The violin music drifts over a busy shopping district.
Footsteps POUND towards the violin music. A cute, black child
with Muslim roots, KID (12), races down the street, chased by
WHITE TEENAGE BULLIES wearing hoodies. Kid dashes around a
yellow, modern-day taxi.
Kid runs toward BETRAND (40), the violin player next to
Restaurant la Vérité. He's a warm-hearted homeless man with a
Christian background, French but fluent in American English.
Although homeless, aside from his prominent beard, Betrand
seems clean and healthy.
A PASSERBY throws a coin into the hat sitting in front him.
SUPER: THE AMERICAN DREAM
Kid jumps over Betrand's outstretched legs.
The MUSIC "This Land is My Land" STOPS abruptly.
As the first Bully jumps over Betrands legs, Betrand raises
his foot, tripping the teenager.
BULLY 1
You motherfucking foreigner!
The Bully's friends swarm Betrand, whose little dog POLLY
yips and bites at their ankles. One of the teens kicks
Betrand's hat, and his collected change scatters across the
street.
BRUTAL CHASER 2
Get it!
Some SHOPPERS stop, but no one intervenes. The teens grab the
large bills and run.
Created using Celtx
2.
As Betrand processes this, Kid approaches him cautiously,
then helps Betrand pick up his hat and what change is left.
When they finish, the two sit next to each other on the steps
near the restaurant.
BETRAND
(with an ever so slight French
accent)
Thank you.
KID
(with a different, slight foreign
accent)
I have to thank you!
BETRAND
What was that all about?
Kid offers Betrand a slice of bread.
KID
I took his bread.
BETRAND
Thou shalt not steal.
KID
Thou didn't. He threw it away.
BETRAND
Really?
KID
I swear. It happens all the time. They
don't eat it. They buy hamburgers and
only eat half of them.
Kid shows what he picked up, still half packed.
KID
See, it's still in the plastic.
BETRAND
(smiles wisely)
I know.
Betrand examines the food; tastes it.
BETRAND
Not bad.
Created using Celtx
3.
KID
I made sure I grabbed a fresh one.
BETRAND
Picky.
KID
(seriously)
Of course.
Betrand picks up his violin and starts playing again. Kid
pets Polly with care, like they've known each others for
years.
Genres:
["Drama","Social Issues"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Missing Man
EXT. FRANCE - DAY
French buildings with French flags and a glimpse of the
Eiffel Tower. French music reinforces the image.
INT. OFFICE - FRANCE - DAY
Two men dressed in suits, MR. ALTHOM TAYLOR, a banker, and
the bank's lawyer, MR. JEAN LOUIS BEAUVAIS, are talking to
another well-dressed man, a PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR.
MR. BEAUVAIS
Bienvenue en France.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Do you speak English?
MR. BEAUVAIS
To the point then. We were hoping you
could find someone we hardly know. We
don't even know what he looks like,
but you came highly recommended.
Mr. Beavias hands the Private Investigator a slim file. The
P.I. flips through it. Looks skeptical.
MR. TAYLOR
We heard you were a highly trained
bounty hunter.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Bail enforcement agent. "Bounty
hunter" is what they called us in old
movies. I was a police officer for 14
years, if that's what your referral
meant by "trained."
Created using Celtx
4.
MR. TAYLOR
So you can find people?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
That's my job.
MR. BEAUVAIS
I'm surprised those kinds of jobs
still exist.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
You shouldn't be. Lots of people are
looking for their family, for kids,
teenagers who ran off.., or fathers
who want to avoid child support.
People have all kinds of motives.
Mr. Beauvais and Mr. Taylor look at each other with mutual
understanding and satisfaction.
MR. BEAUVAIS
Dans ce cas, nous n'avons pas la
permission de parler des motifs.
MR. TAYLOR
(clears his throat)
We are not allowed to discuss the
background of the one we are looking
for. All we can say: It's about money.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
He is a convict? Or something like
that?
MR. BEAUVAIS
Condamné?
MR. TAYLOR
We are not allowed to say. But we can
tell you he disappeared after a fire
that killed his whole family.
The private investigator examines a photo in the file. Shows
it to the two other men.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
This picture's all you got?
MR. BEAUVAIS
That's all that was left after the
fire.
Created using Celtx
5.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Not much help, man. How old is the
photo?
MR. TAYLOR
We think it was taken 3 or 4 years
ago.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
He has no family to consult?
MR. TAYLOR
No one.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
You think he is in France?
MR. BEAUVAIS
Non, il a partit en Amérique.
MR. TAYLOR
He boarded a cargo boat to America. If
you find him, you can identify him by
the picture in his passport. Maybe he
still has it.
MR. BEAUVAIS
Nous ne sommes pas sûre.
MR. TAYLOR
All his personal belongings were lost
in the fire, too.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
(after some hesitation)
It won't be easy to find him. Still, I
am intrigued. I'll take the job.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
The Grumpy Customer and the Soft-Boiled Egg
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Betrand plays his violin. A few shoppers drop coins in his
upside down hat. Kid, still next to him, listens while he
plays with Polly the dog.
KID
You play the violin well.
BETRAND
You have a good taste in food and
music.
Created using Celtx
6.
KID
My sister plays piano.
BETRAND
Really? She does?
KID
My mom thinks it's important.
BETRAND
Like fresh food?
KID
Yeah.
Polly starts to growl softly.
KID
What's wrong with her?
BETRAND
Just wait and see.
Betrand continues playing the violin, but now the music takes
a dark turn, even a little provocative.
MR. SITTERLY, a little man in a messy, old-fashioned suit
that's too big for him, passes. He wears worn-out shoes and
has unkempt hair. He is the unfriendly owner and chef of the
adjacent restaurant, La Vérité. Polly growls at him softly.
SITTERLY
Hmmmm.
EXT. RESTAURANT ENTRANCE - DAY
Kid watches Mr. Sitterly, who walks up the low stone
staircase into the entrance of his restaurant. A dirty
nameplate shows 'La Vérité'. Sitterly unlocks the door.
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - CONTINUOUS
Sitterly steps inside. The old-fashioned, wannabe French
interior has the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame wallpaper with
Chinese masks and photographs tacked up. Even more jarring,
the restaurant shows Victorian influence with English lace
tablecloths.
SITTERLY
(To himself)
I can't stand those bumbs.
Created using Celtx
7.
(calling)
Demario, is my breakfast ready?
DEMARIO
Yes, sirrr!
SITTERLY
My egg medium?
DEMARIO, the South African chef, always dressed in a white
jacket with golden buttons and epaulettes, enters with
Sitterly's breakfast on a tray and serves Sitterly like a
guest at a table with classic cutlery.
Sitterly peels his egg; Demario politely waits at the table
for his approval. The egg is soft-boiled. Egg yolk runs over
Sitterly's hands.
SITTERLY
(annoyed)
You call this medium?
DEMARIO
Medium-soft, sirrr!
SITTERLY
How can I run a posh restaurant if my
staff can't even cook an egg?
DEMARIO
Fortunately our guests come for your
art of cooking, not mine, sir.
SITTERLY
You are absolutely right. Take this...
Sitterly hands him the messy small plate with the remaining
mashed up egg. Demario runs off to the kitchen.
Sitterly continues eating what's left, smacking lis lips,
hasty and messy. He scratches his nose with his fork. Not a
nice man to look at.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
A New Beginning at La Vérité
INT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
BONA FERRARA (38), a pretty, young mother with Italian roots,
makes breakfast.
At the kitchen table sits MISS JEFFERSON (65), who lives
upstairs. She is sometimes referred to as "Granny," but
actually is Bona's landlord. A necklace with a small cross
Created using Celtx
8.
points subtly in the direction of christianity. She sits
opposite Bona's lovely daughter, GINA (8).
Despite well done makeup, Bona wears blue overalls streaked
with oil - a car mechanic.
MISS JEFFERSON
(Addressing Gina)
Eat your breakfast, darling.
BONA
It's no need to be nervous. Com on,
Gina. It's just like a normal school
day.
GINA
No, it isn't. It's sports day. Why
can't you come?
BONA
Miss Jefferson will take you. Mommy
has to work in the garage and then
apply for a new job. It's important.
Eat your toast. You need it. You'll be
out all day.
MISS JEFFERSON
You can't apply in those dirty
overalls.
BONA
I know. I'll change after I finish in
the garage.
INT. GARAGE WORKSHOP - DAY
Bona's sad boss, garage owner WILLIAM (65 - 70), is a kind,
small, old man with grease smudges on his face. He's dressed
to work in blue overalls that look like they've never been
washed.
In his dirty, calloused hands, he holds a bouquet of flowers.
Nothing impressive, but charming nonetheless.... Is that a
tear in his eye?
BONA
What's this for?
WILLIAM
Your last day at work with me.
Created using Celtx
9.
BONA
You shouldn't have. It's me who should
buy you flowers.
William and Bona hug each other, both trying to control their
emotions.
WILLIAM
I'm sorry.
BONA
Don't worry about it.
WILLIAM
It's the damned monopolies and our
government. They kill small business
with their regulations and taxes. Now
what about you?
BONA
Miss Jefferson found me a new job
offer. A restaurant.
WILLIAM
A restaurant? You?
BONA
Hey. I served pizzas in Italy.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Nicely dressed and in heels now, Bona looks like a new woman.
She walks through the shopping district. Every now and then
Bona stops to check her outfit in mirrored shop windows.
At last, she comes across Betrand playing the violin, Kid,
and little dog Polly. She makes Betrand smile as she drops a
quarter in his hat and continues up the steps to the
restaurant, La Vérité.
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - DAY
Bona stands across from Sitterly in the restaurant.
SITTERLY
Follow me to my office.
Demario, curious, watches as Sitterly guides Bona to a small
office without windows.
Created using Celtx
10.
INT. RESTAURANT OFFICE - DAY
The desk and floor is littered with paperwork, files and
folders. It's a mess.
SITTERLY
Have a seat.
Bona has to move paperwork off the wooden chair before she
can do so.
SITTERLY
So you work in a garage and now you
think you can serve in a restaurant?
BONA
I did in Italy.
SITTERLY
This is a French kitchen. We have to
exude a certain style.
BONA
That's what I did.
SITTERLY
You served in a posh European
restaurant?
BONA
I did in Milan.
SITTERLY
But a garage?! And I have so many
applicants. You realize the risk? I
can't pay you much.
BONA
It's okay for a start. After you've
seen me work, we can discuss the wages
again, okay?
SITTERLY
We can. If you take the job now and
start tomorrow.
BONA
That's no problem.
Created using Celtx
11.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Bona's New Job and Concerns
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - DAY
As Sitterly shows Bona out, an old, stately skinny man
dressed in block using a cane, THEODORE ARANOWITZ, enters the
restaurant.
SITTERLY
You're too early, old man.
THEODORE ARANOWITZ
Can't I sit down?
SITTERLY
(imperious)
In the corner, Grandpa.
While the old man steps inside, Sitterly peeps outside. His
eyes follow Bona --
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - DUSK
Bona passes by Betrand, Kid, and Polly, then continues out of
view of Sitterly.
On her way home, she stops in front of a book store window.
Her eyes go over the tasteful covers of food and recipes
books.
EXT. BONA'S SIMPLE HOUSE - DUSK
Bona enters her home through the front door.
INT. BONA'S HOUSE - ENTRANCE HALL - DUSK
Before she opens the kitchen door, Bona calls --
BONA
Miss Jefferson, I'm home!
INT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE HOME KITCHEN - DUSK
Bona enters the kitchen. She kisses her little girl who sits
at the kitchen table, coloring in a coloring book. The
flowers Bona got from the garage this morning are in a vase
on the table.
BONA
Hello, lovely. How was you day?
Created using Celtx
12.
GINA
We had to jump as far as we could. I
jumped further than Jack. Further than
all the boys. I won this.
Gina shows Bona a plastic, gold shining, medal.
Miss Jefferson enters slowly. She has difficulties walking at
her age. It looks painful, but Miss Jefferson keeps her head
up. She doesn't complain. Certainly not in front of little
Gina.
MISS JEFFERSON
Well? Did you manage?
BONA
It is not as high-end as I thought you
said, but I got it.
MISS JEFFERSON
Does it pay? How much?
BONA
I don't know.
MISS JEFFERSON
You don't know? Did you not ask?
BONA
Eh...
