Scene
1 -
The Fall of the Admiral: From Golden Age to Druids' Hangout
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE BAR AND GRILL - EVENING
Doo-wop music playing from its open windows, a 1950's
Detroit land yacht cruises into the parking lot, all
gleaming chrome, tail fins and spoke-rimmed whitewalls.
VIN (V.O.)
Back in the day, Camden was the
place to be. Right across the river
from Philly, it had a thriving
nightclub scene, one that rivalled
Atlantic City in almost every way.
Business is brisk, and the liquor store serves a steady
stream of customers. The cinder-block wall sports an arrow
pointing the way to the bar entrance around the side.
A trio of smoking teenagers pass around a flask, emptying it
and slicking back their Frankie Avalon hairstyles before
entering the swanky lounge via a red metal door.
TITLE CARD: The Admiral
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE BAR AND GRILL - NIGHT
SUPER: 30 YEARS LATER
The red door is now dented with aluminum patches over rusted
holes. Weeds and trash litter the sidewalk and heavy
security gates cover the liquor store's windows.
The building sits on the heavily traveled highway connecting
Philadelphia with New Jersey. The boulevard is divided by a
concrete median with a 10 foot fence reminiscent of Escape
from New York. The roadway is well lit by overhead lamps,
but the bar sits back in the shadows a bit.
2.
VIN (V.O.)
By the 90's, things in Camden had
really gone downhill. It was sad.
Decades of corruption and neglect
left the city a hollowed-out
ghetto, an open air drug market
where dealers, pimps and
prostitutes sold their services
24/7. Entire blocks became crack
houses, and the same bubblegum
gangsters who shot up the
neighborhood every night walked
those bloodstained streets with
impunity by day.
3 Harleys rumble up to the Lounge entrance. Sporting patches
identifying them as members of the Druids motorcycle club,
the burly riders kill their engines and head inside the
smoky dive bar.
VIN (V.O.)
Along that lawless 2 mile stretch
of highway, it was anything goes.
After a long moment, the heavy door bursts open and 2 of the
bikers are roughly shoved outside by a small wall of
bouncers led by stout, goateed ginger bulldog, CHOWDER, and
rangy brawler PAUL, a Roadhouse version of Danny McBride.
VIN (V.O.)
Grand Theft Auto brought to life. A
living, breathing Sin City.
5 feet of pure buxom brashness, an irate BRENDA Cordova
escorts the third man out by pinching his earlobe while
holding the tip of a switchblade firmly inside his nostril.
BRENDA
Are you fucking kidding me, JJ?
VIN (V.O.)
Welcome to the Admiral.
BRENDA
Until you learn how to behave, stay
the FUCK out, ya understand?
VIN (V.O.)
That's Brenda. She owns the place.
Believe it or not, she won the
nightclub in a divorce settlement.
3.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Biker's Visit to the Admiral Lounge: Drugs, Music, and Tension
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
JJ
Aight Brenda, take it easy. I was
here to see Laurie. The boys were
just amusing themselves while they
was waiting for me.
BRENDA
Well, it'll cost you then.
The sassy 45 year-old redhead lowers the knife, reaches into
the biker's leather vest and pulls out a small baggie of
white powder.
BRENDA (CONT'D)
And for the last fucking time--
She pries open the plastic bag and uses the extended blade
to expertly scoop out a small pile before snorting the bump.
BRENDA (CONT'D)
Stop using so much goddamn
Lidocaine.
VIN (V.O.)
Oh, did I mention that Brenda also
has a pretty bad coke habit?
Brenda folds up the switchblade and hands it back to JJ,
sniffing and pinching her nose while discretely tucking the
blow inside her gaudy sequined bra.
BRENDA
Go sell that stepped-on bullshit
over at the Quarter.
Brenda laughs and walks back to the door.
VIN (V.O.)
As I was saying:
Welcome to the Admiral.
The grizzled enforcer straddles his custom bike and turns to
address VIN, a lanky young bouncer with long dark hair.
JJ
Yo Vin, you guys still playing the
Galaxy next weekend?
4.
VIN
Yeah man, we're finally headlining.
And the guitarist from Britny Fox
and Cinderella is coming to see us
play. Said he might produce our
first album. Fingers crossed.
VIN (V.O.)
That's me, by the way. 19 and ready
to take on the world.
JJ
No shit? I like that 'Round and
Round' song! Congratulations, it's
about fucking time, brother!
The bikers nod in agreement and fire up their steel horses.
VIN
(mumbles to self)
That's RATT, dude.
Backing out, the bikes roar onto the street before
immediately turning into the parking lot of The French
Quarter, a rival strip club conveniently located next door.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Boss Battles Over New Bouncer as Danger Looms
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE BAR AND GRILL - CONTINUOUS
Brenda ushers her security team back over to the doorway.
BRENDA
Well, what am I paying you for?
Get back to work before Rizzo nods
off in the DJ booth again.
PAUL
Man, he's in rare form tonight.
CHOWDER
Hugh Hefner on acid.
VIN
He's like Wayne Newton meets Keith
Richards.
BRENDA
Hey, show some goddamn respect.
That's my husband you assholes are
talkin about.
VIN
Sorry, Boss.
5.
BRENDA
(flirty)
Don't worry, rock star.
You can make it up to me later.
CHOWDER
Aw, jeez. Here we go--
PAUL
Too late. Gail already called first
dibs on the new guy.
BRENDA
We'll see about that.
Adjusting her ample bosom, Brenda re-enters the club as the
bouncers linger outside to finish their cigarettes.
VIN
Oh, come on. She wasn't serious?
PAUL
Who, Gail? Hundred percent.
CHOWDER
I wouldn't if I was you. But man,
it sure would piss off Jumbo.
PAUL
Good. Fuck Jumbo.
Besides, its Gail. I mean, what a
way to go. Aye caramba!
VIN
What's that supposed to mean?
CHOWDER
It means be careful. Gail's biggest
fan is a homicidal fucking maniac.
VIN
WHAT?
PAUL
Yeah, he's a real piece of shit.
Him and Big Dave both.
VIN
Who's Big Dave?
PAUL
Let's just say that any powder that
comes into South Jersey has to get
the OK from Big Dave.
(MORE)
6.
PAUL (CONT'D)
He runs a few strip joints over in
Philly, too. Not a guy you want to
mess with. Jumbo works for him.
CHOWDER
He tries to convince girls from the
Jersey side to come work for Big
Dave instead.
PAUL
Fucker gives them a little blow,
maybe some meth. Just enough to get
his hooks into them, and they
pretty much do what he wants.
CHOWDER
Before you know it they're dancing
in Kensington or South Philly, all
strung out on crack and heroin.
Chowder stubs out his smoke and spits in disgust.
CHOWDER (CONT'D)
Total scumbags, both of them.
PAUL
Fucking psychos if ya ask me.
Vin holds the battered door open as his fellow bouncers file
back inside. He shakes his bewildered head with a laugh.
VIN
Well fellas, I gotta tell you, this
has been one hell of a first shift.
CHOWDER
Oh, tonight was nothing.
PAUL
Pretty quiet actually.
VIN
Are you kidding?
This place is fucking nuts.
Bringing up the rear, Vin pauses to glance at the street. A
gaunt black man sits on the stoop nursing a quart of beer
and petting a stray cat as a summer breeze blows trash
across the parking lot. The man nods at Vin, who returns the
gesture and heads inside.
7.
VIN (CONT'D)
I can't wait to see what kind of
crazy shit happens tomorrow.
The red metal door slams shut ominously behind him.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Vin's Job Search and Jumbo's Parking Lot Encounter
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
After a moment, a shadowy figure moves in the darkness at
the rear of the building, emerging from behind the dumpster
and into the flickering streetlight.
With salt and pepper hair and weighing in at 400 pounds,
JUMBO practically waddles, lumbering along with a scowl on
his sweaty face. Concealed in the palm of his meaty hand, he
repeatedly extends and retracts the blade of a box cutter.
VIN (V.O.)
I know. Be careful what you wish
for, right? We'll get to that, but
first things first.
INT. APARTMENT LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
SUPER: 36 HOURS EARLIER
Wearing construction boots and dirty jeans, Vin sits on a
shabby recliner talking to GRANDMA on the phone. He circles
classified ads and Help Wanted postings in a newspaper.
GRANDMA (O.S.)
Are you eating?
You need to eat, Vinny. You're
going to fade away to nothing.
VIN
You say that every single time.
In similar work attire, Vin's roommate CHRIS lies sprawled
on the worn sofa, stoned and seemingly dead to the world.
Other than a smoldering makeshift bowl, the coffee table
holds only empty beers, cigarette butts and guitar parts.
GRANDMA (O.S.)
Are you coming over for dinner
Sunday and bringing that nice
teacher you've been seeing?
VIN
No, we had a fight.
It's a long story.
8.
GRANDMA (O.S.)
It usually is. So, how’s the music?
VIN
Good. We have a big show coming up.
GRANDMA (O.S.)
That’s nice, maybe one day it’ll
help pay some bills.
VIN
I'm trying to find a second job to
pay for more studio time.
GRANDMA (O.S.)
Well, good luck. You know I'm
always pulling for you. I love you.
VIN
Love you too. See you Sunday.
Vin smiles and hangs up. A job offer catches his interest,
so he leans over to tap Chris' dangling shoe with a pen.
VIN (CONT'D)
Yo, think I could be a bouncer?
CHRIS
Maybe. Where?
VIN
Strip club.
Intrigued, Chris sits up and reaches for the bowl.
CHRIS
Strip club where?
VIN
Camden.
CHRIS
Yikes. Where in Camden?
VIN
Admiral Wilson Boulevard.
CHRIS
I don't know, man.
That's a bad fucking neighborhood.
VIN
Says here: 'paid in cash nightly'.
9.
CHRIS
Cash? So it's under the table?
VIN
Looks that way.
CHRIS
Cash and strippers? Call 'em up!
I'll come visit while you work!
VIN
Oh, I bet you will.
Chris takes a hit and offers the bowl to Vin, who declines.
VIN (CONT'D)
It's only part time, but the
construction gig ain't paying
enough and I don't see much else
out there right now, especially for
cash. What do I know about
bouncing, though?
CHRIS
(coughs)
What do you mean? What's to know?
Ya already know how to fight, least
now you'd be gettin paid for it.
VIN
Well yeah, but--
CHRIS
Christ, I've seen you and your
brother beat the shit out of each
other half a dozen times.
VIN
That was different. That's brother
crap. I think I've been in 3 or 4
fights my whole life.
CHRIS
Besides, it sounds like a dream
job. Isn't that supposed to be your
whole 'Rock God' persona? Sex,
Drugs & Rock N Roll?
VIN
The American Way, right?
CHRIS
It's a no-brainer. Go for it.
10.
Encouraged, Vin grabs the phone and starts to dial.
VIN
Fuck it. Why not? I'll just act
crazy if things get out of hand.
Plus, I'll be sober and they'll be
drunk. How hard could it be?
Genres:
["Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Vin's Interview and Bouncer Challenge at Admiral Lounge Bar and Grill
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE BAR AND GRILL - THE NEXT DAY
Wearing sunglasses and long hair gathered in a ponytail, Vin
exits the car into the sweltering summer heat. FREDDY, a
local homeless man, leaves his perch on the liquor store
stoop and shuffles over to greet the new arrival.
FREDDY
Watch ya car for ya, Youngblood?
VIN
Watch my car?
FREDDY
Make sure nuttin happens to it.
5 bucks.
VIN
Shit man, this thing ain't worth 5
bucks.
FREDDY
Gimme 2 dollars, then.
VIN
Nah, can't do it. Go ahead and
steal the fuckin' thing.
FREDDY
C'mon Youngblood. I'm a veteran.
Gimme somethin, man.
Vin thinks for a quick moment before he opens the trunk.
VIN
Hang on. I got you, man.
He rummages around the colorful band flyers and stacks of
demo tapes, finally emerging with a 6-pack containing 5
empty bottles and a single full beer.
VIN (CONT'D)
Here ya go, brother.
Vin hands over his last brew to the grateful Fred, who
smiles a black-toothed grin.
11.
FREDDY
Good lookin' out, Youngblood.
Fred cracks open the warm beer, draining half of it in one
long pull. He belches and smacks his lips before taking
another swig. Satisfied, Vin heads for the Lounge entrance,
pulling open the red door as Fred calls after him:
FREDDY (CONT'D)
Don't worry, I'll make sure nobody
messes with your ride, rockstar.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS
Vin smiles and removes his shades, squinting as his eyes
adjust to the dim light. He passes a cigarette machine and
emerges from the cramped alcove, joining an afternoon mix of
locals nursing beers and working stiffs tossing back shots
on their lunch break.
INT. ADMIRAL MAIN STAGE - CONTINUOUS
Strobing lights bounce off an oversized disco ball as GAIL
performs to the beat of the pulsating music. The blue-collar
crowd cheers for the raven-haired dancer, raining singles
and a few 5s onto the stage. With a practiced pounce, the
lithe Hispanic woman scales the gleaming pole before
gracefully spiraling down to collect her cash.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - CONTINUOUS
From behind the bar, STEVE greets Vin in his gravelly voice.
STEVE
Hey, can I see some ID?
VIN
Oh. Uh, yeah. I called yesterday
about the bouncer job.
Vin flips open his wallet. Steve never actually checks the
I.D. after realizing Vin is applying for a job.
STEVE
Ah, so you're the guy they're
talking about. Vin, right?
VIN
Yeah, man.
STEVE
I'm Steve, I manage the bar.
12.
VIN
Nice to meet you.
STEVE
Likewise. I'll let Rizzo know
you're here.
(to bartender)
Hey Kathy, get him something.
Bartender KATHY nods as Steve heads to a table close to the
stage, where the 50 year-old RIZZO entertains a quartet of
scantily-clad dancers seeking tips and free drinks.
KATHY
What are ya drinking, hon?
VIN
He knows I'm still underage, right?
KATHY
So are most of the dancers. Nobody
cares, especially if you work here.
VIN
I'll take a beer, then.
KATHY
Just don't get shitfaced on the
clock. Brenda hates that.
VIN
Is she the one I talked to on the
phone about the job?
Kathy nods and pops open a bottle, handing it to Vin as
Steve waves him over to Rizzo's table.
KATHY
You'll meet her later. She's gonna
love you...
Sporting a full Burt Reynolds moustache, sleek pompadour,
and saddle shoes, the charismatic co-owner holds court like
a celebrity. A worn paperback rests among the empty glasses
and full ashtrays.
RIZZO
(chuckles)
Hey, look who it is: Joe Perry!
VIN
(laughs)
Man, I wish.
13.
Vin reaches out to shake Rizzo's hand.
VIN (CONT'D)
I'm Vin. I called yesterday about
the ad in the paper.
RIZZO
My wife told me about you. Name's
Rizzo. Come, sit down. Lemme talk
to ya for a minute.
Vin takes a seat and releases his ponytail. His long, dark
mane draws admiring looks from the gathering.
RIZZO (CONT'D)
Look at that hair! Brenda told me
you had the long hair. You're in a
rock band, right? Gun Smoke or
something, she said--
VIN
(nods)
It's Gun Shy. I'm the lead singer.
Guess that makes me Steven Tyler.
RIZZO
Ha! Been reading about those guys.
The Toxic Twins. I'm a huge music
fan. We're gonna get along great.
VIN
We don't have a record deal yet,
but we play every week and we're
this close to getting signed.
RIZZO
Good for you, kid. Have fun, but be
careful out there. It ain't like
the good old days where ya caught
Herpes or the clap. That AIDS shit
will kill ya.
VIN
Guess my generation missed out on
all that groovy free love stuff.
As they chat, the group is approached by a burly bouncer
with a dark curly mullet. Wearing a polo shirt with 'Paul'
stitched on the front and SECURITY on the back, he evaluates
his potential coworker with a skeptical eye.
