MANHOOD

                       (it used to be easier)



                     written by Charles Deemer









          FADE IN:


          EXT. SOUTHERN CALIF - PASADENA - AERIAL VIEW - NIGHT

          LIGHTS, as far as the eye can see.

          Patterns emerge:

          the blue-green jewels of SWIMMING POOLS;

          the weaving paths of FREEWAYS;

          and, in the distance, the bright oval illumination of the
          ROSE BOWL, the granddaddy of all football stadiums.


          EXT. ROSE BOWL - FIELD - NIGHT

          A football game is in progress, though only a few hundred
          fans sit in the huge stadium.

          The inept team of the Western Institute of Technology is
          playing Whittier College.






                                                            MANHOOD - 1

                                                                        2.



          The scoreboard shows that Whittier leads 70-0 in the final
          quarter.

          A Whittier College HALFBACK, pretty as a pro in his unsoiled
          uniform, turns the corner on an end run.  An open field
          stretches invitingly before him.

          Tech defensive PLAYERS dive at the halfback and miss.
          Their soiled and torn uniforms provide visible evidence of
          the mismatch.

          The Whittier halfback is running for a touchdown.


          EXT. ROSE BOWL - STANDS - NIGHT

          Sitting high in the stadium are MERIWETHER and K-MAN.

          K-MAN, a Tech freshman, is disheveled and over-weight, with
          a comic demeanor that hides considerable intelligence.

          MERIWETHER, a high school senior, wears a red baseball cap
          backwards.  Some of her hair is visible, and this evening
          she has dyed it florescent green.

          Meriwether is working on a laptop computer, to which an
          auxiliary hardware component is attached.  K-Man gets to his
          feet.

                                          K-MAN
                         Hang in, Techies!  Keep 'em under a
                         hundred points!  Defense, defense!

          Meriwether stops working on the computer and picks up a pair
          of binoculars.  She looks at a section of the stands about
          fifty yards across the way.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Greg's drooling over cheerleaders
                         again.

          Across the way sit GREG, Meriwether's brother, and QUENTIN.
          Both, like K-Man, are Tech freshmen.

          GREG is sensitive-looking and shy.  Like his sister
          Meriwether, he's working on a laptop computer to which an
          external hardware component is attached.

          But presently he has a pair of binoculars trained on the
          field.








                                                            MANHOOD - 2

                                                                        3.



          QUENTIN, who looks like a Future Engineer of America,
          glances over Greg's shoulder.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Didn't I tell you she was hot?

          The binoculars are focused on a particularly pretty Whittier
          CHEERLEADER, who is strutting her stuff.

                                          GREG
                         How the hell does a guy meet
                         someone like her?

                                          QUENTIN
                         Face it, Greg - guys like us don't.
                         So we make holograms of them
                         instead.  You ready to try this
                         out?

          Greg keeps looking at the cheerleader.

          Across the way, Meriwether gets to her feet and starts
          waving her arms, trying to get her brother's attention.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Greg!  Yoo-hoo!  Testoster-Drone!


          EXT. ROSE BOWL - FIELD - NIGHT

          The halfback has scored, and the extra point sails between
          the goal posts.

          The scoreboard changes to Whittier 77, Tech 0.

          Whittier cheerleaders jump and celebrate, leading their
          small crowd of loyal fans in a victory chant.

          On the other side of the field, scattered Tech fans are few
          and far between.


          EXT. ROSE BOWL - STANDS - NIGHT

          Quentin notices Meriwether's signal.

                                          QUENTIN
                         I think Meriwether's ready to
                         start.

          Greg stops gawking at the cheerleader, giving the binoculars
          back to Quentin.  He waves his arms at Meriwether.






                                                            MANHOOD - 3

                                                                        4.



          Across the way, Meriwether is relieved.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Finally.  Why do all guys think
                         with their dick?

          She sits down at the computer and begins typing in commands.
          K-Man starts to say something - but changes his mind.

          Greg sits down at his computer and also begins making input.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Nervous?

          Greg ignores the question.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Well, I am.

          Across the way, K-Man hovers over Meriwether as she works.

                                          K-MAN
                         It's critical that the reference
                         beam come in at the right angle.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Duh.

                                          K-MAN
                         I'm trying to be helpful.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Drool over the cheerleaders or
                         something.  I know what I'm doing.


          EXT. ROSE BOWL - FIELD - NIGHT

          Whittier kicks off.

          The Tech receiver drops the ball.

          The first Tech man trying to retrieve it kicks the ball
          forward.

          The ball continues to scoot around as players dive for it,
          missing.

          Tech players are tripping over one another.

          Finally there's a big pile up for the ball.  The referees
          blow whistles and begin to peel players off the heap.






                                                            MANHOOD - 4

                                                                        5.



          A ref makes the hand signal: Tech retains possession.


          EXT. ROSE BOWL - STANDS - NIGHT

          In another area of the stands, PROF. BRONSON gets to his
          feet, loyally shouting out encouragement to his son, the
          Tech quarterback.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Come on, Tom!  Let's get a first
                         down!  You can do it, son!

          Bronson, dapper in a sporty way, looks more like an ad man
          than a prof.

          K-Man is on his feet.

                                          K-MAN
                         Way to go, Techies!  Holo-gram!
                         Holo-gram!

                                          MERIWETHER
                         K-Man, will you shut up!

                                          K-MAN
                         Somebody's gonna hear me up here?


                                          MERIWETHER
                         Sleep with tarantulas.

          Across the way, Greg is visibly nervous. He takes a deep
          breath, his eyes focused on the field, waiting for the right
          moment.


          EXT. FIELD - THE HUDDLE - NIGHT

          Tech is in its offensive huddle.  The quarterback is TOM
          BRONSON, a senior, movie-star handsome, a rare Tech student
          with athletic ability.

                                          TOM
                         Fullback off left-tackle.

                                          FULLBACK
                         Bullshit.  I'm done.

                                          HALFBACK
                         Don't look at me, Tom.







                                                            MANHOOD - 5

                                                                        6.



                                          TOM
                         Somebody's got to take the goddamn
                         ball.

                                          FULLBACK
                         I gave coach a note from my doctor,
                         no more than 30 carries tonight.

                                          HALFBACK
                         You give it to me, I'll drop the
                         sonofabitch.  I'm serious.

                                          TOM
                         Assholes.  Ends go long.

          They break and move slowly toward the line of scrimmage.

          The Tech team is a motley crew of the brightest college tech
          and science students in America - but clearly they are also
          young men with limited athletic gifts.


          EXT. STANDS/FIELD - NIGHT

          Quentin holds one arm up, ready to signal Meriwether that
          it's time to begin.

          Meriwether is waiting to respond to the signal from across
          the way.

          The Tech team is lined up, and Tom looks over the defense.

                                          DEFENSIVE PLAYER
                         Come to papa, candy-ass.

                                          TOM
                         Ready . . .!

          In the stands, Greg takes a deep breath.

                                          GREG
                         Now!

          Quentin drops his arm. K-Man sees the signal.

                                          K-MAN
                         Now, Meriwether!

          Both Greg and Meriwether make quick commands into their
          computers.








                                                            MANHOOD - 6

                                                                        7.



          Suddenly LASER BEAMS shoot out of the hardware components
          attached to the laptops.

          Just as suddenly, a BALL OF LIGHT appears at the end of the
          Tech offensive line, swirling, very bright, an image of
          light trying to take form as a hologram.

          The emerging HOLOGRAM suggests the red 49er uniform of JERRY
          RICE, number 80 - but out of focus, not quite forming
          coherently, pulsating ominously.

          Then, suddenly, it takes perfect shape:  a HOLOGRAM OF JERRY
          RICE, looking as real as life.

          A referee BLOWS his whistle.

                                          REFEREE
                         Time out!

          The refs gather and cautiously approach the hologram.
          Players are wondrous and confused, not sure what is going
          on.

          Greg is both proud and amazed that the hologram is so
          realistic looking.

                                          GREG
                         Quentin, I did it.  I actually did
                         it.

          Quentin looks down at the field with his mouth hanging open
          in amazement.

          Greg starts entering more data into the laptop.

          Across the way, Meriwether can't stop grinning.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         My brother is a genius.

          Suddenly, on the field, something goes wrong:

          the hologram starts PULSATING, turning into a globe of
          light, then EXPLODES and sends beams of stark white light
          around the field.

          Greg gets to his feet, disbelieving.

                                          GREG
                         What the hell happened?








                                                            MANHOOD - 7

                                                                        8.



          He quickly goes back to the computer, trying to figure out
          what is going wrong with the program he is running.

          Meriwether looks down at the field in alarm.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Help!  I don't know if I'm supposed
                         to do something here!

          K-Man hurries to her computer.

                                          K-MAN
                         The reference beam must be
                         drifting!

          The ball of light continues to explode, strong beams of
          light zapping this way and the other, all around the field,
          like a laser light show.

          On the field, players duck.  Others run from the field.

          A beam of light hits a goal post, immediately setting it on
          fire.

          Another beam hits a part of the stands, which burst into
          flame.

          Greg is back on his feet, screaming at Meriwether.

                                          GREG
                         Turn everything off!  Shut it all
                         down!

          Meriwether is frozen at the keyboard.  K-Man takes over.

                                          K-MAN
                         We gotta shut it down, Meriwether!
                         Hit the power!

          Both computers are shut down, and the laser beams go dead.
          The globes of light bouncing around the field disappear.

          One goal post is burning.

          Several areas of the stands are on fire.

          Prof. Bronson looks amazed by what has happened.  He is
          scanning the stadium, trying to identify the students behind
          this technical prank.

          In other area:







                                                            MANHOOD - 8

                                                                        9.



                                          K-MAN
                         At least the game gets called.  We
                         held them under 100 points.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Kevin, I think we're in trouble.

          A SECURITY GUARD stands behind K-Man, arms akimbo, not at
          all amused by the holographic prank.

          Across the way, Greg sits slumped with his head in his
          hands.

                                          QUENTIN
                         We'd better get the hell out of
                         here, Greg.

          Greg looks up just in time to see two SECURITY GUARDS
          arriving behind Quentin.


          INT. ROSE BOWL - SECURITY OFFICE - NIGHT

          Greg's mother, FLO APPLE, is signing some papers.  She is a
          pretty woman in her 40s.

          Greg, Meriwether, Quentin and K-Man sit in chairs along one
          wall.

          Mrs. Apple hands the forms to a SECURITY CLERK.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Are we free to go now?

                                          SECURITY CLERK
                         Yes, ma'am.


          EXT. ROSE BOWL - PARKING AREA - NIGHT

          Mrs. Apple is leading the way to her car.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         I wish your father were here.  I
                         don't know what to do with you.

                                          GREG
                         Mom, it's going to be okay.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         What if they expel you?  Or take
                         away your scholarship?






                                                            MANHOOD - 9

                                                                        10.



          K-Man whispers something in Greg's ear as they reach the
          car.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Tech has a tradition of doing Rose
                         Bowl pranks, mother.

          She gets in the car first, climbing into the back seat of
          the family car.

                                          GREG
                         I'll get a ride with Quentin.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         I don't know if that's--

          But Greg is already trotting off with his buddies.

          With great fanfare, Meriwether comes out of the back seat to
          move to the front seat.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Why are guys so weird?

                                          FLO APPLE
                         I wish your father were alive.
                         Maybe he could talk to him.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Father was a guy, right?  What do
                         you want, the weird leading the
                         weird?

          She gets into the front seat, leaving her mother puzzled by
          the remark.

          POV BINOCULARS - JULIANNA'S WINDOW - NIGHT

          Binoculars are on JULIANNA, a pretty college coed, who is
          doing a bump and grind at her bedroom window.

          She teasingly dances, wearing only bikini underwear.

                                          K-MAN (O.S.)
                         Just take it off, Julianna . . .

          Julianna drops her bra strap off one shoulder.

                                          K-MAN (O.S.)
                         Yes!  Do it!








                                                            MANHOOD - 10

                                                                        11.



          EXT. JULIANNA'S HOUSE - STREET - NIGHT

          Quentin's van is parked across the street from Julianna's
          house.


          INT. VAN - NIGHT

          K-Man and Quentin are in the front seat of the van, looking
          at Julianna with binoculars.

          Quentin looks out the driver's window.  K-Man has the
          passenger door open to look up over the van roof.

          In the back seat, Greg is not watching at all.  He looks
          depressed.

                                          GREG
                         I can't believe the hologram wasn't
                         stable.  I must've screwed up the
                         code.

                                          K-MAN
                         You are screwing up now, Greg.  Her
                         thumb is in her panties.

                                          QUENTIN
                         We learn from our mistakes, buddy.
                         Next time you'll keep him in focus.

                                          GREG
                         There may not be a next time.

                                          QUENTIN
                         We got a plan here, Greg.  The
                         Dream Girl, remember?  A hologram
                         of the perfect woman?

                                          K-MAN
                         Julianna, drop the damn bra!

                                          GREG
                         Look at us.  This whole scene is
                         depressing.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Since when?

                                          GREG
                         What's the point of making a
                         holographic woman?  You can't lose
                         your cherry with a hologram.






                                                            MANHOOD - 11

                                                                        12.



                                          K-MAN
                         Try me.

                                          QUENTIN
                         You're just depressed about
                         tonight.