MISS JEFFERSON
You did not?
BONA
I'm just glad I got the job. Otherwise
I would have nothing. I'll keep
applying in case I don't like it at
all.
MISS JEFFERSON
Hmm, that sounds sensible.
Bona lifts a towel from a pan on the oven.
BONA
Let me see what you've baked today?
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
A Meal of Resourcefulness
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Kid's still hanging out with Betrand.
Created using Celtx
13.
BETRAND
It is getting dark. And cold. You
should go home.
KID
(hesitating)
Can I come back tomorrow?
BETRAND
Don't you go to school?
KID
Not tomorrow.
Kid hugs Polly and leaves.
RESTAURANT GUESTS, men, not very stylish dressed, and ladies,
in flashy clothes and with too much make-up, all too loud,
leave La Vérité.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - NIGHT
The ambiance changes as it gets dark. People pass by, but
they're not there for shopping. Betrand picks up his
belongings and departs.
BETRAND
(to Polly)
Let's go to the park.
EXT. STREET / PARK - NIGHT
Betrand and Polly take a walk through the dark city into a
park. Betrand greets a few other HOMELESS ADULTS and
CHILDREN. Some sleep in cardboard boxes.
Unintentionally Betrand stands apart from the rest. During
the day, he's the shabby beggar compared to all the
fashionably dressed shoppers, but here he looks younger,
active and cleaner, more positive than other homeless. His
steps are lively. Even Polly seems more cheerful.
LATER
A stranger in a neat suit stands out amongst the homeless --
the private investigator from earlier. He shows a photo to
homeless people and asks questions.
Betrand leaves the park without running into him.
Created using Celtx
14.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Betrand is back in the shopping district. He peeks into the
windows of La Vérité. After a moment, he stops and drops a
large BROWN ENVELOPE into the restaurant's LETTERBOX.
Passing by the restaurant, he takes a careful look around,
and, once he is sure no one sees him, he swiftly disappears
down a narrow alley adjacent to the restaurant.
Darkness. The moonlight doesn't reach down here. Polly
WHINES.
BETRAND
Sssh.
EXT. HIDEAWAY AT THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Betrand and Polly slip into a dark nook at the back of the
alley near the rear of the restaurant -- blocked by a fence.
A small restaurant's kitchen window above Betrand's head
provides meager light.
Betrand lights a candle, lighting up the nook with a warm
glow.
A moment as Betrand settles himself -- he gets a white linen
cloth, apparently kept somewhere here, and covers a rough
table with it. From a corner in the nook, he provides a
plate, cutlery, a wine glass and a bowl.
BETRAND
(to Polly)
Ssst.
Polly obediently sits at his feet.
With the table set, Betrand and Polly wait until they hear
the restaurant DOOR OPEN out of sight behind a fence. Trash
lands in a dumpster with a THUD. Glass bottles RATTLE.
When the sound dies and the door SQUEAKS closed, Betrand
creeps along the fence. Polly WHINES and wags her tail, but
remains sitting.
Betrand comes back with food, leftovers from the trash, and
two bottles of leftover wine.
Polly sits up, politely waiting for food. Betrand serves
Polly first in the bowl he takes from the clothed table.
Created using Celtx
15.
POLLY
(smells)
Houwww...
BETRAND
(picks up the bowl; smells it)
You're right. It stinks. We both know
they're terrible cooks.
He hands the bowl back to Polly.
Betrand says a little prayer and eats his own food. Then he
judges the wine as a connoisseur, smells and holds the glass
against the sparse light of the small restaurant window --
and tastes it.
BETRAND
Not as bad as I expected.
Betrand starts eating with a knife and fork. He even uses a
napkin.
The scarce light reveals his hidden sleeping place -- a
rickety roof over a bed constructed out of wooden pallets.
For the dog, a quilted basket on the floor. A framed photo
hanging on the wall, barely visible in the shadows.
Betrand continues eating.
DISSOLVE TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Lost in the Divide
INT./EXT. 'HOUSEHOLDS' MONTAGE - NIGHT
A MONTAGE of shots illustrate the social contrast in America:
- Betrand in his hideaway: The restaurant kitchen light goes
out.
BETRAND
Time for bed, Polly.
Polly gets into her dog basket. Betrand blows out his candle.
- Restaurant La Vérité's: Mr. Sitterly shows the old guest
out.
SITTERLY
(harsh)
Time to go, Grandpa. This is a
restaurant, not a hotel.
Created using Celtx
16.
- Bed room - Gina: Bona checks if Gina is sleeping well. As
she closes the bedroom door, she whispers some words to Miss
Jefferson, waiting in the corridor.
BONA
You, too. Sleep well, Miss Jefferson.
Bona gives Miss Jefferson a peck on the cheek.
- In a park, a beggar goes to sleep on a bench, using an
American flag as a blanket.
INT. MODERN FRENCH OFFICE - DAY
Mr. Taylor looks out of the window with a view of the Eiffel
Tower. He is on the phone:
MR. TAYLOR
Any results?
EXT. AMERICAN PARK - DAWN , SWITCH FRENCH OFFICE - DAY
INTERCUT:
In the American park,
with sleeping homeless people on the background:
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
I am getting closer.
In the French office:
MR. TAYLOR
Il est à New York.
(cont'd in telephone in English)
New York? How come?
In the American park:
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
The captain of the cargo trailer said
our friend got off here.
In the French office:
Created using Celtx
17.
MR. TAYLOR
(In telephone)
Are you checking the hotels?
MR. BEAUVAIS
Demander si quelqu'un l'a reconnu.
In the American park:
Mr. Taylor puts the telephone on microphone. Now Mr. Beauvais
can follow the English conversation.
MR. TAYLOR
Did someone recognize him?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Not yet, boss.
MR. TAYLOR
Not yet? What have you been up to all
afternoon?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Afternoon? It's eight o'clock in the
morning here.
MR. TAYLOR
Then talk to people on their way to
work.
Homeless people waking up.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
(cynical)
This is America. People enjoy their
extensive breakfast first.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Pies of Gratitude
EXT. CHURCH - DAY
Kid walks up to the entrance of a church. CHURCHGOING WOMEN
walk past him into the building. Kid hesitates and stops at a
sign that says "FAMILY DAY - HOMEMADE PIES."
Kid enters.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Pews have been moved off to the side to make room for "Family
Day" events. Kid strolls through the stalls, eyeing the HAPPY
CHURCHGOERS and their wholesome events.
Kid stops at one of the stalls and looks over the nice
Created using Celtx
18.
looking pies.
CHURCH LADY
Hello, young man. You look hungry.
Would you like to try one?
KID
I would like to, but no thank you.
CHURCH LADY
Take one.
KID
Not now. My mom couldn't come.
CHURCH LADY
Your mom couldn't? What's wrong?
KID
She is ill. It's really sad; she
looked forward to being here.
CHURCH LADY
Such a shame. But you... you could
still take one.
Kid sadly moves aside.
CHURCH LADY
Take one for your mother, too.
KID
And my father?
CHURCH LADY
Alright, take one for your farther,
too. And don't forget yourself. You
know what? I'll pack them nicely.
The Church Lady makes a nice looking package, like a present.
CHURCH LADY
Here you go.
KID
Thank you so much!
The Kid takes off.
CHURCH LADY
Such a thoughtful boy.
Created using Celtx
19.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - DAY
Kid runs through the shopping district, careful not to jostle
the package of pies.
When he approaches Betrand's spot, he bumps into Bona, on her
way to her new job together with her daughter Gina and Miss
Jefferson -- already talking to Betrand.
Kid excitedly sits at Betrand's side.
KID
You won't believe what I got!
BETRAND
Behave. Say hello to the ladies.
KID
Oh, hello.
BETRAND
(to Bona)
So this will be your first day at the
restaurant.
BONA
My very first.
Kid bounces impatiently.
BETRAND
Are you nervous?
BONA
A little.
BETRAND
(to Gina)
And you came with your mother?
GINA
I like your music.
MISS JEFFERSON
The gentleman asked you a question.
Kid does not like waiting his turn.
BONA
Miss Jefferson is bringing Gina with
her to the grocery store.
Created using Celtx
20.
GINA
Granny cooks.
BETRAND
That's important, cooking. Isn't it,
Kid?
Bona, Gina and Miss Jefferson get ready to leave.
MISS JEFFERSON
Say goodbye to the gentlemen.
LITTLE GINA
Goodbye.
Betrand watches them go, paying little attention to Kid.
Then as the women left:
KID
I got you a present.
Betrand, with his eyes still on the women, does not seem to
hear.
KID
I got a present.
BETRAND
Pardon?
Kid hands Betrand the package.
KID
You have to open it.
Betrand's attention still is a little bit focused on Bona and
the little girl, but slowly he comes back. Carefully he opens
the package.
BETRAND
For me?
KID
For you and Polly... and me.
Betrand, Kid and Polly take time to enjoy their pies. Kid
seems to thrive on Polly's easy affection.
BETRAND
Your mother is a good cook.
Created using Celtx
21.
KID
She is.
BETRAND
Where did she learn this?
KID
In Mali.
Betrand takes another bite.
BETRAND
Mali? Africa? Is that where you come
from?
KID
I was born there. Then my father got a
job in America; we traveled through
Senegal and we took a cargo boat from
Dakar.
BETRAND
Your mom must be talented. This tastes
very much like an American pastry.
KID
(in past tense)
She was very talented.
BETRAND
You came by boat?
KID
Yes, we did. It cost my father a
fortune. He did it for my future. And
my sister's.
BETRAND
It is nice to have a family.
(mind elsewhere)
Yes, it is nice.
They lapse into silence. Lot of shoppers pass by. A few drop
coins in Betrand's hat.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
You know what? I don't even know your
name.
KID
Kid. Everybody just calls me Kid.
Created using Celtx
22.
BETRAND
That's not your real name.
KID
(whispering)
My real name is Abele Yacouba.
BETRAND
That's a nice name. Why don't you use
it?
KID
(still whispering)
It sounds foreign.
BETRAND
It is foreign.
KID
In America, no good.
BETRAND
No good?
KID
(carefully)
It sounds dangerous...
(proudly)
...I am American now. Kid is better.
Kid works for everyone.
Another pause.
Then Betrand makes a decision. The atmosphere changes into
one of optimism as Betrand examines the rest of his pie.
BETRAND
You know, it's magic. Your mother's
talent makes me feel like it's my
birthday.
Taking the last bite --
BETRAND
Yes, pure magic. We have to celebrate.
Betrand gets up, taking his belongings.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
A Day at the Zoo and a Question of Shelter
INT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - CONTINUOUS
Betrand (violin case dangling around his neck), Kid and Polly
Created using Celtx
23.
leave the steps and walk through the shopping district.
BETRAND
What shall we do to celebrate? I think
we could go for a boat tour.
KID
I don't like boats.
BETRAND
What about the zoo? Shall we honor the
animals with our presence?
KID
I'd like to. But that's far from here.
BETRAND
We can take the subway.
EXT. ENTRANCE SUBWAY - DAY
Before Betrand, Kid and Polly enter the subway, Betrand
stops.
BETRAND
Just a minute.
Betrand turns to HOMELESS JOHN, who sits in the middle of a
pile of trash on the ground in his sleeping bag.
KID
Okay.
BETRAND
Wait here.
Betrand walks over to the homeless man and talks with him.
From a distance, Kid cannot hear what they talk about.
Then Betrand returns.
BETRAND
(to Homeless John)
See you tonight, John. Don't forget.
Betrand puts his hand on Kid's shoulder and guides him down
the subway stairs.
EXT. ZOO - DAY
Betrand and Kid watch animal parents caring for their
Created using Celtx
24.
children: a CHIMPANZEE with a baby in her arms, ELEPHANTS
protecting their young...
... Kid (thinking of his parents) gets emotional. As he turns
his face away, his eyes land on a HAPPY FATHER AND MOTHER
visiting the zoo with their child, a girl who could have been
Kid's little sister. Other CHILDREN play around them. Kid
tries to hide his tears.
EXT. ZOO - CONTINUED
Shots of Betrand and Kid relaxing, then walking again
enjoying their visit.
EXT. ZOO - COONTINUED - TWILIGHT
Betrand, Polly and Kid leave the zoo through the gate while
eating ice cream.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Walking back through the shopping district at the end of the
day, passing the restaurant where the lights shine through
the window, Betrand, Polly and Kid arrive at the spot where
Betrand usually plays his violin.
