP Cant hear you? See you at

He turns to the guys. PHILIP (CONT'D) See you guys Monday.

Philip races across the street and down the sidewalk, breathing steadily and clearly-- he knows what to do. (CONTINUED)

31. CONTINUED: He arrives at his home and goes around the back. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY He bursts into the house, nearly knocking his mom over. Whoa! JANET Hey Philip, wait a minute!

Philip continues to run through the kitchen. PHILIP Cant Mom, gotta workout. He exits the room, and his FOOTSTEPS race up the stairs. Janet listens, then hears the same FOOTSTEPS descend them. Philips head pops in. PHILIP (CONT'D) I gotta get ready for the movies tonight. Whos going? JANET

PHILIP My friend Allison, shes in my English class. JANET Is she the girl who rides the bus. Philip stops scrambling for nice clothes. Yeah. PHILIP

JANET And is this a date? PHILIP Mom, were too young to date. Philip. JANET

PHILIP Okay its sort of a date but not really. I mean, our parents have to drive us there so its not like its super romantic or anything.

(CONTINUED)

32. CONTINUED: JANET I dont about this. this girls-Allison. PHILIP Do we know

JANET Do we know Allisons parents? PHILIP Shes a straight a student, Mom and shes in a bunch of clubs and stuff. I think she goes to church too. Janet straightens Philips comforter and sits down. JANET Who else is going? PHILIP Dunno, a bunch of other people. Who can keep track? JANET What are you going to see? PHILIP Whatever we can sneak into. Janet grips the cloth. Philip! JANET

PHILIP Im kidding! Well probably see that film with the cartoon rabbit and eagle who become best friends. Now can I go? JANET Fine. Just make sure youre home by ten. PHILIP How about you make sure to pick me up by ten and then well both be happy? JANET Philip-- go workout. Janet goes to the refrigerator and grabs food for dinner.

33. I/E. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT Janet pulls up with Philip in her minivan. JANET So what homework am I helping you avoid right now? PHILIP Mom, its the weekend. Ill see you at ten. Well over at the Diner. He jumps out of the car, and Janet watches him rush over to a pretty girl, Allison, waiting inside. INT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT Allison stands smiling, looking stylish in a skirt, short heels, and matching bag. A little more makeup and hairspray have matured her. Philip looks nice as well, his hair gelled and sporting a button down shirt. He tries walking casually over to her, rather than going with his initial instinct of sprinting. ALLISON I cant wait till we can drive. PHILIP Then Ill be picking you up in a minivan. They walk over to the counter, where a slightly older GIRL, confident with the knowledge she works and can drive, wears a uniform and sells tickets. GIRL Can I help you? Allison digs through her giant bag for a wallet. One for-ALLISON

Philip intervenes with a twenty. PHILIP Two students for Raceway. He takes charge and confidently receives his change while Allison stands off to the side. (CONTINUED)

34. CONTINUED: The girl nonchalantly hands over the tickets. GIRL Theater twelve to the left. the show. Enjoy

The couple meanders over to the concession stand, waving to another group of TEENAGERS from school. Ken is with them and makes eye contact with Philip, who plays it cool. Allisons attention is caught by a nearby poster, her distraction prompting a sexual gesture from Ken to Philip. The group disappears into a theater. PHILIP Want any popcorn? Allison moves in very close to Philip and whispers. ALLISON No thanks-- I brought supplies. INT. THEATER 12 - NIGHT Philip and Allison settle into their seats, while OTHERS do the same. Opening her bag, she pulls out numerous snacks: two cans of soda, Twizzlers, Raisinets, chips, and beef jerky. PHILIP So you do occasionally break the rules. She shrugs. ALLISON Im quite the bad ass. She places a napkin in Philips lap. ALLISON (CONT'D) Im strictly a candy and pop girl. They can smell the popcorn as soon as I get in the door. PHILIP You should try it with Chinese food. What?! ALLISON

(CONTINUED)

35. CONTINUED: She bites off a piece of jerky. PHILIP My friend Ken and I are trying to see how much food we can sneak into a theater before getting caught. The fourteen inch pizza is going to be a challenge. He grabs a handful of Raisinets and smiles at Allison as he moves his eyebrows up and down mischievously. ALLISON What if you get caught? PHILIP Then we get kicked out. The seats are better at the theater across town anyway. She offers him a piece of jerky. ALLISON This is about as rebellious as Im gonna get-- its cheaper here. PHILIP Then if I get banned from this place well have to stop dating. The lights dim as the screen comes to life. Fair enough. ALLISON

INT. MALLOY HOUSE - PHILIPS ROOM - MORNING Though dark, a Philip shaped lump can be distinguished among the sheets and comforter on his bed. A faint amount of light squeezes through the blinds, indicating the morning is almost gone. A cell phone RINGS. An arm moves around to find the glowing object on the bedside table. What? PHILIP

KEN (O.S.) Why the hell arent you up? almost eleven.

Its

(CONTINUED)

36. CONTINUED: PHILIP I was up at four for the paper route, genius. Oh, right. KEN (O.S.)

Philip turns over and slightly sits up. KEN (O.S.) (CONT'D) Are we working out today, or do you need to rest after your date with Allison? I heard shes a wild one. He purrs and Philip is now awake. From who? PHILIP

KEN (O.S.) No one, I made it up. Lets go running at two. My dads forcing me to do yard work since I accidentally shoved the cat off the second floor railing. Way to go. park. PHILIP Ill meet you at the

They hang up and Philip rubs his eyes, climbing out of bed wearing only boxers and bedhead. He walks over to the blinds, opens them, then decides he prefers the darkness. Something he steps on CRACKLES. Looking down, Philip notices the almost empty bag of beef jerky. He eats the last piece, flattens the crumpled bag, smiles, and slides it into a drawer. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY Cereal hits the ceramic bowl with a TING, and Philip starts CRUNCHING on his brunch. Ben enters from the garage, sweaty and wearing a T-shirt and jeans. He looks very different and comfortable not stuffed into his work attire. BEN Route go okay this morning?

