KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN
Written by
R.J. Joseph & Terry Haskell
Moccasin Path Productions
PO Box 4484
Sedona, AZ
928-300-1052
FADE IN:
EXT. GOLF COURSE - DAY
CLOSE ON
A white-dimpled blur fills the screen. Pulling back slowly,
we see it is a Top Flight golf ball sitting on a tee.
SLO MO
A one-wood driver drops behind the ball and sits on the green
grass below the tee.
The club makes an upward back-swing. At the top of the arc,
there is a slight pause.
With a powerful downswing, we see the flex of the shaft. The
club-head cuts through the thick, humid air and connects with
the ball.
END SLO MO
With a loud, CRACK! Launching it skyward. Its flight
resembles the sound of a 105 ARTILLERY FLARE.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE - NIGHT
The 105 aerial flare breaks the darkness over the silent
Vietnam jungle. Through a starlight scope, we see an eerie
sight: The scope pans left slowly, revealing the ENEMY
camouflaged in the foliage.
We turn sixty degrees to the right and see more VIETCONG.
Then, suddenly, he twists to the left, and we hold on to the
enemy slowly advancing toward us.
TELETYPE ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN:
“0-200 AUGUST 11, 1969 - TAN NAHN PROVINCE, VIETNAM”
The sounds of a distorted RADIO break the silence.
A lone SOLDIER sits crouched over, smoking. The radio
transmits a LOUD, clear message.
RADIO (V.O.)
1,3, kilo...1,3, kilo...this is Red
Lion over. Be advised, we have made
contact. What’s your position?
I repeat, What’s your position? I
need your coordinates. Over.
VOICE (O.S.)
Jack! God dammit, we have movement
all around us! They hit the F.O.
It’s been overrun.
The lone soldier, JACK, a twenty-five-year-old AFRICAN
AMERICAN Staff Sergeant, sits unaffected by all this. He
slowly begins to nod and takes a deep, long toke from his
joint.
The radio crackles in and out of reception, and in between,
SQUELCHES transmits the sounds of the ENEMY voices. Jack
slowly turns and exhales a large amount of smoke.
JACK
Good. We can attack in any
direction.
This is the face of a soldier who’s been there too long and
has seen too much.
SAME VOICE (O.S.)
Jack!
Jack cocks his .45 and aims it at the radio.
SAME VOICE (O.S.)
What are you doin’?
JACK
Willie. We’re fucked! We can’t let
them get their hands on the radio.
He FIRES, silencing it. At this moment, all hell breaks loose
as the biggest, loudest, most powerful FIRE-FIGHT of the
Vietnam War erupts around them.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE - DAWN
As DAWN approaches, the smoke clears and reveals what used to
be Willie’s 12-Man PATROL. We see young CASUALTIES of war as
we drift across the war-torn battle ground.
Nearby, a soldier STRUGGLES to roll over, revealing a
Nineteen-year-old AFRICAN AMERICAN. He wears DOG TAGS that
read JACKSON, WILLIAM. Serial Number 629776477. Blood Type O
positive. Baptist. A silver PENDANT of crossed GOLF CLUBS
hangs from a chain as well. Willie holds onto a STAR-LIGHT
SCOPE as he sees a mutilated dead body.
WILLIE
Jack...
He grits his teeth in pain as his eyes roll back into his
head.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
A Dive into Discrimination
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/POND - MORNING
Beneath a clear blue sky, a 10-year-old AFRICAN AMERICAN BOY
executes a beautiful and graceful SWAN DIVE. We follow this
poetic image into the water, deeper and deeper, until he
finally reaches the bottom... This is young Willie.
EXT. BENEATH THE WATER - CONTINUOUS
Willie picks things from the murky floor, placing them into
the pockets of his cut-off trousers. He swims upward, stroke
after stroke, until he BREAKS the silent surface of the water
with a GASP of air.
TELETYPE ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN:
“0-700 MAY 11, 1960 - STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA, USA”
Willie swims to shore and walks to an old, banged-up PAINT
BUCKET. He empties his pockets.
Inside the bucket, there are many types of water-stained GOLF
BALLS.
Willie picks up the bucket and SNEAKS towards a chain-link
fence. Once there, he picks up the bottom of the fence and
props his bucket underneath it. He then slides himself
through the opening he has created.
On the other side, he grabs the bucket, releasing the fence.
He places a large STONE against the bottom to hold it down.
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/FENCE LINE - MORNING
Willie walks barefoot along the chain-link fence line with
his bucket in hand. He stops and watches a middle-aged MAN
slice his ball into the pond on the 3rd hole.
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/GATE - MORNING
Willie comes to a huge stone-pillared GATE. He stops and
looks in awe at the elegant and immaculate grounds. The
CLUBHOUSE is made of stone, complete with tennis courts, a
swimming pool, and outside dining.
Shiny AUTOMOBILES occupy the circular drive. A black
CHAUFFEUR dressed in a fine uniform adjusts his hat, pulls a
white handkerchief from his pocket, and bends to dust his
shoes. This is JIM, who is in his late fifties.
Willie looks down at his shoeless feet and wiggles his toes.
He’s about to step forward when he looks up and sees a twenty-
three-year-old WHITE MALE with a square jaw, brush cut, and a
lip full of chewing TOBACCO. This is the GATE GUARD.
GUARD
Hey, gator’ bait! Where the hell do
ya think yer goin’...huh?
WILLIE
I wanna sell my golf balls.
GUARD
Not in here, ya ain’t. I told you,
don't be coming around here no
more, and stay outta’ that pond.
The guard SPITS downward, hitting Oliver’s bare feet.
GUARD
Now go on, git on your way, boy!
Willie looks at the guard, then at his feet covered in brown
GOO. The chauffeur yells and waves Willie away.
JIM
Go on home! You heard the man.
Willie backs away. He looks up and sees a brass plaque
attached to the pillar. The sign reads STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY
CLUB MEMBERS ONLY.
Willie looks to the pillar on his right, where still another
sign reads: NO COLOREDS.
Willie looks to Jim, who is busy parking the automobile. He
turns and continues down the fence line.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
A Deal at the Fence
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/FENCE LINE - DAY
Willie stops at a ditch alongside the fence and washes his
feet in a small puddle of water. He uses a crumpled-up piece
of newspaper to dry them when he hears a VOICE.
VOICE (O.S.)
Damn, Goddamn! Son of a... Mary and
Joseph... Jesus!
Willie looks up and through the fence, where he sees an
unusual sight. The man from the 3rd hole searches through his
GOLF BAG.
MAN
Damn it! Damn it!
He stands up and gives his bag a good, hard KICK. Suddenly,
he hears a THUNK next to him, looks down, and sees a water-
stained GOLF BALL.
He turns around to see Willie with an ear-to-ear grin
standing on the other side of the fence 30 yards away,
holding a golf ball in each hand.
WILLIE
Seems to me you wanna buy some golf
balls! Don’t ya, mister?
Looking closer, Willie sees the white man in his late fifties
with salt-and-pepper hair and a slight paunch. The man wears
baby blue polyester pants, a white short-sleeved golf shirt,
and white patent leather cleats.
MAN
What the...
Willie holds the bucket so the man can see his wide selection
of golf balls for sale. Willie puts the bucket down and
taunts the man by attempting to juggle a few balls.
MAN
Young man! Come here!
The loud voice startles Willie, and he drops the golf balls.
He looks at the man, then down the fence line towards the
pillar gates.
WILLIE
I can’t do that, mister! Don’t ya
know the sign says no colored
allowed?
MAN
Don’t worry about that! Just get
over the fence and run those balls
over here!
WILLIE
I said I can’t do that, mister! The
guard is at the gate!
The man looks around and peers at the clubhouse far off in
the distance. He looks back at Willie, reaches into his
pocket, and pulls out a TWO-DOLLAR-BILL.
Willie keeps a keen eye on the money in the man’s hand.
MAN
We have a little problem here!
Seems you want to sell, and I want
to buy, yet we are having a little
logistical issue!
The man begins to finger the bill slowly as he takes his turn
taunting the young salesman. Willie thinks hard while eyeing
the cash.
WILLIE
Hey, mister. I got an idea!
MAN
I’m listening!
Willie bends down and picks up his paint bucket filled with
golf balls.
WILLIE
These here balls are a nickel or
six for a quarter! Now I can get
‘em to ya, but ya gotta bring the
money to me!
MAN
We have a deal!
Willie reaches into the bucket and pulls out a homemade SLING-
SHOT made of mountain ash and an inner tube. He loads a ball
and FIRES it towards the man.
As this happens, we hear a loud, angry VOICE.
VOICE (O.S.)
Willie, what the hell are you doin’
here? Why aren’t you home doin’
your chores?
WILLIE
I’m sorry, Pa.
Willie’s father, a black man in his late forties, wears baggy
old work pants, a white T-shirt, and work boots. He hasn’t
shaved in days. This is LEWIS JACKSON, whom Willie calls Pa.
Willie winces from the pain of his ear being pinched.
PA
Now you get on home, right now!
Willie grabs his bucket and takes off, running as fast as he
can for home.
PA
If I ever catch you down here
again, you’re gonna get your ass
whooped! Do you hear me?
The two men lock eyes, and an immediate dislike sparks
between them. The man bends to pick up the two golf balls
while watching the angry black man walk away.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
A Day at the General Store
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN GENERAL STORE/SERVICE STATION - DAY
This typical small-town, one-stop-shop family store has it
all: post office, ice cream soda fountain,
hardware/mercantile, and gas.
The screen door opens, and in walks young Willie with an
elderly black woman dressed modestly. GRAMMA has gray-white
hair and is in her late sixties. Behind her stands NETTA
JACKSON in her mid-forties, whom Willie calls MA.
She is dressed much the same as Gramma. Ma holds onto a
little girl’s hand. This is Willie’s six-year-old little
sister, CRICKET.
MA
Now remember, just looking. No
touching and no tasting. Promise,
Cricket?
CRICKET
I promise, Ma.
Ma and Gramma tend to the shopping as Willie and little
Cricket head off to explore the section of toy treasures.
Cricket quickly discovers a little stuffed BEAR with a pretty
bow around its neck. She’s in love.
CRICKET
Do you think?
WILLIE
Naw, Ma said no touching. Put it
back.
Cricket sadly places the stuffed bear back on the shelf.
WILLIE
One day...
Willie, distracted by “boy” things, doesn’t finish his
sentence. He heads in that direction when he hears his Ma.
MA (O.S.)
Willie. Cricket.
The youngsters pull themselves away from their hearts’
desires and dash back to the register, where Ma digs through
her coin PURSE, counting change. Cricket sees a jar of GRAPE
SOURS.
CRICKET
Ma, can I have one of these?
The skinny, elderly white CASHIER waits, tapping his long,
bony fingers on the counter, while a man’s silhouette watches
through the screen door.
MA
You know better than that.
Ma looks back at the impatient Cashier.
MA
I’m sorry, sir. How much was that
again?
Annoyed, the Cashier looks at the register tape through his
bifocals. Willie watches closely.
CASHIER
Two dollars and ninety-eight cents.
Yep...uh huh, two dollars and
ninety-eight cents. You know,
inflation.
Ma goes back to her purse, counts her change, and then looks
to Gramma.
MA
I’m short. Do you have any?
GRAMMA
No, maybe you should put the eggs
back.
MA
But Lewis wants his breakfast. You
know how he gets.
(to Cashier)
Do you think I could get a little
credit till Friday when I get paid?
CASHIER
Absolutely not. You being colored
and all, and keep those little
pickaninnies out of the sweets! I
don’t have time for this.
CRICKET
Just one. Please, Ma?
MA
I said NO!
Cricket cries, not knowing what she did wrong. Willie pats
his pockets when the man from the third hole enters through
the screen door. They immediately recognize each other. The
man is known as THE GENERAL.
THE GENERAL
You'd better have time for me! Have
my cigars come in yet?
CASHIER
Sorry, sir. The delivery still has
not arrived.
THE GENERAL
Well, when they do, you get them to
me ASAP.
CASHIER
Yes, sir.
The General turns to the family, takes in the group, and
approaches Ma.
THE GENERAL
Hello, my name is Walter Effrim
Simmons. Retired, I have some
unfinished business with this young
man.
MA
I’m Netta Jackson. This young man’s
ma.
Mesmerized by The General’s presence, the family watches him
extend his hand to Willie. Willie reaches out and grabs The
General’s hand.
We immediately notice the immense contrast, both in COLOR and
SIZE, as the two shake hands.
THE GENERAL
I was hoping our paths would cross
again. You are the salesman, aren’t
you? With the slingshot?
WILLIE
Ya. My name is Willie. And you’re
the man who can’t get over the pond
on the 3rd hole.
The two release hands.
THE GENERAL
That would be me. Well, now, what
do I owe you?
WILLIE
Mmm... let’s see... I shot two
balls... uh huh... yup... that’s
two balls for a quarter.
THE GENERAL
Two for a quarter? You said six for
a quarter yesterday.
WILLIE
Yes, I did. But you were supposed
to bring the quarter to the fence.
You didn’t do that.
(glancing at the cashier)
And you know, plus inflation.
MA
Willie, what’re you?
THE GENERAL
Beg your pardon, Ma’am, but he’s
right. I have a business agreement
with your son, and I intend to
uphold my end of it.
He turns his attention to Willie.
THE GENERAL
You drive a hard bargain, young
fella, but as an honorable
businessman, a deal is a deal.
The General goes into his pocket, pulls out a MORGAN SILVER
DOLLAR, and FLIPS it to Willie.
Willie SNAPS the coin out of the air.
WILLIE
A dollar? This is too much.
THE GENERAL
You earned it.
The General tips his hat to the ladies and gives Cricket a
TWEAK on her cheek as he turns and walks away.
Willie is proud of himself. Cricket and the family share
looks of confusion.
WILLIE
What’re you poutin’ for, Cricket?
Willie walks over to his sister and puts an arm around her.
WILLIE
How ‘bout a grape sour?
Cricket immediately cheers up.
WILLIE
(to cashier)
Two grape sours and those dozen
eggs. And we ain’t gonna be needin’
any of your credit.
The General stops halfway out the screen door. He turns his
head and watches Willie pay the Cashier, gives his sister a
sour, and the change to his Ma.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
A Summer Opportunity
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN GENERAL STORE/SERVICE STATION - DAY
As the family exits with their bag of groceries, the General
sits on a bench that decorates the shaded wooden porch.
He looks at a B&W PHOTO of a young interracial couple in
front of the Eiffel Tower from his wallet. When he stands to
greet the family, the photo falls to the floor. Willie picks
it up and looks at it, then hands it to him.
THE GENERAL
Thank you, young man.
The general turns back towards Netta.
THE GENERAL
Excuse me, Ma’am. This is of a
professional nature. I’m looking
for an assistant regarding part-
time summer employment on the
weekends.
MA
Sir?
THE GENERAL
I believe your son possesses the
necessary skills to fill this
position.
MA
Willie? Go on.
THE GENERAL
Golf. I need a good, strong,
responsible young man to caddie for
me at the country club.
Willie is now barely able to contain his excitement.
MA
No, no... this will not... Willie’s
Pa will never let him work there.
Willie tugs at his Ma’s arm.
WILLIE
Come on, Ma! I love going down
there... Please!
MA
What about your Pa? You know how he
feels about such things. He won’t
like it.
GRAMMA
Honest work is right next to God’s
work. Don’t worry about Lewis. He’s
got the temper of a young badger,
but I’m his Mama, and I’ll handle
him.
WILLIE
Thank you, Gramma.
Willie gives her a big hug.
THE GENERAL
Good, it’s a deal then. I’ll see
you at the gate. Saturday, 0700.
Sharp! That means 7 AM.
Suddenly, a look of sadness falls across Willie’s face.
THE GENERAL
What’s the matter?
WILLIE
Shoes, sir. I got no shoes that
fit.
THE GENERAL
Hmmmm... that is a problem.
(Turns to Ma)
Ma’am, if you don’t mind, I would
like to buy your boy the proper
working attire.
MA
I need to talk this over with
Willie’s Pa.
THE GENERAL
I understand, and don’t worry. He
can call me if he has questions,
and let him know that Jim and I
will watch over him at the club.
He tips his hat, pulls a business card from his pocket, and
hands it to Ma as Gramma steps up to him.
GRAMMA
We don’t accept charity; the shoes
and clothes will be an advance.
THE GENERAL
Understood.
He places his hand on Willie’s shoulder, turning him back
toward the store.
INT. WILLIE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Willie lies on his bed listening quietly while Cricket sleeps
soundly in the bed next to him.
PA (O.S.)
I said no! There’s plenty for him
to do around here on weekends.
