"BILLY AND
GRAMPS"
by
Charles Deemer
3550 SW
Pomona St.
Portland, OR 97219-7518
(800)
294-7176
cdeemer@yahoo.com
FADE IN:
EXT. CITY -
DAY
A SERIES OF
SHOTS
City life.
--a clogged
freeway at rush hour.
--a mall
parking lot, full, cars roaming for a space.
--busy city
streets. Buses, taxis.
EXT. MEDICAL
CENTER - DAY
A full
parking lot.
A public bus
pulls up.
INT. CLINIC
- EXAM ROOM - DAY
EMIL
COLLINS, 70s, buttons his shirt after an exam.
Sitting with
him is his DOCTOR. He hands Emil a prescription.
DOCTOR
I'm giving you stronger pain
medication.
Emil takes
the slip of paper.
EMIL
Tell me straight, doc. How long?
DOCTOR
In the best of worlds, three,
four months.
EMIL
In the worst?
DOCTOR
I can get you in a hospice, Emil.
You'd be more comfortable there.
EMIL
In other words, any time after I
leave here. Does it come
gradually
or do I fall over?
2.
DOCTOR
It's impossible to predict
something like this. I'll call
you later this week about the
hospice.
INT. CLINIC
- PHARMACY - DAY
Emil sits
waiting for his prescription. Flipping through a
magazine.
WANDA, 50s,
approaches.
WANDA
Professor Collins?
Emil doesn't
seem to recognize her.
WANDA
Wanda McDonald. I took American
Literature from you maybe fifteen
years ago.
EMIL
(distant)
How are you?
WANDA
I'm fine. I want to tell you how
much you changed my life. I was
so scared coming back to school
after so long. You inspired me to
keep at it. You were so
inspirational.
Emil looks
embarrassed.
EMIL
Well, I'm going to assume you
graduated then.
WANDA
I went on and got my Masters. I
teach American Lit at the
community college. You're my
model of what a teacher should
be.
VOICE ON SPEAKER
Emil Collins.
Emil stands
up. He still looks embarrassed.
3.
EMIL
I'm glad it all worked out.
He heads for
the counter.
INT. CLINIC
- FRONT DESK - DAY
Emil starts
toward the exit. He carries a small bag. He
passes the
front desk.
ROSE, 20s,
the secretary, sees him.
ROSE
No poetry today, Professor Collins?
Emil stops
and turns.
EMIL
I almost forgot. Here's one.
"As
long as you and I have arms and
lips which are for kissing and to
sing with, who cares if some one-
eyed son-of-a-bitch invents an
instrument to measure Spring
with?" E.E. Cummings.
ROSE
Now my day's complete.
Rose smiles
as Emil exits.
EXT. CLINIC
- DAY
Emil emerges
into a sun-bright day. He takes a deep breath.
He closes
his eyes. Another deep breath.
INT. TAVERN
- DAY
Emil at the
bar with WALLY, 60s, a friend.
WALLY
That's terrible news!
EMIL
Sshh, I don't want the whole
galaxy to know. It's not as bad
as you think. I've lived a good
life, and the world's going to
hell in a hand basket. I'm ready
to go.
4.
WALLY
Don't say that.
EMIL
I just did.
WALLY
What are you going to do?
EMIL
That's what I've been thinking
about. Maybe take a trip. I'm not
sure.
EXT.
NEIGHBORHOOD - STREET - DAY
A bus pulls
to the curb. Emil gets off.
EXT.
NEIGHBORHOOD - RHODES HOUSE - DAY
Upper-end
homes along a shaded street.
BILLY
RHODES, teens, is mowing the front lawn.
Emil slowly
approaches.
Billy turns
off the lawn mower.
BILLY
Hey, Gramps! How'd it go?
EMIL
I've got the heart of a
linebacker.
BILLY
You should've called. I would've
picked you up.
EMIL
You would've, would you? How
would you manage that?
BILLY
I'd take Mom's car. It's not that
far. And on the way back, you'd
be in the car, so driving with my
learner's permit would be legal.
EMIL
Next time I have to get
somewhere,
I'll let you know.
5.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The family
around the dinner table: Besides Emil and Billy,
Emil's
daughter MARTI and her husband, DON, both late 30s,
and Billy's
older sister, SARA, 19.
MARTI
What did the doctor have to say,
Dad?
EMIL
I have the heart of a marathon
runner.
BILLY
And a linebacker.
EMIL
(winking at him)
That, too.
MARTI
Your blood pressure's good?
Nothing out of order?
EMIL
Everything's out of order. It's
called old age.
MARTI
I'm allowed to worry about you.
DON
(to Marti)
Change of subject. Are you
telling her or am I?
SARA
Telling me what?
MARTI
We decided to spend a week at the
beach. We're putting you in
charge. Think you can handle it?
Sara lights
up.
DON
And no parties. You keep an eye
on her, Billy.
6.
SARA
Dad, I'm a sophomore in college.
Don't treat me like I'm in high
school.
DON
As long as you're home for the
summer, you play by the house
rules.
SARA
Yes, I can handle it. I'll even
cook for these comedians.
EMIL
I can't wait.
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
Seeing Don
and Marti off are Sara and Billy. Don in the car
behind the
wheel, waiting for Marti to get in.
MARTI
Give me a hug.
She hugs
Billy, then Sara.
MARTI
No parties. I mean it.
SARA
Mother, please.
MARTI
I'm calling to check on you.
DON
Marti...
MARTI
We'll be home next Monday night.
It may be late.
Marti gets
in the car. Don backs out the driveway.
And they are
gone.
BILLY
Are you really going to cook?
SARA
What I'm going to do, kiddo, is
make a deal with you.
7.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - SARA'S BEDROOM - DAY
Sara is
packing a tote bag. Billy watches.
SARA
I'll be back Monday.
BILLY
What time?
SARA
I don't know. Afternoon.
BILLY
How are we going to eat? I don't
think Gramps knows how to cook.
SARA
Gramps has money. He'll take you
out every night.
BILLY
Shouldn't I get something for not
telling mom?
Sara takes
out her wallet. She hands Billy a twenty dollar
bill.
SARA
Don't ask for more because it's
all I have.
BILLY
Are you going to have sex with
him?
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
Sara with
her bag, waiting in the driveway.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - DAY
Emil at the
front window. Billy joins him.
EMIL
Where's Sara going?
BILLY
She's taking off with her
boyfriend.
EMIL
Your mother know about this?
8.
BILLY
No way.
Emil studies
him.
EMIL
Sara bought you off. How much did
you get?
BILLY
Twenty bucks.
EMIL
You come too cheap, lad.
BILLY
And the keys to Mom's car. Want
to go for a ride later?
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
A car pulls
up. Behind the wheel is JASON, 20s.
Sara climbs
in and they're off.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - DAY
Billy and
Emil watch Sara leave.
BILLY
They're going to have sex.
EMIL
Sex? Remind me what that is
again.
Billy grins
and Emil messes his hair.
EXT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Billy
driving Marti's red VW convertible. Emil riding shotgun.
Billy's a
safe driver. Both are grinning, enjoying themselves.
INT. ICE
CREAM PARLOR - DAY
They sit at
a table over ice cream sundaes.
9.
EMIL
I need to take a little trip.
Since you're such a great
chauffeur, how'd you like to come
along?
BILLY
Where to?
EMIL
Idaho.
BILLY
Idaho, wow!
EMIL
Clearwater country.
BILLY
How far is that?
EMIL
Not far at all. A long day's
drive.
BILLY
They come back Monday night.
EMIL
We'll be fine. Leave today, get
there tomorrow. Spend a few days.
I'll show you God's country and
we'll do some fishing.
BILLY
Awesome.
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
Packing the
VW for the trip. The top is down.
Both Emil
and Billy are traveling light. Each puts a tote
bag in the
trunk.
Emil climbs
in.
EMIL
I'm ready when you are.
Billy jumps
behind the wheel.
BILLY
This is so awesome.
10.
EXT.
NEIGHBORHOOD - STREET - DAY
The VW
cruising.
EMIL
Pull in over there.
EXT. TAVERN
- DAY
Billy pulls
in front of the tavern.
EMIL
I won't be a minute.
INT. TAVERN
- DAY
Emil enters
and finds Wally at the bar.
WALLY
(to bartender)
Bring a beer for Emil.
EMIL
Just here to make a delivery.
He hands
Wally an envelope. On it is printed: "Emil Collins.
To be opened
in the event of death."
WALLY
Damn it, Emil, why you giving me
something like this?
EMIL
It's a copy of my will. I named
you executor.
WALLY
I'm not a lawyer.
EMIL
You're a friend. That's what
counts.
He turns to
go.
WALLY
Where are you going?
Emil turns
back.
EMIL
I ever tell you about Emma?
11.
WALLY
Probably. I don't remember. Who's
Emma?
EMIL
The one that got away. I'm going
to find her and I'm going to ask
her to marry me.
WALLY
You can't ask a woman to marry
somebody on his death bed.
EMIL
You don't know Emma.
WALLY
What if she's already married?
EMIL
I'll ask her to get divorced.
WALLY
What if she's dead?
EMIL
Then I really blew it.
EXT. TAVERN
- DAY
Emil comes
out and gets back in the car.
EMIL
To Idaho, James!
Billy grins
and starts the engine.
A SERIES OF
SHOTS - THE DRIVE TO IDAHO
--on a
crowded freeway in the city.
--on an
Interstate in the suburbs.
--on an
Interstate in countryside.
--at a rest
stop, Emil pointing out their destination on a
large wall
map.
--back on
the Interstate, different countryside.
--at a fast
food speaker, ordering.
12.
--on the
Interstate with burgers in hand.
EXT.
INTERSTATE - DAY
The VW top
is up. Emil driving.
He takes an
exit ramp.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Billy, who
was dozing at the window, stirs.
BILLY
We need gas?
EMIL
We're calling it a day.
BILLY
Already?
EMIL
We've come about as far as my
back can take.
EXT. MOTEL -
OFFICE - DAY
The VW
parked in front. Billy waits.