(CONTINUED)

37. CONTINUED: PHILIP I almost broke a window. Whose? The Dillons. BEN PHILIP

Ben drinks a bottle of water from the fridge. BEN I wouldnt worry about it. vote Democrat. They

He finishes the water and tosses the bottle into the garbage can. BEN (CONT'D) They could afford to lose a window. Janet enters with a stack of catalogs which she plops onto the kitchen table, and begins preparing tea. Who could? The Dillons. JANET BEN

JANET Goofy liberals. Ben shakes his head and exits into the garage again. Janet sits down at the table while the water sits on the stove, waiting to boil. JANET (CONT'D) Whats your homework this weekend, Phil? PHILIP I just have to write some stuff about Call of the Wild for English. And then a page of algebra. JANET I remember writing a paper on that book when I was in college. The professor loved it so much she used it as an example for future classes. (CONTINUED)

38. CONTINUED: (2) She flips a page in the spring Pottery Barn issue. JANET (CONT'D) (to herself) I think its in the back hall closet in one of the many boxes. She remembers she is having a conversation with Philip. JANET (CONT'D) If you need help, just ask. I could dig out that paper and we could talk about it. PHILIP Yeah, sure, Mom. Its a hard assignment; that might help. Finished with the cereal, Philip rinses his bowl and puts it in the dishwasher. JANET Where are you off to? PHILIP Ken and I are running this afternoon, so Ive gotta stretch and get some rowing in. JANET Dont forget we have that church ice cream social tonight and were visiting Grandma tomorrow afternoon. PHILIP That place smells like diapers and cafeteria food. Philip grabs a water and leaves. The tea pot WHISTLES and Janet goes to turn the stove off. EXT. STREET - DAY Similar houses with neat yards, wooden fences, and sprinklers moving back and forth sit along the street. Almost every yard has some kind of lab or retriever sitting in the lawn or playing. A couple kids have a lemonade stand where Ken and Philip stop, each paying a quarter for a small plastic cup.

(CONTINUED)

39. CONTINUED: They down the beverage and continue running, passing Girl Scouts selling their cookies, an Avon lady exiting her car, and another stand selling water and juice for .21 cents. Philip runs through the neighborhood with Ken, both wearing matching junior high track uniforms. Ken PANTS hard,while Philip slides ahead with steady breaths. Not thrilled with being last (or second), Ken starts to pull Philip back, getting a punch on the hand for a response. KEN Better not do that at meets. Someone might sue. Philip keeps his concentration, as if in a trance. Well see. PHILIP

KEN Itll be great starting up again, Im so outta shape. I know. PHILIP

Suddenly Philip sprints ahead and leaves Ken struggling to catch up. When he finally does, he begins to speak again but Philip stops him and they run in silence. Philip begins to concentrate more and more, ignoring the lagging Ken, and pushing forward. The world behind him disappears, grows dark, then becomes something different. FANTASY SEQUENCE EXT. OLYMPIC STADIUM - DAY Philip is now running with athletes from around the world and he is ahead of them all. His uniform indicates he plays for the U.S. Despite the reality that his body is nowhere near the strength it should be for an Olympic runner, Philip still holds the lead. When he sees the finish line, his BREATHING becomes fast, his feet quickening with every step. The man from France is about to pass him, but then Philip crosses the finish just in time. (CONTINUED)

40. CONTINUED: The stadium ROARS, and a good section of the audience becomes a giant American flag. Everyone else waves small plastic flags frantically. One WOMAN moves hers so hard it cracks off. In a full U.S. sweat-suit, Philip steps onto the podium, bows his head, and receives his gold medal with a smile and tears lingering near the corners of his eyes. Philip sees his parents, Ken, and Allison all waving and crying. He looks to the sky as fireworks POP away. END SEQUENCE A car horn HONKS. Philip stops himself from running into the vehicle, but then trips on his shoelaces. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT The family emerges from the garage, turning the kitchen light on as they enter. PHILIP I cant believe Grams made us stay for all of 20/20 and Murder She Wrote. BEN I cant believe how competitive senior citizen bingo is. I couldve sworn Mr. Spencer was reaching over to take one of my boards. Janet hangs up their coats. Ben... JANET

He opens the refrigerator and pulls out a container of unidentifiable leftovers. BEN They think because theyre old everybody else should go easy on them, respect their elders and what not-He eats a forkful of food.

(CONTINUED)

41. CONTINUED: BEN (CONT'D) But I dont care who Im dealing with, normal adult, eighty year old man, and a kid, the game stays even. Janet grabs the half eaten leftovers and packs them away. Philip has a banana in his hand and about ready to disappear upstairs. PHILIP Dad, you gotta let it go. JANET Hang on, Phil. Do you still need that Call of the Wild paper? I left it on my dresser. PHILIP Yeah, sure, Ill take a look at it. She turns to face him. JANET You did at least start the assignment? PHILIP Come on, Mom, Im not an idiot. Ben rifles through his briefcase, only partially paying attention to the conversation. BEN Thats right, Phil, you take after your old man. (to himself) Damnit, I forgot to work out the estimates for the Briggs deal. He disappears into the other room. PHILIP Mom, really, its cool. I just wanted to use the paper as a reference. He slowly walks up to her, suddenly gripping Janet with an overdramatic hug. JANET Go upstairs you little brat.

42. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - PHILIPS ROOM - NIGHT Holding the paper, Philip sits down at his computer. He looks at a digital clock near his bed that reads 10:07. On the screen, a cursor blinks on a blank white page after the title Call of the Wild: Long Distance Collect. Sitting there, the paper looks enticing with a large red A+ circled on the front. Philip looks around the room, locks his door, tosses his book aside, and begins typing his moms paper word for word. INT. CLASSROOM - DAY As Miss Narwin straightens the desks, Philip knocks and enters. PEG Good morning, Philip. Morning. you. PHILIP I have the paper for

PEG Put it on my desk and Ill grade it over lunch. And tell Coach Jamison that Im raising your grade. Thanks. PHILIP

He places the paper carefully on the paper, his eyes lingering on it for a moment, then disappears. INT. HALLWAY - LATER THAT DAY Allison and Philip walk together through groups of students, not quite holding hands but still very close. They are deep in conversation. PHILIP Then college, then the Olympics... Not realizing they were near Miss Narwins classroom, both Philip and Allison jump when Peg steps in front of them. (CONTINUED)

43. CONTINUED: PEG Im sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I need to see Philip immediately. ALLISON Is everything all right? PHILIP Sure it is. Meet me at my locker after school. Allison leaves and they both watch her. INT. CLASSROOM - DAY As soon as she settles into her desk and Philip pulls up a chair, Peg pulls the paper out of her trusty binder. PEG You didnt right this paper. What are you-PHILIP

PEG Philip, please. This hard enough as it is without your arguments. This paper is plagarized. He glares at her for a minute, then exhales. Yeah. PHILIP My mom wrote it in college.