                                          GREG
                         We're probably the only virgins in
                         the entire freshmen class.  I'm at
                         the peak of my sexual powers - and
                         nobody knows but the toilet.  It's
                         an embarrassment to my manhood.

                                          QUENTIN
                         So go get laid, Mr. Studman.

                                          GREG
                         Well, maybe I will.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Great.  I assume you have someone
                         in mind?

                                          GREG
                         No.

                                          QUENTIN
                         I rest my case.

                                          K-MAN
                         Go screw Mrs. Rollins, she's
                         probably out of mourning by now.

                                          GREG
                         Fuck you.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Cold, K-Man.  Definitely cold.

          Greg slides open the door to get out.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Greg, I'll drive you home.

          Greg stops but doesn't get back in.

                                          K-MAN
                         Lighten up, Greg.  It was a sick
                         joke.  I'm sorry, okay?








                                                            MANHOOD - 12

                                                                        13.



                                          GREG
                         No, you're not.  You're loving it.

          Quentin quickly interrupts a potentially heated situation.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Party's over, K-Man.  Greg, get in.

          K-Man holds up the binoculars for one last look, as Greg
          climbs back into the van.  Quentin starts the engine.


          EXT. APPLE HOME - NIGHT

          The van pulls up in front of Greg's house.  He gets out and
          heads for the house as the van pulls away.


          INT. APPLE HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT

          Greg comes into the dark house to see a note taped at the
          bottom of the stairs.


          INSERT: THE NOTE

          which reads: "If you're hungry, heat up some meatloaf.  The
          Dean called.  He wants to see you at 9 tomorrow morning.  I
          am so worried.  Mom"


          INT. FOYER - NIGHT

          Greg wads the note into his pocket and heads up the stairs.


          INT. GREG'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

          Greg comes into the bedroom without turning on the light and
          plops down on the bed.

          He stares up at the ceiling, his mind filled with
          inarticulate thoughts, most of them hormonal and
          frustrating.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD (O.S.)
                         It's a bitch, isn't it, son?

          Greg turns to see something that looks like a HOLOGRAM OF
          HIS DECEASED FATHER across the room, sitting at Greg's
          computer desk.  He's a handsome man in his forties.







                                                            MANHOOD - 13

                                                                        14.



                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         It gets harder to grow up with
                         every generation.

                                          GREG
                         Dad?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You look like you can use some
                         sleep.

          Greg just stares at him.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You also look like you've just seen
                         a ghost. I told you I'd always be
                         with you, didn't I?   I know you've
                         got a lot on your mind.

                                          GREG
                         I almost made an animated hologram
                         tonight.  I was so close.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         I know.  I'm proud of you.

                                          GREG
                         I told the guys we'd make a
                         holographic woman.  Like, we can't
                         meet real girls, we have to make
                         phony ones.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         I understand, son.  You try to get
                         some sleep.  We'll figure all this
                         out tomorrow.

          The hologram disappears.

          Greg blinks, not knowing if he was hallucinating or what.
          He closes his eyes.


          EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY

          Establishing shot of the nation's capital.


          INT. WASHINGTON D.C. - DEPT OF DEFENSE - DAY

          BOB JOHNSON, 40s, stands in front of the desk of Research
          Dept Chief MCDONALD, 50s.






                                                            MANHOOD - 14

                                                                        15.



          McDonald is reading from the newspaper.

                                          MCDONALD
                         "...a three-dimensional moving
                         hologram of San Francisco 49ers
                         receiver, Jerry Rice."  Apparently
                         before it exploded, the kid was
                         damn close to having it operative.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Which puts him ahead of the rest of
                         us.

                                          MCDONALD
                         That's why I'm sending you to find
                         out what's going on.  You fly out
                         of Dulles at two.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Be there or be square.


          INT. CAB - DAY

          ANDERS, 30s, Swedish, is reading the local morning paper in
          the back seat of a cab.  The large front page headline
          reads, "Tech Prank Starts Fire in Rose Bowl".


          EXT. TECH CAMPUS - DAY

          The cab pulls up in front of the Western Tech campus, and
          Anders gets out.

          As Anders is paying his fare, Greg and Quentin are among the
          students passing by on their way to classes (about
          one-quarter of the students are female).

                                          QUENTIN
                         What if they expel you?

                                          GREG
                         I don't know.  I transfer to
                         Berkeley or something.

          They move off across campus.

          Anders heads toward a nearby building.










                                                            MANHOOD - 15

                                                                        16.



          INT. DEAN'S OFFICE - DAY

          DEAN MCINTYRE, 50s, sits at his desk, looking at the
          newspaper with the same headline.  He is a graying,
          overweight academic.

          Greg sits across the desk, visibly nervous.

                                          DEAN MCINTYRE
                         I have to put you on probation.

          Greg looks relieved.

                                          GREG
                         My scholarship?

                                          DEAN MCINTYRE
                         No problem - this time.  But this
                         won't happen again, will it?

                                          GREG
                         No, sir.

          The dean puts down the newspaper and his mood changes
          dramatically.

          He leans forward over the desk, speaking in a hushed,
          excited tone.

                                          DEAN MCINTYRE
                         What an extraordinary experiment!
                         Prof. Bronson wants you to stop by
                         the holography lab.


          INT. DEAN'S OFFICE - HALLWAY - DAY

          Greg, looking pleased with himself, comes out of the Dean's
          Office and starts down the hallway.  He is approached by
          PROF. PAULEY and his pretty daughter, HEATHER.

          Pauley, 50s, is slender and athletic, with the body of a
          marathon runner.

          Heather, who is Greg's age, has eyes that can put young male
          hormones into overdrive.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Morning, Greg.

                                          GREG
                         Morning.






                                                            MANHOOD - 16

                                                                        17.



                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         This is my daughter, Heather.

                                          HEATHER
                         Hello.

                                          GREG
                         Hi.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         I hear you almost put Jerry Rice
                         into the game last night.  I'm
                         impressed.  Everything okay with
                         the dean?

                                          GREG
                         It could've been worse.  I may be
                         working in the holography lab.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Then you'll be working with Prof.
                         Bronson.  I was hoping to convince
                         you to be my research assistant.

                                          GREG
                         Nothing's set in stone yet.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Good.  Keep your options open, and
                         we'll talk later.

          The professor and Heather are starting away.

                                          HEATHER
                         Nice meeting you.

                                          GREG
                         Nice meeting you, too.

          He stands in the hallway, watching them go.

          Then he breaks into a huge grin.


          INT. BRONSON'S OFFICE - DAY

          Bronson is serving Anders coffee.  The professor's office is
          a room chaotically crammed with computer equipment.

          Anders speaks with a Swedish accent.








                                                            MANHOOD - 17

                                                                        18.



                                          ANDERS
                         I assumed the hologram was your
                         doing.  Then he's not your student?

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Not yet.

                                          ANDERS
                         We need him on the team.  My people
                         are getting very impatient.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         I told you I can't meet deadlines.
                         No one's done holographic animation
                         before.

                                          ANDERS
                         But this student must be very close
                         to a solution.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         I'll certainly be talking to him.

                                          ANDERS
                         Professor, the people I work for
                         are bugging me, so I have to bug
                         you.  "Bugging" is the right term?

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         You're bugging me, yes.

                                          ANDERS
                         It's important to be the first in
                         Sweden to offer this.  We think the
                         Japanese are getting very close as
                         well.  When will you be talking to
                         this student?

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         I'm having the Dean send him over
                         to the lab.


          INT. CAMPUS - BRONSON HOLOGRAM LAB - DAY

          Working alone in the lab is Tom Bronson, quarterback of the
          football team.  He is setting up a hologram experiment when
          Greg enters.

                                          GREG
                         Tom Bronson?







                                                            MANHOOD - 18

                                                                        19.



                                          TOM
                         Well, Mr. Celebrity.  Dad told me
                         you might be by.  Nice to meet you.

          They shake hands.

                                          TOM
                         I'm impressed with what you did
                         last night.

                                          GREG
                         I expected better.  I hope it's
                         just a coding error.

                                          TOM
                         Well, it's bound to be, isn't it?

          Greg gets red, feeling like an idiot for saying something so
          obvious.

                                          TOM
                         Dad's in class til five.  Can you
                         come back - or make it earlier
                         tomorrow?

                                          GREG
                         Sure.  See you tomorrow then.

          He starts out.

                                          TOM
                         Greg?

          Greg turns to him.

                                          TOM
                         It's going to be great working with
                         you.


          EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY

          Greg is walking home, looking like he's on top of the world.
          He is in a middle-class neighborhood of shade sycamores and
          trimmed lawns.

          Working outside is JESSICA ROLLINS, 30s, Greg's high school
          algebra teacher.

          He sees her and stops.








                                                            MANHOOD - 19

                                                                        20.



                                          GREG
                         Mrs. Rollins?

          Jessica looks up from her work in a flower bed along the
          house.  Attractive in shorts and a halter, she is slender
          and angular, dark and a little mysterious-looking.

                                          JESSICA
                         Greg!  How nice to see you.

                                          GREG
                         I've been meaning to come by.

                                          JESSICA
                         I'm so glad you did.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOME - KITCHEN BAR - DAY

          They are sitting at a wet bar in the kitchen, drinking iced
          tea.

                                          GREG
                         I meant to come by over the summer.
                         Did you get my card?

                                          JESSICA
                         It meant a lot.  Thank you.

                                          GREG
                         I'm really sorry.

                                          JESSICA
                         David was much too young to suffer
                         the way he did.

                                          GREG
                         It shocked everybody.  How are you
                         doing?

                                          JESSICA
                         I can't get used to being a widow.
                         At least it's easier now that I'm
                         busy at school again.  The summer
                         was hell.

          There's an awkward silence, which Jessica suddenly breaks.

                                          JESSICA
                         Are you in a hurry?








                                                            MANHOOD - 20

                                                                        21.



                                          GREG
                         Not really.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - DAY

          Greg is up on a ladder, repairing a drain.  Jessica watches
          from below.

                                          GREG
                         I think that should do it.

                                          JESSICA
                         You're a life-saver.

          He climbs down the ladder.

                                          GREG
                         Mrs. Rollins?

                                          JESSICA
                         It's Jessica.

                                          GREG
                         Thanks for not mentioning what
                         happened last night.

                                          JESSICA
                         What happened?

                                          GREG
                         You didn't read the paper?

                                          JESSICA
                         I get depressed enough without
                         paying attention to the news.  What
                         did I miss?

                                          GREG
                         Nothing really.

          Greg looks uncomfortable standing this close to her.  His
          shyness is mixing with physical attraction to her, bubbling
          into a brew of sexual anxiety.

                                          GREG
                         I'd better get home.

          Jessica embraces him, maternally.  Then they quickly
          separate, and Greg heads off.








                                                            MANHOOD - 21

                                                                        22.



                                          JESSICA
                         Don't make it so long next time.

          Greg waves and quickly continues on.


          INT. DINING ROOM - DINNER TABLE - NIGHT

          Mrs. Apple and Meriwether are already at the dinner table
          when Greg enters.  Meriwether's hair is pink.

                                          GREG
                         Sorry I'm late.

          He sits down and starts helping himself to food.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Well?

                                          GREG
                         Well what?

          His mother just looks at him.

                                          GREG
                         Everything's fine, mom.  Prof.
                         Bronson wants me to work in the
                         hologram lab.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Wow, that sounds like big stuff.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         I don't understand.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Mother, it's a tradition for Tech
                         freshmen to do something wild in
                         the Rose Bowl.  I bet we did the
                         wildest thing in school history!

                                          FLO APPLE
                         So they rewarded you?

                                          GREG
                         Not exactly.  I'm on probation.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Oh my God--









                                                            MANHOOD - 22

                                                                        23.



                                          GREG
                         I still have my scholarship.  And
                         working in the lab really is an
                         honor.

          Hearing it put this way changes Meriwether's mood to a
          feeling of abandonment.  Greg, in his enthusiasm and hunger,
          doesn't see the change in her.


          INT. APPLE HOME - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT

          Meriwether is hurrying toward her room with Greg in pursuit.

                                          GREG
                         It doesn't mean we have to stop our
                         research together.

          Meriwether stops and turns around.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Now you have a lab.  You don't need
                         me.  I'm just your flunky anyway.

                                          GREG
                         You know that's not true.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I know it.  Do you?

                                          GREG
                         Of course I do.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Good.  Because I know what went
                         wrong.  And I fixed it.

          Greg looks at her to go on, but Meriwether turns and goes
          into her bedroom.  Greg quickly follows.


          INT. MERIWETHER'S ROOM - NIGHT

          Meriwether goes straight to her laptop computer, which is
          part of an elaborate setup on her desk.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Sit down, shut up and watch.

          Greg grins but obeys.  Meriwether starts entering data into
          the computer.







                                                            MANHOOD - 23

                                                                        24.



          A beam of light comes out of the  peripheral laser hardware,
          striking several mirrors set up in the room, so that two
          beams can intersect.

          Meriwether's cat, WONDER WOMAN, is watching the scene
          suspiciously, ready to split at a moment's notice.

          Meriwether enters data into the computer, and suddenly a
          perfect HOLOGRAM OF WONDER WOMAN appears where the laser
          beams intersect.

                                          GREG
                         Jesus . . .