Emil comes
out, holding up a key.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - DAY
They each
carry a bag into the motel room. Twin double beds.
EMIL
Which bed you want?
Billy tosses
his bag onto a bed.
EXT.
RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The VW
parked in the lot.
INT.
RESTAURANT - BOOTH - NIGHT
Emil and
Billy finishing up dinner.
13.
BILLY
Why do you call Idaho God's country?
EMIL
Because it is. Only northern
Idaho, to be precise.
BILLY
If it's so great, why'd you
leave?
EMIL
Because many, many years ago I
decided I should go to college
and become a professor. Sometimes
life deals you very difficult
choices. You do the best you can
at the time.
BILLY
How come we never went to Idaho
on vacation?
EMIL
Because your mother wouldn't be
able to find a five-star resort.
INT. RESTAURANT
- BOOTH - NIGHT (LATER)
Billy
working on an ice cream sundae. Emil with coffee.
EMIL
You have a girlfriend?
BILLY
Not really.
EMIL
That almost sounds like yes.
BILLY
She already has a boyfriend.
EMIL
Maybe she really likes you
better.
BILLY
Yeah, right.
EMIL
It's not possible?
14.
BILLY
She's a cheerleader. Her
boyfriend's a football player.
EMIL
Ah. So you've given up.
BILLY
Wouldn't you?
EMIL
Sometimes we give up too easily.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - NIGHT
Emil in one
bed, Billy in the other. Watching TV.
Emil turns
out his bedside lamp.
EMIL
Goodnight.
BILLY
Want me to turn off TV?
EMIL
Won't bother me at all.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - NIGHT (LATER)
A dark room.
Emil snoring to beat the band.
Billy rolls
over. He grabs the second pillow on his bed and
holds it
over his head.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - DAY
Emil comes
out from the bathroom. Billy is still in bed.
Emil shakes
Billy.
EMIL
Rise and shine! One hundred miles
before breakfast.
EXT.
INTERSTATE - DAY
Emil
driving.
15.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
The top up.
Billy sprawled on the back seat, sleeping.
EXT. TRUCK
STOP - DAY
The VW
parked and dwarfed by 18-wheelers.
INT. TRUCK
STOP - TABLE - DAY
Billy with
eggs, bacon, hot cakes. Emil with oatmeal and
coffee.
EMIL
I have a confession to make.
Billy looks
up but says nothing.
EMIL
I'm looking for someone.
BILLY
Who?
EMIL
A woman. The one who got away.
BILLY
Who's that?
EMIL
Her name is Emma. I don't even
know if she's still alive.
BILLY
When's the last time you heard
from her?
EMIL
Let me think ... I haven't seen
her since 1947. But I talked to
her on the phone after that.
Once.
BILLY
You haven't heard from her in all
that time?
EMIL
Don't rub it in.
16.
BILLY
So why do you want to see her all
of a sudden?
Emil stands
up.
EMIL
Desire is one of the wonderful
mysteries of life, lad. Excuse
me.
Nature calls.
He hobbles
away. Billy watches him go, puzzled.
EXT.
INTERSTATE - INTERCHANGE - DAY
The VW moves
off the Interstate onto a state highway.
EXT. HIGHWAY
- FARMLAND - DAY
The VW on a
two-lane highway through Palousse country.
In the
distance, a lone tractor working the land.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Emil
driving. Billy staring off at the tractor.
BILLY
He has to plow that whole gigantic
field?
EMIL
It's called farming.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - OUTSKIRTS - DAY
The VW on
the outskirts of a small Idaho town we'll call
Homestead.
A junk yard.
A gas station or two. A welcoming sign.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MAIN STREET - DAY
Homestead's
Main Street is typically lined with the square,
brick and
stone buildings of a western town.
Emil pulls
the VW in front of a bar.
17.
INT. VW CONVERTIBLE
- DAY
Emil keeps
the engine running.
EMIL
Can you amuse yourself for about
half an hour?
BILLY
Is she in the bar?
EMIL
I doubt it. I'm just hoping I
find somebody I know.
BILLY
Is this a wild goose chase?
EMIL
It's not over till it's over. Be
back here in thirty.
INT. BAR -
DAY
Emil enters
the bar.
Half-a-dozen
men sit on stools. A few couples at small
tables along
a wall.
Most of the
men look old enough to be retired, wearing
cowboy hats
or baseball caps. Emil joins them at the bar.
The
BARTENDER, a middle-aged woman, comes over.
BARTENDER
What can I get you?
EMIL
Short beer. Whatever's on tap.
She goes to
draw it.
Emil looks
down the bar for a friendly face. Just men lost
in their
thoughts.
The
bartender brings his beer.
EMIL
I'm looking for Emma Wells. That
was her last name when she was
single. You wouldn't know her,
would you?
18.
BARTENDER
Jake, you know Emma Wells?
An old man
down the bar, JAKE, looks up. He just nods.
BARTENDER
This here gent is looking for
her.
EMIL
(to Jake)
Can I buy you a beer?
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MAIN STREET - DAY
The VW
cruising Main Street.
Billy
reaches one end of town, turns around, and comes back.
The downtown
section of Homestead is about three blocks long.
Finally he
pulls into a fast food restaurant at one end of
town.
INT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
Billy goes
to the counter.
INT. BAR -
TABLE - DAY
Emil and
Jake at a table.
JAKE
You know Emma's daughter?
EMIL
I didn't know she had a daughter.
JAKE
And two sons. She could give you
the address of the place.
INT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
Billy
finishing up a burger.
JENNY,
teens, comes by, bussing tables. She wears the
company
uniform.
JENNY
Everything okay?
19.
BILLY
It's great.
JENNY
You're not from around here.
BILLY
I guess it shows.
JENNY
This is a small town. If you
don't know somebody coming in, it
usually means they're just
passing through.
BILLY
I'm visiting with my granddad. He
grew up here.
JENNY
What's his name?
BILLY
Emil Collins.
JENNY
I'll ask my grandma if she knows
him. You staying long?
BILLY
Just a few days. He's taking me
fishing.
JENNY
Then we have something in common.
I'm on the river every chance I
get.
BILLY
Actually I've never been fishing
before.
EXT. BAR -
DAY
Emil comes
out. No Billy.
EXT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - PARKING LOT - DAY
Jenny has
walked Billy to his car. She hands him a slip of
paper.
20.
JENNY
Call me. Maybe grandma knows your
granddad.
BILLY
Way cool. Thanks.
They
exchange smiles. An attraction is obvious.
EXT. BAR -
DAY
The VW pulls
up.
Emil comes
around to the driver's side.
EMIL
Slide over.
Billy does.
Emil gets behind the wheel.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
The VW
cruising through a cluster of homes, a small town
neighborhood.
Emil pulls
to the curb.
EXT. HOME -
PORCH - DAY
Emil and
Bill at the door, waiting.
MARTHA, 40s,
opens the door.
MARTHA
May I help you?
INT. HOME -
LIVING ROOM - DAY
Emil and
Billy sit on a sofa across the room from Martha.
MARTHA
I'm trying to raise three kids by
myself. I can't look after her,
too. Dennis offered his guest
room but he lives in LA, and you
couldn't get mom there if you
paid her.
EMIL
Can't say I blame her.
21.
MARTHA
When we decided it wasn't safe
for her to live alone, we had
little choice. It's a good
facility. Very good reputation.
EMIL
Do you have the address? I'd like
to visit her.
MARTHA
Let me get it.
Martha
leaves the room.
EMIL
She looks a little like Emma.
Only Emma was prettier.
EXT. HOUSE -
PORCH - DAY
Martha
seeing them out.
MARTHA
She doesn't get many visitors,
I'm afraid. I can only get up
there a weekend every month or
so.
I'm sure she'll be delighted to
see you.
EMIL
I'll give her your best.
INT.
HOMESTEAD - STREET - DAY
Emil
driving.
EMIL
It's about an hour. We could get
a room and you could stay here if
you wanted.
BILLY
You don't mind?
EMIL
Can't be much fun listening to a
couple of dinosaurs reminisce.
BILLY
I met a girl who says her
grandmother may know you.
22.
EMIL
You met a girl already! Before
you were telling me you're the
shy type.
BILLY
She wants me to call her later.
EMIL
We'd better get a room.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - DAY
The VW parked
in front of a motel door. Emil at the car.
EMIL
If I'm not back by six, eat
without me. You need money?
BILLY
I still have ten bucks.
Emil reaches
into his wallet.
Billy's eyes
light up when he sees how much Emil is giving him.
BILLY
Man, thanks!
EMIL
You probably should take that
girl out to dinner. I'll fend for
myself and catch up with you later.
He gets into
the VW.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - DAY
The VW, its
top down, cruises through farmland down a two-
lane
highway.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Emil lost in
his thoughts.
INT.
GYMNASIUM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
SUPER:
"Homestead High School Gymnasium. Graduation Prom,
1947."
23.
A crowded
dance floor. A SMALL COMBO plays on a temporary
stage.
Dancing
close are YOUNG EMIL and YOUNG EMMA, teens, in their
prom best.
The song
ends. Applause.
Emil and
Emma move off the dance floor. They pass MR. FRYER.
MR. FRYER
Emil, I heard Gonzaga gave you a
scholarship. Congratulations.
YOUNG EMIL
Thank you, sir.
MR. FRYER
You look beautiful tonight, Emma.
YOUNG EMMA
Thank you, Mr. Fryer.
They move
on.
INT.
GYMNASIUM - STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Emil and
Emma sneak into a dark storage room. Lights from
the hallway
spill through the cracked door.
They
immediately embrace and kiss. Hot and heavy.
EXT.
UNIVERSITY TOWN - DAY
The VW
enters the outskirts of a university town.
INT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Billy
waiting on the phone.
BILLY
Jenny?...It's Billy Rhodes. You
sold me a hamburger this
afternoon....I was wondering if
your grandmother knows my
granddad....I can't wait to tell
him.
He closes
his eyes, makes a face, and goes for it.
24.
BILLY
Say, I was wondering, are you
doing anything later?
EXT.