PEG Please give her my compliments. The two of them sit in silence, Peg stiff and straight, Philip slouched more and more. Finally Peg falls back into her chair. PEG (CONT'D) I dont understand. I gave you another opportunity... PHILIP This weekend was crazy. I had training, and church stuff, and I visited my dying Grandma. PEG Philip, you know how I feel about excuses. (CONTINUED)

44. CONTINUED: He kicks the leg of his chair. PEG (CONT'D) Unfortunately, youve left me with no other alternative: your grade will stay the same. Philip begins to protest. PEG (CONT'D) On account of the illegal paper you just turned in, I could change it to an F and have you suspended. This leaves Philip speechless. PEG (CONT'D) Since it was only extra work it wont hurt you in anyway, but you didnt earn a higher grade. Fine. PHILIP

He gets up and starts to storm out. Philip-He stops and turns. PEG (CONT'D) Im disappointed I couldnt help you. He shuts the door behind him. INT. BUS A12 - DAY Still stewing over his encounter with Miss Narwin, Philip leans against the window, arms crossed, and glaring at the seat in front of him-- if looks could kill... Allison stands near his seat. ALLISON I waited fifteen minutes before I figured out youd left. She sits and leans in with a smirk. ALLISON (CONT'D) Is it another woman? (CONTINUED) PEG

45. CONTINUED: Noticing Philip barely even blinks at any of this, she turns away and picks at an open hole in the seat. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY Janet scrubs out a stain only visible to her in the carpet when she jumps at the loud, harsh entrance of her son from school. The back door SLAMS. In the other room is heard some banging and tossing of items, the refrigerator opening, glass jars being rifled through, and the same fridge door shutting rather hard. STOMPING feet announce the entrance and quick exit of her son up the stairs. Philip? His bedroom doors SLAMS. JANET (CONT'D) Philip, are you okay? INT. MALLOY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT Janet and Ben eat dinner without their son. BEN And every time Doug asks me to do anything, he always ends it with You better not screw this one up, Malloy. Janet arranges the food on her plate. JANET You should say something. BEN And then quickly join the unemployment line. Their forks SCRAPE against the plates. Phil sick? BEN (CONT'D) JANET

(CONTINUED)

46. CONTINUED: JANET Who knows. He came stomping into the house this afternoon, but wouldnt talk to me. He went out with a girl Friday night, maybe its that. Ben shoves in a mouthful. BEN A girl? Thats my boy. we know about her. What do

JANET Nothing. He wouldnt say and I didnt press it. I dont want to push him away during the most sensitive years of his life. Ben nods his head and scrapes up the rest of his casserole. BEN If it is a girl, its probably best we stay out of it. He sips some water. BEN (CONT'D) I should probably give him the talk one of these days. Janet nods while cutting string beans. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Ben and Janet, along with some neighbors including Ted Griffin and his WIFE, play cards around the coffee table while having cocktails. MR. and MRS. SHARP, a couple whose noses and eyes for gossip match their name, take turns telling the same story. MRS. SHARP Rory Dillon was let go from his job. JANET What did he do again?

(CONTINUED)

47. CONTINUED: MR. SHARP Lawyer. And I saw a realtor appraising the place while I was watering my roses. BEN What do you put on those? massive. Mr. Sharp taps his beak. MR. SHARP A fertilizer with a few secret ingredients. They laugh at the covert way Mr. Sharp approaches his own joke, then continue their game. I need three. TED Theyre

Ben deals three and takes the discarded ones out of the way. TED (CONT'D) Dillons opposing me in the school board elections, in favor of the ridiculous budget, computers in every classroom, and changing the school schedule. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp shake their heads while Ben and Janet remain neutral and engrossed in the cards. MRS. SHARP His wifes term is up this year, and they want to make sure someone is around representing the radical side to things. She lays down four and takes four more. MRS. SHARP (CONT'D) I have no luck at all in these games. And Kelly tells me their eldest was suspended last week for cheating or something like that. JANET Really? I dont know what Id do if Phil got in trouble like that. MRS. SHARP I doubt youll have to worry about that, Jan. (MORE)

(CONTINUED)

48. CONTINUED: (2) MRS. SHARP (CONT'D) Phils a good boy, and you both have the right sense of values for raising a child.

Ted tosses in a few chips. The men follow his lead, while the women analyze their cards more. Elsie Griffin, 41, pretty, and too good of a listener, puts down her cards. I fold. ELSIE

TED Youve folded every round, honey. ELSIE Every hand was bad. TED Thats why theres a thing called bluffing. Ill raise you five. He tosses in another chip. ELSIE But thats why you play: to win our money back. BEN Hows the campaign going, Ted? TED Fine, fine. Im speaking at the Catholic church tomorrow night and would your support. MR. SHARP Are you for or against the proposals? TED There are too many changes happening at once, and I want to see it slowed down, eased into, and for taxpayers not to have to give their left arm for education taxes. We pay enough as it is. The women lay down their cards. Fold. JANET

(CONTINUED)

49. CONTINUED: (3) MRS. SHARP If only I were as good at cards as I am talking. Its between the men now, and they each lay their hands down. Ted is the winner and gathers his chips. TED We should do this more often. INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY Ken and Philip have lunch with friends. Philip hardly eats his, and ignores the looks he gets from Allison sitting across the room from him. KEN What do you mean youre not trying out? PHILIP We both speak the same language last time I checked so you decipher my meaning. Ken stares at Philip, mouth open. PHILIP (CONT'D) Narwin said she wasnt gonna raise my grade, therefore... I cant tryout. KEN But shes usually so nice, what did you do? Philip pauses briefly and stutters before answering. PHILIP Nothing, I told you she hates me, Ive been saying it all year. Shes got her revenge. KEN That doesnt seem like Miss Narwin. PHILIP What, now Im a liar? KEN I didnt say that Phil.

(CONTINUED)

50. CONTINUED: PHILIP Fine, thanks for the confidence. Ill be seeing you. He gets up from the table forcefully, slamming his lunch into a nearby garbage can and walking past Allison without a word. INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY During lunch, JOCKS meet in the gym to play basketball. Coach Jamison monitors the activity carefully while reading the newspapers and drinking diet soda. He and Philip are talking. JAMISON Whats done is done, Phil. shoulda read the handbook. You

PHILIP But I tried and she still wont change my grade. Shes out to get me. JAMISON Thats not the way I heard it. Philip stops his outbursts and allows Jamison to continue. JAMISON (CONT'D) The details are a little... fuzzy and they are only rumors, of course. He peers at Philip. JAMISON (CONT'D) I dont know, something about cheating or plagarism, one or the other. Anyway, Im not sure I even want someone with that kind of dishonesty on my team. PHILIP She talked to you, didnt she? No, Phil-JAMISON

PHILIP Shes the only one who knows.