Homeless John is waiting for them.
HOMELESS JOHN
You're late.
BETRAND
I am glad you kept your promise and
came.
HOMELESS JOHN
And he is... Kid..?
Kid introduces himself by shaking hands.
HOMELESS JOHN
... well educated. Rich background?
BETRAND
It is time to go home, Kid. Your
mother will be worried.
(beat)
You have to leave, Kid. Thank your mom
for her lovely pastries.
Kid spontaneously hugs Betrand.
Created using Celtx
25.
KID
Thank you.
BETRAND
Nothing to thank me for.
KID
Will you be here tomorrow?
BETRAND
Of course. Hurry on. Go.
Kid takes off.
BETRAND
(to John)
Follow him. Then find me. Let me know
where he sleeps. I am worried about
him.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
A Night in the City
EXT. STREETS - NIGHT
Homeless John follows Kid unseen.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Betrand and Polly wait. In the meantime, we see three beefy
16 year old TEENAGERS pass by. One is a typical American
hamburger kid, way too thick, who is Sitterly's son, ROWDY.
ROWDY
(rough)
Hey you, beggar. How is your dog?
The Teenagers say goodbye to each other in front of La
Vérité. Rowdy enters the restaurant.
Betrand and Polly still wait for John to come back. Bona
Ferrara leaves the restaurant. The LIGHTS in the window turn
off -- closed. Bona stops when she sees Betrand.
BONA
Still here?
BETRAND
Waiting for somebody.
BONA
You're okay?
Created using Celtx
26.
BETRAND
Fine. And you? How do you like your
restaurant?
BONA
You should ask the guests.
BETRAND
And if I did?
BONA
To be honest...
BETRAND
One should always be.
BONA
... To be honest, the food is
terrible.
BETRAND
(smiling)
I know.
BONA
You know? How?
BETRAND
(shrugs)
We just know. Don't we, Polly?
BONA
You here again tomorrow?
BETRAND
Looking forward to it.
BONA
(with a critical look at Betrand's
situation)
Looking forward? To this?
BETRAND
One meets nice people here.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - LATER
Homeless John returns. He takes an old fashion cell phone
from his pocket and shows a dark picture of the young Kid in
the park going to sleep in a cardboard box.
Created using Celtx
27.
BETRAND
Like I thought.
HOMELESS JOHN
Why are you so keen on him? He is not
rich, man. H's got nothing to offer.
BETRAND
I fear you will never understand,
John. Tell me: which park is it?
HOMELESS JOHN
Bryant Park.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - LATER
After homeless John leaves, Betrand again drops a large brown
envelope into La Vérité's letterbox.
As the coast is clear, he and Polly disappear into the alley.
EXT. HIDEAWAY AT THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
This time Betrand uses the candlelight to take a look at the
framed picture on the bare wall. Although the picture is
black and white, it is clear we see a photo of his late wife,
a MOTHER (40) with a 12 YEAR OLD SON. The woman is black.
BETRAND
I know what you are thinking,
Laquisha. For the first time in years
I spoke to a nice woman again.
The sound of the restaurant backdoor opens. Waste is thrown
into the trash bin and rattling empty bottles interrupt the
scene.
BETRAND
Ssst... dinner is served.
INT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE KITCHEN - DAY
Miss Jefferson, Bona and Gina at breakfast also preparing
Gina's school journey.
BONA
Hurry up, Gina.
MISS JEFFERSON
Have you got everything?
Created using Celtx
28.
LITTLE GINA
Yes, Granny.
EXT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
Bona and Gina leave the house.
BONA
Say goodbye to Miss Jefferson.
EXT. BONA'S SIMPLE NEIGHBORHOOD - CONTINUE
Bona and Gina walk side by side. Gina, with a backpack that
has a comic print on her back, cheerfully hops along.
BONA
Be sure you stay with the group. And
don't lose your teacher.
LITTLE GINA
I know, Mom.
BONA
You know the Statue of Liberty you are
going to visit originally was meant
for Egypt?
LITTLE GINA
I do, mom.
BONA
And the Frenchman Eiffel built it? As
he did with the Eiffel tower in Paris?
LITTLE GINA
He did.
BONA
I once visited Paris. With your dad.
Before you were born. He was still
trying to be nice to me then...
(beat)
I climbed the Eiffel Tower.
LITTLE GINA
The bus, Mom.
A school bus is approaching.
BONA
Did you take your drink?
Created using Celtx
29.
LITTLE GINA
Granny put it in my backpack.
As Gina boards the school bus, Bona hands Tina over into the
care of the FEMALE TEACHER. The teacher drapes a brightly
colored ribbon with a large label and tiger print over Gina's
neck.
TEACHER
You are in the tiger group.
Teacher leads Gina into the bus.
I/E. BUS/BONA'S NEIGHBORHOOD - CONTINUOUS
Bona stands next to the bus on the pavement as Gina walks
through the bus corridor to the backseats.
Bona bumps into a father, JIM, also watching his daughter.
This 45-year-old father is dressed in a dark suit like a
gentleman. He is the mayor of the town.
BONA
Sorry.
JIM
I don't mind. You may bump into me
again if you like.
BONA
It's just, my daughter's going on a
field trip...
JIM
I know. My daughter's going, too.
BONA
Oh yes. Of course...
Bona and Jim both wave at their children.
JIM
I've never seen you here before.
BONA
I used to work at this time. But now I
have a new job.
JIM
What kind of job?
Created using Celtx
30.
BONA
Waitressing.
JIM
Which restaurant?
BONA
La Verité.
JIM
I don't know it.
The school bus is about to leave. Bona and Jim start waving
goodbye. The bus drives off.
BONA
And you..? You don't have to work
today?
JIM
I took one hour off. For her. I
promised. I'm not home all that often.
BONA
Because of your job?
JIM
Indeed, my job takes up too much of my
time.
Bona wants to leave.
JIM
Going home?
BONA
Later.
JIM
Will you be here when your daughter
returns?
BONA
No, I can't. I have work in the
afternoon. But from now on, I'll take
Gina to school every morning.
JIM
Well, maybe see you later. Restaurant
La Vérité, you said?
Created using Celtx
31.
BONA
Yes.
JIM
Can I offer you a lift?
BONA
No, thanks. I walk.
JIM
Okay.
BONA
(hesitating)
It is not that I don't want a lift. I
want to visit my former employer.
JIM
Another restaurant?
BONA
A garage.
JIM
A garage?
Both waves goodbye and take off. Jim waves for a big black
car. His driver politely opens the door. As the big car
passes by Bona, walking on the footpath, Jim, in the car,
waves.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
The Old Man's Recipes
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Betrand plays his violin. Polly besides him. Betrand's music
sounds bad, sloppy. Betrand's dog looks up every moment. He
sees no Kid.
Bona walks along on the way to the restaurant. Stops.
BONA
What's wrong?
BETRAND
Wrong?
BONA
Your music sounds terrible today.
Where is your little friend?
BETRAND
My friend? To school, I think.
Created using Celtx
32.
BONA
My daughter has her school field trip
today.
Bona walks back up to the restaurant.
BETRAND
What do you think, Polly? Shall we go
after Kid or just wait?
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - TWILIGHT
It is getting dark. Betrand and Polly are still there.
Waiting, while a bit further, we see the window lights of the
restaurant.
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - NIGHT
Bona Ferrara serves tables filled with restaurant guests.
CONT'D - KITCHEN - NIGHT
With messy plates, Bona returns to the kitchen.
BONA
The old guy complained.
SITTERLY
(now dressed as a cook)
He always complains. And you are here
to explain to him why he is wrong.
BONA
It sounds a lot like the old man knows
what he is talking about.
SITTERLY
He pretends he does. His complaints
are fake. The old fool keeps coming
back.
BONA
Maybe for another reason?
SITTERLY
Your job is serving. Not asking
questions.
Sitterly finishes putting together two new plates.
Created using Celtx
33.
SITTERLY
Table 6.
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - KITCHEN - LATER
Bona gets back into the kitchen. She has a large brown
envelope (posted by Betrand) in her hand.
BONA
By the way, I emptied the letterbox.
There is another brown envelope.
SITTERLY
Put it with the others.
As Bona puts the envelope aside -- we see there are already
10 to 20 waiting.
BONA
These are all recipes? Why don't you
try them?
SITTERLY
(annoyed)
Why should I?
BONA
You could try them on the old man.
Maybe he stops complaining.
Sitterly interrupts his cooking for a moment. We see him
think.
SITTERLY
You could be right.
Sitterly opens the last envelop and reads the letter.
SITTERLY
Just as I thought. His verdict over
the escalope we had yesterday. Too
dry. And I should not use nutmeg.
BONA
That's what the old guy said, too.
SITTERLY
I thought you were clever. Don't you
understand? It must be him writing
these cooking tips.
Created using Celtx
34.
Sitterly pauses to think.
SITTERLY
Or maybe it is you. Do you think you
are a good cook?
BONA
Don't be stupid.
SITTERLY
And if you are not the one pushing me
with these recipes...
(beat)
... if you are not, it must be that
Grandpa challenging me. You know
what... I will cook his own recipe and
we will see what happens.
Sitterly reads the letter again.
SITTERLY
Like I expected. He even gives his
recipe for the sauce. As if he is a
better cook than Walmart.
Bona smiles, but tries to hide it.
SITTERLY
You are smiling. I saw you smiling.
Bona's nose lifts up. She smells something.
BONA
Is that burning salmon I smell?
Sitterly sprints to the oven.
SITTERLY
You stupid woman. You should have
warned me before it was too late.
Sitterly crunshes the black crust of the fish onto a plate.
BONA
What are you doing?
SITTERLY
Mind your own business. Go and ask the
guests for their desert.
Created using Celtx
35.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Waiting for Kid
EXT. HIDEAWAY AT THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Betrand at the provisional table. Again the restaurant door,
the sounds of the garbage box and empty bottles are heard.
However, this time Betrand does not get up.
BETRAND
I am not hungry.
POLLY
Whoo.
BETRAND
I know, maybe Kid will come back
tomorrow.
INT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE HOME KITCHEN - MORNING
It is early in the morning. Bona and Little Gina are in the
kitchen. Bona opens the curtains. Granny enters the kitchen
in her pajamas. She walks unsteadily, troubled by pain.
MISS JEFFERSON
The older you get, the more you hate
these early mornings.
BONA
Take your seat. I'll make you a cup of
tea. What's wrong?
MISS JEFFERSON
I did not sleep well. My back hurts.
Yesterday I did the window cleaning
and weeds in the garden. What we miss
here is a strapping, young man.
Bona takes the seat opposite Miss Jefferson.
BONA
Who is that man at Gina's school? The
one in the big car.
LITTLE GINA
(laughs)
He won't do the weeds.
BONA
Why not?
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36.
LITTLE GINA
He is the mayor. The mayor of this
town.
MISS JEFFERSON
Hip hip hooray, you could have gotten
a ride from the mayor, Bona.
EXT. HIDEAWAY AT THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT - DAY
Still very early in the morning. Betrand apparently just woke
up and is dressing. The framed picture on the wall gleams.
Polly is impatient and with a questioning look, waits at the
exit.
BETRAND
Don't worry if Kid isn't there. He is
clever. He takes care.
Betrand taking his violin.
BETRAND
Let's go...
Betrand takes the first steps to leave. He steps back to take
another brown envelope from the table.
BETRAND
Let's not forget.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - DAY
Still early in the morning. Passersby walk to their jobs. No
shoppers yet.
Betrand peeps around the corner to make sure the coast is
clear before he leaves the alley unseen. He does not want
anyone to know his hiding place.
Passing by the restaurant, he drops the brown envelope into
the letterbox. Then he takes his place on the steps next to
La Vérité... and waits.
BETRAND
Just wait and see.
An OLD POLICE OFFICER and YOUNG POLICE OFFICER in uniform on
their early shift pass by. They don't pay any attention.
Boring shots of Betrand yawning and waiting follow. Polly
turns his head from left to right, from right to left.
Created using Celtx
37.
Looking into the street, waiting for Kid.
BETRAND
It is too early. We never sit here at
this time.
Betrand gazes into the street, looking for his young friend.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
He could be at school even though he
sleeps in the park. Maybe ran away
from home. You do know there are a lot
of broken families in New York.