                                          MERIWETHER
                         You ain't see nothin' yet.

          Meriwether enters something into the computer, and the
          hologram suddenly turns at them, hunches its back and
          hisses.

          Wonder Woman hisses back and races out of the room.

                                          GREG
                         Meriwether, that's incredible!

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I left out a bracket in the code.
                         That's all that was wrong.  Your
                         theory works!

          Meriwether makes another entry, and the cat relaxes, rolls
          onto its back and stretches, as if basking in the afternoon
          sun.

          Greg moves quickly to the computer.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Am I the sweetest sister a boy
                         genius ever had or what?

          Greg puts his arms around her.


          EXT. HOTEL - DAY

          A cab pulls up in front of the hotel, and Bob Johnson gets
          in.










                                                            MANHOOD - 24

                                                                        25.



          EXT. TECH CAMPUS - DAY

          Students cross the campus between classes.  As before, most
          are male, about a quarter female.

          Greg is walking with Quentin and K-Man.

                                          GREG
                         I was absolutely right.  Once you
                         digitize the video, you can project
                         it along the beam.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Very elegant.

                                          GREG
                         If Meriwether hadn't made a typo in
                         the code, Jerry Rice would've been
                         stable.

                                          QUENTIN
                         This gives incredible new
                         possibilities to the Dream Girl.

                                          K-MAN
                         Gentlemen, we are on the verge of
                         making scientific history.  The
                         girls of our dreams come alive!
                         Julianna, Mrs. Rollins-- ...

                                          GREG
                         I told you to leave her out of it--
                         ...

                                          QUENTIN
                         Gentlemen!

          They reach an intersection of walkways.

                                          GREG
                         Virtual jacking off is still
                         jacking off.  I'm going over to the
                         lab.

          Greg heads away, as K-Man shouts after him.

                                          K-MAN
                         You had any dates lately!

          He turns to Quentin.








                                                            MANHOOD - 25

                                                                        26.



                                          K-MAN
                         The man definitely needs help.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Don't tease him about Rollins.

                                          K-MAN
                         I thought he'd have a sense of
                         humor about her by now.  He acts
                         like he's still got a crush on her.


          INT. BRONSON LAB - DAY

          The professor and Tom are at work when Greg enters.

                                          GREG
                         Professor Bronson?

          Bronson looks up from what he is doing.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Greg Apple.  What a pleasure to
                         meet you finally.

          He quickly moves to Greg, one arm outstretched, and they
          shake hands.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         You came very close to something
                         remarkable the other night.

                                          GREG
                         I found out what went wrong.  Last
                         night my sister and I made a
                         holographic animation of her cat.

                                          TOM
                         Are you serious?

                                          GREG
                         I can show you.  I have the program
                         with me.

          Greg takes out a computer disk, and Prof. Bronson smiles
          with delight.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         The boy just walks in, takes a disk
                         out of his pocket and walks off
                         with the prize.







                                                            MANHOOD - 26

                                                                        27.



          But Greg looks tentative, unsure how to take his remark.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         I'm kidding, Greg.  Show us what
                         you've got.


          EXT. TECH CAMPUS - DAY

          The cab pulls in front of campus and Bob Johnson gets out.
          He stops a passing student to ask directions.


          INT. CAMPUS - ADMIN BLDG - DAY

          Johnson waits at a counter.  A CLERK approaches and hands
          him photocopies of several documents.

                                          CLERK
                         This is his class schedule.  And
                         his profile.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Thank you.  You've been a great
                         help.

                                          CLERK
                         We always cooperate with the
                         government.

          Johnson smiles.


          EXT. BUILDING - CAMPUS - DAY

          Greg and Tom are coming out of the building where the lab
          is.

                                          TOM
                         Now the challenge is making the
                         animation last more than a few
                         seconds.

                                          GREG
                         Challenges are what it's about,
                         right?

                                          TOM
                         Right.

          Greg, very pleased with himself, moves off with vigor and
          confidence.






                                                            MANHOOD - 27

                                                                        28.



          Watching him go, Tom's expression changes to one of concern.


          EXT. CAMPUS - STREET - DAY

          Greg is walking off campus when a car pulls over.  Heather
          is behind the wheel.

                                          HEATHER
                         Need a lift?

                                          GREG
                         Thanks.

          Greg moves around the car to get in.


          INT. HEATHER'S CAR - DAY

          Heather is driving Greg home.

                                          HEATHER
                         Dad speaks very highly of you.

          Greg looks embarrassed to hear this.

                                          HEATHER
                         I think he's jealous that you're
                         working with Prof. Bronson.  Dad
                         and Bronson don't get along.

          Greg doesn't reply.

          He looks very ill at ease in her presence.

                                          HEATHER
                         So if we don't talk about you, we
                         can always talk about me.

          She smiles at him.

                                          HEATHER
                         I started at Occidental this year.
                         I really love it.

                                          GREG
                         What's your major?











                                                            MANHOOD - 28

                                                                        29.



                                          HEATHER
                         I'm not sure.  Dad would like me to
                         go into the sciences, but I really
                         like music best.  I play the viola.
                         Do you like music?

                                          GREG
                         All kinds.

                                          HEATHER
                         Do you like to dance?

                                          GREG
                         Sure.

                                          HEATHER
                         The school's having a dance
                         Saturday night.  I'm looking for a
                         partner.

          Greg doesn't respond.  He looks out the window.

                                          HEATHER
                         Some people call that a hint.  You
                         could say, "Well, I'm available."

          Greg turns to her.  Nervous, he finds the courage to charge
          ahead.

                                          GREG
                         I'm available.

          He looks surprised that he said it.  He grins, half out of
          embarrassment, half out of delight at his own courage.

                                          HEATHER
                         Good.  I was hoping you would be.
                         I'll give you a call with the
                         details.  Are you in the book?

                                          GREG
                         Sure.

          She smiles at him.


          EXT. APPLE HOME - STREET - DAY

          Heather drops Greg off.  He waves as she pulls away.

          Then he starts walking to the front door.







                                                            MANHOOD - 29

                                                                        30.



          Meriwether comes out of the house.  Today her hair is jet
          black, and she is wearing several nose rings and too many
          earrings to count, dressed Madonna-like in black leather.

                                          GREG
                         That's extreme even for you.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         There's no accounting for taste.
                         Who's the girl?

                                          GREG
                         Heather Pauley.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         You like her?

                                          GREG
                         Sure.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         You want to go to bed with her?

                                          GREG
                         Jesus, Meriwether, what kind of
                         question is that?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         The obvious one, Testoster-Drone.
                         All men think with their dicks,
                         don't they?

                                          GREG
                         No, they don't.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Tell that to the rest of your
                         species.

                                          GREG
                         We're a gender, not a species.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Wrong.

          She makes PANTING NOISES, like some animal in heat - and
          then she's on her way.











                                                            MANHOOD - 30

                                                                        31.



          INT. GREG'S ROOM - NIGHT

          Greg is studying at his desk.  It's a long desk with room
          enough on top for his computer, printer, and piles of books.

          There's a tap on his closed door.

                                          FLO APPLE (O.S.)
                         Goodnight, dear.

                                          GREG
                         'Night, mom.

                                          FLO APPLE (O.S.)
                         Don't stay up too late.

          Greg's expression says: "Mothers!"

                                          GREG
                         I'm almost done.

          Before going back to work, he stands up and stretches.  He
          sits back down at the computer.

          He stares at the screen.  He looks distracted, as if
          something besides homework is on his mind now.

          He looks to the door, then back to the computer screen.

          He minimizes the application he was using and clicks on
          another icon, then on another.

          On the screen, a gallery of thumbnails of nude women
          centerfolds comes up.  He clicks on one.

          The slender naked woman is dark, vaguely suggesting Jessica
          Rollins.

          Greg looks at the image, then splits the screen.

          In the new window he brings up his high school annual,
          clicking pages until he finds a color photograph of his high
          school algebra teacher, Jessica Rollins.

          Working quickly now, with technical skill but also
          increasing erotic energy, he cuts out Jessica's face, drags
          it to the centerfold in the other window, and places the new
          face on the naked body.

          He blows it up.  The screen fills with a naked picture of
          his algebra teacher.







                                                            MANHOOD - 31

                                                                        32.



                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You really know your way around
                         that keyboard.

          Greg turns to find the hologram of his father across the
          room.  Embarrassed, he quickly shuts down the computer.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Don't worry about it.  It was
                         Playboy and Penthouse in my day.
                         French postcards in your
                         Granddad's.

                                          GREG
                         Dad, were you . . . you know . . ?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         A virgin at your age?  I'm not
                         answering that because the
                         information isn't important.
                         Despite your considerable wit.

                                          GREG
                         What wit?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You're at the top of your sexual
                         power, and only the toilet knows.
                         That's a great line.  Woody Allen
                         would love it.

                                          GREG
                         It's so true it's depressing.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         But you've got a date to a dance.

                                          GREG
                         Big deal.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You've got to start somewhere.
                         Don't you like the young lady?

                                          GREG
                         I hardly know her.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         A good point.  So take her to the
                         dance and see how it goes.  What
                         have you got to lose?







                                                            MANHOOD - 32

                                                                        33.



          INT. OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE - GYM - NIGHT

          The Oxy dance is in progress.

          Greg and Heather enter.  Greg looks a little out of place in
          slacks, sports coat and tie.  Heather is looking very good.

          They watch the dancers on the floor for a minute, and
          Heather waves to someone she knows.

                                          HEATHER
                         Shall we get some punch?

                                          GREG
                         Sure.

          They head off for the refreshments table.


          INT. REFRESHMENTS TABLE - NIGHT

          Greg goes to the punch bowl and fills a glass for Heather,
          handing it to her.  Then he fills his own.

          As he moves to join Heather, someone BUMPS him - and he
          spills his punch down the front of Heather's light-colored
          dress.

          Heather is devastated by the accident.

          Greg quickly grabs a handful of napkins and starts rubbing
          the front of her dress - until he realizes what he is doing.

          He stops, embarrassed.

          Heather turns and hurries off for the ladies room.

          Greg looks around, embarrassed and conspicuous.


          INT. GYM - RESTROOM AREA - NIGHT

          Greg is hovering around the restroom area, looking like
          someone who would prefer to disappear.

          Greg sees the hologram of this dad leaning against the wall
          nearby.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Bad break, son.  Nothing to do but
                         go with the flow.







                                                            MANHOOD - 33

                                                                        34.



          A woman comes out of the restroom and passes by, taking no
          notice of the hologram.  Only Greg can see his dad.

                                          GREG
                         I'm such a klutz.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         It wasn't your fault.

                                          GREG
                         I ruined her dress.  I ruined the
                         night.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Don't count yourself out yet.  Here
                         she comes.

          Heather comes out of the ladies room.

                                          HEATHER
                         I have to go home and get my dress
                         in the washer.

                                          GREG
                         I'm really sorry.

                                          HEATHER
                         It wasn't your fault.

          Heather turns and heads for the exit.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         See there?  Follow her, son.  The
                         night's still young.


          INT. HEATHER'S CAR - NIGHT

          Heather is driving, Greg beside her.  In the back sits the
          hologram of Greg's dad.

          After a silence, Heather turns to Greg.

                                          HEATHER
                         You're still not thinking it's your
                         fault, are you?

                                          GREG
                         Kind of, I guess.









                                                            MANHOOD - 34

                                                                        35.



                                          HEATHER
                         It was the clumsy oaf who shoved
                         you.

          There's an awkward pause.

                                          HEATHER
                         We could watch a movie at my place.

          Greg looks like he doesn't understand the question.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Tell her that's a great idea.

                                          GREG
                         Great idea.

          He voice cracked, and Greg clears his throat.

                                          HEATHER
                         Good.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         She likes you, son.

          Greg takes a deep breath.


          EXT. PAULEY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          Heather's car pulls into the driveway.


          INT. PAULEY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          Greg and Heather enter.  Heather, moving quickly to get her
          dress in the washer, gestures toward a hallway as she
          leaves.

                                          HEATHER
                         You should find Dad in his office.
                         Second door down.

          And she's gone.

          Greg hesitantly moves down the hallway.


          INT. PAULEY'S OFFICE - NIGHT

          Prof. Pauley sits at his desk, working, when Greg appears in
          the doorway.






                                                            MANHOOD - 35

                                                                        36.



                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Greg!  Back so early?

                                          GREG
                         I spilled punch on her dress.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Oh boy.

                                          GREG
                         Somebody shoved me from behind.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Well, at least it wasn't your
                         fault.  Heather's washing the
                         dress, right?

          Greg nods.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Are you going back to the dance?

                                          GREG
                         She mentioned watching a movie.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Ah.  Then we'd better make popcorn.


          INT. PAULEY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          The professor is shaking popcorn on the stove, making it the
          old-fashioned way, as Greg watches.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Has Bronson offered you a deal yet?

                                          GREG
                         I'm not sure what you mean.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         To commercialize that holographic
                         program of yours.  He's always got
                         his fingers in the corporate pie.

                                          GREG
                         He hasn't said anything about it.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         He will.

          The hologram of Greg's dad is leaning against the wall.






                                                            MANHOOD - 36

                                                                        37.



                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You know what he's talking about?

          Greg looks nervous and confused.

                                          GREG
                         I haven't the slightest idea.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Keep your eyes and ears open.  And
                         you're doing great, by the way.