MA (O.S.)
I really believe that this would be
good for him. You know how much he
loves to go...
PA (O.S.)
Goddammit! That’s no place for him!
Hell, most of the men there are
still in the Klan.
Pa leaves, slamming the door behind him.
GRAMMA (O.S.)
I’ll go talk to him.
Willie rolls over, turns on his old Philco transistor RADIO,
and tunes into a Major League Baseball game.
Willie listens to the game quietly.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Punctuality and Presentation
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/STONE GATE - MORNING
The General paces back and forth, checking his wristwatch. He
looks up the road and sees Willie running towards him.
Willie is wearing a new pair of black pants and a new white
shirt, and carrying a pair of black-and-white high-top P.F.
FLYERS.
WILLIE
Sorry, I’m late. My Gramma said I
had to do my chores first.
THE GENERAL
0700, not 0710. That means if you
have chores, you’d better get up
earlier.
He looks at Willie sternly.
THE GENERAL
Is that clear?
WILLIE
Yes, sir.
THE GENERAL
Follow me. Wait. Why are you
carrying your shoes?
WILLIE
I don’t want to get them dirty.
THE GENERAL
Well, put them on.
Willie sits down on the ground and quickly puts on his new
shoes. When he’s finished lacing them up, Willie stands.
The General looks him over.
THE GENERAL
Tuck your shirt in and brush your
pants off.
Willie looks quite respectable in his new clothes, but his
shoes look a little too big for him. They’re about two sizes
too big.
THE GENERAL
Your shoes, how do they feel?
Willie looks down at his new shoes, then back up, all proud
and full of himself.
WILLIE
They feel great!
THE GENERAL
Good. Follow me.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
A Morning at the Country Club
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/GROUNDS - MORNING
The General leads Willie into the country club grounds. As
they approach the Security Building, the guard comes out.
GUARD
Morning, General.
The guard stands at full attention and salutes The General as
he passes.
THE GENERAL
Yeah, good morning. Come on,
Willie. Step brisk.
Willie walks behind The General. He passes the guard, and
with a bit of cockiness, he returns the salute. Willie
attempts to spit downwards towards the guard’s feet. Most of
the spittle runs down his chin.
The General leads the way past Jim, the black chauffeur,
loading a golf bag into a fancy automobile trunk. Jim
straightens up when he sees The General.
JIM
Mornin', sir.
THE GENERAL
Good morning, Jim.
Willie trails behind The General. He reaches out and grabs
the white dust rag from the chauffeur’s back pocket.
He dusts off his new shoes. Jim plays along, smiles at
Willie, and with the tip of his hat, waves the young
gentleman on by.
The General stops outside the front door of the clubhouse,
waiting for Willie to catch up.
THE GENERAL
Okay. Once we enter, I’m not sure
what will come of all this, but,
ah, who gives a...
The General pushes the front door open.
THE GENERAL
Let’s go.
WILLIE
Yes, sir.
THE GENERAL
What? Speak up.
WILLIE
Yes, sir!
THE GENERAL
Stay close and don’t wander.
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/FOYER - MORNING
The General and Willie walk into the huge foyer. Willie is
completely in awe, mesmerized by the grandiose elegance of
the clubhouse.
Waiters stop to let them pass. Fellow golfers nod; some even
stand and salute. The General commands respect and attention;
Willie is taken by this.
Yet the murmur of racial comments circulates as they pass.
The General doesn’t seem to notice. Willie notices but
ignores it. He follows The General down a staircase.
Willie slides his hand along the Royal Oak banister while
looking at the antique portraits on the wall. All the
paintings are of WHITE southern political figures.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Confrontation at the Country Club
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/PRO SHOP - MORNING
Willie and The General enter the club’s Pro Shop and
equipment room with the latest golfing wardrobe and
paraphernalia.
At the back counter, a white male in his 20s cleans golf
clubs. He wears upscale ’60s golf attire, and his name tag
reads SMITTY.
SMITTY
General, watch the ninth green...
It’s running a little fast.
Willie steps up alongside The General.
THE GENERAL
Thanks, Smitty. This is my new
caddie, Willie Jackson. Willie,
this is Smitty. He’ll get you
whatever I need. He knows his way
around here. He’s been here for a
while. Isn’t that right?
SMITTY
Yes General.
THE GENERAL
Give Willie my clubs, and I’ll be
at my locker.
As The General leaves, Willie watches Smitty retrieve the
golf bag and lean it against the counter. Smitty waits until
The General walks out of hearing distance.
SMITTY
What’d ya say yer name was?
WILLIE
Willie Jackson.
Willie extends his hand. Smitty slowly and arrogantly pushes
it aside.
SMITTY
Not on this golf course, it ain’t.
It’s Coon. You got that?
Smitty wipes his hand on Willie’s new white shirt and leans
in close. Willie stares at the big bully.
SMITTY
Now, when I call Coon you come
runnin. You may be The General’s
caddie, but to me, you’re just
another nigger.
The General stands in the hallway to re-light his cigar and
has overheard all of this. He bites down on it as he comes
around the corner towards Smitty.
The General grabs Smitty by his tacky golf shirt and pulls
him close. So close as to almost burn Smitty with his cigar.
THE GENERAL
Are we giving new names around
here? Huh? Well, I have one for
you. From now on, your name is Mr.
Shit in my book! You got that, when
I yell Mr. Shit, you had better
come running. Just a slippin’ and a
slidin’... Is that clear?
SMITTY
Ye, ye, yes, sir.
THE GENERAL
If I ever hear you talking in this
manner to Willie, let alone anyone,
I will have you removed from this
country club.
Willie watches intently. This is a first for him, especially
coming from a white man.
THE GENERAL
Willie, get the clubs.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Lessons in Pain
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/DRIVING RANGE - MORNING
As Willie looks out over the green grass, he sees hundreds
and hundreds of white golf balls. He’s in heaven! He also
notices the other white golfers have stopped to look at him.
The General has other thoughts.
THE GENERAL
Never mind them. Before we get
started, you have to know your
surroundings. What we have is an 18-
hole par 72 course. What makes this
so difficult are the eight water
hazards and multiple sand traps
that hug the greens. Some of them
are so deep that you think you
would need a ladder to get out of
them.
WILLIE
How do you know so much about this
place?
THE GENERAL
That is an excellent question,
young man.
Here is a little backstory on the
club. You need to know your
history.
WILLIE
History. I thought we were gonna
golf? I want to learn to play golf.
Can you teach me?
THE GENERAL
Patience. Willie, golf is about
patience. This country club was
founded in 1924 primarily for
leisure activities. 1929 was the
start of the Great Depression; my
father and his two brothers bought
the place as an investment, and so
it would create some employment
opportunities for the community.
WILLIE
Wow! They must've had a lot of
money.
THE GENERAL
They did OK. But the truth of the
matter is, they just wanted a nice
place to play golf and enjoy a
glass of scotch with a good cigar.
WILLIE
But why did they put the sign on
the gate?
The General is uncomfortable as he turns and looks directly
at Willie.
THE GENERAL
That’s enough history for today.
All right. Empty the bag.
Willie looks confused.
WILLIE
Sir?
The General puffs on his cigar while pointing to the ground.
THE GENERAL
Go on. Dump it out. Right here.
Willie tips the big bag upside down and spills its contents.
THE GENERAL
The first lesson in becoming a
great caddie is knowing the
equipment.
The General leans down and picks up a club by the head and
uses it as a pointer.
THE GENERAL
Now spread them out, one through
nine. Separate the woods from the
irons.
As Willie does this, The General points to the driver.
THE GENERAL
Go on, pick it up.
Willie does as instructed.
THE GENERAL
The driver is used for distance off
the tee. The sole purpose of the
driver is to enable the golfer to
hit the ball longer distances with
better accuracy. You got that?
Willie looks at the driver, studying it closely.
WILLIE
Got it.
THE GENERAL
Good. Put it in the bag.
The General points to a three-wood.
THE GENERAL
Willie, that is a fairway wood. The
three wood is used for distance on
the fairway. Is that clear?
WILLIE
Yes, sir!
THE GENERAL
In the bag.
SERIES OF SHOTS TO INCLUDE:
- All the equipment on the ground.
- The General pointing. Willie nods in agreement.
- The General pacing.
- Willie is placing a club in the bag.
- The General lights his cigar while delivering a speech.
- Willie rolls his eyes.
- Willie places the last club in the bag.
- The General unzips a pocket on the bag, takes out a glove,
ball markers, and many white wooden tees, and drops them on
the ground.
- He points to the glove.
- Willie lets out an enormous sigh as The General delivers
yet another speech.
- The ground is bare, and the golf bag is full.
- Willie feels relieved.
THE GENERAL
Now. This piece of equipment, I
believe, is the most important.
The General runs the club through his hands as he passes it
to Willie.
THE GENERAL
It’s called the putter, do you
remember that with the one wood
driver, you can hit 240, maybe 260
yards on a good day?
As The General looks out over the driving range, he removes
his cigar and spits out a small piece of tobacco leaf.
THE GENERAL
With the putter, as the old saying
goes, you drive for show, but you
always putt for the dough. Do you
understand?
WILLIE
Yes, sir. I do.
THE GENERAL
Gently place it in the bag.
At this moment, a loud burst of THUNDER.
THE GENERAL
Damn, Georgia weather!
The heavens open up with a sudden cloudburst. Willie looks to
the sky with a slight smile, knowing this workday is done.
Willie’s face, an image of young innocence, becomes a
portrait of pain.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE - DUSK
The rain awakens WILLIE. He lets the water wash away the
memories of yesterday. Willie slowly attempts to sit up. He
struggles as each movement brings excruciating pain. He falls
back.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE - NIGHT
Willie lies in darkness, using his left arm, forces himself
into a sitting position. He sits motionless.
Taking a deep breath, Willie slowly lifts his head to see the
dead faces of his patrol.
Willie drops his head in sorrow and notices BLOOD running
into the palm of his right hand.
With his left hand, Willie explores the pain in his right
shoulder, finding a piece of R.P.G. SHRAPNEL protruding from
it.
Still using his left hand, he releases the BAYONET from its
sheath.
Willie cuts away the tattered remains of his sleeve, exposing
the large metal sliver lodged deeply into his flesh. Dropping
the bayonet, he grabs the jagged steel in his left hand and,
with a loud, painful motion, pulls it out. He twists and
falls back to the ground and comes face-to-face with DEATH.
His friend and fallen comrade, Jack.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Morning Struggles
INT. OLIVER’S HOUSE/FRONT ROOM - MORNING
We see the front room of an older-style home with ordinary
furnishings. On the well-used couch, a BODY lies under a
patchwork quilt. We hear the sounds of light SNORING.
An old cabinet RADIO is playing country music in the corner.
The front door opens, and we see an OLDER DRUNKEN PA wavering
back and forth as he contemplates his next step. He staggers
to the couch.
PA
Willie, get up. Let your Pa sit
down. I’m tired. I need to take a
load off. Come on, rise and shine.
He pulls the blanket back, revealing a TEEN-AGED, SLEEPY-EYED
WILLIE.
TELETYPE ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN:
“0-700 APRIL 28, 1966 - STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA, USA”
Willie removes the quilt and sits up. He wears only his
pajama bottoms.
WILLIE
Pa, what time is it?
PA
I don’t know. Morning. It’s morning
time.
Willie gets up and helps his wavering father to the couch.
PA
I got laid off yesterday. You know,
son, things will never change. Just
us colored folks were let go.
Willie pulls off his father’s boots.
WILLIE
We’ll be alright, Pa. You’re the
hardest worker they got. They’ll
hire you back, and I can help out.
PA
You’re a good boy, son, ya know
that? A real good...
In mid-sentence, Pa falls asleep. Willie hears, “News
bulletin - This morning, world heavyweight champion Muhammad
Ali refused induction into the army based on his religious
beliefs and is stripped of his boxing title.”
Willie goes and turns off the old cabinet radio.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Teeing Off Tensions
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/8TH HOLE - MORNING
It’s a bright spring morning. Willie and The General are
playing a match round with THREE of The General’s
CONSTITUENTS.
They are waiting to hit their second shot when BYRON PHELPS,
a forty-year-old legal eagle from Atlanta, steps next to The
General.
PHELPS
You know, sir, there is talk in
Atlanta of your running for
Congress, and I believe you would
make an excellent Congressman! I
mean that.
The General is not paying much attention to Phelps.
THE GENERAL
Willie, what do you make of this
situation?
Willie quickly assesses The General’s golfing shot.
WILLIE
Sir, it’s approximately 145 yards
to the green, and the pin is
playing back. I suggest a long
eight-iron.
Willie hands over the eight-iron. The General steps up to
address his ball. He swings and hits the ball to within three
feet of the pin. The General turns towards Phelps.
THE GENERAL
Best damn caddie here at the
country club!
Phelps’ CADDIE, a 16-year-old white male who looks very
athletic and arrogant, fumes at this.
Phelps, impressed, puts his arm around The General’s
shoulder, turning him away from the other players and their
caddies.
PHELPS
You’re absolutely right. He is one
hell of a caddie, and there’s a lot
of talk about that, too.
THE GENERAL
Now what the hell is that supposed
to mean? You know, that’s the
reason I would never run.
The General looks towards Willie and Phelps’ Caddie. He sees
these two young men standing worlds apart. Separated by what?
The General turns to walk further away, and Phelps follows
him.
PHELPS
Look around you. You are the only
club member who has a Negro caddie.
That doesn’t look good, and it
could hurt you politically. We are
in the south; we are not in New
York City.
The General, now very upset, takes his cigar from his mouth
and crushes it in his hand. Phelps knows he’s pissed.
THE GENERAL
I have been dealing with this
racial crap for the last five
years! Now don’t tell me I can’t
run because of the color of my
caddie. For Christ's sake, man,
what are they afraid of?
Phelps stands speechless as he watches The General steps to
the edge of the fairway and look over the nearby pond.
THE GENERAL
Phelps, you’ve been my attorney for
a long time, and I’ve never known
you to advise me incorrectly. But
you’re wrong about this one. It is
not about the color of people. It’s
about fear and hate.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
A Sunday Stroll by the River
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CHURCH - MORNING
A rural place of worship on the outskirts of town is
surrounded by cypress trees and rolling hills. The black
fellowship, wearing their Sunday best, files out of the
church.
An older Ma and Cricket exit while Willie laughs with the
chauffeur, Jim, at the bottom of the stairs.
JIM
Mrs. Jackson, you gotta be mighty
proud of your boy. He’s come a long
way.
MA
I knew from the moment he was born
that he was blessed.
Ma gives Willie a big kiss on the forehead. He’s embarrassed.
Cricket laughs.
JIM
Don’t be embarrassed, son. You’re
never too old for love!
Willie changes the subject.
WILLIE
Ma, where’s Gramma? I’m working
today.
Willie looks up and sees Gramma’s arm and arm with the
PREACHER at the top of the stairs.
WILLIE
Gramma, let’s go. The general tees
off in ninety minutes.
CRICKET
Ma. Can we go by the river, please?
I wanna pick some flowers for my
math teacher.
WILLIE
I don’t wanna be late!
GRAMMA
Now, now. We can be a little late
or we can rush a little, but we
always have to take our sweet time
with Jesus.
PREACHER
Amen.
They all share a joyful moment.
MA
Preacher, beautiful sermon. Have a
good day. Willie, walk your sister
home by the river.
WILLIE
Ah, Ma, not now.
Jim gets a big kick out of all this.
MA
Willie!
Willie reluctantly walks towards the river. Cricket, totally
happy, follows behind him.
JIM
That boy of yours, Mrs. Jackson,
has a lot of promise.
The big folks smile as the young ones walk away.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Confrontation at the Riverbank
EXT. RIVERBANK - MORNING
Cricket runs ahead of Willie, hopping from rock to rock. She
stops to pick some flowers.
WILLIE
Stay away from the water. You’re
wearing your Sunday dress, and I
gotta get to work.
CRICKET
Willie, how much does lipstick
cost?
WILLIE
How am I supposed to know? Come on.
Let’s go!
EXT. FURTHER DOWN THE RIVER - MOMENTS LATER
Phelps’ arrogant Caddie and TWO GOON FRIENDS have backed
their Ford Mustang up to a picnic table where they have
placed a cooler full of beer. Sitting there drinking, the
Caddie spots Willie and Cricket in the distance.
CADDIE
It’ll be go to hell. Take a look at
this.
Willie sees them at the same time and senses trouble.
WILLIE
Go back to the road and go straight
home.
CRICKET
Why?
WILLIE
Do as I say!
The three drunk white boys are getting to their feet.
CADDIE
Let’s have ourselves a little fun!
