BLIND DATE
by Charles Deemer


FADE IN:

EXT. NYC - STREET - DAY

NED moves down the street. He has all the trappings of 
a BLIND MAN, i.e. dark glasses, a white, red-tipped 
walking stick. He moves cautiously, leading with the 
stick, just like a blind man.

Just in front of him, a MAN walks. Suddenly the man 
stops. Ned immediately stops as well. It's as if he can 
see.

The man looks at his watch, then continues ahead.

Ned continues on his way as well.

EXT. NYC - SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY

ALLIE and CAROL are having coffee at a small table. 
Both are young, pretty women. Allie wears expensive 
jewelry and otherwise looks like she has money.
		
		CAROL
	You know what Joe said? He doesn't 
	trust me. He sleeps around, and I'm 
	the one who's untrustworthy. Go 
	figure.

Ned enters the outdoor cafe area. 

Over Carol's shoulder, Allie watches him make his 
careful way.
		
		CAROL
	He's always turning the tables like 
	that. Who are you looking at?

She turns to look.
		
		ALLIE
	I see him here a lot. I can't imagine 
	what it would be like to live in 
	darkness. 
		
		CAROL
	Not looking at Joe for the rest of my 
	life? Doesn't sound all that bad.

Ned manages to find a table near the women's. It's 
empty.
		
		NED
	(to anyone)
	Is this table empty?
		
		ALLIE
	Yes, it is.
		
		NED
	Thank you.

He sits down.
		
		CAROL
	I need to run an errand. Coming?
		
		ALLIE
	Go ahead.
		
		CAROL
	Allie, if Joe calls you--
		
		ALLIE
	Why should he call me?
		
		CAROL
	To find out what I told you. You 
	haven't seen me in weeks.
		
		ALLIE
	He'd never believe it. But I don't 
	share our conversations with him, 
	Carol.
		
		CAROL
	Good. Ciao.

She leaves.

Allie watches Ned with fascination. Ned finds the cloth 
napkin and carefully spreads it in his lap. 

Allie still watches him. Ned suddenly smiles.
		
		NED
	Allie?

She is taken aback to hear him say her name.
		
		NED
	I can feel you there.
		
		ALLIE
	Really?
		
		NED
	Would you like to join me?

She hesitates.
		
		NED
	You've seen me here before, haven't 
	you? I recognize your perfume. Please 
	join me.
		
		ALLIE
	I'd like that.

She moves to his table.
		
		ALLIE
	I'm Allie.
		
		NED
	I know. I'm Ned.

He holds out his hand. She takes it, and they shake 
hands.

Suddenly Ned doesn't let go of her hand. He squeezes 
it. He grimaces.
		
		NED
	Oh, shit. Pardon my French.
		
		ALLIE
	Is something the matter?
		
		NED
	I can't believe I did this.
		
		ALLIE
	What?
		
		NED
	I forgot to take my medicine this 
	morning. I'm going to need a favor 
	here.
		
		ALLIE
	What can I do?
		
		NED
	I need to get horizontal. Just until 
	the dizziness passes.
		
		ALLIE
	Should I call an ambulance?
		
		NED
	Heavens, no! This happens all the 
	time. I just need to lie down for a 
	moment. There's a park around the 
	corner, and the bench there will do 
	fine. Will you help me?

He tries to get to his feet. Allie hurries up and helps 
him.
		
		ALLIE
	I think I should call someone.
		
		NED
	No, no. I'll be fine as soon as I lie 
	down and take my medicine.

A WAIT PERSON hurries over.
		
		WAIT PERSON 
	Is everything okay?
		
		NED
	We're going to be fine.

EXT. NYC - STREET - DAY

Allie is helping Ned down the street. They are 
approaching an apartment building near the cafe.
		
		NED
	This is my fault. I really feel 
	stupid.
		
		ALLIE
	Listen, I live right here. Why don't 
	you come in and lie down?
		
		NED
	I don't want to put you to any 
	trouble.
		
		ALLIE
	It's no trouble at all.
		
		NED
	Allie, you're very sweet. 

INT. ALLIE'S APARTMENT - DAY

Allie helps Ned into her apartment.
		
		ALLIE
	You can use the bed.
		
		NED
	Don't be silly. You must have a couch 
	or something?
		