(CONTINUED)

51. CONTINUED: JAMISON I approached her and got her to tell my why I couldnt find your athletic application in my pile. PHILIP Great. Awesome. Everyone in this school knows my problems and I cant even run away from them. Now Phil... JAMISON

But hes already on his way out of the gym. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY Philip enters and Janet stops him with a letter from huffing upstairs. JANET This came for you. Thanks. PHILIP

Philip opens the envelope and reads the letter. Fuck. PHILIP (CONT'D)

JANET Philip Christopher Malloy! PHILIP But Mom, they put me in Narwins homeroom starting Monday. Who? JANET

PHILIP Miss Narwin, the English teacher that hates me. Janet goes back to her onion chopping. JANET Now Phil, no one hates you, its impossible. Whatever Mom. PHILIP

(CONTINUED)

52. CONTINUED: Philip leaves Janet dumbstruck at the quick departure of her son. TITLE CARD: Monday EXT. ENTRANCE TO HARRISON HIGH - DAY Philip and Ken walk off the bus, Allison ahead with some friends. KEN I have her for homeroom too. its her fault then? So

PHILIP Narwins just playing to her favorites. She never laughs at my jokes. KEN Most of them arent funny. He shoves Ken. PHILIP Shut the hell up. KEN Are you gonna take it to the principal? PHILIP Maybe. Ive got a secret plan. What is it? KEN

PHILIP Youre getting a B in English and you dont know what secret means? KEN And when will you be revealing this brilliant secret plan? Philip leans in. PHILIP Thursday at seven fifty three a.m. Ken stares at Philip who keeps walking. head. He shakes his

(CONTINUED)

53. CONTINUED: TITLE CARD: Thursday

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY The morning bell RINGS and a few stragglers rush into their homerooms. Gertrudes voice echoes over the intercom. GERTRUDE (V.O.) Good morning to all students, faculty, and staff. Today is Thursday, March 29. The hallway is lined with blue lockers, many with added artwork from former and current students. A fair amount of paper is dispersed along the floor. GERTRUDE (V.O.) Today in history: in the year 1790 our tenth president, John Tyler, was born. INT. FACULTY LOUNGE - DAY Mr. Lunser pours himself a cup of coffee into a Styrofoam cup. MR. LUNSER (to himself) Ah yes, the man responsible for Texas. He takes a long sip of his black coffee. EXT. HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL - DAY Greens surround the entrance, and a flag pole is at the center in front of the entrance. The JANITOR tries raising the flag, but it is stuck. GERTRUDE (V.O.) In 1918 singer Pearl Bailey was born. She loosens the flag and it rises. GERTRUDE (V.O.) And today in 1954 Karen Ann Quinlan was born.

54. INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY STUDENTS in their uniforms chat and casually line up in their proper groups. The TEACHERS stand huddled next to the bleachers. GERTRUDE (V.O.) Please all rise and stand in respectful silent attention for the playing of our national anthem. The students stand slowly and nonchalantly. They all turn to the flag hanging on the wall next to the gymnastics banners and basketball score board. The teachers remain in discussion. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY The STAR SPANGLED BANNER echoes through the hallway shown earlier. Through the lyrics another muffled VOICE is heard. Approaching the door to room 110, it gets louder and obnoxious, mocking what lyrics the singer knows, and mumbling when a phrase or word isnt known. Pegs voice adds to the layers. MISS NARWIN (O.S.) Philip? Is that you? The singing continues. MISS NARWIN (CONT'D) Philip, you know youre supposed to remain silent. However, he does not stop and his voice grows louder and more flat against the intercom tune. MISS NARWIN (O.S.) (CONT'D) Philip, report to Dr. Pallenis office immediately. Leave now please. PHILIP (O.S.) And the home of the brave. The door to 110 opens and Philip enters, a slight grin coming across his face.

55. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT They sit in silence eating their chicken and mashed potatoes until Janet looks at her husband. He stabs his chicken as if it were still alive. JANET Is something wrong, Ben? Philip looks up from his food, then absorbs himself in his meal. BEN Got chewed out at work by Doug again. Some job estimate went wrong and it wasnt even anything I did. JANET I hope you stood up for yourself. He takes a large bite of potatoes, chicken, and gravy before he responds. BEN And get myself in his bad books? Janet re-murders her broccoli. JANET But honey, if you were right... BEN Janet, please. I know when to keep my mouth shut-PHILIP I got kicked out of class today. Both of Philips parents turn toward their son. PHILIP (CONT'D) This morning. I was singing the national anthem. He takes a scoop of potatoes. PHILIP (CONT'D) Got sent to the assistant principals office. Ben takes a drink. BEN I hope you stood up for yourself. (CONTINUED)

56. CONTINUED: Janet looks at her husband and slices another piece of chicken. TITLE CARD: Friday INT. MISS NARWINS CLASSROOM - DAY Philip sits in the back corner across the room from Miss Narwin. She sits at her desk, checking off the attendance sheet. GERTRUDE (V.O.) ...the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagen. Please all rise and stand at respectful, silent attention for the playing of our national anthem. Most of the students rise before Dr. Doane is able to finish her request, and they face the small plastic American flag sticking out of the wall above the chalkboard. Miss Narwin turns as well, placing her hand over her heart. VOICE (singing) Oh say can you see, by the dawns early light... Her ears perk up at the sound of a mocking male voice from the back. Philip stands with his legs spread and hands folded behind his back, chin almost pointing toward the ceiling. PHILIP (singing) What so... loudly we sail... as the highlights and gleaming... His voice pierces every note and falls more and more out of tune. MISS NARWIN Philip, is that you again? VOICE (singing) ...at the twilights last gleaming.

(CONTINUED)

57. CONTINUED: PHILIP (singing) Whose brought stripes and bright cars, to the perilous fight. Miss Narwin lines herself up with Philip through the crowd of GIGGLING students, trying to face him as directly as possible. MISS NARWIN Philip, I am talking to you. PHILIP I have the right to do it. VOICE (singing) And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air... Miss Narwin cranes to make eye contact. The what? The right. MISS NARWIN PHILIP

MISS NARWIN Stop it immediately. Your actions are thoroughly disrespectful. VOICE (singing) Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave... Philip faces Miss Narwin and meets her eyes. PHILIP Its you whos being disrespectful. The other students look wide-eyed at one another, then turn their eyes on Miss Narwin. VOICE (singing) Oer the land of the free, and the home of the brave. MISS NARWIN Philip Malloy, report to the principals office immediately. (CONTINUED)

58. CONTINUED: (2) Philip grabs his things and rushes out of the room, a strong breeze left behind him. INT. JOE PALLENIS OFFICE - DAY The windowed office has two cushioned chairs for students to sit comfortably, a fake plant in the corner near the windows, and many degrees and achievements on the walls. A Snoopy Pez dispenser sits on one of the bookshelves behind the desk, as well as a picture of Joe, his wife, and their two children. Broad vice principal JOE PALLENI, 36 but much older in real life, finishes adding a third sugar to his Charlie Brown coffee mug. JOE Wish I could say its glad to have you back, Phil. Yeah. PHILIP

Philip sits in one of the comfy chairs, his arms crossed and his body slouched over. JOE Whats happened now? Philips eyes remain on the carpeted floor. Come on Phil. JOE (CONT'D) Whats going on?