PAUL
What’s with the fucking hair,
Cochise?
14.
VIN
I’m in a band.
PAUL
Brenda says you're from Deptford?
VIN
Yeah, so?
PAUL
I'm from Deptford.
VIN
No shit? That's cool, nice to meet
you. I'm Vin.
PAUL
Yeah, whatever. If you're from my
hometown, I gotta know one thing.
Do you have my back?
VIN
Hell yeah, man.
I'll watch your back.
PAUL
I don't need you to WATCH my back,
pretty boy. If you're gonna work
here, I need to know that you can
GET my back. BIG fuckin difference.
Paul grabs a barstool, raises it and suddenly charges
forward. The startled group gasps in surprise and recoils.
Rising to defend himself, Vin sidesteps the aggressive
bouncer and redirects his attacker's momentum. Using timing
and leverage to his advantage, he tosses Paul on top of the
bar. Pinning an elbow to his opponent's throat, Vin gently
sets the barstool back on its feet.
VIN
We good?
PAUL
Yeah, we’re good. Want a beer?
Suitably impressed with his new hire, Rizzo laughs heartily
and claps Vin on the back while an amused Steve laughs at
Paul as he climbs off the bar.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Gail Flirts and Vin Gets the Job at the Admiral Main Stage
INT. ADMIRAL MAIN STAGE - CONTINUOUS
Gail finishes her set and crouches at the edge of the stage,
counting bills and sizing up the applicant.
15.
GAIL
Who's this?
RIZZO
New bouncer.
GAIL
Oh, I'm fucking him.
VIN
(surprised)
You are? She is?
RIZZO
Cut it out, Gail.
Stepping from the stage, the latina dancer prowls past Vin
on her way to curl up on Rizzo's lap, kissing his forehead
playfully before sipping from his drink.
RIZZO (CONT'D)
Now Vin, this is important, so pay
attention.
Rizzo shoos Gail from his lap, tilts his oversized glasses
and leans in to look Vin squarely in the eye. Lowering his
voice, he speaks with a warm, fatherly gravitas.
RIZZO (CONT'D)
My old lady pays you boys very well
to be courteous and professional to
our paying customers.
VIN
I can do that, Boss.
RIZZO
But never fucking forget, your real
job is to protect our girls from
all these horny desperate schmucks.
VIN
I can do that, too.
RIZZO
So don't act like one of them, OK?
Y'know what I'm sayin?
VIN
I think so.
RIZZO
I'm sayin don't shit where you eat.
16.
VIN
Got it.
RIZZO
Good. Welcome to the Admiral.
The tipsy dancers clap and cheer happily as Gail grins and
offers Vin a sly wink.
VIN
Does that mean I got the job?
RIZZO
Isn't that what I said? You start
tomorrow. Want another beer?
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Caught with a Fake ID: A Night at the Admiral Lounge
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - NIGHT
3 young black men are smoking a blunt and preparing to enter
the Admiral Lounge. One of them opens his wallet, nodding as
he inspects the picture on his fake ID. Tossing the roach,
the underage trio heads inside to try their luck.
After a moment, Freddy leaves his stoop and shambles over to
pick up the smoldering remains of the blunt. He puffs away,
coughing as he inhales deeply. He giggles and resumes his
perch just as the red door bursts open. The disappointed
faces of the 3 youths show that their plans have been
foiled. Chowder escorts them out with an assist from Vin.
CHOWDER
For fuck's sake, Marcus! You pull
this shit every week. I swear to
God, it's like you're insulting my
intelligence. Don't try this next
door, either. Now get outta here.
The bouncers gently shoo the teens toward the busy street.
CHOWDER (CONT'D)
And stop using your uncle's
driver's license! I went to fucking
grade school with him, ya dumbass.
VIN
Really?
CHOWDER
I dunno, probably.
They laugh as the red door closes solidly behind them.
17.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - CONTINUOUS
VIN (V.O.)
I have to admit, my first night was
a blur. I only had a couple beers,
but between the lights, the music,
and the girls, it was sensory
overload. It wasn't until my second
night that I noticed the smell.
Inside the dingy bar, Vin looks to the stained carpet in
dismay and realizes he has stepped in something nasty.
VIN (V.O.)
The whole place stunk of smoke and
spilled beer. It was a simmering
powder keg of frustration and vice.
Drunk, horny men waving stacks of
untraceable cash at women they
weren't allowed to touch.
Steve shakes his head sadly as a sympathetic barmaid hands
Vin a pile of napkins.
VIN (V.O.)
That's Laurie, part-time bartender
and full-time girlfriend of JJ, the
Vice President of the Druids, the
biker gang that supplies Steve,
Rizzo and half the customers with
crystal meth.
Waving thanks to Laurie, Vin steps gingerly past the bar and
through the maze of tables.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS
VIN (V.O.)
But what did I know? It was Friday
night, the bar was packed, drinks
were flowing, and the joint was
jumping. The whole gang was there.
A motley crew of barflies and regulars glance at him as he
passes. First up is an older fellow with a bushy moustache
who is haggling over the price of a portable CD player.
VIN (V.O.)
This is Charlie, but everyone
pronounces it 'Chahlee'. You know
that guy that always had something
to sell off 'the back of the
truck'? That's Chahlee.
18.
Passing the DJ booth, we spot another nightly fixture trying
to impress an oblivious dancer as she selects her tunes.
VIN (V.O.)
That's Jimmy Mac. Loves music as
much as I do. Made me homemade mix
tapes now and then, mostly blues
like John Lee Hooker. He'd always
try to talk to the dancers about
music, but they couldn't care less.
Weaving his way through the club, Vin bumps into a table,
jostling a double scotch and soda. A sophisticated gentleman
steadies his wobbly beverage as Vin apologizes.
VIN (V.O.)
Then there was Mr. French. Quiet
dude who looked just like the guy
from the old TV show 'Family
Affair'. Always tipped the girls
well and used to carry this cane
that pulled apart into a sword. I'm
not kidding, a fucking sword.
Vin finally reaches the Men's room door and cracks it open,
preparing to enter before turning to speak directly to the
camera and breaking the 4th wall.
VIN (CONT'D)
(to camera)
Oh, and everyone was doing drugs in
the bathroom. EVERYONE.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Vin's Responsible Attitude Amongst Drugs and New Encounters
INT. MEN'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Pinching his nose, Vin lifts his head from the porcelain
after sniffing up the remnants of a line. Paul stands next
to him in the cramped stall, holding a baggie and rubbing
his teeth as Vin hands over the rolled-up 20.
PAUL
Pretty good, right?
VIN
(dubious)
If you say so--
PAUL
It's more consistent than JJ's, I
don't care what Brenda says. And
the chick I get it from is smokin
hot.
19.
VIN
That's cool. I mean, coke's never
really been my thing, you know?
PAUL
So what are you, a fucking pothead?
Some kind of longhaired heavy metal
Kung-Fu Rastafarian?
VIN
Not really. I mean, I party, but I
always try to take care of my
voice. That stuff kills my throat.
PAUL
I can kinda respect that, I guess.
What's the name of your band again?
Gumshoe, right?
VIN
Funny.
PAUL
Cumshot! It's Cumshot, isn't it?
VIN
Is that why you're an electrician,
because comedy didn't work out?
Don't quit your day job.
PAUL
And now, ladies and gentlemen, let
me introduce the Grammy-winning
lead vocalist of Cumshot.
VIN
Just gonna keep beating this dead
horse, aren't you?
PAUL
Put your hands together for the Man
with the Golden Throat himself--
VIN
Get it out of your system.
PAUL
The one, the only: My cousin Vinny!
VIN
You're such an asshole.
PAUL
Let's hear it for him, folks.
20.
As the men leave, there is the faint sound of slow clapping
from the corner stall just before the occupant flushes.
INT. BATHROOM STALL - CONTINUOUS
The young girl rises from her knees, ashamed and humiliated
at having to perform the degrading act. She tearfully
reaches for the small baggie he dangles, before he snatches
it back and laughs. Her eyes pleading, she pries it from his
hand, dashing from the stall, desperate to fix herself.
Jumbo reaches into his jean shorts to check a vibrating
pager. He tucks a bundle of heroin into a sneaker while
pulling up his sock, which hides a folded straight razor.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - MOMENTS LATER
The young dancer sits unsteadily at the bar, completely
ignoring the lovestruck sap buying her drinks. Comfortably
numb, she nearly nods off before the ash of her cigarette
falls and breaks the narcotic trance.
She slurs an apology and attempts to ditch the customer but
slides off the barstool and crumples to the floor. A good
Samaritan steps in, picking her up as Vin rushes over to
help steady her. The bartender tends to the semiconscious
dancer and Vin thanks the kind stranger with a handshake.
VIN (V.O.)
That's Ken Rivolli. He's an off-
duty Camden police officer. He'd
stop in most nights to grab a drink
and just check on things. He cared
about being a good cop, but more
importantly he was a good person.
Pretty soon me, him, and Paul
became the best of friends.
Another young bartender takes the intoxicated girl by the
arm and leads her to the dancer's dressing room. With
caramel skin and an innocent smile, Vin is instantly smitten
the moment he looks into SAMI's beautiful brown eyes.
VIN (V.O.)
And then I met Sami.
VIN (CONT'D)
(smiles)
Hey.
SAMI
(smiles back)
Hey yourself.
21.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Brenda's Anger and Vin's Altercation
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
A visibly upset Brenda Cordova stands chain-smoking and
watching the impaired girl on the surveillance cameras.
Steve enters the office with a concerned frown on his face.
STEVE
You seeing this?
BRENDA
Yeah I saw. She's new, isn't she?
STEVE
(nods)
I'll get one of the bartenders to
give her a ride home tonight.
Furious, Brenda stalks over to the desk and snorts a thick
rail of cocaine. Sniffling, she seethes with rage.
BRENDA
It's that fat fucking piece of shit
again. I know it is. Go tell
Chowder to throw his ass out.
STEVE
Ok, but he'll just go next door.
BRENDA
I don't care where he goes, just
get him the hell out of here.
Steve nods and turns to leave as Brenda leans over and
sniffs up another line of blow.
BRENDA (CONT'D)
And Steven--
STEVE
Yeah?
BRENDA
Make sure the boys are on their
toes tonight.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - LATER
Vin escorts petite brunette dancer SANDY to her car.
SANDY
All you gotta do is look out for us
at work, walk us out to our cars at
the end of the night--
22.
Sandy pulls a 20 dollar bill from her purse, tucks it down
the front of Vin's jeans and kisses him on the cheek.
SANDY (CONT'D)
And we tip you.
VIN
Works for me. Be safe getting home.
Jumbo steps from behind a parked minivan and makes a beeline
for Sandy's car. The agile big man moves with surprising
speed in Vin's direction.
SANDY
What the hell do you want?
VIN
Hey, what's your problem?
JUMBO
You're the one with the problem
now, bitch.
Swinging wildly, Jumbo telegraphs the haymaker. Vin
reflexively raises an arm to block, deflecting the savage
blow as adrenaline kicks in and muscle memory takes over.
Vin's fist fires forward, delivering a straight right hand
to the face that momentarily stuns his attacker. He follows
up with a looping left hook to the temple that connects
solidly. Circling, Vin delivers a crushing roundhouse kick
to the knee that sends Jumbo sprawling to the pavement,
gasping and holding a broken nose.
SANDY
Good. Serves ya right, ya fat fuck.
VIN
You done, big boy?
SANDY
Oh shit.
Aghast, Sandy points at Vin's arm with a look of horror. He
stares down in confusion to see his forearm sliced opened
cleanly to the bone. No blood flowing yet, just raw white
meat and sinew poking out from tan skin.
JUMBO
(laughs)
Gotcha, motherfucker.
23.
Lying on the ground next to Jumbo is a box cutter. Vin kicks
it away while a terrified Sandy rushes back inside to summon
help. Freddy rises from his familiar spot on the stoop.
FREDDY
Yo, that was fucked up. You aight,
Youngblood?
JUMBO
(menacing)
Stay the fuck out of it, old man.
You didn't see shit.
FREDDY
Go to hell, you ugly sumbitch. I
seent the whole goddamn thing.
The rookie bouncer grips his injured arm, holding the wound
closed as a trickle of blood begins to leak and searing pain
arrives in a rush. Crimson drops spatter down the leg of his
jeans, soaking in and staining the denim black.
VIN
Fuck. I just bought these today.
Grimacing, Vin waves his good arm at the wailing siren and
flashing lights of an approaching patrol car. Fred retreats
to the shadows as 2 wary officers emerge with guns drawn.
VIN (V.O.)
So the cops show up, handcuff Jumbo
and put him in the back of the car.
But since it was so hot, they left
a window open while they were
inside taking my statement. Somehow
Jumbo crawled through it and simply
walked away into the night.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Dinner at Grandma's
INT. GRANDMOM'S HOUSE - THE NEXT DAY
In the dining room of his Grandmother's modest house, Vin
and his bandmates ALAN and JEFF sit at a table loaded with
Italian food. Pasta, sausage, and meatballs are passed
around as the long-haired rockers stuff their faces
alongside Vin's extended family.
VIN (V.O.)
Now, for Italians, Sunday dinner is
sacred. Every weekend, Grandmom
would invite the whole family over
and feed us all like kings. It was
her way of keeping the tradition
alive, and the guys always looked
forward to it after band practice.
24.
Fresh from the kitchen, the tiny matriarch surveys the table
and sets down some garlic bread.
GRANDMA
Make sure you all get enough to
eat. There's plenty. Look how
skinny my Vinny is.
VIN
What're you talking about? I gained
5 pounds since I walked in the
front door.
ALAN
(mouth full)
For real, this is amazing.
GRANDMA
Someone's got to feed you boys.
JEFF
I'll be back tomorrow, Mrs. C.
GRANDMA
So, how’s the music going?
VIN
Good. We've been opening for some
pretty well known bands lately and
even getting airplay on local
radio. We'll be recording our first
album soon, and we're thinking of
calling it 'After Dark'.
GRANDMA
That’s nice, maybe one day it’ll
make you a little money.
VIN
(cheerful)
Maybe, Grandmom. Maybe.
Taking off her apron, Grandma touches Vin's bandaged arm.
GRANDMA
That better not be a tattoo under
there. You promised.
VIN
It's not. Cut my arm at work and
had to get a few stitches.
25.
GRANDMA
(concerned)
Per un attimo mi hai fatto paura.
You've got to be more careful.
Construction work is so dangerous.
Stifling a laugh, Al nearly chokes on his second helping of
ziti. Vin nudges him with an elbow.
GRANDMA (CONT'D)
Are you working at that--
nightclub again tonight?
VIN
Yes, working at the club tonight.
Matter of fact, I gotta run.
VIN (V.O.)
Now, in her mind, The Admiral was
just some regular dance club from
back in her South Philly youth. The
truth would have broken her heart,
and I didn't want her to worry.
The assembled musicians stand and prepare to head out.
GRANDMA
When are you going to find a nice
girl and settle down?
Vin looks to the camera and breaks the 4th wall.
VIN (V.O.)
Now, there’s a thought.
CUT TO: a dancer doing a split and sliding down the pole.
VIN
I will, Grandmom.
There's a girl at work.
GRANDMA
Does this girl have a name?
VIN
Her name's Sami.
I invited her to our next show.
JEFF
There's supposed to be scouts for
the record labels there.
26.
VIN
I know we're gonna get signed.
Soon. I can feel it.
ALAN
Of course we will.
We're gonna be rock stars, man!
From across the table, AUNT GINNY sarcastically chimes in:
AUNT GINNY
Hey Rockstar, take the trash out
for your Grandparents on your way
to MTV, OK?
