scream
Screenplay Story Analysis
How scenes compare to the Scripts in our Library
| Percentile | Before | After | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emotional Impact | 8.0 | 82 | John wick: 7.9 | fight Club: 8.0 |
| Conflict Level | 8.5 | 81 | Everything Everywhere All at Once: 8.2 | Avatar: 8.5 |
| Plot | 8.3 | 71 | Mr Robot: 8.2 | Inception: 8.3 |
| Concept | 8.0 | 69 | Narcos: 7.9 | Avatar: 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.4 | 68 | Mo: 8.3 | Avatar: 8.4 |
| Dialogue | 7.5 | 38 | Narcos: 7.4 | Everything everywhere all at once: 7.5 |
| Characters | 8.0 | 29 | Hors de prix: 7.9 | Donnie Darko: 8.0 |
| Story Content | Character Development | Scene Elements | Audience Engagement | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scene Number | Full Analysis | Tone | Overall Grade | Concept | Plot | Characters | Character Changes | Conflict | High stakes | Story forward | Emotional Impact | Dialogue | |
| 1 | Scream | "ominous" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | |
| 2 | Mysterious Phone Call | "Tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 9 | |
| 3 | The Game Begins | "Suspenseful" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 8 | |
| 4 | Final Quiz | "Suspenseful, Intense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 8 | |
| 5 | The Murder of Casey Prescott | "Tense" | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 7 | |
| 6 | A Nightly Visit | "tense" | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 9 | |
| 7 | The Aftermath of a Brutal Murder | "Disturbing" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | |
| 8 | Police Interrogation | "Tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | |
| 9 | Schoolyard Gossip | "Tense" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | |
| 10 | Sidney's Escape | "Tense" | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | |
| 11 | Phone Call From The Killer | "Suspenseful, Scary" | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 9 | |
| 12 | Sidney's Close Call | "Intense, Suspenseful" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 7 | |
| 13 | Police Arrival | "Intense" | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | |
| 14 | Interrogation and Confrontation | "Intense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 8 | |
| 15 | Aftermath of the Attack | "Tense" | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | |
| 16 | Escaping and Coping | "Tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 8 | |
| 17 | Confrontation with the Press | "Tense" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 8 | |
| 18 | Campus Prank | "Tense, Suspenseful" | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | |
| 19 | Confrontation in the Corridor | "Tense" | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | |
| 20 | Bathroom Attack | "Tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 6 | |
| 21 | Campus Closure and Flirtation | "Tense" | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | |
| 22 | The Party and the Principal's Demise | "Suspenseful" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 7 | |
| 23 | Uncovering Secrets | "Tense" | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 8 | |
| 24 | Blockbuster Video and Patrol Duty | "humorous" | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 | |
| 25 | Curfew and Confessions | "Tense" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 7 | |
| 26 | The Party Begins | "Playful" | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 7 | |
| 27 | News Van and Kitchen | "Suspenseful" | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 9 | |
| 28 | Party and Media Drama | "Light-hearted" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | |
| 29 | Tatum's Final Fight | "Suspenseful" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | |
| 30 | Forgiveness and Confession | "Tense, Romantic, Comical" | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | |
| 31 | Horror Movie Rules | "Darkly comedic but tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 8 | |
| 32 | The Ghost Figure Attacks Billy and Sidney | "tense" | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | |
| 33 | The Killer Strikes Back | "Intense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | |
| 34 | Final Showdown at Stu Maker's House | "Intense" | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 7 | |
| 35 | Sidney Fights Back | "tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | |
| 36 | The Final Game | "Suspenseful" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 7 | |
| 37 | The Deadly Trivia Game | "Intense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 8 | |
| 38 | Deadly Trivia | "Tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | |
| 39 | Final Showdown and Reconciliation | "Darkly comedic" | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | |
Scene 1 - Scream
by
Kevin Williamson
FADE IN:
ON A RINGING TELEPHONE
A hand reaches for it, bringing the receiver up to the face of
CASEY BECKER, a young girl, no more than sixteen. A friendly face
with innocent eyes.
CASEY
Hello.
MAN'S VOICE
(from phone)
Hello.
Silence.
CASEY
Yes.
MAN
Who is this?
CASEY
Who are you trying to reach?
MAN
What number is this?
CASEY
What number are you trying to reach?
MAN
I don't know.
CASEY
I think you have the wrong number.
MAN
Do I?
CASEY
It happens. Take it easy.
CLICK! She hangs up the phone. The CAMERA PULLS BACK to reveal
Casey in a living room, alone. She moves from the living room to
the kitchen. It's a nice house. Affluent.
The phone RINGS again.
INT. KITCHEN
Casey grabs the portable.
CASEY
Hello.
MAN
I'm sorry. I guess I dialed the wrong
number.
CASEY
So why did you dial it again?
MAN
To apologize.
CASEY
You're forgiven. Bye now.
MAN
Wait, wait, don't hang up.
Casey stands in front of a sliding glass door. It's pitch black
outside.
CASEY
What?
MAN
I want to talk to you for a second.
CASEY
They've got 900 numbers for that. Seeya.
CLICK! Casey hangs up. A grin on her face.
EXT. CASEY'S HOUSE – NIGHT – ESTABLISHING
A big country home with a huge sprawling lawn full of big oak
trees. It sits alone with no neighbors in sight.
The phone RINGS again.
Ratings
Scene 2 - Mysterious Phone Call
Popcorn sizzles in a pot on the stove. Casey covers it with a lid,
reaching for the portable phone.
CASEY
Hello.
MAN
Why don't you want to talk to me?
CASEY
Who is this?
MAN
You tell me your name, I'll tell you mine.
CASEY
(shaking the popcorn)
I don't think so.
MAN
What's that noise?
Casey smiles, playing along, innocently.
CASEY
Popcorn.
MAN
You're making popcorn?
CASEY
Uh-huh.
MAN
I only eat popcorn at the movies.
CASEY
I'm getting ready to watch a video.
MAN
Really? What?
CASEY
Just some scary movie.
MAN
Do you like scary movies?
CASEY
Uh-huh.
MAN
What's your favorite scary movie?
He's flirting with her. Casey moves away from the stove and takes
a seat at the kitchen counter, directly in front of the glass
door.
CASEY
I don't know.
MAN
You have to have a favorite.
Casey thinks for second.
CASEY
Uh... HALLOWEEN. You know, the one with
the guy with the white mask who just sorta
walks around and stalks the baby sitters.
What's yours?
MAN
Guess.
CASEY
Uh... NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET.
MAN
Is that the one where the guy had knives
for fingers?
CASEY
Yeah... Freddy Krueger.
MAN
Freddy-that's right. I liked that movie.
It was scary.
CASEY
The first one was, but the rest sucked.
MAN
So, you gotta boyfriend?
CASEY
(giggling)
Why? You wanna ask me out?
MAN
Maybe. Do you have a boyfriend?
CASEY
No.
MAN
You never told me your name.
Casey smiles, twirling her hair.
CASEY
Why do you want to know my name?
MAN
Because I want to know who I'm looking at.
Casey spins around like lightning facing the glass door.
CASEY
What did you say?
MAN
I want to now who I'm talking to.
CASEY
That's not what you said.
MAN
What do you think I said?
Casey CLICKS on the outside light. A flood light illuminates the
backyard. Her eyes survey the grounds. But it's empty. No one's
there. She turns the light out.
On the stove, the popcorn POPS.
CASEY
I have to go now.
MAN
Wait... I thought we were gonna go out.
CASEY
Nah, I don't think so...
MAN
Don't hang up on me.
CASEY
Gotta go.
MAN
Don't...
CLICK! Casey hangs up. She checks the glass door making sure it's
locked and then moves to the stove as...
THE PHONE RINGS.
She slides the popcorn from the stove, reaching for the phone.
CASEY
Yes?
MAN
I told you not to hang up on me.
CASEY
What do you want?
MAN
To talk.
CASEY
Dial someone else, okay?
MAN
You getting scared?
CASEY
No-bored.
CLICK. She hangs up. The phone RINGS again. She grabs it.
CASEY
Listen, asshole...
MAN
(deadly serious)
NO, YOU LISTEN, YOU LITTLE BITCH. IF YOU
HANG UP ON ME AGAIN I'LL GUT YOU LIKE A
FISH. UNDERSTAND?
Total silence. He has gotten her full attention.
CASEY
Is this some kind of a joke?
MAN
More of a game, really.
Casey eyes the glass doors, then looks up the hallway to the front
doors... moving to it. It's unlocked. She bolts it.
CASEY
I'm two seconds from calling the police.
MAN
They'd never make it in time.
Casey moves her face flush against the door, her eye looking
through the peephole.
ANGLE THROUGH PEEPHOLE
A distorted view of the front porch. It is empty. She relaxes a
bit, relieved.
CASEY
What do you want?
MAN
(pure evil)
TO SEE WHAT YOUR INSIDES LOOK LIKE.
Casey's jaw drops as total fear storms her face. She hangs up the
phone, throwing it down on a side table when...
THE DOORBELL CHIMES.
Casey leaps out of her skin. She turns to the door as it chimes
again.
CASEY
(calling out)
Who's there?
Another CHIME. She moves to it.
CASEY
(louder)
Who's there?
No answer. Fuck this. It's time for the police. She goes for the
portable phone. Just as she picks it up...
IT RINGS.
Casey almost drops it, losing her breath...
She brings it to her ear with trembling hands, saying nothing...
listening, waiting...
A long silence. And then.
MAN
You should never say "Who's there?". Don't
you watch scary movies? It's a death wish.
Casey clutches the wall, nearly collapsing. She tries her damndest
to hang tough.
CASEY
Look, enough is enough. You had your fun
now you better leave me alone or else.
MAN
Or else what?
CLOSE ON her face, her mind thinking, calculating...
Ratings
Scene 3 - The Game Begins
My boyfriend will be here any second and
he'll be pissed when I tell him...
MAN
I thought you didn't have a boyfriend.
Busted. She holds steady.
CASEY
I lied. I do have a boyfriend and he'll be
here any second and your ass better be
gone.
MAN
Sure...
CASEY
I swear it. And he's big and plays
football and will beat the shit out of
you.
MAN
I'm getting scared.
CASEY
I'm telling you the truth. I lied
before...
MAN
I believe you...
CASEY
So you better leave.
MAN
His name wouldn't be Steve, would it?
Silence. Casey buckles at the knees, losing it.
CASEY
How do you know his name?
MAN
Go to the back door and turn on the porch
light – again.
Casey, terrified, forces herself to move... staggering to the
kitchen... to the glass doors. Her shaky hand finds the light
switch... she hits it. The back yard is lit.
Sitting in a lawn chair in the middle of the backyard is a big,
line backer of a guy, her boyfriend...
STEVE
Tied and gagged. He's been roughed up, but he's alive.
CLOSE ON HIS EYES
Wide in fear... staring at his girlfriend, pleading with her.
CASEY
Oh Goddddd...
Casey SCREAMS. Her hand moves to the lock on the door.
MAN
I wouldn't do that if I were you.
Terror rides Casey's face. She's petrified.
CASEY
Where are you?
MAN
Guess.
Her eyes search the yard, combing bushes, trees. He could be
anywhere-anywhere.
CASEY
(begging)
Please don't hurt him.
MAN
That all depends on you.
CASEY
Why are you doing this?
Tears find their way, streaming down Casey's face.
MAN
I wanna play a game.
CASEY
No...
MAN
Then he dies. Right now.
CASEY
NOOO!
MAN
Which is it?
A long silence. Casey touches the glass... staring at Steve...
this big jock of a guy is crying too.
CASEY
What kind of game?
MAN
Turn off the light.
Her hand goes to the switch... Steve tugs and pulls at his
straps... as if begging her... his face sweat and tears...
CLICK.
He disappears in the darkness. Casey moves away from the glass,
back toward the living room, unbelieving, horrified.
MAN
Here's how we play. I ask a question. If
you get it right Steve lives.
Three curtainless windows line one wall. Casey crouches down
behind the couch, tipping a lamp cord from it's socket, darkening
the room. Her body quivers.
CASEY
Please don't do this...
MAN
Come on. It'll be fun.
CASEY
No... please.
MAN
It's an easy category. Movie trivia.
CASEY
(begging)
... please...
MAN
I'll even give you a warm up question.
CASEY
Don't do this. I can't...
MAN
Name the killer in HALLOWEEN.
CASEY
No...
MAN
Come on. It's you favorite scary movie,
remember? He had a white mask, he stalked
the baby-sitters.
Casey goes silent... a nervous wreck... she can barely speak much
less think.
CASEY
I don't know...
MAN
Come on, yes you do.
CASEY
Please... stop...
Casey is SOBBING.
MAN
What's his name?
CASEY
I can't think.
Casey has officially reached hysteria, petrified beyond all
reality.
MAN
Steve's counting on you.
Suddenly... through tears... Godsent...
CASEY
(a whisper)
Michael... Michael Myers.
MAN
YES!
Casey SIGHS... relieved.
MAN
Now for the real question.
CASEY
NOOOO...
MAN
But you're doing so well.
CASEY
Please go away! Leave us alone!
MAN
Then answer the question. Same category.
Casey is a blubbering, wet mass on the floor.
CASEY
... please... no...
MAN
Name the killer in FRIDAY THE 13TH.
A mad smile purses Casey's lips. She knows this. She leaps up,
through tears, screaming...
CASEY
Jason! Jason!... JASON!
A slight PAUSE.
MAN
I'm sorry. That's the wrong answer.
CASEY
No it's not. It was Jason.
MAN
Afraid not.
CASEY
It was Jason. I saw that godamned movie
twenty times. It was Jason.
MAN
Then you should know Jason's MOTHER.
Mrs.Vorhees was the original killer. Jason
didn't show up until the sequel.
Casey is stupefied.
CASEY
You tricked me...
MAN
Lucky, for you there's a bonus round. But
poor Steve... I'm afraid... he's out.
This implication sends Casey running to the kitchen... to the
glass doors. She flips on the porch lights to see...
STEVE
Eyes wide, sitting in the lawn chair... his belly gaping open... a
mass of blood and ripped flesh... his insides lay on the ground
between his feet... steam rising.
Ratings
Scene 4 - Final Quiz
the floor... nearly passing out.
CLOSE ON her face... pale and ghostly white. She SOBS.