PHILIP She wont let me sing The Star Spangled Banner. Joe stirs his coffee with the opposite side of a pen. JOE I thought we agreed that when we have rules in schools, we follow them. He licks off the end of the pen. Yeah, but-PHILIP

(CONTINUED)

59. CONTINUED: JOE I had a real fist fight out there. Todd Becker and Arnie Lieber. You know them? Philip nods. JOE (CONT'D) Serious fight. Todd got it bad. Now you come in here... He takes a sip from his mug. JOE (CONT'D) Let me be straight with you. This is your second time this week. Talk about rules, youre talking suspension. Philip sits up straighter and checks to see if anyone is listening at the door. JOE (CONT'D) Phil. You get up, go back there, and apologize to Miss Narwin. Say youll follow the rules and well call it even. Not a mark on your record. PHILIP I was just singing. Joe puts down the coffee. JOE Did you hear what I said? PHILIP Its a free country. JOE Nothing is free, especially here. Joe stands and gathers a stack of papers to put on top of the filing cabinet. Philip stands as well. PHILIP But shes wrong. Get me out of her classes. JOE Phil, go sit out there for a while and think about it. If you change your mind tell Miss Brite you want to see me again. (CONTINUED)

60. CONTINUED: (2) Philip goes out and sits in the chair on the other side of the wall to Joes office. He is still visible from inside the office. JOE (CONT'D) If Miss Narwin confirms you were breaking the rules, Ill call your folks to come get you and you can start your two day suspension. Joe picks up his mug and meets Philip face to face. INT. MAIN OFFICE - DAY Philip eyes the vice principal. Sorry, Phil. JOE Rules are rules.

INT. MALLOY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT Around the table once again, this time with spaghetti and meatballs, the family eats, engaged in conversation with one another. BEN Now I want to hear the whole thing, start to finish. Just know, were on your side. We dont intend to just take it. PHILIP See, they play the Star Spangled Banner at the beginning of school... Ben takes a big bite while Janet carefully twists her pasta around slowly and neatly. BEN When I was a kid we pledged allegiance. Go on. Philip takes a drink of his water. PHILIP When-- before-- when I was in Mr. Lunsers class, he was almost asking me to sing out loud. JANET I always knew you had a good voice, sweetie. (CONTINUED)

61. CONTINUED: Ben shakes his head and digs into a meatball. PHILIP But this teacher-Mrs. Narwin. Its Miss. Figures. BEN PHILIP BEN

JANET What does that have to do with it, Ben? Janet shakes her head and glares at her husband. PHILIP She wont let me sing, and threw me out of class. JANET (to Ben) The principal said it was a rule. PHILIP Ma, hes the assistant principal. Ben sets down his fork, wipes his mouth, then tosses his napkin onto the table. BEN How can you have a rule against singing The Star Spangled Banner? Philip takes a big fork of pasta. Ask Narwin. PHILIP

The conversation goes silent for a moment as they all stare at rather than eat their food. PHILIP (CONT'D) Maybe I should talk to Mr. Griffin about it since hes running for school board. Ben wipes his mouth with his napkin then tosses it onto the table. (CONTINUED)

62. CONTINUED: (2) BEN See Jan, our son is smarter than both of us. What a brilliant idea. Well go right after dinner. EXT. TED GRIFFINS HOME - NIGHT On the well-lit front porch of a large home down the street, Philip and Ben wait patiently for the DOORBELL to be answered. Ted exasperatedly opens the door. TED Ben, Philip, hello. What can I do for you? He looks into the house, stacks of papers and an open laptop keeping him up at nights. BEN Something happened to Phil at school. TED Im not on the board yet, Ben. Trying but not yet. Ben stands tall and places a hand on Philips shoulder. PHILIP I was suspended for singing The Star Spangled Banner. The door reopens. Go on. TED

PHILIP In the mornings, they sing, play the national anthem. And I-- I was singing it. Mostly to myself. TED Look, why dont you save the details for a reporter friend of mine, Jennifer Stewart. She loves human interest stories. Philip tries looking passed Ted to find her.

(CONTINUED)

63. CONTINUED: I dont know. PHILIP

BEN She should hear about this, Phil. Just tell her the truth. You dont mind, Ted? Not at all. Phil? TED BEN

PHILIP Theres no harm in telling my story. TED Not at all, itll prevent this type of discrimination against other students who value their country. Let me just call her up. They enter the house and Ted shuts the door. TITLE CARD: Monday INT. DR. DOANES OFFICE - DAY The room is organized, clean, and decorated with family photos and a Shelty calendar. A jar of sugar free candies is on top of the desk, and a chart of the food pyramid is on the wall. Gertrude pours coffee into a mug saying, I teach because I want my summers off. She adds fat free, sugar free powdered creamer to a mug then sips her coffee as she sits at her desk, about to tackle a thick stack of memos from the staff. Suddenly, a KNOCK at the door distracts her and in bursts Superintendent AL SEYMOUR, 51, a man whose suit screams authority, while his smile indicates his paycheck is a bit higher than a teachers salary. Read it. AL SEYMOUR

He tosses his copy of the Manchester Record on top of the memos, the first one about Philip Malloys suspension. (CONTINUED)

64. CONTINUED: Dr. Doanes eyes grow wide, and she takes another gulp of coffee. When finished, she puts down the paper and walks toward the door. Well? INT. MAIN OFFICE - DAY She enters the office and grabs a Bostoncream donut off a tray on the counter. Taking a big bite, she shuts her eyes for a moment, then goes back to Al. INT. DR. DOANES OFFICE - DAY Dr. Doane sits. GERTRUDE Al, no one could take this seriously. AL SEYMOUR Tenth grader Philip Malloy of Harrison High School was suspended for singing The Star Spangled Banner. Sounds serious enough. Whats this about? GERTRUDE The boy wasnt suspended for singing the national anthem. Of course not. He was creating a disturbance, according to Joe. Joe? AL SEYMOUR AL SEYMOUR (CONT'D)

GERTRUDE The vice principal. Gertrude washes down another bite of her donut with coffee. AL SEYMOUR Who is this Narwin woman anyway? GERTRUDE Shes an English teacher. Been on the staff for years. One of our best teachers. (CONTINUED)

65. CONTINUED: AL SEYMOUR That remains to be seen. Sit down, Al, coffee. GERTRUDE let me get you some

After wiping down the seat of the cloth chair, Al takes a seat. Gertrude hands him a smiley face mug. AL SEYMOUR Look, Gert, Ive already had phone calls from curious parents wondering what kind of school theyre sending their kids to. And from Gloria Harland. GERTRUDE Whats the school board got to do with it? AL SEYMOUR Apparently, a Ted somebody or other running for a board position made a speech about it last night at a rally. Dr. Doane turns in her chair to look out the window at the janitor trying to get the flag up from half staff. Great. GERTRUDE

AL SEYMOUR The last thing we need right now is an overly patriotic tax payer telling other tax payers to vote against the budget. This place needs computers in each classroom. GERTRUDE Lets start with fixing the toilets before jumping into new technology. Another KNOCK is heard, and this time JANE, Dr. Doanes noticeably pretty secretary enters. JANE Im sorry to interrupt, but theres a phone call for you, Gert, from Ken Barchets mom. (CONTINUED)