VIN
Of course, Aunt Gin.
ALAN
(wipes mouth)
Can I have a cannoli, Gran?
GRANDMA
Leave the napkin. Take the cannoli.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Band Members Prepare for Performance with Humor and Camaraderie
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - EVENING
Exiting the car, Vin prepares for his shift. Lifting the leg
of his jeans, he slips a combat knife inside his boot. He
pops the trunk and removes a construction pick-axe. Tamping
it on the ground, the steel head slides off, leaving a solid
42-inch wooden handle.
Vin writes the word 'RELAX' on the handle in thick black
marker, grips his peacemaker and slaps it in his palm with a
satisfying smack.
VIN
Not tonight, motherfuckers.
Freddy looks on approvingly as Vin tosses the chunk of metal
back in the trunk, closes it and heads to the red door with
a look of grim determination.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
He looks around the foyer for a few seconds, stashes his new
equalizer behind the cigarette machine and enters the bar.
INT. GALAXY DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
SUPER: 5 MINUTES TO SHOWTIME
27.
The cramped space is dimly lit, covered in graffiti and
papered over with band flyers. Next to a tattered loveseat,
5 anxious young men stand in a loose circle. Alan catches
his fellow band members up on his venereal woes.
ALAN
Had to tell my Mom. Made me go to
the drugstore with her. It sucked.
VIN
Told you not to mess with that girl
at the bar. You didn't listen, man.
ALAN
It was only a hand job under the
bar! Really didn't think I could
catch crabs like that.
JEFF:
Wait, you're 23. Why is your Mom
still taking you to the drugstore?
ALAN
Shut up. She says: Go on, tell the
pharmacist what you need and why!
VIN
Next time listen to your friends.
Or just tell her to wear a glove.
The room bursts into nervous laughter, releasing the group's
pent-up energy. They get loose, breathing deeply and
settling into performance mode.
VIN (CONT'D)
Well, this is it.
ALAN
Game time, baby.
JEFF
Did you see those A&R guys?
ALAN
There's at least 3 out there.
A door knock informs them it's time to take the stage.
VIN
Let's kick their asses.
28.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Brenda's Demands: Extra Security for the Bachelor Party
EXT. GALAXY NIGHTCLUB - LATER
The roadies load up equipment after the show while the
sweaty performers shake hands, smoke and solicit female
phone numbers.
A lively post-concert crowd streams from the building and
mulls around the parking lot, waiting for the afterparty to
ramp up as the bandmates share a joint.
JEFF
We fucking killed.
ALAN
Slayed. Destroyed.
VIN
Yeah, we were on point tonight.
ALAN
Oh, and I saw that bartender chick
you invited.
JEFF
Front row. She's pretty hot, man.
VIN
Shame she had to leave.
I'll see her at work, though.
ALAN
Yeah, boo fucking hoo. Guess you'll
have to settle for hooking up with
one of the strippers.
JEFF
They prefer to be called exotic
dancers.
VIN
(laughs)
I can't believe Paulie brought that
many girls with him.
ALAN
That guy is my new hero.
He should be our Manager.
JEFF
The A&R guys were hitting on those
chicks all night.
VIN
I just hope they were listening.
29.
ALAN
Amen, brother. C'mon, let's go
drink a beer or 12.
With fans and well wishers swarming around, the band heads
back inside the club to sell demo tapes and hand out flyers
promoting the next show.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE OFFICE - THE NEXT DAY
Vin, Steve and the bouncers are gathered in Brenda's
cluttered office. She paces in an ornate silk kimono while
smoking and biting her lacquered nails. On the messy desk
sits a silver Tiffany mirror coated in powdery residue.
VIN (V.O.)
Brenda would call us in for a
security meeting every week to let
us know what was going on. Let us
know which girls quit, which ones
got fired, and to update us on the
nonstop drama with her ex-husband
next door. But mainly it was just
Brenda checking up on her boys.
BRENDA
I hope they shoot him on sight.
STEVE
Rivolli said he's probably hiding
out somewhere in Kensington. Philly
PD's looking for him, but you know
how that goes.
VIN (V.O.)
She was like a schizophrenic Mother
figure who was also trying to
seduce you. All complimentary and
adoring until she got REALLY high.
Once we found her sweeping the
foyer topless muttering: 'I can’t
find my purse. Boys, help me find
my purse'.
BRENDA
Cocksucker better hope the cops
find his ass before my people do.
VIN (V.O.)
She could also be really cutthroat
too, and she made damn sure we were
looking out for her bar, her money
and her drugs. Like Jekyll and
Hyde. Very sweet, but volatile.
(MORE)
30.
VIN (CONT'D)
She could smile at you one minute
and have you fired or beaten to a
pulp out back the next.
BRENDA
Don't you worry Vin, that son of a
bitch will end up in a fucking
landfill for what he did to you.
STEVE
Probably several.
PAUL
Told you Cochise, don't let anyone
get within arms reach.
VIN
Don't worry, it won't happen again.
BRENDA
Now, we've got a bachelor party
coming in from Atlantic City next
weekend. I don't want shit getting
out of hand like last time, so I
called in some backup.
STEVE
Tommy's gonna come help out.
CHOWDER
I thought he retired.
PAUL
Why? We don't need him.
BRENDA
Really? Look what happened!
PAUL
Oh c'mon, it's just a few stitches.
BRENDA
I don't care.
PAUL
Besides the kid can handle himself.
VIN
Thanks, man.
PAUL
(grins)
Shut the fuck up, rookie.
31.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
A Magical First Kiss: Vin and Sami's Enchanting Encounter
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - NIGHT
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE
A trio of drunken, 80's preppy frat boys are getting too
familiar with one of the dancers, and a stocky, dark-haired
bouncer in a Member's Only jacket approaches to break it up.
VIN (V.O.)
Now, Tommy Orr was something of a
legend at the Admiral. He was
without a doubt the most feared and
respected bouncer in Camden and
Gloucester long before I showed up.
As she resists, one of the men tries to slap the squirming
girl's rear, only to have his wrist caught in mid-air.
VIN (V.O.)
You wouldn't know it by looking at
him, but Tommy was a Black belt in
Judo and a half-dozen other martial
arts. He was the real deal. Someone
you didn't want to fuck with.
His buddies rise in protest as the bouncer painfully twists
the thumb of the belligerent guest, pulling him from his
seat as the distressed woman flees to the dressing room.
VIN (V.O.)
Everyone knew not to test him.
One of the men takes an ill-advised step forward and
brandishes his beer as a weapon.
VIN (V.O.)
Well, almost everyone.
With his paralyzed captive still gasping in agony, Tommy
calmly swings a raised foot in a smooth arc, placing it
directly under the chin of the would-be aggressor. After a
moment, the man reconsiders, sets the bottle down and
sheepishly raises his hands.
END FLASHBACK
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - NIGHT
A summer shower cools the asphalt jungle. Freddy remains
huddled on his stoop as the light drizzle tapers off. Steam
rises to blanket the Boulevard, giving the grimy city a
surreal, fairytale atmosphere. Vin peeks out from the red
metal door and looks to the sky.
32.
He holds it open and Sami emerges, smiling. The couple chats
and flirts on the way to her waiting car.
VIN
I'm glad you were there.
It was nice seeing a familiar face
in the crowd.
SAMI
Sorry I had to leave.
I asked Paul to grab me a demo
tape, but he never did.
VIN
I know, I told him not to.
SAMI
What? Why the hell not?
VIN
Figured I'd wait and give you one
personally.
Vin pulls a cassette tape from his pocket. He flips it over
to reveal scribbled writing on the paper insert.
VIN (CONT'D)
It's autographed.
See, there's my name right there.
SAMI
(laughs)
Ooh, a collector's item!
I'll treasure it forever.
VIN
And that's my phone number.
SAMI
What would I need that for?
VIN
Well, I was thinking that we could
hang out some time.
SAMI
Ok. Where? Where would we go?
VIN
How about dinner and a movie?
SAMI
Not really my thing.
33.
VIN
Blockbuster and a 6 pack?
SAMI
Now you're talking.
Bathed in a halo of streetlight and shrouded in mist, Vin
leans in and the couple share a magical first kiss.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Fred's Stray Cat Encounter and Vin's Flyer Distribution Mission
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - SAME TIME
A stray cat emerges from cover and saunters over to Fred,
who sits watching the young lovers. He reaches down to pet
the tabby with a wistful, slightly bittersweet smile.
FREDDY
That's what I'm talkin about. Go
ahead, Youngblood.
INT. COMMERCIAL PRINTING STORE - THE NEXT DAY
Vin enters and greets his bandmate Jeff, who works behind
the counter making copies. He places stacks of hot pink and
neon green paper in boxes. Walking past holding one of the
colorful flyers, 2 young ladies giggle and look over at the
bandmates. Jeff waves and gives a smile as they exit.
VIN
Who was that?
JEFF
Those chicks saw us play live and
are now very big fans.
Jeff holds up a flyer advertising the band's next gig.
JEFF (CONT'D)
They will both be coming to the
show at the Cell Block next month.
VIN
What's with the fluorescent flyers?
JEFF
Marketing 101. Being seen before
anyone else gets us noticed. Plus,
this neon paper is dirt cheap.
VIN
If you say so.
JEFF
Seen our billboard on 295 yet?
34.
VIN
Wait, what?
JEFF
(laughs)
Yup. SOMEBODY climbed up onto a
billboard on 295 North and draped a
giant tarp over it. It's been up
there for like, 3 weeks now.
VIN
Holy shit! Hope the cops don't come
knocking on our doors for that--
JEFF
We can't control what our FANS do.
VIN
True, and it IS pretty fuckin cool.
JEFF
It RULES. I've already had like, 30
people ask me 'Hey, aren't you guys
the billboard band?' So yeah, it's
definitely getting some attention.
VIN
Wow, I don't even know what to say.
JEFF
Don't say anything. Seriously. Just
be grateful and start plastering
the telephone poles with these.
A grinning Jeff hands over 3 boxes of flyers.
VIN
Ok, I'm on it. Thanks, man.
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Construction Site Conversations and Jumbo's Troubles
EXT. HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY
A road crew resurfaces a residential street under the
scorching sun. Deafening jackhammers relentlessly split the
baked asphalt before falling silent.
In hard hat, orange vest and boots, roommate Chris smashes
chunks of gooey blacktop with a pickaxe while Vin shovels
the remains into a 6-wheeled dump truck. Sweat dripping, the
duo pauses to grab a drink and catch their breath.
CHRIS
Dude, you're an idiot.
35.
VIN
Care to elaborate?
CHRIS
A girlfriend?
If I was you, I'd be bringing home
a different chick every night of
the week like your boy Paulie.
VIN
Uh huh. Sure you would.
A Camden City police cruiser approaches, slows, and pulls to
the opposite curb. Officer KEN waves to the foreman.
CHRIS
Hey, is that for you?
EXT. HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION SITE - MOMENTS LATER
Leaning on the car's hood, Ken updates Vin while his partner
BRIAN reads the incident report inside the car.
KEN
We'll get him, Vin.
I promise. You have my word.
VIN
I really appreciate it.
BRIAN
Jumbo's pulled this shit before.
KEN
He'll be back in the area soon
enough. It's only a matter of time.
BRIAN
Big Dave can't be too happy with
him, either.
A call comes across the radio. Brian responds while Vin gets
the lowdown on his new friend's romantic life.
VIN
Did you start seeing Monique?
Outside of work, I mean.
KEN
For the first time in forever, I
feel like maybe I found a good one.
36.
VIN
Good for you, man. I know what you
mean. OK, so on to the important
stuff. What'd you think of the
rough mix of the new tracks?
KEN
Loved the tunes. They're as good as
anything on the radio right now.
Whitesnake, Skid Row, Bon Jovi.
You guys are going to make it, I
can feel it. 1992 is going to be
the year of Gun Shy!
Finishing the radio call, Brian taps the windshield,
alerting Ken, who hustles to take the driver's seat.
VIN
You coming by tomorrow night? Got a
bachelor party, we might need you
to stop by for a visit.
KEN
Can't, I got the kids and the ex is
bustin my balls again.
VIN
Women. Can't live with them, pass
the beer nuts.
KEN
That woman, I swear to God--
Putting the cruiser in gear, he flips on the police lights.
KEN (CONT'D)
She's gonna be the death of me.
VIN (V.O.)
Sadly, in the end, he was right.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Violence in the Admiral Lounge Parking Lot
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - EVENING
Vin exits the passenger door of Paul's muscle car.
VIN
Thanks for pickin me up.
PAUL
(lights cigarette)
Your car's a piece of shit.
You should shoot that fucking thing
and put it out of its misery. And
gimme 5 bucks for gas, Pocahontas.
37.
Handing over the cash, Vin notices a silver Cadillac rocking
slightly as it sits parked across 2 spaces. The muffled
sounds of a heated argument can be heard over the funk music
playing inside. As they walk, Vin looks on with a mix of
curiosity and mild concern.
PAUL (CONT'D)
I fucking hate bachelor parties.
VIN
Isn't that Tommy guy coming in to
give us a hand?
PAUL
We're gonna need all the help we
can get. Steve told me it's a bunch
of mob douchebags from AC.
The door of the Cadillac swings open wildly, and a working
girl desperately climbs from the plush leather interior. A
powerful hand reaches across to grab her, snags her dress
and yanks, violently dragging the woman back into the car.
VIN
Yo, what the fuck?
PAUL
That's Cadillac.
VIN
The guy's name is Cadillac? What's
he, like, a pimp or something?
The bruised streetwalker reappears, screaming obscenities
and fighting her way out of the big car.
PAUL
What do YOU think, genius?
She straightens her wig, wipes away tears and heads for the
street, hoping she can earn enough to avoid another beating.
VIN
I think any man who hits a woman is
a fucking coward.
PAUL
It is what it is.
(flicks cig)
Leave it alone unless you want to
catch a bullet.
Vin briefly looks back in anger at the Caddy's dark
windshield as the red door closes behind him.
38.
After a moment, the V8 roars to life. The Alpine blasts
classic funk as custom headlights flip around. Lurching
forward, it waits to merge into the heavy weekend traffic.
Riding a beater 10 speed bike, a smiling Fred coasts to a
stop at the driver's door. The window glides down and sweet
smoke wafts from the cabin. The men greet one another with
an elaborate handshake. Blinged-out fingers offer Fred the
lit blunt. He happily accepts, toking deeply as Cadillac
slips him 5 dollars.
FREDDY
God bless you, my nephew.
The tinted glass rises and the big car pulls away.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Preparing for VIP Arrival and Thumb-Lock Lessons
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE OFFICE - LATER
His dark hair now silver at the temples, TOMMY shows off his
thumb-lock technique to Vin by demonstrating it on an
uncooperative Paul. Lean and fit in his 50's with hard
features and the kind eyes of a grandfather, Tom speaks with
the calm, lethal confidence of a skilled man who has nothing
left to prove.
TOMMY
(twist)
Just keep the pressure here.
PAUL
OW!
VIN
Where?
TOMMY
(squeezes)
Here!
PAUL
OW! Goddamn it!
VIN
Can you show me again?
TOMMY
Oh, sure.
PAUL
C'mon. OW! Y'know, fuck you guys--
39.
TOMMY
So, just remember this little trick
the next time some joker comes at
you swinging a barstool.
Tom releases the hold. Paul gasps painfully and shakes his
hand free, rubbing his aching thumb to restore circulation.
Vin enjoys a hearty laugh at his pal's expense before Paul
points to his bandaged arm and smirks.
PAUL
What the hell are you laughing at,
Slash? Ya fucking one armed bandit.
At her desk, a worried Brenda hangs up the phone. She
gathers Steve and the others to catch everyone up to speed.
BRENDA
Alright, our VIPs left the Taj
Mahal about a half-hour ago.