		ALLIE
	The bed's more comfortable.
		
		NED
	A couch is fine.

She leads him to a divan. He stretches out.
		
		ALLIE
	Would you like some water?
		
		NED
	In a minute. Sit down.

The offer takes Allie aback. He gestures that she 
should sit next to him on the edge of the couch.
		
		NED
	Here. Please.

She sits.
		
		NED
	Are you always so helpful?
		
		ALLIE
	Well, I don't often ...
		
		NED
	You just help blind people?
		
		ALLIE
	I didn't mean that.
		
		NED
	I know.

He reaches out for her. Allie nervously watches his 
hand find her face.
		
		NED
	Do you mind?
		
		ALLIE
	(not sure)
	No.

He carefully feels her face. He is gentle, sensuous.
		
		NED
	I knew you'd be beautiful.
		
		ALLIE
	Your hand tells you that?
		
		NED
	My hand tells me everything. It tells 
	me you're nervous now. Don't you know 
	you're beautiful?
		
		ALLIE
	(changing subject)
	Shouldn't you be taking your medicine?
		
		NED
	(ignoring question)
	Do you like to dance?
		
		ALLIE
	What?
		
		NED
	I'm an excellent dancer. How about 
	you?
		
		ALLIE
	I can hold my own.
		
		NED
	Good. Maybe we can go sometime. I love 
	your perfume, by the way.

The moment is too uncomfortable for Allie, and she 
stands.
		
		ALLIE
	Are you sure you don't want some 
	water?
		
		NED
	You're right. I'll take my medicine 
	and be out of here in a jiff.
		
		ALLIE
	I didn't mean to imply--
		
		NED
	It's okay, Allie. 
		
		ALLIE
	I'll get water.

INT. ALLIE'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY

Allie takes a deep breath at the sink. She pours 
herself a glass of water and drinks it.

INT. ALLIE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Allie returns with a glass of water. Ned is sitting up 
on the couch. He holds an empty vial of prescription 
medicine.
		
		NED
	More bad news.
		
		ALLIE
	What is it?
		
		NED
	I'm out of my medicine. I have to get 
	to a drug store and get my 
	prescription filled. I have it on me. 
		
		ALLIE
	Are you okay to move?
		
		NED
	Not really. I'm going to need your 
	help again. I feel like such a burden.
		
		ALLIE
	Don't be ridiculous. Give me your 
	prescription.
		
		NED
	I don't want to--
		
		ALLIE
	Ned, give it to me. I'll be back in 
	half an hour.
		
		NED
	You're an angel.

He holds out a slip of paper, the prescription. When 
she take it, he gently takes her wrist and pulls her 
forward. He kisses her on the cheek.
		
		NED
	For your trouble.

Allie almost blushes.
		
		ALLIE
	I'll put it on the table beside the 
	couch. To your right.

She puts the water down.
		
		NED
	I insist on buying you dinner for 
	this. Maybe we could go dancing. 
		
		ALLIE
	Dinner would be nice.
		
		NED
	Do you tango?

She has to smile.
		
		ALLIE
	I'll be right back.

She exits.

Ned sits, listening. Then he stands. He moves without 
his walking stick to the window and looks down. 

EXT. ALLIE'S APARTMENT - DAY

Allie comes out of the apartment. She looks relaxed, 
happy. She hurries down the street.

Above at the window, Ned is looking down at her.

INT. ALLIE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Ned takes off his dark glasses. His eyes are clear. He 
isn't blind.

He reaches into his sportscoat and brings out a folded 
cloth bag. He snaps it open.

INT. ALLIE'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY

Ned empties Allie's jewelry box into the bag.

INT. DRUGSTORE - COUNTER - DAY

A PHARMACIST is looking at the prescription. Allie 
waits at the counter.
		
		PHARMACIST
	Is this for you?
		
		ALLIE
	For a friend. Is there a problem?
		
		PHARMACIST
	I've never heard of this.
		
		ALLIE
	It's for someone who is blind. He's 
	feeling dizzy.
		
		PHARMACIST
	Let me call the physician.

He leaves. Allie looks nervous.

INT. ALLIE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Ned takes more valuables and puts them in the bag.

INT. DRUGSTORE - COUNTER - DAY

The pharmacist returns. 
		
		PHARMACIST
	This number is no longer in service.