Whaddya say?
WILLIE
Run. There’s gonna be trouble!
Cricket, still unsure what’s happening, stumbles and tears
her dress. Willie helps her up when the Caddie arrives.
CADDIE
Well, well. What do we have here?
The general’s nigger caddie without
the general.
Willie has gotten Cricket back on her feet.
WILLIE
Go on home. I’ll be right behind
you.
CRICKET
No! I’m not leaving you.
WILLIE
Now, Cricket!!
Cricket, frightened, runs away. The Caddie pokes Willie in
the chest.
CADDIE
You’re a hero too! Just like that
big shot you work for.
The Caddie pokes Willie again, this time harder.
CADDIE
Who do you think you are? Coming to
our golf course and stinking it up!
Standing behind the Caddie and trying to look tough while
sipping their beers are the two Goon friends.
GOON 1
Let’s take him up to my cousin’s
barn.
The pissed-off Caddie looks at the Goon.
CADDIE
NO! He’s mine.
Willie tries to walk away as the Caddie signals his two goons
to grab him. Willie struggles, but he’s unable to break free.
CADDIE
Ya know something? I don’t like
you, and I don’t like your kind.
Willie continues to struggle, but his arms are restrained by
the two Goons.
WILLIE
I don’t want any trouble!
CADDIE
That’s too bad! Cause trouble is
what you got.
The Caddie punches Willie in the stomach, dropping him to his
knees.
CADDIE
Hey, boy! What do you make of this
situation?
The Caddie viciously punches Willie in the face.
Cricket watches from a distance. The Caddie hits Willie
again. Her eyes well up with tears as she turns to run home.
Goon 2, looking uncomfortable, looks to Goon 1 and then to
the Caddie.
GOON 2
C’mon, man, leave him be. We’ve got
to go. The girl is going to tell
someone.
CADDIE
You must love niggers just like
that no-good-for-nuthin’ nigger-
lovin’ General. I don’t care who
she tells.
The Caddie grabs Willie by the front of his shirt and pulls
him up.
CADDIE
You will never make it in our game!
Willie says nothing; he stares straight into the Caddie’s
face.
WILLIE
It’s not your game!
Willie, knees the Caddie square in the nuts.
The Caddie drops to the ground in agony but shouts out orders
to his goons.
CADDIE
Keep a hold of him!
Willie breaks free and runs away.
INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE/FRONT ROOM - DAY
Willie walks in the front door; his whole family is waiting.
Cricket sits with Gramma on the couch, crying.
Ma walks over to inspect Willie’s swollen face. Pa paces back
and forth as he watches the family crisis unfold.
PA
You’re sister said you were at the
river, but I couldn’t find you...
I told you.
He points to Ma.
PA
And I told you.
Indicating Willie.
PA
Nobody listens to mean ole Pa.
Pa scans the room.
PA
If I ever hear of you bein’ down at
that golf course again, I’ll do
worse.
WILLIE
I hear you. But Pa, we need the
money.
PA
You can’t sell your soul to the
devil for money, and that’s the end
of it!
Willie looks toward his mother.
WILLIE
I won’t quit.
Pa reaches for his beer, takes a big swig, and starts walking
towards the door. He stops and turns back to his family.
PA
Why can’t any of you see that we
live in two separate worlds? One
black, one white, and they don’t
mix!
He leaves, slamming the door behind him.
MA
He’s right? Maybe you should leave
it alone for a while? He’s trying
to protect you, and I agree with
him.
WILLIE
It’s not about being black or
white. They beat me because they
are jealous that I know the game
better than they do, and I’m a good
caddie, and one day I’m gonna be a
great golfer.
MA
It’s not worth it. I don’t want you
to go back.
WILLIE
I’m not quitting! That’s what they
want, and I’m not gonna do it!
MA
They ganged up and beat you today.
Lord only knows what could happen
tomorrow. You are not going back!
WILLIE
Jackie Robinson didn’t quit, and
this is what Dr. King is talkin’
about, Ma... I love the game too
much!... And pretty soon, I won’t
need anyone’s permission!
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/LOCKER ROOM - MORNING
The General stands in front of his locker. With one foot up
on the bench, he ties his cleat when Willie approaches.
THE GENERAL
Where the hell were you yesterday?
WILLIE
Sir. Your clubs are waiting on the
first tee.
The General looks up.
THE GENERAL
What the hell happened?
The General walks to Willie.
THE GENERAL
Are you OK?
WILLIE
I’ll tell you what happened! I got
beat up because I’m your caddie.
You want to know something? I’m
still your caddie!
Willie turns and heads for the door.
WILLIE
I’ll see you at the Tee box.
After Willie exits, the General turns to his locker for a
fresh cigar. He lights it and sits on the bench to smoke.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
A Call to Action
INT. THE GENERALS HOUSE/GREAT ROOM - EVENING
This room consists of The General’s life history. WAR MEDALS,
PLAQUES, AND MILITARY MEMENTOS from years gone by. GOLFING
TROPHIES line the mantel of his big stone fireplace.
The General relaxes in a big leather chair, sipping brandy
and enjoying his cigar.
He turns his attention to the television.
STOCK FOOTAGE:
Of the 1967 Civil Rights racial riots in Detroit.
The expression on The General’s face changes as he leans
forward towards the screen.
The footage now shows the Detroit Riot Squad with German
Shepard dogs attacking the Black protesters.
After a moment, The General walks to the telephone and dials.
The chaos from the news continues in the background.
THE GENERAL
Put Phelps on!
(pause)
You tell him I will be at his
office at 0800 tomorrow morning.
(pause)
I don’t give a damn if he’s booked
up all next year, I’ll be there at
0800!
The General slams the phone down. Beside the phone sits a
beautiful framed PHOTO: a young General in uniform with a
beautiful young BLACK WOMAN in a white gown. This is the same
couple from the picture in The General’s wallet.
INT. LAW OFFICE RECEPTION AREA - MORNING
The General approaches a pair of black lacquered doors with
brass handles and a brass nameplate that reads BYRON PHELPS,
ATTORNEY AT LAW. He pushes the doors open and walks in.
The receptionist, a MIDDLE-AGED WHITE WOMAN, sits behind a
desk, typing diligently. She doesn’t look up.
RECEPTIONIST
Can I help you?
THE GENERAL
I’m here to see Phelps.
RECEPTIONIST
I’m sorry, Mr. Phelps cannot be
disturbed. (She looks up.) Oh, I’m
sorry, Mr. Simmons. Of course, he’s
expecting you.
The General hasn’t stopped and continues towards Phelps’
office.
INT. PHELP’S OFFICE - MORNING
The General barges into the office, finding Phelps with his
feet up on his desk, talking on the phone.
Phelps waves The General in and motions him to sit down.
PHELPS
I’ll get right back to you,
Governor. He just walked in.
THE GENERAL
If I’m elected, these three issues
will be addressed. One, civil
rights. Two, education standards,
and three, affordable housing for
everyone. Is that clear?
Phelps sits up straight, confident in himself.
PHELPS
Yes sir. Crystal clear.
The General walks out.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Political"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Dreams and Distractions
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL - AFTERNOON
The General sits in his 1966 Cadillac listening to a newscast
of a VIETNAM WAR PROTEST on the radio, watching closely as
the student body pours out of the front doors. The General
looks at his wristwatch. It reads 3:15 P.M.
The General looks up and sees Willie walking with two of his
schoolmates. All three young men are carrying books and
binders. The General honks the car horn and waves him over.
THE GENERAL
Willie! Willie! Got a minute?
Willie looks at The General and smiles. The General gets out
of his car and watches the young men approach him.
WILLIE
What are you doing here? Are you
lost?
They all share a warm laugh.
THE GENERAL
No, no. I’m not lost. I need to
speak with you for a minute.
WILLIE
Okay. These are my friends, Elijah
and Newt.
As The General reaches out to shake hands, three pretty
teenage girls walk by.
NEWT
Hey Wanda.
WANDA
We’re gonna pick up some sodas and
head down to the river. Wanna come?
ELIJAH
Ya, we do! Right?
The General sees the anxiety of these three young men.
THE GENERAL
Have a good time. I’ll talk to you
later.
WILLIE
I’m in no rush.
Newt looks at the three girls down the sidewalk while Elijah
keeps his eyes on The General.
ELIJAH
If we find those white caddies who
roughed up Willie.
THE GENERAL
It’s okay, young man. I’ve handled
it. Those boys won’t be bothering
anybody again.
ELIJAH
Really! That's what all you white
folk say.
Willie steps in and nudges Elijah towards the group walking
down the sidewalk.
WILLIE
Go on, I’ll see you there.
Elijah gives the General a hard look as he sprints towards
his friends. Willie turns back to the General.
WILLIE
Sorry about that. He’s a little hot-
headed.
THE GENERAL
You young men have to learn how to
control that.
The General steps in to examine Willie.
THE GENERAL
You healed up very well.
WILLIE
You didn’t come down here to look
at my eye.
THE GENERAL
You’re right; I had lunch today
with Mr. Murphy.
WILLIE
My guidance counselor?
THE GENERAL
Yes. We discussed your grades. He
told me you need more time with
your books and less on the golf
course.
WILLIE
Ya, probably, but my game is
getting so good.
The General notices Willie is distracted as he watches his
schoolmates walk down the sidewalk.
THE GENERAL
You’d better catch up with them. We
can talk later.
Willie heads out. He stops and turns around.
WILLIE
Must have been important for you to
drive all the way across town.
THE GENERAL
I wanted to ask you a question.
Willie walks backward.
WILLIE
I’m all ears.
THE GENERAL
I’m concerned about your future.
And your education. What do you
want out of life?
Willie now stops and smiles.
WILLIE
Golf. You, me, and Arnold Palmer,
teeing it up at Augusta.
THE GENERAL
Hell of a good idea! Now go on; get
out of here.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE - MORNING
The sounds of two hovering helicopters trying to locate him
jolt the cold and shivering Willie awake. The helicopters
take enemy fire, and they disappear over the tree line,
leaving Willie behind.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A Night of Grief
EXT. UPPER-MIDDLE-CLASS HOME/BACK DOOR - EVENING
We hear a familiar VOICE coming from behind the screen door.
MA (O.S.)
Let Mrs. Gordon know I’ll have
these back first thing tomorrow.
I’ll be off now. Y’all have a good
evening.
The screen door opens, and out comes Netta Jackson carrying a
large basket of laundry, which she loads into the back of
Pa’s old pick-up truck.
Netta gets into the truck’s cab and drives down the long
driveway.
INT. PA’S OLD TRUCK - EVENING
Netta drives along the quiet main street.
She reaches down and turns on the radio and hears the
announcer reading a “News flash - This just in. At 6:01 PM
this evening, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was fatally shot at
his motel in Memphis, Tennessee.”
Netta brings the truck to a screeching halt in the middle of
the road and continues to listen to the news flash.
MA
LORD! PLEASE! NOOOOOO!
Netta drops her head onto the steering wheel and sobs.
MA
Why, Lord Jesus?
A horn HONKS from behind her. Netta lifts her head and checks
her rearview mirror. She gathers herself, noticing the car
behind her, and drives on.
Netta turns the truck down a side street and recognizes JIM
walking purposefully. Netta pulls up beside him and stops.
MA
Hey, Jim, did you hear?
JIM
Ya, I did. We are all meeting at
the Bluebird to watch it on the TV.
MA
When you see Lewis, can you tell
him I’m off to get the kids and
Gramma, and we will meet him at
home?
JIM
Sure thing. Go quickly, cause this
could get outta hand.
Netta drives away. Jim walks with purpose down the sidewalk
and through the all-black neighborhood, visibly shaken by
this evening’s NEWS.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Chaos at the Bluebird Bar
INT. BLUEBIRD BAR - EVENING
Jim walks through the crowded bar and finds Lewis sitting on
a barstool, watching the black-and-white TV with all the
other patrons.
STOCK FOOTAGE:
Of Robert F. Kennedy announcing the assassination of Dr.
King.
Half of the crowd weeps, while the other half grows angry.
The front door swings open, and a LARGE BLACK MAN bursts in
and YELLS.
LARGE BLACK MAN
They are rioting downtown!
This incites the crowd as they rush for the door.
JIM
STOP! PLEASE STOP! DR KING WOULD
NOT WANT THIS!
The crowd rushes out, knocking Jim to the floor. Pa rushes to
help Jim up.
JIM
Don’t go, Lewis! Doctor King
preached no violence.
PA
I gotta go find my family.
JIM
I saw Netta. She’s picking them up,
and you’re suppose’ to meet them at
home. Go straight home, Lewis!
Don’t go downtown!
Lewis helps Jim walk out of the bar.
EXT. BLUEBIRD BAR - EVENING
The two men stand on the sidewalk and watch the crowd turn
into an angry mob as they arm themselves with rakes, bats,
and firearms. They look down the street and see black smoke
billowing from a rooftop.
JIM
Please go home, Lewis!
Lewis shakes his head in disbelief and heads off with the
crowd. Jim turns and walks the other way alone.
EXT. WILLIE’S HOUSE/BACK YARD - NIGHT
Willie, Ma, Cricket, and Gramma are in the backyard watching
the building fires light the skyline of downtown Stone
Mountain. The sound of sirens fills the air.
Pa walks into the backyard carrying a rifle. Cricket runs to
him, crying. Pa hugs her while motioning to the rest of the
family.
PA
Y’all get in the house. It’s
gettin’ bad downtown. Willie, go
lock up the truck and get the axe.
GRAMMA
You put that gun away! And Willie,
leave the axe alone.
MA
Come on, Cricket. You heard your
Pa.
Ma grabs Cricket by the hand and heads for the house.
PA
The white folk are gonna get back
at us, and we gotta be ready.
GRAMMA
Calm down, Lewis. We all gotta go
inside and pray for safety. Jesus
will help us.
PA
He can’t help us! What has he ever
done for us?
Willie goes to Gramma and guides her into the house
WILLIE
It’s OK, Gramma. I’ll pray with ya.
Everything is gonna be fine. Let’s
turn on the TV and see what’s goin’
on.
Gramma sits down on the couch. Willie turns on the TV and
then sits down next to Gramma to watch.
STOCK FOOTAGE:
- Various U.S. Cities riot.
- Many people are in mourning.
- The National Guard is coming into the cities.
- Cars are being flipped over.
- Police chasing and arresting looters.
- A raging fire burns down an old Southern church at night.
INT. WILLIE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Willie sits alone on his bed, listening to his radio
broadcasting Dr. Martin Luther King’s last sermon.
Willie, saddened by this, turns the radio off and now kneels
at the foot of his bed and prays.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Choices in the Gym: A Military Recruitment Speech
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL/GYMNASIUM - AFTERNOON
The senior boy class of 1968 listens to a WHITE Military
recruiter. Willie walks in and sits with Newt and Elijah.
RECRUITER
I want to thank you, young men, for
your interest in the United States
Military. When you enlist, we can
offer you a wide range of training
and excellent jobs that will
prepare you for your future, and
remember all the benefits of the GI
Bill. America needs your support to
help stop communism in Southeast
Asia. Come by the table and grab
your brochures, and I will be happy
to answer any of your questions.
Let’s not forget...it doesn’t
matter who you are. It’s what you
can be.
They all clap and begin to exit.
NEWT
I’m gonna go talk to this guy; my
grades suck.
ELIJAH
I’m with ya. Ain’t no college for
me either.
WILLIE
Let me know what he has to say. I
have to go get the General’s clubs
ready.
Willie gets up and walks towards the door.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Clash of Generations
INT. WILLIE'S HOUSE/KITCHEN - EVENING
The General and Gramma sit at the kitchen table while Ma
pours them a glass of apple cider iced tea.
THE GENERAL
Because he is such an accomplished
golfer, I can try to get him a golf
scholarship.
The back screen door swings open as Pa walks in carrying his
lunch pail and hard hat. He places them on the kitchen
counter, grabs a beer from the icebox, and pops it open.
PA
Now, what would bring a congressman
to my house at suppertime?
MA
The General is trying to get Willie
into college to keep him out of the
draft.
The General stands and reaches out his hand. Pa walks past it
to the kitchen sink, setting down his beer. He washes his
hands with his back towards The General.
PA
Huh? Well, I’ll be. Is the General
gonna be paying for it too? And
will our son be going with some of
those white boys from the river?
MA
Would you just hear him out?
Please.
Pa finishes drying his hands and throws the dish towel into
the sink.
PA
I’ve had it with this man! I can’t
and won’t take charity. And neither
will anyone in this family.
THE GENERAL
It’s not charity, Lewis. Willie has
earned this.
PA
How? Carrying your goddamn golf
bag?
