Copyright 1992 by Rob Perry and NorthStarr Productions
All Rights Reserved
CASTING
Meg Ryan
Devon Sawa
FADE IN: EXT. ALPINE WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING MORNING EXT. ALPINE SHERIFF DEPT. BLDG. INT. SHERIFF MONROE'S OFFICE James Monroe receives a phone call from an attorney in HAYDEN LAKE Wisconsin. JAMES Hello, this is Sheriff Monroe.... ALPINE ATTORNEY (V.O.) Yes Sheriff. Monroe, this is Robert Kiedrowski from the Law Offices of Wilder, Shannon and Kiedrowski, and I'm calling in regards to a Will left by your late Aunt Margo Monroe. JAMES Yes, what can I do for you? KIEDROWSKI (V.O.) Yes Mr. Monroe, your aunt left a substantial Estate and you are one of the beneficiaries. We will have the reading of the will next week and we need to have you present. James is pondering how long he can be missing without creating problems for himself and his staff. JAMES What day do you want me to be there? KIEDROWSKI (V.O.) December 20th, can you make it? James looks at the calendar and see's it's on a Monday and it's five days before Christmas, he shakes his head and rubs his chin...then strokes his mustache..... JAMES Yes, I can make it. Do I need to bring my wife or anyone? KIEDROWSKI (V.O.) No, just you. Okay I will see you then. Mr. Monroe, switch me back to your secretary and I will give her the address. Look forward to seeing you here. James hangs up then dials home.... KATHY Hello, Dr. Monroe ...Oh ..Hi.. honey what's up? JAMES Kathy, I have to go to Hayden Lake for a couple of days. Would you like to go with me? KATHY Gosh, I don't know, I'm really busy this time of year. Is it something that can wait until after the holidays? James is really disappointed...... JAMES Kathy, it has to do with my Aunt Margo you know, she is the aunt I told you about who had the summer home in Lake Geneva. Anyway, she passed away and left a substantial Estate and I have to be present for the reading of the will. Kathy feels sorry for James........ KATHY Oh I see.... Kim is listening to half of the conversation as she picks up the other phone. KIM What's wrong daddy?...oh I see, well you know I'm out of school now, so can I go with you? James thinks about it and realizes how he really never seems to spend much quality time with Kim, so he agrees to let her go with him.... JAMES Sure honey, I would be delighted to have you along, check with your mom and see if it will cause any problems with your mom. Okay, see you tonight, love you, ....bye..... James hangs up and sits back in his chair and places his hands behind his head and stretches back in his chair blowing imaginary smoke rings in the air.... Maxine Deer, one of his deputies walks in the door...... MAXINE James do you have a minute? JAMES Sure Maxine, what is it? MAXINE Do you want me to decorate the offices again this year? JAMES Have you done a survey to see if everyone else wants holiday decorating this year? MAXINE Yes I have, and they all want it! JAMES Ok go for it. By the way I will be gone for a few days. MAXINE Oh really, where are you going? JAMES Alpine, I have family business to take care of. Who did I leave in charge the last time I was gone? MAXINE You left Karl in charge....Its my turn... James smiles at Maxine.......... JAMES Okay, then you will be in charge.... Maxine is now smiling........... MAXINE Thank you James, you will not be sorry.. We leave Maxine in a very happy moment, because she will be the under-Sheriff for several days when James is gone. INT. SHERIFF MONROE'S OFFICE Karl and Maxine are decorating the Sheriff's office and Maxine is giving directions. MAXINE Karl will you get the stepladder out of the maintenance closet? KARL Maxine, why do you volunteer us every year for this duty? Maxine smiles at Karl.......... MAXINE Karl don't you have any Christmas spirit? Karl pulls the ladder out of the closet and sets it up for Maxine. MAXINE (Cont.) Ok Karl, don't let go of the ladder.... Maxine is attaching mistletoe, red ribbons and streamers when she loses her footing and slips down the ladder. Karl catches her breaking her fall. They end up facing each other. Karl has his arms around Maxine and their lips are inches away. In a brief moment, Karl looks into Maxines jade green eyes and feels a tremendous desire to kiss her. He cannot resist and gives her a passionate kiss.. In a start like speaking to a child............ MAXINE Karl,.....why did you do that?? Karl is totally stunned..... KARL (pause)...I was reacting to the holiday season and the mistletoe. Maxine is staring deep into Karl's soul with her deep penetrating green eyes. There is a long pause and then Karl releases Maxine. Maxine is stunned..... MAXINE Karl.....that was no holiday kiss...that kiss had too much passion in it! Karl is feeling guilty because he let his emotions run wild. KARL Will you get off it Maxine, it was just a holiday kiss, no more and no less.... Karl puts the ladder away and leaves the room. Maxine stands there stunned as she touches her lips with her fingers. CUT TO: EXT: HAYDEN LAKE WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING DAY VIEW OF LAKE MICHIGAN AND CITY SKYLINE EXT. LARGE OFFICE BUILDING - IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT INT. LAW OFFICES OF WILDER, SHANNON & KIEDROWSKI INT. LAW OFFICES CONFERENCE ROOM LARGE CONFERENCE TABLE WITH FULL SEATING Robert Kiedrowski is addressing the standing room only crowd of relatives and friends. James is table-hopping with Kim as they greet all their relatives. The attorney now calls the meeting to order. ROBERT KIEDROWSKI Folks, thank you all for coming and if you please, I will now read the will. Also, if you need to address me please call me "Ski". I realize my name is difficult to pronounce. The room quiets down. Kim is sitting next to her dad and runs her arm through his arm and squeezes in sincere affection and respect. The voice of the attorney is at a level where someone who is exhausted could easily doze off, and James, after driving several hundred miles, is starting to doze. The attorney comes to the part of the will concerning James..... ROBERT KIEDROWSKI (cont.) And to my wonderful nephew, James Monroe I leave my summer home in Lake Geneva that I love so much. May all the memories that he has of the times he visited his uncle and me will always be an emotional tie. I hope James and his family will enjoy this home as much as we have. The attorney hands James a large envelope containing the deed and keys to the summer home in Lake Geneva. The attorney then hands James a legal size envelope with the law firms seal affixed. The attorney requests that James signs a receipt for the mysterious envelope. James signs the receipt and takes the envelope. Kim looks at him and the envelope curiously. The reading of the will continues for another few minutes through the final phases. The meeting is adjourned and all the relatives give their final hugs and kisses to James and Kim. James waits for all the relatives to exit, then asks the attorney if he can use the phone. The attorney points to a private room. James and Kim enter the room. Kim sits down in front of the desk, James walks around the back of the desk, sits down in a large chair and dials home. JAMES Hello,....Kathy....yes this is me...James.. oh sure everything is fine, say hi to all the kids. Guess what!.. yeah.. well wait a minute let me finish. We inherited my Aunt Margo's summer house in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Yes, it's really nice. I spent many summers their when I was growing up. Kim says hi.... Look, we're going to stop by and see the summer house on the way home....Oh don't worry, we will come home as soon as possible. Stop worrying....ok...look I have to get off the phone ...I love you too. CUT TO: EXT. LAKE GENEVA WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING DAY EXT. LAKE GENEVA SUMMER HOMES - EXT. AUNT MARGO'S TWO STORY SUMMER HOUSE James pulls his truck up in the driveway and turns off the ignition. He is awed by the size of the very large two story summerhouse. He takes his camera out of the glove compartments and steps outside and takes several pictures of the summer house so he can show them to Jill and the kids. James climbs back in the truck and reaches for his briefcase. He takes out the large envelope that contains the deed and keys, and removes the smaller sealed envelope. He looks it over and sees it has the law firms seal affixed he breaks the seal and opens the envelope. James checks to see if Kim is still asleep in the back seat of his blazer. He opens the letter and starts to read it....... AUNT MARGO (As read by James) "My dearest nephew, all of the times we have spent together were the happiest of my life. I always wanted a son and you were the closest "son" I ever had. My love for you was more than an aunt, it was more like a mother. This will be the hardest thing I will ever have to tell you James dearest, you have a son that you have never met. A young lady called Mary Jo Novack came to my door and claimed she was carrying your child. I was so shocked I didn't know what to do, so I offered to help her. She wanted money for an abortion but I talked her into having the child. I didn't want Mary Jo to contact you when the baby was born because I knew you were remarried. Mary Jo named your son Tyler in memory of You're late Uncle Tyler. They had no where to live so I let her live in my Lake Geneva summer house. Now that you are reading this, you must come to terms with your other family, especially your son Tyler. Good luck my son and may God bless you....your loving Aunt Margo"....... James is in total shock when he finishes reading his Aunt Margo's letter, and he finds himself in a deep stupor. He throws his head back in the seat headrest and blows warm air onto the windshield placing a large fogged patch on it. Should he back out of the driveway and forget the whole thing or should he face the We leave James in his dilemma and ...... CUT TO: EXT. ALPINE WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING AFTERNOON EXT. ALPINE SHERIFF'S DEPT. BLDG. INT. ALPINE SHERIFF'S DEPT. BLDG. - OPEN OFFICE AREA Karl and Maxine are busy filling out reports and Maxine discovers Karl is staring at her. MAXINE (Curious) Karl why were you just staring at me? And don't say you were not staring, because I saw you staring at me several times....... Karl takes exception to the accusation by Maxine and is defensive..... KARL Maxine, (pause)..yes I was staring at you, but that's my business. Maxine is getting very emotional.. MAXINE (upset) Karl ....