THEN IT WAS GONE By Martin Douglas At one time Alan was a big star n Hollywood. His days of fame and fortune are now over and his wife and him are constantly struggling with bills. He is no longer the man he once was and his wife has given up all hope for him. INT. LIVING ROOM -- DAY Alan walks into the room disappointed. He collapses on the couch next to his wife, Kathy. He glances at her as she watches the T.V. set. He gets back up and walks over to the bar, pours himself a shot of whiskey, and downs it in one quick gulp. She glances as she starts tapping her fingers on the arm rest of the chair. KATHY Back to the bottle huh? That's just like you Alan. ALAN I didn't get the part. KATHY I'm not surprised. ALAN A little compassion would be nice. KATHY Why? Let's face it, you're a washed up has been....Actually you're a never was. ALAN I'm trying. It's just...I can't help it that the studios aren't.... KATHY Alan we are going to lose the house. We're going to lose everything. ALAN I know!....I know. KATHY You don't know shit. You're the biggest coward. ALAN What do you want me to do? Walk in and demand they give me a leading role? The business doesn't work that way. It's not like it was when.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. KATHY (mocking him) When the studios respected actors. Give me a break. I am so sick of you talking about how it used to be. ALAN But back then... KATHY Back then it was exactly the same way it is now. You just thought you were such hot shit at the time that you never noticed. You were to busy having fun with all the money being thrown at you, the women, and your meaningless little toys. ALAN I didn't see you complaining when I took you out and lavished you with all those gifts. KATHY That's about all you were good for. You never could satisfy a woman any other way. And your bedroom skills, completely lacking. ALAN I never had any complaints... KATHY You never had any other women either. ALAN Don't you dare talk to me like that. KATHY Why not Alan? It's true. You're nothing, you never were. ALAN I was respected. KATHY You didn't mean shit to anyone. Do you know how hard it was to stick by you when I knew everyone was laughing at you behind you back, laughing at me for standing by your side. You're just a clown, a puppet they used when they needed something. They respected your money, and now you don't even have that. Alan collapses in on the couch. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. ALAN If I'm such a joke why don't you leave me. KATHY I did Alan, a long time ago. You just didn't notice. Kathy exits.