MAN
Final question. Are you ready?
She doesn't answer. A long, maddening silence. Casey reaches up
and CLICKS off the light, making Steve go away... wishing,
hoping...
CASEY
... leave me alone... please...
MAN
Answer the question and I will.
Casey is curled up on the floor like an infant, rocking slowly
back and forth.
MAN
What door am I at?
CASEY
What?
MAN
There are two doors to your house. A front
door and a back one. If you answer
correctly you live.
From where Casey sits she can see both front and back doors. She
deliberates... with her last bit of strength she tries to
strategize. Eyeing both, the front door... the back door trying to
decide between the two.
CASEY
Don't make me... I can't... I won't.
MAN
Your call.
In the darkness, Casey crawls to the kitchen counter-she leans up
and grabs a long, sharp knife.
Casey looks around her... she looks down the hall to the front
door... then turns back to the kitchen glass door as it
suddenly...
... SHATTERS TO BITS...
... as a lawn chair come flying through it. Exploding glass sprays
everywhere.
This incites Casey like fire. She springs to her feet... bolting
out of the kitchen as a SHADOW moves quickly through the shattered
doorframe.
ANGLE ON CASEY
Somewhere in the house, back flat against a window, listening to
FEET ON CRACKING GLASS. She turns and unlocks the latch, quietly
sliding it up. She can hear him move through the foyer... to the
front door.
Casey lifts herself up and puts her legs through the window. She
holds the knife in one hand, the phone in the other.
Casey eases out the window, fumbling, dropping the knife back in
the house. She starts to reach for it. Fuck it, she takes off...
EXT. SIDE OF HOUSE
Casey it at the back corner of the house.
MAN
I can hear you. I know you're here.
Casey eases along a narrow path between a tall fence and the side
of the house... going for the front yard. She must pass the three
curtainless windows. She gets to the first one and peeks in...
The FIGURE has pulled open the foyer closet, searching for her.
Casey creeps along, to the next window, she looks in... the Figure
is completely on the other side of the room moving toward the hall
that leads to other parts of the house.
She moves further along the house... squeezing by hedges... to the
third window... she peeks in to the Figure...
STARING BACK AT HER...
His face covered with a ghostly white mask, inches from her... his
eyes piercing through... soulless... Casey SCREAMS BLOODY MURDER
as a hand...
CRASHES through the glass window grabbing hold of her neck... she
beats at him trying to free herself... her nails dig into his
arm... she wrenches from side to side... finally breaking free as
the hands disappear inside the house...
EXT. CORNER OF HOUSE
Casey sails around the corner of the house, eyeing the front door.
It remains closed. Her eyes cover the sprawling country yard when
suddenly...
HEADLIGHTS APPEAR
In the distance, coming down the road towards the house... she
recognizes them instantly. Mom... Dad... she tears off across the
yard toward them... moving like lightning...
The car turns into the driveway... Casey SCREAMS, waving madly,
rushing by a tree as...
THE GHOST MASKED FIGURE APPEARS
Casey stumbles back, catching her balance... the Figure moves on
her, arm poised high... a flash of silver... and Casey is struck,
across the chest. She looks down to see her shirt blossoming
red... a look of bewilderment as she drops to one knee.
The knife rises again... Casey throws her hand forward... the
blade comes down... but it's blocked by the portable phone still
in her hand. She turns staggering to...
EXT. DRIVEWAY
A MIDDLE-AGED COUPLE emerge from the parked car. They move to the
front door completely unaware of what's happening to their
daughter, only feet from them.
EXT. FRONT YARD
Casey stumbles forward... her parents ten feet away... she opens
her mouth to scream but no sound resonates... she is beyond
words... staggering, swaying... the FIGURE moving behind her.
EXT. FRONT DOOR
Her parents approach the door
FATHER
That fish smelled strong.
MOTHER
I told you to send it back.
The father discovers the front door ajar. A puzzled look. Casey is
right behind them with one arm outstretched. If they'd only turn
around...
They enter the house and close the door as...
Casey collapses on the ground, clutching her bloody chest... the
Figure upon her.
INT. FOYER
The father sees straight back into the kitchen... the shattered
patio door.
FATHER
Jesus...
MOTHER
What is it? Where's Casey?
FATHER
(calling out)
Casey? Casey?
In a split second they're both panic stricken. The father begins
searching the house frantically. The mother is hysterical.
EXT. FRONT YARD
CLOSE ON CASEY
She's dragged by her feet through damp soil... the life going fast
from her body... her hand still clutching the phone.
Ratings
Scene 5 - The Murder of Casey Prescott
Back in the house.
MOTHER
Where is she?
FATHER
Call the police.
The mother moves to the phone in the foyer, picks it up... There
is no dial tone. She jiggles the base.
FATHER
(searching)
Casey? Where are you honey? Call the
police, goddammit.
MOTHER
The phone's dead.
The... the softest... faintest voice is heard...
CASEY
(from phone)
... help me...
MOTHER
She's here, God, I can hear her. Where's
my baby?
The husband returns to the foyer finding his wife clinging to the
phone.
FATHER
Where is she?
MOTHER
I can hear her. Oh Mother of God, I can
hear her.
The father upturns the living room.
FATHER
Casey! Casey!
MOTHER
Not my daughter... not my...
The husband grabs hold of his wife.
FATHER
Get in the car and drive down to the
Mackenzie's.
The other throws the front door open and rushes out... the father
moves through the house when a SCREAM echoes out. That of his
wife. He tears off for the front door.
EXT. FRONT DOOR
The father rushes out the door to find his wife, on her knees,
bent over, retching. His eyes move beyond to a tree in the front
yard... his stomach fails him... his dinner rises... as he bares
witness to the single, most horrifying sight he'll ever see.
That of his only daughter as she hangs from a big oak tree...
strung up... very much dead... her stomach ripped open.
BLACKOUT!
BEGIN MAIN TITLES
FADE IN:
INT. BEDROOM – SAME NIGHT
A teenage girl's room. Neat and pinkish. On the bed, amongst age-
old stuffed animals lie opened school books. The CAMERA PANS to a
desk against the wall where...
SIDNEY PRESCOTT
A young girl of 17, sits, her face glued to the computer monitor
in front of her.
CLOSE ON HER FACE
Sharp and clever with deep, lonely eyes. She's comfortable in a
plain, flannel nightgown.
Her hands are at work, typing feverishly, when suddenly...
CRASH-BOOM!
A noise behind her. She turns abruptly, eyeing an open window
across the room. A SCRATCHING sound. She stands and moves toward
it.
EXT. WINDOW
Sidney sticks her head out the window. The late night wind hits
her face as a SHADOW appears just to the left of her, a hand
reaches out, grabs her and suddenly a FIGURE is on top of her...
Ratings
Scene 6 - A Nightly Visit
Sid SCREAMS... pulling away from the figure... breaking free,
falling back onto the floor.
VOICE (O.S.)
Hey... it's just me.
Sid looks up to see...
BILLY LOOMIS
A young, strapping boy of seventeen. Handsome and alluring. A star
quarterback/ class president type of guy. He sports a smile that
could last for days.
SIDNEY
Billy? What the...
BILLY
I'm sorry. Don't hate me.
SIDNEY
What are you doing here?
BILLY
You sleep in THAT?
Billy pulls himself through the window.
SIDNEY
(whispering)
My dad's in the other room.
BILLY
I'll only stay a sec.
Suddenly...
The bedroom door BURSTS open. The doorknob catches on the open
closet door behind it jamming it, holding it in place.
VOICE
(from behind door)
What's going on in there?
Billy quickly rolls out of sight behind the bed. Sidney unjams the
door to reveal...
MR. PRESCOTT, late 40's, a severe presence. A distracted man,
nervous and pre-occupied.
MR. PRESCOTT
Are you okay?
SIDNEY
Can you knock?
MR. PRESCOTT
I heard screaming.
SIDNEY
No you didn't.
MR. PRESCOTT
No? Oh, well... I'm hitting the sack. My
flight leaves first thing in the morning.
Now the expo runs all weekend so I won't
be back til Sunday. There's cash on the
table and I'll be staying at the Raleigh
Hilton...
SIDNEY
... out at the airport...
MR. PRESCOTT
... so call if you need me.
SIDNEY
Got it.
He gives the bedroom a quick once over.
MR. PRESCOTT
I coulda swore I heard screaming.
Sidney distracts him, giving him a peck on the cheek.
SIDNEY
Have a good trip.
MR. PRESCOTT
Sleep tight, sweetie.
He gives her a wink and pulls the door closed. Billy reappears.
BILLY
Close call.
SIDNEY
What are you doing here?
Billy takes a flying leap and lands on the bed.
BILLY
It just occurred to me that I've never
snuck through your bedroom window.
SIDNEY
Now that it's out of your system.
BILLY
And I was home, bored, watching
television, THE EXORCIST was on and it got
me thinking of you.
SIDNEY
Oh it did?
BILLY
Yeah, it was edited for TV. All the good
stuff was cut out and I started thinking
about us and how two years ago, we started
off kinda hot and heavy, a nice solid "R"
rating on our way to an NC-17. And how
things have changed and, lately, we're
just sot of... edited for television.
SIDNEY
So you thought you could sneak in my
window and we would have little bump-
bump.
BILLY
No, no. I wouldn't dream of breaking your
underwear rule. I just thought we might do
some on top of the clothes stuff.
She snuggles up next to him, planting a kiss on his lips.
Passionate and gentle. He, however, reacts like a shark, moving on
top of her, his hands everywhere as he presses into her... Sidney
breaks away.
SIDNEY
Time to go, stud bucket.
Billy sits up. His heart isn't racing... it's POUNDING.
BILLY
See what you do to me.
Sweat has popped out all over his forehead, his breathing heavy.
SIDNEY
You know what my dad will do to you?
BILLY
I'm going... I'm going.
He moves to the window. She follows, motioning to his wound.
SIDNEY
I appreciate the romantic gesture.
She gives him a kiss goodnight. Sweet and simple.
BILLY
(whisper)
Hey... about the sex stuff. I'm not trying
to rush you. I was only half serious.
She kisses him again as he eases through the window.
SIDNEY
Would you settle for a PG-13 relationship?
BILLY
What's that?
She pulls her flannel gown open for a split second... flashing her
left breast. His mouth drops open... surprise, shock. Their eyes
meet. They share a smile.
SIDNEY
Get outa here.
Ratings
Scene 7 - The Aftermath of a Brutal Murder
CLOSE ON SIDNEY snuggling her pillow, sleeping peacefully when...
THE RADIO ALARM BLASTS from the night table loud enough to wake
the dead. Sidney bolts up.
DISC JOCKEY
(from radio)
... found brutally murdered...
CLICK. Sidney, quick with the reflexes, shuts it off instantly. A
car trunk SLAMS shut outside.
Sidney pulls herself out of bed and leans to the window just in
time to see her Dad jumping in his car. She half waves down at him
but he doesn't see her. He's as good as gone, pulling out of the
driveway and disappearing down the road.
A moment as Sidney stands at the window, staring out after him.
EXT. SCHOOL – MORNING
CLOSE ON A SIGN
"BAYBORO HIGH SCHOOL. HOME OF THE FIGHTING BULLDOGS"
THE CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL a picture perfect small town
school. Old and charming. Students come and go, moving about.
Nothing unusual, except for the...
... six police cars, four news vans, flashing cameras, and crowds
and crowds of lookie-loo's gathered just off campus.
EXT. SIDEWALK
Sidney approaches the school seeing the commotion. Four different
REPORTERS stand in front of four different cameras giving four
different news reports.
She moves passed a policeman standing guard. Her interest peaked,
she stops at the first reporter who is...
GALE WEATHERS
Thirties. He smart face is overshadowed by a flashy smile and a
massive mane of chemically enhanced hair.
GALE
(for the camera)
The small town of Bayboro, North Carolina
was devastated last night when two young
teenagers were found brutally butchered.
Authorities have yet to issue a statement
but our sources tell us that no arrest has
been made and the murderer could strike
again...
ON SIDNEY
Moved, disturbed. From behind, a finger taps her shoulder. She
spins around to see...
Tatum Riley, same age, feisty, carefree.
TATUM
Do you believe this shit?
SIDNEY
What happened?
They break away from the crowd and head for school.
TATUM
Oh God! You don't know? Casey Becker and
Steve Forrest were killed last night.
SIDNEY
No way.
TATUM
And not just killed, Sid. We're talking
splatter movie killed-split open end to
end.
SIDNEY
Casey Becker? She sits next to me in
English.
TATUM
Not anymore. Her parents found her hanging
from a tree. Her insides on the outside.
SIDNEY
Do they know who did it?
TATUM
Fucking clueless-they're interrogating the
entire school. Teachers, students, staff,
janitors...
SIDNEY
They think it's school-related?
TATUM
They don't know. Dewey said this is the
worst crime they've ever seen. Even worse
than...
(stopping herself)
Well it's bad. They're bringing in the
feds. This is big.
Sidney looks back at Gale, her face deeply pained.
INT. CLASSROOM – LATER
A frumpy old woman, MRS. TATE, faces her class. Her hands clasped
together. A tragic look upon her face.
MRS. TATE
... a terrible tragedy. An unbearable
loss. It's days like today we need prayer
in school...
Sidney sits near the rear of the room. The desk in front of her
sits vacant. Sidney can't take her eyes of it.
The door opens and a student opens with a slip of paper. He hand s
it to Mrs. Tate.
MRS. TATE
Sidney. It appears to be your turn.
Ratings
Scene 8 - Police Interrogation
The room is at capacity... wall to wall with police, and the
likes. Some sit, stand, lean...
SHERIFF BURKE, a round man in his fifties, wipes the stress from
his face.
SHERIFF BURKE
Who's up next?
A young officer looks at the clipboard. This is DEPUTY RILEY,
better known as DEWEY. He's a big guy, 20's, handsome in a
scrubbed-clean boyish way.
DEWEY
Sidney Prescott.
Sheriff Burke gestures to bring her in. PRINCIPAL HIMBRY, 50's, an
old codger of a man wearing a sour face speaks up.
MR. HIMBRY
Sidney Prescott. She was daughter of...
DEWEY
We all know Sidney, Mr. Himbry.
SHERIFF BURKE
How she doin'?