(pause)..., why are you treating me like this? Maxine is staring at Karl and he senses the emotion... So he reacts negatively.. KARL Maxine, what are you talking about? Treating you like how?? Maxine shows this very hurt expression on her face, with her lower lip starting to curl up... MAXINE (stern) Karl ....(pause)..., ever since you kissed me, you have been treating me like dirt! Karl is now starting to break down. KARL No, I haven't....If you must know I was staring at you because I just noticed what a really beautiful lady you are. Maxine is wiping away a tear hanging under her right eye. MAXINE (feeling better) You're just saying that.... KARL (sincere) No I'm not, you really are very beautiful... Maxine looks away, then turns her body sidewise to Karl (body language) then snaps her head to one side facing Karl and softly whispers .... MAXINE (seductively) Then why don't you ever ask me to go out? We leave Karl and Maxine to their dilemma and move out as we............ CUT TO: EXT. LAKE GENEVA WISCONSIN - ESTABLISHING DAY EXT. LAKE GENEVA SUMMER HOMES - EXT. AUNT MARGO'S TWO STORY SUMMER HOUSE James gets out of the truck and walks up to the front door of the summerhouse. He starts to insert the key then stops and pulls it back from the lock. He push's the door bell instead. He shows anguish because he knows he will be opening a new chapter in his life when the door opens. James pushes the door bell again, and the door opens...... A very beautiful young lady stands in the doorway. Both of them stare at each other for awhile then she invites him in. MARY JO NOVAK (happy) Come in James, it's so good to see you! JAMES It's good to see you too, Mary Jo! James walks in and stands in the hallway in a slightly slumped posture showing submission and respect. Mary Jo opens her arms and approaches him and hugs him and kisses him and shakes him slightly. MARY JO NOVAK (happy) What's wrong, cat's got your tongue? Don't you recognize me? JAMES (James smiles and replies) Mary Jo, you are just as beautiful as ever.... You never seem to age. Mary Jo points to a couch, takes James by the arm and motions for him to sit down. MARY JO NOVAK James, let me take your jacket, and please sit down. James takes his jacket off and looks around for a place to put it, Mary Jo reach's for it. MARY JO NOVAK (Cont.) (smiling) James, please give me your jacket so I can hang it up for you. (James sits down) MARY JO NOVAK (Cont.) James, I'll put the kettle on so we can have a nice cup of coffee...Okay? JAMES That would be nice. MARY JO NOVAK James, I feel we have a lot of catching up to do. By the way what brings you out to this neck of the woods? Mary Jo walks in the kitchen and places the kettle under the sink faucet and fills it about half way. Then she places the kettle on the stove and turns on the burner. She walks back into the living room and sits down next to James. She reaches over and grabs James's hand and places it in hers. She blushes a very radiant smile and squeezes James's hand. MARY JO NOVAK (happy) Now tell me you big hunk, whatcha doing here? James strokes his mustache and rubs his forehead then in a gentle whisper address's Mary Jo......... JAMES (softly) Mary Jo, I'm afraid I have bad news for you (pause)....My Aunt Margo has passed away. Mary Jo pulls back in a start and places both of her open palms over her mouth......and holds them there for a brief moment...... MARY JO NOVAK (starting to cry) Oh dear.....oh dear...... James places his arms around Mary Jo and cradles her in his arms. Mary Jo starts to cry and James takes his handkerchief out of his shirt pocket and gives it to Mary Jo. She wipes her eyes and blows her nose. James blows a few imaginary smoke rings in the air. Mary Jo then stops crying and wipes her eyes again. MARY JO NOVAK (Cont.) Please James, tell me how and when did it happen? JAMES She had been suffering from long term liver illness and she got weaker and passed away last month. MARY JO NOVAK James,.....was she in a lot of pain? JAMES Yes she was, but they had her well medicated in her final days. The Kettle starts to whistle and the noise alarms both of them. Mary Jo gets off the couch and runs over to the stove. As Mary Jo is preparing the two cups of coffee James looks around the living room and sees what a really