A light bulb goes on over Allie's head.

EXT. NYC - STREET - DAY

Allie races down the street to her apartment.

INT. ALLIE'S APARTMENT - DAY

She rushes in.

The apartment is empty. 
		
		ALLIE
	Ned?

She sees something missing on a mantel. She rushes to 
the spot. 

She looks around wildly, looking for what else is 
missing.

INT. ALLIE'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY

She hurries into the bedroom. This is where most of the 
damage has been done. 

She sees her empty jewel box. She closes her eyes. 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

Allie and Carol sit at a table over drinks.
		
		ALLIE
	How could I have been so gullible?
		
		CAROL
	Don't torture yourself. If you can't 
	trust a blind man, who the hell can 
	you trust?
		
		ALLIE
	He probably planned this for weeks. I 
	mean, he's been at that cafe every day 
	for almost a month. I bet he was just 
	setting me up the whole time.
		
		CAROL
	You have to admire his creativity.
		
		ALLIE
	Carol! 
		
		CAROL
	In a perverted sort of way.
		
		ALLIE
	I feel like I've been violated. I feel 
	like I've been raped.

SUPER: "SIX MONTHS LATER"

EXT. NYC - DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOOD - STREET - DAY

Allie has moved. She walks down the street with a sack 
of groceries.

Across the street is another sidewalk cafe. Allie 
stops, noticing something.

Ned is sitting alone at a table. He's wearing dark 
glasses and the walking stick leans against the table.  
Allie can't believe her eyes.

Still holding the sack of groceries, she maneuvers her 
cell phone out of her purse. She punches a number with 
one hand.
		
		ALLIE
	Get to the cafe ASAP. I'm across the 
	street. ... Carol, it's an emergency. 
	... It's too complicated to explain on 
	the phone. Just get here!

She hangs up.

EXT. NYC - SIDEWALK CAFE #2 - DAY

Ned sips coffee at his table. At a table nearby, A 
YOUNG WOMAN studies him curiously.

EXT. NYC - STREET ACROSS FROM CAFE #2 - DAY

Allie still spies on Ned. Carol arrives.
		
		CAROL
	This better be good.
		
		ALLIE
	That's him. Sitting alone, in the dark 
	glasses. 
		
		CAROL
	Who? You've been stalking someone? Is 
	he cute?
		
		ALLIE
	The burglar! The phony blind man!
		
		CAROL
	Oh my God ...

Now she looks with renewed interest.
		
		CAROL
	What are you going to do?
		
		ALLIE
	I don't know.
		
		CAROL
	Call the cops.
		
		ALLIE
	A lot they did the first time.

Ned gets up and prepares to go.
		
		ALLIE
	He's leaving. I'm following him.
		
		CAROL
	Are you crazy?
		
		ALLIE
	Here.

She hands the sack of groceries to Carol.
		
		ALLIE
	I'll pick them up on my way home.
		
		CAROL
	You're out of your mind!

Ned heads off down the street, making his way like a 
blind man. Allie follows from across the street.
		
		CAROL
	(after her)
	This could be dangerous!

Allie ignores her.

EXT. NYC - STREET - DAY

Ned continues making his "blind man's way" down the 
street. Allie follows him from across the street. 

At a corner, she crosses and starts following behind 
him.

Ned continues on. 

Suddenly he stops. He takes off the dark glasses and 
puts them in a pocket. He moves to the curb, moving 
normally. He looks around for a cab. 

Allie sees that he is not blind! She can't believe it.

Ned hails a cab. He gets in.

The cab takes off as Allie runs up. She looks for an 
available cab to follow him. But she can't find any.

EXT. NYC - STREET - DAY

Carol walks Allie home. Allie is carrying her sack of 
groceries.
		
		ALLIE
	When he took of his glasses, he could 
	see as well as you and me. I went 
	straight to the police. They almost 
	laughed at me. 
		
		CAROL
	Look at the murders they can't solve. 
	Burglars are a low priority.
		
		ALLIE
	I can't let him get away with it.
		
		CAROL
	Allie? Maybe you should move on. You 
	were doing great until you saw him.
		
		ALLIE
	He's setting up someone else. I think 
	I know who it is.
		
		CAROL
	Who?
		