THE GENERAL
I’m just trying to help. This is a
great opportunity for your son to
get an excellent education and to
keep him out of the draft. And I am
confident the Vietnam conflict will
be over before he graduates.
PA
Can you guarantee that?
THE GENERAL
No. No, I can’t.
PA
I didn’t think so! You should
really open your eyes! Can’t you
see you’re on the wrong side of the
tracks?
THE GENERAL
If he gets drafted, he will have to
go!
GRAMMA
Now please, you two. There’s no
need for this. Mr. Simmons, I need
some time with my son. We’ll call
you later.
The General stands and turns to Ma, who stands beside Pa.
THE GENERAL
Thanks for your time. And I’m sure
you will do what is best for
Willie.
The General puts on his hat and walks out.
EXT. WILLIE’S HOUSE/BACK STEPS - NIGHT
It’s hours later when Gramma comes out of the back screen
door and sits down on the steps beside Lewis.
GRAMMA
The past. You gotta let the past
go, son. This anger you have is
tearing you and our family apart.
PA
This General has you all thinking
crazy... free education... nothin’
is free in life, especially for us
colored folk.
GRAMMA
Times are a-changin’ and you know
your son wants to be a part of this
change. Please give him a chance.
Gramma leans over and hugs her son. Then she gets up and
walks back into the house.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
A Putt and a Draft
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/1ST HOLE - DAY
On this sunny day, we find Willie and The General on the
putting green. Willie lines up The General’s putt.
WILLIE
Sir, this should break a half cup
to the left.
The General, perplexed, doesn’t respond.
WILLIE
Are you okay?
THE GENERAL
It’s time we had a little talk, man
to man.
WILLIE
You want to make your putt first?
THE GENERAL
I couldn’t get you in.
WILLIE
What do you mean?
THE GENERAL
I tried every college and
university in the South. They are
all full because of the draft and
are not accepting any scholarships.
WILLIE
Thanks for trying. I got my draft
notice in the mail yesterday. I’m
going for my physical next week.
THE GENERAL
Damn... I am not finished yet. I
have some connections up north.
WILLIE
This draft is bullshit... If I
gotta go, I gotta go.
THE GENERAL
Well, I hope that doesn’t happen.
After a few moments. The General positions himself for his
putt. He putts and drops it.
THE GENERAL
You’re right. A half cup to the
left.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
A Letter from Home
EXT. OLIVER’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON
A teenage Cricket looks in the mailbox. Excitement fills her
face as she runs towards the house.
CRICKET
Ma, Pa, we gotta a letter from
Willie. It’s postmarked Fort Poke,
Louisiana.
Ma, Pa, and Gramma meet Cricket on the front porch.
MA
Open it and read it!
Ma, Pa, and Gramma gather on the front porch while Cricket
reads the letter.
CRICKET
Dear family, I hope this letter
finds all of you in good health and
spirits. Things are OK with me. But
it sure is hot here. We’re outside
a lot for training, so I’m getting
used to carrying my gear in the
heat. I don’t want you to worry
about this, but I just received
orders for Vietnam. I will leave at
the end of October. Everything will
be fine. It’s only for a year.
Besides, all of my training has
prepared me for this. I miss you
all. Love, Willie.
Gramma consoles Ma and Cricket. Pa grabs the letter, staring
at the words in disbelief.
EXT. AIR FORCE HANGAR - MORNING
We find Willie wearing green jungle fatigues and carrying a
green canvas duffel bag. He approaches his FAMILY as they
wait alongside a C-141 military troop carrier.
MA
We’re with you every step of the
way. Now, you be careful and make
sure you come home. I love you.
Ma gives Willie a big hug; Cricket starts to cry. Willie
reaches over to wipe her tears.
WILLIE
Don’t cry. I’ll be okay. I’ll be
back sooner than you think.
CRICKET
I love you so much, Willie. And I
don’t want you to go.
Willie leans in and kisses Cricket on the forehead. He turns
and kneels to Gramma, sitting in a WHEELCHAIR and clutching
her Bible.
GRAMMA
My, my, my. Look at you, William
Jackson. All growed up. You’re the
spittin’ image of your Pa when he
was your age.
She reaches out and holds his face in her loving hands.
GRAMMA
You know your pa’s a good man, and
he loves you. He just has a hard
time showing it.
Willie turns his head away. Gramma turns it back.
GRAMMA
He don’t believe in this war.
Otherwise, he’d be here to see you
off. He loves you.
WILLIE
Nobody believes in this war. But I
have to do this. Just tell Pa that
I wish he was here.
GRAMMA
Now, you listen to me. You stay
close to God, and you have faith,
and I promise He’ll bring you home.
Gramma hands Willie her BIBLE and gives him a big hug as we
hear a voice off-camera.
VOICE (O.S.)
Jackson! Let’s go!
Willie turns and sees a YOUNG WHITE OFFICER standing at the
top of the aircraft’s stairs.
A HORN honks. Willie sees a big black limousine screech to a
halt outside the security gate, and a Guard quickly comes to
attention, salutes, and waves the car through.
Willie stands at the bottom of the stairs, smiling.
The car stops, and The General flies out of the back door,
smoking his ever-present cigar.
THE GENERAL
I’m sorry I’m late.
(tips his hat)
Good morning, ladies.
WILLIE
(looking at his watch)
When I say 0600, that means 0600,
not...
Willie and the General stand face to face.
THE GENERAL
... Jackson! You’re going to make a
fine soldier!
They hug; The General pats him on the back before he pulls
out a LITTLE WHITE BOX from his pocket.
THE GENERAL
I had one of my pain-in-the-ass
speeches prepared, but I thought,
no... Willie doesn’t deserve that.
So here.
(hands him the box)
Thought maybe you would like this.
You know, for luck.
When Willie attempts to open the box, The General stops him.
THE GENERAL
Not now... Listen, Willie, when I
was in World War 2 in France, we
were considered liberators. And
then I was in the Korean conflict,
which was a lot like this one, very
political. You cannot get lost in
that; your responsibility is to
yourself and to the men you serve
with, so you can all come home.
WILLIE
Thank you, sir. I will do my best.
YOUNG OFFICER (O.S.)
Jackson! We've gotta go.
Willie gazes at his family and waves. He gives The General a
sturdy handshake, then steps up the stairs.
THE GENERAL
Willie, keep your head down!
He gets to the doorway only to look back at his family one
last time.
INT. C-141 AIRCRAFT - MORNING
Willie sits quietly; the Bible sits on his lap as he slowly
opens the little white box. Inside, he sees a silver PENDANT
of crossed GOLF CLUBS on a chain. Willie fingers the pendant,
smiling as he puts the chain around his neck. He closes his
eyes and slowly drifts off to sleep.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","War"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Captured in the Jungle
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE - DAY
The loud and terrifying yelling of the VIETCONG GORILLAS (VC)
startles Willie awake. He discovers that half a dozen VCs
have surrounded him at gunpoint.
Shock courses through Willie as they hoist him to his feet,
swiftly securing his arms behind his back.
He grimaces from the pain, then sees the enemy scavenging the
dead bodies of his patrol.
VC #1 ties a NOOSE made of vine around his neck. Willie
struggles to turn his head and sees another VC remove Jack’s
boots.
WILLIE
STOP!...
VC #1 strikes Willie in the stomach with his AK-47 as the
rescue helicopters return. He now drags Willie into the
jungle foliage to hide.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE TRAIL - NIGHT
Willie, who is being led by a noose around his neck, stumbles
and falls.
VC #1 yanks him up.
VC #1
Walk!
VC #1 pulls the noose tight and continues to lead him down
the mountain path.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE TRAIL - MORNING
VC #1 pulls Willie as he stumbles behind three VCs. Suddenly,
they stop, and one of the VCs yells a command in Vietnamese.
VC #1 jerks on the noose around Willie’s neck, displaying his
prisoner to the VC LOOKOUT, high on a perch in a banyan tree.
The VC Lookout signals with his arm, and, to Willie’s
surprise, the jungle opens up, guiding him into a well-
camouflaged jungle prison camp.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Captivity and Reflection
EXT. JUNGLE PRISON CAMP - MORNING
TELETYPE ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN:
“0-700 AUGUST 12, 1969 - JUNGLE PRISON CAMP VIETNAM”
Once inside, the gates close behind Willie, and he sees six
small bamboo huts camouflaged with mud and elephant grass.
Directly in front of each hut stands an eight-foot pole with
a metal hook attached to the top.
A larger camouflaged hut with a shaded porch is to Willie’s
right.
VC #1 yanks Willie towards the larger hut. The door opens,
and out walks a MIDDLE-AGED, VIETNAMESE MAN. This is LE-DUC-
NANG, wearing Ho Chi Minh sandals, pants, and a short-sleeved
shirt. He looks at Willie and shakes his head in disgust.
VC #1 bows and then walks back to Willie.
VC #1
G.I.! You bow.
Willie doesn’t move.
VC #1
G.I.! You bow!
Once again, VC #1 uses the butt of his AK-47 to strike Willie
in the gut, forcing him to bow.
LE-DUC-NANG walks to Willie, grabs him by the throat, and
with a straight arm grip, pulls him up.
ALL NANG’S DIALOGUE IS in VIETNAMESE and then translated into
broken English by VC #1
NANG
My name is Colonel Le-Duc-Nang,
commanding officer of this prison.
Nang releases his grip and walks around Willie.
NANG
You will be held charged for your
war crimes against the people of
Vietnam.
Nang stops to look at Willie’s wounded shoulder.
NANG
I can get you medical attention if
you admit to your guilt.
Nang unties his arms.
NANG
Your military has no place here.
You are all war criminals.
Nang holds Willie’s wounded arm and slowly twists it upward
behind Willie’s back, causing great pain. Willie screams.
WILLIE
AHHHH...
NANG
You will cooperate, and you will
give me information.
He motions to the guards to take Willie. As the guards lead
Willie away, Nang’s and Willie’s eyes meet and hold.
NANG
WAIT!
Nang steps back and grabs Willie’s dog tags and silver
pendant, ripping them from around his neck.
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - DAY
Willie lies naked and curled in the fetal position on the
dirt floor of his small bamboo hut.
Willie drifts intermittently between consciousness,
completely vulnerable as he remembers.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE MOUNTAIN TOP - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Willie sits holding a letter in his hand as he looks out over
the beauty on this cloudless day. Jack approaches and sits
beside him.
JACK
What’s happenin’, brother?
Jack reaches into his pocket and pulls out the fixings for a
joint.
WILLIE
Thinking about home. Let me ask you
something.
JACK
Yeah, sure, man. Go ahead.
Jack rolls his joint, licks the paper, and holds it up.
JACK
You gotta Zippo?
Willie looks at the joint and declines.
WILLIE
My ma used to say I was born
blessed, and others said I had a
lot of promise... How did I end up
here?
Jack’s joint dangles from his lips.
JACK
Guess you’re just lucky...
Jack gets up and helps Willie to his feet.
JACK
Like me.
END FLASHBACK.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Awakening in Captivity
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - DAY
Willie winces as a sudden flash of sunlight bursts into his
cold, dark hut. He crawls to a corner and covers his head as
VC #1 throws a pair of BLACK PAJAMA BOTTOMS at him.
VC #1
Put these on!!
While Willie struggles to get the pajamas on, VC #1 drags him
out by his ankles. Willie stands and sees a group of AMERICAN
PRISONERS outside their huts. They all look like aged,
emaciated men.
A sense of relief washes over Willie as he realizes he is not
alone.
One of the POWs steps toward Willie. This is DAI-WE.
DAI-WE
Captain Ron Dalton. Air Force.
These guys call me Dai-we.
(points to the VC)
It means Captain. What's your name
and unit?
WILLIE
Willie Jackson. 1st of the 25th.
DAI-WE
Where were you captured?
WILLIE
Best I can tell, we were two klicks
from Tan Nahn. I think I’m the only
one that made it. They got us in an
ambush.
DAI-WE
You are not alone. You are not a
war criminal. There will be no
information shared or signing of
anything, and remember, we are all
equal here.
WILLIE
I understand, sir.
DAI-WE
C’mon. Meet the men.
Willie follows Dai-We as they approach the other prisoners
lined up under the watchful eye of the VC Guards. Willie
notices the SICKLY condition of the American POWs.
DAI-WE
This is Sergeant Jimmy Watson, but
we call him Utah.
UTAH
I thought you guys were up at Xuan
Loc. What the hell were you boys
doing so far south?
WILLIE
We were doing a group sweep with an
ARVIN unit booby-trapping the Ho
Chi Minh trail.
Dai-We moves Willie along to the next prisoner.
DAI-WE
Second Lt. Johnny White Eagle.
Before Willie even has a chance to answer, the NATIVE
AMERICAN reaches and grabs him by his good arm and pulls him
close.
JOHNNY
Let me look at that wound.
Johnny, thinking hard.
JOHNNY
Your shoulder’s infected. If you
don’t do as I say, gangrene will
set in. Now, when you get back in
your hut, you let the flies land
and nest, and when the eggs hatch
and become maggots, you let them
eat the infection. You’ll know when
they are done. At that point, you
will dig a hole, scrape the maggots
off and cover them. Then you piss
into your cup and use it to wash
the flesh.
DAI-WE
You listen to him and do it.
Dai-we walks Willie to the next POW; Willie extends his hand
and gets nothing but a blank stare from this Mexican
prisoner.
DAI-WE
This is Staff Sergeant Al Garcia;
he took a very hard hit to the back
of his head.
They move to the next POW.
DAI-WE
Warrant Officer Ron Tubbs. He was
shot down in his Huey.
TUBBS
Dai-We, I don't like this place. My
eyes hurt.
DAI-WE
Just hang on, Tubbs. We are going
to make it. You can do this.
WILLIE
How long have you been here, sir?
DAI-WE
I don't know, but listen. We are
going to get out of here. So do as
I say. And listen to Johnny because
if you don't, they are going to
drag me out of my cell and have me
cut your arm off, and I don't want
to do that. If I don't, he will...
He points to the larger hut, where Nang sits on the porch
drinking a can of TIGER BEER. He’s been watching the whole
time.
DAI-WE
He’s in a good mood today. But be
careful; the monsoons are coming. I
don’t know when I’ll see you again.
They don’t bring us out much. I
mean, together. Only when someone
new comes in. Or someone dies.
Willie is trying to absorb all that he’s just heard. He’s
weak, tired, and scared. Dai-We sees this.
DAI-WE
You are not a war criminal. You are
an American... And remember, there
will be no signing and no military
intel shared.
VC #1 grabs Willie and throws him back into his hut. The
guards do the same with all the other prisoners.
EXT. GENERAL’S HOUSE/FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
Pa knocks on the door. He holds a crumpled piece of paper in
his clenched fist. The General opens the door.
PA
I had a visit today from your
military. They brought me this.
Pa hands The General the paper. The General uncrumples it and
puts on his bifocals.
PA
My son is missing in action.
THE GENERAL
Oh, my God. Come on in, and let’s
talk.
PA
No! Your white man's war got him
drafted. You and the government
took my boy. You better find him,
or there will be hell to pay!...
The General stares at Pa, unsure of what to say. Pa grabs the
paper from him and walks away.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Survival Lessons
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - DAY
The sound of flies buzzing in unison with Willie’s voice.
WILLIE
They will come and get us. They
won’t leave us here. They won’t.
Willie sits completely lethargic, watching the flies swarm
his festered wound.
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - LATER
Willie lies flat on his back, staring blankly as he listens
to the sound of maggots eating rotten flesh.
Willie closes his eyes.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE RIVERBANK - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Willie sits alone and has his M-16 in pieces. He wipes clean
the movable parts of his weapon. Jack appears from nowhere.
He notices Willie’s weapon is apart, making it worthless.
Jack quickly surveys the surrounding bush with concern.
Jack lowers himself and crawls to Willie.
JACK
(whispering)
What the fuck are you doing? Out
here, we’re the prey, and they’re
the hunters. And right now, we’re
being hunted. And you’re without
your goddamn weapon.
Willie tries to answer. Jack puts his hand over Willie’s
mouth.
JACK
Ssssssssshhhh! When I say go, you
run for that tree line... Now pick
that shit up!
Jack unslings his automatic rifle, his gaze focused on the
edge of the tree line. Willie quickly gathers the pieces of
his weapon.
JACK
NOW!
Jack opens fire, running behind Willie. They run through a
flooded rice dike, firing madly. We see the ENEMY BULLETS
ripping across the water around them. On the other side, they
dive for cover.
JACK
Jackson, if I ever see you take
apart your weapon in the bush
again, I promise I’ll leave you
there. You never leave your unit!