66. CONTINUED: (2) GERTRUDE Thanks, Jane, Ill take it in a moment. Al stands at this hint, and places the mug on the desk, not on a coaster. Gert sees this and slips the article underneath it. AL SEYMOUR I want a statement of events from this incident on my desk this afternoon so I have something to tell other parents and anyone else feeling patriotically inclined to call my office. GERTRUDE Sure thing, Al. Ill talk to a few of the students, see what a few eye witnesses can tell me. INT. NARWINS CLASSROOM - DAY Miss Narwin sits at her desk, a copy of the article in front of her, eyes glued to the words on the page. Coach Jamison enters the empty room, a rolled up newspaper behind his back. You okay, Peg? COACH JAMISON

PEG I dont understand why theyd write such a thing. Its completely false. Coach Jamison tries sitting in one of the desks, but its too tight of a squeeze, so he nonchalantly slides against the wall near Miss Narwin. PEG (CONT'D) Every time Philip lifted his voice to sing she threw him out of class, insisting a disturbance was being created. The boy was being rude. COACH JAMISON Can I get you anything? PEG (to herself) A cigarette. (CONTINUED)

67. CONTINUED: Sorry? COACH JAMISON

PEG Im fine, thanks. COACH JAMISON Im sure itll all blow over. He heads toward the door. PEG He really was being disrespectful. Coach Jamison shuts the door. EXT - PARK - DAY Ken and Philip run around the track in their gym uniforms while other students practice hurdles, stretch, and do volleyball warm-ups. The two boys stay to the inside of the track, occasionally glancing the female athletes. KEN Whats up with you and Allison? Nothing. PHILIP

KEN She doesnt sit next to you on the bus anymore. Im the unfortunate sucker who has her spot. PHILIP Shell be fine. Ill put on some of that Malloy Magic and youll be sitting alone once again. Ken tries tripping Philip. KEN The article should give you some recognition. Women love famous men. PHILIP Or good-looking ones. KEN Thats why the newspaper articles a great thing for you. (CONTINUED)

68. CONTINUED: A volleyball rolls in their direction with a slim and well-endowed BRUNETTE behind it. Philip picks it up and tosses it back with a smile, receiving a nod in gratitude. PHILIP Im hoping to get back on the team with that little story. If Narwins fired then everyonell know she was wrong. And was she? KEN

Philip concentrates on his running for a while before answering. PHILIP Yeah... sure. You gonna ask out that brunette you kept drooling over? KEN What? I wasnt-PHILIP I saw you wipe your mouth. Philip leads into the locker room, Ken follows. INT. OFFICE BUILDING - EVENING Ben is packing up his papers for the day, his coat already on, when Doug approaches. DOUG Malloy, youre staying late tonight to help Guy with the church pitch. But I-BEN

DOUG If you want your job in the morning youll stay. He begins to walk away then turns. DOUG (CONT'D) Sleep on the couch in the lounge, if you want. (CONTINUED)

69. CONTINUED: He chuckles to himself. Yes sir. Ben unbuttons his coat slowly. BEN

INT. RADIO STATION - NIGHT JAKE BARLOW, 33 with ambitions to broadcast sports games and a bad haircut, sits in the booth with headphones on. His show is on the air. JAKE Back again, and ready to take you on. Weve got the scandal out a the U. The demonstration in D.C. And a kid kicked out of school for being an America patriot. Take you pick. First caller. Jake? CALLER (O.S.)

JAKE Jake Cruisin For A Bruisin Barlow, what can I do for you? CALLER (O.S.) Look-- about that kid. That really gripes me. People might call me aJerk? JAKE

CALLER (O.S.) Maybe, but like they used to say, America, love it or leave it. That teacher shouldnt be allowed to teach. JAKE Im right with ya. I mean there are the three Rs-- readin, ritin, rithmetic-- and the three Ps-- prayer, patriotism and parents. Thats my notion of schooling. Yeah. Whos next? CALLER (O.S.) JAKE

70. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - KITCHEN- NIGHT Janet sits around the table with Elsie and Mrs. Sharp, drinking tea and going through photo albums. MRS. SHARP Oh my, Jan, you were a skinny bitch when you got married. No wonder Ben fell for you. She examines another picture. MRS. SHARP (CONT'D) And look how thin he was. Guess his running days were over a long time ago. ELSIE Did you quit your job right away or wait for a while? Jan stares at a photo of a younger version of herself in a graduation gown on the opposite page of wedding photos. JANET I never liked being cooped up in a tiny cubicle all day, crunching numbers. Ben and I agreed it was the best thing to do. And with the baby... MRS. SHARP Philip has grown up so fast, I cant believe it. Suddenly, she shuts the album, causing Elsie and Jan to jump. MRS. SHARP (CONT'D) And where is our local star patriot? JANET Locked in his room doing homework, at my orders. Elsie pours more water into everyones mugs. ELSIE Have they fired that awful teacher yet? JANET Theres a lot of due process in order. (CONTINUED)

71. CONTINUED: MRS. SHARP She wont last, shes a smoker. Both women scoff at the statement. MRS. SHARP (CONT'D) (carefully) But tell me, really Jan, was Philip singing... or was he SINGING? Mrs. Sharp mocks the word with a lower voice and vibratto. At first, Jan and Elsie seem unable to comprehend the meaning and stare at their friend. ELSIE He said he was singing to himself. JANET My son was sent to the office for expressing his patriotic feelings in a country full of liberal turmoil, Miriam. Mrs. Sharp picks up her mug. MRS. SHARP Of course he was. She sips. TITLE CARD: Tuesday INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Allison stands at her locker, loading up her book bag, when Philip approaches. Hey. PHILIP Im Back.

Apparently Philip is invisible. PHILIP (CONT'D) There are a couple movies I wanted to see this weekend, maybe sneak into one of them-- sort of a two for one deal. Ill sneak the food. Allison checks her teeth in the magnetic mirror hanging on the inside of the locker door. (CONTINUED)

72. CONTINUED: ALLISON Youre a real asshole, Malloy. Philip stands, shocked. PHILIP Im sorry about the bus, I was having a bad da-ALLISON I know you were in a mood, I got it the first time. Im talking about what you did to Miss Narwin. He remains silent and wide-eyed. PHILIP You were there, you know-ALLISON I know youre full of shit. He tries to protest. ALLISON (CONT'D) Dont talk to me. She walks off. INT. DR. DOANES OFFICE - DAY Dr. Doane conducts separate interviews with three students, CYNTHIA, KEN, and ALLISON. Sitting in one of the cushioned chairs is Ken. Dr. Doane sits across from him, smiling. GERTRUDE Piece of candy? KEN No thanks, mam. She leans back then gets her pen and legal pad ready. GERTRUDE Ken, Im trying to understand what happened there, that morning in homeroom. Is this clear? Sure. KEN

(CONTINUED)

73. CONTINUED: GERTRUDE So in your view, what occurred? KEN Well, the tape, the music went on-Dr. Doane begins writing furiously. CYNTHIA, 15 and preoccupied with herself and boys, is now across from Dr. Doane. CYNTHIA Philip started to sing. Dr. Doane looks up from her notes. KEN And the next thing, Miss Narwin was telling Philip to stop. Stop what? Dunno. GERTRUDE

KEN The paper said singing.