MR. HIMBRY
She's adjusted well. Maintains an "A"
average. You never know she...
Himbry stops short, seeing Sidney in the doorway. He rises and
seats her.
SHERIFF BURKE
Hi Sidney.
SIDNEY
Sheriff Burke. Dewey.
Dewey shakes his head seriously.
DEWEY
It's Deputy Riley today, Sid.
SHERIFF BURKE
How is everything?
SIDNEY
Good.
SHERIFF BURKE
And your Dad? How's he doing?
SIDNEY
We're fine. Thanks.
MR. HIMBRY
We'll be brief, Sidney. The police have a
few questions they'd like to ask you...
Sidney eyes them all nervously.
Ratings
Scene 9 - Schoolyard Gossip
Students sit at outdoor tables eating lunch. Crowded at one table
is the "gang". This consists of Sidney, Billy and Tatum.
Next to Tatum, sits her boyfriend STUART, with his arm draped
across her back. He's a Billy wannabe. Almost the jock, almost
handsome, almost cool. He tries way to hard.
Across the table is the fifth wheel, RANDY. A tall and gangly kid
with no such Billy-like aspirations. A witty jokester who elevates
geek to coolness.
TATUM
Hunt? Why would they ask if you like to
hunt?
STU
I don't know, they just did.
RANDY
Because their bodies were gutted.
Sidney flinches.
BILLY
Thanks Randy.
TATUM
They didn't ask me if I like to hunt.
STU
Because there's no way a girl could have
killed them.
TATUM
That is so sexist. The killer could easily
be female – BASIC INSTINCT.
RANDY
That was an ice pick. Not exactly the
same.
STU
Yeah, Casey and Steve were completely
hollowed out. Takes a man to do something
like that.
TATUM
Or a man's mentality.
SIDNEY
(quiet, almost to herself)
How do you gut someone?
All eyes turn to Sidney. A serious silence. And then:
STU
You take a knife and slit from the groin
to the sternum.
Sidney shivers down to her soul. The whole table rolls their eyes
at Stu.
STU
What? She asked.
BILLY
It's called tact, you fuckrag.
STU
Sorry.
RANDY
Remember in JAWS when they caught the
wrong shark at first and Richard Dreyfuss
cut it open to look foe body parts and all
they found was a licence plate and all
this white milky goo.
Stu leans over and socks Randy in the arm.
STU
You heard Billy. Shut the fuck up.
SIDNEY
Hey, Stu? Didn't you use to date Casey?
Stu's taken back, a little off guard.
STU
For about two seconds.
RANDY
Before she dumped him foe Steve.
Tatum turns to Stu, surprised.
TATUM
I thought you dumped her for me.
STU
I did. He's full of shit.
RANDY
And are the police aware you dated the
victim?
STU
(offended)
What are you saying? That I killed her or
something?
RANDY
It would certainly improve your high
school Q.
TATUM
Stu was with me last night.
RANDY
Oooooh... before or after he sliced and
diced.
TATUM
Fuck you, nut case. Where were you last
night?
RANDY
Working, thank you.
TATUM
I thought Blockbuster fired you.
RANDY
Twice.
STU
I didn't kill anybody.
BILLY
No one's saying you did.
RANDY
Besides.
(perfect Stu mimic)
"Takes a man to do something like that."
STU
I'm gonna gut your ass in a second.
RANDY
(to Stu)
Did you really put her liver in the
mailbox? I hear they found her liver in
the mailbox.
TATUM
(eyeing Sidney)
Randy, you goon-fuck, I'm eating here.
Stu nibbles at Tatum's neck.
STU
Yeah, Randy, she's getting mad. I think
you better liver alone.
Stu cracks up at his own joke. The others just MOAN. Sidney is
about to crawl out of her skin, trying hard to ignore it all.
EXT. SIDNEY'S HOUSE – LATER
A huge two story country home with a spacious lawn.
A yellow school bus stops in front of the house and Sidney steps
off.
The house looks big and lonely as Sidney moves up the walk to the
front door.
Ratings
Scene 10 - Sidney's Escape
Sidney is on the telephone.
SIDNEY
(into phone)
You sure I can stay over? My dad won't be
back til Sunday.
TATUM
(through phone)
No prob. I'll pick you up after practice.
SIDNEY
Tell your mom I said thanks.
TATUM
Yeah, yeah... are you okay?
SIDNEY
Uh-huh, it's just... you know, the police
and reporters... it brings it all back.
TATUM
I'll be there by seven. I promise
SIDNEY
Thanks, Tatum.
TATUM
Later.
Sidney hangs up. She takes a seat at her computer and boots it up.
She sits in front of it staring at the blue screen... her own
reflection staring back.
INT. LIVING ROOM – LATER
Sidney comes down the stairs, her arms carrying a change of
clothes, toothbrush, make-up...
She opens the hall closet and pulls a small overnight bag from the
top shelf. Moving into the living room she loads it up, plopping
down on the sofa, hitting the TV remote.
CLOSE ON THE SCREEN
A news reporter fades in.
REPORTER #1
(on TV)
The entire nation was shocked today by the
teen murders in North Carolina...
Sidney switches channels.
REPORTER #2
The State Bureau of Investigation has
joined forces with local authorities to
help catch what the Governor has called
the most heinous...
The channel switches again. Gale weathers appears, standing in
front of the school. Her white teeth gleaming.
GALE
This is not the first time the small town
of Bayboro has endured such tragedy. Only
a year ago, Maureen Prescott, wife and
mother, was found raped and murdered...
An old black and white snapshot fills the screen-a woman,
beautiful and familiar.
CLOSE ON SIDNEY
Eyes frozen, mesmerized by the image. Suddenly she CLICKS the TV
off. Her eyes go to the clock on the end table. 5:45 PM. Her eyes
then move to the framed photo next to it... the same black and
white photo stares at her... a healthy, vibrant woman. An older
version of Sidney.
Sidney curls up on the sofa closing her eyes tight...
Ratings
Scene 11 - Phone Call From The Killer
The clock on the end table reads 7:15 PM. Sidney is fast asleep on
the couch. The phone RINGS. Sidney leaps up grabbing the portable
phone.
TATUM
(from phone)
Practice ran late. I'm on my way.
SIDNEY
(eyes clock)
It's past seven.
TATUM
Don't worry. Casey and Steve didn't bite
it til way after ten.
SIDNEY
I'm not worried.
TATUM
Good, 'cause I wanna swing by BLOCKBUSTER
and get us a video. I was thinkin' Tom
Cruise in ALL THE RIGHT MOVES. You know,
if you pause it just right you can see his
penis.
SIDNEY
Whatever. Just hurry.
TATUM
Bye.
She hangs up the phone. It immediately RINGS again.
SIDNEY
(into phone)
Tatum?
MAN'S VOICE
(from phone)
Hello, Sidney.
IT'S HIM. THE VOICE FROM BEFORE.
SIDNEY
Hi. Who is this?
MAN
You tell me.
Sidney thinks, trying to place his voice. It sounds a little
distorted.
SIDNEY
I have no idea.
MAN
Scary night, isn't it? With the murders
and all, it's like right out of a horror
movie or something.
SIDNEY
Aha, Randy, you gave yourself away. Are
you calling from work? Tatum's on her way
over.
MAN
Do you like scary movies, Sidney?
SIDNEY
I like that thing you're doing with your
voice, Randy. It's sexy.
MAN
What's your favorite scary movie?
SIDNEY
Don't start. You know I don't watch that
shit.
MAN
And why is that?
SIDNEY
(playing along)
Because they're all the same. It's always
some stupid killer stalking some big
breasted girl, who can't act, who always
runs up the stairs when she should be
going out the front door. They're
ridiculous.
A brief silence.
MAN
Are you alone in the house?
SIDNEY
That is so unoriginal. You disappoint me,
Randy.
MAN
Maybe that's because I'm not Randy.
SIDNEY
So who are you?
MAN
The question is not who am I. The question
is where am I?
SIDNEY
So where are you?
MAN
Your front porch.
This gives her pause. She moves to the window and pulls aside the
drapes.
SIDNEY
Why would you call me from my front porch?
MAN
That's the original part.
ANGLE THROUGH WINDOW
She can't quite see all of the porch.
SIDNEY
Oh yeah? Well I call your bluff.
Sidney goes to the front door. She unlocks the bolt, unsnags the
chain, and pulls the door open... revealing the front porch...
COMPLETELY EMPTY.
She steps out onto it, phone still in hand. A single light shines
overhead illuminating the porch, but little beyond. Darkness is
all around.
SIDNEY
So where are you?
MAN
Right here.
Sidney peers out into the darkness past thick shrubs that grow on
either side of the porch.
SIDNEY
Can you see me right now?
MAN
Uh-huh.
SIDNEY
What am I doing?
She sticks her finger up her nose, pretending to pick. Silence. No
answer.
SIDNEY
Good try, Randy. Tell Tatum to hurry. Bye
now.
MAN
If you hang up, you'll die just like your
mother.
Sidney stops dead in her tracks, speechless.
MAN
(deadly)
Do you want to die, Sidney? Your mother
didn't.
His seriousness unnerves her. Sid flies off the handle.
SIDNEY
FUCK YOU! YOU CRETIN!
She hangs up on him. Moves back inside the house. Locks, chains,
and bolts the door when...
A FIGURE COMES LEAPING OUT OF THE HALL CLOSET
Rushing her, ramming into her side... the phone flies... the
Figure is on top of her as she goes down... SCREAMING...
She looks up to see the Figure, darkly dressed with a pale,
distorted face, white and ghostly... a mask.
Her instincts surface and she kicks up with her foot making the
contact with his leg... he topples over... coming right at her,
his hand finding her neck. Suddenly, along, silver blade appears
above her.
Sidney pulls, jerks, twists... finally she lifts her torso forward
knocking the Figure off her... sending him reeling into the living
room. Wasting no time, Sidney leaps to her feet.
She moves to the front door, unlocks it... pulls it open... it
catches on the chain. Shit! She pushes it closed again looking
behind her...the Figure has risen, knife in hand.
Sidney pulls on the chain and then inexplicably turns and...
RUNS UP THE STAIRS. The Figure right behind her.
Ratings
Scene 12 - Sidney's Close Call
The Figure leaps at Sidney taking hold of her foot, she grabs
madly at the wall... her hands grasp a framed painting, a quiet
country home, subdued colors, done in oils-she rips it from the
wall swinging it behind her...
It catches the Figure head on, smashing against his skull, sending
him backwards, tumbling down the stairs. Sidney races to her
bedroom...
INT. BEDROOM
She locks the door shut, the pulls her closet door open, placing
the edge right at the door knob just as...
THE FIGURE POUNDS AGAINST THE BEDROOM DOOR...
... ramming it, it rips open, but the closet door catches it in a
crazy vice-like hold.
Sidney grabs the desk phone. It's dead... off the hook downstairs.
The figure rushes the door several times... the frame splinters...
but won't give.
Sidney is at her computer, she punches at the keypad madly.
CLOSE ON SCREEN AS WORDS APPEAR
"FAX MODEM
9-1-1 SEND"
The knife slashes through the crack in the door wildly.
ON SCREEN AGAIN
"HELP KILLER
34 ELM ST"
Sidney presses "SEND" when it occurs to her-all is quiet. The
Figure is gone. A fearful silence. She looks around... the only
sound her own rapid, terrified BREATHING.
ON THE SCREEN
"Stay calm. Police enroute."
Suddenly a NOISE at the window... Sidney looks up to see...
BILLY
Her boyfriend, staring at her, surprised.
SIDNEY
Oh Billy... Please... God...
BILLY
I heard screaming. The door was locked.
Are you okay...
SIDNEY
He's here. He's trying to kill me...
Billy pulls himself through the window. As he does, a small black
object falls from his dark jeans. It hits the floor as Sidney eyes
it... a sleek, compact cellular phone.
Sidney stops in her tracks. Their eyes meet... an eternity. A
SIREN is heard in the distance. Sidney bolts...
BILLY
Hey... wait... what's goin...
Billy reaches for her. Sidney unblocks the bedroom door and tears
out of the room.
INT. LANDING
Sidney nearly falls down the stairs...
INT. FOYER
She rips the chain off the door, pulls it open, coming face to
face with a white, ghostly mask.
A massive SCREAM erupts from her gut as...
THE CAMERA PULLS BACK to find Dewey-Deputy Riley, holding it. Red
lights flash, sirens BLAST vas car after car surrounds the house.
Sidney falls into the safety of Dewey's arms.
Ratings
Scene 13 - Police Arrival
The yard is a whirlwind of activity. An ambulance, squad cars,
cops everywhere...
CLOSE ON BILLY'S FACE
As it SMASHES against the hood of a police car. His hands are
being cuffed, his rights being read.
BILLY
(screaming)
I didn't do anything! Sid... where's Sid?
Ask her, she'll tell ya...
Dewey holds a car door open as Sheriff Burke steps out.
DEWEY
We got him, Sheriff. Billy Loomis.
SHERIFF BURKE
Hank Loomis' kid? Aw... Jesus...
DEWEY
He's her boyfriend.
They approach Billy as he's being placed in a squad car.
BILLY
Sheriff... I didn't do it... please, call
my Dad...please...
The squad car disappears with Billy as another car comes to a stop
in front of the house. Tatum gets out, freaked beyond belief.
Back to the Sheriff and Dewey as they storm across the yard.
DEWEY
I was first to respond.
SHERIFF BURKE
What were you doing out here?
DEWEY
Drive by patrol.
SHERIFF BURKE
How is she?
DEWEY
She's tough.
SHERIFF BURKE
Have to be. The shit she's gone through.
Across the yard sits Sidney, in the back of an ambulance as
PARAMEDICS check her out.
Sheriff Burke and Riley approach.
SHERIFF BURKE
We're seeing a lot of you today.
She tries to smile but fails.
DEWEY
You gonna be able to come down to the
station and talk to us a bit?
SIDNEY
... yeah...
Tatum appears, barreling past an OFFICER.
TATUM
What happened? Oh God...
Tatum rushes to her, grabbing hold of her.
DEWEY
(to Tatum)
What are you doing here?
TATUM
Oh, God, Sid, I'm sorry I was late.
DEWEY
You can't be here, Tatum. This is an
official crime scene.
SIDNEY
It's okay. She was supposed to pick me up.