Willie and Jack lay quietly, catching their breath. Jack
slowly peeks his head over the big, thick root of a Banyan
tree.
WILLIE
You are right! I shouldn't have had
my weapon apart. I’m losing it, and
I don’t want the guys to see me
like this... Jack! Teach me how to
survive. It wasn’t like this at
basic training. They didn’t teach
us this. I’ve only been in country
41 days; it feels like a lifetime.
Jack lowers himself and stares at Willie.
JACK
None of that bullshit training
applies here. There is no field
manual for this place, and there
never will be. It takes a lot
longer than 41 days to learn how to
survive.
WILLIE
I don’t know the bush like you do.
Come on, you gotta help me.
JACK
Trust your gut. You gotta listen to
the bush when the birds and the
monkeys go silent. You know Charlie
is close. You will get it if you
live long enough. Now let’s get
that weapon together. We have to
get back to the unit.
END FLASHBACK.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Storm of Torment
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - NIGHT
A loud clap of thunder awakens Willie. He stares at the
thatched roof and listens to the sound of the heavy rain.
Willie digs a hole in the dirt, scrapes the maggots from his
wound into the hole, and buries them. With his wound raw and
open, Willie struggles to stand.
He urinates into his tin cup and then pours the urine over
the raw wound. He trembles in pain. Willie leans against the
door, listening to the sounds of the storm.
The door suddenly swings open, and Willie falls backward into
the rain.
EXT. BAMBOO POW HUT - NIGHT
Willie looks up and sees Col. Nang standing over him wearing
a rain poncho, while VC #1 stands guard and does the English
translation again.
NANG
Get up!
Willie struggles to his feet.
NANG
I have something to show you.
Nang pushes Willie towards the eight-foot pole in front of
Willie’s bamboo hut.
Willie slips in the mud and falls.
NANG
See this pole? It represents
honesty.
VC #1 pulls Willie up to his feet and ties him chest-first to
the pole.
NANG
It’s been here a long time, and it
will be here as long as I need it.
UTAH (O.S.)
Jackson!
Willie turns and sees a beaten and bloodied Utah Watson tied
to the pole directly in front of his POW hut.
UTAH
Don’t let him break you.
NANG
I ask the questions. You answer
with the truth.
Willie’s hands are tied above his head towards the top of the
pole. The rain glistened on his bare back.
NANG
I need the coordinates of your
artillery bases.
WILLIE
Jackson, William. 629776477. Born
July 24th, 1950.
NANG
I need to know!
Willie looks Nang directly in the eyes.
WILLIE
Jackson, William. 629776477. Born
July 24th, 1950.
Nang rips off his poncho, grabs Willie by the hair, and
smashes his face into the pole. Utah, barely conscious,
watches this.
NANG
Remember, every time it rains, you
and I will come back to this pole
until I get what I want.
Nang steps back, picks up his rain poncho, and motions to VC
#1 as he walks away.
VC #2 beats Willie with a bamboo stick.
VC #1
You tell him, or you die.
VC #2 continues to beat Willie as Utah loses consciousness.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Faith and Despair
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CHURCH - DAY
Gramma sits alone in the front pew while clutching a Bible
and praying.
GRAMMA
Dear Lord, please hear my prayers.
As I ask for your love and
protection to be with our William.
They say he’s missing in action. To
me, that means he’s still alive.
Please be with him and bring him
home safely... I thank you, Amen.
She turns and motions to Cricket, who sits in the back, to
bring the wheelchair.
EXT. BAMBOO POW HUT - DAY
The hut door opens and jolts Willie awake. A VC Guard pulls
him out by his feet.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE PRISON CAMP - DAY
Outside his hut, a VC pushes Willie at gunpoint towards the
front of Nang’s quarters.
He sees all the POWs except for Johnny, who is bloody and
unconscious, still tied to his pole. They are gathered
together to witness Nang’s interrogation of a new prisoner.
Nang and VC #1 walk with purpose towards an AFRICAN AMERICAN
PILOT and stop directly in front of him. VC #1 translates
into English.
NANG
Where is the airbase you fly from?
A moment of eerie silence hangs in the air.
PILOT
FUCK YOU!
The overeager VC guards rush the pilot.
Nang, in perfect calmness, commands the VC to stop. The
guards obey. He slowly removes his pistol from its holster,
puts it to the pilot's forehead, and FIRES.
The POWs are in disbelief as Willie drops to his knees.
WILLIE
(whispers)
Oh my god.
NANG
Who knows how long I’ll be stuck
out here with you war criminals?
DAI-WE
We are not criminals!
VC #2 hits Dai-We in the back of his ribs with the bamboo
stick.
NANG
Dai-we, you and your men bury him.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Burial at Dusk
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE PRISON CAMP/GRAVE SITE - DUSK
Willie and Dai-we are in a waist-deep hole digging with
makeshift shovels. The others are wrapping the pilot’s body
in banana leaves.
WILLIE
Dai-We, I can’t take much more. I
can’t think straight. I’m always
cold. I’m afraid I’m gonna break.
DAI-WE
Jackson, when I got here, all I
could do was think about home and
being rescued. You see Johnny over
there.
Willie looks and sees a severely beaten Johnny hanging by his
wrists from the pole.
DAI-WE
He told me. Go within, where there
is no waiting, no wanting. A sacred
place where all is calm. And all is
peaceful. You must find this place.
I have. We all have.
UTAH
Find it, or you won’t make it.
Utah, Garcia, and Tubbs move the body closer to the
gravesite. Dai-we helps Willie out of the hole as they roll
the body in.
The POWs all come to attention and salute.
Nang walks over and motions to his guards, who pour gasoline
on the body. Nang lights his cigarette and drops the burning
match onto the gasoline-soaked body.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Desperate Searches and Broken Dreams
INT. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE WASHINGTON, DC - MORNING
The General gazes out his office window-miles away, as he
watches the cherry blossoms on this breezy spring day.
The BUZZER of his speakerphone brings him back.
SPEAKER (O.S.)
Congressman Simmons, your three
o’clock appointment is here.
The General turns away from the window.
THE GENERAL
Show him in.
The office doors open, and a little older and wiser Byron
Phelps walks in and sits down across from The General’s desk.
THE GENERAL
What do you have?
PHELPS
It’s not good. I have contacted
every military official I know, and
there is no record of him in any
POW camp in North Vietnam.
THE GENERAL
Well, maybe he’s somewhere in the
south.
PHELPS
Sir, he’s not there. He’s not a
POW. I believe he’s gone. We have
exhausted every source available to
us.
The General slowly walks to the corner of his desk and sits
down. He looks Phelps directly in the eye.
THE GENERAL
I don’t care what your sources say
or what their records show; I will
not stop until you bring me Willie
or you bring me his body.
PHELPS
Sir, I’ll do my best.
I’ll make another call to the
Pentagon.
The General stands and walks back to the window as Phelps
watches.
THE GENERAL
We have to find him.
INT. BLUEBIRD BAR - EVENING
Pa sits alone at the end of the bar, finishing a bottle of
beer while watching the old TV.
STOCK FOOTAGE:
Of OPERATION HOMECOMING showing the last plane out of Hanoi
and the released POWS.
PA
SHUT IT OFF!
A fifty-year-old black BARTENDER turns towards Pa.
BARTENDER
Why?
PA
That’s the last plane out of
Vietnam, and my boy’s not on it!
The bartender gives Pa another full bottle of beer and sets
it down in front of him.
PA
God damn news. They never say a
thing about the MIAs. My son has
been missing for over three years!
Pa grabs the empty bottle of beer and throws it at the TV
screen, smashing it.
BARTENDER
I get it Lewis, but you can’t be
smashin’ shit up in here.
The bartender turns to clean up the mess as Pa takes a drink
from the full bottle of beer.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Glimpse of Freedom
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE PRISON CAMP/POLE - MORNING
Nang sits in the shade, watching Willie. He motions to his
guards to take Willie away.
The guards untie Willie from the pole, then throw him face-
first into his hut and shut the door.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE PATROL - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Willie, walking as the point man, slowly and silently moves
forward on the overgrown jungle trail. A hand grabs his
shoulder. He turns, startled, to see Jack motioning, “Don’t
move.”
Jack moves around Willie and uses the barrel of his M-16 to
trigger a swinging man-trap made of sharpened bamboo spikes.
The booby trap barely misses Willie.
JACK
Just because you ain’t paranoid
doesn’t mean they ain’t out to get
ya. Now keep your fuckin’ eyes
open.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - MORNING
After another rainy night, a very skinny and weak Willie lies
face-first on the ground of his dark hut.
He turns his head and notices, for the first time, a small
ray of sunlight beaming into his hut.
He slowly crawls to the source, a small opening near the dirt
floor. Willie puts his eye to it, looking outside.
WILLIE
No, it can’t be.
WILLIE’S POV
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE/RICE PADDY - DAY
A lush green rice paddy sprawls in the distance. Willie sees
two VC GUARDS tending their crops as a team of water buffalo
pulls a plow.
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - DAY
Willie drops his head to the dirt floor. After shaking off
the vision, he slowly puts his eye back on the hole.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Imaginary Fairways
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE/RICE PADDY - DAY
Through the tears in his eyes, he see’s the rice paddy slowly
transform into a GREEN GOLF COURSE. The VIETCONG FLAG now
flies on the PIN FOR THE #1 HOLE.
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - DAY
Willie pulls away from the opening and rolls onto his back.
WILLIE
Okay, my sacred place, you can’t
beat me now. Let’s play some golf.
Willie rolls back onto his side and looks out the opening
again.
WILLIE’S POV
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE/RICE PADDY - DAY
The two VC guards lead the water buffalo off the rice paddy,
leaving Willie alone with his IMAGINATION.
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - DAY
Willie lies on his side, his eye on the opening he has
discovered.
WILLIE
Willie, what do you make of this
situation? It’s the first tee at my
Stone Mountain Country Club. A par
4, slight dogleg right, 365 yards
to the pin. The wind is blowing
straight into my face. So, I am
going to hit my drive and pop it
right over those trees. And after
that, my seven iron onto the green,
then I’m putt-in.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE GOLF COURSE - DAY
We follow the flight of the golf ball over the treetops and
watch it land on the putting green. The ball rolls within six
feet of the flag.
Genres:
["Drama","War","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Imaginary Fairways and Grim Realities
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - DAY
Willie rolls over onto his back.
WILLIE
Perfect shot.
After a moment, Willie stands up to practice his IMAGINARY
golf swing when the door opens. The VC #1 slides in a tin
plate full of rice.
VC #1
I am to tell you by order of
Colonel Le-Duc-Nang that the war
criminal, Dia-we Dalton, is dead.
He closes the door. Willie sits, saddened by the news. He
pushes the plate of rice away and sits back against the
bamboo wall of his hut.
WILLIE
I don’t wanna be shot in the head.
Please don’t let me die here, Jack.
Don’t let me. You said I was lucky.
(beat)
Come on, don’t lose it now, man.
Hang on. You got a par 4 comin’ up,
and The General’s gotcha by three
strokes.
Gaining control of himself, Willie removes the mud that
covers the window to his golf course.
Willie lowers himself to the dirt floor and puts his eye to
the opening.
WILLIE
Okay, 436 yards, par 4. It looks
like the pin is playing to the back
left. And remember, the sand trap
hugs the green to the right.
Hmmm...this is a solid drive dead
center...
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE GOLF COURSE - LATE AFTERNOON
Willie IMAGINES: The ball sitting on the tee. Willie is
barefoot and wears nothing but his POW bottoms. He lines
himself up, and using his driver, he swings.
With a loud crack, the club-head connects with the golf ball,
launching it skyward. Its flight resembles the sound of a B-
40 rocket.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Ambush in the Jungle
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE TRAIL - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Willie walks in the middle of his 12-man patrol. Jack is in
front of him, twenty-five feet apart.
Addington is on point, and all is quiet until, unexpectedly,
the patrol walks into a horseshoe ambush. Struck from all
sides, the unit disperses in panic. Jack dives for cover,
unleashing a barrage of gunfire towards the enemy.
JACK
Oh, fuck, man! We’re outflanked.
Willie crawls on his belly toward the radioman, who’s been
shot in the leg. The Lieutenant lies nearby, dead. Jack lays
down cover-fire and watches Willie.
WILLIE
We need that radio.
Willie drags the radioman to cover, props him up, and ties
off his leg. The chaos continues around him.
WILLIE
Stay with me. What’s our call sign?
RADIOMAN
It’s 1,3 Kilo, and H.Q. is Red
Lion.
WILLIE
I need their freques.
The radioman now adjusts the frequencies on his PC 25 radio
and hands Willie the handset and map. Willie goes over the
map coordinates.
Holding the handset to his ear, Willie looks to his radioman
while pointing on the map.
WILLIE
I hope this is where we are.
Into the handset.
WILLIE
Red Lion, Red Lion this is 1,3
Kilo, fire mission grid to follow.
RADIO (V.O.)
Roger, Roger, 1,3 Kilo go!
WILLIE
Red Lion, Red Lion, grid... Niner,
niner, seven, six, three... I
repeat, niner, niner, seven, six,
three. Throw me some smoke.
RADIO (V.O.)
Roger. 1,3 Kilo smoke is out.
We hear the incoming smoke round as Willie watches it hit!
WILLIE
Red Lion, Red Lion adjust fire,
adjust fire. Left 25, and up 50,
throw another smoke.
RADIO (V.O.)
Roger, 1,3 Kilo smoke is out.
Willie looks out into the smoke.
WILLIE
Red Lion, Red Lion, you’re on
target. Fire for effect. I repeat
fire for effect.
Jack watches Willie command this situation.
RADIO (V.O.)
Roger, 1,3 Kilo, in-coming rounds,
I’d say you boys better duck.
Willie, Jack, and the radioman cover up as incoming rounds
BLAST the shit out of the targeted area.
JACK
We’re still catchin’ fire!
Goddammit! Where’s it comin’ from?
WILLIE
It’s coming from 30 yards to the
left, and that makes it too close
for artillery. Their 51-machine gun
in that bunker is pinning us down.
JACK
I see it!
Willie now turns his attention to his handset.
WILLIE
Red Lion, Red Lion, I need a “dust
off”. Same grid. I repeat, same
grid.
RADIO (V.O.)
Roger, 1,3 Kilo dust off is
inbound. 15 mikes.
WILLIE
Roger, Red Lion, will secure L.Z.
Look for yellow smoke.
Willie turns back to Jack. He’s gone. Willie looks and sees
Jack running toward the bunker.
Close on Jack as he holds a grenade, tosses it into the
bunker, and leaps over it.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Aftermath in the Jungle
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE/DUST OFF L.Z. - DAY
Willie and Jack carry the dead Lieutenant. In a body bag
through the drifting yellow smoke. They set him down next to
the wounded radioman and watch the medi-vac and the two Cobra
escorts come over the treetops.
RADIOMAN
Sarg. We had bad intel on this one.
HQ should have known that the
bunker complex was there.
JACK
Ya, you're right, but shit happens
and intel always gets it wrong...
Fuckin’ horseshoe ambush.
Radioman looks at Willie.
RADIOMAN
You did a great job handling that
radio!
WILLIE
Thanks, man, it was the longest
three and a half minutes of my
life.
JACK
You’re going home.
RADIOMAN
Ya, I hope so.
Willie, Jack, and the others cover up as the medi-vac chopper
and its escorts come hovering into the L.Z. The medics jump
off and attend to the wounded radioman.
WILLIE
You guys take care of this one.
He’s from Georgia.
MEDIC
Copy that.
Willie watches the choppers fly off while Jack lights a smoke
and walks towards him.
JACK
I wanna show you something.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Reflections in the Jungle
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE - DUSK
Jack leads Willie back into the jungle and shows him the
remnants of an overgrown BUDDHIST TEMPLE. They sit on a large
carved stone.
JACK
I don’t think this place has always
been so fucked up with war and
shit. Sometimes it’s so beautiful.
WILLIE
Ya, it is... How did you get here,
Jack? Seriously.
JACK
Well, I’ll tell ya. The first tour
was a lot different from the
second.
WILLIE
The second?
JACK
The first tour, I had two choices.
Jail or Vietnam. Guess what I
chose?
WILLIE
What do you mean?
JACK
When I was a kid growin’ up in the
Detroit projects, I ran with a
pretty rough crowd. We got in a
little trouble, and the judge gave
me those two choices.
WILLIE
Why the hell did you come back to
this place?
JACK
My high school sweetheart OD’d on
heroin. We were gonna get
married... So, when I got home,
things weren’t quite the same. And
with the riots and all the racial
bullshit, Detroit was a dangerous
place. Hell, I feel a lot safer
here than I did back there. But
this is my last tour. Shit, I’m a
short-timer. All I got is 32 days
and a wake-up. What about you? How
did you get here?