STEVE
Thing is, if they won tonight,
they're gonna be even more drunk
and obnoxious than usual.
BRENDA
But if they lost, I'm stuck with 20
pissed-off goombahs taking it out
on my girls all night.
STEVE
I think we know a couple of them.
Vic DeLuca and Tony Lombardo.
TOMMY
The Saber Vending guys?
CHOWDER
'Saber Vending'? Ain't that what's
on the cigarette machine out front?
TOMMY
They own half the vending machines
from here to Cape May.
BRENDA
Don't even get me started. Those
goddamn crooks. Can't trust them.
STEVE
Take a thousand in quarters alone
outta here every month.
40.
BRENDA
Thieves, that's what they are.
Bloodsuckers.
CHOWDER
Pretty sure them guys were in here
like 2 months ago, drunk as shit.
PAUL
I remember. Tried to do flaming
vodka shots with the Russkies.
BRENDA
(scowls)
A meesa masheena on every one of
those Communist dogs.
VIN
Wait. Russians? In Camden?
STEVE
They smuggle Ukrainian girls into
Philly, take their passports, lock
them up here and make them dance,
do porn, or turn tricks in AC.
VIN
Like a sex slave? That's sick.
BRENDA
No, that's evil.
TOMMY
Human trafficking is what it is.
BRENDA
And Steven, make sure you keep the
goddamned guns out of here tonight.
STEVE
I was getting to that. Guys, we're
gonna pat down everyone coming in.
CHOWDER
Yeah sure, that'll go over well.
TOMMY
Come on, you guys know the drill.
Remember what I taught you. Be
polite, but be firm.
41.
PAUL
I can see it now: 'Hey Mr. Scarfo,
can you and Skinny Joey leave your
pieces in the car'?
BRENDA
I'm serious, last thing I need is
more goddamn bullet holes to patch.
TOMMY
Hey Brenda, you remember Hopalong
Rizzo? Pew! Pew! Pew!
BRENDA
Oy gevalt, what a night.
VIN
What happened?
STEVE
A bat got inside and flew around.
TOMMY
We couldn't get it with the broom,
so Rizzo tried to shoot it.
BRENDA
A miracle he didn't kill me.
Almost on cue, a disheveled Rizzo staggers from the office
bathroom, loosening the expensive silk tie binding his arm.
RIZZO
You're lucky I ran outta bullets.
Eyes glassy and dilated from the speedball, he rolls down
his shirt sleeve, swaying gently as he adds nonchalantly:
RIZZO (CONT'D)
2 limos just pulled up out front.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Groom's Last Night of Freedom: Guns, Cigars, and Celebration
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
A collection of stoic made men and fist-bumping young guys
pile out of dual stretch limousines wearing tuxedos, smoking
cigars and passing champagne bottles. The cocky husband-to-
be jokes around with his spiky-haired paisans as the limo
drivers park, awaiting further instruction.
One of the partygoers motions to his ankle and the Best Man
shakes his head. Frowning, the groomsman walks to the back
of the Lincoln and bends down. Hiking up his suit pants, he
removes a small pistol from its leg holster, and confirms
it's loaded.
42.
Looking around to see if he's being observed, he reaches
under the car and carefully balances the gun atop the rear
tire before rejoining the group at the red door.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - SAME TIME
Fred's head pops up from inside the dumpster. Munching on a
discarded buffalo wing, he tosses the bones to the scrawny
cat, making it clear he's been watching the whole time.
INT. ADMIRAL MAIN STAGE - LATER
Gail sets up a folding chair, twirling handcuffs while Sandy
leads the blindfolded groom stumbling onto the stage.
Clinking shotglasses, his hard-drinking buddies hoot and
holler enthusiastically, shouting 'You're Unbelievable!' as
they sing along with the one-hit wonder.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - CONTINUOUS
Steve huddles with his bouncers to get a status report.
CHOWDER
I'm tellin ya, we checked.
STEVE
Everyone was clean?
TOMMY
One guy had a leg holster but it
was empty.
VIN
I saw that.
STEVE
Think he's still got it on him?
PAUL
Where, in his drawers?
TOMMY
Maybe, you never know these days.
CHOWDER
You want us to ask him to turn his
head and cough?
PAUL
Hope he left the safety on. It's
all fun and games until you shoot
yourself in the dick.
43.
Genres:
["Crime","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Chaotic Party and Tense Confrontation
INT. ADMIRAL MAIN STAGE - LATER
Eyes covered and hands cuffed behind his back, the party's
guest of honor grins wickedly as a succession of dancers
take turns seductively gyrating and grinding against him.
The raucous crowd makes it rain while Sandy bounces on his
lap and Gail pulls his face into her chest. The women share
a long kiss as they trade places straddling the bound groom.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - CONTINUOUS
STEVE
What do you think?
TOMMY
So far, so good.
VIN
Holster dude and his buddy started
getting a little touchy-feely.
STEVE
Might have to cut those guys off.
TOMMY
(to Vin)
You did the right thing over there.
Filling drink orders, Sami smiles at Vin and hands Tom a
diet soda with lemon. The world-weary pro takes a sip before
resting a paternal hand on the rookie's shoulder.
TOMMY (CONT'D)
Next time let me handle it.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
A woozy Rizzo slouches on the leather sofa when a fluttering
copy of People magazine whacks him across the face.
BRENDA
Absolutely not! What am I, an ATM?
Brenda sits at her desk in reading glasses, chopping blow
with a credit card and frowning at a stack of overdue bills.
RIZZO
C'mon Bren, I'll get it back.
BRENDA
Bullshit. That's what you said last
time! For Christ's sake, I can
barely keep the goddamn lights on.
44.
RIZZO
We can double our money. Come on
baby, it's a sure thing!
BRENDA
You'll get bupkes from me. To hell
with those Guinea bastards. Pay
your own goddamn debts.
RIZZO
Mikey's right, after you took his
club you became a stone cold bitch.
BRENDA
Go next door then. I divorced one
schmuck, think I won't leave your
ungrateful ass too? You know I love
you very very much--
In one pass, she ingests a heart-stopping amount of coke.
BRENDA (CONT'D)
But I don't NEED you, Riz.
RIZZO
Aha, touché. Love you too.
Rizzo heads for the restroom as Brenda taps out more blow.
RIZZO (CONT'D)
(mutters)
Alte makhsheyfe.
SUPER: Old witch
BRENDA
I heard that.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Darkness Falls at the Admiral Lounge: Inappropriate Advances, Fights, and a Stolen Fortune
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - LATER
The older businessmen sit at the bar sipping bourbon and
anisette, tipping handsomely as the girls fawn over them.
Near the stage, the jubilant mood has turned darker and a
bit sinister. The drunken partiers have become progressively
more aggressive with the dancers, keeping the bouncers busy.
2 vulgar men offer the women cash and coke in return for
oral sex. Most refuse outright but soon, one accepts. The
guys high-5 as the trio slips quietly into the bathroom.
45.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - SAME TIME
Tom and Steve watch the bouncers police the guests when
Brenda comes marching out of her office sounding the alarm.
BRENDA
Goddammit, ain't youse watchin?
STEVE
What now?
BRENDA
2 guys took Cyndi into the john
while you're over here running your
mouths.
TOMMY
How'd I miss that? Must be old age.
STEVE
Think she's hustling?
BRENDA
Who the hell knows?
Have Paul get her out of there.
Seeing him occupied, Tom stands and sets down his soda.
TOMMY
He's busy, Bren. I'll handle it.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - MOMENTS LATER
A tearful Cyndi emerges from the bathroom with arms crossed
and is led by Kathy to Brenda's office.
The lavatory door muffles the sounds of a scuffle before it
bursts open again. Tom ejects one man with a kick to the
seat of his pants while holding his pal's arm bent behind
his back. He flashes a bloodstained grin from a split lip.
TOMMY
Little shits took a swing at me.
His fellow bouncers rally around Tommy, converging to grab
the offenders and shove them out the fire exit with extreme
prejudice. Their fellow partygoers object, shouting drunken
threats as tensions rise and emotions start to boil over.
INT. ADMIRAL DJ BOOTH - CONTINUOUS
Brenda storms up to the deejay booth and snatches the
microphone. The thumping music stops abruptly.
46.
BRENDA (P.A.)
That's it, party's over! Alla youse
get the hell out! We're closed.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - CONTINUOUS
Mumbled curses and groans of disappointment from the surly
crowd as they gather jackets and finish drinks.
INT. ADMIRAL MAIN STAGE - SAME TIME
The blindfolded GROOM is released by Gail. As he exits the
stage, he grabs a handful of bills from the girls' pile of
cash, prompting Sandy to cry out in protest. Vin stops him.
VIN
Put it back.
The groom defiantly scoffs and rudely flips Vin off.
GROOM
Fuck you. Make me.
Vin grabs the middle finger and yanks, twisting it at an
unnatural angle. Eyes wide with pain, the shocked groom
drops the money and takes a swipe at Vin. Leaning back to
avoid the punch, the young bouncer gives a firm squeeze. An
audible popping noise is heard as the joint dislocates.
The groom howls and reaches with his free hand to claw
viciously at Vin's eyes. In response, he bears down,
breaking the man's finger with a sickening snap.
The high-pitched scream instantly draws the attention of his
rowdy mates. The dismayed groom whimpers and raises his
wounded right hand, bawling openly as its middle digit flops
over backward, turning purple as it hangs useless and limp.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Brawl at the Admiral Lounge and Tom's Shooting
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS
Pandemonium erupts and the minor fracas becomes a full-on
donnybrook. The outraged mob descends on Vin in a hail of
swinging fists and flying beers.
Dodging a thrown chair, Chowder lowers his shoulder and
bulldozes a pair of belligerent men to the floor before
kicking and shoving them toward the exit.
Cutting a swath through the scrum, Tommy calmly and
methodically dispatches several combatants. With a series of
quick, snakelike strikes, he buries tightly-bunched
fingertips into his adversaries' windpipes. The men fall in
succession like dominos, choking and holding their throats.
47.
Bottle in hand, the Best Man sneaks around to attack Vin
from behind. Paul catches him mid-swing, elbowing him across
the nose before mashing his forehead into a tabletop.
Tom heel-stomps the shin of his final challenger as the
bouncers join up. Vin stands bruised but unbloodied next to
his coworkers, looking out at the sea of groaning, alcohol-
fueled berserkers eager to begin Round 2.
CHOWDER
Hey Vin, you aight?
VIN
Yeah, I'm cool.
PAUL
Good thing they didn't have box
cutters, huh? Vin's defenseless
against fat guys with razors.
VIN
(nervous laugh)
Shut the fuck up.
TOMMY
(chuckles)
Told you to let me handle it, kid.
4 bouncers stare down 12 furious drunks, each side waiting
for the other to make a move and provoke a new wave of
violence. Creeping forward menacingly, the vindictive
bachelor party seems poised to swarm the security team.
A deafening GUNSHOT freezes everyone and silences the room.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - CONTINUOUS
Rizzo stands atop the bar brandishing an old revolver.
RIZZO
Go ahead. Make my day,
motherfuckers.
From the DJ booth, Brenda repeats her warning.
BRENDA (P.A.)
Did yas not hear what I said?
We're closed! Go next door, go down
the street, I don't care.
Get the fuck out.
STEVE
You heard the lady. Bar's closed.
Let's move it on outside, fellas.
48.
RIZZO
D'ya feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?
BRENDA (P.A.)
Steven, for the love of God, get
that goddamned gun away from him.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - MOMENTS LATER
With a few unruly exceptions, the remaining customers head
for the door in an orderly manner. Tom chats amicably with
the older mafioso and it seems as if cooler heads have
prevailed, at least temporarily.
Juvenile taunts and wounded pride provoke an angry outburst
from inside the cramped alcove, causing a human bottleneck
mere feet from the door. On his way out, the injured groom
kicks in the plexiglass front panel of the cigarette
machine. The rapacious crowd snatches up the packs of free
smokes by the handful.
Clearly irritated, Tom wades back into the teeming masses to
clear the exit. An anonymous hand reaches through to point
the pistol at the back of Tom's head while he is distracted.
Sharp firecracker POP of a gunshot.
Crowd scatters. Initial confusion and panic gives way to
dreadful realization.
CHOWDER
Oh fuck.
STEVE
(to bartenders)
Call 911 right now.
INT. ADMIRAL DJ BOOTH - CONTINUOUS
BRENDA (P.A.)
Tommy?
Struggling to see from the obstructed view of the DJ booth,
Brenda's hopeful tone fades into a sob of despair before she
throws down the microphone with a raw, guttural scream.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE ENTRANCE - SAME TIME
Paul arrives in seconds, bullying his way through to Tom's
side, kneeling to cradle his mentor's twitching body. Salt-
and-pepper hair flecked with bits of bone and brain matter,
Paul tries to hold Tom's shattered skull together with his
bare hands. A gush of blood pulses from Tom's pulverized eye
socket, leaking through Paul's fingers and down to a dark,
spreading pool on the stained carpet.
49.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - SUNRISE
The red door is crisscrossed with yellow tape. Uniformed
officers mill about while detectives finish taking Fred's
statement and huddle up to compare notes. Vin, Paul, and Ken
emerge from the fire exit into a hazy, humid dawn. Surveying
the crime scene in disheveled street clothes, Ken tries to
calm and reassure his friends.
KEN
He's a fighter. EMS said his vitals
are strong. They took him to the
trauma unit over at Cooper. It was
touch-and-go for a few minutes, but
he's stable now. There's a good
chance he'll pull through.
PAUL
(bitter)
Yeah, blind and brain damaged.
Thanks but no thanks.
VIN
At least he's alive.
PAUL
(angry)
Really? He gets to spend the rest
of his life as a fucking vegetable!
You call that living? FUCK YOU!
KEN
Hey man, take it easy.
VIN
I'm sorry, Paulie. I really am. I
know he's like an uncle to you.
PAUL
And that! Stop. Just fucking stop.
VIN
Stop what?
PAUL
Stop calling me Paulie, it bugs the
shit outta me. My name is Paul.
From now on, that's what you
fucking call me. Got it?
VIN
Sure. Whatever you say, Paulina.
50.
PAUL
Haha. Very funny, motherfucker.
KEN
Oh c'mon, lighten up Francis.
Paul tries to light a cigarette, but the tremors in his
shaking hands make it impossible. Vin takes the Zippo and
gives him an assist. Paul's anger fades as he smokes.
PAUL
Fucking smartasses.
I hate you both.
Ken rests a comforting hand on Paul's drooping shoulder,
while Vin pats his grief-stricken pal on the back.
KEN
We love you too, brother.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Vin's New Car and a Guitar in Need of Repair
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - AFTERNOON
SUPER: 2 WEEKS LATER
Fred drains a bottle of wine on his stoop when a primer
black Camaro Z28 barrels into the lot with T-tops open and
tunes blaring. Vin screeches to a halt and sets the parking
brake before climbing out. Paul and Chowder wander over from
their smoke spot as Vin admires his racy new chariot.
CHOWDER
New ride?
VIN
Bought it off my foreman Tony.
PAUL
Of course you got an IROC.
What is it with you Guidos?
CHOWDER
So what? I like it. Is it fast?
VIN
Tony's said it runs like a raped
ape but might not pass emissions.
Feels sluggish, like something's
wrong with the carburetor.
PAUL
Smells like it's running rich.
Pop the hood of this monkey-fucker.
51.
As he looks over the car's well-worn interior, Paul notices
an unstrung electric guitar lying on the back seat.
PAUL (CONT'D)
That the one that got sat on?
VIN
Yup. Whole headstock is cracked and
I think the truss rod is bent.
With the hood raised, Paul leans in and adjusts a small
screw, smoothing out the engine's rough, loping idle. Paul
lowers the hood as Vin shuts off the engine.