POLLY
Houww...
BETRAND
We have to wait and see. I bet he is
at school.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Alonzo's Departure
INT. BONA'S HOUSE - DAY
Bona and Gina at the door, going out to take Gina to school.
Kissing Miss Jefferson goodbye.
LITTLE GINA
It's nice, you taking me to school.
BONA
Thanks to my new job. But I don't like
that I miss you at night. When I have
to serve guests, I cannot pick you up
or put you to bed.
LITTLE GINA
Granny does.
MISS JEFFERSON
Time to go. Say hello to the mayor.
BONA
You're kidding.
EXT. BONA'S HOUSE - STREET - DAY
Bona and Gina step outside. They talk, walking along.
LITTLE GINA
I like school. You know, Miss Miller's
gonna tell us about your country next
Created using Celtx
38.
week.
BONA
About Italy?
LITTLE GINA
She promised. She wrote down where
everybody's parents come from. And
then she promised to tell something
about every country.
BONA
She then might ask you questions, too.
We have to prepare tomorrow.
LITTLE GINA
Lyam's grandfather comes from Ireland.
Or, not really his grandfather. I
think the father of his grandfather.
BONA
Lyam has red hair?
LITTLE GINA
He does. How do you know?
BONA
What other nationalities will your
teacher talk about?
LITTLE GINA
Valerie comes from Porte... Porte...
BONA
Puerto Rico?
LITTLE GINA
Yes, Puerto Rico. And Kim is from
China...
(interrupting and thinking)
... Mom, why did we have to say
goodbye to Alonzo?
BONA
Who is Alonzo?
LITTLE GINA
Miss Miller was gonna tell us about
his country, too. But he went back to
Mexico.
Created using Celtx
39.
BONA
Mexico..?
LITTLE GINA
Alonzo cried. We all cried.
BONA
(hesitating)
Mexico, you said. Maybe Alonzo is a
good soccer player?
LITTLE GINA
He is fast...
BONA
Yes, that's what it must have been.
They probably wanted him back to play
for the national team once he's grown
up.
LITTLE GINA
But he cried. And the police came.
The mayor's big black car drives into sight.
LITTLE GINA
Mom...
BONA
Some have a good start...
LITTLE GINA
Mom -- the mayor.
BONA
I see, darling.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
A City Divided: Perspectives on Life
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Demario passes by in his white restaurant outfit on his way
to La Vérité.
BETRAND
Everybody has to take his future into
his own hands. So must Kid. We wait
and see...
Demario enters the restaurant.
BETRAND
... However, we all can use a little
Created using Celtx
40.
help.
EXT. SCHOOL - DAY
Bona and Gina in front of the school. Gina is about to get
in. Mayor Jim walks up to Bona.
BONA
Take care, Gina. Granny will pick you
up you later.
Gina kisses Bona goodbye and walks to the school entrance.
JIM
Here again?
BONA
Like you.
BONA & JIM
(same time)
I don't have work right now.
Both laugh about the coincidence.
BONA
I have to start at four o'clock.
JIM
So, this morning we have time to
ourselves. Can I offer you a drink?
BONA
I would like that.
Mayor Jim points at the big car.
JIM
Be my guest. My next meeting is at
eleven.
Mayor Jim opens the backdoor of the car. Invites Bona in.
BONA
You got your own chauffeur.
Bona bends over the seat to introduce to the CHAUFFEUR
CHARLES with a handshake.
BONA
Hello. I'm Bona Ferrara.
Created using Celtx
41.
JIM
To Lake Manor, Charles.
As the car departs, Bona has more of an eye for the people in
the street and less for the mayor.
BONA
The city looks different from the back
of a car like this.
JIM
It's different from my position.
BONA
You are the mayor, I heard.
JIM
I am.
BONA
And you've got time to have a drink
with an Italian waitress?
JIM
A very pretty waitress.
From the car, we catch a glimpse of Bona's former garage and
its owner in his blue working clothes.
BONA
It's difficult to find a good job.
JIM
No, it's not. I studied at Harvard and
from day one I worked in politics.
The car mirror shows the chauffeurs frowned eyes.
BONA
I did not mean for you.
JIM
Oh, people in the street, blue collar
workers. You are right. That worries
everyone.
For a while nothing is said. The car enters La Vérité's
shopping district. On the street walks a dark colored
MAILMAN. A very old South American NEWSPAPER VENDOR works out
of a stall. A young, white WALL STREET BUSINESSMAN walks by.
Created using Celtx
42.
An Indian SMALL BUSINESS SHOP OWNER carries a display in
front of his shop, STREET CLEANERS, all kind of WORKING
PEOPLE -- different nationalities -- doing their job.
Some, such as a WAITRESS cleaning tables, look up to the car.
One OLD MAN raises his middle finger to the car. An AWFULLY
DRESSED OLD LADY, looking for food in a garbage bin, pays no
attention at all.
They come up to to La Vérité.
BONA
My restaurant.
JIM
I know. I asked Charles to take this
road.
Bona points at Betrand, playing his violin without Kid at his
side.
BONA
The violinist.
JIM
We prefer not to see these people on
the streets.
BONA
You never heard him playing.
JIM
(laughing)
If one really is a good violinist, you
should find him in an orchestra. Not
on the street.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
A Taste of Ambition
EXT. LAKE MANOR RESTAURANT - DAY
The big black car stops in front of the posh Lake Manor
restaurant next to a golf course. The RECEPTIONIST hurries
around the car to open the mayor's door. He leaves Bona's
door untouched. It is the chauffeur who exits the car and
opens Bona's door.
Receptionist and the mayor seem to know each other. The mayor
is a regular guest.
JIM
My table please with miss..
(turning to Bona)
Created using Celtx
43.
...sorry, your name?
BONA
Bona Ferrara.
JIM
Miss Ferrara.
Receptionist leads the mayor and Bona to a nice table
overlooking the golf course and the lake.
At the table:
BONA
It's beautiful.
JIM
Wait till you taste the food. It's
even better. Also the snacks. Or tea.
They make their own pastries.
BONA
I can't afford this.
JIM
Don't worry. You are my guest.
Jim calls the waiter.
JIM
Two teas with one of your famous
pastries.
BONA
Thank you.
Jim moves his chair closer.
JIM
Where do you come from. You don't just
talk.., you sing. Your English is...
BONA
... from Italy.
JIM
What a nice country. You have just one
daughter?
BONA
Gina. You know her. And you?
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44.
JIM
The one daughter at school. And my
sons Robert and Edward. They are with
my ex.
BONA
You divorced, then married again?
JIM
(nodding)
And divorcing again. You?
BONA
My boyfriend left. We never married.
JIM
You sound like it's better that way.
BONA
A lot better.
The waiter brings the tea and pastries that look nice.
BONA
Very impressive. Delightful. Really
delightful.
JIM
Enjoy.
Bona tastes it bit by bit, studying the structure and colors.
BONA
I could not do better.
JIM
You cook in La Vérité?
BONA
(laughing)
Oh no...
JIM
What are you laughing about?
BONA
Honestly? I probably should not say
it. The cook is terrible. Actually, we
get cooking tips in envelopes from one
of our regular guests. An old man. He
drops them in the mailbox.
Created using Celtx
45.
JIM
In the mailbox?
BONA
Envelopes with recipes. We assume the
the old man writes the tips at home,
after his dinner. Critiques of the
menu and cooking tips.
JIM
But why in envelopes in the letterbox?
BONA
I suppose because the boss does not
take his spoken complaints at his
table seriously.
JIM
You do?
BONA
His cooking tips sound good. That's
what Granny says, too.
JIM
Granny? Who is Granny?
BONA
I think I mentioned her. My landlady
is like my old Italian mother. Gina
and I call her Granny. She takes Gina
to and from school. She cooks
wonderful meals.
JIM
You never thought about another job
instead of a restaurant?
BONA
I had another job. In a garage.
JIM
That's not what I would have guessed.
BONA
I liked it.
JIM
I mean a proper job.
Created using Celtx
46.
BONA
Working in a garage is a proper job.
JIM
It is not much of a career.
BONA
If you say so.
JIM
You could work for the city.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Missing Man and a French Connection
EXT. CITY HALL - DAY
The city hall stands tall. Well dressed people walk in and
out.
INT. CITY HALL - DAY
Mayor Jim enters his office. He greats MONICA, his rather OLD
SECRETARY.
SECRETARY MONICA
You look relaxed.
JIM
Thanks.
SECRETARY MONICA
There is someone waiting for you.
JIM
Without an appointment?
SECRETARY MONICA
He just walked in. He handed me this
letter.
Secretary hands Jim an unfolded letter. Jim takes a quick
look.
JIM
It's okay.
SECRETARY MONICA
It's just an ordinary letter.
JIM
Maybe for you. You can let him in.
Created using Celtx
47.
The private investigator enters the office. He and Jim have a
Freemason handshake. Investigator points at the letter.
JIM (CONT'D)
(to privat investigator)
Your client Mr. Taylor and I studied
at Harvard. Who is he looking for?
The investigator shows the picture. The secretary leaves the
office.
JIM (CONT'D)
Looks like an old picture. Not very
helpful. Why?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Why is my client looking for him?
JIM
Yes, why?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
We don't know. What we do know is that
he disappeared after a fire in which
several people died.
Mayor Jim returns the letter.
JIM
You'll have to tell Althom Taylor I
cannot be of any help.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Maybe you could circulate the picture
in your circles. I mean unofficially.
Off the record.
With a gesture, Jim asks for the letter again. And as the
investigator hands it over, he reads.
JIM
Why do you think he is still in New
York?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
He left without money. Or with very
little. He will probably be unable to
travel.
JIM
And he cannot afford to stay in a
Created using Celtx
48.
hotel? He lives on the street?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
He probably does.
JIM
Why is a homeless person so important
to Althom Taylor?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
It's for his French-speaking friend.
Mr. Beauvais.
JIM
Jean Louis Beauvais?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Jean Louis. The French lawyer.
Mayor Jim returns the letter again.
JIM
In that case I'll see what I can do,
but I cannot guarantee anything.
Jim calls in his secretary Monica.
JIM
Monica, can you help our visitor
out...
(beat)
... and make a photocopy of the
picture... and the letter.
Investigator and Mayor Jim shake hands and say goodbye before
the investigator and secretary leave.
Genres:
["Mystery","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A Letter, a Smile, and a Park
INT. OFFICE RECEPTION - DAY
Secretary Monica reads the letter and makes a photocopy.
SECRETARY MONICA
I don't understand how a simple letter
from a far away friend opens doors to
the mayor of New York City.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
I do.
SECRETARY MONICA
There is nothing important in this
Created using Celtx
49.
letter.
The secretary takes another quick look at the letter. These
freemasons. They have their own language.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Betrand sits on his steps next to the restaurant. He is not
in the mood to play his violin as Kid is still not there.
Restaurant owner Sitterly passes by to enter La Vérité. Next
is Demario and, not much later, Bona Ferrara, light on her
feet, a smile on her face, delighted by the attention she got
from Mayor Jim.
BETRAND
You look happy.
Bona stops.
BONA
Could be.
BETRAND
You certainly are.
BONA
I wished everybody in the world could
say so. Where is your little friend?
BETRAND
At school, perhaps?
Bona checks her watch.
BONA
Don't thinks so, school finished.
BETRAND
Guess you're right.
Bona hesitates as she wants to say or ask something, but she
decides to continue on her way to the restaurant.
Betrand and Polly are on their own again.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
Come, Polly. We waited long enough.
Betrand takes his violin and gets up. Then he walks into the
street in the opposite direction, passing by other people,
Created using Celtx
50.
shop windows and a homeless beggar.
After crossing a street, Betrand and Polly enter through the
gate of a park.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Hidden Secrets and Unexpected Bonds
EXT. PARK - DAY
Families walk through the park. Children play on the lawn.
Betrand meets Homeless John. After some words John points in
a direction.
Betrand and Polly walk in that direction. There they take a
seat on a park bench, overseeing the park and waiting for Kid
to come back to his sleeping place.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Bona is serving guests. Demario cleans a table.
DEMARIO
Did you serve the old man?
BONA
I did until his main course. He is
waiting for his dessert.
DEMARIO
You have not noticed anything?
BONA
What do you mean?
DEMARIO
Something unusual.
BONA
Not yet. What's wrong?
DEMARIO
He did not complain. The old man did
not complain.