WILLIE
The draft... Fucked me out of my
dreams.
Jack stands up and helps Willie to his feet.
JACK
This war fucked us all, my brother,
but you saved our ass today.
He puts his arm around Willie’s shoulder as they head back
towards the unit, and when they reach the L.Z.
JACK
Okay, listen up! Police your brass
and mags. Leave nothing they can
use in a booby trap. We’re gonna be
a little shorthanded for a couple
of days. The L.T. got hit.
Addington, you’re still on point.
Jackson, you stay with the radio.
And Hall, you stay on the 60. Keep
the spacing, boys, and don’t bunch
up!
END FLASHBACK.
Genres:
["War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Rescue and Revelation
EXT. COUNTRY GRAVEL ROAD - DAY
A 1970 OLIVE GREEN CHEVY four-door sedan kicks up a trail of
dust as we follow it into the driveway of an isolated
farmhouse.
Two young MILITARY OFFICERS in their class A uniforms get out
of the car. The passenger carries a large manila envelope.
They walk up the steps and knock on the door.
The door opens, and a middle-aged white woman, MRS. SMITH
stands before them.
MRS. SMITH
Oh God, Jerry, not my Jerry...
Smitty, from the golf pro shop at the Stone Mountain Country
Club, now in his early 30s, opens the door wider.
SMITTY
What is it, Mom? What’s wrong?
MRS. SMITH
It’s your brother.
OFFICER 1
Ma’am, Sir. I am Captain Bill
Molen, and this is our Chaplain,
Lieutenant Ken Maddie. On behalf of
the President of the United States,
we are here to inform you that your
son, Corporal Jerry P. Smith, was
killed in action. He died while
defending the American Embassy.
Mrs. Smith collapses into her son’s arms and begins to cry as
the chaplain consoles them both.
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - NIGHT
Mentally distraught, Willie lies motionless, staring at
nothing.
WILLIE
(whispering)
Red Lion, Red Lion. If you can hear
me, this is 1,3, Kilo. I haven’t
heard from you in a while. Red
Lion, my Gramma said if I stayed
close to you and had faith, she
promised me you’d bring me home.
Red Lion, this is 1,3 Kilo. Can you
hear me? I have not lost my
faith... Over.
Willie slowly rolls over onto his back and closes his eyes.
EXT. JUNGLE PRISON CAMP - DAWN
- Through the crosshairs of a rifle scope, we see VC #2
perched high in the banyan tree. Suddenly, his head snaps
backward, and he crumbles to the floor of the perch.
- VC #1 at the front gate. A black-gloved hand covers his
mouth. Pulling his head back, we see a glint of steel
crossing his throat and the body being pulled away.
- The front gate slowly creeps open, revealing a blur of
motion. End rifle scope.
- Four VC guards are sleeping peacefully in their hut as the
barrel of a .45 pistol, fitted with a silencer. It spits fire
at the guards.
- Nang sits at his table, shirtless, sharpening a bayonet.
Sensing something, he slowly reaches across the table for his
AK-47 when a forearm wraps around his neck. A black-gloved
hand grabs the top of his head and snaps it to the side
violently. He’s dead.
TELETYPE ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN:
“0-500 OCTOBER 18, 1974 - JUNGLE PRISON CAMP VIETNAM”
INT. BAMBOO POW HUT - DAY
Time has taken its toll on Willie as he lies motionless, a
very old man inside what should be a young man’s body.
The door swings open, and in the sunlight stands a silhouette
of a familiar figure.
WILLIE
(shielding his eyes)
Jack... I knew you wouldn’t leave
me... I knew you would get me outta
here.
The figure leans in, and Willie sees the young, healthy face
of a COMMANDO. Willie is in disbelief.
WILLIE
You’re not Jack?
COMMANDO
Can you move? Are you able to walk?
I am here to help.
The Commando gently helps Willie to his feet.
COMMANDO
Come on. You are safe now. You are
going to be ok.
Genres:
["War","Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Rescue in the Jungle
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE POW CAMP - DAY
Willie sees a team of six GREEN BERET COMMANDOS searching the
compound. Dead VC guards are lying about. In the middle, by
his pole, Utah Watson drinks water from a canteen with the
help of a commando.
UTAH
Johnny.
He looks and sees Johnny being helped by two commandos.
Johnny can barely move his legs.
WILLIE
Where’s Jack? Where’s Jack?
Willie, looking around, sees the commando medic tend to
Garcia. Willie goes into shock.
Utah slowly limps toward Nang’s quarters.
Two other commandos come out of a bamboo hut, carrying the
body of Warrant Officer Ron Tubbs.
COMMANDO 2
Looks like this one died of
dysentery.
COMMANDO
Come on! We gotta go! Gather ‘em
up! Call H.Q. Tell ‘em we got 4 MIA
alive and 1 dead!... Twisty, go to
the L.Z. and pop green smoke! Let’s
get the hell outta here!
INT. NANG’S HUT - DAY
Nang’s lifeless body sits upright with his head slumped back.
A hand reaches out and rips the necklace of dog tags from his
neck. The body falls to the floor.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE POW CAMP - DAY
Willie, Utah, Johnny, and Garcia come together with the help
of the commandos as the helicopter hovers above the camp.
INT. HELICOPTER - DAY
Willie sits at the door with the help of a commando. As the
chopper lifts straight up and banks away, he sees the lush
green rice paddy that was his golf course.
Genres:
["War","Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Confronting the Past
INT. VA HOSPITAL/DOCTOR’S OFFICE - DAY
DR. FRANKLIN, an older white military doctor in his late 50s,
sits at his desk reviewing a file.
DR. FRANKLIN
You have been here at the VA for 14
months now. I feel you are ready to
go home.
Willie sits motionless.
DR. FRANKLIN
Your parents were here last week.
They really miss you.
WILLIE
You know, Dr. Franklin, I’ve been
thinking about that. My family.
Stone Mountain. It don’t mean
nothin’ to me anymore.
Willie stands up and paces.
DR. FRANKLIN
It means everything. That’s what
you fought for over there.
WILLIE
You weren’t there. You’ll never
know what I fought for.
DR. FRANKLIN
Well, let’s talk about that again.
That’s why I’m here.
Willie struggles with his memories; he looks to the window
and sees the spirit of his friend JACK seated on the
windowsill, wearing his battle fatigues with bare feet. He is
rolling a joint.
JACK
Go on. Go ahead, tell him what he
wants to know. Now’s the time to
get it off your chest.
Willie shakes his head from side to side.
WILLIE
I’m not doing it. I’m not telling
this man anything. These doctors
think they know everything and that
their little blue pills are going
to fix me. No way.
JACK
Don’t hang on to this war anymore.
It’s over. You got a lotta life to
live. And if you don’t go home and
forget about it, the war wins.
WILLIE
How am I supposed to do that, Jack?
I don’t want to be here. I want to
go back to the jungle.
JACK
You saw what happened to me! You
are letting the war live rent-free
in your fuckin’ head! LET’S GO
HOME!
WILLIE
OK... OK... maybe it’s time. Maybe
you are right. Take it easy.
Dr. Franklin sits behind his desk, writing on a tablet of
paper.
DR. FRANKLIN
Since you have been under my care,
we have taken you off most of your
medications. And you are doing much
better with your psychosis.
Willie nods his head.
WILLIE
Ya, he doesn’t come around that
much anymore.
DR. FRANKLIN
Well, what did he say today?
WILLIE
He’s pissed. He wants me to go
home.
DR. FRANKLIN
You should give it a try.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Reflections on the Porch
EXT. WILLIE’S HOUSE - EVENING
The old house looks dimmer with its faded paint. Towering
tree branches reach into the sky, a witness to time gone by.
Pa sits on the screened porch, rocking in his favorite chair.
Ma comes out of the house and sits down next to him.
MA
I miss him too.
PA
I don't understand. What did I do?
MA
Why don’t you go find out?
PA
Hell, he won’t see me. He doesn’t
even ask about me in his letters. I
was just trying to look out for my
family. Is that so wrong?
MA
You gotta try Lewis. Go tell him
that. Go tell him what happened.
Tell him the truth. He needs to
know.
PA
Well... maybe?
MA
Come on. Help me finish up the
dishes. Then we’ll cut the pie and
watch some TV.
Ma leans over and kisses Pa on the cheek and goes back into
the house. Pa continues rocking for a while. Then he gets up
and follows her inside.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Chance Encounter
EXT. KMART PARKING LOT - DAY
The General walks toward the store when he spots Cricket.
She’s grown into an attractive young woman.
Cricket loads groceries into her car as The General
approaches.
THE GENERAL
Hello, Cricket! Have you heard from
Willie? How’s he doing?
CRICKET
I have been spending a lot of time
with him. He’s getting better, and
he’s helping me with my boyfriend
problems.
Cricket goes into her purse and gets her car keys.
CRICKET
He’s got his own apartment in
downtown Atlanta. He finally left
the V.A. Isn’t that great?
THE GENERAL
His own apartment? That is good
news. I need to talk to him.
CRICKET
You will. Just have to give him
some time.
Cricket hugs The General and then steps back.
THE GENERAL
You’re right. Give my best to your
family, and I hope everything works
out with your boyfriend.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Unspoken Histories
INT. WILLIE’S APT. - DAY
Willie sips coffee at his small kitchen table tucked into the
corner of his modest studio apartment. KNOCK, KNOCK.
Willie opens the door; Pa stands on the other side.
WILLIE
How’d you find me?
PA
Your sister told me.
WILLIE
That doesn’t surprise me. Come on
in.
Pa comes in.
PA
You look good, a little skinny. Can
I hug you, son?
WILLIE
Sure, I guess so.
Pa and Willie share an awkward hug in this sensitive moment.
WILLIE
Do you want some coffee?
PA
No, thanks.
They sit down at the kitchen table, both feeling very uneasy.
Willie breaks the silence.
WILLIE
What brings you to the big city?
PA
You do. This has been very hard on
all of us. We are family, and I am
very sorry that this happened to
you.
WILLIE
Sure you don’t want some coffee?
PA
No, I didn’t come here to drink
coffee. Why didn’t you call when
your Gramma died last month?
Willie stands up, annoyed.
WILLIE
Listen, I don’t have time for this.
You need to leave. I have a lot of
things to do.
PA
I should have told you this a long
time ago. Now, you listen to me,
Willie Jackson...
WILLIE
Save it for your buddies down at
the Blue Bird bar.
PA
I know I haven’t been there for
you, and I’m sorry; all I ever
wanted was to protect you... Please
hear me out.
Willie sits back down in his chair and sips his coffee while
Pa struggles with his thoughts.
PA
When I was about 17 years old, I
worked in the cotton fields with my
younger brother. We were walking
home after work when an old farm
truck came over the hill. I made it
to the ditch, but my brother
didn’t. He died in my arms. The two
white boys, who were very drunk,
stopped the truck, grabbed a
hunting rifle and, walked to me,
and said that they were with the
Klan. The one boy holding the rifle
shoved the barrel into my mouth and
threatened me by saying that if I
told anyone, they would burn our
house down and lynch us all. Back
in those days, they meant it. I saw
a lot of our kind killed back then.
So listen, son. That is why I’ve
been so angry... And all I ever
tried to do is protect you... Your
grandmother forgave them a long
time ago. I don’t know how to do
that...
Willie sits quietly while holding back his emotions.
WILLIE
Why didn't you ever tell me this?
Why didn't Gramma say anything?
PA
All your Gramma ever knew was that
her baby boy was killed in a hit-
and-run by a farm truck that was
driven by two drunk white boys. I
never told her about the Klan. I
was too scared, and there was no
one to tell. The police didn’t
care. They wouldn't even
investigate a colored person’s
murder. Hell, most of them were
with the Klan anyway. Willie, I did
the best I could.
WILLIE
Pa, you should have told me.
PA
How do you tell your children
something like that...?
WILLIE
You could have tried.
Pa stands up and walks out, shutting the door behind him.
EXT. ATLANTA DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
Willie walks alone, oblivious to the nightlife that surrounds
him.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
A Farewell to the Past
EXT. ATLANTA SUBURBS - MORNING
The streets are quiet as the morning sun warms the day.
Willie stops, sensing something. He looks over his shoulder
through a chain-link fence and slowly smiles.
WILLIE’S POV
EXT. ATLANTA GOLF COURSE - MORNING
Through the chain-link fence, Willie watches the first
twosome of the morning. The rest of the golf course is eerily
quiet as the morning mist begins to lift.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ATLANTA GOLF COURSE - MORNING
Through the morning mist in Willie’s MIND, a tattered, faded
VIETCONG FLAG hangs limply off the pin of the #1 hole. The
twosome is now Jack and Dai-We.
Jack, wearing his battle fatigues and bare feet, walks with
Dai-We, wearing his POW pajama bottoms. They are walking onto
the green.
DAI-WE
Hey Jack.
JACK
What’s goin’ on?
DAI-WE
I’m worried about him.
Jack and Dia-we turn to face Willie.
DIA-WE
He got the freedom bird back to the
world, and all he wants to do is
stay here with us.
JACK
He thinks it’s safer.
Jack lights a joint.
DIA-WE
He’s gotta go, and I’m not staying
here anymore.
Dai-We walks to the pin and pulls it out of the cup. He tears
the VIETCONG flag off the pole and throws it to the ground,
turning back towards Willie.
DAI-WE
Go home! I am giving you a goddamn
order. The battle in your head has
to stop!
JACK
He gave you an order. Obey it! I am
gonna walk him to the other side.
The two soldiers walk away into the fading morning mist.
Willie nods his head.
WILLIE
OK, Jack.
Genres:
["Drama","War","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Homecoming and Hesitation
INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE/FRONT PORCH - DAY
Ma stands on a chair, washing the window, when she sees a
taxi cab pull up in front of the house. She can’t believe her
eyes when she sees Willie get out of the cab.
MA
He’s home! My son is home!
EXT. WILLIE’S HOUSE - DAY
She runs through the front yard and into his arms. Willie and
his mom share a loving embrace.
INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE/KITCHEN - DAY
It’s weeks later, and Ma, Pa, and Willie have just finished
Sunday’s supper when the phone rings.
MA
Hello? Oh, what a nice surprise.
No, you’re not disturbing us. He’s
been home a couple of weeks, and
everything’s fine... yes, I’ll tell
him. Thanks for calling.
Ma hangs up the phone and turns to Willie at the kitchen
table.
MA
That was The General. He would like
to meet you tomorrow at 2 O'clock,
at the club. He says it’s very
important.
WILLIE
Important?
MA
You know, son, he has called so
many times. Why don’t you just give
him a chance and see what he has to
say?
PA
Ah, come on. I have a hanker-in for
some rhubarb puddin’.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Reunion at the Tee
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/TEE BOX - MORNING
Willie approaches the first tee. He moves a little slower,
almost anticipating each step. Willie seems somewhat distant
and foreign in these familiar surroundings.
Waiting at the tee box stands the 70-year-old General. He has
with him two young CADDIES who carry two bags of CLUBS. One
has a big red bow and a pair of cleats fastened to it. Willie
sticks out his hand, but The General walks around it and hugs
him.
THE GENERAL
It’s been a long time. Let me look
at you.
Willie pulls back from the embrace.
THE GENERAL
I’ve missed you. How are you?
WILLIE
I’m doing the best I can, Sir.
THE GENERAL
Are you ok?
Willie turns his back on The General and walks to the edge of
the tee box. The General follows.
WILLIE
I don’t know. That war did
something to me.
THE GENERAL
You want to talk about it? You know
I’m always here.
WILLIE
No, I don’t want to talk about it.
Sir, I’ll be OK. Ma tells me you
retired, or should I say retired
again?
THE GENERAL
One term is all I could handle.
(pause)
I had great respect for your
Gramma. I was truly saddened to
hear of her passing.
WILLIE
She was very special, and thank you
for the flowers and the donation to
her church... So, how’s your game?
THE GENERAL
Kinda went downhill after I lost my
caddie, and I am having a few minor
health issues. My doc says I have
to cut back on my cigars, but
that’s not happening.
They laugh and walk back to the tee box.
THE GENERAL
I have a present for you. Kind of a
coming-home gift. The Pro told me
they’re the latest in clubs. Hey!
Remember Smitty? He was the
equipment kid. You know, the guy
who used to shine the clubs?
WILLIE
Ya, I remember him.
The General chomps down on his unlit cigar.
THE GENERAL
He’s the Club Pro now. Smitty’s
different since the war took his
little brother.
WILLIE
I heard about that. Cricket told
me. The war was hard on everyone.