PAUL (CONT'D)
That should do it. Sounds to me
like it needs a new neck. Come by
tomorrow at noon. We'll go down the
basement and see what we can find.
VIN
I'll be there. But, why didn't you
tell me your Dad worked on guitars?
PAUL
Because my father wasn't some
bullshit repair guy, he was a
classically trained Master luthier.
BIG fucking difference.
VIN
No doubt. Honestly, I'm excited
just to see his workshop.
CHOWDER
Wait'll you meet Ma, she's a trip.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Paul and Vin's Workshop Dispute
INT. BASEMENT WORKSHOP - AFTERNOON
A worn stool sits empty at the workbench. Fluorescent lamps
fill the musty cellar with cold, sterile light. Stringed
instruments of every type rest on stands, hang from hooks in
the walls and ceiling, and lie stacked in cases on shelves.
The floor is a maze of power tools and woodworking projects.
Vin and Paul search a rack full of electric guitar necks.
PAUL
Maple or Rosewood?
VIN
Either is fine, as long as it's got
22 frets. Thanks again for helping
me out. You come down here a lot?
52.
Paul wears a far away look and his voice is melancholy.
PAUL
Not too much anymore. Mom can't
either, since she got sick.
(heavy sigh)
I used to sit for hours watching
him work. He was gonna teach me.
VIN
I feel like a kid in a candy store.
I wanna move in down here.
PAUL
I can see that. You and my Dad
would have gotten along great.
VIN
You think so?
PAUL
Sure. Other than that long fucking
hair, he really would've liked you.
Vin pauses his search and looks over with a smile.
VIN
Oh yeah? Why?
PAUL
Because unlike most people, you're
a real musician. You can actually
write and play your own songs.
VIN
Music's all I've ever wanted to do.
PAUL
But ya gotta get rid of that name.
VIN
What? What's wrong with our name?
PAUL
Not the band name, stupid. Your
lame ass stage name. Vinny Cole?
VIN
I thought it sounded cooler. More
rock and roll, y'know?
PAUL
It's dumb. How do you want to be
remembered? Be proud of your name.
53.
VIN
I am. It's just until we get
signed. You might be right, though.
Vin selects one of the guitar necks and looks it over.
VIN (CONT'D)
I think I found the right one.
PAUL
Who, Sami? She's a fine piece of
ass. Lemme know when you guys break
up so I can get her number.
Vin cocks his head and responds with a wounded look.
VIN
Yo, that's not cool.
PAUL
Oh c'mon, I'm just fucking with ya.
The upstairs door cracks open and Mama MOLLY's melodic voice
calls down in a thick Irish accent.
MOLLY (O.S.)
Paul? Time for lunch, dear. Come
and fill your bellies, lads.
VIN
Your Mom sounds like Julia Child.
PAUL
Cooks like her too. Ever had tripe?
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Misplaced Jealousy in the Recording Studio
INT. RECORDING STUDIO - AFTERNOON
MUSIC: Catchy, melodic hard rock.
Vin and his bandmates stand in an isolation booth, gathered
around a microphone to record some background vocals. In a
unified voice, the musicians sing the anthem's chorus. From
the control booth, producer MK SMITH is pleased.
MK SMITH (V.O.)
Hell yeah, THAT'S the one! Good job
guys, go ahead and take 5--
Happy to nail the take, the enthusiastic band members remove
their headphones and start to exit the soundproofed cubicle.
54.
MK SMITH (CONT'D)
Hey Vin, stay there. I wanna do
another take of the pre-chorus
coming back from the bridge.
Alan, Jeff and the gang pass the array of analog mixing
boards, high fiving on the way out for a smoke break. While
Al holds the door open for his pals, a crying Sami barges
past him, angrily storming into the studio's control room.
SAMI
Where is that asshole?
MK SMITH
Excuse me? Who are you?
Seeing his producer's confusion and discomfort, Vin
practically sprints from the booth to defuse the situation.
VIN
Sami? What's wrong?
Sami waves a Wawa receipt bearing a scrawled name and phone
number while tearfully accusing Vin of infidelity.
SAMI
I found this in your jacket.
MK SMITH
THAT's what this is about?
VIN
Let me explain--
SAMI
Whose number is this? Who is this
Kelly bitch, huh? Some skank?
The Grammy-nominated guitarist looks over in dismay at his
sound engineer who nearly doubles over with laughter.
SAMI (CONT'D)
Oh, you think this is funny?
Vin cringes in embarrassment at her misplaced jealousy.
VIN
I'm really sorry about this, dude.
Babe, the K in MK stands for Kelly.
MK SMITH
No problem. Let's break for lunch.
55.
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Tense Standoff at the Admiral Lounge Bar and Grill
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE BAR AND GRILL
Vin is sitting at the bar drinking beer with Paul.
VIN (V.O.)
The Admiral was the perfect place
for us to have a few beers after
our day jobs, because employees
hardly ever paid for drinks.
VIN
Can't believe she pulled that shit.
PAUL
Believe it. Latin chicks are nuts.
VIN
I'm just sick of the jealousy. It's
like she doesn't trust me, y'know?
PAUL
Maybe you guys should break up.
This job isn't exactly--
Paul pauses and frowns as he recognizes a customer.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Goddamn it.
VIN
What?
Across the club, a gruff middle-aged man tosses back a shot
of whiskey before stuffing a dollar into a dancer's bikini.
PAUL
Jimmy fucking Dugan.
VIN (V.O.)
Jimmy Dugan was an Irish pipefitter
who would get drunk and harass the
girls. Problem was, he was an ex-
boxer who would pick a fight with
anyone who looked at him funny.
VIN
Who? Barney Rubble over there?
PAUL
That's him. Almost broke my fucking
hand last time I threw his ass out.
VIN
Want me to take care of it?
56.
VIN (V.O.)
Now here’s the thing, I could hold
my own by this point, but I wasn’t
some bad ass bouncer. I was just a
kid chasing a record deal.
Sometimes I had to fake being
crazy, which put me in some pretty
dangerous situations.
PAUL
(laughs)
Sure thing. Be my guest.
VIN (V.O.)
I also made some really bad
choices. This was one of them.
Vin approaches the unruly customer, who continues to paw at
the skittish dancers as they try to collect their tips.
VIN (V.O.)
It always felt like my pride was on
the line. Like, if you got punked
or lost a fight, you lost your job.
Sporting a mischievous grin, Paul joins Steve at the bar to
watch as Vin taps Jimmy on the shoulder. The feisty drunk
stands and tries to take a swipe at Vin, who dodges the blow
easily while staying an inch or 2 out of kicking distance.
Feinting to the left, Vin sends a straight right smashing
into Dugan's forehead to no effect. Wincing in pain and
disbelief, Vin shakes his hand as the sturdy ex-pugilist
squares up to face him, bobbing and weaving as he advances.
Backing away, Vin throws a series of stiff jabs followed by
a sneaky uppercut that finally drops Mr. Dugan, who
instantly pops back to his feet, seemingly eager for more.
VIN (V.O.)
His fucking bones were made of
concrete. Every time I knocked him
down, he got back up.
PAUL
What’s the matter, tough guy?
Can’t take an old man?
VIN (V.O.)
Paul was laughing, but I was
getting tired fast and knew that if
I ran out of gas, this old man
might actually kill me.
(MORE)
57.
VIN (CONT'D)
I was keeping my cool but inside I
was beginning to panic a little.
VIN
You gonna fuckin' help me or not?
Genres:
["Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Forced Ejection, Flirtatious Farewell, and Aggressive Abandonment
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER
Paul and Vin use their combined weight to forcibly shove
Jimmy Dugan out the red door. He drunkenly attempts to re-
enter, only to be turned away by the determined bouncers.
PAUL
Cut it out Jimmy. Go the fuck home.
Jimmy gives up and staggers out to the street, where Fred
sits watching with a bottle of wine and an amused smile.
PAUL (CONT'D)
See ya next month, ya asshole.
VIN
(out of breath)
That is one tough motherfucker.
PAUL
Fucking hilarious. Wait'll I tell
Chowder, he's gonna shit.
VIN
I think I might need some ice for
my hands.
PAUL
Nice moves out there, Balboa.
Let's get a beer.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Vin holds open the door of a taxi. Tipsy after a good night,
Gail tosses her bag inside and pulls him close. With a
naughty grin, she turns Vin's head, licks his cheek and
grabs his ass.
Laughing, she slinks into the cab's seat and glances back to
Vin, beckoning him with a single come-hither finger. Vin
pulls a ten-spot from his pocket, hands it to the driver,
closes the door and wags his own finger playfully.
VIN
Goodnight, Gail.
58.
GAIL
Sweet dreams, baby boy.
She blows him a kiss and the yellow sedan pulls away. Vin
turns to wave at Fred, but finds him missing from the stoop.
Braking hard, the silver Cadillac hauls itself into the
parking lot in a cloud of dust. The passenger door swings
open and CYNDI is shoved out. Stumbling backwards, her heel
catches and she falls, skinning a knee on the rough gravel.
The blunt-smoking pimp leans over and throws a handful of
dollar bills out at the young woman, who defiantly flips him
off while scrambling to gather up the discarded singles.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Vin Takes a Stand and Shows Compassion
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE ENTRANCE - SAME TIME
Vin runs to the foyer in a flash, reaches behind the
cigarette machine and marches back to the parking lot
holding a familiar-looking piece of hickory with 'RELAX'
written on it.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
Vin is a man on a mission. He helps Cyndi to her feet and
stalks around the car to gently rap his wooden peacemaker
twice on CADILLAC's tinted window, glaring at the driver.
VIN
Yo Motherfucker.
The window comes down 6 inches and the funk music stops.
CADILLAC
Don’t fuck with me and my
livestock, Youngblood.
VIN
(menacing)
Then get your business the fuck out
of my parking lot.
VIN (V.O.)
Like I said, sometimes I had to put
on an act, and sometimes I made
some really bad choices. But this
was one time where I was glad I
stood my ground. It earned me a
little respect in the streets, but
more importantly--
The car window silently glides up in a wisp of reefer smoke
as the Caddy rumbles by and merges into the flow of traffic.
59.
VIN (V.O.)
I had made it known that the skinny
longhaired white boy was one crazy
motherfucker. Mission accomplished.
Clearly wasted, Cyndi looks bad from life on the streets.
CYNDI
Hey, tell Brenda I wanna come back.
VIN (V.O.)
There weren't a ton of working
girls out there. Maybe 2 or 3 a
night, and Cyndi was the only ex-
dancer I saw turning tricks.
Sometimes, if it was a slow night,
the ladies would ask me:
CYNDI
Want a freebie, beautiful?
VIN (V.O.)
Next to the Admiral and just down
the block was a fleabag motel
called the Oasis. An absolute dive,
a flophouse really. Working girls
liked it because they could rent
rooms by the quarter hour.
VIN
(kind smile)
Nah, I’m good. Thanks though.
VIN (V.O.)
Attached to the main building was,
you guessed it, another strip club.
Guys would drink at the Oasis bar,
pick up a girl, score some dope and
go right next door to the motel.
One stop shopping at its finest.
Vin hands the dopesick Cyndi a pair of crumpled twenties,
prompting the novice junkie to squeal with delight. Gleeful,
she bounds off to the Oasis.
VIN (V.O.)
It wasn't about the money. Of
course I knew what she'd do with
it, but now, for at least a few
hours, she'd get a break and maybe
stay a little safer for one night.
60.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Discussing Relationships and Past Experiences Outside the Admiral Lounge
EXT. ADMIRAL WILSON BOULEVARD - CONTINUOUS
Cheers of celebration spill out from next door, where the
French Quarter is emptying after a late-night win by the
home team. Cigars are lit, and soon one of the men notices
skinny, longhaired Vin standing by the curb. A crude joke
prompts laughter from the group, which includes Vic and Tony
from Saber Vending.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE ENTRANCE - SAME TIME
Paul and Sami exit the red door. Vin joins them as Paul
pulls his car keys and lights a smoke.
VIN
Some familiar faces next door.
PAUL
Turds of a feather, I guess.
VIN
Which one is Brenda's ex-husband?
PAUL
You mean Mike Cordova, the Baron of
the Boulevard? He's the short fuck
with the Jimmy Swaggart hairdo.
VIN
Him? He owns the Admiral?
PAUL
Not after the divorce. Legally,
everything was in her name already.
SAMI
I hope she took his ass to the
cleaners. You should've heard the
shit he used to do to her.
PAUL
Guy with the moustache and glasses
is Glenn, Mike's bar manager. Total
weasel. The big dude is Jimmy Pike.
VIN
Chowder warned me about him. Didn't
he use to be a wrestler or boxer?
PAUL
Yeah, and now he's a loose cannon
from all the fucking steroids.
The group turns and heads for the parking lot.
61.
SAMI
So, Brenda's ex-husband opened
another club right next door to the
Admiral just out of spite?
PAUL
Not exactly. He's trying to
bankrupt her with bullshit fines so
he can buy it back cheap. Calls
code enforcement on us, fucks with
the property line, shit like that.
VIN
Wow. Talk about an ugly divorce.
SAMI
He's just a sore loser who's mad
that he got beat by a girl. Can't
stand to see her win. Makes me
sick. He doesn't love her but can't
let her go. Pathetic, really.
PAUL
That's why I'm never getting
married. Not worth it.
VIN
Especially if you end up hating
each other.
Paul arrives at his car, Vin and Sami at his.
PAUL
Wait, aren't you both Catholic?
Isn't divorce a big no-no?
SAMI
Oh, I'll make him sign a prenup.
VIN
There it is. Honeymoon's over.
PAUL
Honestly, I'm surprised she stayed
with your goofy ass this long.
The friends climb in and start their engines.
VIN
Meet us at the diner?
PAUL
Hell no. I'm gonna go get laid.
62.
Paul grins and lays rubber as he speeds off into the night.
Vin turns to Sami with a warm smile and they kiss.
VIN
Pancakes?
SAMI
Pancakes!
Vin shifts the Camaro into gear while Sami reconsiders.
SAMI (CONT'D)
Maybe French toast.
Fred's 10-speed slows to a stop at the liquor store stoop.
He dismounts and greets Vin with a broad, gap-toothed smile.
FREDDY
Lookin good, Youngblood.
VIN
Feelin good, Fred. Take it easy.
FREDDY
I take it any way I can get it.
VIN
I know that's right.
Fred cackles with laughter as Vin waves and drives off.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Unresolved Conflicts and Band Rehearsals: A Tense Two Weeks
INT. OASIS HOTEL ROOM - SAME TIME
CYNDI
When did ya get back? Haven't seen
ya round here in like 2 months.
The air conditioning rattles and drips on the carpet. Cyndi
sits on the edge of the bed flicking a needle to remove the
bubbles. She readies the dose and injects between her toes.
CYNDI (CONT'D)
Oh my God. I missed you so much,
baby. This shit is so fucking good.
Jumbo stands by the window holding a semiautomatic pistol,
peering through the curtain to watch Vin's car ride past. He
lumbers over to the drugged girl, wraps a hand around her
throat and lewdly puts the gun barrel in her mouth.
JUMBO
Yeah? Good, huh? You like dat shit?
Then keep your fucking mouth shut.
63.
Jumbo pulls a packet of heroin from his stash and dangles it
in Cyndi's face, her hungry eyes laser focused on the drugs.
JUMBO (CONT'D)
I wasn't here. You didn't see me.
CYNDI
Sure, baby.
She reaches for the dope but he snatches it away and puts
the gun to her forehead, pulling back the slide to load it.
JUMBO
You gonna hafta do better then dat.
CYNDI
I swear to God you wasn't here.
JUMBO
Good girl. Here ya go.
He tosses the bag on the bed. Cyndi is quick to retrieve it.