                                          GREG
                         I'm really nervous.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Relax.  Go with the flow.

          Heather bounds into the room, wearing casual clothes now.

                                          HEATHER
                         Take off your tie and get comfy.

          She moves to Greg and loosens his tie for him.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         See?  She's crazy about you.

          But Greg looks more awkward than ever.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         By the time you get the movie cued,
                         popcorn'll be ready.

          Heather takes Greg's hand, moving out of the kitchen.

                                          HEATHER
                         What do you want to watch?


          INT. PAULEY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

          All three sit on the divan, watching a movie.  We hear the
          sound-track, the end of "Casablanca" or something equally
          classic and romantic.

          The mood is interrupted by the snoring of the professor, who
          has fallen asleep in his corner of the divan.

          The movie ends, and Heather punches rewind on the remote.








                                                            MANHOOD - 37

                                                                        38.



                                          HEATHER
                         I never get tired of watching that.

                                          GREG
                         Me, neither.

                                          HEATHER
                         It's almost my bed time.  I'll give
                         you a ride home.

                                          GREG
                         I can walk.

                                          HEATHER
                         Don't be silly.

                                          GREG
                         I walk all the time.

                                          HEATHER
                         You're not walking.


          INT. HEATHER'S CAR - NIGHT

          Again, the hologram is in the back seat.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Are you thinking of kissing her
                         goodnight?

                                          GREG
                         What if she doesn't want me to?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Kiss her hand.

                                          GREG
                         What?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Trust me.  Kiss her hand.


          EXT. APPLE HOME - NIGHT

          Heather's car pulls up in front of Greg's house.











                                                            MANHOOD - 38

                                                                        39.



          INT. HEATHER'S CAR - NIGHT

          There is an awkward moment now, as Greg hesitates either to
          make a move or to get out of the car.  But Heather saves the
          moment by becoming aggressive.

          She moves over and gives Greg a kiss on the lips.

                                          HEATHER
                         Will you call me?

          Greg, dumbfounded, nods.

                                          HEATHER
                         Good.

          Greg doesn't make a move.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         It's time to get out of the car,
                         son.

          Greg fumbles for the door handle, finally finding it.


          EXT. APPLE HOME - NIGHT

          Greg comes out, and Heather pulls way.

          The hologram appears beside Greg.

                                          GREG
                         Jesus.  When do I call her?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Tomorrow would work.


          EXT. TECH CAMPUS - DAY

          Students cross campus between classes.


          INT. HOLOGRAM LAB - DAY

          Greg is working on something when he is interrupted.

                                          TOM
                         Dad would like to see you in his
                         office before you go home.








                                                            MANHOOD - 39

                                                                        40.



          INT. BRONSON'S OFFICE - DAY

          The professor and Anders are conferring when Greg appears in
          the open doorway.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Come in, Greg.  There's someone I
                         want you to meet.

          Anders stands up.

                                          ANDERS
                         Anders Nielssen.  I've heard a lot
                         about you.

          He offers his hand, which Greg shakes.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         How about we do this over drinks?


          INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT

          The threesome sit around a table, sharing a pitcher of beer.
          Greg looks like he's beginning to feel it.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Of course, they have a much more
                         liberated view of erotica in
                         Sweden.  It's popular entertainment
                         over there.

                                          ANDERS
                         My company is on track to be first.
                         That's the important thing.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         And reward where reward is due -
                         that's important, too.  That's why
                         I want to be upfront with you from
                         the beginning, Greg.  Your
                         commission on this should pay for
                         graduate school.  So what do you
                         think?

          Greg looks overwhelmed, the clarity of his thinking not
          helped by the beer he's consumed.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         You don't have to decide tonight.
                         Spend a few days with it.
                                          (MORE)






                                                            MANHOOD - 40

                                                                        41.



                                          PROF. BRONSON (cont'd)
                         It'll take that long for my lawyer
                         to put together the papers.  Fair
                         enough?

          Greg nods.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Do we want another pitcher?

                                          GREG
                         I've got to go.

          Greg has a little difficulty getting up from the table.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         You're on the ground floor of
                         something big, Greg.  Virtual
                         Erotica is the tip of the iceberg.
                         You won't believe the future
                         applications for this technology.

                                          GREG
                         It's a little overwhelming.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Take it to bed, boy.  We'll talk
                         more tomorrow.

          And Greg moves off, leaving the others to exchange a glance
          of concern - will he come around to their way of thinking or
          not?

                                          ANDERS
                         What do you think?

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         He's in.


          EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT

          Greg is walking home, staggering a little.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          Greg approaches Jessica's home and sees a front window lit
          up.  He stops.

          He moves onto the lawn, crosses to the front window, and
          peers in.






                                                            MANHOOD - 41

                                                                        42.



          Inside, Jessica is in her robe, sitting alone on a divan,
          watching television.

          Greg watches her for a moment.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

          Greg is still watching Jessica when suddenly she turns his
          way - and her startled expression shows us that she sees
          him, or something, outside her window.

          She quickly stands up.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          Greg, realizing he's been seen, turns and starts back across
          the lawn, wobbling a little.

          The porch light comes on, the front door opens, and Jessica
          hurries out onto the porch.

          Greg is moving down the sidewalk.

          Jessica recognizes him.

                                          JESSICA
                         Greg!

          Greg stops in his tracks.  Slowly he turns toward her.

                                          JESSICA
                         Is that you, Greg?

          He retraces his way back across the lawn.

                                          GREG
                         Hello, Mrs. Rollins.

                                          JESSICA
                         Were you at the window?

                                          GREG
                         I saw your light on.  I'm sorry if
                         I upset you.

                                          JESSICA
                         You startled me.  Why don't you
                         come in?

          Greg doesn't move.






                                                            MANHOOD - 42

                                                                        43.



                                          JESSICA
                         Please.  I can use some company.

          Greg steps forward.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - KITCHEN BAR - NIGHT

          Jessica is pouring Greg coffee.

                                          JESSICA
                         Out drinking with the boys?

                                          GREG
                         With Prof. Bronson and his business
                         friend.

                                          JESSICA
                         Really?

                                          GREG
                         He told me he's working on a
                         virtual porno machine to sell to
                         Sweden.  We're going to get rich
                         together.

          Jessica laughs.

                                          JESSICA
                         Well, that should be stimulating
                         for you.

          Greg, who is easily embarrassed, blushes.

                                          GREG
                         I thought we'd be doing pure
                         research.

                                          JESSICA
                         Does anybody do pure research any
                         more?

                                          GREG
                         That's what science is.

                                          JESSICA
                         Welcome to Reality 1-A.

          Greg looks puzzled by her remark.









                                                            MANHOOD - 43

                                                                        44.



                                          JESSICA
                         Corporations and University labs
                         have been sleeping in the same bed
                         since before I was in school.

          Greg looks depressed to learn this.

                                          JESSICA
                         Does that bother you?

                                          GREG
                         I didn't come to Tech to go into
                         business.  I'm a pure scientist!

          There's a pause.

                                          JESSICA
                         I was about to watch a movie.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

          Greg is falling asleep on the divan as they watch the movie
          together.

          Jessica studies him and seems about to reach out and touch
          his face.  But she catches herself first.

          The movie ends with Greg sound asleep at one corner of the
          divan.  Jessica lovingly puts a blanket over him.

          She softly touches his hair, the first man she has touched
          this way in too long.

          Then she looks down at her hand, as if wondering what she
          has done and what it means.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          All the lights in the house are out.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

          On the divan, Greg tosses and turns in an uneasy sleep.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

          In bed, Jessica stares at the ceiling, unable to sleep.







                                                            MANHOOD - 44

                                                                        45.



          Finally she slips out of bed and puts on her robe.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

          Jessica comes through the living room on her way to the
          kitchen.

          She stops to check on Greg and sees that he is sleeping
          fitfully.

          She moves closer to the divan and looks down at him.

          Greg's eyes open.

                                          GREG
                         What time is it?

          He gets up and loses his balance, saved from falling by
          Jessica.  They stand very close, their eyes locked.

          Then Greg has to look away.

                                          JESSICA
                         What's the matter?

          He looks at her again.  What he has to say doesn't come easy
          for him.

                                          GREG
                         You're so beautiful.

                                          JESSICA
                         You think so?  I haven't been
                         feeling very beautiful.

          Greg looks very confused, part of him embarrassed and
          wanting to run away, another part of him desirous and
          wanting to make a move on her - if only he knew how.

          But Jessica saves the situation by acting first.

                                          JESSICA
                         You'd better go home, Greg.

          Greg's expression changes to disappointment and quickly to
          full embarrassment.  He turns and moves quickly to the door.

                                          JESSICA
                         Greg?

          He turns and faces her.  Desire comes out of every pore.






                                                            MANHOOD - 45

                                                                        46.



                                          JESSICA
                         Would you like to spend the night?

          Greg takes a deep breath.

          She moves toward him, and Greg opens his mouth as if to
          speak - but no words come.

          Jessica embraces him.

                                          JESSICA
                         No words.  Okay?

          Her face moves close to his.  Greg closes his eyes, letting
          her take control, nervously letting what is about to happen,
          happen.

          Jessica kisses him, softly.  Greg doesn't kiss back.

                                          JESSICA
                         Please kiss me.

          She kisses him again.  Greg's lips part slightly, as he
          begins to kiss back.

          Suddenly, as if exploding, Greg is seizing her and kissing
          her hard, almost violently.

          Jessica pushes him away, and Greg is upset by what feels
          like rejection.  But Jessica moves quickly, before his
          embarrassment ruins the moment.

                                          JESSICA
                         Slowly.  Gently.

          She takes his hand.  They look at one another, and Jessica
          smiles.

          She leads him to the stairway.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

          Greg and Jessica are making love.

          Both are full of passion, Jessica's rekindled, Greg's newly
          discovered - and in their lovemaking, Jessica leads with
          tender and gentle direction.










                                                            MANHOOD - 46

                                                                        47.



          INT. BEDROOM - LATER - NIGHT

          Greg is alone in bed.  Through the open door of the
          bathroom, we see Jessica stepping out of the shower and
          wrapping a towel around her.

          The HOLOGRAM of Greg's Dad stands in the doorway.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         And I was trying to figure out what
                         advice to give you.

          Greg is too exhausted and too overwhelmed to reply.  He puts
          both hands on his head.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         This is going to get more
                         complicated than you can imagine,
                         son.

                                          GREG
                         You shouldn't be here.

          Greg steps out of bed and moves toward the hologram in the
          doorway.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Be careful, is what I'm trying to
                         tell you.  Don't set yourself up
                         for a broken heart.

          And in an instant, as Greg arrives, the HOLOGRAM disappears.

          Jessica enters, wrapped in a towel, to find Greg at the
          doorway.

                                          JESSICA
                         Won't your mother be wondering
                         where you are?


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - PORCH - NIGHT

          Jessica opens the door to let Greg out.

                                          GREG
                         Will I see you tomorrow?

                                          JESSICA
                         Give me a call.








                                                            MANHOOD - 47

                                                                        48.



          She kisses him on the cheek, rather maternally considering
          their recent passion.  Then she closes the door.

          Greg moves off the porch, breathing deeply.

          Suddenly he breaks into a run.  He sprints down the
          sidewalk, an explosion of energy and hormones.




          INT. APPLE HOME - DAY

          Mrs. Apple opens the door to find Bob Johnson on the porch.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         I'm looking for Greg Apple.

          He holds up identification.  Mrs. Apple strains to read it.

                                          CLERK
                         Defense Department.  Is he here?

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Please come in.

          Johnson steps inside.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         If you wouldn't mind waiting in the
                         living room . . .

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Thank you.

          Mrs. Apple points the way and Johnson heads to the living
          room.  Then she hurries up the stairs.


          INT. HALLWAY - DAY

          Mrs. Apple comes upstairs, walking swiftly to Greg's room.
          The door is closed.  She knocks.

          Meriwether hears the knock and comes out of her room into
          the hallway.  Her hair is beet red.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         He's really sleeping in this
                         morning.  I think he's sick or
                         something.







                                                            MANHOOD - 48

                                                                        49.



          Mrs. Apple cracks open the door.  She enters the bedroom,
          with Meriwether following behind her.


          INT. GREG'S BEDROOM - DAY

          Greg is asleep.  His mother and sister approach the bed.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         It's not like him to sleep so late.

          She gently shakes her son.

          Greg stirs, rolls over and opens his eyes.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Are you feeling okay?

          Greg groans.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         There's a gentleman to see you. He
                         says he's from the Department of
                         Defense.

          This doesn't register with Greg yet but Meriwether quickly
          jumps to conclusions.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Department of Defense!  I bet
                         they're going to give you a prize!

          She hurries out of the bedroom.  Mrs. Apple turns back to
          her son.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Can you come downstairs to see him?


          INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

          Bob Johnson is surveying the room when Meriwether enters.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Hi.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Hello.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I'm Greg's sister.  Meriwether.







                                                            MANHOOD - 49

                                                                        50.



                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Bob Johnson.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I did most of the dirty work.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Pardon me?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Writing in all the code and stuff.
                         That's what you're here about,
                         isn't it?  The holographic
                         animation.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         As a matter of fact, yes.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         He's a genius.  He deserves
                         whatever prize you're giving him.
                         I'm not too dumb myself.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         I'm sure you're not.  You're
                         familiar with the program then?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I was beside him every step of the
                         way.  It's all his ideas, of
                         course.  But somebody's got to do
                         the grunt work, right?