THE GENERAL
Damn, I am so happy you are home.
Come on. Go put your cleats on.
Let’s play some golf.
The General and Willie prepare to tee off. The General goes
first and swings, hitting his ball down the fairway.
WILLIE
Nice shot.
The General steps off the Tee box as Willie’s young caddie
hands Willie his driver.
YOUNG CADDIE
It’s best to make your drive to the
left.
THE GENERAL
Young man, he knows the course.
Willie steps onto the Tee box as his Young Caddie returns to
his bag.
Willie bends down, plants his tee, and places his golf ball
on it. He straightens up, then takes a couple of awkward
practice swings. Willie stops to rub his shoulder — the
General notices.
THE GENERAL
Is your shoulder bothering you?
WILLIE
I'm dealing with it.
THE GENERAL
Take your time, just ease into it.
Willie takes a deep breath and exhales, then steps up to the
ball. With perfect form and concentration, he swings.
The General, in total shock at what he had just witnessed.
THE GENERAL
My God! Where the hell did you
learn to swing like that?
WILLIE
You taught me. And I’ve worked on
it for 3 years. Remember, you said
this game is 90 percent mental.
THE GENERAL
No, I never taught you that swing,
and I’ve never seen a man hit a
ball that far. Jesus Christ, you’ve
got a gift. A God-given gift.
The General lights his cigar while looking down the fairway.
THE GENERAL
You out-drove me by forty yards.
Genres:
["Drama","War","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Dreams and Discontent
INT. WILLIE'S HOUSE/KITCHEN - DAY
Willie sits at the kitchen table eating breakfast with Pa. Ma
hands Pa a cup of coffee.
MA
I’m worried about your sister. She
is different since she moved in
with Raymond.
WILLIE
Ma, she’s okay. She just wants to
be independent.
MA
Your Pa doesn’t like it. And
neither do I. That young man is
trouble. I can feel it.
PA
That’s right. I’ve seen him ‘round
town, and he’s always up to no
good.
WILLIE
I have been talking to her, and she
tells me everything is fine.
PA
It better be... Some labor
positions are opening up at the
welding shop. You outta apply.
WILLIE
The General seems to think I can
play golf and make a living at it
on the tour. You know, a
professional.
PA
Golf! What are you gonna do, carry
clubs the rest of your life? Don’t
you know that’s all they’re gonna
let you do?
WILLIE
No. Play. I shot a 68 today. I got
3 years’ back pay from the military
sitting in the bank. I am going to
give it a try.
Pa stands up, puts on his jacket, and grabs his lunch pail.
PA
I gotta go to work.
Pa walks out, and Ma follows him.
MA
Lewis... Lewis.
Willie sits alone, remembering.
EXT. WILLIE’S HOUSE 1959 - DAY (FLASHBACK)
A nine-year-old Willie stands by the woodpile, sawing on an
old mop handle. He has cut off the mop strings, leaving the
head attached. He picks it up and studies his handiwork.
Using his custom club, Willie positions himself in a golf
stance and swings.
A furious Pa approaches, grabs the homemade club, and snaps
it over his knee. He throws the pieces towards the woodpile.
PA
QUIT WASTING YOUR TIME! FINISH YOUR
GODDAMN CHORES!
END FLASHBACK.
INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE/KITCHEN - DAY
Ma returns through the back door and sits with Willie.
MA
Everything is going to be ok.
WILLIE
I’ve noticed Pa is calmer. He
doesn’t yell as much as he used to.
MA
You know, your Pa and Gramma were
always close. After we were told
that you were missing, they got
even closer.
WILLIE
What do you mean?
MA
Son, I’ve been married to your Pa
for a long time. After Gramma
passed, I believe she took a lot of
his anger with her. I don’t know
what they talked about during her
last days, but they were always
together.
He would even read the Bible to
her, and you know how he felt about
that. What I’m trying to say is
that I don’t know what happened to
him, but I know he’s trying.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Reconciliation on the Range
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/CADDY SHACK - DAY
We see an older, heavier Smitty lecturing a new group of
young caddies. It’s a diverse mix of black and white young
men.
SMITTY
This club has been here a long time
and has seen many changes. What I
expect from you boys is total
commitment to the game.
Smitty, now looking out the window, notices Willie on the
driving range. He turns back to the boys.
SMITTY
I have to step out for a few
minutes, and, uh, let’s get these
clubs cleaned up. Listen for your
names being called because we’re
busy today.
Smitty leaves the caddy shack and heads toward the driving
range.
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/DRIVING RANGE - DAY
Willie stands on the driving range, hitting balls. Smitty
approaches.
SMITTY
Willie, long time no see. I saw you
a few weeks ago with The General,
but I did not want to bother you
guys.
Smitty reaches out, and Willie shakes his hand.
WILLIE
Hey Smitty. How are you doing? I
hear you’re the head honcho now.
That’s great.
SMITTY
Yeah, it’s a lot of work, but I
enjoy it.
Look, I heard about your game from
a lot of people. Rumor has it your
swing is better than most pros.
Smitty senses Willie is uncomfortable and pats him on the
shoulder.
WILLIE
Thanks. Coming from you, that means
a lot.
SMITTY
Excellent, that’s what I want to
talk to you about. The game’s
changed, especially the tour. There
are a lot of black men now. You
know, when Sifford won the L.A.
Open back in 69, it changed the
game for black golfers. And Lee
Elder played in the Masters last
year.
WILLIE
Smitty, what are you tryin’ to say?
SMITTY
It’s not like the old days, and I’m
very sorry that I offended you back
then. I was young and stupid, like
most folks from around here.
Listen, I have a friend who’s been
teaching the pros for about 5
years. I told him about you. We
want to help you with your game.
WILLIE
Thanks. I’d love to meet him. I
heard about your brother. I want
you to know I’m very sorry.
SMITTY
I appreciate that.
Smitty turns and walks back towards the caddy shack.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
A Year of Preparation and Unanswered Calls
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB - MONTAGE
A series of shots of Willie preparing for the golf tour over
12 months. Many wardrobe changes. Season changes, too.
- Smitty introduces Willie to a WHITE teaching Pro.
- The General smokes as he watches the Pro adjust Willie’s
stance.
- The General in an office, pointing to one of Willie’s
scorecards. A conservative-looking white man shakes his head
no.
- The General, on the phone yelling, slams the phone down.
- Willie is on the putting green, lining up putt after putt.
The Pro advises.
- Willie is on the driving range hitting balls. He looks to
the Pro, who nods his approval.
- The teaching pro watches Willie hit his ball out of a deep
sand trap.
- Willie is back on the putting green, sinks a thirty-footer.
END MONTAGE
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/PUTTING GREEN - DAY
Willie and the Pro, E.J., are on the putting green, wrapping
it up for the day.
WILLIE
Thanks, E.J. Thanks for everything.
I appreciate all your help.
E.J.
It’s been a pleasure. You are still
a little stiff on your right side.
Spend more time rehabbing your
shoulder.
THE GENERAL (O.S.)
I have great news!
Willie and E.J. turn and see The General, driving a cart down
the golf path. He brings the cart to a skidding halt and gets
out.
THE GENERAL
You have been invited to a little
PGA tournament down in Louisiana.
All you have to do is win this one,
and you will get your card... then
maybe the tour. 1977 is going to be
our year.
The news excites the three golfers.
EXT. WILLIE’S HOUSE/FRONT PORCH - DAY
It is late afternoon, and Willie repairs a broken screen in
the front door. Pa walks out the front door and sees Willie.
PA
Cricket called. She wants you to
stop by.
Willie stops repairing the screen.
WILLIE
I’ll go over and see her on my way
out of town.
PA
It better not be about Raymond.
INT. CRICKET’S APARTMENT/HALLWAY - DAY
Willie KNOCKS on the door.
INT. CRICKET’S APARTMENT - DAY
Cricket sits on the floor, crying and holding a bag of frozen
peas to her bruised face.
INT. CRICKET’S APARTMENT/HALLWAY - DAY
Willie knocks again. He waits.
WILLIE
Cricket! Are you home?
He knocks again, checks his watch, and walks away.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Victory on the Green
EXT. GOLF COURSE/LOUISIANA - DAY
The LEADER BOARD reads, “Willie Jackson, Digger Green, tied
after 63 holes.” We see an ALL-WHITE GALLERY as Willie walks
towards the 18th green.
The crowd quiets as the favorite, Digger Green, settles over
his nine-foot putt. He concentrates and strokes the ball,
which rolls and lips the cup. The crowd SIGHS heavily as
Digger walks to it and taps it in for his par.
Willie approaches his ball. He assesses his six-foot putt.
The silent crowd watches Willie as he squats to eye his putt.
He stands, somehow doubting himself. He looks to The General,
who gives him a reassuring nod. Willie sees Digger Green
waiting with arrogant confidence.
Willie squats again to eye the putt. He stands and slowly
positions himself over the ball.
Willie looks at his feet while positioning them. He closes
his eyes and takes a deep breath.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE GOLF COURSE - DAY (FLASHBACK)
A pair of bare feet and a ball. Then, legs in black pajamas
and two hands holding a putter go through the frame.
END FLASHBACK.
EXT. GOLF COURSE/LOUISIANA - DAY
A pair of golf shoes and legs in black pants with a white
shirt, as the two hands holding a putter slowly start the
backswing.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE GOLF COURSE - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Willie, as a POW, putts on his rice paddy. He wears his black
pajama bottoms and nothing else. Willie’s hands bring the
putter forward and tap the ball.
The ball rolls and drops. POW Willie Jackson looks up and
slowly begins to smile.
END FLASHBACK.
EXT. GOLF COURSE/LOUISIANA - DAY
A white ball slowly rolls and drops into the cup. Willie
raises his arms in victory as he walks to the cup and picks
up his ball. With all his might, he triumphantly throws it
towards the sky.
Genres:
["Drama","War","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
A Journey of Reflection
INT. 1977 CADILLAC - DUSK
Willie drives as they head for home. The General sits in the
passenger seat reading a GOLF DIGEST.
THE GENERAL
Next month we’re in South Carolina.
And if you play there, like you did
today...
Willie, deep in thought, watches the poor Southern Black folk
and their surroundings pass by.
Suddenly, he pulled the car over and stopped before a steel
trestle bridge. He looks at The General.
WILLIE
Why me?
THE GENERAL
‘Cause you’ll win it.
WILLIE
No. Why all this interest in me?
What did I do?
Knowing what’s on Oliver’s mind, The General takes a deep
breath and looks out the window.
WILLIE
Come on, I need to know.
The General turns to face Willie.
THE GENERAL
When I was a young Captain, I was
stationed in Europe. I took a two-
week leave in Paris, where I met a
beautiful young exchange student.
She was studying art at the
Sorbonne. She was from Boston. We
fell in love. And married a short
time later... After the war, we
were stationed at Fort Benning.
He goes into his shirt pocket, pulls out a cigar, and lights
it.
THE GENERAL
I believe it was the happiest time
of my life. She taught me the true
meaning of love. Then, the Korean
War broke out. I was shipped to the
front lines. I was in the command
bunker, going over maps and
logistics, when I received a
telegram.
The General now struggles with his memories. He rolls down
the window.
THE GENERAL
It informed me that my wife had
given birth to a baby boy, but it
also informed me that they both had
died because of birthing
complications. Hell, I didn’t even
know she was pregnant. Her mother
told me later she was going to
surprise me with the baby when I
got home. You know, they wouldn’t
release me. I couldn’t even bury
them. Goddamn war! Anyway, Willie,
on the morning I met you, when I
saw you standing there on the other
side of the fence holding those
golf balls, I knew right then and
there... if my wife and child had
lived, my son would have been just
like you.
The General leans over, reaches into his wallet, and pulls
out a photo, showing it to Willie.
We see a B&W photo of a young General in uniform and a
beautiful BLACK WOMAN in a white gown.
WILLIE
What a beautiful woman! I am so
sorry.
THE GENERAL
It was a long time ago, Willie. But
I wanted you to know. It was
difficult in those days to have an
interracial marriage. We were both
shunned by our families and our
communities. She was fearless and
truly believed in us and our love.
When I was shipped to Korea, she
tried to hang on at the base, but
the other Officer’s wives would not
accept her. So she eventually moved
back to Boston, and that’s where
they passed.
Willie feels uneasy, and The General senses this. He reaches
over and pats him on the shoulder.
THE GENERAL
It’s getting dark. We have a long
way to go.
Willie puts the car in drive, and they pull away.
Genres:
["Drama","War","Biography"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Confrontation at Dusk
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN BLACK-NEIGHBORHOOD - EVENING
Willie drives his new Dodge Dart. Stopping at a stop sign, he
hears loud music. He notices his sister, Cricket.
Willie smiles and turns the wheel to drive towards her. He
stops in front of the run-down apartment building.
WILLIE
Hey, Sis! What’s going on?
He waves her over. Cricket comes over reluctantly, shielding
her face under her large framed sunglasses.
CRICKET
What are you doing here?
Willie notices the bruising on her cheek.
WILLIE
Are you OK? What happened?
CRICKET
I tripped and fell over the coffee
table.
Willie now feels suspicious.
WILLIE
I have to make a quick trip to the
V.A. tomorrow. Come with me, so we
can catch up on a couple of things.
Cricket is about to answer when a young, intoxicated black
man with a large afro dressed in late 70s fashion, RAYMOND,
walks up to them.
RAYMOND
Hey, what’s happen-in, soldier boy?
You wanna get high?
CRICKET
Raymond, stop it.
He looks over Cricket’s shoulder at Willie.
RAYMOND
I forgot he’s our local hero. You
know, all our brothers died for
nothing over there.
Cricket turns around to face Raymond, trying to defuse the
situation.
CRICKET
Stop it, Raymond. Willie has asked
me to go with him to Atlanta
tomorrow.
Raymond now looks at Willie.
RAYMOND
Oh really? Isn’t that cool? The
only place she is going is to get
me another fuckin’ beer.
Raymond gives Cricket a strong shove. Cricket goes flying and
falls to her knees. With lightning speed, Willie leaps out of
his car and onto Raymond. Cricket screams as Willie gives
Raymond a beating he’ll never forget.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Conflict"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Breaking Point
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/PUTTING GREEN - MORNING
Willie sits alone on a bench by the putting green as The
General approaches in a golf cart.
THE GENERAL
What’s so important that you have
to get the old man out of the sack
at 0600?
WILLIE
I broke yesterday. I can’t handle
bein’ home.
THE GENERAL
What happened?
WILLIE
I lost it. I got into a fight.
THE GENERAL
What do you mean?
WILLIE
I beat up Cricket’s boyfriend.
Everything is moving so fast. I
feel like I can’t keep up.
The General gets out of the golf cart and walks to Willie.
THE GENERAL
Calm yourself. Just calm down. Tell
me, what’s moving so fast?
WILLIE
I’m tired of people telling me what
to do! That’s what’s goin’ on! And
you know what? I’m done! Jack was
right. I felt safer over there than
I do here.
THE GENERAL
Jack. Who’s Jack?
WILLIE
He was my best friend!
THE GENERAL
Look at me. Don’t let this get to
you. You’ve come too far. You can
work this out. It's shell shock. We
can get through this. I will tell
you something about fighting. My
commanding officer in Korea was
General Chelsey Pullser. Our unit
was surrounded by North Koreans.
When he received word of this, his
only reply was, “Good! We can fight
in any direction....”
Willie stands up and feces The General.
WILLIE
What did you say?
THE GENERAL
He said, “Good! We can fight in any
direction.”
WILLIE
He didn’t say that! Jack said that!
Now what other bullshit lies have
you told me?
THE GENERAL
I’ve never lied to you. I’ve only
tried to help you.
WILLIE
You never helped me! I’ll tell you
who helped me: Jack, Dai-We, and
Johnny. They helped me. They kept
me alive.
THE GENERAL
Calm down. I understand.
WILLIE
No, you don’t understand. The
whispers: You did not hear the
whispers. You didn’t see the way
people looked at us as I carried
your god-damn bag. You were too
busy quoting some war hero or
pretending to be some great golfer.
THE GENERAL
Jesus Christ! Where the hell is all
of this coming from?
The General, out of breath, sits down in the golf cart.
Willie turns his back on him.
WILLIE
I’m so sick of this shit! Do you
know that the only place I was ever
treated equal was in a third-world
prison camp? I don’t know...
The General struggles for air now and seems to be in pain.
WILLIE
I think there’s something really
wrong with that. And to think I
fought for this country. You know,
maybe my old man was right.
The General falls out of the cart, clutching his chest.