		ALLIE
	She was at a table nearby. I've seen 
	her around lately, she must be new in 
	the neighborhood. She wears good 
	jewelry.
		
		CAROL
	I've never seen this side of you 
	before. The Sherlock Holmes complex.

They reach Carol's Apartment.
		
		ALLIE
	Want to come in?
		
		CAROL
	I'm having a drink with someone.
		
		ALLIE
	Joe?

Carol sheepishly nods.
		
		ALLIE
	Carol, I thought you were through with 
	him.
		
		CAROL
	Guess not.
		
		ALLIE
	This is sick. You're addicted to him.
		
		CAROL
	Look who's talking.
		
		ALLIE
	Justice is not an addiction.
		
		CAROL
	It feels more like revenge.
		
		ALLIE
	I know what I'm doing. I need a favor.
		
		CAROL
	No.
		
		ALLIE
	Carol!
		
		CAROL
	What?
		
		ALLIE
	I need to borrow your apartment. Don't 
	ask me why, you'll disapprove. I'm 
	your best friend. That's reason enough 
	to say yes. ... Carol?
		
		CAROL
	(weakly)
	Yes.

INT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - BATHROOM - DAY

Allie looks at herself in the mirror. She seems to be 
trying to picture herself as someone else.

A SERIES OF SHOTS

as Allie goes shopping at various stores for a 
"makeover."

1. She tries on various wigs and chooses one.

2. She models clothing that is much "slinkier" than 
anything she would normally wear.

3. She tries on a different brand of perfume.

4. Back at home, she administers a different style of 
makeup.

INT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - BATHROOM - DAY

She stands before the mirror again, completely 
madeover. She has less class, more flamboyance.

EXT. NYC - SIDEWALK CAFE #2 - DAY

Allie, in her makeover, sits at a table. The young 
woman from before is sitting nearby.

Ned enters the area. Allie goes to him.
		
		ALLIE
	There's an empty table this way.

She takes his hand and leads him to a table. The young 
woman watches with interest. Allie stares at her.

EXT. SIDEWALK CAFE #2 - TABLE - DAY

They reach an empty table. 
		
		ALLIE
	Here we go.
		
		NED
	Thank you so much. I love your 
	perfume.
		
		ALLIE
	Would you mind of I join you?
		
		NED
	I'd like that.

Both sit down.

A SERIES OF SHOTS

of Allie and Ned getting to know one another over the 
next hour. Talking, laughing. Allie is touching him a 
lot, very flirtatious. 

Then Ned tries to stand, becomes weak, and Allie rushes 
around the table as she did the first time. 

INT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Allie leads Ned into her apartment.
		
		NED
	Nancy, you're so sweet.
		
		ALLIE
	The divan is straight ahead. I'll get 
	you a glass of water so you can take 
	your medicine.
		
		NED
	I'm actually feeling a little better--

But she's already gone. Ned makes his way to the divan 
and sits down.

INT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - DAY

Allie pours a glass of water. She's looking very 
devious.

INT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Allie returns with the water.
		
		ALLIE
	Where's your medicine?

Ned takes out the empty vial.
		
		NED
	I don't believe this.
		
		ALLIE
	Do you have a prescription? I'll get 
	you a refill. It won't take long.
		
		NED
	Are you sure?
		
		ALLIE
	No problem.
		
		NED
	You're so sweet to me. I'll only do 
	this if you let me take you to dinner.
		
		ALLIE
	I'd love it. Do you like to dance?
		
		NED
	I love to dance.
		
		ALLIE
	I do a mean tango.
		
		NED
	Really?
		
		ALLIE
	The prescription?
		
		NED
	Oh ...

He takes it out and hands it to her.

EXT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - DAY

Allie comes out but waits on the porch. She takes a 
deep breath.

INT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Ned gets up and takes off his glasses. He looks around. 
No window overlooking the front of the building this 
time.

He takes out the cloth sack and snaps it open.

EXT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - DAY

Allie looks at her watch.

INT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY

Ned empties Carol's jewel box into the sack.

EXT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - DAY

Allie takes out her cell phone. She punches 911.
		
		ALLIE
	I want to report a burglary in 
	progress.

INT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Ned empties other valuables into the sack.

EXT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - DAY

Allie nervously waits on the porch. A TENANT comes out 
of the building (either sex, any age).
		