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Right.

          Mrs. Apple enters the room.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         He'll be right down.  Meriwether, I
                         hope you're not bothering Mr.
                         Johnson.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Not at all!

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Not at all, mother.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Would you like a cup of coffee?







                                                            MANHOOD - 50

                                                                        51.



                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         No thanks.

          Greg enters the room, still buttoning up his shirt.  He
          looks like a man who didn't get enough sleep last night -
          which he didn't.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Here he is.

          Johnson moves forward with an outstretched hand.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         I'm Bob Johnson, Greg.  I'd like to
                         buy you breakfast so we can talk.

          This takes everyone by surprise, Greg most of all.  He looks
          to his mother, as if looking for permission.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         I could make breakfast here.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         No need.  What do you say?

                                          GREG
                         Sure.


          INT. JOHNSON'S RENTAL CAR - DAY

          Johnson looks over at Greg in the passenger seat, who has
          been staring out the window.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         You know why I'm here, don't you?

                                          GREG
                         No.  Should I?

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         The Department of Defense is very
                         interested in the research you've
                         been doing.

                                          GREG
                         You know what happened in the Rose
                         Bowl?

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         It made the national press.







                                                            MANHOOD - 51

                                                                        52.



                                          GREG
                         Jesus.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         I'm surprised you didn't know.

                                          GREG
                         I don't watch the news.

          He starts staring out the window again.


          INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

          Greg and Johnson sit in a booth.  A WAITRESS moves off,
          having just taken their order.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         I don't believe in beating around
                         the bush, Greg, so I'll get right
                         to the point.  We're worried about
                         what you plan to do with this
                         software you're developing.

                                          GREG
                         I don't believe this.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Hear me out. Does a holographic
                         army mean anything to you?
                         Soldiers who explode into laser
                         rays.  That's not far removed from
                         your Jerry Rice caper.

          Greg glances away, looking very much out of his comfort
          zone.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         You probably haven't given
                         something like that much thought.

                                          GREG
                         As a matter of fact, I haven't.
                         I'm doing pure research.  I haven't
                         thought of any applications at all.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Ah, youth.

                                          GREG
                         You think I'm naive, right?







                                                            MANHOOD - 52

                                                                        53.



                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         I think in the wrong hands, your
                         software could become very
                         dangerous.

                                          GREG
                         So why are you here?  What do you
                         want from me?

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         We'd like to offer you a grant to
                         work for your country.

                                          GREG
                         Whatever happened to knowledge for
                         its own sake?  Everybody wants to
                         make a buck on this.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         I didn't mention making a buck.  I
                         was thinking along the lines of
                         keeping this out of the wrong
                         hands.

                                          GREG
                         Well, this is too much stress.  I
                         don't need it.  I quit.

          He gets up from the table.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Pardon me?

                                          GREG
                         I'm not doing any more research.  I
                         have better ways to occupy my time
                         anyway.  So I can't work for you
                         because I'm no longer involved in
                         it.

          He starts away.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         You can stop, just like that?  What
                         the hell kind of a scientist are
                         you?

          Greg, ignoring him, moves out of the restaurant as Johnson
          watches, dumbfounded, seeing the very last thing in the
          world he expected.








                                                            MANHOOD - 53

                                                                        54.



          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

          Jessica has just let Greg in.  She looks angry.

                                          JESSICA
                         I told you to call first.

                                          GREG
                         I was too excited about quitting.

                                          JESSICA
                         You're going too fast for me.
                         Quitting what?

                                          GREG
                         I'm not doing any more research.
                         I'd rather spend my time with you.

          The hologram of Greg's dad appears in the room.

                                          JESSICA
                         Now wait a minute.  You're taking
                         me for granted here, Greg.

                                          GREG
                         I thought you'd be glad.

                                          JESSICA
                         I don't want you barging into my
                         life.

                                          GREG
                         But last night-- . . .

                                          JESSICA
                         Last night is something that just
                         happened, that I made happen.  I'm
                         not sure how I feel about that.
                         Especially now, with you barging in
                         here unannounced.

                                          GREG
                         Well, that's great.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Give her some space, son.

                                          GREG
                         Why are you always snooping in my
                         business?








                                                            MANHOOD - 54

                                                                        55.



                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Just trying to give you some
                         perspective on this.

                                          JESSICA
                         I don't want to regret what
                         happened, Greg, but that's how
                         you're making me feel.  I think you
                         should leave.

                                          GREG
                         You don't want to ever see me
                         again?

                                          JESSICA
                         I didn't say that.  I want you to
                         call me this afternoon like we
                         planned.  We'll go from there.

          Greg hesitates to respond.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Son . . .?

                                          GREG
                         Okay!

          He turns and storms out.  The hologram of Greg's dad lets
          out a deep breath, looks at Jessica and shakes his head.

          Then he follows Greg outside.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - STREET - DAY

          Greg comes storming out with the hologram of his dad
          catching up with him.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         I told you this would get
                         complicated.

                                          GREG
                         I thought last night was-- . . .

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         The most amazing thing that ever
                         happened to you.  You'll never
                         forget it.  Which is great.  Just
                         don't try to base the rest of your
                         life on it.







                                                            MANHOOD - 55

                                                                        56.



                                          GREG
                         What do you know?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Not a hell of a lot, son,
                         especially about women.

          The hologram of Greg's dad stops and lets Greg move down the
          sidewalk alone.


          EXT. TECH CAMPUS - DAY

          Greg and Quentin are walking across campus.  Greg is doing
          the talking, and Quentin the listening.

          Suddenly Quentin stops, taking Greg's arm to stop him as
          well.

                                          QUENTIN
                         You did what?

                                          GREG
                         You heard me.

                                          QUENTIN
                         You and Mrs. Rollins . . .?

          Greg nods, looking none too excited about his experience.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Then why do you look so down in the
                         dumps?

                                          GREG
                         I don't think it's going to happen
                         again.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Why not?

                                          GREG
                         Gut feeling.  I think she used me.

                                          QUENTIN
                         She used you?  She fucking used
                         you?  You should be doing
                         cartwheels across the goddamn lawn!

          He stops, realizing other students are looking at them.  He
          puts his arm around Greg, and they move off again.







                                                            MANHOOD - 56

                                                                        57.



                                          QUENTIN
                         I want a blow-by-blow, my friend.
                         Christ, I bet that's a pun, isn't
                         it?  I can't believe how calm and
                         reserved you look!  This is
                         history, Greg.  You'll remember her
                         forever for this.

          Greg still looks glum.


          EXT. APPLE HOME - DAY

          Quentin's van pulls up in front of Greg's house.


          INT. VAN - DAY

          Quentin is behind the wheel, Greg in the passenger seat,
          K-Man in the back.

                                          QUENTIN
                         What are you going to do?

                                          GREG
                         I don't know.

                                          K-MAN
                         Count your blessings, man.  You've
                         reduced the freshman virgin
                         population by thirty-three and a
                         third percent.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Maybe it's not over.

                                          GREG
                         I'm supposed to call her.

                                          QUENTIN
                         See there.

                                          GREG
                         I'm afraid to.

          He opens the door and gets out.

                                          K-MAN
                         What's he want, a long-term love
                         affair?  I never thought of an
                         older woman before.
                                          (MORE)






                                                            MANHOOD - 57

                                                                        58.



                                          K-MAN (cont'd)
                         There was a widow back home who was
                         always nice to me - probably
                         lusting for my body and I didn't
                         even know it.

          Quentin pulls away.


          INT. APPLE HOME - DAY

          Greg enters to find Meriwether coming down the stairs.  Her
          hair is white.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Hi.  Where have you been keeping
                         yourself?

          Greg shrugs and starts up the stairs.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I thought we were going to keep
                         going with the research.

          Greg's mom enters.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         It's been like Grand Central
                         Station around here.  You have
                         messages from Heather Pauley, Mr.
                         Johnson, Prof. Bronson and Mrs.
                         Rollins.  What makes you so popular
                         all of a sudden?

                                          GREG
                         Mrs. Rollins called?

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Something about needing help with
                         her computer.

          Greg leaps down the stairs and quickly moves for the door.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I have an idea for lengthening the
                         animation.

          But Greg is already going out the door.  Meriwether and Mrs.
          Apple exchange a look of confusion.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         He couldn't be.






                                                            MANHOOD - 58

                                                                        59.



                                          FLO APPLE
                         Couldn't be what?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         This could be heavy.

          She goes out the door.


          EXT. APPLE HOME - DAY

          Meriwether comes onto the porch to see Greg sprinting down
          the sidewalk.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - DAY

          Greg races all the way to Jessica's house.

          He reaches the porch and bends over in exhaustion.

          The door opens, and Greg moves inside.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - DAY

          Jessica embraces him.

                                          JESSICA
                         I missed you so much today.

          They kiss, their passion renewed.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

          After lovemaking, Greg is admiring himself in the bedroom
          mirror.  Jessica returns from the bathroom.

                                          GREG
                         Maybe I should start lifting
                         weights.

                                          JESSICA
                         Why?

                                          GREG
                         To get some muscles.  I'm so
                         scrawny.

                                          JESSICA
                         You look just fine.






                                                            MANHOOD - 59

                                                                        60.



                                          GREG
                         I was wondering . . .

                                          JESSICA
                         Yes?

                                          GREG
                         Am I, you know, okay in bed and
                         everything?

          Jessica laughs.

                                          JESSICA
                         You're doing just fine.

                                          GREG
                         I want to be the best lover you
                         ever had.

                                          JESSICA
                         Just be yourself, Greg.

                                          GREG
                         I want to spend all the time with
                         you I can.

                                          JESSICA
                         I believe you.  But I am not going
                         to be responsible for you flunking
                         out of Tech.  We need to talk about
                         what we're doing, Greg.

          But Greg doesn't say anything.

                                          JESSICA
                         I know I've taken advantage of you,
                         and I feel a little guilty about
                         that.  But I need this.  And I
                         think you do, too.

                                          GREG
                         Absolutely.

                                          JESSICA
                         But it's not permanent.  I'm old
                         enough to be your mother.

                                          GREG
                         I know.  So how long do we have?









                                                            MANHOOD - 60

                                                                        61.



                                          JESSICA
                         Until it stops feeling good.  Until
                         we start hurting one another.

                                          GREG
                         That can be a long time.

                                          JESSICA
                         We'll see.  But I need my space,
                         Greg.  Don't crowd me.

                                          GREG
                         Okay.

                                          JESSICA
                         Now I'm sending you home so you can
                         do your homework.

                                          GREG
                         No problem.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOME - PORCH - NIGHT

          Jessica, still in her robe, lets Greg out.  They kiss one
          more time.

                                          GREG
                         Same time tomorrow?

                                          JESSICA
                         Call me first.

                                          GREG
                         Right.

          She blows him another kiss and closes the door.

          The hologram of Greg's dad appears as Greg moves off the
          porch.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You going to be able to handle
                         this, son?

                                          GREG
                         Sure, why not?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         If something comes up, I'll be
                         around.







                                                            MANHOOD - 61

                                                                        62.



                                          GREG
                         Don't show up when Jessica and I
                         are alone, okay?  Give me your
                         word.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You've got it.

                                          GREG
                         Thanks.

          Greg breaks into a grin and, full of energy, starts running
          down the sidewalk.  The hologram of his dad just watches him
          go, looking a little amused but also a little concerned.


          EXT. APPLE HOME - NIGHT

          As Greg approaches his house, Anders gets out of a parked
          car and walks toward him.

                                          ANDERS
                         Greg?

          Greg doesn't look pleased to see him.

                                          ANDERS
                         Can we talk for a minute?

          Greg doesn't respond.

                                          ANDERS
                         You stopped going to the lab.
                         Prof. Bronson is worried about you.

                                          GREG
                         I quit the lab.

                                          ANDERS
                         Really?  I don't think he knows
                         that.

                                          GREG
                         He'll figure it out.

          Greg makes a move for the house, but Anders steps in his
          way.

                                          ANDERS
                         If you're not happy with the
                         business arrangement he offered
                         you, perhaps I can do better.






                                                            MANHOOD - 62

                                                                        63.



                                          GREG
                         I'm not interested in any business
                         arrangement.

                                          ANDERS
                         I don't think you realize how much
                         money could be in this for you.

                                          GREG
                         I'm not interested in money.

                                          ANDERS
                         Everyone is interested in money.

                                          GREG
                         Goodnight.

          Greg tries to move around Anders to go into the house, and
          Anders stops him again.

                                          ANDERS
                         If you change your mind, give me a
                         call.  I'm in room 517.

          He hands him a card from his hotel.

          Greg shoves the card into a pocket and heads for the house.


          INT. GREG'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

          Greg is at work on his computer when Meriwether steps into
          the doorway.  Her hair is still white.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Knock, knock.

                                          GREG
                         I'm busy, Meriwether.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         You're busy a lot lately.

          Greg doesn't reply.  He punches in something into the
          computer.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Are you having an affair with Mrs.
                         Rollins?









                                                            MANHOOD - 63

                                                                        64.