Bona walks up to the table with the old guest.
BONA
How is your dinner, sir?
OLD MAN
Excellent.
Created using Celtx
51.
BONA
Really?
OLD MAN
Surprised? You too? I am.
Bona turns her eyes to the kitchen, to see owner/cook
Sitterly peeking to the table. Bona leaves the man and
marches to the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
BONA
You tried one of his recipes?
Demario steps into the kitchen.
DEMARIO
Compliments from table 6, too, Chef.
Sitterly peeps into the restaurant.
SITTERLY
Table six?
DEMARIO
Table 6 said they never ate something
that delicious before, sirrr. More
specifically they talked about the
cheesy sauce. Your combination with
duck breast actually, sirrr.
BONA
The envelope recipe from three days
ago.
SITTERLY
Duck breast is not that easy to cook.
I admit I could use a little help.
DEMARIO
A wise decision, sirrr.
BONA
You could try the other envelopes too,
as you still have them.
Bona leaves the kitchen.
Created using Celtx
52.
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - CONTINUOUS
Bona walks to the table of the old man.
BONA
Thank you, sir. The chef finally used
your envelope with cooking tips.
OLD MAN
My cooking tips?
BONA
Our little secret.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Bona leaves the restaurant.
BONA
(to herself)
The end of a nice day.
Bona passes by the empty steps.
EXT. PARK - FROM DUSK TO NIGHT
Betrand sits on the park bench, still waiting.
BETRAND
Be patient, Polly.
Slowly it gets darker. Families have left the park. The
atmosphere changes. Homeless people enter, taking their
places. Waiting for Kid takes quite some time.
Then Polly perks his ears up.
POLLY
Euw..
...From a far distance, Kid approaches. Now Betrand pays
attention... Polly runs in Kid's direction with a happy
wagging tail.
...Kid gets closer.
KID
(shy)
Why are you here?
Created using Celtx
53.
BETRAND
This is where you sleep?
KID
Sorry.
BETRAND
I know.
Kid not knowing what to say.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
Take a seat.
Kid sits on the bench next to Betrand.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
(teasing, joking)
Does your mom know you are here?
It looks like Kid starts crying.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
(serious)
Why did you not come to the shopping
district?
KID
I am sorry.
BETRAND
Why did not you come today? Polly
missed you.
KID
I lied to you...
BETRAND
I know.
KID
You were so nice to take me to the
zoo..., and I lied.
BETRAND
About your family, your whereabouts.
KID
You know?
Created using Celtx
54.
BETRAND
Of course I know. It is obvious.
KID
I did not want to come back. I would
have to lie again. You were so nice to
me.
Betrand gets up.
BETRAND
Come, I will show you something. And
then we talk.
(beat)
Do you have any belongings to take
with you?
Kid disappears into the bushes. He comes back with a big
cardboard box, a plastic bag and a rolled up mat.
BETRAND
(Pointing at the box)
Your blanket?
KID
Yes.
Walking through the park, they exit out through the gate.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
A Night in the Alley
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - NIGHT
Betrand, Polly and Kid walk through the shopping district,
this time with people going out, talking too loud. Lots of
drunk people, no shoppers.
They get close to the restaurant and hold as Sitterly leaves
and locks the door.
Once he is out of sight, Betrand and the others secretly move
into the alley.
EXT. HIDING PLACE BEHIND RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Kid is astonished about what he sees. Especially when Betrand
lights a candle in his hiding place at the back of the
restaurant.
Betrand covers the table. Kid waits with Polly.
BETRAND
You didn't eat, did you?
Created using Celtx
55.
KID
I did.
BETRAND
No more lies.
KID
I had some, really I did.
BETRAND
Wait.
Betrand disappears behind the bench and comes back with food
from the restaurant garbage bag and some drinks.
Pointing at his provisional bed.
BETRAND
I have only one chair. You can sit
there...
The sound of water comes from a drain pipe near the floor.
The restaurant loosens her hot wash water from the kitchen
through the pipe into a plastic box Betrand put there.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
... wash your hands.
Kid washes his hands. Betrand makes Kid a plate for dinner,
which he hands over. Kid take a bite.
KID
Wonderful!
BETRAND
Another lie.
KID
No really, it is cold, but it tastes
wonderful.
BETRAND
Impossible.
KID
Of course not. It comes from the
restaurant.
Betrand takes a piece of meat from Kid's plate and tastes.
Created using Celtx
56.
BETRAND
(surprised)
You are right. It tastes good for the
first time...
He throws Polly a small piece of meat.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
...You will love it, Polly. He used
our recipe.
KID
Your recipe?
BETRAND
Long story. I'll tell you tomorrow.
It's bed time now. Tomorrow I got a
lot more to tell you, too.
(beat)
Maybe you can sleep besides Polly for
one night. Her basket is a bit soft.
Polly sleeps on an old kind of textured, quilted dog's basket
on the floor.
Kid takes his cardboard box to Polly's dog basket as a
blanket to get to sleep.
BETRAND
Hey, you. Don't you take a shower
before going to bed?
Kid looks at Betrand with a confused look.
BETRAND
Come...
Betrand takes Kid to the plastic box is next to a drain pipe.
BETRAND
Water; used in the kitchen for washing
up. Better than nothing. It is still
warm.
Like a father, Betrand helps Kid take off his shirt and
washes him with a little water.
KID
(laughing)
The water smells like turkey.
Created using Celtx
57.
Time passes.
Then Kid rolls out his mat. He kneels on it.
BETRAND
What are you doing.
KID
I pray.
Then Kid gets to bed, in the dog's basket with Polly.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Sharing the Burden
EXT. HIDING PLACE BEHIND RESTAURANT -LATER
It is pure night. Betrand, Polly and Kid get to sleep.
Betrand and Kid don't see each other in the dark. They only
hear each other speak.
KID
Sir.
BETRAND
You must sleep.
KID
I got the pastries from the church.
Not my mother.
(beat)
I come from Mali.
BETRAND
I thought so.
KID
I lost my family...
..................................
FLASHBACK
EXT. SMALL MALI VILLAGE, DAY
A house in a clearing surrounded by a dense, green forest.
Kid (2 years younger) fearful but also cleverly hidden,
watches how his native house, which has a 'typical' Mali
appearance due to its location and facade, is on FIRE.
GUERILLA-like dressed, armed men stand in front of it. They
threaten and shout.
Created using Celtx
58.
GUERILLAS
Get out with your hands up.
KID (CONT'D - V.O)
...in a fire with my little sister,
GUERILLAS
Get out!
A man, Kid'S FATHER, dressed in uniform, steps out the door.
GUERILLAS
Hands in the air! Show your hands!
Kid's father moves both hands like a funnel to his mouth to
shout:
KID'S FATHER
(shout)
Run Abele! Run!
MACHINE GUNS BLAST.
KID (V.O)
My father was shot...
Father falls to the ground.
KID (V.O)(CONT'D)
It was... I don't know what it was. I
ran like my father told me to.
Kid starts running into the wood. As he flees, still running,
he looks back.
KID (V.O)(CONT'D)
I fled but I couldn't stop looking at
the fire as I ran.
END FLASHBACK
....................................
KID
My mother died... in the fire... with
my little sister... my father was
shot...
BETRAND
How did you get away?
Created using Celtx
59.
KID
My father was an important man. He had
a uniform. He foresaw what could
happen. He gave me diamonds. We were
rich.
BETRAND
And then?
KID
Diamonds and an address... in Senegal.
An office. That man in Senegal got me
on the cargo boat.
BETRAND
You paid with diamonds?
KID
We were rich. Mom had a cook. But the
pastries she really cooked herself.
BETRAND
Your little sister got piano lessons?
KID
That's true. I did not lie about
her...
Although hard to see in almost absolute darkness, we catch a
glimpse of Betrand getting out of bed. He puts his mattress
on the floor next to Kid.
BETRAND
Come.
Kid crawls to the mattress.
KID
The guerrillas burnt down the village.
Everybody died. I got away with an
officer friend of my father.
Allah saved me.
Now both use the mattress.
.....................................
FLASHBACK
Created using Celtx
60.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Birthday Wish and a Difficult Choice
EXT. REMAINS OF A BURNT DOWN FRENCH RESTAURANT - DUSK
In a black, burnt, former restaurant in France, a younger
Betrand, without beard, in chef's clothes sits down, mourning
over the framed picture (the audience knows from his hiding
place) of his late wife and son.
BETRAND (V.O.)
I lost my wife and son in a fire, too.
Try to sleep.
END FLASHBACK
.....................................
BETRAND
Tomorrow we talk more.
EXT. HIDING PLACE BEHIND RESTAURANT - DAWN
Fresh sunlight, singing birds and morning sounds from the
street make it clear the city is waking up. Betrand gets up.
He washes a little with water left in the bin and with
scissors, he cuts his beard, checking in a mirror shard.
Kid wakes up. Looks at the framed picture at the wall. Camera
zooms in on the picture.
KID
Your wife and child?
BETRAND
Yes.
INT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
Bona, still in her pajamas opens a little suitcase and takes
out garlands that she shows Miss Jefferson.
BONA
Found them.
LITTLE GINA
For my birthday.
MISS JEFFERSON
You have to wait another two days,
Gina.
LITTLE GINA
Then we get visitors.
Created using Celtx
61.
BONA
Friends from school.
LITTLE GINA
And the mayor.
MISS JEFFERSON
The mayor. Will he come?
BONA
He can't. Because of a meeting.
Something to do with the French
ambassador and the mayor of Paris
visiting town.
(to Gina)
Get dressed, Gina.
Gina leaves the room.
MISS JEFFERSON
What about your mayor? Is he getting
serious? And.., you?
BONA
I don't know.
MISS JEFFERSON
He is married.
BONA
He is on the eve of a divorce, he
says.
MISS JEFFERSON
From his second wife. For you?
BONA
That's what he tells me.
MISS JEFFERSON
It just feels unpleasant.
BONA
You are right. It makes me feel uneasy
every time we meet. But he is nice to
me.
In a long pause, without words, the women do the dishes.
BONA
He offered me a job.
Created using Celtx
62.
MISS JEFFERSON
What kind?
BONA
Actually, I don't know. I will be his
secretary, or something like that.
MISS JEFFERSON
His secretary?
BONA
The thing is: He already has a
secretary. A nice lady. I see her
every time I am at the office.
MISS JEFFERSON
So... You will be his second
secretary? And.., his third wife?
BONA
Perhaps.
MISS JEFFERSON
You accept the job?
BONA
I don't know, Granny. It pays three
times as much as La Verité. Maybe four
times as much. I could easily pay
Gina's piano lessons.
Gina gets back, now dressed.
LITTLE GINA
Mom..., could we ask the violin
player?
BONA
The violin player? How do you mean,
darling?
LITTLE GINA
To come to my party.
BONA
At your birthday party?
LITTLE GINA
He could play the violin.
Created using Celtx
63.
BONA
She loves music, Granny.
LITTLE GINA
Not all music.
MISS JEFFERSON
Violin music? And piano?
LITTLE GINA
Nice music. I mean: If the mayor
cannot come, maybe the violin player
can. With his friend and his little
dog.
BONA
Gina does not like Jim.
MISS JEFFERSON
Is that so ,Gina? You don't like the
mayor? Why not?
LITTLE GINA
Mom likes him...
MISS JEFFERSON
I know, but you don't? Why not?
LITTLE GINA
He is too nicely dressed.
BONA
I explained, Gina, that's part of his
job.
LITTLE GINA
I know. Can we ask the violin player?
BONA
He is homeless.
MISS JEFFERSON
Maybe the ultimate reason to ask him?
BONA
Granny!
MISS JEFFERSON
Could be a nice idea. Especially as we
are only four weeks from Christmas.
Created using Celtx
64.
BONA
I cannot ask a man from the street,
just because my daughter likes him. It
would be embarrassing. Embarrassing
and offending. He will say no.
MISS JEFFERSON
Why?
BONA
Because... because the street is his
way of life.
MISS JEFFERSON
How do you know?
BONA
I see him every day on my way to La
Vérité.
MISS JEFFERSON
You never asked him.
BONA
Asked him what?
MISS JEFFERSON
If he would like to have dinner with
us.
BONA
Granny, I cannot ask any stranger I
like.
MISS JEFFERSON
You do like him...?
BONA
I think..., yes he is a nice man. But,
he lives on the street.