GERTRUDE Yes, Cynthia, and then? CYNTHIA Miss Narwin asked him to leave. Dr. Doane writes slowly and clearly. GERTRUDE Was Philip causing a disturbance? KEN Well, you know, like you said, Philip was singing, and I guess were not supposed to. Dr. Doane raises her eyebrows and marks something on the paper. CYNTHIA I heard him. Sort of. It wasnt loud or anything like the paper said. But he wouldnt stop. And she did ask him. GERTRUDE What did the class do?

(CONTINUED)

74. CONTINUED: (2) KEN I wasnt paying attention. GERTRUDE Do you have any idea why he-Philip-- did this? Allison is now in the chair. ALLISON Well, it was so obvious he was trying to get at her. GERTRUDE Can you think why? ALLISON Im not sure, but he just sits there-- in English class-- like hes bored and cant stand anything she says. But then he suddenly makes a funny remark, a joke or something. GERTRUDE What kind of remark? Allison stirs in her chair and shifts her crossed legs. ALLISON Bout anything really. laughs, though. She never

Gertrude writes more down, drinks some water, then goes back to her notes. ALLISON (CONT'D) Dr. Doane, I think he was doing it to get Miss Narwin in trouble. She continues writing in silence. GERTRUDE Thank you, Allison. Do you have anything else to add? CYNTHIA No, I guess not. I wasnt really paying much attention. INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - NIGHT A large group of PARENTS gather in folding chairs, sipping coffee and lemonade in styrofoam cups. (CONTINUED)

75. CONTINUED: Ted Griffin stands at the head of the room, moving as if giving his own sermon. TED Before I get to my formal speech, Id like to lead off with something that has happened here in Harrison. Elsie sits off to the side and crosses her legs and autochanges her face from pleasant smile to concern. TED (CONT'D) I am a great believer in American values. And let me tell you good people-- and Im sure I speak for you too-- I am shocked a Harrison high student, my neighbor, should be expelled for singing the national anthem. MUTTERS rise from the crowd as everyone turns to their neighbor in shock. A few heads shake at the news. TED (CONT'D) Yes, my friends, it is the truth. What I say is, what is the point of having computers in every classroom-- which my generation got along fine without-- if our young people are not allowed to practice the elemental values of American patriotism? Heads nod in agreement. TITLE CARD: Wednesday

INT. DR. DOANES OFFICE - DAY Gertrude and Al Seymour are sitting in the chairs, memos in one hand, pens in the other. GERTRUDE How many telegrams are there? AL SEYMOUR Ten, fifteen. Al demanding I fire this Narwin woman. Damnit Gert, I had twelve phone calls last night. From who? GERTRUDE

(CONTINUED)

76. CONTINUED: She writes a note on a yellow pad. AL SEYMOUR People in town-- voters. GERTRUDE I issued the statement this afternoon to the paper, but it doesnt support Peg. Al leans forward. AL SEYMOUR Gert, apparently radio and talk shows have picked up the story. have an appointment with Ted Griffin later this morning. GERTRUDE Hes not even on the board yet. Als fist hits the arm of his chair. AL SEYMOUR Hes been making speeches, speaking out against the budget. I dont need to tell you how badly we need to get it passed. He stands and straightens his papers. AL SEYMOUR (CONT'D) I need you to send me Narwins file. GERTRUDE To figure out what to do before seeing Griffin. They make eye contact and he opens the door. AL SEYMOUR As soon as possible. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Allison approaches a door marked The Gazette. She holds a blue folder close to her body and KNOCKS. VOICE (O.S.) Come in, come in.

77. INT. GAZETTE HEADQUARTERS - DAY STEWART, a 17 year old Hurst, greets Allison with a grunt. ALLISON I have a story for you. His eyes remain glued to the next edition. ALLISON (CONT'D) Its the real story about what happened with Philip and Miss Narwin. Stewart looks up and holds out his hand. INT. RADIO STATION - DAY Jake Barlow is finishing up on the air. Whos this? JAKE

LIZ (O.S.) My name is Liz. JAKE Liz, whats on your pretty mind this morning? LIZ (O.S.) Jake, Im a mother of three, all in school. But if they had a teacher like that, Id take my kids out of school. You would? JAKE

LIZ Wouldnt let my kids near that school unless she was removed. JAKE What about the teachers rights? LIZ Its a free country, but what Im saying is she has no right to do what does. My husband was in the military. Shes taking away rights, like the flag thing. (CONTINUED)

78. CONTINUED: Then you know. I do. JAKE LIZ

INT. MISS NARWINS CLASSROOM - DAY Peg sits at her desk, surrounded by hate mail and several clippings from various newspapers, headlines reading Teacher Against National Anthem, Patriotism a D-, and Star Spangled Shocker. Jamison enters with a slight knock on the door frame. Peg? JAMISON

PEG I was just heading out, is it important? She clumsily gathers everything and stuffs it into her bag, spilling the statement from Gert onto the floor. Jamison rushes over to help and picks it up. I got it. He skims over the paper. JAMISON (CONT'D) What lessons are you planning for next year? Peg laughs through tears. PEG Im thinking a field trip to the land of Shakespeare. Sabbatical? JAMISON JAMISON

PEG Early retirement. He hands her the statement. JAMISON Sorry to hear that, Peg. one the greats. You are

(CONTINUED)

79. CONTINUED: PEG Nothings official yet, but all I have to do is whisper it and Al Seymour will be here with the papers. JAMISON Signed and approved. She laughs quickly then draws it back in. his arm around her and hugs Peg. INT. OFFICE BUILDING - EVENING Ben is in Dougs office. DOUG Honestly, I dont know why we keep you here. You botched that account-BEN I got them back. DOUG Please dont interrupt, this isnt a conversation. Doug paces around the office behind his large desk, the furniture piece acting as a fort for the commander to hide behind. DOUG (CONT'D) As I was saying, your works all right but its not improving too much. However, you make a wonderful example of what not to do for all the new staff coming in. He laughs at his own joke-- he finds cruelty amusing. Ben, on the hand, stiffens, clenches his fists, and before Doug regains his composure, is startled by a loud BANG on his desk from Bens fist. BEN Ill get my things. Ben storms out of the office, slamming the glass door so hard it cracks. TITLE CARD: Thursday Jamison puts

80. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Students read The Gazette front page, many whispering. Allison smiles as she holds her copy and walks down the hall, students waving. Philip turns the corner, followed by a slew of paper balls. Allison stifles a laugh as he approaches her. PHILIP What the hell is this all about? ALLISON Someone needed to tell the truth so Miss Narwin didnt get fired. PHILIP You were across the room. Some students are gathering and watching the display. ALLISON And I could still hear that yelping you to everyone was singing. PHILIP It doesnt matter, shell still be fired. ALLISON And itll be your fault the best teacher in the district is out of work. Dont you care that you could ruin her pension, retirement, her career? With nothing else to say, Philip storms off, throwing his paper at Allisons feet. As he continues, a few students are heard SINGING the national anthem like strangled chickens. One BOY steps directly in front of Philip and salutes. Philip shoves past him. GIRL (O.C.) Hey Malloy, if I lie can I have my name in the paper, too? Philip turns into a classroom.