great housekeeper Mary Jo is. Mary Jo walks back into the living room and places the two cups of coffee and assorted cream and sugar on the coffee table next to James. She sees James cupping his hands and blowing his warm breath into them. MARY JO NOVAK Here is your coffee James, say how about if I light up the fireplace? James stands up and walks over to the fireplace, and pulls back the screen. JAMES Mary Jo, my daughter Kim is asleep in the truck, I'll go get her okay? MARY JO NOVAK Sure James, I can't wait to meet her! James brings in Kim and introduces her to Mary JO... JAMES Mary Jo this my daughter Kim, Kim this is Mary Jo Novack, a friend of the family. Mary Jo walks up to Kim and puts her arm around her. MARY JO NOVAK My goodness what a beautiful young lady. Kim.. go into the kitchen I have a piece of pie and a hot cup of cocoa. Mary Jo shows Kim the kitchen and gives her the pie and hot cocoa. James takes a sip of coffee and strokes his mustache again....(pause)....He puts the cup down, uncrosses his legs and looks at Mary JO.... JAMES Mary Jo we have to talk, my Aunt Margo left me a letter, and I think you need to read it. James takes the letter out of his pocket and hands it to Mary Jo. Mary Jo reaches out and takes the letter from James's hand. She unfolds it and starts to read it, and as Mary Jo is reading she hesitates and in a pause she looks away....James can see she is misting up. She stops reading and puts the letter down. She looks up at James. MARY JO NOVAK James I'm sorry you had to find out this way. James is looking down at the floor...then looks up at Mary JO.... MARY JO NOVAK (Cont.) James, your Aunt Margo said Tyler and I could use the summer house as long as we didn't contact you. So what could I do, we had to have a place to live. James looks up at Mary Jo and rubs his chin....he is looking into her eyes and says.... JAMES Mary Jo the summer house is the least of my problems. Mary Jo looks at the letter again, and stares at James. (pause)............ MARY JO NOVAK You mean like Tyler? James takes a deep breath, stands up and starts pacing the floor then stops, facing Mary Jo.... JAMES (softly) Yes I mean Tyler.... Mary Jo looks down at the floor then looks James in the eyes. Time stops as they stare at each other rolling up 16 years of secrecy all in one brief revelation, we now leave James and Mary Jo to work out their problem so we........ CUT TO: EXT. LAKE GENEVA WISCONSIN - VIEW OF LAKE AND SUMMER HOMES EXT. LAKE GENEVA SUMMER HOUSE INT. LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON James asks Mary Jo if he can use her phone. JAMES Mary Jo, may I use your phone for a minute? I need to call home. MARY JO Sure, help yourself. James walks into the kitchen where Kim is eating her pie and drinking hot cocoa. JAMES Kim, I think we need to call Jill, okay. KIM Sure dad, let me talk to her when your done. James grabs the wall phone and phones home. JAMES Hi Jill, this is me, James. Everything fine? . . . . (pause). Yes, Kim's fine. Look there is a little problem with the summer home, so Kim and I will spend the night and we will start home in the morning. Okay . okay. Jill, Kim wants to talk to you. Love you . .Kim, phone's yours. James hands the phone to Kim and walks back into the living room. INT. LIVING ROOM IN SUMMER HOUSE Mary Jo is sitting on the couch looking into the roaring fire. JAMES Mary Jo, I called home and told Jill that Kim and I will leave first thing in the morning. Can you recommend a nice motel in town? MARY JO Don't be silly, we have more than enough room right here in your summerhouse. I will fix up the two spare rooms. JAMES Thank you Mary Jo . . . . The front door suddenly opens and nice-looking young man walks in. He takes his jacket off and throws it on the rocking chair. MARY JO Tyler, this is James Monroe, a friend of the family. Tyler shakes hands with James and Mary Jo puts her arm around Tyler and walks him towards the kitchen. James wants to reach out and stop Mary Jo, but feels suspended in space waiting for the right time to make the introduction. Mary Jo is mustering up all of the diplomacy she has for the very touchy introduction. MARY JO Kim, I want you to meet your cousin, Tyler Monroe. Tyler is pleased to see such a beautiful young lady in his kitchen so he advances rapidly to Kim and puts his arms around her smiling and says TYLER Oh, mom, why didn't you ever tell me I had such a beautiful long lost cousin? James walks into the kitchen and winces, rolls his eyes, strokes his mustache and breathes a sigh of deep relief. TYLER Kim, I am so delighted to have such a beautiful cousin. Kim smiles, looks at her dad, and jumps in . . . . KIM Likewise I'm sure. Dad you never told me about my hunk of a cousin living in Lake Geneva. Mary sees a gap opening in the conversation and breaks in . MARY JO Kids, why don't you two go down in the basement and play pool or slot machines so James and I can play catch up . . . . okay . . . . (pause) TYLER Mom, can I get something to eat first? MARY JO Sure, take the platter with finger sandwiches down with you. INT. SUMMER HOUSE, LIVING ROOM James and Mary Jo are sitting on the couch sipping coffee. JAMES Thank you Mary Jo for handling a very sensitive situation so eloquently. Mary Jo looks at James and says . . . . MARY JO You're welcome . . . . Please let me continue to handle the cousin interface - I will be gentle. They both look into the fire and feel comfortable at this time. And we leave James and Mary Jo to work out the details of their dilemma, so we CUT TO: EXT. ALPINE WISCONSIN EXT. ALPINE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUILDING Maxine is sitting in James's chair and writing a note to James . Karl walks into the office. Karl sees Maxine sitting in James's chair and is startled KARL Maxine, what are you doing? MAXINE Leaving James a note. Why? Karl sits down in one of James's guest chairs . . . . KARL We need to talk! Maxine sees the sincerity of Karl's eyes so she settles down in James's chair, places her elbows on the desk, forms a triangle with her arms and hands, then places her chin on the tripod. MAXINE (softly) Okay . . . . shoot . . . . you have my undivided attention. Karl curls his body in the chair and strokes his hair, cocks his head and says . . . . KARL Maxine, how long have we known each other? MAXINE Over two years, why? KARL Since the first day I saw you, I have been fighting this attraction I have for you and it is becoming harder every day. We are both professionals and we know what will happen to our careers if we start dating. Maxine's jade green eyes are riveted on Karl . . MAXINE What are you trying to say Karl, that you want to date on the sly? Karl looks down, then rolls his eyes up. KARL Sounds good to me . . . . Maxine puts the end of her pen in her mouth and bites down and speaks. MAXINE What about the twins? Karl smiles and runs his fingers through his hair . . . KARL That disaster is over . . . . Well what do you think about us? Maxine flips the pen around through her fingers . . . . MAXINE Karl, let me think about it. I'll get back to you okay? CUT TO: EXT. LAKE GENEVA INT. SUMMER HOUSE, BASEMENT Kim is playing the nickel slot machine and Tyler is placing a new CD in his CD player. TYLER Kim, listen to this one. It's really cool . . Kim stops playing the slot machine, sits in the easy chair, and puts her feet up on the ottoman. KIM Tyler, what do you guys do up here for fun? Tyler looks up, jumps on the leather couch and keys the remote CD player. TYLER We have beach parties down at the lake . . . . we have hayrides . . . . we have dances every Friday and Saturday night at the Community Hall . . . . KIM Almost a mirror image of my town . . . . TYLER Where do you live in Wisconsin? KIM Alpine, Wisconsin . . . . TYLER Never heard of it. Is it nice? KIM It's cool. My dad is the Sheriff, and my Stepmother is the town doctor. TYLER How cool! Your mom is a doctor! Has your dad ever shot anyone? Kim frowns, and looks at Tyler. KIM How old are you Tyler? TYLER Seventeen in two months. What about you? KIM I just turned seventeen . . . . TYLER Kim, can I ask you a personal question? KIM Sure, but I may not answer it! Why, what's on your mind?. TYLER Have you ever had sex? Kim frowns again . . . . KIM I won't answer that! Have you? TYLER No . . . . I never have, and I probably won't until I'm married. KIM Do you have a girlfriend? Tyler smiles . . . . TYLER I have lots of girlfriends. What about you, do you have lots of boyfriends? KIM More than you can imagine. By the way where is your dad? Tyler stops smiling and gets a very solemn expression on his face. TYLER My mom said he left her when I was born. He's suppose to live somewhere in Europe. KIM If he came home, would you want to see him? Tyler rubs his eyes and clears his throat . . . . TYLER I don't think so Kim. He wasn't around when I needed him so why should I care about him now? Kim feels sorry for Tyler and extends herself to him. KIM You know, Tyler, someone as good looking as you could have just about any girl in Alpine. This perks Tyler up and he readjusts the regulator on his self-esteem. TYLER Oh really, well maybe I could come up to Alpine sometime? KIM Look Tyler, why don't you come over next summer and spend a couple of weeks with us, okay. TYLER Sounds cool . . . . Mary Jo comes down the staircase and walks over to Tyler. MARY JO Tyler honey, will you go over to the market and get a couple of things for your mother? Here's the list and the money . . . . okay? TYLER Sure mom, no sweat. Can Kim go with me? MARY JO Sure, why not Kim, Tyler is a good driver. He started driving my Blazer over two years ago. KIM Sure, let's go! We leave Kim, Tyler, James and Mary Jo, and we . . . . CUT TO: EXT. ALPINE, WISCONSIN - SKYLINE - ESTABLISHING DAY EXT. ALPINE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUILDING INT. JAMES'S OFFICE Maxine