TATUM
Her dad's out of town. She's staying with
us.
DEWEY
Does mom know?
TATUM
Yes, you doofus.
Two news vans come driving up the street.
SHERIFF BURKE
The vultures are coming. Let's get you out
of here.
EXT. STREET
A big, white news van comes to a stop in front of the house. The
side door slides open and Gale Weathers hops out just in time to
see Sidney being escorted to a squad car.
GALE
I'll be damned.
Jumping from the driver's seat is KENNY, Gale's cameraman and
flunky. An earnest young chap on the chubby side.
KENNY
What? What?
GALE
Jesus! The camera-hurry!
But it's too late. Sidney is as good as gone. Gale sees Tatum
moving quickly to her car.
GALE
Excuse me?
Tatum looks up to see Gale Weathers rushing her.
GALE
Was that Sidney Prescott they took away?
TATUM
I don't know.
Tatum hops in her car, ignoring her.
GALE
What happened to her?
TATUM
I'm not talking to you.
Tatum's car peels out as Kenny comes running up with his camera.
KENNY
Where'd she go?
Gale spins around, flashing her pearly whites.
GALE
Look, Kenny, I know you're about fifty
pounds overweight but when I say hurry
please interpret that as... MOVE YOUR FAT
TUB OF LARD ASS NOW!
Gale moves back to the van leaving Kenny miffed.
INT. POLICE STATION
A small town station. The bull pen is a little square room with
four desks and tonight. It's hopping. Cops everywhere.
INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Sidney sits at a desk drinking a cup of water. She wears the
Sheriff's jacket over her shoulders. Dewey approaches.
SIDNEY
Did you reach my Dad?
DEWEY
You're sure it was the Hilton?
SIDNEY
At the airport.
DEWEY
He's not registered. Could he have gone to
another hotel?
SIDNEY
I don't know. I guess.
DEWEY
We'll find him, Sid. Don't worry.
Sidney stares blankly, numb.
Ratings
Scene 14 - Interrogation and Confrontation
Billy sits opposite Sheriff Burke. Next to Billy, sits his father,
HANK LOOMIS, an older version of Billy.
SHERIFF BURKE
What are you doing with a cellular
telephone, son?
MR. LOOMIS
It's my phone. He was just playing around
with it.
SHERIFF BURKE
You got some ideas of playing around, boy.
BILLY
I didn't call anyone with it. I just took
it for fun.
MR. LOOMIS
Everybody's got one now. Why don't you
check the phone bill for chrissakes. Call
my carrier AirFone Comp. They'll have
records of every number dialed.
SHERIFF BURKE
Thank you, Hank. We're on it. What were
you doing out at Sidney's tonight?
BILLY
I just wanted to see her, that's all.
SHERIFF BURKE
You rode your bike out there?
BILLY
Yes, sir.
SHERIFF BURKE
And last night? Sidney said you crawled
through her window last night too?
MR. LOOMIS
(surprised)
You were out last night?
BILLY
I watched TV for awhile but the I felt
like going for a bike ride.
SHERIFF BURKE
Did you ride past Casey Becker's house?
BILLY
No, I didn't. I didn't kill anyone,
Sheriff.
SHERIFF BURKE
We're gonna have to keep you, Billy. The
governor's got SBI, FBI, and god knows who
else on their way down here.
Billy fights tears.
BILLY
This is crazy. I didn't do it.
Sheriff Burke eyes him up and down, very carefully.
INT. POLICE BULL PEN – MINUTES LATER
Tatum has joined Sidney. The sheriff's door opens and Billy is led
out by a coupla UNIFORMS. Burke and Dewey appear in the door
watching Tatum comfort Sidney.
OUT OF EAR SHOT
DEWEY
That ghost mask is sold at both Kroger's
and WalMart. Neither of which keep
purchase records.
SHERIFF BURKE
What about the cellular phone bill?
DEWEY
They're pulling Loomis' account. But it'll
be morning before we see something. You
think he did it?
SHERIFF BURKE
Twenty years ago I woulda said not a
chance. But these kids today... damn if I
know.
TATUM (O.S.)
Hey... Dewey. Can we go now?
DEWEY
Hold up a sec...
SHERIFF BURKE
She staying with you?
DEWEY
We haven't located her Dad yet.
TATUM (O.S.)
Goddammit, Dewey!
Dewey turns to her, his face red.
DEWEY
What did Mama tell you? When I wear this
badge you treat me like a man of the law.
TATUM
I'm sorry, Deputy Dewey-boy but we're
ready to go.
SHERIFF BURKE
Use the back way. Avoid the circus.
EXT. POLICE STATION – SIDE DOOR
The door opens and Sidney, Tatum, Dewey, and a coupla OFFICERS
exit avoiding the horde of REPORTERS that can be seen around the
corner waiting anxiously at the front entrance.
DEWEY
I'll get the car. Wait here.
Dewey takes off. From the darkness of the alley, Gale Weathers
appears with Kenny and his camera. They've been waiting.
GALE
Hello Sidney.
Sidney spins around to see Gale, standing, smiling at her.
Sidney's body tightens and her face goes taut.
GALE
Some night. Are you alright?
Their eyes meet in cold familiar stare. Sidney says nothing. She's
visibly shaking.
GALE
What happened?
TATUM
She's not answering any questions. Just
leave us alone, okay?
SIDNEY
It's okay, Tatum. She's just doing her
job. Right, GALE?
GALE
Yes, that's right.
Dewey, in a squad car, turns into the alley and pulls up. The
other news people have wisened up. They begin to flock the alley.
SIDNEY
How's the book?
GALE
It'll be out later this year.
Sidney tries to contain herself...squeezing a clenched fist.
SIDNEY
I'll look for it.
GALE
I'll send you a copy.
In a blurred, unexpected instant, Sidney brings her fist forward,
SMASHING it hard into Gale Weathers's face. The impact sends Gale
reeling backwards, knocking into Kenny as they both tumble to the
pavement.
ON SIDNEY
... breathing deep, a sense of satisfaction on her face.
Ratings
Scene 15 - Aftermath of the Attack
A spacious bedroom. Typical. Tatum and Sidney lay on the bed. They
both wear night shirts.
TATUM
God, I loved it. "I'll send you a copy."
BAM! Bitch went down. "I'll send you a
copy." BAM! Sid – SuperBitch!
Dewey appears in the doorway holding a bag of ice.
DEWEY
I thought you might want some ice for that
right hook.
Sidney sits up, takes the ice, and puts it on her hand.
DEWEY
I'll be right next door. Try to get some
sleep.
Dewey moves back out the door.
SIDNEY
Any word on my Dad?
DEWEY
(turning to her)
Not yet, but we're looking. If you need
anything...
TATUM
Yeah, yeah, yeah...
Dewey smiles, pulling the door closed on his way out. Sidney lies
back down.
SIDNEY
Just another sleepover at the Riley's.
TATUM
Just like old times, ain't it?
SIDNEY
No, nothing's like it used to be.
Sidney rolls over at her side, away from Tatum.
A telephone RINGS somewhere in the house.
TATUM
Do you really think Billy did it?
SIDNEY
He was there, Tatum.
TATUM
I knew this guy was too perfect. He was
destined to have a flaw.
A KNOCK at the door. It opens and a friendly, graying woman pops
in. This is MAMA RILEY. She wears a comforting smile.
MAMA RILEY
Telephone, dear.
TATUM
Who is it?
MAMA RILEY
It's for Sid
SIDNEY
My Dad?
Mama Riley shakes her head sadly.
TATUM
Take a message.
SIDNEY
It's alright. I'll get it.
Sidney takes off out the door. Mama Riley motions to Tatum.
MAMA RILEY
(whispers)
How is she?
Tatum shrugs.
INT. HALLWAY
Sidney grabs the phone at the end of the hall.
SIDNEY
Hello?
MAN
(from phone)
Hello Sidney.
IT'S HIM. The CAMERA does a Hitchcock as Sidney's entire body goes
weak... his VOICE moving through her... invading her. She CRIES
OUT.
SIDNEY
NOOOOOO...
Mama Riley turns in the doorway. Tatum comes bolting out of the
bedroom.
MAN
(from phone)
Poor Billy-boyfriend. An innocent guy
doesn't stand a chance with you.
SIDNEY
LEAVEMEALONE!
MAN
Looks like you fingered the wrong guy...
again.
SIDNEY
Who are you?
TATUM
Hang up, Sid.
MAN
Don't worry. You'll find out soon enough.
I promise.
Mama Riley BEATS on a closed bedroom door.
MAMA RILEY
Dewey! Dewey!
MAN
This is gonna be fun, Sidney. Just like
old times.
CLICK.
Dewey flies out of his room wearing only his boxers... holding his
gun.
DEWEY
What? What?
The phone goes dead. Sidney stands frozen.
EXT. BAYBORO MAIN STREET – DAWN – ESTABLISHING
The morning sun shines high over Bayboro Townsquare. Cars come to
life, townsfolk stir as the picture postcard community awakens
from a restless sleep.
Ratings
Scene 16 - Escaping and Coping
Sidney and Tatum sit at the kitchen table, dressed and ready for
school as Mama Riley serves up breakfast. A small television sits
on the counter BLARING.
Dewey, in uniform, stands near the door, talking on the phone.
MAMA RILEY
I think you girls really should stay home
today.
TATUM
Your objection is duly noted.
SIDNEY
I'd rather be around a lot of people, Mama
Riley.
From the TV, Sidney hears her name, "SIDNEY PRESCOTT..." All eyes
go to the television.
REPORTER
(on TV)
... who escaped a vicious attack last
night was the daughter of Maureen Prescott
who was brutally killed last year when
convicted murderer Cotton Weary...
INSERT of COTTON WEARY, in prison fatigues. A once handsome man,
now haggard and worn.
REPORTER (CONT'D)
... broke into their home and savagely
raped and tortured the deceased. Cotton
Weary is currently awaiting appeal for the
death sentence handed down after the young
Sidney testified against him. She was the
key witness in the state's prosecution...
SIDNEY
It's never gonna stop. Is it?
Dewey is off the phone.
DEWEY
Billy was released. His cellular bill was
clean. He didn't make those calls.
SIDNEY
Somebody called me, Dewey. I'm not making
it up.
DEWEY
I know. We're checking every cellular
account in the county. Any calls made to
you or Casey Becker are being cross-
referenced. It's gonna take time but we'll
find him.
SIDNEY
And my Dad? Any word on him?
Riley shakes his head "no".
EXT. SCHOOL STREET – LATER
Once again, REPORTERS line the street attacking students as they
make their way to school, asking questions, hungry for that
teenage insight.
Dewey's patrol jeep cruises by. Sidney watches from the
passenger's window.
INT. PATROL CAR
Dewey pulls up in front of the school. Tatum hops out while Sid
lingers, suddenly unsure. Dewey takes notice.
DEWEY
Hey, it's school. You'll be safe here.
Sidney forces herself out of the jeep as a microphone is shoved in
her face...
REPORTER
How does it feel to almost be brutally
murdered?
Dewey leaps from the car, intercepting the reporter.
DEWEY
Leave the girl alone, will ya? She wants
to go to school.
Sidney eyes the newsvan that's pulled up behind her. The side door
slides open and Gale Weathers steps out.
TATUM
Come on, Sid.
SIDNEY
Just a sec... I need to talk to someone.
She heads over to Gale.
Ratings
Scene 17 - Confrontation with the Press
Sidney, puts her head down, hiding her face... avoiding other
reporters as she makes her way to...
Gale who sits in the open door, checking her face in a mirror.
Makeup tries hard to hide Sid's handwork-a swollen black and blue
right cheek.
Gale spots Sidney immediately and leaps to her feet.
GALE
Stop right there.
Sidney throws her hands up in surrender.
SIDNEY
I'm not here to fight.
GALE
Just stay back.
SIDNEY
I want to talk to you.
GALE
(calling into the van)
Kenny. Camera. Now.
Kenny's head darts out from the van.
SIDNEY
Off the record. No cameras.
GALE
Forget it.
Sidney contains herself.
SIDNEY
Please. You owe me.
GALE
I owe you shit.
Gale moves inside the van. But Sidney is relentless.
SIDNEY
You owe my mother.
GALE
Your mother's murder was last year's
hottest court case. Somebody was gonna
write a book about it.
SIDNEY
And it had to be you with all your lies
and bullshit theories.
GALE
What is your problem? You got what you
wanted. Cotton Weary is in jail. They're
gonna gas him. A book is not gonna change
that.
SIDNEY
Do you still think he's innocent?
Gale's interest is peaked. She eyes Sidney suspiciously.
GALE
He was convicted in a court of law. Your
testimony put him away. It doesn't matter
what I think.
SIDNEY
During the trial, you did all those
stories about me. You called me a liar.
GALE
I think you falsely identified him. Yes.
SIDNEY
Have you talked to Cotton?
GALE
Many times.
SIDNEY
Has his story changed?
GALE
Not one word. He admits to having sex with
your mother but that's all.
SIDNEY
He's lying. She wouldn't have touched him.
He raped her, then butchered her. Her
blood was all over his coat.
GALE
He was drunk that night. He left his coat
at your house, after your mother seduced
him...
SIDNEY
I saw him leaving wearing it.
GALE
But couldn't it have been someone else you
saw wearing that coat? The same person who
planted it in Cotton's car, framing him?
The same person who really killed your
mother?
A long beat. Sidney considers this for the millionth time.
SIDNEY
No, Cotton murdered my mother.
But there's doubt in her voice. Gale's face lights up.
GALE
You're not so sure anymore, are you?
Sidney clams up.
SIDNEY
No, it was Cotton.
Tatum comes waltzing up.
TATUM
(to Gale)
Nice welt.
Gale ignores her, zeroing in on Sidney, half realizing.
GALE
The killer is still on the loose, isn't
he? These murders are related.
TATUM
Yo let's rock.
Sidney starts to fidget.
SIDNEY
I'm sorry I mangled your face.
She take off with Tatum. Gale calls after her.
GALE
Wait, Sidney, don't go...
But Sidney and Tatum have already disappeared in the crowd of
students moving across campus.
Gale looks to Kenny.
GALE
Jesus Christ! An innocent man on death
row. A killer still on the loose. Kenny,
tell me I'm dreaming.
KENNY
You want to go live?