UNIVERSITY TOWN - ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - DAY
The VW pulls
into the parking lot.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - FRONT COUNTER - DAY
Emil steps
up.
NURSE
May I help you?
EMIL
I'm looking for Emma ...
He glances
at the slip of paper Martha gave him.
EMIL
...Simpson.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - HALLWAY - DAY
Emil follows
the nurse.
NURSE
Are you a relative?
EMIL
An old friend.
NURSE
I'm sure she'll be happy to see you.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - EMMA'S ROOM
- DAY
EMMA, 70s,
sits in a stuffed chair. She's staring at a TV
soap opera.
She looks asleep with her eyes open. A knock on
the door.
NURSE (O.S.)
Emma, you have company!
The door
opens and the nurse peeks in.
NURSE
Someone to see you, dear.
25.
Emma turns
to the door. Her static expression hasn't changed.
Emil
appears. He sees Emma -- and looks stricken.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
A car parked
on the shoulder of a deserted road.
INT. CAR -
NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Emil and
Emma, prom clothes disheveled and askew, making out.
Hotter and
heavier.
Emil groans
and pulls away.
YOUNG EMMA
No, I want to. Emil, I want to.
Emil studies
her. She kisses him.
YOUNG EMMA
I want to.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
The car door
opens. They get out and climb into the back seat.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - EMMA'S ROOM
- DAY
The nurse
lets Emil in.
NURSE
I'll let you two visit. Emma, you
have company!
Emma just sits there.
NURSE
It takes her a while, but she'll
be with you in a minute.
The nurse
leaves, closing the door behind her.
Emil stands
inside the doorway.
EMIL
Emma? It's Emil. Emil Collins.
26.
INT. CAR -
NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Emil on top
of Emma. She makes a cry of pain.
YOUNG EMIL
Emma?
YOUNG EMMA
It's okay. Don't stop...please,
don't stop.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - EMMA'S ROOM
- DAY
Emil sits
down next to Emma.
EMIL
Hello, Emma.
Emma's
expression finally changes. She looks inquisitive.
EMMA
Who are you?
EMIL
Emil Collins.
EMMA
Emil...
EMIL
It's been a long time.
EMMA
...Emil.
Emil takes
her hand.
EMIL
Do you remember me?
She studies
him.
EMMA
Of course, I remember you.
INT. CAR -
NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Young Emil
and Emma are in the front seat, dressed, after
lovemaking.
Her head is on his shoulder.
27.
EMIL
One day I'm going to show you the
most incredible sight in God's
creation.
EMMA
The Goose Necks.
EMIL
You have to see it to believe it.
It makes you feel so small -- and
yet so ... I don't know what the
word is. Blessed. To live amidst
such wonder. To live amidst such
beauty on Earth.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - EMMA'S ROOM
- DAY
Emma looks
at their joined hands.
EMIL
It's been a long time.
EMMA
I thought you were dead.
EMIL
I should have come long before
now. There's so much to talk
about. I don't know where to
begin. I saw a garden outside.
Would you like to go out?
EMMA
Yes, I think I would.
INT.
HOMESTEAD - CAFE - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Emil and
Emma in a back booth. They lean close and speak in
hushed
tones.
Emma has
been crying.
YOUNG EMIL
It's going to be okay. I just
have to think a minute.
YOUNG EMMA
I'm so scared.
YOUNG EMIL
I'll get a job.
28.
YOUNG EMMA
You can't. You have a
scholarship.
YOUNG EMIL
We'll get married. We'll figure a
way for me to go to college
later.
YOUNG EMMA
I feel so horrible. I feel like
I'm ruining your life.
YOUNG EMIL
Emma, stop it. We're in this
together.
He takes her
hand.
YOUNG EMIL
I love you, Emma.
EXT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - GARDEN - DAY
Emil and
Emma walk in the garden.
EMMA
It's so lovely.
EMIL
I was worried when I saw you. You
looked so ...
EMMA
Dead? It's boredom. I am so bored
in this place!
They walk a
moment.
EMIL
I came here for a reason, Emma. I
didn't know if I'd find you or
not. But if I did, I had
something
I had to tell you. I'm going to
say it now and get it off my
chest. You don't have to say
anything. Just listen.
EMMA
Well, you certainly have my
attention.
EMIL
I've always regretted not
marrying
you when I had the chance.
29.
EMMA
What a sweet thing to say.
EMIL
It broke my heart when you
married somebody else.
Emma turns away.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - WELLS HOME - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Emil waiting
on the front porch. Emma opens the door.
YOUNG EMMA
Emil, what are you doing here?
YOUNG EMIL
I need to speak to your father.
YOUNG EMMA
Why?
YOUNG EMIL
I'm going to ask his permission
to marry you.
YOUNG EMMA
You can't tell him!
YOUNG EMIL
I'm just asking for your hand.
May I see him?
YOUNG EMMA
(frantic)
No, I think we should wait.
YOUNG EMIL
There's no point.
YOUNG EMMA
But I was just about to call you.
I have news. Everything's
changed,
Emil. It was what they call a
false pregnancy. You can go to
Gonzaga, after all. We can write
and see each other during the
holidays, just like we planned.
Emil looks
stunned. Emma embrace him.
YOUNG EMMA
It can be just like it was
before.
30.
But there
are tears in her eyes.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - DAY
Billy waits
outside the hotel room.
A car pulls
up. Jenny is driving.
Billy gets
in.
INT. JENNY'S
CAR - DAY
Jenny wears
casual clothes. She's all smiles.
JENNY
I'm glad you called.
BILLY
Me, too.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - DAY
Jenny's car
pulls away and onto Main Street.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - DINING ROOM - DAY
Emil and
Emma seated at a table. RUTH, who works in the
kitchen,
sets a piece of pie in front of each of them.
RUTH
Here we go. Mr. Collins, if this
isn't the best coconut pie you've
ever tasted, you let me know.
EMIL
It looks delicious.
RUTH
Only the best for my girl.
She beams at
Emma. Emma smiles back. Then Ruth goes back to
the kitchen.
An awkward
silence.
EMIL
Do they let you off the premises?
31.
EMMA
It isn't a prison, if that's what
you mean. But they're responsible
for me. I have to sign out.
EMIL
I was wondering if you'd like to
go fishing with me.
EMMA
I remember how much you like to
fish.
EMIL
I haven't done much lately. City
life, you know. I live with my
daughter.
EMMA
Tell me about your family.
EMIL
After you answer my question. Do
you want to go fishing?
EMMA
I'm not sure they'd let me go
without supervision. They'd be
afraid I'd slip on a rock and
drown myself.
EMIL
I'd be there.
EMMA
They'd be worried about you for
the same reason.
EMIL
How about you sneak out?
EMMA
Oh my!
EMIL
I'm serious. I come by early in
the morning, before anybody's up,
and take you fishing.
EMMA
That sounds like a real
adventure.
32.
EMIL
You always were the adventurous
kind. We'd spend the day fishing
and then I'd bring you back.
EXT. RIVER -
DAY
Jenny's car
is parked on the shoulder. Below, the river.
On the bank,
Jenny is preparing her pole. Billy stands
beside her,
holding another pole, looking like he has no
idea what to
do with it.
JENNY
You never even cast before?
BILLY
You don't get a lot of chances to
fish in the city.
JENNY
So we'll start at the beginning.
First, you bait your hook.
EXT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - PARKING LOT - DAY
Emil and
Emma stand at the VW.
EMIL
I'm going to be here at five in
the morning. Don't you change
your mind on me.
EMMA
I'll be here.
EMIL
Good. We'll have ourselves quite
a day.
He moves
forward. They awkwardly embrace.
EXT. RIVER -
DAY
Jenny stands
behind Billy, showing him how to cast.
He casts,
reels it in, and casts again.
He's a quick
learner.
33.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - DAY
Emil in the
VW, heading back to Homestead.
EXT. RIVER -
DAY
Billy with
his line in the water. Beside him, Jenny has her
line in the
water.
Billy is
finally fishing on his own.
Above, on
the road, the VW passes Jenny's car and heads on.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - SPORTING GOODS STORE - DAY
The VW
parked outside a sporting goods store.
INT.
SPORTING GOODS STORE - DAY
Emil pushing
a cart through the store.
A tent, a
camp stove, three sleeping bags, other camping
equipment
piled in the cart.
EXT. RIVER -
DAY
Billy has a
fish on the line. He reels it in, and Jenny nets
it.
BILLY
Is it a salmon?
JENNY
A trout. You did great!
She raises a
hand. Billy high-fives.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - DAY
Jenny's car
pulls behind the VW and stops. They both get out.
Billy sees
all the camping gear in the VW.
JENNY
Are you going camping?
BILLY
I thought we were going fishing.
34.
JENNY
They go together.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - DAY
Emil is
dozing on a bed when the door opens. Billy and Jenny
step in.
Emil
twitches awake.
JENNY
I'd better go.
BILLY
We'll be there.
JENNY
If you can't, give me a call.
She flashes
her smile.
JENNY
I had a great time, Billy.
BILLY
Me, too.
She's gone.
Emil sits
up.
EMIL
Who had a great time?
BILLY
Jenny. Her grandmother remembers
you.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - RESIDENTIAL STREET - NIGHT
The VW is
parked in a driveway.
INT. HOUSE -
DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Around the
table are Emil, Billy, and Jenny's grandmother,
ANNIE, 60s.
The table is filled with serving plates of food.
EMIL
I'll take your word for it.
35.
ANNIE
You helped me with my homework
several times. Especially
Shakespeare. I hated reading that
stuff.
BILLY
You don't remember, Gramps?
EMIL
I remembered to put on my pants
this morning. After that, it gets
iffy.
Jenny enters
with one fried breaded trout on a plate.
JENNY
Ta da! To the fisherman goes the
fish!
She places
the fish in front of him.
BILLY
Wow.
ANNIE
I don't know about the rest of
you, but I'm starving. Everybody
dig in.
They do.
INT. HOUSE -
DEN - NIGHT
Billy and
Jenny are playing a video game.