GINA
What does that mean... He lives on the
street?
MISS JEFFERSON
It means he's homeless.
GINA
No home? Where does he sleep?
Created using Celtx
65.
BONA
No one knows. On a bench in the park
or the porch of a large shop. That's
what homeless people do.
LITTLE GINA
He does not have a bed?
MISS JEFFERSON
It is shameful. Most of them have to
sleep on the floor.
LITTLE GINA
And his young friend?
(beat)
Can we ask the violin player to come
to my birthday party, mom?
MISS JEFFERSON
Do we, Bona?
BONA
I'll try. Yes, I will ask him.
LITTLE GINA
When?
BONA
This afternoon, okay?
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
The Secret Recipe
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Ambiance in the shopping district has changed: CITY WORKERS
assemble Christmas decorations. The OWNER of a small shop
places a cheap Christmas tree next to the entrance.
The black car with chauffeur and Mayor Jim stops in front of
La Vérité. Bona gets out. From the backseat in the car, Jim
opens the car window. Bona kisses him goodbye through the
open window.
BONA
Thank you again for the wonderful
lunch.
JIM
It is a month now I've been taking you
out. It's about time to enjoy other
things than just lunch.
Created using Celtx
66.
BONA
I need more time, Jim.
As the car window closes, the car leaves Bona with her
thoughts, absentmindedly waving goodbye. Until the car
disappears and she is herself again and steps in the
direction of Betrand, Polly and Kid.
BETRAND
Your restaurant gets famous. And you
get a car with private chauffeur now.
BONA
You are joking. But you are right. La
Vérité is getting famous.
BETRAND
How come?
BONA
Thanks to the food.
KID
We know...
BONA
The owner changed the menu. All the
dishes are new.
BETRAND
That's spectacular. A complete revival
just because of new menus.
BONA
You should taste the new dishes. Then
you will understand. They are
extraordinary.
KID
We know..., we...,
BETRAND
Ssst..!
BONA
To be honest, we have a regular guest,
who provides the recipes.
BETRAND
Someone my age?
Created using Celtx
67.
BONA
No... a very old man. He doesn't want
to talk about his background, but he
must be a culinary phenomenon. He
provided the chef with new recipes in
handwritten letters which he puts in
the mailbox in brown envelopes every
day.
KID
We...
BETRAND
You... Don't interrupt the lady.
KID
But we...
BETRAND
Keep quiet.
BONA
What helped, we had a review in a
local paper. Since then, we have other
guests. And today we have an article
in the New York Times.
BETRAND
And a private chauffeur takes you to
your job.
BONA
(apologetic)
That's the mayor.
BETRAND
I know.
BONA
It is not what you think it is.
BETRAND
Really?
With a smile, Bona takes off to restaurant La Vérité. She is
out of hearing distance as:
KID
Why don't you tell her those are your
recipes?
Created using Celtx
68.
BETRAND
I do like a good secret. You
understand?
KID
Not really. She likes you and she
would like you even more if she knew.
BETRAND
Ssst...
Bona returns to the steps.
BONA
Sorry..., I almost forgot. I'd like to
ask you something...
(beat)
It is a little bit... you know...
(beat)
Actually the idea comes from my
daughter...
(beat)
--the day after tomorrow is her
birthday. And now she's wondering if
you would be so kind as to come and
visit us.
KID
Of course we would.
BONA
Would you?
BETRAND
Visit for your daughter's birthday?
BONA
Yes, you and him. And your lovely dog.
BETRAND
I do have to think it over.
KID
I don't. We will be there.
BETRAND
You heard the kid.
BONA
You'll come? Gina will like it. And
Granny. And... me, too.
Created using Celtx
69.
BETRAND
How could we say no to three ladies,
huh, Polly?
POLLY
Whoef.
BETRAND
I would like to come. But under one
condition.
KID
No... no conditions.
BONA
What is?
BETRAND
That you let me cook.
BONA
You are kidding.
KID
No, he is not. You must let him cook.
BONA
Okay... surprise me. But you must
know, for a month now, I know
everything about cooking. And you
cannot beat Granny.
BETRAND
We have got a deal.
Bona and Betrand shake hands.
BONA
Okay... let's do it.
Kid gives Bona a high five. After that, Bona continues her
way to the restaurant.
KID
You got a date.
BETRAND
But I have no black car with a
chauffeur, you wise man.
Created using Celtx
70.
KID
You can cook.
BETRAND
You work on those math books I bought
you.
Kid takes a book with math on the cover, a pencil, and starts
filling in answers.
BETRAND
School is important. It's your future.
We have to find a better solution. You
have to go to school.
KID
I'd rather study the books you gave
me. With you. No school. You went to
school?
BETRAND
I did.
KID
And now you sit here. Like me.
BETRAND
Do your homework, you smart kid.
Betrand starts playing his violin. After a pause, the
restaurant owner and chef Sitterly passes by. He's got a
folded New York Times in his hands.
SITTERLY
Still here?
BETRAND
As you see.
SITTERLY
You have to move, beggar. We're
getting famous with our recipes.
Sitterly continues his way to the restaurant. The windows
have Christmas decorations and there is a Christmas tree at
the front door.
KID
He is mean. Why do you help him with
your recipes?
Created using Celtx
71.
BETRAND
He also is our food supplier.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Chef's Pride and Bertrand's Secret
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - DAY
Decorated for Christmas with a tree in the corner. Chef
Sitterly shows Demario and Bona the New York Times newspaper.
SITTERLY
I know you doubted my cooking
qualities. Now have a look at this.
Sitterly unfolds the newspaper. He shows an article with
himself in cooking attire. On a second picture is La Vérité's
exterior. In a corner of the second picture are Betrand, Kid
and Polly.
SITTERLY
Read.
Close up newspaper article.
SITTERLY
(quotes the heading)
La Vérité chef Sitterly, the talk of
the town...
DEMARIO
(reads loud)
... In a restaurant that makes you
wonder if the dismal interior was
gathered 25 years ago at French,
English, and Chinese flea markets,
chef Sitterly serves you the most
refined dishes.
SITTERLY
You see how the journalist appreciates
my interior, too.
Bona continues reading.
BONA
You don't mention the old man and his
cooking tips.
SITTERLY
I am the chef. Not he.
DEMARIO
That's true, but the recipes are his.
Created using Celtx
72.
SITTERLY
We don't have to tell him. Let him
think nothing has changed.
BONA
He knows as he tastes.
SITTERLY
He cannot possibly know. These could
as well be my recipes. And you, lady,
you won't tell him. On the contrary,
it is your task to keep things the way
they are. He comes and orders his
meals. That's all. And you, you tell
him nothing has changed.
Sitterly takes the newspaper as he turns to the kitchen. Bona
covers tables as Sitterly stops at the kitchen door.
SITTERLY
(Discriminating)
You, waitress. You know the violin
player. Tell him to leave. We get a
higher level of guest now. I do not
want a beggar on my doorstep.
BONA
Not your doorstep.
SITTERLY
Mind your words lady, or you will have
to find another job.
BONA
(hardly audible)
Who knows.
Sitterly in a corner of the restaurant opens the newspaper
again and proudly reads the article again.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Seeking Sanctuary: A Birthday Dinner and Uncertain Futures
INT. OFFICE TOWN HALL - DAY
Mayor Jim bends over his desk, reading the New York Times.
JIM
Unbelievable.
He bends further as the camera for the second picture of the
restaurant exterior with Betrand, Kid and Polly on the steps
next door.
Created using Celtx
73.
JIM
I don't know why, but that child or
the man looks familiar...
(beat)
... from another picture?
(beat)
I forgot.
INT. CAFE - DAY
Private investigator at a table. Mobile telephone in his
hand. New York times folded on top of the table in front of
him.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
(talking in his mobile)
Non monsieur. Pas trouvés...
(beat)
No, I haven't found him yet.
(beat)
Yes, we talked to the mayor. I never
heard anything back. But I spoke to a
homeless man, John, who thinks he
recognizes someone as the one you are
looking for. If he is the one, he is
living on the street. But he is not on
his own, so I doubt it is him. No, my
informant does not want to tell me his
whereabouts. These people protect each
other. A lot of them are illegal
immigrants. They won't betray one
another.
(beat)
Yes, yes.... We will offer money. Yes,
I will keep looking. We are getting
closer.
The private investigator puts his payment for coffee on the
table, gets up, puts the unread folded newspaper in his
pocket and leaves.
INT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
The kitchen is decorated. Betrand, Kid, Polly, Bona, little
Gina and miss Jefferson are in. The birthday dinner is
finished as the table shows half-filled dishes, bowls and
glasses with leftovers. Betrand at the kitchen table slowly
plays 'Happy Birthday to You'.
Created using Celtx
74.
As he stops Bona takes Betrand's hand long enough to feel
connected. Their eyes meet.
BONA
What a wonderful meal.
MISS JEFFERSON
I agree.
BONA
That's the best compliment you can
get. Granny is very critical when it
comes to food.
BETRAND
You always eat at the kitchen table?
MISS JEFFERSON
Always.
BETRAND
I like it.
MISS JEFFERSON
Why?
BETRAND
You can smell the cooking. Smell is an
important component. People
underestimate smell.
LITTLE GINA
Mom, can I show Kid my room?
BONA
Of course, darling. Show him your
present.
Bona leaves the kitchen, followed by Kid.
BETRAND
What is her present?
BONA
A toy synthesizer.
Bona gets up and closes the kitchen door behind Gina.
BONA
I bought it on the internet. I don't
want Gina to know it is second hand.
Created using Celtx
75.
I'd like her to think it is new. Her
wish is to play piano.
Betrand turns his eyes to the kitchen door.
BETRAND
Piano you said?
BONA
Piano, what's wrong with it?
BETRAND
It is... I don't want to confuse Kid.
It is... you know, his memories.
BONA
Memories about a piano?
BETRAND
I think he is okay... But you must
know: Kid lost a little sister who
played piano.
MISS JEFFERSON
Where?
BETRAND
In Mali.
MISS JEFFERSON
You care for the boy.
BETRAND
I think... Yes, I can say yes I do. He
is pure... and honest. Yes, he is
honest. And strong. He does not
condemn the world for what he went
through.
MISS JEFFERSON
He is a refugee?
BETRAND
Yes, he is. Once a refugee, always a
refugee. Always looking over his
shoulder... as if someone is still
after him. Could be, one never knows.
He says he comes from a very rich
family. His father was a leading
politician and businessman in his
country. That's what worries me. Life
Created using Celtx
76.
means nothing if people are after
money.
MISS JEFFERSON
Where do you come from?
BETRAND
France. But I lived in America for ten
years. My wife was American.
Bona tries not to show it, but she pays more attention.
MISS JEFFERSON
Your wife?
BETRAND
She died, three years ago.
BONA
I am sorry.
BETRAND
I miss her every day. These have been
three very lonely years.
Betrand's eyes are at Bona.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
So... it is a blessing when you meet
other nice people.
Bona looks away. Her body language show she takes Betrand's
words personal.
Betrand takes his violin and PLAYS
BETRAND
My wife loved this one...
(beat)
I could not play it for three years.
As Betrand stops playing.
BETRAND
And you?
BONA
What do you mean?
BETRAND
Where is Gina's father?
Created using Celtx
77.
BONA
Oh, far away. Out of our lives. Granny
practically saved me from him, five
years ago. We were happy to rent her
ground floor. However, from day one,
my boyfriend refused to pay the rent.
He'd rather spent money on other
things.
BETRAND
Drugs?
BONA
Yes, drugs. I am glad Granny
intervened.
BETRAND
Granny did?
BONA
She took all the legal steps to get
him out of the house because of his
rent debt. Once out of the house he
disappeared. Then Granny offered me a
new lease agreement. She saved my
life. And Gina's.
BETRAND
And now?
BONA
How do you mean, now?
BETRAND
You got a new boyfriend?
BONA
You mean Jim?
MISS JEFFERSON
That mayor. People make the same
mistakes over and over.
BONA
That's not fair, Granny. We don't know
him that well. Jim offered me a job. I
have to apply tomorrow.
BETRAND
He offered a job and you still have to
apply?
Created using Celtx
78.
BONA
To make it official, he says.
MISS JEFFERSON
And you, Betrand? What about your own
future?