Gale's mind races with possibilities.
GALE
No, not so fast. We have nothing concrete.
KENNY
When did that ever stop you? You can't sit
on this. This is huge.
GALE
If I'm gonna blow this up-I need hard
proof.
KENNY
But it's so much easier when we make it
up.
GALE
Not this time. I owe Cotton that much.
Hell, even I thought that man was guilty.
Ratings
Scene 18 - Campus Prank
Tatum and Sidney make their way across campus.
TATUM
Just relax. You're at school now. No one
can get you here.
SIDNEY
But if it wasn't Billy it could be
anybody. He could be here at school right
now.
They move up the walk as a FIGURE falls in step behind them,
sporting a WHITE GHOST MASK.
TATUM
Serial killers are smart by definition.
They minimize their risk. They plan and
pre-calculate everything. Showing up here
would be the most lame-brain move he could
make.
SIDNEY
He promised me he'd be back.
As easy as the figure appeared, it disappears-falling out of site,
unseen by either of them.
TATUM
I wouldn't put too much stock in a
psycho's promise.
They move up the front steps toward the main doors of the school
as the Ghost Masked Figure reappears... standing at the top of the
steps... Sidney sees it first, stopping dead in her tracks.
She steps back, spinning around to find...
A GHOST FACE behind her as well, both of them approaching, closing
in on her. Sidney starts to SCREAM when the two ghosts bust up
LAUGHING, tearing off across campus.
EXT. STREET
In front of the school we catch up a REPORTER doing a live remote.
He holds a mask in his hand.
REPORTER
This morning several students, in what
appears to be a prank, have been spotted
wearing masks. School officials have yet
to comment but this is the same type of
mask worn by the killer...
INT. HALLWAY – MINUTES LATER
Just before the bell. The hallway is congested with students
heading to class. Tatum is at her locker with Sidney.
SIDNEY
This is a mistake. I shouldn't be here.
TATUM
I want you to meet me here right after
class, okay?
Billy appears in the crowd, with Stu tagging behind. Tatum spots
him first.
TATUM
Shit, what is he doing here?
SIDNEY
I bet he's pissed.
TATUM
Just ignore him. You had good reason to
think what you did.
Billy and Stu approach. Billy's face is solemn.
BILLY
Hi, Sid. Can we talk a sec?
Sidney says nothing. She can barely look at him. Tatum intervenes.
TATUM
You know if I were accused of carving up
two people, I'd take the opportunity to
skip school.
STU
Hey, go easy, Tatum. He didn't do it.
BILLY
Talk to me, Sid.
Suddenly, a SCREAM erupts. All eyes go to a GHOST MASKED STUDENT
running down the hall, screaming wildly, running amuck.
SIDNEY
Why are they doing this?
STU
Are you kidding? This is like Christmas.
Billy punches Stu in the side.
STU
Owwww...
BILLY
You open your mouth and stupidity pours
out.
STU
Sorry.
Sidney, clearly upset, takes off down the hall. Billy races off
after her.
TATUM
(yelling)
Stay away from her, Billy.
Tatum SLAMS her locker door shut as the bell RINGS.
Ratings
Scene 19 - Confrontation in the Corridor
With first period underway, the halls have cleared. One or two
struggling students can be seen rushing to class.
Sidney moves quickly down the hall, rounding a corner, running
smack into...
BILLY
They collide hard catching Sidney off guard, scaring the life out
of her. She falls backwards, but Billy catches her fall.
SIDNEY
Jesus, SHIT!
BILLY
Hey, hey, it's just me.
Sidney pulls away from him quickly. Billy feels the slight.
BILLY
What? You don't still think it's me?
Sidney catches her breath.
SIDNEY
No... I don't... it's just... Oh God,
Billy, someone was there, someone tried to
kill me.
BILLY
The police say I scared him off. It wasn't
me, Sid.
SIDNEY
I know. He called again last night at
Tatum's house.
BILLY
See, it couldn't have been me. I was in
jail, remember?
SIDNEY
I'm so sorry... please understand.
BILLY
Understand what? That I got a girlfriend
who would rather accuse me of being a
psychopathic killer than touch me.
SIDNEY
You know that's not true.
BILLY
Then what is it? Is there somebody else?
SIDNEY
No...
BILLY
Is it the sex thing? Am I being too pushy?
SIDNEY
No, it's me, Billy. I need time. I'm still
adjusting to my mom.
BILLY
It's been a year since she died.
SIDNEY
(correcting him)
Tomorrow. One year tomorrow.
BILLY
When are you gonna let that go, Sid? When
my mom left my dad – I just accepted it.
This is the way it is. She's not coming
back.
SIDNEY
(sharply)
Your parents split up. It's not the same
thing. Your mom left town, she's not in a
coffin somewhere.
BILLY
You have to move on, Sid.
Sidney starts to walk away but turns back, angry.
SIDNEY
I'm glad to know you're coping so well
with life, Billy. But some of us aren't so
perfect. Some of us are just trying to
hold on.
Sidney disappears through a door marked GIRL'S BATHROOM, leaving
Billy alone in the hallway. He SMACKS his forehead, pissed at
himself.
Ratings
Scene 20 - Bathroom Attack
Large and spacious. Closed bathroom stalls line one wall facing a
row of sinks and a huge mirror. Sidney enters as TWO GIRLS tinkle
and talk – each from their respective stalls.
GIRL #1
She was never attacked. I think she made
it all up.
GIRL #2
Why would she lie about it?
GIRL #1
For attention. The girl has some serious
issues.
Sidney listens intently.
A toilet FLUSHES. Sidney quickly jumps in a stall, hiding, just as
GIRL #1 appears from a stall. She looks like that voice – a snotty
little twit.
GIRL #1
What if she did it? What if Sidney killed
Casey and Steve?
GIRL #2
And why would she do that?
GIRL #1
Maybe she was hot for Steve and killed
them both in a jealous rage.
Another toilet FLUSHES.
GIRL #2
Why would Sidney want to be with Steve?
She has her own bubble-butt boyfriend
Billy.
GIRL #1
Maybe she's a slut just like her mom.
INSIDE THE STALL
Sidney listens. Her face weakening.
GIRL #2
You're evil.
GIRL #1
Please, it's common knowledge. Her mother
was a trollop.
GIRL #2 appears from her stall – another twit. They both stand in
front of the mirror adjusting two snotty faces.
GIRL #2
Cut some slack. She watched her mom get
butchered.
GIRL #1
And it fucked her up royally. Think about
it. It makes perfect sense. Her mom's
death leaves her distraught and hostile at
a cruel and inhumane world, she's
disillusioned, where's God, etc.
Completely suicidal. And one day she
snaps. She wants to kill herself but
realizes teen suicide is out this year.
And homicide is a much healthier
therapeutic expression.
From the stall, Sidney listens, her heart pounding, jaw quivering.
GIRL #2
Where do you get this shit?
GIRL #1
Ricki Lake.
The two girls exit. Sidney moves out of the stall, catching her
reflection in the mirror.
SIDNEY
Pathetic.
Water DRIPS somewhere from a leaky pipe as wind WHISTLES in from
the cracked transom above the bathroom door. It sound almost like
a whisper, "Siddneey... "
Sidney spins around. What the... She checks out the bathroom. The
doors to the stalls are all closed. She bends down and scans
beneath them, looking for feet. No one. Nothing.
Sidney turns back to the mirror. Suddenly...
MAN
(O.S. whisper)
Siddneey...
Unmistakable this time. The VOICE strikes Sidney like a nail
through the eye. It comes from one of the stalls. She stands
thunderstruck, eyeing the stalls thru the mirror.
SIDNEY
Is someone there?
A long, morose silence. And then:
MAN
(softly, simply)
It's me, Sidney.
Sidney spins around. Fuck no! HE'S HERE. Terror floods her face.
She eyes the exit door, then the row of stalls she must pass to
get to it.
She checks under the stalls again. Nothing... where the fuck is
he? She takes a step forward when...
TWO FEET step down from a toilet onto the floor in the last stall.
Sidney's face draws tight as the stall door begins to CREAK open.
She bolts forward, making a break for it... but slips on the wet
floor... her feet flying out from under...
Sidney reaches out... grabs hold of a sink... saves herself from
falling... she glimpses a GHOST MASK in the mirror coming for her.
A hand grabs her shoulder as she SLAMS her body through the exit
door... narrowly escaping.
INT. CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS
Sidney flies out of the bathroom door SCREAMING... burning up the
hallway, not looking back. A TEACHER, hearing her SCREAM, peer out
from an open doorway... as Sidney sprints by him, not stopping...
running madly.
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
CLOSE on a red-faced Principal Himbry as he reads someone the riot
act.
MR. HIMBRY
I'm sickened. Your whole havoc-inducing,
thieving, whoring generation disgusts me.
The CAMERA SWINGS AROUND to reveal two GHOST MASKED STUDENTS
standing at attention. Mr. Himbry rips the mask off of one of the
student's heads.
MR. HIMBRY
Two students have been savagely murdered.
And this is how we express our compassion
and sensivity?
He rips the mask off the other student.
MR. HIMBRY
We throw on a mask and dance around campus
just hoping someone else gets butchered
before we get bored again. You're both
expelled.
The Ghosts doth protest...
GHOST #1
Aw, come on, Mr. Himbry, it was just a
joke.
GHOST #2
Yeah, that's not fair.
A deep rooted hostility has taken over Mr. Himbry's face. Neither
student budges, scared to even breathe.
MR. HIMBRY
No, it's not fair. Fairness would be to
rip your insides out and hang you from a
tree so you can be exposed for the
desensitized, heartless little shits that
you are.
Suddenly the door BURSTS open and Sidney appears, hysterical.
SIDNEY
(crying)
He's here... I saw him... he's here...
Mr. Himbry rushes to her, arms outstretched.
MR. HIMBRY
Easy child.
Sidney collapses in his arms.
Ratings
Scene 21 - Campus Closure and Flirtation
Dewey's patrol jeep is parked in front of the school. He stands in
the open driver's door talking on the radio.
SHERIFF BURKE
(from radio)
She's okay. Looks like some boys were
teasing her. Himbry's shutting down the
school though. I want you to take look
around.
DEWEY
Yes, sir, sheriff.
Dewey shuts the jeep door and heads for campus when Gale Weathers
appears, her fake face aglow.
GALE
Hi! Gale Weathers. Field Correspondent,
INSIDE STORY.
DEWEY
I know who you are, ma'am. How's the eye?
GALE
Productive. So they're closing down the
school?
DEWEY
Well... uh... yes ma'am. For the time
being.
Dewey heads for the school building. Gale scurries along side him
flirtatiously.
GALE
And why is that? Has something happened?
DEWEY
You're not supposed to be here, ma'am.
GALE
I know, I should be in New York covering
the Sharon Stone stalker but who knew?
Please, call me Gale. You look awfully
young to be a police officer.
Dewey's eyes wander down to Gale's long legs, the way her hips
move as she walks... he's clearly distracted.
DEWEY
I'm twenty-five years old, ma'am.
GALE
Twenty-five, huh? In a demographic study I
proved to be most popular amongst males,
11-24. I just missed you. Of course, you
don't look a day over twelve, except in
the upper torso area. Does the force
require that you work out?
Dewey looks away, blushing a bit.
DEWEY
No, ma'am. Because of my boyish good
looks, muscle mass has increased my
acceptance as a serious police officer.
They approach the school's front entrance. Suddenly, Mr. Himbry's
VOICE in amplified through intercoms across campus via the PA
system. They stop to listen.
MR. HIMBRY
(via PA)
"Your attention please. Due to the recent
events that have occurred and until it
comes to a resolve effective immediately
all classes are suspended til further
notice. The Bayboro Police Dept. has also
asked me to announce a city wide curfew
beginning at 6 o'clock PM. I repeat..."
Gale speaks over Mr. Himbry's voice.
GALE
Boy, you people sure do make fuss over a
serial killer.
DEWEY
Serial killer is not really accurate,
ma'am. The killer has yet to strike twice.
GALE
Well, we can hope, can't we? We certainly
don't have any leads. A ghost mask, a
cellular phone – not much there.
DEWEY
We're tracking the cellular phone bill.
GALE
Really? You small town guys are good. And
have you located Sidney's father?
DEWEY
No, not yet.
GALE
He's not a suspect, is he?
DEWEY
We haven't ruled out that possibil...
Dewey, realizing he's said too much, clams up.
DEWEY
If you'll excuse me, ma'am.
GALE
Am I keeping you? I'm sorry.
DEWEY
That's quite alright. If I may say so,
ma'am, you're much prettier in person.
Dewey starts up the school's front steps as the bell RINGS.
GALE
So you do watch the show?
He turns to her earnestly as STUDENTS come pouring out the front
doors.
DEWEY
I just turned 25. I was 24 for a whole
year.
GALE
You are precious. Please, call me Gale.
She smiles deliciously, gives him a wink, then struts off as
Dewey, like a nervous little school boy watches her go.
Ratings
Scene 22 - The Party and the Principal's Demise
School is clearing out. The halls have begun to empty as Tatum
escorts Sidney down the hallway.
TATUM
It was just some sick fuck having a laugh.
SIDNEY
It was him, Tatum. I know it.
Tatum wants to believe her but...
TATUM
You are not to be alone again. Is that
clear? If you pee – I pee.
Stu appears.
STU
Is this not cool or what? Hey, Sid, what
happened?
TATUM
For once, Stu, drop it.
STU
Okay, but whatever you did the entire
student body thanks you.
Stu moves to Tatum and gives her a kiss.
STU
And to celebrate this impromptu fall
break, I propose we have a party. Tonight,
my house.
SIDNEY
Are you serious?
STU
My parents are out of town. It'll be like
my hurricane bash last year. Nothing
extreme. Just a few of us, hangin'.
Tatum warms to the idea.
TATUM
This could be good. What do you think,
Sid?
SIDNEY
I don't know...
TATUM
Come on. Pathos has it's perks.
Sidney considers trying hard to be good spirited.
STU
Remember, there's safety in numbers.
SIDNEY
(giving in)
Yeah, okay... whatever.
STU
Cool. See you guys tonight. Bring food.
Stu speeds off, sliding down the empty hallway.
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE – LATER
Mr. Himbry sits at his desk staring at the ghosts masks before
him. He picks one of them up, snickering.