          This gets Greg's attention.  He leaps out of his chair, goes
          to the door and drags Meriwether inside, closing the door
          behind her.

          Having done this, Greg takes a deep breath, wondering what
          to do now.  Meriwether watches him closely.

                                          GREG
                         No, I'm not.  What gave you that
                         idea?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Men.

          She turns and walks out of the bedroom.

          Greg follows her into the hallway.


          INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

          Meriwether is heading for her bedroom.

                                          GREG
                         Who told you that?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Duh.  Anybody can figure it out,
                         Testoster-Drone.

          She walks into her bedroom, closing the door behind her.

          Greg stares at the closed door for a moment, then turns to
          go back to his own room.


          EXT. TECH CAMPUS - DAY

          Prof. Bronson and his son are walking across campus.

                                          TOM
                         If we had the source code, we
                         wouldn't need him.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Think you can manage that?

                                          TOM
                         Leave it to me, Dad.









                                                            MANHOOD - 64

                                                                        65.



          INT. CAMPUS - BUILDING HALLWAY - DAY

          Bronson is coming down the hallway to his office and finds
          Bob Johnson at the door.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Are you waiting for me?

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         If you're Professor Bronson, I am.

          Bronson unlocks his door.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         I have a class in fifteen minutes.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         I won't take ten.

          Bronson enters the office, with Johnson following.


          INT. BRONSON'S OFFICE - DAY

          Johnson takes out his identification and shows it to the
          professor.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         I wondered how long it would take
                         you people to come by.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         You were expecting me?

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         I know there are applications of
                         the new technology that would
                         interest you.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         Indeed there are.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         When I've secured patents, I'll be
                         glad to talk to you.  Good day.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         A student, Greg Apple, is working
                         in your lab.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         You've been doing your homework.






                                                            MANHOOD - 65

                                                                        66.



                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         He doesn't seem to be interested in
                         the applications.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Youth is idealistic.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         We'd be interested in seeing the
                         source code for what he has so far.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         I bet you would!  When I have
                         patents, we'll speak.  Thanks so
                         much for stopping by.

          The professor is escorting Johnson to the door.

                                          BOB JOHNSON
                         We could confiscate the code if
                         necessary.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Big Brothering, are we?  Fear is
                         not a motivation with me, Mr.
                         Johnson.  Quite the opposite.

          He shuts the door on Johnson.  The professor looks worried.

          He thinks a minute, then goes to the phone and dials.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                              (on the phone)
                         Tom, the government's snooping
                         around.  We need that source code
                         sooner rather than later.


          EXT. STREET - DAY

          Greg is walking to campus when a car pulls over beside him.
          Heather is at the wheel.

                                          HEATHER
                         Want a ride?

          Greg hesitates but gives in and gets into the car.


          INT. HEATHER'S CAR - DAY

          Heather waits for Greg to begin but he doesn't.






                                                            MANHOOD - 66

                                                                        67.



          The hologram of Greg's dad appears in the back seat.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Just here in case you need help.

          Greg sighs.

                                          HEATHER
                         I should be mad at you.  I left
                         three messages you didn't answer.

                                          GREG
                         Really?  Meriwether must've
                         forgotten to tell me.

                                          HEATHER
                         I left them with your mother.

                                          GREG
                         The older she gets, the worse her
                         memory is.

          Heather considers this thoughtfully.

                                          HEATHER
                         At any rate, are we having fun yet?

                                          GREG
                         I'm not sure what you mean.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         She means those excuses were pretty
                         lame.

                                          HEATHER
                         Are we going to go out again or
                         what?

                                          GREG
                         Ah, well - why not?  I'm just real
                         busy right now.

                                          HEATHER
                         How's the project coming?

                                          GREG
                         Great.  It just takes up all of my
                         time.

          Heather lets this digest, weighing its true meaning.








                                                            MANHOOD - 67

                                                                        68.



                                          HEATHER
                         Does that mean you really don't
                         want to go out with me again?

          Greg looks like he's being backed into a corner.  He turns
          to the hologram of his dad.

                                          GREG
                         So get me out of this one.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Ask her to a movie.

                                          GREG
                         I don't want to take her to a
                         movie.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Why not?  She's a sweet girl, and
                         she likes you a lot.

                                          GREG
                         I want to spend all my time with
                         Jessica.

                                          HEATHER
                         I take it silence means no, you
                         don't.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Tell her you do!

                                          GREG
                         I do.  I mean, if I had time I
                         would.

                                          HEATHER
                         Okay.  So will you give me a call
                         when you have some free time?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Of course.

                                          GREG
                         Of course.


          EXT. CAMPUS - DAY

          Heather's car pulls up and Greg gets out.  He waves as
          Heather pulls back into traffic.







                                                            MANHOOD - 68

                                                                        69.



          Greg is walking across campus when Quentin and K-Man join
          him.

                                          GREG
                         Hey, guys.

          Quentin and K-Man exchange glances.

                                          K-MAN
                         Look at you.  You're getting it
                         again.

          Greg smiles.

                                          QUENTIN
                         You must be in heaven!

                                          K-MAN
                         I'm definitely considering older
                         women now.

                                          QUENTIN
                         What made her change her mind?

                                          GREG
                         She missed me.

                                          K-MAN
                         What a stud you must be!

                                          GREG
                         I'm late for class.  Talk to you
                         later, okay?

          He trots off.  Quentin and K-Man look at him with jealousy
          and near-reverence.

                                          K-MAN
                         Is there a taboo against aunts?

                                          QUENTIN
                         How do you mean?

                                          K-MAN
                         My Aunt Hilda thinks I'm the cat's
                         pajamas.


          INT. CAMPUS - CLASSROOM - DAY

          Greg sits in a calculus class with about a dozen other
          students, young men and women.






                                                            MANHOOD - 69

                                                                        70.



          The TEACHER is scribbling an equation on the board when the
          bell rings.  Students gather their books to go.

                                          TEACHER
                         Quiz next Monday, people!


          INT. HALLWAY - DAY

          Greg comes out of class to walk down the hallway.

          Tom has been waiting for him and follows.


          EXT. CAMPUS - BUILDING - DAY

          Greg comes out of the building.

          A moment later, Tom comes out of the building.


          EXT. CONVENIENCE MARKET - STREET - DAY

          Tom watches as Greg talks on a pay phone outside a
          convenience market.

          Greg hangs up and moves on.

          Tom follows.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - DAY

          Tom watches Greg go into Jessica's house.  His interest is
          perked, wondering what he might be doing there.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - LATER - NIGHT

          Tom is still watching the house from across the street.  He
          is getting a camera ready.

          Tom crosses the street.


          INT. JESSICA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

          Greg and Jessica are making love again.










                                                            MANHOOD - 70

                                                                        71.



          EXT. JESSICA'S BEDROOM - TREE - NIGHT

          Tom has climbed into a tree, from which he gets a good view
          into the bedroom.  He is taking photographs of their
          lovemaking.


          INT. PAULEY'S HOUSE - BREAKFAST NOOK - DAY

          Prof. Pauley and Heather are having English muffins and
          coffee together in the morning.  The professor looks up from
          his newspaper.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         I heard Greg quit the lab.

                                          HEATHER
                         Really?

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Which pleases me no end, as you can
                         imagine.  Bronson uses students
                         like slaves for his hair-brained
                         business ventures.

                                          HEATHER
                         When did this happen?

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         A week or more ago, I think.  Greg
                         mention anything about it to you?

                                          HEATHER
                         Why would he mention it to me?

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         I thought you two were dating.

                                          HEATHER
                         I don't think so.

          She gets up and leaves, to her father's concern.


          INT. APPLE HOME - DAY

          Meriwether answers the door.  Her hair is purple.

          Heather stands on the porch.

                                          HEATHER
                         Hi.  Is Greg home?






                                                            MANHOOD - 71

                                                                        72.



                                          MERIWETHER
                         He already left.

                                          HEATHER
                         When do you expect him back?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Good question.  You're Heather
                         Pauley, aren't you?

                                          HEATHER
                         Yes.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I'm Meriwether.


          EXT. PARK - DAY

          Meriwether and Heather are swinging at a park playground.
          They keep the same rhythm, their swings arcing side by side.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Can I ask you something personal?

                                          HEATHER
                         Sure.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Do you like Greg?  Like in a
                         special way?

                                          HEATHER
                         The question is whether or not he
                         likes me.  Does he have a
                         girlfriend or something?

          Meriwether pauses, as if considering whether or not to tell
          her the truth.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         He's never had a girlfriend that I
                         know of.  He's really shy.

                                          HEATHER
                         I guess that explains some things.

          Meriwether lets it rest, as they continue to swing.










                                                            MANHOOD - 72

                                                                        73.



          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          Meriwether is pacing back and forth, getting up the nerve to
          go to the door.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

          Jessica passes by the living room window and notices
          Meriwether on the sidewalk outside.  She starts to go to the
          door, then thinks better of it.

                                          JESSICA
                         Greg?


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - OFFICE - NIGHT

          Greg sits at Jessica's computer, doing homework.

                                          JESSICA
                         Your sister's outside.

                                          GREG
                         Doing what?

                                          JESSICA
                         I think she's trying to get the
                         nerve to knock on the door.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          The door opens and Greg comes outside.  He walks to
          Meriwether.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         What you're doing really isn't cool
                         at all.  I know you think it's the
                         coolest thing that ever happened to
                         you, but that's the testosterone
                         talking, your hormones making you
                         think crazy and everything, and if
                         you would just step back and look
                         at this rationally-- . . .

                                          GREG
                         Go home, Meriwether.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Heather really likes you, Greg.







                                                            MANHOOD - 73

                                                                        74.



          Greg stops and comes forward again.

                                          GREG
                         What did you tell Heather?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Nothing.  She came by to see you.
                         She said you're not working in the
                         lab anymore, which is pretty
                         obvious since you spend so much
                         time banging my algebra teacher.

          As if speaking of the devil, the front door opens and
          Jessica steps out onto the porch.

                                          JESSICA
                         Why don't you two come inside?

                                          GREG
                         She was just leaving.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Thank you very much, I will.

          She moves past Greg to go into the house.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - KITCHEN BAR - NIGHT

          An awkward silence fills the room.  Jessica is pouring
          everyone coffee.

                                          JESSICA
                         I suppose I should be first.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I want to be first.  I want to know
                         how you could do this.

          The question is directed to Jessica, who uses returning the
          coffee pot as an excuse to avoid it for the moment.

                                          GREG
                         We're talking about two consenting
                         adults here, Meriwether.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Duh.  I don't think so.

                                          JESSICA
                         She's right.  I started this.







                                                            MANHOOD - 74

                                                                        75.



                                          GREG
                         It takes two to tango.

                                          JESSICA
                         No, I'm responsible.  You were in
                         no position to refuse.

                                          GREG
                         Why would I refuse you?  I love
                         you.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Oh my God.  Now he gives his dick a
                         heart.

                                          JESSICA
                         That's pretty harsh, Meriwether.

          Greg stands up and makes a move to go, but suddenly the
          hologram of his dad blocks his path.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You don't want to miss this, son.

                                          GREG
                         I don't have to defend how I feel
                         about her.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You're doing some fast growing up
                         here - but this may be the most
                         important experience of all.  Sit
                         down.

          Greg hesitates.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Sit down, goddamn it!

          Greg sits back down.

                                          JESSICA
                         I hope we can all salvage something
                         here.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         How could you do this?

                                          JESSICA
                         It happened, okay?  I wish I could
                         take it back but I can't.







                                                            MANHOOD - 75

                                                                        76.



                                          GREG
                         I'm glad it happened.

                                          JESSICA
                         I acted selfishly, and then I
                         convinced myself something good
                         could come from this.

                                          GREG
                         It has!  I love you, and Meriwether
                         has no right to criticize us.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Son, I think you'd learn more by
                         listening.

                                          GREG
                         No!  I have feelings, too.

          He turns to Jessica.

                                          GREG
                         Don't you ever regret what you did.
                         Because I'll never forget it.

                                          JESSICA
                         But we can't continue.

          Greg ponders this.

                                          JESSICA
                         Greg, we just can't.

                                          GREG
                         I know.

                                          JESSICA
                         If you really mean that . . . I'll
                         never forget what we shared, Greg.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Is this where the violins come in?

          She stands up from the table.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I think I'm going to go outside and
                         puke.

                                          JESSICA
                         Why do you think this has something
                         to do with you?






                                                            MANHOOD - 76

                                                                        77.



                                          MERIWETHER
                         Because you used to be my favorite
                         teacher, and Greg and I spent the
                         whole summer doing this really cool
                         research, but ever since you took
                         advantage of his stupid dickhead
                         testoster-drone mind, nothing's
                         been the same!

          She runs out of the kitchen.  Jessica turns to Greg, as if
          asking him to follow her.

                                          GREG
                         She'll be all right.

                                          JESSICA
                         You'd better go after her.

          Greg stands up.

                                          GREG
                         Can we be friends?

                                          JESSICA
                         I hope so.

          There is desire growing between them, but each is resisting
          responding to it.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         That was your exit line.

          Greg leaves, with the hologram behind him.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          Greg comes out to find Meriwether still out front.  He turns
          to the hologram.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Your sister is one of a kind, son.
                         You're on your own here.

          Greg walks to Meriwether alone.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Did you really break up with her?