BETRAND
I don't know. The street teaches you
to live day by day. Surprisingly I met
Kid. For the first time in three
years, I have something to look
forward to. I cannot allow him to live
on the street for the rest of his
life.
MISS JEFFERSON
You could find a job as a cook to help
him.
BONA
Your dinner was even better than the
La Vérité menu. Yes, better. But I
cannot put the difference into words.
BETRAND
I can. In La Vérité, the menu is a
copy from a letter, as you told me.
That's the difference. One can use the
same ingredients, but you cannot copy
love. Love for food, love for the
kitchen, love for the people you
serve.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Temporary Haven
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - NIGHT
Betrand, Polly and Kid walk back home to their place.
Betrand's hand rests fatherly on Kid's shoulder.
KID
What a nice day.
BETRAND
I agree.
KID
She loves you.
BETRAND
Who? Granny?
Created using Celtx
79.
KID
No, Bona. She is from Italy.
BETRAND
I know. And you be careful you don't
fall in love with the daughter.
KID
Too young. I taught her to play her
synthesizer.
BETRAND
Without problems with your memories?
KID
I told her about my sister. From then
on it was easier.
BETRAND
It helps talking about things you hid
from yourself for a long time. It
opens your heart. And then it is
easier to look forward.
KID
You are right. I think I'd like to go
to school now.
BETRAND
That's better. Monday I have an
appointment with a social worker about
school.
KID
You must not tell people where I come
from. America hunts people from other
countries.
BETRAND
Indeed, we must be careful.
Betrand, Polly and Kid approach La Vérité and the alley to
their sleeping place. Homeless John is waiting for them.
BETRAND
John?
HOMELESS JOHN
I have to ask you for a favor.
Created using Celtx
80.
BETRAND
Tell me.
HOMELESS JOHN
I know you keep your shelter secret,
but can you help me with a sleeping
place?
BETRAND
Why?
HOMELESS JOHN
I lost mine.
BETRAND
How?
HOMELESS JOHN
They are cleaning up the park, because
of a hot shot from France visiting.
And the French ambassador. You know,
we don't fit the picture, man. It's a
wonder they did not chase you off.
BETRAND
Why did you come to me?
HOMELESS JOHN
You owe me.
BETRAND
I don't owe you anything, John.
HOMELESS JOHN
I found your young friend, man.
BETRAND
You found..?
(beat)
...Euh... ...well, okay. You can stay
for say, fifteen days. Half a month.
First because I trust you are clean,
and second, you must have to swear you
never tell anyone where you slept.
HOMELESS JOHN
I swear.
BETRAND
I had no doubt you would. Okay, let's
celebrate.
Created using Celtx
81.
Carefully, without being seen, they enter the alley.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
A Job Offer and a Lecherous Gaze
EXT. HIDEAWAY AT THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
HOMELESS JOHN
Tssss, wonderful.
Betrand, like a waiter, puts a towel over his arm, and covers
the table.
BETRAND
Can we serve you, sir?
HOMELESS JOHN
You're crazy, man.
BETRAND
(to Kid)
See if you can find the gentleman a
dinner, sir.
Kid disappears behind the fence to come back with food and a
bottle. Betrand takes the bottle.
BETRAND
Well done.
(to Homeless John)
Would our guest like a starter? Maybe
an apéritif.
Betrand pours the drink.
INT. OFFICE TOWN HALL - DAY
Mayor Jim takes Bona's arm to lead her out of the office into
the corridor to the elevator. He will take Bona to the OFFICE
MANAGER HOWARD.
JIM
I'll take you to the office manager.
You have to follow the rules and
apply. Don't worry. I told him to give
you the job anyhow.
Jim and Bona get into the elevator. Once the doors are
closed, Jim kisses Bona roughly. She is unpleasantly
surprised and tries to remain distant.
BONA
Not now, Jim. Not here.
Created using Celtx
82.
JIM
This will be our secret place, Bona.
Once you are my secretary.
The lift stops. Doors open. Jim leads Bona out without
leaving the elevator himself. He peeps around the corner
before leaving, sees how Bona walks up to Office Manager
Howard sitting behind his desk.
JIM
Your applicant, Howard.
Lift doors close. Lights show the lift is going up.
HOWARD
I knew Jim had good taste.
BONA
(recalcitrant)
Does he?
HOWARD
So, you are his next secretary. I
think we have to fill in a few forms.
You are Italian? You read English?
BONA
If you will be so kind to give me the
documents, I'll take them home.
HOWARD
Why? Take your time and fill in the
forms here. You know as well as I it
is a formality.
BONA
I'd rather take them home. To read
first.
HOWARD
You don't want to know what your
salary will be?
BONA
Later.
HOWARD
Okay, your choice.
Office Manager Howard opens the desk drawers, takes documents
out of it and hands them to Bona.
Created using Celtx
83.
As Bona walks back to the lift, Howards eyes are on Bona's
bottom.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Hidden in Plain Sight: A Search for Education and a Homeless Man
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - TWILIGHT
Betrand hands Kid a brown envelope. Kid puts the envelope in
La Vérité's letterbox.
From the opposite side of the street, two uniformed POLICEMEN
are watching Betrand. They see how Kid works in books and
notebooks and how Betrand teaches and explains subjects.
It is getting darker. Betrand, Polly and Kid make ready to
leave.
EXT. HIDEAWAY AT THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT - MORNING
Betrand does not notice and he gets out of bed.
BETRAND
You will be here tonight John?
HOMELESS JOHN
Of course. Why?
BETRAND
I would like you to look after Kid and
Polly. I'm going to speak to a social
worker about Kid's education.
HOMELESS JOHN
The Kid is illegal, man.
BETRAND
I have to find a way.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Private investigator talks with a STREET WORKER, who is
cleaning the park. There are no homeless people anymore.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Where is everybody?
STREET WORKER
Everybody? Who do you mean?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
The people who sleep here.
Created using Celtx
84.
STREET WORKER
The junks.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
They are not all junks. I am looking
for a big man called John.
STREET WORKER
Why?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
He knows someone we are after.
Private investigator shows his license.
STREET WORKER
Bail Enforcement Agent? A bounty
hunter?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Yes, indeed.
STREET WORKER
Who are you after?
Private investigator shows picture.
STREET WORKER
A terrorist?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Never seen him?
STREET WORKER
Could be. Could be he sleeps in the
park. I just don't know.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Sleep here? If he does he also left.
Why?
STREET WORKER
The mayor's got visitors from Paris
and the French ambassador. Our mayor
wants a clean environment.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Escape from the Alley
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Betrand hands his violin carefully to Kid who stands beside
with Polly. Homeless John is also there.
Created using Celtx
85.
BETRAND
Careful.
Chef Sitterly approaches from the restaurant. He looks
stressed.
SITTERLY
Still there? I called the police. And
ICE.
(Pointing at Kid)
He is illegal. You can see on his
face. Let him go back where he came
from.
Betrand totally ignores Sitterly.
BETRAND
(to John)
You, look after Kid and Polly tonight.
As Sitterly leaves and is at a distance:
BETRAND
Let no one see you disappear into our
hiding place.
Betrand leaves without his violin.
POLLY
Woahh...
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT
John looks around and as no one is around, he pushes Kid into
the alley.
INT. HIDING PLACE - CONTINUOUS
HOMELESS JOHN
Where do you come from?
KID
Mali.
HOMELESS JOHN
Aah, black Mali. Black women Mali.
KID
What do you mean, John?
John starts to dance. He starts swinging and his moves get
Created using Celtx
86.
erotic. Slowly he starts to sing, too.
KID
Ssst John. The chef could hear you.
John's dance get more obscene.
HOMELESS JOHN
(sings)
Hé Betrand.., hé Betrand.., nice
Betrand is out..., nice Betrand is
out.. His Milanese lady is at home.
KID
(en Francais)
Sssst... Arrêtez. Soyez silenceux..,
le chef vous entend, stupid!
John looks around him. There is no chef at all. He gets angry
and roughly grabs Kid's arm while he keeps dancing.
HOMELESS JOHN
Arrêtez, Arrêtez? What does that mean,
you black, motherfucking whore?
Kid starts kicking and scratching without making a sound.
Polly growls.
John pulls the Kid on his lap.
HOMELESS JOHN
You don't understand. You Milanese
whore. Betrand is my best friend. He
will not keep you for himself.
John's hand goes into Kid's trousers.
Fighting, Kid sticks his fingers in John's eye, giving him a
moment to free himself and flee.
As Kid runs through the alley, back to the street, Polly
follows. At the end of the alley, Polly does not know what to
do. Stay or follow? The little dog decides to stay,
apparently waiting for Betrand. Kid disappears into the
distance.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Betrand's Fury
INT. HIDING PLACE - LATER
Later in the evening, Betrand returns. At the entrance of the
alley, Polly waits.
Created using Celtx
87.
BETRAND
What's wrong, Polly?
Polly wants to enter the alley quickly to tell in his own way
that something happened.
INT. HIDING PLACE - CONTINUOUS
It is dark, not much to see.
BETRAND
Where is Kid?
HOMELESS JOHN
I don't know.
Polly growls at Homeless John.
BETRAND
Where is he?
HOMELESS JOHN
Why worry about that Kid, man?
BETRAND
What did you do?
HOMELESS JOHN
Me?
BETRAND
Yes, tell me. What happened?
HOMELESS JOHN
Nothing. The Kid said goodbye and
walked away. You know these niggers.
Never...
In the candle light and light from the kitchen window,
Betrand sees the scratches on John's hand. Betrand grabs his
hand with force.
BETRAND
What is this?
HOMELESS JOHN
My hand.
Betrand roughly pulls John closer.
Created using Celtx
88.
BETRAND
Show me your face.
(beat)
You have been bleeding. What happened,
John?
HOMELESS JOHN
(like crying)
That cheeky Kid.
BETRAND
Speak.
HOMELESS JOHN
I did not want to tell you.
BETRAND
Speak out!
HOMELESS JOHN
He is your friend, man.
Betrand makes a threatening movement with his free hand.
HOMELESS JOHN (CONT'D)
Okay. You asked for it. That dirty
little cheat took my wallet, man.
Polly growls even louder.
Betrand pushes John away from him.
BETRAND
I bet you never had a wallet...
(beat)
Go away...
HOMELESS JOHN
I tell you...
BETRAND
Leave... before I beat the hell out of
you.
John starts taking his few belongings.
BETRAND
Hurry up.
Created using Celtx
89.
HOMELESS JOHN
(mumbling)
One of these black parasites, man.
BETRAND
Faster.
John leaves, swearing. After he's gone:
BETRAND
(to Polly)
Come. We will find the Kid. He cannot
be far.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
The Mayor's Suspicion
EXT. MONTAGE: PARK, METRO, STREET - NIGHT
Montage shows Betrand and Polly are looking for Kid at
different places:
- Betrand and Polly walk up to the park where they found Kid
the first time. The park is empty.
- Betrand looks around at the entrance of the metro and the
big shops. Places where homeless people use to sleep. Every
now and then Betrand asks other people.
- Betrand and Polly walk 'home' through a streets with
Christmas decorations, but as the lights are down, without
the cozy Christmas atmosphere. Instead it is unreal. There is
a mass of urban waste on the floor with trampled Christmas
decorations, empty toy packaging, dirty plastic shopping bags
with Christmas prints on the street. Betrand steps over a
dirty, damaged Father Christmas doll in the gutter.
INT. ALLEY AND HIDING PLACE - DAWN
Betrand and Polly return at the break of a new day.
BETRAND
(to Polly)
We have to take a break, Polly.
POLLY
Whoo...
BETRAND
Yes, we go after him again, this
afternoon. As soon as we get a few
hours sleep.
Created using Celtx
90.
INT. ALLEY AND HIDING PLACE - DAY
BETRAND
Polly, wake up. I got an idea.
EXT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
Betrand and Polly get close to Bona's house. There are simple
Christmas decorations at the front door. Betrand and Polly
see the black car with Mayor Jim stopping in front of it.
Jim gets out of the car to greet Bona with a kiss as she
leaves the house. At the moment Jim opens the car door for
Bona, she notices Betrand opposite the street.
Instead of getting in the car, she waves Betrand to come.
Betrand crosses the street.
BONA
Hello.
JIM
Who is he?
BONA
(to Betrand)
What is wrong?
BETRAND
Kid has gone.
BONA
Gone?
JIM
Can anybody tell me who he is?