INT. HOUSE -
KITCHEN - NIGHT
Emil is
drying dishes. Annie washes.
ANNIE
I hardly knew Emma at all. My
older sister, bless her soul, got
close to her when Emma was
pregnant. It was such a bad time
for her.
EMIL
She had a difficult pregnancy?
36.
ANNIE
Not being married and all.
Everybody knew. I don't know what
she would've done if Brad hadn't
done the honorable thing and
married her. Then, no sooner does
she have the baby, and God takes
her back. Emma's had such a
tragic life.
Emil looks
intense. All this is news to him.
EXT. HOUSE -
PORCH - NIGHT
Everyone on
the porch.
ANNIE
Hope to see you again before you
leave.
EMIL
It was a wonderful dinner. Thanks
so much.
JENNY
Call me, Billy?
Billy nods.
INT. CAR -
NIGHT
Emil
driving.
EMIL
I like her. Maybe she can visit
us at the campground.
BILLY
That would be cool.
INT. MOTEL -
NIGHT
Both in bed,
getting ready for lights out.
EMIL
I'll shake you at four.
BILLY
You're kidding.
37.
EMIL
I'm serious, lad. We pick Emma up
at five.
BILLY
Why so early?
EMIL
We have to get her out of there
before the full staff comes on.
She's not supposed to go.
BILLY
Like we're helping her escape?
EMIL
Exactly like that. So lights out.
Four will be here before you know
it.
EXT. MOTEL -
DAY
Early
morning. Emil and Billy come out. Billy walks like
he's
half-asleep.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - DAY
Emil
driving.
Ahead, the
horizon getting light.
EXT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - DAY
The VW pulls
up and stops.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Emil lets
the engine idle.
Billy is
asleep against the window.
EXT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - DAY
Emil gets
out.
He looks
around. What now?
A sound.
38.
EMMA
Emil...
Emma steps
out of the shadows. She's carrying a small bag.
EMIL
Let me help you.
He takes her
bag. They walk to the car.
Emil taps on
the window. Billy jumps awake.
EMIL
My grandson.
Billy opens
the door.
EMIL
Billy, this is Emma. Would you
mind riding in the back seat?
Billy yawns.
BILLY
Hi. No problem.
EMMA
Look at all this. How long are we
staying?
EMIL
Hey, if we have a good time,
maybe we'll never come back.
He helps Emma
in. He moves around the car and gets back
behind the
wheel.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Emil smiles.
EMIL
When it warms up, we'll put the
top down.
A SERIES OF
SHOTS
as they
drive to the campground.
--back along
the country road, the sun low and climbing.
--through
Homestead as the town wakes up.
39.
--along the
river.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING AREA - HALLWAY - DAY
The nurse
from earlier comes down the hall. She taps on
Emma's door.
Nothing.
Louder.
She unlocks
the door.
INT. EMMA'S ROOM - DAY
The nurse
looks inside. Nobody home.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING AREA - KITCHEN - DAY
Nurse
enters. Ruth at the stove.
NURSE
Have you seen Emma this morning?
RUTH
Sure haven't.
INT.
MARTHA'S HOME - DAY
Martha on
the phone.
MARTHA
God, she must have dementia. Why
else would she just wander
off?...Don't you think you should
call the police?
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - DAY
The VW
enters a campground.
A few
campers here and there.
Emil pull
into a campsite right on the river.
Everybody
piles out.
EMMA
It's beautiful!
40.
BILLY
I caught a trout in this river.
EMIL
And ate it, too.
A SERIES OF
SHOTS
as they set
up camp.
--unloading
the car.
--putting up
the tent.
--setting up
the stove.
--inflating
air mattresses for the sleeping bags.
--and then
to the river, fishing.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - RIVER - DAY
Everyone
fishing from the bank.
Billy and
Emma hook a fish almost at the same time. Great
excitement.
Emil helps,
netting each trout in turn.
LATER
Emil catches
his first fish, netting it himself.
INT. RHODES
HOME - DAY
A telephone
in the living room rings. And rings.
Finally the
voice mail picks up.
MARTI'S VOICE
You've reached the Rhodes
residence, Marti, Don, Sara and
Billy. Leave a message and the
appropriate party will get back
to you.
A beep.
41.
INT. COASTAL
RESORT - DECK - DAY
Marti with a
cell phone on the deck of a five-star resort.
Beyond, the
spectacular ocean.
MARTI
Sara, it's mom. Just checking in.
Give me a call on my cell when
you get a chance. We're blessed
with just beautiful weather here.
Hope all is well on the home
front. Call me. Love you.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - NIGHT
Evening,
just after sunset.
Emma at the
stove. Frying trout.
Billy at the
campfire, staring into the flames.
INT. TENT -
NIGHT
Emil pops a
pain pill, chasing it with a can of pop.
Deep
breaths.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - NIGHT
Emil comes
out of the tent.
EMIL
Man, that smells good!
EMMA
Almost ready.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - NIGHT
A lantern on
the picnic table.
All three
around the campfire.
Emil and
Emma huddled close.
BILLY
I'm going for a walk.
EMIL
Take the flashlight.
42.
Billy
leaves.
EMIL
How long were you and Brad
married?
EMMA
40 years. He died not long after
our ruby anniversary. And how
long were you married? You
haven't said much about your
wife.
EMIL
Which one?
EMMA
How many were there?
EMIL
Four.
EMMA
Four!
EMIL
Six if you count live-ins.
EMMA
Emil Collins. I had no idea you
were such a ... what is the word?
EMIL
Idiot?
EMMA
Any children?
EMIL
Never stayed put long enough.
EMMA
That surprises me.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - ANOTHER AREA - NIGHT
Billy at a
pay phone outside the rest rooms.
INT. HOME -
BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jenny
sprawled on her bed.
INTERCUT
43.
JENNY
I know that campground very well.
BILLY
Think you can come?
JENNY
I can visit. I don't know if I
can stay over.
BILLY
Either way would be great.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - CAMPFIRE - NIGHT
Emil has his
arm around her. Less romantic, more protection
against the
chill. Both staring into the fire.
EMIL
I didn't realize you'd lost a
child.
Emma looks
up and pulls away.
EMMA
Who told you that?
EMIL
Jenny's grandmother, Annie, said
her older sister knew you. I'm
sorry you had to go through that.
EMMA
What else did she say?
EMIL
That seemed like enough.
A silence.
Emma gets up
and goes to the stove on the table.
EMMA
Coffee?
EMIL
I'm fine.
EMMA
I want to take a drive tomorrow.
It's not far from here.
EMIL
What isn't?
44.
EMMA
What I want to show you.
Billy
returns.
BILLY
I'm going to bed.
EMMA
Half a cup of coffee and I'm
right behind you.
BILLY
Are we all sleeping in the tent?
EMIL
There's room. You need privacy?
BILLY
Not really.
INT. TENT -
NIGHT
Emil holds
the lantern.
Three
sleeping bags in a row on air mattresses.
EMIL
Take the end there, Billy. I'm
beside you.
EMMA
Goodnight, all.
She and
Billy crawl into the end sleeping bags.
EMIL
I'll try not to step on you, lad.
He turns off
the lantern.
He maneuvers
over Billy and crawls into the middle sleeping
bag.
Emma laughs.
EMIL
What's so funny?
EMMA
I'm so bored most of the time,
the nurses have me on my death
bed. If only they could see me
now.
45.
INT. COASTAL
RESORT - DAY
Marti on the
phone.
Don enters
from the bathroom.
MARTI
Nobody's answering. Since when
has either of them been out of
the house at eight without me
kicking them in the butt?
DON
Your dad's not answering?
MARTI
No one is home.
She slams
down the receiver.
DON
No.
MARTI
What?
DON
We're not rushing back. We're not
letting this ruin our vacation.
MARTI
Oh my God. What if Dad's in the
hospital? That would explain why
no one is home.
She punches
a number.
MARTI
How do I get information?
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - RIVER - DAY
Early
morning. Emil alone at the river.
He folds his
arms against the chill. Contemplative.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - DAY
Emil has
coffee on. Emma stumbles out of the tent, looking a
fright.
46.
EMMA
Good morning.
EMIL
Yes, it is.
EMMA
I slept like a rock.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - DAY (LATER)
Emil and
Emma at the table, eating breakfast.
Billy comes
out of the tent.
EMIL
Morning. I kept your eggs warm.
INT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
Jenny behind
the counter.
Two deputies
enter. They are DEP. HALL and DEP. MALINOWSKI
JENNY
Morning. What will it be?
DEP. HALL
Just coffee.
DEP. MALINOWSKI
Decaf, black.
DEP. HALL
Real coffee, room for cream.
He hands
Jenny a flier.
DEP. HALL
You seen this woman?
THE FLIER
a photo of
Emma with description and the words, "Missing
from the
Palousse Valley Assisted Living Center."
JENNY
I don't know her. Would you like
me to put this on our bulletin
board?
47.
DEP. HALL
You took the words right out of
my mouth.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - DAY
Emil and
Emma in the VW with the top down.
EMIL
We should be back before dinner.
BILLY
Maybe I'll have a trout dinner
waiting for you. Jenny's coming
by. She can help.
EMIL
(to Emma)
Romeo here used to be shy with
girls.
Emil toots
the horn -- and they're off.
INT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
Jenny on the
phone.
JENNY
I don't get off till three, so
it'll be four or so. Is that too
late?...Okay, great! See you
then.
She hangs
up.
YVONNE, a
teen co-worker, has overheard.
YVONNE
New boyfriend?
JENNY
I'm not sure yet.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - DAY
The VW, top
down, Emil at the wheel, Emma's hair blowing in
the wind.
EXT. COUNTRY
CEMETERY - ROAD - DAY
The VW pulls
into a small cemetery.
48.
EMMA
Park anywhere.
EXT. COUNTRY
CEMETERY - GRAVES - DAY
Emma leads
the way past rows of graves.
She stops at
a small marker.
Emil
reads: "Emily Sharon Simpson.
1948-1950."
EMIL
Your daughter?
EMMA
Our daughter.
Emil looks
confused.