		ALLIE
	Excuse me! I need your help.
		
		TENANT
	Are you locked out?
		
		ALLIE
	No, I need you to wait here for the 
	police. They're on their way.
		
		TENANT
	The police?

Allie starts for the door.
		
		ALLIE
	Send them to room 105! 

She enters the building, leaving the Tenant with her 
mouth open.

INT. APARTMENT BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

Allie makes her way down the hallway. She reaches the 
door. She takes a pistol out of her purse, then hides 
the gun behind her.

INT. CAROL'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Ned is just finishing up. 

Suddenly the door opens and Allie enters. Ned is caught 
with the bag in his hand, his glasses off, his eyes 
clear.
		
		ALLIE
	Ned?
		
		NED
	You step aside, Nancy, and no one will 
	get hurt here.

Allie shows the gun.
		
		ALLIE
	I called the police.

Ned stops, cognizant of the gun. He studies her.
		
		NED
	How did you know?

Allie pulls off her wig.
		
		ALLIE
	Recognize me? It was at a cafe across 
	town, six months ago.
		
		NED
	What's your name?
		
		ALLIE
	Allie.
		
		NED
	That's why I recognized the perfume.
		
		ALLIE
	This scam of yours is about as low as 
	it gets. Why can't you just rob people 
	like normal crooks? You have to get a 
	person's sympathy first?
		
		NED
	I don't know what to tell you, Allie.
		
		ALLIE
	They're going to put you away for a 
	long time.
		
		NED
	Well, I hear the jails are pretty 
	crowded. Do you mind if I sit down 
	while we're waiting?
		
		ALLIE
	The police are already on their way. 
	Go ahead.
		
		NED
	Thank you.

In his gesture to sit down, Ned suddenly slings the 
sack of goodies at Allie. She is startled enough for 
him to grab her and take the gun away.

He twists her arm behind her back.
		
		ALLIE
	You're hurting me.
		
		NED
	Not half as hurt as you'll be if you 
	try anything.

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY

The tenant waits outside, not sure what to do.

INT. MARY'S APT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Ned still has the gun on Allie and leads her to the 
door. He also has retrieved the sack of goodies.
		
		ALLIE
	Where are we going?
		
		NED
	You're my ticket out of here.

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY

The door opens. Ned and Allie come outside.
		
		NED
	Back off!

The tenant, scared to death, does so.
		
		NED
	No one has to get hurt here ...

He's leading Allie down the stairs. Allie 
surreptitiously reaches into her purse for something.

A SIREN SOUNDS in the distance, the police on their 
way.

Ned is distracted by the sound, and Allie takes 
advantage of the moment to swing around and spray him 
with a can of mace. She keeps spraying, getting Ned in 
the face.

Ned drops the gun and sack of stolen goodies. His hands 
go to his eyes.
		
		NED
	I can't see!

The SIRENS come closer.
		
		NED
	I'm blind, I can't see!

Ned holds out his arms like a man terrified of his near 
surroundings, a man terrified of darkness.

Allie watches, smiling. 

The SIRENS are closer still.

EXT. NYC - SIDEWALK CAFE #2 - DAY

Allie sits at a table. Carol and JOE are standing.  
Carol shows off a diamond engagement ring.
		
		ALLIE
	It's beautiful.
		
		CAROL
	And authentic.
		
		JOE
	I'd be a dead man to try and slip a 
	phony stone past this one.
		
		CAROL
	Oh, you. 
	(to Allie)
	Bring someone to the party.
		
		ALLIE
	I'll just come alone.
		
		CAROL
	(to Joe)
	We need to fix her up.
		
		ALLIE
	You need to do no such thing.
		
		CAROL
	I'll call you. Have you ever seen me 
	so happy?

And they are gone.

Allie finishes her coffee. She stands up to go. 

Turning, she runs smack into A BLIND MAN. He almost 
knocks her down.
		
		BLIND MAN
	I'm so sorry!
		
		ALLIE
	That's all right ...
		
		BLIND MAN
	You're sure?
		
		ALLIE
	I'm fine.
		
		BLIND MAN
	At least let me buy you a cup of 
	coffee.

Allie freezes. She studies him. He's nice looking. But 
is he sincere?
		
		BLIND MAN
	Please.

The blind man smiles. Allie still doesn't answer.

FADE OUT