JUMBO (CONT'D)
Now take off your fucking clothes,
bitch. I ain't got all night.
She tucks the smack in her purse and complies, mechanically
undressing in a numb, mindless pantomime of human sexuality.
EXT. WAREHOUSE REHEARSAL SPACE - SUNDOWN
Sweaty and excited, Jeff, Alan and Vin emerge from practice.
The other bandmembers stow their gear and bid them farewell.
ALAN
Battle of the bands? I'm in.
JEFF
Down the shore, too.
VIN
In Wildwood? When?
ALAN
Labor Day weekend, baby!
JEFF
Hotel room and everything, but we
gotta share it with another band.
ALAN
Whoa, what happened to your car?
64.
A vanilla milkshake is splattered across the hood and the
word 'ASSHOLE' is written in lipstick on the windshield.
ALAN (CONT'D)
Uh, Houston, we have a problem.
JEFF
Did you forget her birthday?
VIN
No. I mean, I don't think so.
JEFF
Anniversary?
VIN
Maybe. Shit, I don't know.
ALAN
It's your anniversary already?
JEFF
It's only been, like, 2 months.
VIN
3. Not for much longer, though.
INT. APARTMENT LIVING ROOM - THE NEXT DAY
Chris and Vin take turns doing bong rips in the living room.
The apartment is surprisingly neat, tidy and organized.
CHRIS
Call her right now and apologize.
(tokes)
If you don't, I fucking will.
VIN
What do you mean? We just broke up.
CHRIS
(exhales)
Who's gonna clean this place now?
VIN
I say let nature take its course.
INT. APARTMENT LIVING ROOM - EARLY MORNING
SUPER: 2 WEEKS LATER
The front door is ajar, held open by an overturned vodka
bottle.
65.
The coffee table and floor are a sea of beer cans, potato
chip bags, and fast food containers. One half-eaten slice of
pizza remains in a box on the floor.
A clock radio's alarm beeps from inside one of the bedrooms.
Both doors open simultaneously. The men are very hungover as
they pull on their work boots. Vin microwaves some leftover
coffee while Chris decides to wake and bake. He exhales,
coughs and grabs breakfast to go from the pizza box, gnawing
on day-old crust as he follows Vin out the door.
EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - EVENING
Vin pulls up in front of a working-class house and honks the
horn. DAN emerges with his guitar case and climbs in.
DAN
What's up, man? Thanks for the ride
to rehearsal. Ready to kill it?
VIN
Always, brother. Hey, do you have
your part of the rent for the
practice room this month? You know
how the landlord gets when he
doesn't get his money on time.
The virtuoso musician fidgets uncomfortably in his seat.
DAN
About that. I'm a little short.
Think you can cover me this month?
VIN
Again? Seriously? Dude, you really
have to get a better job.
DAN
Do you think I'm a good guitarist?
VIN
What? You're the Eddie Van Halen of
Philadelphia. What the hell does
that have to do with our rent?
DAN
Here's the thing: If I lock myself
into a day job or some career, it
says that I have a backup plan and
I don't want a backup plan. Guitar
is the only thing I'm great at and
the only thing I want to do.
66.
VIN
That's some twisted logic, but I
get it. Look, we need a decent
place to practice and all of the
big bands rehearse there. Dude,
we're rehearsing next to Heaven's
Edge and Blackeyed Susan. We get to
be part of the larger scene by
being around these bands. It's not
just about practice, it's about
status and visibility too.
DAN
Well, I think it's too expensive.
We should move back into Frank's
basement and rehearse for free.
VIN
Apparently it's not that expensive
because I keep paying for you.
DAN
I really appreciate it, man. I
swear I'll pay you back with
interest when we get signed.
VIN
And I'd appreciate it if you'd stop
stealing the condiments out of my
refrigerator when we hang out, OK?
Every time we have a PlayStation
marathon, somehow my mustard,
lighters and butter all go missing.
What the fuck, dude?
DAN
(offended)
What? I have absolutely no idea
what you're talking about.
(smirks)
But for the record, my Mom really
likes that whipped butter you buy.
VIN
Dick.
Vin shakes his head and they pull away.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Code Enforcement and Unexpected Encounters
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Vin stands with Chowder and Steve. Rizzo dozes on the sofa.
Tastefully dressed in conservative business attire, Brenda
gathers legal papers and receipts into a manila envelope as
she wraps up the meeting. She looks great but is not happy.
67.
STEVE
What is it this time?
BRENDA
Code Enforcement. Again.
STEVE
Did you contact the Zoning Board?
BRENDA
The bastards never return my calls.
STEVE
Not surprised. Glenn's cousin is
County Commissioner.
BRENDA
This shit has to stop. These
lawyers are bleeding me dry.
CHOWDER
Who's this new guy Rizzo hired?
BRENDA
I haven't hired anyone yet. Steven?
STEVE
His name's Dimitri. He's from New
York and goes to college in Philly.
That's all I know.
VIN
Is he gonna be permanent or is it
just until Paul comes back?
STEVE
We'll have to wait and see.
BRENDA
You boys went over? How is she?
VIN
Still waiting on the biopsy
results. Paul's been there for 3
days straight.
CHOWDER
Hitting on the nurses non-stop.
BRENDA
What about the flowers?
CHOWDER
Next to the bed. They smell great.
68.
VIN
That was you?
Brenda dons a scarf and shades before walking to the door.
BRENDA
A boy's best friend is his mother,
and don't you forget it, boychik.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - EVENING
Sami wipes down the bar while Kathy stocks the beer coolers.
KATHY
Think you'll get back together?
SAMI
I don't know. We used to stay up
all night watching movies, but now
he's so tired after work he falls
asleep in like 5 minutes.
KATHY
Trust me, I know. My man only comes
to see his kids every other Sunday.
SAMI
I don't even get that. Every
weekend its band practice, gigs,
recording studios. Always focused
on his music, never on us.
KATHY
Don't you worry about it, baby
girl. Plenty of fish in the sea.
SAMI
Not really what I wanted to hear.
Vin and Chowder enter the bar with DIMITRI, attractive and
fit with a goatee and shaved head. The men talk to Dimitri
while Sami looks him over. He notices her and grins.
DIMITRI
Excusez-moi, parlez-vous français?
SAMI
Oui.
DIMITRI
Fantastique! Je m'appelle Dimitri.
SAMI
Nice to meet you. I'm Sami.
69.
DIMITRI
Wanna grab lunch sometime? I know a
great sushi place on South Street.
SAMI
You know what? I'd like that.
INT. ADMIRAL MAIN STAGE - LATER
Blonde VICKY removes a 10 dollar bill from between her
augmented breasts as she concludes her set. Leaving the
blinding lights of the main stage, she opens the dressing
room door before pausing to stop Vin as he passes by.
VICKY
You're Vin, right? Paul's friend?
VIN
Uh huh. He's not working tonight.
VICKY
I know, he called me from the
hospital. I'm Vicky, by the way.
VIN
So I finally meet the famous Vicky.
VICKY
I have something for him.
Hang on, gimme just a sec.
Vicky enters the dressing room and returns with her purse.
VICKY (CONT'D)
Give him this and tell him I hope
his Mom feels better.
She takes Vin's hand and slips him a baggie of white powder.
VIN
I'll, uh, see that he gets it.
The beautiful woman flashes a dazzling Baywatch smile.
VICKY
Y'know, Paul never mentioned you
were so cute. Are ya single?
Vin peeks behind the bar to see Sami flirting with Dimitri.
VIN
As a matter of fact I am.
70.
VIN (V.O.)
I mentioned something earlier about
bad choices. In hindsight, this was
most definitely one of those.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE BATHROOM - LATER
Sniffing sounds come from the executive bathroom near the
dressing room. Vin and Vicky's bodies are fully intertwined,
drunkenly kissing and groping each other with lusty abandon.
VICKY
Are we the only ones left?
Pulling off his polo, she twirls it before tossing it aside.
VIN
I think Rizzo's still out there.
She yanks his belt buckle, pulls him close to cup his groin.
VICKY
Excellent.
Vicky crouches to claim her prize.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE ENTRANCE - SAME TIME
Rizzo stands squinting at a keypad, entering a code to arm
the security system. It beeps and he exits the building.
VIN (V.O.)
There was one small problem. Rizzo
locked us in and left. I didn't
have a key. Or the alarm codes.
Let's just say mistakes were made.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
The naked duo submits to their primal needs, rocking the
heavy sink on its corroded iron base. Groans of impending
ecstasy are cut short when the rusty pipe bends and snaps,
spraying water everywhere. The white porcelain falls from
the wall and shatters in jagged pieces on the tile floor.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - MOMENTS LATER
Cracking up as they get dressed, Vin and Vicky emerge from
the back into the bar area. All of the house lights are off.
VICKY
Where is everybody?
71.
VIN
Uh oh.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - MOMENTS LATER
Vin gives Vicky the details of his brilliant escape plan.
VIN
These cameras don't record anymore
so we'll just run out the side
door, hop in our cars and get out
of here before the cops show up.
Got it?
VIN (V.O.)
The police would shut the alarm off
and that would be that.
VICKY
Got it. Follow me to my place, I'm
not done with you yet.
They share a steamy kiss as dank water seeps from under the
bathroom door, spreading a murky puddle across the carpet.
VIN (V.O.)
I’d just play dumb about the sink.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
Fred sleeps curled up on the stoop. The club's side door
bursts open, triggering flashing lights and a shrill alarm.
Vicky sprints from the building with Vin close behind. They
jump into their vehicles and tear out of the parking lot.
Awakened by the siren and resulting chaos, Fred shakes his
head and laughs. The stray cat yawns and resumes his nap.
INT. STUDIO APARTMENT - LATER
Vin stands naked and peeing in a pink bathroom. He flushes
and returns to the inky darkness of Vicky's bedroom, where
she lies passed out and snoring. Disoriented, he blindly
navigates the unfamiliar surroundings before stubbing a toe.
Cursing under his breath, Vin reaches for his jeans and
pulls them on while grabbing his boots and keys. Just then,
the apartment's thin walls are shaken by someone pounding on
the front door. Startled, Vin dons his shirt and heads
downstairs to investigate as Vicky begins to stir.
72.
INT. STUDIO APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
As the thudding blows continue, Vin reaches the door at the
bottom of the stairs and looks through the peephole. A pair
of police OFFICERS stand backlit by flashes of red and blue.
VIN
Uh, hello?
OFFICER ONE
Collingswood Police Department!
Search Warrant! Open Up!
VIN
Yes sir, no problem. Just, uh, give
us a second to get dressed--
Vin looks to the top of the stairs and sees Vicky's groggy
eyes go wide. She rushes into the john to flush her stash.
OFFICER TWO
Open the door! Do it NOW!
Vin calmly unlocks the door and cracks it open a few inches.
VIN
What's going on, officers?
OFFICER ONE
We’re looking for Victoria.
Vin motions upstairs as the cops look him up and down.
OFFICER TWO
We have a warrant for her arrest.
Distribution of narcotics.
VIN
Hey, I just met her, fellas.
OFFICER ONE
Uh huh.
OFFICER TWO
Do you know whose car that is?
The cop points over to Vin's Camaro, which is double-parked
diagonally with its front tire resting on a lawn sprinkler.
VIN (V.O.)
Like I said: Mistakes were made.
VIN
Um, yeah, mine. Sir.
73.
Vicky emerges from the bathroom to the telltale gurgling
swish of vigorous flushing. One cop starts up the stairs to
arrest her while the other pokes a finger in Vin's chest.
OFFICER ONE
Get in your car and get the fuck
outta here. Now!
VIN
Yes sir.
Vin pauses and looks back to see Vicky lying face down and
handcuffed. He shakes his head, gets in the car and starts
the motor. With a heavy sigh, he backs out and drives off.
VIN (V.O.)
I never saw Vicky again.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Labor Day Festivities at the Boardwalk Pizza Parlor
EXT. BOARDWALK PIZZA PARLOR - DAY
Teeming masses of pale, shirtless tourists shuffle past a
pizza stand as the Labor Day crowd swarms the Jersey Shore.
Paul folds his slice and takes a huge bite while Vin and Ken
slurp on Italian Ice. Jeff and Al work the busy boardwalk,
selling tickets to the show and recruiting new fans by
handing out flyers while the demo tape plays on a boombox.
KEN
Love this stuff. Thanks man.
VIN
It's the least I could do. No way I
could have installed it by myself.
KEN
Not a problem. Dad was a plumber.
VIN
You think Brenda's still mad?
PAUL
What for? First time the carpet's
been clean since I been there.
KEN
Yeah, and insurance paid for it.
VIN
I know she felt bad about my arm.
PAUL
It's your own damn fault, told ya
not to get within arm's reach.
74.
KEN
I didn't want to say anything just
yet, but last week an informant saw
Jumbo's car over near the Oasis.
VIN
So, he's back in Camden?
KEN
Not sure yet, but it looks like it.
PAUL
Big Dave's gotta get paid.
KEN
Forget all that. Check it out--
Al and Jeff are swamped by young people seeking tickets.
KEN (CONT'D)
You're gonna sell that place out.
Should be a pretty big crowd.
PAUL
Really? Big crowd? C'mon, it ain't
Madison Square Garden, it's a VFW.
KEN
Gotta start somewhere. Besides, I
saw Bon Jovi play, like, 2 blocks
from here back in '83.
PAUL
Whatever, I'm just glad to be outta
that fucking hospital.
VIN
How's she doing? She good?
PAUL
Yeah. She wanted to come. Nurses
almost had to call the orderly.
A hearty clap on Vin's back announces Chowder's arrival.
He's accompanied by Dimitri and half a dozen dancers.
CHOWDER
Sorry I'm late.
VIN
We don't go on until midnight.
CHOWDER
Good. Gives us 10 hours to party.
75.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Confrontation and Acceptance: Vin vs Jimmy Pike
INT. HOTEL ROOM - THE NEXT MORNING
The room is trashed, littered with bottles, cans and
undergarments. A jumble of limbs poke out from under the
sheets and motionless bodies lie strewn across the floor.
The bathroom door opens, releasing a cloud of smoke into the
room. 5 black men walk out wearing matching blue tuxedos. Al
emerges last, toking on a roach. The doo-wop group waves to
him and heads out, passing Ken and Paul coming in sipping
cups of hot coffee as the hungover revelers start to wake.
PAUL
Jesus, what a pigsty.
KEN
Hey, to the victor go the spoils.
ALAN
That's right. We came. We saw.
We kicked their asses!
KEN
Congratulations, but you guys
should probably beat it. I think
housekeeping called the cops.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - NIGHT
Rizzo sips a drink while playfully busting Vin's balls.
RIZZO
So, what's this I hear about Jimmy
Pike whooping your ass?
VIN
Seriously? First Paulie, now you?
VIN (V.O.)
Jimmy Pike had sent word through
some of the girls that he decided
he didn’t like the look of me and
was going to fuck me up. Jimmy was
Mike Cordova's mad dog, an insane
giant of a man who liked to hurt
people just because he could.
RIZZO
Hey it's OK, I understand.
You're a lover, not a fighter.
VIN
That’s it.
76.
Fuming, Vin turns and storms out of the club. Rizzo
scrambles to catch up, desperately trying to stop him.
RIZZO
Vin, no. I was kidding. Wait--
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
Vin strides purposefully over to the French Quarter. Rizzo
tries to cut him off but Vin walks around, determined to
confront his antagonist and end the smack talk. Rizzo grabs
Vin's legs and is dragged along for several paces across the
hardscrabble.
RIZZO
Please, don’t do this--
VIN (V.O.)
Most of the time I was faking the
psycho thing, but this time it felt
like my manhood was at stake. I
honestly don’t know what I was
thinking. Jimmy Pike would have
literally killed me. No question.