EMIL
I'm missing something.
EMMA
I'd decided to get an abortion. I
didn't want you to turn down your
scholarship.
EMIL
Emma...if you'd told me--
EMMA
I couldn't go through with it. I
named her Emily, after you. She
was so beautiful.
EMIL
But what about Brad?
EMMA
He always had a thing for me. He
talked me into keeping the baby
and marrying him. Everyone
thought it was his.
EMIL
But did you love him?
EMMA
Yes, I did come to love him.
Mostly I've had a happy life.
Isn't that crazy?
Emma loses
herself in Emil's arms.
49.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - DAY
Jenny pulls
up and parks. She gets out.
She walks
down to the river where Billy is fishing. A smile
on her face.
EXT. RIVER -
DAY
Jenny sneaks
up behind Billy. She grabs him.
He turns,
and they playfully wrestle a moment.
JENNY
Catch anything?
BILLY
Take a look.
She peeks in
an ice chest on the bank. Three trout.
JENNY
I think you're getting the hang
of this.
EXT. COUNTRY CEMETERY - DAY
Emil and
Emma strolling, holding hands.
EMIL
I told Billy we'd be back by
dinner.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - TABLE - DAY
Jenny has
the fish breaded and ready to fry.
Billy is
setting the table.
BILLY
Here they come.
The VW
arrives and parks.
Emil and Emma
get out.
Seeing Emma,
Jenny does a double-take. The lady on the poster.
EMIL
This must be Jenny!
50.
JENNY
Hello.
BILLY
My granddad. And this is Emma.
EMMA
Hi.
Jenny looks
ill at ease. Yes, she's definitely the one on
the poster.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - CAMP FIRE - NIGHT
Everyone
around a camp fire.
Billy gets
up.
BILLY
Be right back.
EMIL
Seeing a man about a horse?
BILLY
Right.
JENNY
I'll come with you.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - WALKWAY - NIGHT
Jenny takes
Billy's arm.
JENNY
She's a missing person.
BILLY
Who is?
JENNY
Emma. A sheriff came in with a
missing poster about her.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - CAMP FIRE - NIGHT
Emil and
Emma, sitting close.
Billy and
Jenny return.
51.
EMIL
Everything come out all right?
BILLY
Can I talk to you a minute,
Gramps?
Emil gives a
"what is this about?" look to Emma. He gets up.
Billy moves
away. Emil follows him into the growing darkness.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - TENT - NIGHT
Billy stops
near the tent. Low tones.
BILLY
There's a wanted poster out for
Emma. They think she's been
kidnapped or something.
EMIL
Oh, boy.
INT. COASTAL
RESORT - NIGHT
Marti on the
phone once again. Don on the bed, reading.
MARTI
I have no idea what's going on.
Sara's not answering her cell. I
called every hospital I could
think of....Well, if anything
changes, you have my number.
She hangs
up.
MARTI
Vicky says there are four papers
in the driveway. Starting with
the day we left.
DON
That's doesn't make sense. Emil
always reads the paper.
MARTI
Nobody's home, Don. That's what
I've been trying to tell you.
DON
Where would they go?
52.
MARTI
I have no idea. But we can't find
out sitting here thinking about
it.
DON
Marti--
MARTI
If you don't want to come, I'll
rent a car in the morning.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - CAMP FIRE - NIGHT
Everyone
around the fire. Jenny gets up.
JENNY
I have to get back. Sorry to be
the bearer of bad news.
EMMA
At my age, a little notoriety
goes the soul good.
JENNY
I just hope no one gets in
trouble.
BILLY
I'll walk you to the car.
They
disappear into the night.
EMIL
At least we had our time on the
river.
A reflective
moment.
EMIL
(quoting from memory)
"I do not know what it is
about
you that closes and opens; only
something in me understands the
voice of your eyes is deeper than
all roses. Nobody, not even the
rain, has such small hands."
(softly)
Cummings.
EMMA
I don't want to go back.
EMIL
We don't have much choice.
53.
EMMA
Of course we do. What is it the
brochures say? We're in our
golden years. Don't you feel
golden?
Emil looks
away, thinking.
EMMA
What is it?
EMIL
Staying here sounds so wonderful.
But don't you think they'd find
us pretty quick?
EMMA
We don't have to stay here. Where
is that place you used to tell me
about? Your family took a
vacation there. How you raved
about it! The goose something?
EMIL
The Goose Necks of the San Juan.
The most amazing scenery on the
planet.
EMMA
Let's go there.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - PARKING AREA - NIGHT
Billy and
Jenny in a lip lock. It ends.
JENNY
I guess that means I'll see you
soon.
BILLY
You don't think Gramps will get
in trouble, will he?
JENNY
It's not like he took her against
her will. I think everybody will
be thrilled she's okay.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - CAMP FIRE - NIGHT
The sound of
Jenny's car leaving.
Billy
appears from the shadows.
54.
BILLY
So are we going back first thing
in the morning or can I fish
first?
EMIL
Change of plans. We're going into
town and renting a car. You
return to Homestead and Emma and
I are going on a trip.
BILLY
But she's a missing person.
EMMA
Do I look lost to you?
BILLY
A trip where?
EMIL
To God's most amazing creation.
EXT. COASTAL
RESORT - DAY
Don is
packing the car. Marti brings out another suitcase.
There is
visible friction between them.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - DAY
Breaking
camp. Almost done.
Emil at the
car. Emma wiping down the table.
Billy brings
the rolled tent to the car.
BILLY
I want to go.
EMIL
That's not a good idea.
BILLY
Why not?
EMIL
Because your mother would kill
me.
55.
BILLY
I'll leave her a message so she
knows we're safe. Gramps, it's
summer. I've got nothing else to
do. You know we'd make better
time with me driving. I mean, it
can't take that long to get
there.
They won't even be home yet. They
probably won't even know the
difference.
EMIL
Your dad would know. He'd see the
mileage on the car.
BILLY
Big deal. We bought our own gas,
didn't we?
Emma walks up.
EMIL
He wants to come. What do you
think?
EMMA
What I really think? I wish I had
the courage at his age to do
something this adventurous.
Billy
smiles, as if it's settled.
A SERIES OF
SHOTS -- INTERCUT
The two
journeys
--Emil, Emma
and Billy on a country road.
--Marti and
Don on the highway from the coast.
--The VW
catches a highway to head south.
--The Rhodes
car reaches the outskirts of the city.
INT. RHODES
HOME - DAY
Marti rushes
in. She goes straight to the phone.
She picks it
up and punches a number. Voice mail.
56.
DOCTOR (FILTERED)
This is a message for Emil. I
found a hospice with a vacancy
but I need to hear from you right
away so I can reserve it for you.
Please get back to me as soon as
you can.
Don enters.
Marti looks in shock.
DON
What's the matter?
MARTI
My father is dying.
EXT. GOLF
COURSE - DAY
A twosome,
one of whom is the doctor. His PARTNER is teeing up.
The doctor's
cell phone rings.
DOCTOR
Wouldn't you know?
He steps
away and answers it.
DOCTOR
Hello?...Yes, Mrs.
Rhodes....What?...Mrs. Rhodes,
your father has pancreatic
cancer.
He has a few months at best.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - DAY
Marti sets
down the phone. Total shock.
EXT. DESERT
SOUTHWEST - DAY
The VW
convertible zipping along with the top down.
Billy is
driving. Luggage has been rearranged, so Emil and
Emma can sit
together in the back seat.
Their hair
blows in the wind. They have the ecstatic look of
teenagers in
love.
And the
landscape, the landscape!
57.
Spectacular
rock formations rise from the ground like stone
gods
marching across the desert. The beauty is enough to
turn an
atheist religious.
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - DAY
A police car
is parked in the driveway.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
OFFICER
HAMILTON filling out Marti's missing person report.
She's been
crying. Don looks stoic.
OFFICER HAMILTON
But you have no idea where they
might have gone?
Marti shakes
her head.
OFFICER HAMILTON
No brother or sister to visit,
old friend, anyone at all who
comes to mind?
DON
He always talked about going back
to Homestead before he died.
OFFICER HAMILTON
Where's the homestead?
DON
It's a small town in northern
Idaho.
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - POLICE CAR - DAY
Officer
Hamilton in the car, punching numbers in a computer.
Waiting for
results.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - DAY
Hamilton
walks in through the open door. Marti waits for him.
OFFICER HAMILTON
Does the name Emma Simpson mean
anything to you?
MARTI
Don! Did dad ever mention someone
named Emma?
58.
Don
approaches.
DON
You know, it rings a bell.
Sometimes he'd talk about his
first girlfriend back home. I
believe it was an Emma.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - FAST FOOD JOINT - DAY
A Sheriff's
car pulls in and parks.
INT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
The deputies
Hall and Malinowski come to Jenny at the counter.
DEP. HALL
Got another poster for you.
He hands it
to Jenny.
THE POSTER
shows Emil,
Billy, and Sara.
Looking over
her shoulder is Yvonne.
YVONNE
Is that his girlfriend?
Jenny looks
dazed.
EXT.
CAMPGROUND - DAY
Sheriff's
car pulls into the old campsite. The two deputies
get out.
One kicks a
burned log in the makeshift fireplace.
The other
stares out at the river.
DEP. HALL
What makes a grown adult a
missing person?
DEP. MALINOWSKI
Dementia?
DEP. HALL
Maybe they just wanted to go
fishing.
59.
EXT.
SOUTHERN UTAH - GOOSE NECKS AREA - DAY
The sun low
in the west.
The VW
convertible pulls up atop a flat mesa. Nothing but
the wide
open spaces up here.
This is
definitely not "an improved camping area."
Billy,
driving, gets out. Emil and Emma get out from the
back seat.
Emma does a
complete circle, sucking in the view. Her hair
blows --
there's a good wind way up here!
EMMA
Oh my Lord!
EMIL
This is just the first course.
Follow me.
Emil starts
across the mesa. Emma and Billy follow.
EXT. GOOSE
NECKS - MESA - DAY
Suddenly the
ground opens up into a deep gash. No warning,
just a
sudden drop.