MR. HIMBRY
Damn...
He stands and moves to the closet next to his office door. He
pulls it open to reveal a mirror hooked inside the door. He tries
the mask on, pulling it over his face, looking in the mirror
when...
A KNOCK AT THE DOOR stops him. He rips the mask off his head,
turns to his office door and opens it to reveal...
AN EMPTY DOORWAY
He pokes his head into the outer office area and looks around. But
no one's there.
MR. HIMBRY
Yes? Hello?
The place is empty. A little suspicious he closes the door,
catching his reflection in the closet mirror. He looks at the mask
in his hands. Jesus, even he's jumpy. Two seconds later...
ANOTHER KNOCK AT THE DOOR. Himbry grabs the door quickly, this
time throwing it open. Again no one's there. He steps out into the
outer office determined to catch a prankster.
INT. OUTER OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Completely empty. Mr. Himbry moves through the outer office and
into the school corridor. The overhead lights have been turned off
and the corridor is now dark and deserted. He looks up and down
the hall. Only a JANITOR is seen in the distance pushing a broom.
MR. HIMBRY
Little shits.
Mr. Himbry returns to his office.
INT. OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Himbry reenters his office, moving to his desk, when he spots the
closet door NOW CLOSED SHUT.
This gives him a pause-he had left it open. Hadn't he? Suddenly,
he can't remember. He shifts uneasy, reaching for the door knob,
pulling the door open to reveal...
AN EMPTY CLOSET. He stands still a moment, suddenly realizing
someone could easily now be standing behind the open closet door.
Nervously, he pushes it shut to reveal...
NOTHING. Himbry shakes away his jitters, realizing he's spooked
himself. He continues to his desk, pushing his office door shut
when...
A GHOST MASKED FIGURE lunges from behind it... knife in hand.
Quick and easy. Three quick jabs to the stomach and Himbry goes
down. The GHOST MASKED FIGURE towering above him.
Ratings
Scene 23 - Uncovering Secrets
The late afternoon sun is quickly disappearing.
Tatum and Sidney rock on the front porch looking out into the
small town neighborhood. Dewey's patrol jeep is parked in the
driveway.
Despite loud music, BLARING from an inside stereo, this is a quiet
moment.
TATUM
Maybe Cotton Weary is telling the truth.
Maybe he was having an affair with your
mom.
SIDNEY
So you think my mom was a slut too?
TATUM
I didn't say that, Sid. But you know there
were rumors. Your dad was always out of
town on business. Maybe your mom was a
very unhappy woman.
SIDNEY
If they were having an affair how come
that Cotton couldn't prove it in court?
TATUM
You can't prove a rumor. That's why it's a
rumor.
SIDNEY
Created by that little tabloid twit Gale
Weathers.
TATUM
(delicately)
It goes further back, Sid. There's been
talk about other men.
SIDNEY
And you believe it?
TATUM
Well... you can only hear that Richard
Gere-gerbil story so many times before you
have to start believing it.
A long silence as Sidney agonizes over all of this. She stands up
and moves to the edge of the porch and stares out onto the
neighborhood.
SIDNEY
If I was wrong Cotton, then he's still out
there.
TATUM
Don't go there, Sid. You're starting to
sound like some Wes Carpenter flick. Don't
freak yourself out – we've got a long
night ahead of us.
SIDNEY
You're right. I'm cracking up. Ignore me.
TATUM
Come on, let's rock.
Sid follows Tatum inside the house never seeing the GHOST MASKED
FIGURE that stands across the street, under a tree. His presence
so subtle and unobtrusive you'd have to see this movie a second
time to know he was there all along.
EXT. MAIN STREET – LATER
Stu is moving along main street when Billy comes barreling up next
to him.
BILLY
How'd you do?
STU
Piece of cake. She'll be there.
BILLY
Thanks, butt wart. You did good.
STU
So you gonna try and make up with Sid?
BILLY
Duh... that's quick.
STU
I was just asking. Why are you always at
me?
BILLY
Because I'm trying to build your self-
esteem. You're far too sensitive.
STU
Oh...
Billy thumbs Stu's forehead.
BILLY
You ready to party hard tonight?
STU
You know it.
They come to a building centrally located in the heart of Main
Street. A huge, blue monstrosity that's bigger than the local bank
and post office combined. The sign in front reads "BLOCKBUSTER".
Ratings
Scene 24 - Blockbuster Video and Patrol Duty
You typical Blockbuster – huge and crowded. Randy, in his
Blockbuster get up, is busy reshelving returns when Stu appears –
knocking the videos out of his hand.
STU
Jesus, this place is packed.
RANDY
(picking up videos)
We had a run in the mass murder section.
STU
You coming tonight?
RANDY
Yeah, I'm off early – curfew you know.
(looking off)
Now that's poor taste.
STU
What?
Randy refers to Billy who stands down the aisle talking to TWO
GIRLS. (The twits from the bathroom perhaps.)
RANDY
If you were the only suspect in a
senseless bloodbath would you be standing
in the horror section?
STU
It was all a misunderstanding. He didn't
do anything.
RANDY
You're such a little lap dog. He's got
killer printed all over his forehead.
STU
The why'd the police let him go?
RANDY
Because, obviously they don't watch enough
movies. This is standard horror movie
stuff. PROM NIGHT revisited.
Randy moves down the aisle, reshelving videos.
STU
Why would he want to kill his own
girlfriend?
RANDY
There's always some stupid bullshit reason
to kill your girlfriend. That's the beauty
of it all. Simplicity. Besides, if it's
too complicated you lose your target
audience.
STU
So what's his reason?
RANDY
Maybe Sidney wouldn't have sex with him.
STU
She's saving herself for you.
RANDY
Could be. Now that Billy's tried to
mutilate her, you think Sid would go out
with me?
STU
I think her father did it. How come they
can't find his ass?
RANDY
Because he's probably dead. His body will
come popping out in the last reel
somewhere... eyes gauged. See, the police
are always off track with this shit, if
they'd watch PROM NIGHT they'd save time.
There's formula to it. A very simple one.
Everyone's always a suspect – the father,
the principal, the town derelict...
STU
Which is you...
RANDY
So while they're off investigating a dead
end, Billy, who's been written off as a
suspect, is busy planning his next hunting
expedition.
BILLY (O.S.)
How do we know you're not the killer?
Randy spins around to find Billy right behind him. Busted.
RANDY
Uh... hi, Billy.
BILLY
Maybe your movie-freaked mind lost it's
reality button?
Randy shrugs, laughing it off.
RANDY
You're absolutely right. I'm the first to
admit it. If this were a scary movie, I'd
be the prime suspect.
STU
And what would be your motive?
RANDY
It's 1995 – motives are incidental.
EXT. MAIN STREET – LITTLE LATER
Dewey's patrol jeep makes it's way down mainstreet. It's almost
dark. The street is close to deserted.
INT. PATROL JEEP – CONTINUOUS
Dewey's behind the wheel having a heated conversation with Tatum
while Sid stares out the window.
DEWEY
A party? Mom's gonna kill you. Then me.
TATUM
Don't be so self-righteous. It's just a
little blow out – we'll be perfectly safe.
Sid stares out the window. CLOSED SIGNS fill the storefronts, a
few people rush to their car, in a hurry to beat curfew.
SIDNEY
God, look at this place, it's THE TOWN
THAT DREADED SUNDOWN.
DEWEY
Hey, I saw that movie. True story, 'bout
some killer in Texas.
TATUM
Hey, Sid. Just think if they make a movie
about you. Who's gonna play you?
SIDNEY
Oh, god...
Dewey comes to a stop, parking the car in front of the police
station. He looks to Sid with a brotherly smile.
DEWEY
I see you as a young Meg Ryan myself.
SIDNEY
Thanks, Dewey. But with my luck they'd
cast Tori Spelling.
Ratings
Scene 25 - Curfew and Confessions
They pile out of the jeep. Dewey heads for the station.
DEWEY
I'll just be a few minutes. Don't go far.
The girls take off for the local supermarket that sits across the
street.
SIDNEY
Is Billy going to be there tonight?
TATUM
He better not be. I told Stu to keep his
mouth shut. I think we can live without
EVERYBODY'S ALL AMERICAN for one night.
They approach the grocery store. Small and simple. Sid and Tatum
grab a shopping cart from the bin and enter the store, pushing the
cart through two sliding glass doors.
A lone CHECKOUT LADY behind the counter, big and frumpy, looks up
from counting money.
CHECK OUT LADY
You girls gonna have to hurry it up. We're
under curfew.
TATUM
Two minutes tops.
They make a bee-line for the junk food section just as the
automated doors slide shut behind them and a...
GHOST MASKED FIGURE appears, out of nowhere, standing just
outside, watching, quietly through the glass store windows.
EXT. POLICE STATION – SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Sheriff Burke's face heats up as Deputy Riley marches in,
hurriedly.
SHERIFF BURKE
Dewey! Where the hell you been, boy?
DEWEY
Keeping my eye on Sidney.
SHERIFF BURKE
Listen up, Dewey, because it's bad. Real
bad. Aircomp just faxed us. The calls were
listed to Neil Prescott, Sidney's father.
He made the calls with his cellular phone.
It's confirmed.
DEWEY
Couldn't his cellular number have been
cloned?
SHERIFF BURKE
There's more. Guess what tomorrow is? The
anniversary of his wife's death. It all
fits. He's our man.
DEWEY
Have you contacted the bureau?
SHERIFF BURKE
They believe he's out of state by now.
We'll keep roadblocks and curfew in effect
through the night. If he's not picked up
by morning we'll do a house to house.
DEWEY
You think he could still be in town?
SHERIFF BURKE
He'd have to be crazy. Where's Sidney?
DEWEY
She's with my sister. Should I bring her
in?
SHERIFF BURKE
Hold off for now. Just stay close to her.
DEWEY
She'll be with her friends over at Stu
Maker's tonight.
SHERIFF BURKE
Watch her. Don't let on. Just keep your
eyes out.
DEWEY
Yes, sir.
INT. SUPERMARKET – FEW MINUTES LATER
Sidney and Tatum push a basket through the junk food section. The
store is completely empty. The girls gab freely.
SIDNEY
Billy's right. Whenever he touches me, I
just can't relax.
TATUM
You have a few intimacy issues as a result
of your mother's untimely death. It's no
big deal. You'll thaw out.
SIDNEY
But he's been so patient with me, Tatum.
You know, with all the sex stuff. How many
guys would put up with a girlfriend who's
sexually anorexic?
TATUM
Billy and his penis don't deserve you.
Sidney grabs some chips and salsa from the shelf. Down the aisle,
through the storefront window the Ghost Masked Figure still stands
watching their every move.
Ratings
Scene 26 - The Party Begins
Sid pushes the cart out of the glass door with Tatum riding it.
The Ghost Masked Figure is nowhere to be found.
SIDNEY
What do you think about when you're having
sex?
TATUM
With Stu, there's little time to stop and
reflect. But sometimes before, to relax
and get in the mood, I think about Grant
Goodeve.
Sid pushes the cart and Tatum across the street.
SIDNEY
Who?
TATUM
Grant Goodeve the oldest brother on EIGHT
IS ENOUGH. Remember that show? He was the
one who lived off alone. He would come
around every now and then with his guitar
and sing "Eight is enough to fill our
lives with love... "He had all these brain
dead sisters and that idiot brother from
CHARLES IN CHARGE. God, I was in love with
Grant, he was so hot. The show came on
every day after school right during my
puberty years. Grant Goodeve was very
instrumental in my maturing as a woman.
SIDNEY
How does that get you in the mood with
Stu?
TATUM
During foreplay, I sing the theme song to
myself. "Eight is enough to fill our lives
with love... " It's a real turn on.
SIDNEY
No way.
TATUM
Grant wrote the song himself. I'm
convinced the lyrics had a secret meaning,
"Eight is enough... "
Sid pushes the cart up to Dewey's jeep. Tatum hops off.
SIDNEY
What secret meaning? Like a Satanical
thing?
TATUM
Watch the show, Sid. His basket is bigger
than the one you're pushing.
SIDNEY
TATUM!
TATUM
Oh, Sidney. WHAT? A guy can talk tits til
he's dead but the minute you mention an
eight inch weenie. Watch out.
Sidney stops just short of a laugh. Tatum pulls the back jeep
door, loading the groceries in. Behind her, the Ghost Masked
Figure appears, just out of their sight, behind the jeep's open
back door.
TATUM
There's that sense of humor. I knew it
still existed. Ohh, Sid, let's have some
fun tonight.
SIDNEY
Deal.
Sidney moves to the back door and closes it shut, when from
behind...
Dewey stands. Sid jumps, startled.
DEWEY
You girls ready.
SIDNEY
Yeah.
DEWEY
Looks like I'm your personal bodyguard
tonight, Sid.
TATUM
No, Dewey. You'll ruin the whole night.
DEWEY
Sorry, police orders. I'll stay out of the
way, I promise.
TATUM
Shit.
Tatum kicks the shopping cart out of the way, blindly. It rolls
down the road by itself, gaining speed on a decline running smack
into the Ghost Masked Figure who stops the cart cold with one
hand.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD – NIGHT
Dewey's jeep makes it's way down a long, winding road. Headlights
illuminate the thick woods that line each side. Following behind
them at a discreet distance is a huge white newsvan.
Dewey comes to the end of the road. It dead ends at...
STU'S HOUSE which sits alone in a clearing, big and ominous with
no neighbors in sight. A huge old home just ripe for a night of
fun and... terror.
From the looks of things the party has already started. Music is
BLARING. A few KIDS hang on the porch.
INT. LIVING ROOM – MINUTES LATER
A big room with KIDS sprinkled throughout-smoking, drinking,
cutting up. A stereo BLASTS music while the TV airs around the
clock killer coverage.
Tatum and Sid enter with groceries. Various FRIENDS greet them.
TATUM
Caterer's here.
The girls carry bags through a hallway that opens up onto an
enormous kitchen. Stu and some GUYS are leaning over the sink
drinking beer through a funnel.
TATUM
That's mature.
STU
Where you guys been? We had to start
without you.
EXT. STU'S HOUSE – ROAD
The newsvan pulls up and parks unobtrusively on the side of the
road a few feet down from the front yard.