Vin stops and looks down at Rizzo's terrified expression.
VIN
Ok Rizzo, get the fuck off me.
RIZZO
C'mon pal, let’s go do some shots.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - LATER
Rizzo and Vin share a toast as JIMMY PIKE enters the bar.
JIMMY PIKE
Word has it that you were coming
down to find me cause you heard I
said I wanted to kill you.
The club holds its collective breath. Rizzo freezes, Steve
edges closer to the phone and Paul anxiously stubs out his
cig. Vin drains the shot, stands, and looks Jim in the eye.
VIN
Yeah, that’s right. I don’t have
any problem with you Jim, but I’m
standing right here.
After a long moment, the big man gives a chuckle and nods.
77.
JIMMY PIKE
You got balls, dude. You’re OK in
my book. You need an extra set of
hands one night, I got your back.
Jim ducks his head going through the doorway as he leaves
and heads back to the French Quarter.
VIN (V.O.)
Jimmy eventually put his old buddy
Glenn in the hospital for hitting
on his girlfriend. He actually
liked the guy, but he shattered his
leg in 3 places and carved his
initials in Glenn's forehead with a
broken beer bottle. Jimmy never
fucked with me again after that.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Day Drinking Chaos at the Admiral Lounge
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - DAY
A plump Canadian goose waddles through a gap in the chain
link fence at the rear of the parking lot. Following a trail
of discarded French fries, it eagerly gobbles up the scraps.
A few yards away, Paul stands pissing. He drains his brew,
burps loudly and zips up. The goose spies him and becomes
aggressive, flapping its wings and hissing. Paul defensively
flicks his cigarette at the angry bird and chases it away.
PAUL
Go back to Canada, ya fucking mutt.
Parking nearby, Vin strips off his yellow construction vest
and walks over. He looks down the embankment at the homeless
living in tents along the grassy riverside. Fred is among
them, sharing a drink and dancing with a lady friend.
VIN
I see Fred's got a new girlfriend.
PAUL
(points)
Oh yeah? Well, so do you--
At the front of the bar, an odd, swarthy man with beady eyes
unloads cases of booze from a delivery truck. His frumpy
wife holds the door open and he rolls the dolly through.
From inside the doorway, an awkward preteen girl silently
stares at Vin with a shy, crooked smile. He returns the grin
and she giggles excitedly before dashing away.
VIN
Who are they again?
78.
PAUL
Him and his wife used to run the
liquor store, now they just come in
a couple days a week to clean up
and stock the bar.
VIN
They're kinda scary-looking.
PAUL
Fucking Pineys. Probably 6 teeth
between the both of them.
VIN
Like mutants out of The Hills Have
Eyes or something.
PAUL
Hey now Jethro, that's no way to
talk about your future in-laws.
The pair enter the red door to do some serious day drinking.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - LATER
The guys sit talking to Rizzo and drinking with the dancers.
BILLY wheels in stacked cases of liquor and begins sorting
and restocking the bottles, giving the off-duty bouncers a
disapproving look as they sloppily pour a round of shots.
PAUL
Hey Bill, what's goin on?
BILLY
Why are you still here? Don't you
guys have homes of your own?
Paul pauses while lighting his smoke and motions to the
cadre of beautiful young women surrounding him.
PAUL
Whatchu talkin bout? I AM home.
Annoyed, Paul shrugs it off while he and Vin share a laugh.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Too damn quiet at my house anyway.
VIN
No free drinks, either.
PAUL
Fucking A-right. Good point.
79.
Savoring his role as ringmaster, Rizzo doles out tips and
drinks as the lovely ladies rub his shoulders.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Not to mention the other perks.
VIN
There's no place like home.
PAUL
I'll drink to that.
They clink shot glasses to complete the toast.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - LATER
Vin and Paul exit the red door laughing and quite drunk.
VIN
Nah man, I think she likes you
better. She's more your type.
PAUL
I fucking hate Pineys. Their family
tree is a fucking telephone pole.
VIN
Just think, your wedding song can
be the theme from Deliverance.
PAUL
(imitates banjo)
Squeal like a pig! Wheeee!
Still foraging around the rear of the parking lot, the
territorial goose honks angrily. Paul looks over at the
noisy waterfowl and back to Vin. With a smirk, he reaches
into the bed of his work truck and produces a burlap sack.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Ya think old Billy-boy will mind
cleaning up a little goose shit?
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER
Cackling maniacally, Paul and Vin burst through the exit,
run to their vehicles and haul ass out of the parking lot.
After a long moment, a curious Fred rises from the stoop and
walks over to investigate the sound of rising panic just
behind the red door. He cautiously reaches for the handle.
The door swings open and a succession of half-naked women
run screaming from the building, followed by Brenda, Rizzo,
the bartenders, deejay, and several dozen unhappy customers.
80.
The fire exit opens and Steve, Chowder and Dimitri finally
manage to shoo the disagreeable bird outside. Bill emerges
last, arms smeared with poop and feathers stuck to his face.
VIN (V.O.)
Of course, Brenda wasn't exactly
thrilled with us afterwards, but
Rizzo secretly laughed about it.
RIZZO
(laughs)
Those guys are fucking nuts.
Genres:
["Comedy","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Violence Erupts at the Oasis Hotel
EXT. OASIS HOTEL - NIGHT
Pedaling across the Oasis Hotel parking lot, Fred stops his
bike to pick up a half-smoked cigarette butt. Just as he
strikes a match, a door bursts open on the second floor.
Jumbo drags the unconscious Cyndi out by her hair. He rifles
through her purse before shoving her down the stairs. Her
battered body tumbles down the steps, leaving Cyndi a limp,
bloody heap lying motionless on the concrete. Fred locks
narrowed eyes with Jumbo, who glares back.
JUMBO
Fuck you lookin at, nigga?
Jumbo leans over the railing and flashes the pistol. The
spent match burns Fred's fingers. He drops it, pausing with
a sad look before he shakes his head and rides off.
JUMBO (CONT'D)
Yeah, you best keep ridin, old man.
A door cracks open several units down. Wearing only boxers,
Saber Vending's Tony Lombardo peers out, his bloodshot eyes
wild with drug-induced paranoia.
Begging and pleading in Russian, a young woman desperately
tries to push her way past him. He grabs her arm, roughly
shoves her back inside the room and slams the door.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Vin says goodnight to Steve as he walks to his Camaro at the
end of another shift. A scrap of paper is tucked under his
wiper blade with 'room 215' scrawled on it. After a moment,
Vin realizes its meaning and hurries back to the red door.
STEVE
What is it?
81.
VIN
I gotta call Ken--
Fred relaxes on the stoop with a satisfied look on his face.
EXT. OASIS HOTEL - SAME TIME
From his idling car, Jumbo watches Vin go back inside and
sees Fred's reaction. He quickly puts 2 and 2 together.
JUMBO
That mothafucker--
Furious, he pulls out of the Oasis parking lot and jumps the
curb in front of the Admiral. Fred cowers, diving away as
the car plows into the stoop and comes to a stop. Jumbo
grabs something from the glove box and hauls his bulk from
the car. Fred gathers himself and defiantly squares up.
FREDDY
I ain't scared a you. I boxed in
the Navy. Come n get it, bitch.
Squeezing the can with both hands, Jumbo squirts a stream of
lighter fluid that drenches Fred's lower body. Before Fred
can react, Jumbo lights a match and drops it. Fred cries out
as he is suddenly enveloped, blue flame licking at his bare
legs, blistering the exposed skin everywhere it touches.
Responding to his piercing screams, Vin and Steve emerge
from the club and run over to assist Fred. Thinking quickly,
Vin grabs an old moving blanket hung on a nearby guardrail
and wraps it around Fred's legs to extinguish the fire. Fred
moans softly as Vin and Steve try to comfort him.
Pleased with himself, Jumbo returns to his car. Backing up,
he swerves to intentionally run over Fred's bike before
pulling away with a hearty laugh and driving off.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Establishing a Friendship: Vin and Dimitri's Bathroom Conversation
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE BATHROOM - EVENING
DIMITRI
That's insane. How bad was it?
VIN
First and second degree, mostly.
Lotta blisters, maybe some scars.
DIMITRI
Did the cops find him yet?
VIN
(shakes head)
Ken thinks he ran back to Philly.
82.
DIMITRI
Speaking of which, I'm taking a
couple of the girls over to a club
on Front Street after work. You in?
VIN
Sure. I mean, it depends. You
didn't invite Sami, did you?
DIMITRI
(laughs)
Oh shit! Sorry, I had no idea you
were still together. My bad.
VIN
We're not. She's fair game if you--
DIMITRI
Doesn't matter. Ex-girlfriends are
off-limits. Every guy knows that.
VIN
I wish someone would tell Paulie.
DIMITRI
When's he coming back?
VIN
His Ma has one more round of chemo.
DIMITRI
Paul doesn't like me much, does he?
VIN
He hates New Yorkers. Don't take it
personally, he hates Boston too.
DIMITRI
I thought Philadelphia was supposed
to be the City of Brotherly Love?
VIN
(laughs)
You're obviously new around here.
DIMITRI
I mean, the city motto is: Caritas
fraternitatis maneat in vobis. It
literally means 'Let brotherly love
abide with you'. Cool, right?
VIN
Camden's motto is: 'We don't like
you either so get the fuck out'.
83.
DIMITRI
Sounds about right.
VIN
(shrugs)
Don't worry, it's a Jersey thing.
You get used to it, like the smell.
DIMITRI
Now, the after hours club doesn't
open til 4, but we can pregame at
my place. I'll give you the
address.
EXT. PHILADELPHIA APARTMENT BUILDING - LATER
Standing outside the high-rise, Vin checks the registry
before pushing a button on the intercom. Dimitri responds
after a few seconds and buzzes him in.
INT. APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Dimitri answers the door wearing only a bath towel. He
welcomes Vin into his well-appointed luxury apartment.
DIMITRI
Sorry, just getting cleaned up.
Come on in, make yourself at home.
VIN
Nice digs. Mind if I grab a beer?
DIMITRI
Hell no. Get me one, too. There's a
bag in my pocket, cut us out a few
cables before the girls get here.
Dimitri disappears into his bedroom to get ready while Vin
sorts through the contents of his host's black leather coat.
VIN (V.O.)
Now, he never told me which pocket
the blow was in.
VIN
Where?
He finds 2 baggies of white powder, one in each pocket.
VIN (CONT'D)
Oh. Nevermind, I found it.
84.
VIN (V.O.)
And more importantly, I didn't
think to ask. That was definitely a
big mistake.
Vin returns one bag and opens the other. He dumps out a pile
and forms 2 lines on a copy of The Fall by Albert Camus.
VIN (CONT'D)
You're into French existentialism?
Vin puts a rolled 20 to his nose and snorts the powder. He
drops the bill, furrowing his brow at the taste and burn.
VIN (V.O.)
I made my share of bad choices and
questionable decisions back then,
but this ranks right up there as
one of the worst ideas ever.
VIN (CONT'D)
Hey man, where'd you get this shit?
DIMITRI
My buddy Lance. Oh hey, wait! Fuck.
VIN (V.O.)
It was Choco. German heroin.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Vin's Recovery and the Band's Success
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
SUPER: 3 DAYS LATER
Paul stands in front of Vin's apartment banging on the door.
PAUL
Hey! Answer the door, jerkoff. I
know you're home, your car's here.
VIN (V.O.)
I remember the girls talking to me
a little saying 'What’s wrong with
you, Vin?', but I was out of it. I
kept thinking 'I just have to get
home'. Somehow, I drove down 76 and
basically crawled up my steps. I
was ashamed and sick for days.
Didn’t tell anyone for a while and
kept calling out of work until I
felt well enough to go back.
Vin opens the door looking like death warmed over.
85.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Brenda wanted me to come by and
check on you. Jesus, what happened?
You look like shit.
VIN
(weakly)
Think I got the flu.
PAUL
Stay the hell away from me then,
Mom just got out of the hospital.
VIN
That's great news.
PAUL
(smiles)
Your punk ass needs to get better
so we can go celebrate.
VIN
I'm fine. Tell Brenda I'll be back
in a few days. Give Ma a great big
kiss for me.
Vin musters a pained smile and Paul leaves.
VIN (V.O.)
A week later I told him the truth.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE OFFICE - EVENING
Vin sits on the sofa explaining himself to Rizzo and Paul.
VIN
Never did it before. I puked.
Barely remember driving home.
Been seriously sick for days.
PAUL
I'm gonna hurt that motherfucker.
VIN (V.O.)
They blamed Dimitri. Paul wanted to
kill him, but I talked him out of
it. I knew it was my own fault.
RIZZO
Was it his dope? Does he use?
86.
VIN
Well, he had 2 bags. One in each
pocket. One was blow and one was H.
I grabbed the wrong bag.
RIZZO
Found out the hard way, did ya?
PAUL
Knew he was a junkie from day 1.
VIN (V.O.)
The guys were so protective of me.
Rizzo became this father figure
while Paul acted like the guy had
poisoned his little brother.
VIN
I promise I'll never go near that
shit again, tell you that much.
RIZZO
Good to hear. You're a lucky dude.
You could've OD'd right there.
VIN (V.O.)
Rizzo fired Dimitri that day. Made
up some excuse and cut him loose
without me ever even knowing.
PAUL
(quietly to Rizzo)
You need to quit that shit, too--
INT. APARTMENT LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
In his dirty work clothes, an exhausted Vin lays on the sofa
watching music videos. Chris enters the room sporting a new
haircut, flannel shirt and a mildly infected nose ring.
VIN
Dude, you're an idiot.
CHRIS
How's it look?
VIN
You look like every other grunge
dude now.
Chris ties the flannel around his waist and Vin takes note
of the band's concert shirt he is wearing underneath.
87.
VIN (CONT'D)
(smirks)
Is that who you're going to see?
Nodding, Chris hits the bong before heading to the door. The
phone rings and Vin answers.
VIN (CONT'D)
Hello?
KEN (O.S.)
Turn on the radio.
VIN
Oh hey man, what's up?
KEN (O.S.)
You guys are on MMR right now!
VIN (V.O.)
WMMR was the biggest rock station
in Philly. It was a very big deal.
Vin bursts from the sofa and over to his boombox just in
time to hear the ending chorus of the band's debut single.
VIN
(stunned and smiling)
Whoa.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Vin and Ken observe the comings and goings at the Oasis.
KEN
They oughta tear that place down.
Just bulldoze the whole damn thing.
VIN
Steve said the Mob keeps immigrant
girls locked up over there.
KEN
I wouldn't doubt it. Reminds me,
you know an ex-dancer named Cyndi?
VIN
Yeah, saw her a couple weeks ago.
KEN
Bridge patrol found her body today.
88.
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - THE NEXT DAY
Al orders a drink and catches Vin up on breaking band news.
VIN
Seriously? Asbury Park?
ALAN
Showcase gig. We nail this one,
we're as good as signed.
VIN
Can you believe we're on the radio?
ALAN
I know, my folks are freaking out.
VIN
Time for us to go big or go home.
Al motions to the giant mirror ball rotating over the stage.
ALAN
How much d'ya think that weighs?
INT. ADMIRAL MAIN STAGE - MOMENTS LATER
Vin is perched on a barstool, gripping the support chain.
ALAN
It's gonna look killer over my kit.
VIN
All right. You ready?
ALAN
Go ahead, I'll catch it.
VIN (V.O.)
It was A LOT heavier than it
looked.
Vin lifts the disco ball from its hook. It promptly falls to
the stage with a thud, nearly yanking Vin off the stool. It
rolls to the edge of the stage, causing Al to dive away like
Indiana Jones. Vin scrambles and jams a desperate hand under
the shiny globe, stopping its roll and crushing his fingers.
ALAN
Well, that didn't work.
