Earth Mother

Original Screenplay by

Rob Perry

Part 1

Copyright 1992 by Rob Perry and NorthStarr Productions
All Rights Reserved



CASTING
Meg Ryan
Devon Sawa









Mary Jo Monroe
Science Professor


Wisconsin School System
Single Mother
Lake Geneva
Wisconsin






Tyler James Monroe
Weapons Expert


Student
Wisconsin School System
Lake Geneva
Wisconsin




 	  
	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





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