Ratings
Scene 27 - News Van and Kitchen
Kenny and Gale move around inside the van. Kenny hovers over a
control panel complete with video monitors.
KENNY
What's the plan?
GALE
Prep the compact, we'll hide it in a
window and tape all of tonight's
festivities.
Kenny picks up a compact video camera the size of his fist. He
checks its battery pack.
KENNY
The control board's glitched. You know we
can't carry a live picture.
GALE
What's the delay?
KENNY
About thirty seconds.
GALE
As long as it records I don't give a shit.
We're not doing a remote.
Gale slides open the side door and steps out into the darkness,
not seeing the FIGURE that stands behind her. A hand grabs her
shoulder, Gale's heart stops as she spins around to find...
Dewey, smiling, extremely pleased to see her.
DEWEY
Evening, ma'am.
GALE
Deputy... good evening.
DEWEY
What brings you out to these parts?
GALE
You never know when or where a story will
break.
DEWEY
Not much story here. Just a bunch of kids
cutting loose.
GALE
Then what are you doing here?
DEWEY
Keeping an eye on things. Checking the
place out.
GALE
Mind if I join you?
Dewey considers for a whole two seconds.
DEWEY
Not at all.
Gale leans in the van, grabs the camera from Kenny's hand, and
throws it in her bag. She gives Kenny a wink.
INT. KITCHEN
CLOSE ON A MICROWAVE
Popcorn POPS inside. CAMERA WIDENS TO REVEAL...
Sid, Stu, and Tatum moving about the kitchen, preparing a junk
food feast. Other TEENS pop in and out. Randy appears amongst
them. He carries an armful of videos.
RANDY
I thought we'd make it a BLOCKBUSTER
night.
He lets the videos splatter across the kitchen counter. Stu and
Tatum dive in.
STU
I thought everything was checked out.
RANDY
I had 'em hid in the foreign section.
Sidney peruses the videos.
SIDNEY
THE FOG, TERROR TRAIN, PROM NIGHT – How
come Jamie Lee Curtis is in all these
movies?
RANDY
She's the Scream Queen.
STU
With that set of lungs she should be.
TATUM
(to Sid)
Tits. See.
Ratings
Scene 28 - Party and Media Drama
The party is going strong. Ten maybe fifteen people stand, sit,
lean. Some crowd around the floor in front of the television.
Randy is taking a vote.
RANDY
How many EVIL DEAD'S?
(hands go up)
How many HELLRAISER'S?
Hands go up. BICKERING AD-LIB, etc.
The doorbell RINGS. Stu goes for it.
STU
I got it. Tatum get me a beer. They're in
the fridge in the garage.
TATUM
What am I? The beer wench?
STU (O.S.)
Hey, guess who's here? It's that chick
from INSIDE STORY?
They look up the hallway to see Dewey and Gale standing in the
foyer.
TATUM
Shit, Dewey!
Everyone perks up, eyeing Gale.
TATUM
What is she doing here?
DEWEY
She's with me. I just wanted to check on
things.
The GUYS in the room are drooling over Gale. Including Stu.
TATUM
So you did. Now leave... and take your
media muff with you.
Tatum takes off for the kitchen.
Gale has quickly become the focus of the party. All eyes are on
her.
SOME TEEN
I watch your show regularly.
STU
This must be big news to be on INSIDE
STORY.
GALE
Huge.
ANOTHER TEEN
Wanna interview us?
RANDY
We could be like two grief stricken
students and we'll say really nice things
about our good friends who were
slaughtered senselessly.
STU
I can cry on cue.
Gale eyes the bookshelf above the television.
GALE
Maybe later?
Suddenly, Gale starts to COUGH.
GALE
Can I trouble you for some water?
STU
How 'bout a beer? Randy, get the lady a
beer.
RANDY
You get it.
Gale slips the camera from her bag, hits the ON switch and holds
it behind her... waiting for the right moment.
BACK IN FOYER
SIDNEY
Have they found my father?
DEWEY
Afraid not.
SIDNEY
Should I be worried?
DEWEY
Not yet.
INT. KITCHEN
Tatum is alone in the kitchen. She empties popcorn into a bowl,
then pulls open the refrigerator... looks quickly, then
remembers...
She moves through the adjoining laundry room to the...
Ratings
Scene 29 - Tatum's Final Fight
The kitchen door opens and light floods the darkened garage. Tatum
stands in the doorway searching for a light switch.
She finds a button and hits it. BRRRRMMM! The electric garage door
starts to rise. Wrong switch. She hits it again and it closes.
She finds another switch. CLICK. A small lightbulb overhead comes
on, barely lighting the large two car garage, leaving pockets of
shadows along the wall.
Tatum spots the refrigerator against a far wall and heads for it,
not seeing the kitchen door, quietly, slowly, closing behind her,
sealing her off from the rest of the house.
Tatum stumbles to the refrigerator and throws it open. Its light
casts a glow across her face.
CRASH-BOOM!
Tatum jumps, spinning around just in time to see a cat escape
through a large pet door that's built into the garage door. She
smiles at her jumpiness.
Tatum loads up with as many beer as her hands will carry and heads
back to the kitchen.
At the kitchen door, she juggles the beer, reaching for the knob.
It's locked.
TATUM
SHIT!
She KICKS it with her foot several times.
TATUM
Hey, Shitheads!
A moment. No answer.
TATUM
OH, SHIT PISS!
Tatum leans over and, with her elbow, hits the garage door button.
BRRRMM! It begins to rise.
She moves towards the rising door, beer in hand. Suddenly, CRR-
BRRRM! The garage door RESETS, reversing direction, moving down,
closing.
TATUM
What the...
Tatum spins around to see...
A GHOST MASKED FIGURE
Silhouetted in the dark, next to the kitchen door, his hand on the
switch. Tatum at once GASPS, taken back, but then relaxes.
TATUM
Is that you, Randy? Cute.
The Figure stares at her, blankly.
TATUM
And what movie is this from? I SPIT ON
YOUR GARAGE.
Tatum takes a step towards the Figure.
TATUM
Lose the mask. If Sidney sees it, she'll
flip.
The Figure shakes his head slowly from side to side.
TATUM
Oh, you wanna play psycho killer?
The Figure slowly nods.
TATUM
Can I be the helpless victim?
The Figure slowly nods again.
TATUM
Okay, let's see. "No, please don't kill
me, Mr. Ghostface. I want to be in the
sequel."
Tatum takes a step to move around the Figure, but he steps too,
blocking her.
TATUM
Cut, Casper. That's a wrap.
Tatum moves again, sidestepping the Figure, but he's faster and
cuts her off.
Tatum juggles the beer against her chest with one hand and with
the other pushes the Figure hard, knocking him aside.
TATUM
Randy, will you stop?
But as the Figure intercepts, lunging forward, grabbing her wrist
hard, Tatum stumbles... beer cans hit the floor, spewing...
TATUM
You little shit.
Tatum yanks hard, releasing his hold when a flash of silver
catches her eye. She looks down, glimpsing a long sharp blade as
it darts forward, cutting into her forearm...
Tatum pulls back, horrified, as the moment turns deadly serious.
The Figure advances on her, knife out, ready. She staggers
backwards, holding her bloody arm, backing into the refrigerator,
SCREAMING.
TATUM
Who are you?
The Figure lashes out with the knife. Tatum dodges it, leaping
back against the fridge. The Figure advances. Instinctively, she
rips the top freezer door open, BASHING the FIGURE in the face,
sending him backwards, reeling.
Tatum bolts to the... CLOSED GARAGE DOOR. In a panic, she BEATS
and PULLS on it, trying to make it lift. She eyes the Figure...
he's recovering...
She goes for the pet door, dropping to the floor, diving for it...
she wedges her upper body through, her head, shoulders, torso just
as the...
Figure pounces, grabbing hold of her feet. Tatum goes crazy
SCREAMING and KICKING trying to get through.
EXT. GARAGE DOOR
Tatum is half in/half out of the pet door. She BEATS and JERKS
wildly, unable to see the Figure on the other side...
A true fighter, Tatum kicks hard, making direct contact with the
Figure, knocking him away.
She takes the moment to pull herself through further... but she
stops... stuck. She pulls and tugs but can't move. She listens but
hears nothing. Where did he go? An agonizing silence. And then...
CRR-BRRRM! The garage door is activated. It begins to rise upward,
taking Tatum with it. She SCREAMS MADLY.
TATUM
NOOOOOOOO...
Tatum's arms and legs fly about violently as she tries to free
herself from the door, but it moves too fast, carrying her up...
She looks above to see where the door rolls back into garage
rafters just as her neck hits the first beam, SNAPPING instantly.
Ratings
Scene 30 - Forgiveness and Confession
It's getting late and SOME KIDS leave through the front door,
muttering, "parents and curfew", etc. The door hangs open wide.
Sid moves to close it when... .
Billy appears in a classic fake scare.
SIDNEY
Billy? Jesus, you scared me.
Stu appears.
STU
(with a wink)
Dude. What are you doing here?
BILLY
I was hoping Sid and I could talk.
SIDNEY
If Tatum sees you she'll draw blood.
STU
You guys can go up to my parents room? To
talk and... whatever.
BILLY
Subtlety, Stu. Look it up.
SIDNEY
It's okay. We need to talk.
Sid grabs his hand and leads him up the staircase. Randy appears
from the kitchen just in time to see Sid and Billy disappear
upstairs.
RANDY
What's Leatherface doing here?
STU
He came to make up.
RANDY
There goes my chance with Sid.
STU
Like you had one.
INT. NEWSVAN
Kenny fidgets at the control board. He hits a coupla buttons,
bangs the side of the monitor and a picture emerges... the living
room. The camera is positioned just above the television...
ON SCREEN
The party is in full swing. Several TEENS sit right in front of
the television. Because of the camera's position they appear to be
staring right into the lens.
Suddenly, the van's side door slides open and Gale pops in.
KENNY
Got a picture. Perfect placement. We can
see everything.
Gale is ecstatic.
GALE
Tell me, Kenny, has a cheesy tabloid
journalist ever won the Pulitzer?
INT. BEDROOM
A large, master bedroom with glass doors that lead out onto a
balcony.
Sid and Billy stare at each other for a long moment. Awkward.
SIDNEY
So...
BILLY
So... I'm sorry. I've been a selfish shit
and I'm sorry.
SIDNEY
No, Billy. I'm the one who's been selfish
and self-absorbed with all of my post
traumatic stress.
BILLY
You lost your mom...
SIDNEY
But you're right. Enough is enough. I
can't wallow in the grief process forever
and I can't keep lying to myself about who
my mom was.
Billy bows his head quietly, knowingly.
SIDNEY
I think in some weird analytical,
psychological bullshit way I'm scared I'm
gonna turn out just like her, you know?
Like the bad seed or something...
BILLY
Oh Sidney...
SIDNEY
Everytime I get close to you I see my mom.
I know it doesn't make sense.
BILLY
Sure it does. It's like Jodie Foster in
SILENCE OF THE LAMBS when she kept having
flashbacks of her dead father.
SIDNEY
But this is life. This isn't a movie.
BILLY
Sure it is, Sid. It's all a movie. Life's
one great big movie. Only you can't pick
your genre.
Billy moves to her. They embrace, tenderly.
SIDNEY
I wanna let go. I do...
BILLY
Ssshh... everything's gonna be okay. I
promise.
Sidney takes the initiative, acting on impulse, kissing him long
and hard. She breaks away passionately, out of breath.
SIDNEY
Why can't I be a Meg Ryan movie?
Billy nibbles her neck.
BILLY
Sshh... it's okay.
SIDNEY
Or even a good porno.
BILLY
(shocked)
What?
She stares at him, her eyes sexually charged.
SIDNEY
You heard me.
BILLY
(incredulous)
Are you serious?
SIDNEY
(surprising herself)
Yeah... I think so.
They smile at each other.
Ratings
Scene 31 - Horror Movie Rules
The camera sits on the book shelf lodged between two knickknacks,
completely inconspicuous. The CAMERA WIDENS to reveal several
TEENS watching the TV. The horror diehards.
TEEN #1
Look, here it comes. SPLAT!
TEEN #2
The blood's not the right color. Why do
they do that? It's too red.
RANDY
Here comes another...
TEEN #3
Predictable. Knew he was going to bite it.
BORED TEEN
How can you watch this shit over and over?
RANDY
Shhhhh.
STU
I wanna see Jamie Lee's breasts. When do
we see Jamie Lee's breasts?
RANDY
Not until TRADING PLACES in '83. Jamie Lee
was always the virgin in horror movies.
She didn't show her tits until she went
legit.
BOY TEEN
No way.
RANDY
That's why she always lived. Only virgins
can outsmart the killer in the big chase
scene in the end. Don't you know the
rules?
Stu finishes his beer.
STU
What rules?
Randy hits the pause button on the remote and stands in front of
the television, explaining.
RANDY
There are certain rules that one must
abide by in order to successfully survive
a horror movie. For instance: 1. You can
never have sex. The minute you get a
little nookie – you're as good as gone.
Sex always equals death. 2. Never drink or
do drugs. The sin factor. It's an
extension of number one. And 3. Never,
ever, ever, under any circumstances, say
"I'll be right back."
STU
Wanna another beer?
RANDY
Yeah.
STU
I'll be right back.
Everybody "ooohhs".
RANDY
There he goes folks – a dead man. Wave
bye-bye.
INT. NEWSVAN – CONTINUOUS
Gale and Kenny watch the monitor. The party is clearing out some
A RAP at the van door. Gale pulls it open to see Deputy Riley
standing, his face all smiles.
DEWEY
Sheriff just radioed me. I'm gonna check
out a possible lead. Thought you might
like to join me.
GALE
What kind of lead?
DEWEY
A car was spotted in the bushes a little
ways up the road.
GALE
I'd love to. If you're sure it's alright?
DEWEY
Ma'am, I am the Deputy of this town.
GALE
Can I bring Kenny?
DEWEY
(too quickly)
NO! I mean... I should probably take just
you.
Gale steps out of the van turning back to Kenny.
GALE
I'll be back.
She slides the van door closed.
EXT. ROAD – CONTINUOUS
Gale heads for Dewey's patrol jeep.
DEWEY
Actually, I thought we could walk. It's
not far.
Gale appears skeptical, but smiles anyway. She's genuinely smitten
by this young guy.