Willie turns around and sees him lying on the wet grass, with
his upper body on the ground and his feet remaining in the
cart. Willie goes to help him.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Final Goodbye
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL/ICU - MORNING
The General lies on a hospital bed with a RESPIRATOR over his
mouth and nose and an I.V. inserted into the top of his right
hand.
Willie, drained and concerned, sits holding the general’s
other hand. The only sounds we hear are the heart monitor's
steady beeps and the in-and-out breathing of the respirator.
WILLIE
(whispering)
I’m sorry I got angry... You can’t
leave me... I have all this
confusion inside me. And these
voices. I hear their voices. I
can’t shut them out... I can’t
think straight. I need you, Sir.
You’re the best thing that ever
happened to me.
Willie uses his right hand to stroke The General’s head
gently.
WILLIE
Can you hear me... I need you to
hear this... I want you to know
that I would have been proud to
have been your son. I love you.
Willie lowers his head to The General’s chest and cries. As
he does, the General’s once powerful hand tightens around
Willie’s.
Willie feels the hand squeeze and lifts his head to see the
respirator stop and the heart monitor’s straight-lines.
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL/ICU NURSE STATION — MORNING
A BLACK NURSE reviews charts. She notices a blinking red
light on the control panel and quickly reaches for the
microphone.
NURSE
Code blue ICU Room 3, STAT!
A young DOCTOR rushes to the nursing station.
DOCTOR
What is it?
NURSE
We’ve got a flatline, Mr. Simmons,
Room 3.
DOCTOR
Get the paddles. And call the on-
duty cardiologist now.
INT. STONE MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL/ICU - MOMENTS LATER
We find Willie standing and slowly backing away from The
General’s lifeless body.
The doors burst open, and medical personnel surround The
General’s bed. The Nurse quickly ushers Willie out.
NURSE
Go to the waiting room.
From inside Room #3.
DOCTOR (O.S.)
Nurse! We need a blood gas!
NURSE
We’ll do everything we can.
The Nurse turns and rushes back into Room #3. As the door is
closes, Willie hears...
DOCTOR (O.S.)
Clear!
...and sees The General’s body convulse with intense spasms.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Confronting the Storm
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/DRIVING RANGE - NIGHT
Willie positions himself over his golf ball. Adjusting his
feet, he taps the club-head of the seven-iron behind the
ball.
He pauses, takes a deep breath, and begins his swing. Coming
downwards, he misses the ball, and his follow-through
momentum twists him off balance.
At the exact moment, we hear a loud CLAP of thunder.
Unaffected, Willie reaches for a half-empty bottle of cheap
whiskey. He takes a couple of long, slow pulls. He’s already
drunk.
Willie sets the bottle down and positions himself over the
same ball. The blackened sky opens up with a sudden downpour.
The other GOLFERS scramble for the dry clubhouse as the
lights have gone out. Willie stays positioned over his ball
and looks to the sky. The heavy rain drips off his face.
EXT. VIETNAM JUNGLE PRISON CAMP/POLE - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Another rainy night, Willie is tied to the pole outside his
bamboo hut. He is bloodied, bruised, and drenched from the
heavy monsoon rain.
Willie sees Dai-We slumped at the bottom of his pole. The
only thing holding Dai-We up is his wrists, which are tied
above him to the hook.
END FLASHBACK.
EXT. STONE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB/DRIVING RANGE - NIGHT
A bright flash of lightning over the driving range brings
Willie back to reality. He shakes his head back and forth as
he screams in agony. He staggers and stumbles, then falls to
the wet grass.
WILLIE
I wanna go back!
On his hands and knees, he sees two bare feet walk and stop
before his hands. Willie slowly looks up and sees Jack's
spirit standing before him.
WILLIE
I’m sorry about your boots. They
got your boots.
JACK
Get up!
Jack helps Willie get to his feet and steadies him.
WILLIE
I had no shoes growing up, Jack.
I’m sorry I let them take your
boots.
JACK
Boots. Fuck my boots! I hated those
fuckin’ things.
WILLIE
I should have died with you guys. I
don’t want to be here.
JACK
Are you fuckin’ kidding me? You
lived through that firefight so you
could honor us and what we died
for. Dying was easy! Stayin’ alive
is the hard part.
Jack picks up the seven-iron and hands it to Willie.
JACK
Survivor’s guilt means nothing,
Willie! You made it through that
prison camp because you are a
fighter! Remember that. NOW GET
YOUR FUCKIN’ HEAD TOGETHER MAN!
The driving range lights flicker. Willie turns his head to
look at them, and when he turns back, Jack is gone.
Willie shakes off his boozy haze and slowly steps up to
address his ball.
WILLIE
You couldn’t beat me there, and you
can’t beat me now!
Willie stands in the pouring rain, winds up with a mighty
swing. Coming down with the seven-iron, he smashes the cheap
bottle of whiskey.
WILLIE
I HATE THE RAIN!
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Morning Tensions and Tough Choices
INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE/FRONT ROOM - MORNING
Willie is hungover as he walks into the front room. Ma sits
on the couch with Pa while Cricket stands looking out of the
window.
MA
I’m so sorry. He’s a good man.
WILLIE
I know, Ma. Have you heard
anything?
She hugs Willie.
MA
It’s not good. He’s still critical.
WILLIE
I have to clean up.
PA
You should have called. Your mother
has been worried sick.
Willie walks toward his bedroom, then stops and turns back to
Pa.
WILLIE
I have a lot on my mind.
PA
Go sleep it off.
WILLIE
In four days, I tee off in South
Carolina. And the man who got me
there won’t be around to share it
with me.
Willie walks out of the room.
MA
Lewis, let him be.
Willie returns to the living room, carrying his golf bag and
a small suitcase.
WILLIE
Ma, I’ll call you tonight.
(to Pa)
You wanna come along?
PA
I gotta work.
WILLIE
Ahh, that figures.
Willie kisses his Ma on the cheek. He hugs Cricket and then
walks out.
INT. WELDING SHOP - DAY
Pa grinds a large piece of steel when he gets tapped on the
shoulder by a middle-aged, weathered, white shop FOREMAN.
FOREMAN
Lewis, you got a phone call. Take
it in my office.
PA
Thanks.
Pa enters the shop office and closes the door behind him. He
picks up the phone; The shop’s sound continues in the
background.
Pa’s expression changes. He slowly replaces the phone
receiver and sits down in the office chair.
The Foreman walks in.
FOREMAN
We have a lot of orders to fill.
Come on, let’s go.
Pa stands and heads towards the door.
PA
I just got a call from the
hospital. I gotta go.
FOREMAN
If you walk out that door, don’t
come back. There are a lot of good
men who want your job.
PA
It’s an emergency. I’m going.
Pa walks out the door.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Journeys of the Past and Present
INT. TRAILER HOUSE - DAY
A B&W newspaper photo of Willie’s winning pose in Louisiana,
throwing the golf ball in the air.
It’s the sports page of the SALT LAKE CITY TRIBUNE. A body
turns, revealing Utah Watson. He’s older now and looks more
like a biker than a soldier.
UTAH
Goddamn... Jackson.
Utah gets up from the kitchen table and walks across the one-
room trailer. Reaching underneath the bed, he pulls out an
old toolbox and opens it.
Inside, we see old military pictures, a Purple Heart, a
Silver Star, and under all this, a brown envelope, which Utah
pulls out and shoves in his pocket.
EXT. TRAILER HOUSE - MINUTES LATER
Utah emerges from the trailer wearing his old army fatigue
jacket. He ties a green duffel bag to the back of his custom
1959 Harley-Davidson chopper, kick-starts it, and roars away.
EXT. SOUTH CAROLINA GOLF COURSE/DRIVING RANGE - DAY
Smitty adjusts Willie’s stance.
SMITTY
I phoned the hospital. They’re
taking The General off the
respirator. But it looks like he’ll
be there for a while.
WILLIE
I just wish he was here.
SMITTY
He’ll be fine. Keep your head in
the game, Willie. Stay focused.
Stay in the present.
WILLIE
I’m trying. Thanks for being my
caddie.
Smitty points to the golf ball.
TRAVELING MONTAGE:
- Utah, in the mountains, riding his Harley chopper.
- Night shots of the headlight on the road.
- Under an overpass, he lights a smoke while it rains.
- A large sign on the side of the road reads, “Welcome to
Payson, Arizona.”
- Utah is gassing up his chopper.
- Utah is talking to a man. The man points.
- A sign on the side of the road, “CREE-ATION SAWMILL.”
END MONTAGE
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Reunion and Road Trip
EXT. CREE-ATION SAWMILL - DAY
We see the back of a lumberjack with a long black hair braid
coming out from underneath his bandana. Utah approaches and
taps the man on the shoulder. He turns. It’s Johnny White-
Eagle.
UTAH
How ya doin’, Johnny?
They share a very long, powerful hug.
JOHNNY
It’s been a long-time, old friend.
They release the hug and step back.
UTAH
Too long. You all right?
JOHNNY
Yeah, I’m OK. It was a little rough
when I got back. How did you find
me?
UTAH
I have a connection at the V.A. In
Salt Lake. I am in and outta there
so much that they helped me find
you.
JOHNNY
I’m glad they did.
Utah goes into his shirt pocket and pulls out a pack of
cigarettes.
JOHNNY
You got an extra one?
Utah hands him a smoke, and Johnny lights it.
UTAH
You gotta see this.
Utah reaches into his back pocket, pulls out a folded
newspaper, and hands it to Johnny.
JOHNNY
Is that Jackson?
UTAH
Yup, it is, and remember how fucked
up he was when we were rescued?
JOHNNY
Ya, I do, and that he can even
swing a golf club with that arm is
a blessing.
UTAH
You got that right, brother, and we
are gonna bring him some luck.
JOHNNY
Not on that.
Johnny points to the chopper.
BACK TO TRAVELING MONTAGE:
- Johnny drives a 1967 El Camino; Utah sleeps.
- Early morning, side of the road, both men pissing.
- Having breakfast at a Western diner somewhere in Texas.
- Road sign “Welcome to South Carolina.”
END MONTAGE
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Reflections at Dusk
EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD - DUSK
Johnny jacks up the El Camino while Utah takes the lug nuts
off the rim.
UTAH
Hey, did you keep in touch with
Garcia?
JOHNNY
Yeah, he wrote me a letter a few
months back. He was in California
running a rehab clinic for strung-
out Vets, and he wasn’t feeling so
good.
UTAH
I didn’t think he’d make it.
JOHNNY
Well, he didn’t make it. Everything
was goin’ good for a while. Then
his family called me and said he
had died from cancer... They think
it was Agent Orange.
UTAH
I wish he could have made this trip
with us.
Utah pulls the flat tire off the hub.
JOHNNY
He’s with us.
Johnny taps his heart.
UTAH
Ya he is.
Johnny puts the spare tire on the hub as Utah hands him the
lug nuts.
UTAH
Do you know if they went back to
get Dai-we, Tubbs, and the pilot?
Johnny tightens up the lug nuts while Utah lowers the car
jack.
JOHNNY
Ya, they did. I told them where the
gravesite was when they de-briefed
me.
Utah puts the flat tire in the back of the El Camino.
UTAH
Let’s have a smoke.
JOHNNY
Hell yeah.
Johnny and Utah sit down on the tailgate as the sun sets over
the Smoky Mountains.
UTAH
Hey, L.T., how did you handle your
reentry coming home?
Utah hands Johnny a cigarette and lights it; then, he lights
his own.
JOHNNY
I spent a lot of time in the V.A.
learning how to walk again. They
gave me a medical discharge cause
of the muscle loss in my legs. I
was gonna make the military my
career. They screwed me out of
that.
Utah stands up, changing the subject while Johnny gets to his
feet.
UTAH
I am really glad you guided us
through that hellhole.
JOHNNY
Wasn’t me? It was the good spirits
and those commandos that got us out
there.
UTAH
Well, that’s great! And they got
Jackson right to the P.G.A.
They both break out in laughter as Utah slaps Johnny on the
back.
Genres:
["Drama","War","Friendship"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A Swing of Hope
EXT. SOUTH CAROLINA GOLF COURSE - DAY
TELETYPE ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN:
“0-900 AUGUST 16, 1977 - SOUTH CAROLINA, USA”
The gallery surrounding the first Tee Box of the Tournament
applauds as the commentator announces the first of many
threesomes over the loudspeakers.
Willie sees his Ma, Cricket, and Jim waiting anxiously. He
walks over.
CRICKET
I am so happy for you.
WILLIE
Thanks, sis. I see the ole’ man
didn’t make it.
MA
He hasn’t been himself for the last
couple of days.
WILLIE
It’s OK, Ma. This one is for the
General, anyway.
Willie hugs his Ma, then shakes Jim’s hand.
WILLIE
Thanks for driving my family.
JIM
My pleasure. I always knew you
would make it here.
Willie and Jim release hands as the commentator announces
Willie’s threesome.
CRICKET
He is calling for ya.
Willie leans in and kisses her on the cheek. He turns and
walks back towards Smitty, his caddie.
VOICE (O.S.)
Hey, Sarg!
Willie looks back at the gallery and notices two men. The
faces are distorted by the rays of the morning sun.
Focusing his vision, Willie sees Johnny and Utah. Willie, in
disbelief, waves them over. Utah and Johnny meet Willie on
the edge of the Tee Box.
They hug each other firmly, a bond that can’t be broken.
WILLIE
I thought I would never see you two
again.
Willie breaks down.
JOHNNY
It’s Ok, just let it go.
UTAH
You made it. You are home.
The Marshall walks up.
MARSHALL
Mr. Jackson, you’re next on the tee
box.
Willie pulls himself together as he steps back from Utah and
Johnny.
WILLIE
Where’s Garcia?
UTAH
Tell ya later.
Johnny looks out at the beautiful course.
JOHNNY
Sarg, I see you found your sacred
place. There is nothing but blue
skies and sunshine ahead.
WILLIE
Ya, thanks to you guys.
Utah reaches into his back pocket.
UTAH
I think this belongs to you.
Utah hands over the brown envelope. Willie opens it up and
sees his tarnished silver pendant of crossed golf clubs on a
chain.
WILLIE
I’ll be damned.
Willie places the chain around his neck while Utah and Johnny
watch.
WILLIE
You guys showing up really means a
lot to me.
Willie slowly turns and walks towards the Tee Box as Smitty
hands him his driver, looking at the gallery.
SMITTY
You are not going to believe this.
Willie turns his head and sees an amazing sight.
WILLIE’S POV
Willie’s father pushes a frail General in a wheelchair with
an oxygen tank toward him.
Pa stands proudly behind The General.
The General hands Pa a brand new TOP FLIGHT GOLF BALL and
feebly points towards Willie.
Pa tosses to Willie, who snaps it out of the air. Willie
walks over to his Pa and The General.
PA
I am so very proud of you... And I
love you, son.
WILLIE
Thanks, Pa. I love you, too.
Willie gives his Pa a firm hug. And then kneels to The
General.
WILLIE
We made it, sir. You did it. You
got us here.
Willie leans in and hugs the General tenderly as The General
whispers into his ear.
THE GENERAL
No, you did it. Now you get out
there and show these boys how to
golf — Georgia style.
Willie lets go of his hug and stands up. He comes to
attention and gives The General a sharp salute.
WILLIE
Yes, sir!
Willie turns to walk back to the tee box.
THE GENERAL
Willie, keep your head down.
Willie stops and turns back to The General.
WILLIE
Not anymore, Sir.
Willie smiles at The General.
Willie walks towards the markers and places the ball on the
tee. He steps back confidently and addresses the ball.
Sensing something, he straightens up and steps back from the
tee. Looking toward the HORIZON, he uses his left hand to
shield the bright sun.
Willie sees the spirit of his best friend, Jack, leaning
against a giant oak tree, smoking a joint. The fallen soldier
nods with a thumbs-up. He stands straight and gives Willie a
black-power fist salute.
With a slight smile, Willie watches his best friend turn
around and walk away, disappearing into the morning sun rays
and never-ending blue sky.
SLO MO
Willie, now sure of himself, steps back to the markers and,
with more confidence, he addresses his ball.
As before, the one wood drops down behind the ball and sits
on the green grass below the tee.
As the club makes an upward backswing, a white leather-gloved
hand atop a bare black one grips the club. At the top of the
arc, there is a slight pause.
With a powerful downswing, we see the flex of the shaft. The
club head cuts through the thick, humid air and connects with
the Top Flight golf ball, launching it skyward.
END SLO MO
Stop frame and pull back.
We see Sergeant William Jackson at the end of his perfect
Vietnam jungle golf course swing.
TELETYPE ACROSS BOTTOM OF SCREEN:
“I have a dream! That one day... on the red hills of Georgia,
the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners
will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
THE END.