is sitting in James's office and Karl is pacing the floor. MAXINE Karl, I have given your suggestion a lot of thought and I really think we can maybe get away with one or two dates, but no more than that. KARL One or two dates, what is this a test? Maxine looks up puzzled. MAXINE No. it's not a test, it's a plan . . . . Karl stops pacing and sits down. KARL Okay, so when do we go out? MAXINE Well, you haven't asked me yet! Karl frowns and runs his fingers through his hair. KARL (slowly) Maxine, will you go out with me on Saturday night? MAXINE Why don't you come over to my place and you can help me fix dinner, then we can watch a video. KARL Sounds good to me. CUT TO: EXT. ALPINE RESIDENTIAL AREA INT. MAXINE'S APARTMENT Karl is cutting lettuce and making the salad; Maxine is broiling steaks. KARL You know, Maxine, why haven't you ever asked me to come over before. MAXINE I thought about it, but I figured you would say no. KARL Why would I say no? We are partners. Maxine places the Porterhouse steaks on plates and adds a large corn-on-the-cob. Karl tosses the salad as they both sit down to dinner. KARL Oh Maxine, these steaks are really good. Maxine smiles. MAXINE Thank you Karl, I'll take that as a compliment. When they're finished eating, they clean up and sit down next to the fireplace. Maxine gets a bowl of chestnuts and starts roasting them over the open fire. KARL Maxine, I brought a little something for the occasion. Karl pulls out a bottle of premium brandy, opens it and pours some for Maxine and then himself. They toast and drink. Maxine stares at Karl and says . . . . MAXINE Happy Holidays! KARL Happy holidays to you too Maxine. The roar of the fireplace and the flickering of the flames leave Maxine and Karl mesmerized. Karl leans over and gives Maxine a very passionate kiss. She reaches out and kisses him back. MAXINE Thank you Karl for a beautiful evening. Karl tenderly kisses her again . . . . KARL Thank you my beautiful partner. And with this scene, we leave our two heroes with who knows what . . . . CUT TO: EXT. LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN, VIEW OF LAKE AND SUMMER HOMES - ESTABLISHING DAY EXT. LAKE GENEVA SUMMER HOMES - MARY JO'S BACKYARD We find James, Mary Jo, Kim and Tyler cutting down a Christmas tree. James is sawing the base and Tyler is holding it steady. Mary Jo is excited about what a beautiful tree they found. MARY JO Thanks for the help, James and Kim. JAMES You're welcome. We follow the happy group in the house and close the door. INT. MARY JO'S SUMMER HOUSE - LIVING ROOM The group is erecting the tree in the living room, and once in place, the kids start to decorate it. MARY JO Okay guys, you get the job of dressing the Christmas tree. I need to go into the kitchen and start cooking dinner. James why don't you come in the kitchen and keep me company. James looks up and smiles. INT. MARY JO'S KITCHEN BEAT (CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN BACKGROUND) James is looking at the album Mary Jo has brought out to show him. MARY JO I have pictures of Tyler from birth. I can't imagine life without him. James flipping through the pages, and comments . . . . JAMES Mary Jo, why don't I go down to the village and get a bottle of wine? MARY JO Not to worry, I have some in the cupboard. She walks over and takes a bottle of wine out of the cupboard. James opens the bottle and pours a glassful for Mary Jo, then one for himself. They briefly toast with the holiday music playing in the background. Mary Jo continues to prepare dinner. James finishes looking at the photo album and sits down on a barstool. JAMES Mary Jo, I wish you could have told me about Tyler so I could have spent some time with him when he was growing up. I could have died and never known I had a wonderful son like him. With your permission, I want to tell him I am his father. MARY JO Well James, I have the goose in the oven and it's almost ready so we have a few minutes to chat. She looks James right in the eyes and says . . . . MARY JO When you walked in the door this morning, it was the first time I had seen you in over 16 years, and I was really shocked that you were here. Then you told me about your beautiful family and I was happy you were doing so well. James moves a little on his barstool and says . . . . JAMES I was happy to see you too . . . . Mary Jo puts her finger on James's lips and says . . . . MARY JO James, let me finish. In the short time we have spent together I have realized what a magnificent father you would have been to Tyler. JAMES Thank you Mary Jo. Mary Jo puts her finger on his lips again. MARY JO (Breaking up) James, I have a confession to make . . . . JAMES A confession? I don't understand? Mary Jo starts to cry . . . . James is surprised and puts his arm around her. JAMES (Concerned) What's wrong Mary Jo? Please tell me. Is it something I said . . . . She continues to cry, and James hugs her. MARY JO You are not Tyler's father . . . . With this revelation from Mary Jo, James is in total shock. Mary Jo continues to cry, she walks over and closes the door to the kitchen. She hugs James again. JAMES Mary Jo, who is Tyler's father? Mary Jo stops crying, wipes her tears with her apron, and sits down on the barstool. JAMES Please tell me who Tyler's father is . . . . Mary Jo turns away from Karl for a moment to compose her self, musters up her courage, and then turns to face him. MARY JO James . . . . it was . . . . your Uncle Tyler. James sits down on the barstool like a ton of bricks. He shakes his head and walks out the back door. We follow him into the backyard. James takes a few breaths of fresh air and walks back into the kitchen. He closes the door and sits down on the barstool again. Mary Jo is still sitting on her barstool. JAMES Talk to me Mary Jo, please talk to me! MARY JO James, you are the only human being alive besides me that knows the whole truth about Tyler. James takes a deep breath. He looks out the window and notices it's starting to snow. MARY JO (Cont.) James, when you left me over 17 years ago I was very lonely. Your Uncle Tyler gave me a job at his hardware store. He was so good to me, giving me overtime and raises. I had very strong emotional feelings for him. I fell out of love with you and fell in love with him. I ended up pregnant. When I was three months along, I had planned to tell him one night then it happened . . . . he had a heart attack and died. I was desperate so I went to your Aunt Margo and asked for money to have an abortion. She said I could have the money, but I had to tell her who the father was.......... James, I couldn't tell her that her late husband was the father, so I told her you were the father. She was so shocked she pleaded with me to have the child and she said she would help me financially. I agreed, and when the baby was born, she asked me to name him Tyler in memory of her late husband. I agreed and we named him Tyler James Monroe. To avoid rumors, she moved us here to her summer home in Lake Geneva. Tyler and I have been here ever since he was two months old. James staring into space, looks back toward Mary Jo . . JAMES But why did you blame me when I had nothing to do with it? I would never do that to you. MARY JO Would you rather I had told Aunt Margo that her husband was really Tyler's father? Your Uncle Tyler told me that Aunt Margo was barren and she wanted a baby boy in the worst way. James, I had planned to tell her at a later date, but it slipped and slipped. I loved Tyler so much I thought if I told her she might try to take him away from me . . . . James, please forgive me . . . . please forgive me. Mary Jo starts crying again and she walks out the back door and James stares out into space. James sees it's starting to snow heavily and Mary Jo has no jacket on, just a thin dress. He gets up and goes out the back door. He follows Mary JO'S tracks into the woods. He calls her. JAMES Mary Jo . . . . Mary Jo . . . . We follow James into the woods. James finds Mary Jo leaning against a tree crying her eyes out. James walks up and puts his arms around her and holds her close. He looks deep into Mary Jo eyes and she looks up at him while snow is falling on her face. JAMES Mary Jo, I forgive you! Please, let's go back inside before we freeze to death. We follow James as he walks with Mary Jo back into the house. INT. MARY JO'S DINING ROOM - ESTABLISHING NIGHT James, Mary Jo, Kim and Tyler are sitting at the dinner table. MARY JO Tyler, will you please say grace. TYLER Sure, mom . . . . All parties bow their heads as Tyler says grace. TYLER (Cont.) Lord, bless our food and our family, the Monroe's of Hayden Lake, the Monroes of Alpine, and the Monroes of Lake Geneva. Thank you Lord for keeping our family together . . . . God bless all of us . . . . Kim looks up and sees James with tears streaming down his cheeks . . . . KIM Daddy, what's wrong? James sniffles a little and blows his nose. Kim sees Mary Jo has tears in her eyes also. KIM (Cont.) Will somebody please tell me what I missed or what's going on? James regains his composure and says . . . . JAMES My Aunt Margo and My Uncle Tyler made this all possible, and it's very touching. MARY JO In more ways than you can imagine kids . . . INT. FAMILY ROOM - ESTABLISHING NIGHT Mary Jo and James are sitting on the couch, Kim and Tyler are down in the basement watching a video. James is looking into the fireplace and then looks up at Mary Jo. JAMES Mary Jo, I forgive you for everything, and . . . . He reaches into his pocket, pulls out the letter from his Aunt Margo . . . . he tosses the letter into the fire and watches as the fire consumes the letter. He then looks at Mary Jo and she looks at him and says . . . . MARY JO You burned the letter? JAMES Yes, I did . . . . your secret is safe with me. . . . Mary Jo puts her arms around James and says . . . . MARY JO Thank you James, thank you . . . . As the fire