INT. LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
SCARY MUSIC fills the room. The party is reduced to the diehards
in front of the television.
RANDY
(pointing to TV)
Look, here comes the obligatory tit shot.
OTHER GUYS
Beautiful! Finally!
INT. BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
Billy and Sidney are going at it... passionately. He has his head
buried in her neck.
SIDNEY
(to herself)
"Eight is enough to fill our lives with
love..."
It's working. Sidney pushes Billy off her as she pulls her shirt
over her head. She fumbles with the clasp of her bra as the...
CAMERA RUSHES IN on her breasts. Just as Sid's bra straps slide of
her shoulders...
Billy moves in front of the CAMERA, pulling his jeans off,
Blocking Sidney from view.
INT. LIVING ROOM – SECONDS LATER
Back in the living room, the horror fest continues when the phone
RINGS. Everyone ignores it. It RINGS again.
Finally, Randy grabs the receiver from the side table.
RANDY
Hello? Yeah... HOLY SHIT.
Randy, freaked, drops the phone, finds the TV remote and pauses
the movie, the others protest "Hey, Put is back..." etc.
RANDY
Listen up. They found Principal Himbry
dead. He was gutted and hung from the goal
post on the football field.
This stills the room. Complete silence as the news sinks in. On
different faces... a moment of devastation...disbelief. And then:
TEEN #1
So what are we waiting for?
TEEN #2
Let's get over there before they pry him
down.
And in seconds the room is empty as everyone bolts for the
door...HOOTIN' and HOLLERIN' ... leaving Randy, near drunk, alone
in the living room. He returns to the movie.
RANDY
We were just getting to the good part.
Ratings
Scene 32 - The Ghost Figure Attacks Billy and Sidney
Kenny is barely watching the monitor, he reached boredom some time
ago. He finds a bag of Cheetos and chows down when he hears
SCREAMING from outside. He peers out the window to see the last of
the PARTY KIDS pile into two cars and race off down the road.
He chews a Cheeto slowly, his interest piqued.
INT. BEDROOM – MINUTES LATER
The sex is over... and both Sid and Billy are dressing
respectively. That post-sex awkwardness.
Sid brushes out her hair as her eyes come to rest on the telephone
on the nightstand... it puzzles her as a stark reveleation crosses
her face. She turns to Billy who sits on the floor, putting on his
shoes.
SIDNEY
Who did you call?
BILLY
What?
SIDNEY
When you're arrested you're allowed one
phone call? Who did you call?
BILLY
I called my dad.
SIDNEY
No, Sheriff Burke called your dad. I saw
him.
BILLY
Yeah... and when I called no one answered.
SIDNEY
Uh-huh.
BILLY
You don't still think it was me?
SIDNEY
No, but if it were you, that would have
been a very clever way to throw me off
track. Using your one phone call to call
me so I wouldn't think it was you.
Billy stands up.
BILLY
What do I have to do to prove to you I'm
not a killer?
He makes a move toward her when...from behind, in a split instant,
from the open balcony doors comes...
THE GHOST FIGURE
Sidney sees the Figure immediately, SCREAMING. Billy tries to calm
her, oblivious to the advancing Ghost.
SIDNEY
BILLYWATCHOUT!!!!
Billy barely turns as a long steely blade rises high in the air.
It strikes down with force... hitting his chest as blood sprays
the air.
ON SIDNEY
As red crimson splatters across her face... as the knife is thrust
in and out of Billy who tries hard to put up a fight... but it's
useless... he never had a chance. His body falls to the floor...
lifeless.
ANGLE ON GHOST
As he watches Billy's body come to a still before quietly, calmly
turning his attention to...
Sidney who stands, numb... scared to death. And only when the
Ghost takes a step forward does Sidney break. She takes off like a
rocket... leaping over the bed and out the door.
INT. HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Sidney tears out the door and down the hall, coated in Billy's
blood.
ANGLE ON THE GHOST
As he catches up with her, grabbing hold of her collar. She pulls
away from him... her shirt ripping down the back.
Her hands find a door knob and she goes for it, pulling the door
open... moving quickly inside... locking it behind her.
INT. DARK SPACE – CONTINUOUS
Total darkness. Sidney's hands scour the wall for a light switch.
The doorknob turns... the lock holds... as the door is nearly
SHAKEN from it's hinges... and then...
NOTHING. All goes silent. Only Sidney's rapid BREATHING fills the
space around her.
Sidney, trembling, shaking, reaches above her, feeling, until she
finds a string. She pulls it... as a lightbulb SWITCHES on
overhead.
She's in a small box of a room. The door is on one side, a small,
narrow staircase on the other. She eyes the doorknob, then the
staircase... contemplating... but it's an easy decision. There's
no fucking way she's going up to the attic.
She unlocks the door and pushes on it. But it won't give... she
pushes on it again. It's locked from the other side. Shit. She
turns to the staircase.
Ratings
Scene 33 - The Killer Strikes Back
A long, deserted country road. In the distance, a single
flashlight beams ahead, the only light in the black night. Gale
and Dewey can be heard.
GALE
So is Dewey your real name?
DEWEY
Dwight. Dewey was something I got stuck
with a long time ago.
GALE
I like it. It's... sexy.
DEWEY
Nah... it's just this town's way of not
taking me serious.
GALE
What about Gale Weathers? I sound like a
meteorologist...
CLOSE ON GALE AND DEWEY
Walking closely, side by side-flirtatiously. Gale is surprisingly
nervous.
GALE
People treat me like the Antichrist of
television journalism.
DEWEY
I don't think you're so bad.
Gale smiles.
GALE
Are all the local boys as sweet as you?
Dewey blushes. He starts to say something when headlights appear
behind them. They both spin as TWO CARS loaded with KIDS come
racing right at them.
Dewey grabs Gale and pushes her off the road... just as the cars
speed by, oblivious to them.
IN THE DITCH
Gale lands face up with Dewey right on top of her. He steals a
glance in her eyes before rolling off her.
DEWEY
You okay?
Something takes Gale's attention.
GALE
What's that?
Dewey looks to where gale points. He finds the flashlight and aims
it into the bush. The tail end of a car is just visible.
DEWEY
Looks like a car.
Dewey helps her up and they move to it. He shines the flashlight
on the plates but it's already obvious to the CAMERA. This is the
same car we last saw Sidney's father driving away in.
DEWEY
Shit. It's Neil Prescott's car.
GALE
Sidney's father?
DEWEY
We gotta get back. Jesus. He's here. What
the fuck is he doing here?
Dewey is panicked. He grabs Gale and they race off down the road.
INT. LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Randy continues to watch TV. He is now sloppy drunk, completely
involved in the movie on the screen.
SCARY MUSIC SWELLS, filling the room.
RANDY
(to TV)
No, Jamie. Look behind you! Watch out!
Behind you!
And if he followed his own advice, he would see the Ghost Masked
Figure that stands directly behind him... knife poised.
INT. NEWSVAN – CONTINUOUS
Kenny finishes off a soda and crushes the can in his hand. He
tosses it to the floor when a movement from the monitor catches
his eye.
ON THE MONITOR is Randy, still on the couch, engrossed in the
movie. Directly behind him... the GHOST. Kenny does a double-take.
No fucking way. He watches as the GHOST stands still, unmoving,
knife raised.
KENNY
JESUS... FUCK...
The Ghost takes a silent step forward.
KENNY
(screaming at the monitor)
BEHIND YOU! LOOK BEHIND YOU!
This kid needs help. Kenny bolts out of his seat and goes for the
side door. He slides it open and sticks his head out as...
A LONG, SHARP BLADE
Comes at Kenny, fast and furious... slicing into his throat. Kenny
falls forward... out the door as the Ghost Masked Figure is upon
him.
THE CAMERA PANS TO THE MONITOR
Just in time to see the Ghost Masked Figure turn away from Randy,
leaving him unharmed, moving instead, out the front door, on a
thirty second walk to the newsvan.
INT. ATTIC – CONTINUOUS
The attic is long and narrow... cluttered with furniture, boxes,
and the likes... moonlight filters in through a small raised
window on the front wall of the house.
Sidney moves through the attic... BUMPING into this, KNOCKING over
that... she passes a dusty mirror, jumping at her own reflection.
She cringes at her image, drenched in Billy's blood. She stares
long and hard... something about the blood, the redness of it. She
moves on, determined.
She eyes the raised window above her... a way out... if she could
only reach it...
EXT. FRONT YARD
Gale and Dewey come running up the drive, frantic.
DEWEY
I'll call for backup.
GALE
I'll get my camera.
They split up. The CAMERA FOLLOWS GALE as she rushes to the
newsvan, throwing open the door.
GALE
Kenny! Camera! Quick!
The van is empty.
GALE
Kenny?
A CAR HORN goes off. Gale spins around. It came from the patrol
jeep in the driveway.
GALE
(calling out)
Dewey?
She moves across the yard to the jeep, the door hangs open...
Dewey is nowhere to be found.
GALE
Dewey? Where are you?
A look of pure dread comes over Gale.
INT. ATTIC – CONTINUOUS
Sidney has stacked object after object building a ladder to the
window. She climbs to the top, holding onto the window frame.
She spots Gale almost immedietely. She SCREAMS OUT, looking for
the window latch. But there's not one. It doesn't open. Sidney
starts beating on it... trying to break it...
Ratings
Scene 34 - Final Showdown at Stu Maker's House
Gale, hanging tough, approaches the front door, unable to hear
Sidney's SCREAMS three floors up. Gale reaches for the door just
as she hears LOUD, HORRIBLE SHRIEKS from just inside. She backs
away.
INT. LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
AN EAR-CURDLING JAMIE LEE CURTIS SCREAM BLASTS through the empty
living room as the horror movie on TV comes to it's horrifying
climax.
Randy is now gone.
EXT. FRONT YARD – CONTINUOUS
Gale races across the yard putting distance between her and the
house. She moves back to the van...
INT. ATTIC – CONTINUOUS
Sidney has found an old tennis racket. She swings a solid forehand
at the window.
THE WINDOW SPRAYS GLASS
Sidney moves quickly, lifting herself up over broken glass and
pulling herself through the window frame.
EXT. SIDE OF THE HOUSE
Sidney wastes no time. She looks for Gale, SCREAMING, but Gale is
gone.
Sid lowers herself down the ledge, sliding down a sloped portion
of the roof onto...
THE MASTER'S BEDROOM BALCONY
Then she eases herself over the railing and lowers herself,
letting herself hang as low as she can... then she lets go, free-
falling the rest of the way... but in a split instant...
THE GHOST APPEARS
Grabbing her wrists in midair.
Her body hangs, dangling against the side of the house. The Ghost
begins to lift her, pulling her back onto the balcony.
Sidney jerks, pulls, twists... but the HANDS have her, hoisting
her up... Sidney SCREAMS MADLY... yanking one last time, freeing
herself.
SHE DROPS TO THE GROUND, a good seven feet, landing on her back,
hitting hard. She grabs at a pained leg and brings herself
upright.
INT. NEWSVAN – CONTINUOUS
Gale is frantic. She starts the engine up and hits the headlights
when she discovers she can't see out of the windshield.
Gale rubs at the glass. Sure enough, something is on the
windshield outside, blocking her sight. Gale hits the wipers as
BLOOD SMEARS across the glass, it drips down from above.
Gale SCREAMS as a HAND reaches in through the open window... she
looks up to see...
Randy, staring at her madly.
RANDY
What's going on?
A sheer moment of fear as Gale hits the gas plummeting the car
forward, into a ditch. She hits the BRAKES. Randy is thrown
forward, away from the van.
Gale reverses, backs up, hits the brakes again... just as Kenny's
face comes sliding down the outside of the windshield... eyes
wide, face distorted, blood everywhere.
Gale hits the gas, and yanks the wheel, sending Kenny's corpse
flying off the top of the van.
Gale spins the van around, onto the road, hits the gas madly,
gaining speed just as...
SIDNEY APPEARS
In the middle of the road, drenched in blood, very much resembling
a young Sissy Spacek.
Gale swerves to miss her, but she turns too sharp and the van
veers off the road at top speed... flipping over on its side,
sliding off into the thick foliage.
EXT. ROAD – CONTINUOUS
Sidney races to where the van lay on it's side. Sidney peers
through the windshield... Gale's body lay limp and bloody.
SIDNEY CRIES OUT, turning, limping to the driveway. She sees the
patrol jeep with it's open door... she goes for it.
INT. JEEP
Sidney hops in, reaches for the ignition... NO KEYS! Shit. Just
then, Sidney's eyes go to the front porch. She watches as the
front door opens and a FIGURE appears in the darkness,
undetectable.
Sidney throws the headlights... illuminating the front side of the
house, revealing...
DEWEY STANDING IN THE DOORWAY.
SIDNEY
DEWEY!
Sidney opens the jeep door, moving to him, noticing his body,
slumped, knees buckled...
And then his body falls forward, slowly, deliberately, hitting the
porch hard. Standing behind him is...
THE GHOST
SIDNEY SCREAMS FROM THE BOTTOM OF HER SOUL.
SIDNEY
NOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Sid jumps back inside the jeep, closing the door, locking it. She
reaches over and locks the passenger's door and then she... waits.
And watches as the Ghost leans over Dewey's still body, fumbling
with something. Then the Figure stands upright, in his hands he
holds...
THE KEYS
They jingle in the wind, the Ghost toying with her, enjoying
this...
Sidney, hysterical, locks eyes with the Figure as he moves to the
door, Sidney leaps on it, holding the lock button down, making it
impossible to unlock. Her face is pressed against the glass...
inches from the Masked Figure.
She uses every ounce of strength when suddenly, the Ghost
Disappears, dropping down, below the window, out of her view.
Sidney moves to the center of the jeep, trying hard to listen over
her own RAPID BREATHING, every sound AMPLIFIED.
Then she hears it, the soft JINGLING of keys near the passengers
side door. She pounces on the lock, holding it down.
A shadow cuts the beam of the headlights, unseen by Sidney. The
lock turns on the other side. Sidney leaps over and holds it down,
securing it. This is beyond nerve-racking. Sidney is certifiable.
Her eyes spot the police radio for the first time. She grabs the
mouthpiece and hits the switch.
SIDNEY
Help! Please! I'm at Stu Maker's house on
Turner Lane. Please, HE'S GONNA KILL ME!