                                          GREG
                         Looks like.







                                                            MANHOOD - 77

                                                                        78.



          Meriwether offers her hand for a shake.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Congratulations.

                                          GREG
                         It hurts, Meriwether.

          Greg is fighting back tears, and Meriwether can't believe
          her eyes, she's never seen him this way before.

          She steps forward and embraces him.

          In her embrace, Greg lets loose and the tears come flowing.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

          Through the front window, Jessica sees what is going on
          outside.  She bites her lip, holding back her own grief.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          Greg and Meriwether break their embrace.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Want to play miniature golf?

                                          GREG
                         Do what?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Play miniature golf.  It's what I
                         do whenever I feel crappy.

                                          GREG
                         Well, I feel crappy, that's for
                         sure.


          EXT. MINIATURE GOLF COURSE - NIGHT

          Greg and Meriwether are playing miniature golf.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Why didn't you tell me all this was
                         going on?  If it was me, I would've
                         quit the lab in a heartbeat.  Pure
                         research shouldn't sell out.








                                                            MANHOOD - 78

                                                                        79.



                                          GREG
                         I think we're a minority of two.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         So what?  Look what we've done so
                         far.  The government wants to give
                         you a prize, right?

                                          GREG
                         I'm not sure they're much better
                         than business.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         So screw them all.  We did without
                         them all summer.  Who needs them
                         now?

                                          GREG
                         I need to hear that, Meriwether.

          She repeats herself with great histrionics, imitating Betty
          Davis.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         "So screw them all.  We did without
                         them all summer.  Who needs them
                         now?"

          This lightness is just what the doctor ordered, and Greg
          loosens up a little.


          INT. APPLE HOME - NIGHT

          Greg and Meriwether come through the door to find the mail
          on a small table in the foyer.  There is a manilla envelope
          for Greg, which he starts to open.

          Mrs. Apple hurries into the foyer.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Where have you two been?  The
                         federal government came in and
                         confiscated both your computers.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Are you serious?

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Mr. Johnson said that what you are
                         working on concerns national
                         security.






                                                            MANHOOD - 79

                                                                        80.



                                          GREG
                         That's a crock.

          Saying this, Greg has pulled a photograph out of the
          envelope and quickly sees what it is, a photo of his and
          Jessica's lovemaking.

          He shoves the photo back into the envelope, blushing a
          little.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Greg, you promised me you were
                         going to keep out of trouble.

          But Greg already is hurrying upstairs.

          Meriwether, wondering what is going on, heads after him.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Meriwether, please try to talk to
                         him.

          Mrs. Apple is left alone, at a loss of what to do.

          The hologram of her husband appears in the foyer.  He looks
          lovingly at his wife and speaks, although he knows she
          cannot see or hear him.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         I'll see what I can do, honey.

          The hologram heads up the stairs.


          INT. APPLE HOME - HALLWAY - NIGHT

          Greg comes upstairs and hurries into his room, closing the
          door behind him.

          Meriwether arrives at the closed door.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Greg, what's going on?

          The hologram comes up and walks right through the door.


          INT. GREG'S ROOM - NIGHT

          Greg pulls out the photographs.








                                                            MANHOOD - 80

                                                                        81.



          A half-dozen PHOTOGRAPHS show Greg and Jessica making love,
          the shots that Tom took from the tree.

          Greg notices the hologram.

                                          GREG
                         These are private.

          The hologram raises his hands, as if to say, "I'm keeping my
          distance."

                                          GREG
                         There's a note.

          Greg pulls out a note from the envelope.  He reads it:

                                          GREG
                         "You can have the negatives in
                         exchange for the source code for
                         the holographic animation.  Bring
                         hard copy of code and program disk
                         to West End Park, gazebo, at
                         midnight Saturday."

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You're being blackmailed.

                                          GREG
                         What am I supposed to do?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         I'm not sure you have a choice,
                         son.

          Meriwether bangs on the door.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         See you tomorrow.

          The hologram disappears, as Greg opens the door.  Meriwether
          steps into the room, and Greg hands her the note.

          She reads it.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Negatives of . . .?

          Greg nods.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Who would do something like that?







                                                            MANHOOD - 81

                                                                        82.



          EXT. CONVENIENCE MARKET - DAY

          Greg is at a pay phone, reading a phone number from the
          hotel card that Anders gave him, dialing it.

          Anders answers.


          INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

                                          ANDERS
                         Hello.

                                          GREG
                         This is Greg Apple.  I know you're
                         the one, and I'm about to go to the
                         police.

                                          ANDERS
                         Greg?  I don't understand.

                                          GREG
                         The negatives in exchange for the
                         source code.

          Anders pauses - on his face, we see the decision to go
          along.

                                          ANDERS
                         And . . . ?

                                          GREG
                         I may not show up at the gazebo.

                                          ANDERS
                         I see.

                                          GREG
                         How do I know you'll give me all
                         the negatives?

                                          ANDERS
                         In exchange for the source code?

                                          GREG
                         That's what your note said.

                                          ANDERS
                         Why would I want to keep the
                         negatives?  I have no use for them.
                         As soon as I get the source code,
                         I'm home to Sweden.






                                                            MANHOOD - 82

                                                                        83.



                                          GREG
                         Maybe I'll be there, maybe I won't.

                                          ANDERS
                         How long should I wait?

                                          GREG
                         If I'm coming, I'll be there at
                         midnight.

                                          ANDERS
                         Very good, Greg.  Thank you.

          Anders smiles, as Greg hangs up.


          EXT. WEST END PARK - NIGHT

          The van pulls up outside the park.


          INT. VAN - NIGHT

          Quentin is driving with Greg in the passenger seat.  In back
          is K-Man.

                                          QUENTIN
                         You going to be okay?

                                          GREG
                         No problem, long as they give me
                         the negatives.

                                          K-MAN
                         I'll have binocs on you all the
                         way, buddy.

          He proudly holds up a pair of binoculars, as if he were
          protecting Greg with a weapon.

          Greg gets out of the van.  He carries a small envelope
          holding the code and program disk.


          EXT. PARK - NIGHT

          Greg crosses the street and enters the park.

          In the shadows, the outline of the gazebo is visible up
          ahead.  Greg slowly walks toward it.








                                                            MANHOOD - 83

                                                                        84.



          The HOLOGRAM of Greg's dad appears from behind a tree and
          walks along with Greg.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         How are you holding out?

                                          GREG
                         Okay, I guess.

          Suddenly a VOICE, electronically distorted, comes out of a
          speaker attached to the gazebo.

                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         Don't come any farther.

          Greg stops, looking for the source of the voice.

                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         If you have the printout and disk,
                         hold them up high.

          Greg holds up the envelope.

                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         Take them out of the envelope.
                         Hold them high so I can see them.


          EXT. PARK - STREET - NIGHT

          Tom's car is parked on a service road beyond the gazebo.


          INT. TOM'S CAR - NIGHT

          Tom speaks into a microphone while watching Greg through
          binoculars.


          EXT. GAZEBO - NIGHT

          Greg is holding up a printout of the source code and a disk
          of the software.

                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         Approach the gazebo.

          Greg steps forward, the hologram following.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         This fellow watches too many
                         movies.






                                                            MANHOOD - 84

                                                                        85.



                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         Step into the gazebo.

          Greg moves up the stairs into the gazebo, with the hologram
          coming up behind him.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Oh my.

                                          GREG
                         What?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         This is where I proposed to your
                         mother.  I haven't been here in
                         years.

                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         Look in the envelope taped to the
                         railing.

          Greg finds the envelope, pulls it free and looks inside.
          The negatives are there.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         He's in the car there.

          Greg sees the car parked beyond the gazebo.

                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         We have you surrounded, so don't
                         try anything stupid.  You have the
                         negatives.  Leave the code and disk
                         and get out of here.

                                          GREG
                         How do I know there's not other
                         negatives?

                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         You have to take my word for it.

          Greg turns to the hologram of his dad.

                                          GREG
                         I don't feel good about this.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You see another way?









                                                            MANHOOD - 85

                                                                        86.



          INT. VAN - NIGHT

          Quentin and K-Man are getting nervous, hearing the
          electronic voice, watching Greg hesitate in the gazebo.


          EXT. GAZEBO - NIGHT

          Greg has the envelope with the negatives but hasn't put down
          the one with the code and disk.

                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         Leave your stuff and get out of
                         here.

                                          GREG
                         I don't think I trust you.

          Suddenly the car starts up, the headlights come on, and the
          automobile maneuvers so that high beams are straight on
          Greg.

                                          GREG
                         Okay!  I'm leaving it!

          Greg gently puts down the envelope.

                                          ELECTRONIC VOICE
                         Get out of here!

          Greg turns and, feeling sudden panic, jumps off the gazebo
          and runs to the van.  The hologram disappears.


          INT. VAN - NIGHT

          Greg quickly comes into the van.

                                          GREG
                         Let's get out of here!

          The van peels off.

          The car in the park skids to a stop in front of the gazebo.
          Tom gets out and hurries up the steps.

          He opens Greg's envelope and finds exactly what he wants.

          Suddenly, Anders appears behind him, knocking Tom hard over
          the head with a blunt instrument.








                                                            MANHOOD - 86

                                                                        87.



          Tom falls to the floor of the gazebo.  Anders grabs the
          envelope and rushes off.

          Tom is out cold.


          INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

          Greg, Quentin, and K-Man are having sodas at an all-night
          restaurant.  The hologram sits beside Greg.

                                          GREG
                         You know what pisses me off the
                         most?  The greed of it.  The feds
                         just barge in like Big Brother, the
                         sleezeballs act like they're in the
                         mafia, the lab at school is corrupt
                         - all for what?  If any of them had
                         asked me for the code, I'd've given
                         it to them.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Are you serious?

                                          GREG
                         I don't think the laws of Nature
                         should be a secret.  Or
                         commercialized.  They tried to buy
                         me out when all they had to do is
                         ask.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         I never knew you felt that way.

                                          GREG
                         Science belongs to everybody.  No
                         secrets.  No special interests.

                                          K-MAN
                         No hologram of Julianna.

                                          GREG
                         Why not?  I've give you the code.

                                          QUENTIN
                         You have a backup?

                                          GREG
                         Jesus, Quentin.  Of course I have a
                         backup.








                                                            MANHOOD - 87

                                                                        88.



          EXT. APPLE HOME - DAY

          A police car pulls up in front of the Apple home the next
          morning.


          INT. APPLE HOME - GREG'S ROOM - DAY

          Greg is reading when Mrs. Apple steps into the doorway.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Greg?


          EXT. APPLE HOME - DAY

          Greg is brought outside by two policemen.  He is in
          handcuffs.

          Meriwether and Mrs. Apple follow along.  Meriwether's hair
          is purple.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         I don't understand.  If he's not
                         being charged with something, why
                         did you read him his rights?  Why
                         is he in handcuffs?

                                          POLICEMAN
                         We're just taking him in for
                         questioning, ma'am.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         We're calling our lawyer!

          The police put Greg into the back seat and drive off, as the
          women watch.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Do we have a lawyer?


          INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY

          Greg is being questioned by JASON KING, 40s, a burly police
          investigator.

                                          JASON KING
                         Then how do you explain this?

          He hands Greg a slip of paper.







                                                            MANHOOD - 88

                                                                        89.



                                          JASON KING
                         Your name.  The place and time of
                         the rendevous.

                                          GREG
                         Where'd you get this?

                                          JASON KING
                         It was on him.

          Greg looks trapped.

                                          JASON KING
                         The man won't be in a comma forever
                         son.  His signs look good, the
                         doctor says, he could come around
                         any minute.  When he does, what do
                         you suppose he'll have to say?

                                          GREG
                         Okay, I was there.  But all I did
                         was make the exchange and left.

                                          JASON KING
                         And what exchange was that?

                                          GREG
                         I'd rather not say.

                                          JASON KING
                         You're not helping yourself here.

          Greg looks around, hoping the hologram of his dad would
          appear to give him advice.

                                          JASON KING
                         Looking for something, son?

          Greg just looks at him.


          INT. JAIL - CELL - DAY

          Greg sits in his cell, head down, depressed.  Suddenly he
          looks up and around.

                                          GREG
                         Dad, where the hell are you?

          An inmate voice comes from another cell:








                                                            MANHOOD - 89

                                                                        90.



                                          INMATE VOICE (O.S.)
                         Does the little boy miss his daddy
                         and mommy?

          Laughter breaks out down the way.


          INT. CELL - LATER - DAY

          A GUARD comes to the door of Greg's cell.

                                          GUARD
                         You have a visitor.


          INT. JAIL - VISITING AREA - DAY

          Greg enters a low-security visiting area to find his mother
          and Meriwether waiting for him.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         We got a lawyer.  You'll be out in
                         no time.

          Mrs. Apple looks like she's about to cry.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Oh Greg . . .

          By his expression, this is the last thing Greg wants to
          hear.


          EXT. JAIL - NIGHT

          Greg comes out with his mother, Meriwether and DICK WALLACE,
          30s, a good-looking young lawyer fresh out of school.

          The family car is parked across the street but Greg moves
          away from it, to head quickly down the street.

                                          GREG
                         I'll be home later.

                                          FLO APPLE
                         Greg!

                                          GREG
                         There's something I have to do.