consumes the letter, Mary Jo lets out a breath of relief because now she can rid herself of a lie for the rest of her life. CUT TO: EXT. MARY JO'S SUMMER HOUSE - ESTABLISHING MORNING INT. SUMMER HOUSE DINING ROOM Mary Jo is serving breakfast. She sits down at the table with James, Kim and Tyler. MARY JO Tyler, may I say grace? TYLER Yes, you may mother. MARY JO Lord, thank you for letting us share this time with such wonderful relatives like the Monroes of Alpine, Wisconsin, and thank you for letting Tyler receive a full scholarship to B.Y.U. Thank you for giving me the teaching job in Provo, Utah. After June of next year, the Monroes of Lake Geneva will be the Monroes of Provo Utah. Thank you Lord for everything. James looks out the window and sees the snow plow clearing the road. JAMES Well, Kim, as soon as we are done with breakfast, we have to hit the road. KIM Daddy, I have invited Tyler to visit us next summer. Is that okay? JAMES Sure, no problem, we would love to have him EXT. MONROE SUMMER HOME James and Kim pull away from the summerhouse and wave good-bye to the Monroes of Lake Geneva. CUT TO: EXT. ALPINE CITY WISCONSIN INT. LOBBY AREA, LAW FIRM OF MURRY, DEVANE AND BLOSKY A well-dressed man is waiting to see his attorney and he seems quite restless. STEVE MASON is in his late fifties, good looking and is about six-two. The receptionist looks at him and smiles, he returns the smile. MASON Miss, I need to see Mr. Blosky, and I'm running out of time. RECEPTIONIST I'm sorry Mr. Mason but he just finished with his last client, you may go in now. INT. BLOSKY'S OFFICE LEONARD BLOSKY is a very large man and seems to be sweating all the time. He greets Mason with a handshake and shows him into his office. BLOSKY Mr. Mason may I get you something to drink? MASON No I'm fine. BLOSKY So what can I do for you? MASON The man you recommend to me as my financial advisor has a problem. BLOSKY DUBINSKI has a problem? MASON Yes, he's dead,.....I shot him this morning. BLOSKY (clearing his throat) You what! MASON I shot him three times in the face and five times in the chest. BLOSKY (in shock) This is a joke, right? MASON (very upset) I figured you wouldn't believe me so I brought you something. (reaching in his portfolio case) This is for you. (he throws a plastic bag with two ears in Blosky's face) BLOSKY (coming unglued) I'm calling the police! CLOSE ON MASON IN SLOW MOTION MASON (still upset) Holy shit, I almost forgot, I have another gift for you. Mason pulls out a MAC 10 Nine-millimeter machine pistol. He chambers a round and empties the clip into Blosky. MASON (cont.) This is my payment to you for you and your crooked friend losing all my money! Blosky's secretary runs into the room and registers terror when she sees the bullet riddled body of her boss. SECRETARY (screaming and terrified) Help! ....... Help! please somebody call the police! She turns around and starts to run out the door when Mason places a fresh clip in his gun and empties it into the young lady. MASON (cont.) Oh, yes I have something for you too! She goes down quickly and is bleeding from everywhere. Senior Partner IRVING MURRY runs into the room, and registers extreme shock when he sees Blosky and his secretary. MURRY You son-of-a-bitch, you will get the chair for this! Mason sees Murry standing over his dead secretaries body and places a fresh clip in his machine gun. MASON I'm glade you came in senior partner, it saves me the trouble of looking for you! MURRY I know your going to kill me so fuck you, yes I had a great time spending some of the millions we swindled from you! Mason levels the machine gun at Murry and cuts him almost in half when he empties the clip at fifteen hundred rounds per minute! The Law clerk comes running up an when she sees the massacre she screams and starts to run away. MASON Just a minute bitch I have something for you too! (placing a fresh clip in his gun) I have some pretty metal for you! Again he empties the clip into the young lady and she goes down in a pool of blood. MASON (YELLING) Would anyone else like to go to hell this afternoon? DEVANE is seen running down the hallway and when he sees all the blood he stops and grabs his chest. Mason again places a fresh clip in the gun and empties it into Devane. MASON Well it looks like my Christmas shopping is done. Mason places another fresh clip in his gun and levels it at a large plate glass window, and fires. The window explodes and he jumps through the window. As he is going down twenty-eight stories he places the muzzle in his mouth and fires. The body finally crashes through the top of a car parked next to the curb. People start running up and are screaming when they see the condition of the body. A police car pulls up and two uniformed police get out and start crowd control. In moments a fire truck and a red paramedic vehicle and seen pulling up. CUT TO:
Copyright 1992 by Rob Perry and NorthStarr Productions
All Rights Reserved