Emil makes
sure everyone stops in time.
Across the
canyon, the mesa continues. The perspective is
misleading
-- so far down, that the canyon gives the illusion
that one
could jump across it.
EMIL
Be really careful -- but look
down there.
He takes
Emma's hand and leads her closer to the edge. Billy
follows.
They get
close enough to peer down the deep canyon.
EMIL
I give you -- the Goose Necks of
the San Juan River.
EXT. GOOSE
NECES - DAY
And what an
incredible view!
60.
Far, far
below, the thin river turns one way and then back
on itself,
for as far as the eye can see.
It's like a
condensed version of the Grand Canyon -- and
more
spectacular because it's more comprehensible. You see
it and
wonder...Could I really jump across?
EXT. GOOSE
NECKS - MESA - DAY
Emma is
blown away by the beauty. She takes Emil's arms.
Tears well
in her eyes.
EMIL
What do you think, Billy?
BILLY
I think this is what awesome
really means.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - NIGHT
Suitcases at
the door. Don waiting patiently.
Marti storms
up.
EXT. AIRPORT
- NIGHT
A small
jetliner landing.
INT. AIRPORT
- TERMINAL - NIGHT
Marti and
Don enter. Don totes a carry-on, Marti has a cell
phone to her
ear.
She drops
it.
MARTI
I'm going to murder that girl.
INT. AIRPORT
- RENTAL CAR COUNTER - NIGHT
Don at the
counter. Marti waits nearby.
EXT. AIRPORT
- RENTAL CAR PICKUP - NIGHT
Don and
Marti climb into a late model car.
61.
INT. RENTAL
CAR - NIGHT
Don behind
the wheel.
MARTI
Do you know where you're going?
DON
I know what the map says. Do you
have a short cut?
Marti glares
at him, then out the window.
EXT. MESA -
SCRUB BRUSH - NIGHT
The tent is
set up within a cluster of scrub brush, protected
somewhat
from the wind.
No table. No
fireplace. Primitive camping.
Everyone
sits on a tarp on the ground. The stove, also on
the ground,
is nearby.
Emma looking
up at the sky.
EMMA
A shooting star! Emil, help me up.
He has a bit
of trouble getting up himself. Then he offers
Emma his
hand.
Billy jumps
up. They all look up at the sky.
BILLY
There's one!
EMMA
And another!
Overhead, a
summer meteor shower in its early tease. The
Milky Way
floats across the sky like the ghost of a dragon.
EMMA
I've never been anywhere so
beautiful.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - NIGHT
The rental
car parked in front of the office.
Marti
waiting in the car.
62.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - NIGHT
Don turns on
the light, and they enter.
MARTI
Did you ask about a restaurant?
DON
Nothing open this late.
MARTI
Terrific. Welcome to Redneck
City.
DON
There's a bar that may make us a
burger.
INT.
HOMESTEAD - BAR - NIGHT
Don enters
alone. A decent late night crowd, mostly male and
blue collar.
Don walks to
the end of the bar.
The LADY
BARTENDER comes over.
DON
Is the kitchen still open?
LATER
Don sitting
at the bar, nursing a beer, waiting for the food.
A RANCHER
takes the stool next to him.
RANCHER
(to bartender)
Regular, Doris!
The rancher
looks at him.
DON.
I was wondering if you knew Emil
Collins or Emma Simpson.
The rancher
grins.
63.
RANCHER
What are you, an uncover cop from
Boise? Well, I don't know where
the hell they are for one, for
two I wouldn't tell you if I did,
and for three, whatever the hell
they've done, it can't be worse
than being cooped up in a damn
rest home somewhere.
EXT. BAR -
NIGHT
Don comes
out, carrying a sack of burgers.
EXT. MESA -
NIGHT
Only Emil
and Emma outside now. Still looking up at the
meteor
shower.
EMMA
(counting meteors)
Two hundred and five.
EMIL
One eighty-four. Eighty-five!
EMMA
Two hundred and six!
INT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - NIGHT
Marti and
Don at the table. Eating burgers and fries for
dinner.
The phone
rings.
Marti dashes
for it.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - NIGHT
Sara making
the call. Her boyfriend, Jason, stands next to her.
SARA
She's going to kill me.
INTERCUT
MARTI
Hello.
64.
SARA
(meekly)
It's me.
MARTI
Where have you been? Where's your
brother and granddad?
SARA
I don't know. Is Gramps really
dying?
MARTI
No thanks to you. You are
grounded
forever!
Don comes
forward.
DON
Give me the phone.
Marti
clutches it.
SARA
It was an emergency. Jason needed
to go out of town for a job
interview and needed moral
support. On the way back we had a
flat, and then his spare ended up
being flat, and--
Don has
wrestled away the phone.
DON
It's me. Did they mention
anything
about coming to Idaho?
SARA
They're in Idaho?
(to Jason)
They're in Idaho.
EXT. MESA -
NIGHT
Holding
hands, Emil and Emma slowly walk to the tent.
Before going
in, Emma stops him. She kisses him.
EMMA
You haven't talked about your
health.
He looks
suspicious.
65.
EMIL
Do I look dead or something?
EMMA
I was wondering if, you know,
you're sexually active.
EMIL
I haven't been for years.
EMMA
The machinery broke?
EMIL
Oh, no. Now and again I rise in
the morning, if you know what I
mean.
EMMA
You just have nothing to do with
it. Well, now you do.
INT. TENT -
NIGHT
Awkward,
comic, Emil and Emma try to crawl into one sleeping
bag without
waking Billy, who sleeps nearby with only the
empty bag
between them.
EMIL
(whispering)
This will never work.
EMMA
(whispering)
We won't know unless we try.
They
maneuver into the bag together, Emil angled above her.
Now they
struggle to get their pants off.
It's not an
easy thing to do -- and in the process Emma gets
the giggles.
EMIL
Sshh.
But trying
to stop her only gives him the giggles.
BILLY
What's so funny?
This gets
them laughing louder.
66.
BILLY
Have you two been drinking?
And louder
still.
BILLY
You are really weird.
Emil and
Emma manage to get control of themselves.
EMIL
(whispering)
He's right.
Which gets
them laughing again.
EXT. MESA -
CAMPING AREA - DAY
On the tarp,
Emma is zipping two sleeping bags together.
Billy comes
out of the tent.
BILLY
Morning.
EMMA
Good morning, Billy.
BILLY
Where's Gramps?
EMMA
He headed off yonder with a
shovel. Sorry we woke you up.
BILLY
What was so funny?
Emma starts
to reply but laughs instead. She raises a hand,
as if
excusing herself.
Billy,
shaking his head, wanders off.
INT. TENT -
DAY
Emma comes
in with the zipped-together bag. She makes room
for it.
Moving
Emil's travel bag, a small bottle of medicine drops out.
Emma picks
it up and reads the label.
67.
An immediate
expression of concern.
EXT. MESA -
DAY
Emil
approaching camp without the shovel.
Emma coming
out to meet him.
EMIL
I gave Billy the shovel if you
need it.
EMMA
Why are you in pain? I found your
pills. What's going on, Emil? I
want the truth.
EXT. MESA -
CAMP FIRE - DAY
Emil and
Emma huddled close around a fire to ward off the
morning
chill.
Billy
returns, carrying the shovel.
EMIL
Sit down, lad.
BILLY
What happened to breakfast?
EMIL
We'll get to it. I have something
to tell you.
EMMA
We have something.
Billy,
puzzled, sits down.
INT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
Jenny at a
table with the two sheriffs, Marti and Don.
JENNY
Does Billy know his granddad's
dying?
MARTI
Nobody knew. He didn't tell
anyone.
68.
DEP. HALL
No hint where they might go from
the river?
JENNY
I thought they were coming back
to Homestead.
EXT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
Jenny seeing
off the deputies. Marti and Don stand nearby,
waiting.
JENNY
Will you let me know how Billy
is?
DEP. HALL
Sure thing.
INT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
Jenny comes
inside.
YVONNE
Phone, Jenny!
EXT. DESERT
TOWN - GAS STATION - DAY
Emil filling
the tank.
Billy on a
nearby payphone.
INTERCUT
JENNY
Hello?
BILLY
It's Billy.
JENNY
Where are you?
BILLY
I can't say. I just want you to
know I'm okay.
69.
JENNY
Your parents are here. Billy,
everyone's worried about your
granddad because--
BILLY
I know what's going on. That's
why I have to help him.
JENNY
Help him what?
BILLY
I can't say. I just wanted you
not to worry. I can't call again
until this is over.
JENNY
I was so worried about you.
BILLY
Jenny, I have to run.
JENNY
Billy--
BILLY
I really like you a lot. Bye.
Hanging up,
Billy has to catch his breath.
So does
Jenny.
EXT. GAS
STATION - DAY
Billy returns
to the car. Emil hangs up the pump.
BILLY
I called Jenny. I didn't tell her
where we're going or anything.
EMIL
I didn't figure you would. I'm
proud that you're willing to help
me with this, Billy.
Emma returns
from the rest room.
EMMA
Well. I'm good for a hundred
miles, I should think.
70.
EMIL
My turn.
INT. GAS
STATION - REST ROOM - DAY
Emil pops a
pain pill at the sink. Deep breath.
He looks at
himself in the mirror. Pops a second pill.
EXT. DESERT
SOUTHWEST - ROAD - DAY
The VW
convertible, top down, Billy driving, racing down a
country
road.
Emil and
Emma in the back seat. More serious than before,
though. A
destination hangs over them.
EXT. MOTEL -
NIGHT
The VW
parked in front of a motel room.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - NIGHT
Billy's bag
on one bed. On the other, Emil's and Emma's.
Obviously
they will share a bed.
INT.
RESTAURANT - BOOTH - NIGHT
Over dinner
in a booth.
Emil makes a
slight sound.
EMMA
Are you okay?
EMIL
Excuse me.
He gets up
and heads for the men's room.
Emma watches
him closely.
EMMA
He's in more pain than he lets
on.
Billy is
quiet.
71.
INT.