VIN
Get this thing off my hand--
89.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Paul and Vin Rescue Captive Girls and Visit the Admiral Lounge Office
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - AFTERNOON
Vin arrives for another shift, raising a bruised digit to
give the heavily bandaged Fred a thumb's up before parking.
Paul smokes by the red door, shaking his head in amusement.
VIN
I know, I'm an idiot.
PAUL
Me and Chowder put it back.
VIN
You coming this weekend?
PAUL
Bringing a special guest, too.
EXT. OASIS HOTEL - LATER
Paul and Vin meticulously identify each vehicle parked in
the Oasis lot, reading license plates as they go. Vin holds
his axe handle, Paul has a crowbar and a scribbled note.
VIN
Sure you wanna do this?
VIN (V.O.)
A Ukrainian dancer told Paul that
she was being held captive at the
Oasis with 7 other girls.
PAUL
Sadie begged me. They burned her
and her sister with fucking cigars.
VIN (V.O.)
We got Ken to give us the tag
number of the Saber Vending guys.
PAUL
They're not here. Good. Let's go--
EXT. OASIS HOTEL ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Paul pries open the door with the crowbar. 7 pale young
women stare back in hollow-eyed surprise. Unsure at first,
they hastily grab their things in silence and bolt outside.
VIN (V.O.)
Brenda hid them in her office with
Rizzo while Steve called some cabs
and Ken took down their names.
(MORE)
90.
VIN (CONT'D)
At the end of the night, those
young women snuck out the back door
and reclaimed their freedom.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE OFFICE - EVENING
Cheap Halloween decorations adorn the office's doors and
windows. Dressed as a sexy witch, Brenda disco dances with
Rizzo in full white polyester glory as zombie John Travolta.
A knock at the door and Snake Plissken enters. Vin lifts his
eyepatch and smiles as the couple shake their booties. Their
body language affirms that both are still very much in love.
VIN
Am I interrupting something?
BRENDA
At last, the prodigal son returns.
RIZZO
Hey is that the Boss? Bruuuce!
BRENDA
I heard the gig went really well.
VIN
It did. Even Sami showed up.
BRENDA
An that's why ya neva burn bridges.
VIN
Especially if you're a musician.
RIZZO
Mind closing up for us tonight?
VIN
Hope I can remember the alarm code.
BRENDA
What a talent you are. Not only a
musician, but a comedian too. Don't
break anymore of my sinks, OK?
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Revenge and Departures
INT. ADMIRAL BAR AREA - LATER
The bar is quiet. Vin pulls down paper streamers while Kathy
takes the register drawers back to the office for counting.
Someone outside starts pounding on the door. Vin approaches.
91.
VIN
We’re closed.
More banging. Vin grabs the axe handle and unlocks the door.
VIN (CONT'D)
I said we’re closed.
Stocky with black hair and a beard, BIG DAVE's flat, even
tone suggests a total lack of fear or human emotion.
BIG DAVE
I know.
VIN
Then take a fucking walk.
BIG DAVE
I’m here to pick someone up.
VIN
Everybody's gone. Beat it.
BIG DAVE
I’m here to pick up Kathy.
Vin raises an eyebrow in surprise. He knows who this is.
VIN
Big Dave?
Dave walks in without a word and sits quietly at the bar.
VIN (V.O.)
He looked like a normal guy, but he
was feared for good reason and had
a ruthless reputation. Big Dave was
no fake wannabe gangster. No. This
guy was a stone cold killer and a
legitimately scary dude in person.
Kathy emerges from the back, kisses Dave and they head out.
KATHY
Have a good night, Vin!
BIG DAVE
See ya round, kid.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE BATHROOM - EVENING
Vin stands at the mirror staring at his defeated reflection.
92.
VIN
I can't believe it. They quit.
PAUL
It was just bad chemistry. Besides,
it's not like you lost Al or Jeff.
Paul does a key bump and offers one to Vin, who declines.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Sorry, forgot.
VIN
How could they do this? We just got
out of the studio. The freakin' CD
covers are already printed.
PAUL
Look, what's the big deal? Now you
can focus on your solo stuff.
VIN
Easy for you to say. We were so
close to getting signed.
PAUL
Listen up motherfucker, cause I'm
only gonna say this once. You're
not Vinny Cole. You're better than
that hair band bullshit. The dude
who recorded those vocals is one of
the meanest singers and songwriters
I’ve ever heard.
VIN
Thanks man, I--
PAUL
Shut the fuck up.
EXT. LANDFILL - DAY
Seagulls squabble and feast on garbage as a trash truck
crawls across the mountain of waste and backs up to unload
its foul cargo.
It dumps out its payload when a glint in the mirror catches
the driver's eye. Something shiny tumbles out and catches
the sunlight among the sea of plastic bags.
The man walks over and picks up a folded straight razor. He,
opens the blade to find it dirty and smudged with inky soot.
93.
INT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE - NIGHT
Ken watches Monday Night Football in a vintage Eagles
jersey. Vin sits next to him doing bouncer duty.
KEN
They found his car in the Badlands.
VIN
But not him?
KEN
Keys were still in the ignition.
Philly PD thinks he skipped town.
VIN
What do YOU think?
KEN
Well, they have zero witnesses and
no useable prints. What do I think?
(sips beer)
I think someone took out the trash.
EXT. JUNKYARD - NIGHT
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE
Backed in to a dead end in a junkyard, Big Dave sips on a
coffee cup while reading the Inquirer. Another car soon
approaches and flashes its headlights twice.
Cadillac parks and greets Dave warmly with a complex yet
familiar handshake. Dave retrieves the gas can as the
Caddy's passenger door swings open and Fred steps out
gingerly, bandaged and scarred from his healing wounds.
The 3 men enter a remote section of the junkyard and walk
over to an old Cadillac DeVille parked in an industrial
press, ready to be crushed and sold for scrap.
They walk around to the trunk and pop it open. Gagged and
blindfolded, Jumbo lies inside trembling and covered in
urine. Cadillac pulls a blunt from his pocket and lights it
as Big Dave hands the gas can over to Fred.
VIN (V.O.)
After the cops found Cyndi's body
under the bridge, Jumbo became a
serious liability. For Big Dave,
that kind of heat is bad for
business and in his line of work,
employees are expendable.
94.
Fred soaks the trunk in gasoline, emptying the entire can on
Jumbo, who struggles to free himself.
VIN (V.O.)
He also did Cadillac a solid by
helping his Uncle get revenge on
Jumbo for setting him on fire, but
that was really just a bonus.
Fred removes Jumbo's blindfold and faces him, savoring the
shock etched on his face. Using a full pack from The Admiral
Lounge, Fred strikes a single match.
FREDDY
Fuck you lookin at, nigga?
He drops it. Jumbo writhes in agony as he is consumed by the
inferno. Fred hits the blunt and watches him burn.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Financial Crisis Revealed
INT. APARTMENT LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Vin watches a music video with interest. A new Seattle band
has seemingly shaken the foundations of the current rock and
roll scene. The phone rings.
VIN
Hello?
SAMI (O.S.)
I miss you. Wanna come over?
VIN
I'll be there in 10.
They hang up. Vin grabs his jacket and keys, but his focus
remains on the video. He nods along to the music, listening
closely to the lyrics of the band's enigmatic singer.
VIN (CONT'D)
This guy kind of sounds like Dee
Snider. I like it. These guys
might be onto something.
'Here we are now, entertain us!'
Vin hums along as he slams the door behind him.
EXT. SOMERDALE POLICE STATION - NIGHT
Steve emerges from the front door in a very bad mood. His
bouncers file out a few paces behind like lost sheep.
95.
Chowder has tissue stuffed in his nostrils and a lump on his
forehead, Vin dabs a split lip while Paul rubs his wrists
and nurses a shiner.
STEVE
(hoarse whisper)
This is it. Last time. I'm done.
PAUL
Hey, they started it--
As they reach his car, Steve turns to angrily confront them.
STEVE
I don't give 2 shits! You dumb
fucks have no idea what's going on.
VIN
What do you mean?
STEVE
Brenda, Rizzo.
CHOWDER
What about them?
STEVE
It's bad--
With a sigh, Steve lays out the ugly truth to his troops.
VIN (V.O.)
By that point, the drugs had
completely taken over. Brenda and
Rizzo barely showed up at all and
when they did, they’d just clean
out the safe and leave us with
barely enough money to operate.
STEVE
Our state taxes haven't been paid
in months, and if we don't renew
the liquor license soon, they'll
shut us down just like that.
VIN (V.O.)
He was right. We all saw it coming,
but in the end there was nothing
any of us could do to stop it.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Unexpected Hospital Visit: Vin, Paul, and Rizzo
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - AFTERNOON
Vin shares his latest romantic misadventure with Paul as
they cross the empty parking lot to begin another shift.
96.
PAUL
So how'd ya get your car keys back?
VIN
Banged on the door for 10 minutes.
Vin looks to Fred's stoop but he is nowhere to be found.
VIN (CONT'D)
Thank God she let me in before the
neighbors called the cops.
PAUL
If ya ask me, it sounds like a
great way to spend Thanksgiving.
VIN
Gran scolded me for missing dinner.
PAUL
Could be worse.
Ever had haggis on Thanksgiving?
VIN
Ew. No thank you.
They arrive at the red door and find it chained up tight.
PAUL
What the fuck?
VIN
I have a bad feeling.
PAUL
C'mon, we gotta find a pay phone.
EXT. GAS STATION - MOMENTS LATER
Paul stands in a phonebooth with the receiver to his ear.
VIN (V.O.)
We called Brenda to find out what
was going on. She was hysterical.
After some back and forth, Paul hangs up. He looks worried.
VIN
Well?
PAUL
Rizzo's in the hospital.
97.
INT. COOPER HOSPITAL - MOMENTS LATER
Paul and Vin navigate the hallways of the busy hospital.
PAUL
No biggie.
He just overdid it again.
VIN (V.O.)
We were both absolutely certain
that Rizzo was just in a temporary
coma, and by some miracle would
rise like Lazarus from the dead.
PAUL
Remind me to swing by Miguel's to
get a little blast for the night.
VIN
Why do you continuously do that
garbage, especially when it’s
mostly just cut? It gives you the
shits more than it wakes you up.
PAUL
Because it’s consistent.
VIN
What the hell does that even mean?
PAUL
It means when I go home, I want to
go to sleep, not be up all night.
VIN
You do get how fucked up and
backwards that is, right?
They reach Rizzo's room, knock twice and enter.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Saying Goodbye to Rizzo and Sharing Music News with Family
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Rizzo is in very bad shape. His face and body are so swollen
that his handsome features are now distorted and grotesque.
VIN (V.O.)
When Paul and I saw Rizzo, his head
was the size of a pumpkin. We tried
to be cheerful and upbeat, but I
knew we were saying goodbye.
Holding Rizzo's hand, Brenda weeps into Paul's chest.
98.
VIN (V.O.)
Rizzo never regained consciousness.
When they pronounced him legally
brain dead, it really felt like
Brenda Cordova died, too.
INT. PAUL'S CAR - LATER
The men sit in grim silence as they wait for a traffic
light. A car pulls alongside with Vin's band on the radio
and they laugh.
VIN (V.O.)
We also found out that it was the
Governor's Office who shut us down.
PAUL
Steve tried to fucking warn us.
VIN (V.O.)
Crime in the area had become
impossible to ignore, and it was
national news when Camden was named
the Most Dangerous City in America.
We had been competing with Newark
on and off for a few years and we'd
mostly won that title. Or lost, to
put it more appropriately.
VIN
Maybe Ken's right.
VIN (V.O.)
But rather than address the root
causes, she avoided the issue and
responded to her critics by
bulldozing every strip club on
Admiral Wilson Boulevard in an
election-year PR media stunt. It
worked, and she got elected.
INT. GRANDMOM'S HOUSE - DAY
Grandma is feeding the Sunday masses. Vin enters and greets
his extended family with hugs and kisses, discreetly pulling
down his shirt sleeves to conceal the scar on his forearm.
AUNT GINNY
Hey Rockstar, jeet?
VIN
Not yet, Aunt Gin.
99.
GRANDMA
Come and sit down. I made chicken
cutlets and that string bean salad
your Grandfather likes.
So, how's the music going?
VIN
Well, the band broke up. But one of
the guys who created Woodstock
heard me and wants to produce an
album or 2 with me, so I'm working
on new material and putting
together a new band.
GRANDMA
That’s nice, you know we're always
pulling for you. Maybe it'll make
you some money. That'd be nice.
VIN
Maybe, Grandmom. Maybe.
From across the table, Aunt Ginny emphatically chimes in:
AUNT GINNY
Did you say Woodstock? I heard
youse on the radio, by the way.
VIN
That guy has a ton of hit songs.
You remember 'Dead Man's Curve'?
AUNT GINNY
Sure! Jan and Dean. Love that song.
VIN
He said he liked my music, so he's
flying up from Florida to meet me.
AUNT GINNY
Will you keep on paving streets?
GRANDMA
(concerned)
Still don't like you doing that
road construction business.
VIN
Pay is good and I need the money.
GRANDMA
You don't work at the club anymore?
100.
VIN
(cheerful)
I work at a new place now, playing
records up in the DJ booth. It's a
little more in line with what I
love to do.
GRANDMA
Vinny, when are you going to find a
nice girl and settle down?
VIN (V.O.)
Here we go again.
VIN
Sami and I got back together.
Pleased with the news, Grandma can't hide her amusement.
GRANDMA
Again? What is it with you two? One
week your together, the next you're
broken up. I can't keep track.
Genres:
["Drama","Crime","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Gun Shy Reunion: A Tale of Mixed Fortunes
INT. MALL RECORD STORE - AFTERNOON
Vin and Sami hold hands and browse the racks of CDs. Grunge
and hip hop dominate the new releases. Something unexpected
stops Vin in his tracks between Green Day and Guns n Roses.
VIN
You gotta be fucking kidding.
SAMI
What'd you find?
Vin raises a copy of GUN SHY's debut CD 'After Dark'.
SAMI (CONT'D)
Shut up!
VIN
Jeff got us a record deal after
all. How about that?
VIN (V.O.)
Jeff had gone on to replace our
Producer in his band and before you
know it, he found a label to
promote our CD, too.
(MORE)
101.
VIN (CONT'D)
We all had moved on to other major
projects, but we never forgot where
we started, and those first songs
that launched our careers. They
were like our children.
SUPER: YEARS LATER
INT. TROCADERO NIGHT CLUB - NIGHT
Vin performs onstage at the packed venue with a new solo
band including Al and Dan. The crowd can't get enough.
SUPER: Vin did eventually go on to sign a deal with the
creators of Woodstock and fronted a band bearing his name.
He released multiple albums as a successful solo artist but
never forgot those Gun Shy days that started it all.
EXT. ADMIRAL WILSON BOULEVARD - NIGHT
Haggard and strung out, Brenda propositions johns on the
Boulevard as they honk and speed past in their cars.
SUPER: Brenda was struck and killed by an 18 wheeler. A
homeless man who witnessed the incident hinted at suicide.
INT. SMALL APARTMENT - DAY
A furious woman snatches a child away from Ken and storms
out. With an anguished sob, he tearfully raises a handgun.
SUPER: Officer Ken Rivolli's death was ruled accidental so
that his children could receive his pension and benefits.
EXT. ADMIRAL LOUNGE PARKING LOT - DAY
Fred watches as heavy equipment demolishes the Admiral. The
red door falls with a thud, sending a 5 dollar bill aloft on
a cloud of debris. He snags it in midair and shuffles off
triumphantly down the street with the stray cat by his side.
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - MOMENTS LATER
With 2 quarts of beer in hand, Fred uses the remaining
change to buy a single scratch-off lottery ticket. He
scrapes at it with a coin and gasps in mute astonishment.