          The lawyer calls after him:







                                                            MANHOOD - 90

                                                                        91.



                                          DICK WALLACE
                         Be in my office at 9 tomorrow!

          Flo Apple shakes her head, then turns to Meriwether.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Don't ask me.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

          Jessica opens the door to find Greg on the porch.  She lets
          him in.

                                          JESSICA
                         I heard the news.

          There's an awkward moment between them, and then Jessica
          opens her arms to receive him.


          INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - KITCHEN BAR - NIGHT

          Jessica is drinking a glass of wine, Greg a pop.

                                          JESSICA
                         I appreciate your valor, Greg, but
                         you're going to have to tell them
                         the truth.

                                          GREG
                         But then-- . . .

                                          JESSICA
                         I can handle it.

                                          GREG
                         You'd lose your job.

                                          JESSICA
                         You're of age and no longer my
                         student.  I could fight it.  But to
                         be honest, it would be as good an
                         excuse as any to get away from
                         here.

                                          GREG
                         You want to move?










                                                            MANHOOD - 91

                                                                        92.



                                          JESSICA
                         There are too many ghosts here.
                         Greg, I want you to tell the police
                         exactly what happened.


          EXT. STREET - DAY

          Greg is walking home when the hologram of his dad appears
          beside him.

                                          GREG
                         Where the hell have you been?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Is that any way to talk to your
                         father?

                                          GREG
                         I needed you in jail.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You did fine without me.  I think I
                         need to spend more time with your
                         mother.

                                          GREG
                         I believe it.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Watch your tongue.  She's doing the
                         best she can.

                                          GREG
                         What the hell have I done wrong
                         here?  I was doing research,
                         minding my own business.  I was
                         doing something for the challenge
                         of it, for the pure knowledge of
                         it.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         And then you stopped.

                                          GREG
                         Then I . . . Christ, I still think
                         about her all the time.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Maybe it's time to put your energy
                         back into research.







                                                            MANHOOD - 92

                                                                        93.



                                          GREG
                         What is totally absurd is that I
                         would've given them the code.  All
                         they had to do is ask.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         You said that at the restaurant.

                                          GREG
                         Right.  I forgot you were there.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         See, I'm dispensable.

                                          GREG
                         You can't put science up for sale,
                         is the point.  You can't barge in
                         unannounced and kidnap the human
                         mind.  I wish I could-- . . .

          He abruptly stops, a glow of realization lighting up his
          face.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Could what, son?

                                          GREG
                         I can!  It would work.

          He starts running off for home.  The hologram smiles, happy
          to see Greg taking charge again.


          INT. APPLE HOME - MERIWETHER'S ROOM - DAY

          Greg bursts into his sister's room.

                                          GREG
                         How many of your friends have
                         computers?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         All of them.  Why?

                                          GREG
                         I need to round up every computer
                         we can get.  You call them up, I'm
                         going to the dorm to get Quentin
                         and K-Man in on this.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         In on what?  What's going on?






                                                            MANHOOD - 93

                                                                        94.



                                          GREG
                         We're going to beat them at their
                         own game!

          And he's gone as quickly as he arrived.  Meriwether hurries
          to the phone to start dialing her friends.


          INT. CAMPUS - DORM FLOOR - DAY

          Greg is running what appears to be some kind of an assembly
          line on Quentin and K-Man's floor of the dorm.  Everyone who
          lives on that floor seems to be involved - along with their
          friends.  Great excitement is in the air.

          What Greg is overseeing is a massive setting up of computers
          and laser hardware, each directed out a window of the dorm
          to the campus grounds below.

          Greg moves from room to room, overseeing that everything is
          going well.

          He moves into K-Man's room, where K-Man is making copy after
          copy of the holographic animation program disks.

                                          GREG
                         How's it going?

                                          K-MAN
                         You sure you're going to need this
                         many?

                                          GREG
                         I want as many as we have time to
                         copy.

          Greg moves into an adjacent room, where several students are
          scanning as many different kinds of images as they can, as
          fast as they can, from magazines and books.

                                          GREG
                         We'll need all the images you have
                         time to scan.

                                          STUDENT
                         You looking for any images in
                         particular?

                                          GREG
                         Give me Americana.  Give me what
                         we're bombarded with every day.







                                                            MANHOOD - 94

                                                                        95.



          EXT. CAMPUS - DAY

          A pickup pulls up, filled with computers and high school
          girls - Meriwether and her friends.  They start unloading
          the equipment, carrying it toward the dorm.  Meriwether's
          hair is purple.

          Passing male students chivalrously offer to help.

          Heather drives by and sees the unusual activity on campus,
          wondering what is going on.  She parks her car.


          INT. DORM ROOM - DAY

          Greg is holding court to a dozen Tech students in Quentin's
          dorm room.  Quentin, K-Man and Meriwether are there.

                                          GREG
                         Okay, this is command post.
                         Nothing happens unless it starts
                         here.  Everybody got that?

          Heads nod, and students mutter affirmatively.

                                          K-MAN
                         Greg, you are a genius.  You also
                         are a very sick man.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         When do we start?

                                          GREG
                         Bronson should be crossing the quad
                         in about thirty minutes.


          EXT. TECH CAMPUS - DAY

          Heather is crossing campus toward the dorm when she crosses
          paths with her father.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         What's all the activity about?

                                          HEATHER
                         I don't know.  But there's
                         something in every window in the
                         dorm.









                                                            MANHOOD - 95

                                                                        96.



          The professor takes a look, and indeed there is - out of
          each dorm window, pointing like a cannon at the ready, is
          the laser hardware of an adjacent computer.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Have you seen Greg?

                                          HEATHER
                         No.  Did he do this?

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         I'd bet on it.  This should prove
                         to be very interesting.  I don't
                         know about you, but I'm going to
                         get comfortable and watch the fun.

          Pauley escorts his daughter to a tree, where they sit down
          in the shade and wait for the action to begin.


          EXT. PARKING LOT - CAMPUS - DAY

          Prof. Bronson pulls into the lot and parks.  He gets out and
          heads for campus.


          EXT. CAMPUS - DAY

          Bronson starts across campus.  The dorm is in the distance,
          across the way the building where his office is.


          INT. DORM ROOM - DAY

          Quentin, on lookout, sees the professor.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Target has entered the area!

                                          GREG
                         Everyone to stations!

          Students quickly rush to pre-designated areas.


          INT. DORM FLOOR - DAY

          The whole floor is a beehive of activity.










                                                            MANHOOD - 96

                                                                        97.



          EXT. CAMPUS - DAY

          Prof. Bronson passes near the tree under which Prof. Pauley
          and Heather relax.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Beautiful day, isn't it, Prof.
                         Bronson?

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         Prof. Pauley, I believe that's the
                         first decent thing you've said to
                         me in the past fifteen years.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Enjoy it while you can.

          As if on cue, an EXPLOSION OF HOLOGRAMS bursts upon the
          campus.

          There are LIONS, ELEPHANTS and MONKEYS, roaring, playful;

          FOOTBALL PLAYERS, BASKETBALL PLAYERS and HOCKEY PLAYERS,
          showing off their skills;

          MALE, FEMALE, AND CHILD MODELS, strutting about in the
          latest fashions;

          A GO-GO DANCER OR TWO gyrates;

          A POLITICIAN OR TWO pontificates;

          - the campus area fills with DOZENS OF HOLOGRAMS
          representing all aspects of America as reflected in its
          images.

          The holograms are very realistic.  It's as if every magazine
          and video image in the country decided to be in the same
          place at the same time.

          Prof. Bronson, surrounded by this explosion of images,
          reacts between horror and doubt of his own sanity.   He
          throws up his arms, as if protecting himself against an
          onslaught of bats, as the holograms dance all around him.

          Prof. Pauley starts applauding, and Heather joins in.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Bravo!  Bravo!









                                                            MANHOOD - 97

                                                                        98.



          INT. DORM ROOM - DAY

          Looking down at the scene below, Greg grins as wide as his
          genius.  Meriwether puts her arm around him.

                                          GREG
                         Okay, distribution crew, hit the
                         quad!


          EXT. CAMPUS - DAY

          Students gather around the show of holograms, amazed at what
          they are seeing.

          Greg's crew, including Tech students and Meriwether's high
          school friends, stream out of the building, passing out free
          copies of the program on disk.

                                          STUDENT
                         Free software!  Make your own
                         holograms!  Free software!

          Pauley notices that the program is being given away.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         It's a stroke of genius.  A
                         brilliant counter-attack.  He's
                         made the program non-commercial by
                         giving it away.


          INT. DORM ROOM - DAY

          Most of the students have gone down below where the action
          is.  Greg and Meriwether look out a window, admiring their
          accomplishment.

          The hologram of their dad appears beside them.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Good work, son.

                                          GREG
                         Thanks.  Can Meriwether see you?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         I'm afraid not.

                                          GREG
                         I wish she could see you.







                                                            MANHOOD - 98

                                                                        99.



                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Well, that could be arranged.

          The hologram disappears.  In the next moment, Meriwether
          screams.  She throws her arms around Greg.

          The hologram appears again.

                                          GREG
                         Are you all right?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I think I saw a ghost.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         I was afraid that would happen.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Dad was standing here, as real as
                         life.

                                          GREG
                         What do I tell her?

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         Whatever you want.  You're on your
                         own now.  I'm off to help your
                         mother.

                                          GREG
                         Thanks for everything, Dad.

                                          HOLOGRAM OF DAD
                         I'm proud of you, Greg.  You're
                         quite a young man.

                                          GREG
                         Thanks.

          The hologram disappears.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         You think I'm crazy, don't you?

                                          GREG
                         I saw him, too.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         You did!









                                                            MANHOOD - 99

                                                                        100.



                                          GREG
                         We can't tell anyone about this,
                         Meriwether.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         This is really something, isn't it?

          She moves back into the comfortable embrace of her brother.

                                          GREG
                         Your image loop is really working.
                         We can keep the holograms going as
                         long as we want.


          EXT. CAMPUS - DAY

          Bronson is moving through the dance of holograms, trying to
          get to his office.  Someone comes up and gives him a disk.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         What's this?

          But the student has moved off.  He looks at the disk.

                                          PROF. BRONSON
                         But this is valuable!  You can't
                         give this away!  This program is
                         worth a fortune!

          He runs in panic toward his office building.

          Prof. Pauley gets to his feet.  He helps Heather up.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Want to join me in congratulating
                         the author?

                                          HEATHER
                         I'd love to.


          INT. DORM ROOM - DAY

          Greg and Meriwether are getting ready to go.

          Quentin and K-Man come in.  K-Man is clenching a program
          disk as if it were gold.

                                          K-MAN
                         Julianna Hologram, here I come!







                                                            MANHOOD - 100

                                                                        101.



          He moves off to his room to get started.

                                          QUENTIN
                         Life's never going to be the same
                         around here.  You're going to have
                         every student on campus making his
                         own holograms.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         HER own holograms.

          Meriwether gives Quentin a smile that would kill.

                                          GREG
                         That's the way it goes.  Knowledge
                         is meant to be public.

          Pauley and Heather enter the room.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Here is the young genius.  Greg,
                         that is the most amazing
                         accomplishment I have seen in
                         years.  We need to talk about a few
                         prizes and fellowships you're
                         eligible for.

                                          GREG
                         If I don't go to jail.

                                          HEATHER
                         Tom regained consciousness and
                         cleared you.  I heard it on the
                         radio as I was driving over.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Will you and your sister be my
                         guests for dinner?

          Greg and Meriwether exchange a glance that says, Why not?

                                          GREG
                         I need to clean up and change.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         I feel like being pink tonight.

                                          PROF. PAULEY
                         Excellent.  Say about seven?  We
                         can all go in my car.








                                                            MANHOOD - 101

                                                                        102.



                                          GREG
                         Great.

                                          HEATHER
                         I can give you two a lift home.


          INT. HEATHER'S CAR - DAY

          Greg sits beside Heather, with Meriwether in the back seat.

                                          HEATHER
                         I'm not sure I understand all the
                         nuances of what happened, but Dad
                         is very proud of you.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Tell her, Greg.

                                          GREG
                         Tell her what?

                                          MERIWETHER
                         You're so shy.  What you were
                         telling me about wanting to ask her
                         to a movie and all.

                                          HEATHER
                         I'd love to go to a movie.

                                          GREG
                         Meriwether, I can make my own
                         dates.

          There's a pause.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         Duh.

                                          GREG
                         Want to go to a movie Saturday?

          Heather gives him a big smile.

                                          HEATHER
                         I'd love to.


          EXT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - DAY

          Jessica is working in her flower bed as Heather's car passes
          by.  She looks up and notices Greg in the passenger seat.






                                                            MANHOOD - 102

                                                                        103.



          Jessica waves at the passing car.


          INT. HEATHER'S CAR - DAY

          Heather notices that Jessica is waving at them.

                                          HEATHER
                         Someone you know?

                                          GREG
                         My high school algebra teacher.

                                          MERIWETHER
                         And mine at the moment.

                                          GREG
                         She's very special.

                                          HEATHER
                         Good teachers are so important.

          Greg and Meriwether exchange a knowing look.


          EXT. STREET - DAY

          Heather's car drives into the distance as Jessica watches it
          go.  Greg's manhood has begun.

          FADE OUT.



























                                                            MANHOOD - 103