RESTAURANT - MEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
Emil at the
sink. He pops a pill, then cups his hand for
water,
chases it down.
He stares at
himself in the mirror. He closes his eyes
against what
he sees.
INT.
RESTAURANT - BOOTH - NIGHT
Dessert and
coffee.
EMIL
I've come up with a plan. I don't
think you'll like it, so I'm
giving you another chance to bail
out.
EMMA
I'm not bailing out of anything.
BILLY
Me neither.
EMIL
Better wait till you hear what I
have to say.
They wait.
Emil clears
his throat. This isn't going to be easy.
INT. MOTEL -
NIGHT
Emil pacing.
Billy on the
bed, nervous.
The bathroom
door closed.
EMIL
Emma? You're not making matters
any easier.
No reply
beyond the door.
EMIL
I shouldn't have told her.
Billy opens
his mouth but no words come.
72.
EMIL
Not you, too.
(to the door)
Emma? I'm going to bed.
Emil goes to
his bed. Strips to underwear and crawls in.
Billy still
sitting on the bed.
EMIL
I need to find a good bookstore.
There's something you two need to
hear.
He turns off
his light.
EMIL
Goodnight.
Billy sits,
fighting back tears.
EXT. MOTEL -
DAY
Early
morning. Emil comes out.
He walks
across the lot toward the restaurant.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - DAY
Billy
asleep.
In the other
bed, Emma wakes. She realizes Emil is gone.
INT.
RESTAURANT - BOOTH - DAY
Emil over
coffee, reading the paper.
Emma slips
into the booth across from him.
EMMA
Good morning.
EMIL
Morning.
EMMA
I got it out of my system.
EMIL
I think maybe you should go home.
73.
EMMA
Don't you dare say that. What
you're going through is not
something a man should do alone.
He needs people around who care
for him. Billy adores you.
Emil looks
at her for the first time.
EMMA
I adore you.
She offers
her hand. He takes it.
The WAITRESS
arrives.
WAITRESS
Don't you two look like you're on
your honeymoon?
EXT. MOTEL -
DAY
Packing the
VW. The top is up.
EMIL
Billy, you want to start?
Billy gets
in behind the wheel. Emil and Emma in back.
EXT. HIGHWAY
- DAY
The VW
zipping along, top still up.
From the
back seat, Emil leans forward and gestures for
Billy to
take an exit into an approaching town.
EXT. SMALL
TOWN - STREET - DAY
The VW is
parked on the street.
INT. SMALL
TOWN - BOOKSTORE - DAY
Emil rooting
around the shelves. He goes to the counter.
CLERK
May I help you?
EMIL
I surely hope so.
74.
INT. SMALL
TOWN - CAFE - DAY
Billy and
Emma in a booth.
Emil joins
them.
EMMA
Any luck?
EMIL
Nope. I need a decent bookstore.
We'll take a side trip to Boise.
It's not too much out of the way.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY
The rental
car in front of the small building of the
sheriff's
office.
INT.
SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY
Marti and
Don meeting with Dep. Hall.
DEP. HALL
I'm serious. There's nothing you
can do here. It may be a day, it
might be a week or more. Depends
on where they are and how visible
they're letting themselves be.
MARTI
We want to be here when you find
them.
DEP. HALL
We'll call you immediately. It's
up to you.
Marti and
Don exchange a glance.
DON
I do need to check in at work.
INT. AIRPORT
- TERMINAL - DAY
Don and
Marti in line to board.
MARTI
What if he's already dead?
Don doesn't
reply.
75.
EXT.
INTERSTATE - OUTSIDE BOISE - DAY
The VW
approaching Boise. Billy driving, top up.
INT. BOISE -
BOOKSTORE - DAY
All three in
the bookstore. Browsing.
Emil in the Poetry
section.
Eureka! He
pulls out, "Selected Poems" by Lew Welch.
EXT.
BOOKSTORE - DAY
They exit
the bookstore. Emil carries the paperback in a bag.
EXT. BOISE -
MOTEL - NIGHT
The VW
parked in the lot of a Boise motel.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - NIGHT
Emma and
Billy sit anxiously at the table.
Emil stands
before them, book in hand.
EMIL
I feel like I'm back in the
classroom.
EMMA
I bet you were a wonderful teacher.
EMIL
Flattery will get you everywhere.
He clears
his throat.
EMIL
Let me put what I'm going to read
in context. Lew Welch was a minor
poet among the Beats. Also an
alcoholic. So Gary Snyder, a
better known poet of the era,
lets Welch use his mountain cabin
in order to dry out. When Snyder
returns to check in on him, Welch
is gone. Also gone is the shotgun
Snyder kept there.
(MORE)
76.
EMIL (CONT'D)
And there's a long poem on the
writing desk and in the
typewriter.
This is the last section of that
poem, which is called, "Song
of
the Turkey Buzzard."
Again he
clears his throat. Emma and Billy wait.
EMIL
"Hear my Last Will &
Testament:
Among my friends there shall
always be one with proper
instructions for my continuance.
Let no one grieve. I shall have
used it all up, used up every bit
of it. What an extravagance! What
a relief! On a marked rock,
following his orders, place my
meat. All care must be taken not
to frighten the natives of this
barbarous land, who will not let
us die, even, as we wish. With
proper ceremony disembowel what I
no longer need, that it might
more quickly rot and tempt my new
form. Not the bronze casket but
the brazen wing, soaring forever
above thee, o perfect, o sweetest
water, o glorious wheeling
bird."
Silence.
Emma fights
back tears. Billy looks confused.
EMIL
"All care must be taken not to
frighten the natives of this
barbarous land, who will not let
us die, even, as we wish."
This
part applies directly to me. I
know how I want to die. I know
the authorities, even my own
daughter, would not approve. I've
taken you into my trust because I
feel you, if not approve, at
least will understand what I plan
to do. But this is not the time
to reveal what. In the morning,
we go home to God's country.
BILLY
Are we going back to Homestead?
77.
EMIL
Close.
EXT.
RESTAURANT - NIGHT
They come
out of the restaurant.
EMMA
(to Emil)
Let's walk.
EMIL
(to Billy)
We'll see you back at the motel.
BILLY
Later then.
Billy heads
out.
Emil and
Emma linger, begin walking in another direction.
EXT. PARK -
NIGHT
A small park
along the way.
EMMA
I want to know.
EMIL
This is something I have to do
alone.
EMMA
I know that. I just want to be as
much a part of you as you'll let
me be.
EMIL
I should have married you.
EMMA
No. This is so perfect, it had to
happen just this way.
Emil stops
and draws her close.
78.
EMIL
I'm going to the Salmon River out
of White Bird. It's where my
people come from. I'm going to
fish. And then I'm going to end
my journey in the river. Don't
ask me to say more than this.
They embrace
and kiss.
EXT. MOTEL -
DAY
Packing up
the VW.
EMIL
I'll drive. One more errand.
EXT. BOISE -
MINI-MALL - DAY
Emil parks
in a mini-mall.
EMIL
You two wait for me at Starbucks.
BILLY
Where are you going?
EMIL
I won't be long.
Emil heads
out.
BILLY
(to Emma)
Do you know what's going on?
EMMA
Let's do as he says.
They head
for nearby Starbucks.
EXT. MINI-MALL
- GUN SHOP - DAY
Emil enters
a gun shop.
INT. GUN
SHOP - DAY
Emil is
overwhelmed by the variety of weapons he faces.
He wanders
around.
79.
Finally he
stops at a display of pistols.
EXT.
STARBUCKS - OUTDOOR TABLE - DAY
Billy and
Emma drink coffee, waiting for Emil.
BILLY
Here he comes
Across the
way, Emil puts something in the car. Then he
approaches.
EMIL
I'm ready when you guys are.
BILLY
What'd you get?
Emil sits
down.
EMIL
I might as well let you in on
this, too, Billy. I bought a gun.
Emma looks
away, hit by the reality of the moment. Billy's
expression
reveals a slow understanding of Emil's meaning.
EMIL
The thing is, you have to
consider
the alternatives. The doctor
wanted to put me in a hospice. He
means well. He doesn't want me to
suffer. But if I'd done that,
look at all the adventure we'd
have missed. You still wouldn't
have caught a fish. For me, this
way is better.
BILLY
For me, too, Gramps.
EMIL
Good.
He puts his
hand on Billy's.
EMIL
Good.
EXT.
INTERSTATE - DAY
Back on the
interstate. Billy driving, the top down.
80.
Emil and
Emma in back. They sit close, Emil's arm around her.
EXT.
INTERSTATE - ANOTHER AREA - DAY
A police car
behind the VW turns its lights on.
Billy pulls
to the shoulder.
INT./EXT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Emil turns
around, sees the police car pull behind.
EMIL
Were you speeding?
BILLY
Unfortunately.
The POLICE
OFFICER approaches. He looks at Billy, Emil, Emma.
POLICE OFFICER
I bet you're Emil Collins.
EMIL
I am.
POLICE OFFICER
You've got a lot of people
worried about you, old timer.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - NIGHT
Marti
answers the phone.
MARTI
Hello?...Thank God!
EXT. POLICE
STATION - DAY
The VW and
police car pull up. Everyone gets out.
A FEMALE
OFFICER approaches to lead Emma inside. Behind them,
the officer
leads Emil and Billy.
INT. POLICE
STATION - ENTRY - DAY
The women
move toward one hallway, the men toward another.
81.
EMMA
Emil, we're jailbirds!
EMIL
Keep your spirits up!
EMMA
Oh, they're up! Up and up and up!
INT. POLICE
STATION - CELL - DAY
The police
officer leads Emil and Billy to a cell. It's
modern and
comfortable as far as jails go.
POLICE OFFICER
Here we go. It ain't the Ritz but
there's worse, believe me.
Emil and
Billy enter. The officer closes the door behind them.
EMIL
What time's the cocktail hour?
The officer
grins and shakes his head.
POLICE OFFICER
I thought you were supposed to be
sick.
EMIL
You ought to see me when I'm not.
The officer
leaves.
There's a
bunk bed against the wall.
EMIL
You want top or bottom?