81. INT. MISS NARWINS CLASSROOM - DAY Not aware of his surroundings, Philip sees Miss Narwin sitting at her desk. She looks up. PHILIP Sorry... I ... some kids were-PEG Its fine, Philip, you can show yourself out. He remains glued to his spot, watching Miss Narwin grade papers. Philip notices a box of her things sitting in the corner, then realizes the surface of her desk is clear. PHILIP Are you quitting? PEG Early retirement. She circles something. Philip steps forward. Why? PHILIP

PEG It would save Superintendent Seymour the hassle of paperwork that happens when you fire a teacher, and I want to salvage what I can of my pension. Did I-Yes. PHILIP PEG

She finally looks up. Philip shuffles his feet and begins to head to the door. PEG (CONT'D) Hang on a minute, Phil. He stops and grabs a desk in the middle of the room. PEG (CONT'D) Theres something about grading papers thats therapudic, as if I can feel the student learning with every misplaced adverb and wrongly used semi-colon. (CONTINUED)

82. CONTINUED: She pops the cap back onto the red marker. PHILIP And then theres the satisfaction of proving someone wrong. PEG Not knowing isnt wrong, Philip. Youre only wrong when you consistently misspell a word after being corrected. He shrugs. PEG (CONT'D) Its all about rules, really. I before E except after C and all that. Breaking those rules leads to unreadable essays, uneducated students, and eventually unemployed adults. PHILIP Theres always the exception. She stands and walks over to the board to erase some notes. PEG You, of course, are right, Philip. But we still need someone to enforce them, otherwise everyone would be speaking and writing jibberish. I guess. PHILIP

Miss Narwin dusts her hands clean from chalk. PHILIP (CONT'D) Im... sorry about the singing... and your job. PEG Its done Phil, theres nothing to feel either one way or the other. Philip leaves the room. Peg stares at the doorway where he just stood, then goes back to grading papers.

83. EXT. TRACK FIELD - DAY Philip sits in the bleachers watching the track TEAM practice. Ken runs over and shakes his hand. KEN Sorry bout Allison, man, thats rough. Yeah. PHILIP

KEN Mind if I date her? Philip looks at Ken, who is completely serious, and nods his head with a shrug. Ken runs off. INT. MALLOY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Philip arrives home to find his mom in tears and his dad angry. JANET What am I going to tell the girls? BEN That I wanted to become a stripperPhilip cringes at this line. BEN (CONT'D) They never listen to whatever anybody else says. PHILIP Whats going on? The couple finally notices their son. JANET Nothing sweetie, just discussing your fathers recent unemployment. What? PHILIP

He looks at Ben whose hands are out to calm everyone down. BEN Doug was a dick and you know it, Jan. (CONTINUED)

84. CONTINUED: PHILIP Guys, can I talk to you for a sec? Ben and Janet sit on the couches, this time next to each other. PHILIP (CONT'D) So... when I said I got suspended for singing the national anthem-BEN Oh gosh, what were you really singing? None of that heavy metal I hope. JANET Or country. I cant stand how whiney they all are about losing their girlfriends and dogs. Philip waits impatiently for his turn. PHILIP No, no thats not what I mean. I was singing the national anthem. But I was goofing off. Ben is shocked, but Janet less so. Why? BEN

PHILIP I copied moms Call of the Wild paper and turned it in to raise my grade and Narwin wouldnt raise it. BEN Damn right she didnt. PHILIP Theres a rule that if you get anything lower than a C on one of your grades, you cant tryout for sports. Ben sighs and holds Jan. PHILIP (CONT'D) Ill never do it again.

(CONTINUED)

85. CONTINUED: (2) JANET Thats right because from now on Im reading every single essay you have in your classes. BEN And were going to have to work on this habit of lying youve picked up. Philip stands. PHILIP Sure thing, dad. He begins to leave. BEN Where are you going? PHILIP I was going to do my homework. BEN Thats great and all, but we need you to do the dishes too. Philip sulks to the kitchen. INT. RADIO STATION - NIGHT Jake Barlow is hard at work again. ROGER (O.S.) About all these calls youre getting, the boy who was kicked out. JAKE Makes me sick. Sick! ROGER (O.S.) Youve read the news story a few times, and it seems to me that isnt the whole story. JAKE Let me get this right, Rog-- you mean youre defending this so called teacher?

(CONTINUED)

86. CONTINUED: ROGER (O.S.) Now dont put words in my mouth. The story we know is the boys, not the teachers. Why should we assume the teacher is wrong? Jake spins in his chair. JAKE Come on. The kid was suspended for singing the national anthem right? ROGER (O.S.) So it would appear-JAKE Roger, whats your point? guess, youre a teacher? Let me

ROGER Actually, Im a book salesman. JAKE Yeah, see, exactly. And here you are defending her. What does the kid know other than his own natural-born patriotism? And then this creep of a teacher squashes it. And this country has all these problems with morality, drugs, and pornography. Hey Roger, you saying pornography is only a nuisance? But-Goodbye! apple. ROGER (O.S.) JAKE Always the one rotten

INT. CITY COUNSIL - DAY Ted Griffin has an even larger crowd around him. TED It was I who made public this sad story regarding a boy removed from class merely for expressing patriotism. A WOMAN shakes her head. (CONTINUED)

87. CONTINUED: TED (CONT'D) I was able to meet with the reverent Superintendent Seymour. When it became clear the problem was not school policy, but the misguided judgement of a particular teacher, a solution was worked out equitable for all sides. The crowd claps and cheers. He settles them down.

TED (CONT'D) Our community will support these kinds of productive compromises. On April 5th, I urge all of you to support the school budget proposal. TITLE CARD: Wednesday, The day after elections.

INT. FIELD HOUSE - DAY Philip runs alone on the indoor track. He spots Coach Jamison moving equipment and runs over to him. PHILIP I figured Id get an early start at training for next year. Jamison sighs. JAMISON There wont be a next year, Phil. Philip is dumbstruck. JAMISON (CONT'D) The budget didnt pass. They cut some art and athletics and track was the first to go. PHILIP But they cant... the Olympics. Huh? Philip shakes it off. Nothing. team-PHILIP Is there a community JAMISON

(CONTINUED)

88. CONTINUED: All Jamison can do is shake his head. JAMISON I have to say, you did quite a number in Miss Narwin. Maybe next year, if this all dies down I can reapply for school funding. What do I do? PHILIP

Jamison pushes the cart out. Stop running. JAMISON

He leaves the field house; Philip watches him walk away. THE END