BILLY
Top.
EMIL
Ever been in jail before?
BILLY
No way.
EMIL
Guess you're a jailbird, too.
Just don't list this on your
college application.
82.
EXT. AIRPORT
- NIGHT
A small
jetliner lands.
INT. AIRPORT
- TERMINAL - NIGHT
Marti and
Don enter. They head directly to a car rental booth.
INT. CELL -
NIGHT
Emil and
Billy on their bunks. Lights spill into the cell.
In the
bottom bunk, Emil pops a pain pill.
BILLY
Gramps, you awake?
EMIL
I appear to be.
BILLY
What are you going to do now?
EMIL
That is what used to be called
the sixty-four thousand dollar
question.
EXT. POLICE
STATION - DAY
A rental car
pulls up, Don behind the wheel. It parks beside
the VW.
Marti and
Don get out. Don inspects the VW.
DON
Looks fine.
Marti
already heading for the entrance.
INT. POLICE
STATION - WAITING ROOM - DAY
Emil, Billy
and Emma seated at a long table. The police
officer
stands.
The door
opens, and Marti and Don enter.
MARTI
Oh, Dad. What am I going to do
with you?
83.
EMIL
Too late for talk like that, I'm
afraid.
MARTI
You had us worried to death.
EMIL
This is Emma. My daughter, Marti.
EMMA
Hello.
MARTI
Hello.
DON
Hi.
MARTI
Billy. I can't believe you got
involved in something like this.
POLICE OFFICER
If I could get some signatures, I
can send you folks on your way.
EXT. POLICE
STATION - DAY
Emil, Emma,
Billy, Marti and Don come out. They stop at the
cars. A
moment of indecision.
DON
Somebody has to take Emma back to
Homestead. Marti, why don't you
do that in the VW and follow us.
EMMA
I'd like to ride with Emil.
MARTI
I don't think that's a good idea.
EMIL
Of course it's a good idea. We
own the back seat. Come on.
Emil and
Emma climb into the back seat of the VW.
Marti stares
at Don, as if to say, Do something!
84.
DON
Billy, guess that leaves you with
me.
Marti can't
believe her eyes: Don and Billy get into the
rental car.
She has no
choice but to get behind the wheel of the VW.
The rental
car pulls out first. Then the VW.
At the
window, the police officer has been watching.
INT. POLICE
STATION - WINDOW - DAY
The police
officer grins and shakes his head, watching them go.
Another
OFFICE passes by.
POLICE OFFICER
I love that old son-of-a-bitch.
EXT. HIGHWAY
- DAY
The caravan
heading to Homestead, the rental car in front,
the VW
behind.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Marti looks
in the rear view mirror. Emil and Emma sitting
close.
Quiet, content.
Marti looks
mentally frazzled.
INT. RENTAL
CAR - DAY
Don driving.
DON
You know he's very sick, don't
you?
BILLY
He just wants to die the way he
wants to. What's wrong with that?
Don has no
answer for him.
85.
EXT. SMALL
TOWN - DAY
The cars
cruise on Main Street of a small town.
They park in
front of a cafe.
INT. CAFE -
TABLE - DAY
Around the
table with menus. A WAITRESS arrives.
INT. CAFE -
TABLE - DAY (LATER)
Empty lunch
dishes. Emil is missing.
INT. CAFE -
REST ROOM - DAY
Emil at the
sink. More pain pills. There aren't many left.
INT. CAFE -
TABLE - DAY
Emil
returns.
EMIL
Everything came out okay.
MARTI
Dad, you're incorrigible.
EMIL
There's a big word.
MARTI
You enjoy driving me crazy.
EMIL
You drive yourself crazy.
Marti gets
up. Her car keys are on the table.
MARTI
Excuse me.
She heads
for the rest room.
Don picks up
the bill.
DON
Might as well take care of this.
He goes to
the cash register, leaving ...
86.
Emil, Emma
and Billy alone.
EMMA
I've got an idea. I'm going to
have a seizure. In the confusion,
you two grab the VW and get where
you have to get.
BILLY
Gramps, let's do it!
EMIL
We'd have to get a different car
as soon as possible. There should
be a rental agency in the next
town, it's large enough.
EMMA
I'll start to the ladies room and
collapse on the way. You ready?
EMIL
I should have married you.
EMMA
Quit saying that. Would we be
having all this fun now? Here he
comes. I'm glad I know you, Mr.
Emil Collins. You've brought
sunshine into my life.
EMIL
My sweetest Emma.
Don heads
back.
Emma gets up
and starts to the rest room.
EMIL
Emma!
She turns.
Emil mouths "I love you!" She smiles and continues
on.
Marti exits
the rest room and comes toward her.
Suddenly
Emma falls to the floor.
MARTI
My God!
DON
(to waitress)
Somebody call 911!
87.
Marti and
Don rush to Emma's side.
Billy grabs
the VW keys. He and Emil walk quickly to the door.
EXT. CAFE -
DAY
They climb
into the VW, Billy behind the wheel. They take off.
INT. CAFE -
DAY
Everyone is
huddled around Emma.
Suddenly she
starts shaking. At first, it appears she might
be having a
seizure. But in fact she is unable to control
her
laughter.
Emma becomes
a laughing maniac.
Everyone is
puzzled. Then Marti looks out the window and
notices that
the VW is gone.
MARTI
Don, they're gone!
Don rushes
to the window.
DON
I'll call the police. They won't
get far.
EXT. HIGHWAY
- DAY
The VW
cruising down the highway. Obeying the speed limit.
EXT. HIGHWAY
- EXIT - DAY
The VW takes
an exit to a town.
EXT. TOWN -
RENTAL CAR AGENCY - DAY
The VW parked
outside. Billy waiting by the car.
Emil comes
out with keys.
EMIL
We don't want to leave your
mother's car here. Makes it too
easy for them. We'll park where
it'll take a while to find it.
88.
EXT. TOWN -
SUPERMARKET
The new
rental car, with Emil driving, enters the parking
lot of a
supermarket. The VW follows.
Emil
gestures for Billy to park. He does.
Emil also
parks. He gets out and goes to the VW. Billy
climbs out.
Emil opens
the passenger door. Then the VW glove compartment.
He takes out
a pistol.
EMIL
You drive.
BILLY
You bet.
EMIL
They won't find the car till
tomorrow earliest. And that's all
the head start we need.
BILLY
Can I hold the gun?
EMIL
Why do you want to do a thing
like that?
He hands
Billy the pistol anyway.
BILLY
Is it loaded?
EMIL
Not yet. Let's get out of here.
Billy
returns the gun.
They climb
into the rental, Billy behind the wheel.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - DAY
The rental
car on a deserted road.
INT. RENTAL
CAR - DAY
Billy still
driving.
89.
EMIL
How you holding up? I can relieve
you.
BILLY
I'm not close to tired.
EMIL
Ah, youth!
BILLY
How far before we stop?
EMIL
Well, if you don't mind driving,
we could get there tonight.
BILLY
Let's do it.
EXT. COUNTRY
STORE - NIGHT
The rental
car pulls up to a country store.
INT. RENTAL
CAR - NIGHT
Billy,
behind the wheel, starts to get out. Emil touches him.
EMIL
This is where I get off.
Billy looks
confused.
EMIL
I want you to drive back to
Homestead and turn yourself in.
BILLY
Why?
EMIL
This is the end of the line.
BILLY
But you were going fishing.
EMIL
There's a trail behind the store.
Leads right to the river.
90.
BILLY
You don't have a pole, bait,
nothing.
EMIL
There's fishing and then there's
fishing.
Billy now
looks on the verge of tears.
EMIL
Sometimes when I'm fishing, I
wish I had no bait on the hook
because the last thing I want is
a bite. It would spoil the
serenity of the moment. It would
spoil another kind of fishing I'm
doing out there.
BILLY
I don't get it.
EMIL
Sometimes I'm out on the river
fishing for ... what's the word?
Understanding. An understanding
of myself. When you get to be my
age, you'll get it fine.
A silence.
BILLY
What do I tell mom?
EMIL
That you're the best grandson a
fella could have. You give me
respect, Billy. This whole trip,
you gave me nothing but respect.
I couldn't ask for anything more
from you. I love you, lad.
BILLY
I love you, Gramps.
Now the
tears come.
BILLY
I'm sorry.
He takes out
a handkerchief, tries to get himself under
control.
91.
EMIL
Never apologize for feeling
deeply. Now I want you to do one
last thing for me.
BILLY
Okay.
EMIL
Your mother's going to get her
way in the end. They'll find me,
they'll be a funeral and a lot of
nice speeches and the rest. And
then I'll get the bronze casket.
That's fine. But while you're
watching me go six feet under,
look around and see if you can
see a bird in the sky. That's
where my spirit will be. On
"the
brazen wing." And I couldn't
have
done this without you, lad.
Emil gives
Billy a hug.
Emil gets
out. He leans into the window.
EMIL
You drive safely now. Go on. I
want to see you driving down the
road.
Billy nods.
He backs up. The VW moves back down the road.
Emil watches
till the car is out of sight.
EXT. RIVER -
NIGHT
A quiet
peaceful spot along the river. A bright moon overhead
throws light
onto the water.
Emil sits on
a stump overlooking the river. He holds the
pistol.
A bald eagle
in a tree. Silence.
A deer in
the brush. Silence.
The moon,
almost full. Magical.
Suddenly:
BANG.
The deer
scurries into the brush.
92.
The eagle
takes flight.
The stump
along the river is vacant.
EXT.
CEMETERY - DAY
MOURNERS at
Emil's grave site. Family and friends, including
Wally.
The bronze
casket being lowered into the ground.
In front,
with his parents, is Billy. In a dark suit. Somber.
He looks up.
He searches the sky and ...
...there it
is! A bird gliding on the air currents.
A
magnificent, glorious, wheeling bird!
EMIL (V.O.)
"Not the bronze casket but the
brazen wing, soaring forever
above thee, o perfect, o sweetest
water, o glorious wheeling
bird."
A smile
comes to Billy's lips.
FADE OUT