BONA
A friend.
Betrand introduces himself with a handshake, but hardly
focussed on the Mayor himself.
BONA
Where is he?
BETRAND
I don't know. I thought, maybe he
would come up to you. That is why I am
here. If... just to say, if he comes,
tell him I understand. What ever
Created using Celtx
91.
happened, I trust him. Tell Kid I know
John is not a nice man.
JIM
Who is Kid?
BONA
His twelve year old friend.
Betrand is about to leave.
BONA
(to Betrand)
Can I be of any help?
BETRAND
No, no. I have to do this myself.
JIM
Leave him. Can we go?
BONA
Sorry, Jim has a meeting.
BETRAND
It's okay. I just wanted to let you
know.
Betrand leaves.
JIM
Who is that man? He has a twelve year
old friend?
BONA
He looks after a young refugee.
JIM
Not illegal, I hope.
BONA
Sometimes it seems like you have no
idea about how people live in your
city. What people have to deal with.
JIM
I know that man.
BONA
He earns his money playing the violin
next to La Vérité.
Created using Celtx
92.
JIM
Maybe that's why. I just don't
remember. Get in the car, it's
starting to rain.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Lost and Found: A Dog's Intuition
INT. MAYOR'S CAR - BACK SEAT - DAY
JIM
You didn't sign your new employment
papers yet.
Bona's eyes are on Betrand and Polly walking on the pavement.
JIM
Don't worry. Those people have
survival skills.
BONA
Those people..!?
JIM
You didn't sign your papers yet.
BONA
I don't want to work with you for the
wrong reasons.
Bona stares out the window. Some YOUNG BLACK KIDS are playing
on the street.
BONA
What about your second wife?
JIM
My wife? What has she got to do with
your job?
BONA
Your second wife. Why did she run off?
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT, ALLEY, HIDING PLACE - NIGHT
It is pouring rain. Betrand and Polly are coming 'home',
without Kid, soaking wet.
BETRAND
(to Polly)
I know, little friend. This is not
healthy weather. I hope it doesn't
rain tomorrow. We have to look again.
Kid must be in New York.
Created using Celtx
93.
EXT. HIDING PLACE - NIGHT
Betrand, coughing, apparently catching a cold.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Next day the steps on the pavement where Betrand used to play
are empty. Chef Sitterly passes by, watching the place with a
self-satisfied smile.
SITTERLY
Gone.
Later Bona passes by, wondering where Betrand went to.
EXT. BUILDING SITE - NIGHT
It is not raining today. Nevertheless Betrand has lost his
lively pace. It is the third day Kid is lost. Slowly and
broken, like an old man, Betrand continues. He is ill. He
coughs and every now and then stops to blow his nose. From
the street, they reach a building site. Then suddenly:
POLLY
Whoo.
BETRAND
What's up, Polly?
Polly starts BARKING.
A family with a dog passes by. It looks like this dog made
Polly bark. However he does not stop as the other dog walks
with them out of sight. Betrand kneels beside Polly.
BETRAND
Is there something you want to tell
me, friend?
Polly makes a slight movement away from Betrand.
Betrand follows. As this situation repeats, both Polly and
Betrand get more enthusiastic. They move faster and faster,
ending up in front of a large bulldozer.
Standing on his hind legs, Polly taps nervously at the
caterpillars.
BETRAND
Kid?
(shouts)
Created using Celtx
94.
Kid, are you there?
Betrand rattles the door, which is locked and even has an
extra big padlock on a chain.
BETRAND
(to Polly)
You are wrong Polly. It is locked.
(shouting harder - and coughing)
KID! KID!
Polly now barks, really frantic.
BETRAND
Kid... we know you are in there, Kid!
(to Polly)
Can't be. It is locked from outside.
Polly jumps on the bulldozer. Now scratches on the driver
cabin.
BETRAND
(to Polly)
Are you sure he is there?
(yet shouting again)
We know you are in there, Kid. We are
not angry. I don't know what happened,
but you must know, we are not angry.
All this does not lead to any result.
Now it is striking how quiet it is on the building site. Only
far away traffic is heard. Betrand and Polly are going to
leave.
As they are on their way, ten or twenty meters away, the
bulldozer window is opened. Polly is the first to hear the
scratching sound.
A moment later Kid climbs out the window. As he jumps from
the bulldozer, his attention goes fully to Polly. The little
dog over enthusiastically runs into Kid's arms and licks his
face. Kid cries.
Then as Betrand enters, he lifts Kid from the floor and hugs
him.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Betrand's Suspicions
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Betrand, Kid and Polly leave the site. Betrand's arm on Kid's
shoulder. Polly happily dances around the two.
Created using Celtx
95.
This evening is very clear in Christmas atmosphere. The
streets are decorated with lights. Apparently shops are open.
Shop windows have Christmas decorations. There are a lot of
people in the street. Betrand, Kid and Polly pass by a Father
Christmas at the entrance of a large shop. And they stop at a
classically dressed CHRISTMAS CAROLERS singing Christmas
carols.
KID
I thought he was your friend.
BETRAND
Far from that.
KID
You trusted him. Showed him your
hiding place.
BETRAND
For another reason.
KID
So I thought.., I did not want to
emba... ampee..
BETRAND
(coughing)
... embarrass me?
KID
You are ill?
BETRAND
What happened with John?
KID
(turning his head away)
Later...
Betrand coughs.
KID
You are ill.
BETRAND
You don't want to talk about it?
They continue without saying a word, until:
BETRAND (CONT'D)
Don't worry. I understand. I think I
Created using Celtx
96.
already know.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Betrand plays his violin with Kid and Polly next to him.
Bona, on her way to La Vérité, stops.
BONA
(to Kid)
You are back again.
KID
I made a mistake.
BETRAND
And you?
BONA
What do you mean?
BETRAND
Your meeting with the mayor.
BONA
Oh... it was... exciting.
BETRAND
Exciting?
BONA
He had exciting news. Exciting for La
Vérité. We met with the city's event
manager. Paris' Mayor will visit New
York, you know, and they've decided to
have dinner at La Vérité. With the
French ambassador, too.
BETRAND
La Vérité? Why?
BONA
Because the whole city is talking
about the restaurant these days.
BETRAND
That's why the mayor chose La Vérité?
Really? Is it not because of you?
BONA
Because of me? Why? Who am I?
Created using Celtx
97.
BETRAND
Ask your friend.
BONA
Jim isn't my friend. I mean. He is
friendly... not a friend in the way
you mean.
BETRAND
You decided to stay single for the
rest of your live?
BONA
Single? I've got... I don't know... I
think... I doubt... what's it to you?
Chef Sitterly approaches on his way to the restaurant.
SITTERLY
(to Bona)
We are open. Come, I have something
important to tell.
(to Betrand)
You, still here? I promise you. Not
for long. I've got it all settled.
Sitterly takes Bona's arm and more or less leads her into the
restaurant. Out of hearing distance:
KID
Those are your recipes!
BETRAND
Only we know.
KID
It's unfair.
BETRAND
Unfair? No, it is not. I decided to
share the recipes myself. I cannot
blame him. But you are right, he is
not a nice man. There are better ones
out there. Me and my wife had a
restaurant in France. We developed an
exquisite sauce. One of my guests
offered us a contract to market the
recipe. He promised to pay. He did.
That is honesty.
(beat)
That guest was a healthier and happier
Created using Celtx
98.
man than the owner of La Vérité,
which, by the way, means 'the truth'.
(beat)
You are young. You must learn to
distinguish. Read people's eyes. I
would not like to change places with
that man. Would you?
KID
What do you read in Bona's eyes?
BETRAND
You genius.
KID
Well?
BETRAND
I think she is smart.
KID
Smart enough?
BETRAND
How do you mean, smart enough?
KID
To say no to the mayor.
BETRAND
Say no? I hope so.... I mean, why
should she say no?
KID
Because of little Gina. She does not
like that man. I think Gina reads his
eyes like you say.
BETRAND
You are right.
KID
What are you going to do about it?
BETRAND
Me?
KID
Yes, you!
Created using Celtx
99.
BETRAND
What am I going to do about what?
KID
The woman loves you. And Gina does,
and Granny.
Betrand takes his violin and plays.
Genres:
["Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
The Mayor's Visit
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - DAY
SITTERLY
(to Demario)
The damned violin player is back.
(to Bona)
And you've been talking with him as if
he is your friend. This must end. I'll
tell you why.
Sitterly shows her a piece of paper, which is a printout of
an email.
SITTERLY (CONT'D)
(to Demario)
This is why -- After two weeks, La
Vérité is honored to serve very high
placed guests -- Our mayor and his
Parisian colleagues. And the French
ambassador.
(to Bona)
I want to discuss and prepare the
visit with you. Come to my office.
INT. OFFICE 'LA VÉRITÉ' - DAY
SITTERLY
Read this.
Sitterly hands over the printout.
SITTERLY
Tell me, what are St. Jacob Shells?
And how do I prepare Beef Bourguignon?
And Flamiche. Read the email. Our dear
mayor wants to surprise his guests
with classic French food in New York.
BONA
These dishes are easy to prepare.
Created using Celtx
100.
SITTERLY
I know, but I have to find a way to
make them special.
BONA
I suppose with good meat and a subtle
choice of herbs.
SITTERLY
What do you know about it? I am the
chef, darling.
BONA
I thought you asked.
SITTERLY
Of course not. You... you have to ask
the old man. He may give his cooking
tips in one of his brown envelopes if
he likes.
Bona is about to leave the office.
SITTERLY (CONT'D)
And tell him to stay away on Thursday
two weeks from now when the mayor is
here. I want a room full of special
guests and journalists, you
understand.
BONA
Actually, I don't. But I will tell him
to stay away on the evening you
celebrate his menu.
As Bona disappears, Sitterly calls her back.
SITTERLY
About that beggar next door. He is
finished. I arranged it myself.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Christmas Trouble
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Bona finishes her job. She stops at Betrand.
BONA
(mocking)
St. Jacob Shells are fragile, but he
does not even know how to prepare
simple beef bourguignon and Flamiche
for the Frenchmen. He is very nervous.
Created using Celtx
101.
I had to ask the old man. He said he
had no idea what I was talking about.
BETRAND
I know.
BONA
What do you know?
BETRAND
How to prepare an excellent Beef
Bourguignon and Flamich. Also, which
wine he should serve.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Days before Christmas time. Betrand, Kid and Polly take their
place on the steps as usual. Betrand's hat is upside down in
front of them to collect a little money.
BETRAND
Read your book. And listen good to the
people talking when they pass by. Your
tongue must become like a born
American. That also is important for
your future.
Kid starts reading. After a while, two uniformed policemen
approach. An OLD POLICE OFFICER and a YOUNG POLICE OFFICER.
OLD POLICE OFFICER
Good morning. We would like to see
your passport please.
The old policeman checks Betrand's papers. The young officer
looks over his shoulder.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
He has got his stamp.
OLD POLICE OFFICER
Can you show us your green card?
Betrand shows the document.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
And the kid?
BETRAND
We forgot to bring his passport.
Created using Celtx
102.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
He is an immigrant. You know he is
obliged to have his papers with him.
BETRAND
Only if he is older than 18.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
Anyhow, we'd like to see them.
BETRAND
The papers are with my wife.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
Your wife? He is your son? He does not
look like you.
BETRAND
My wife is black.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
You lie.
BETRAND
About my wife?
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
Don't try to be smart on us. Your
young friend is an illegal immigrant.
Someone gave us the notification he is
here illegally.
BETRAND
Someone? How does that someone know?
OLD POLICE OFFICER
What is your name, kid?
KID
Everybody calls me Kid.
BETRAND
François. His name is François.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
Come on. Everybody can see and hear he
is a foreigner.
BETRAND
He looks like my wife and he sounds
French because I am French. We had a
Created using Celtx
103.
restaurant in Paris.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
I don't think so.
OLD POLICE OFFICER
Oh..., give them a break.
(to Betrand)
Can you bring his passport tomorrow?
BETRAND
Of course.
The Young Officer is a little agitated and impatient. He
walks a few steps away.
OLD POLICE OFFICER
(confidentially)
Mind what you're doing. You know our
government, and this allegation from a
citizen is backed by the mayor
himself.
BETRAND
I understand.
OLD POLICE OFFICER
(whispering)
If he is not your son, find yourself
another place. And don't come back.
For the kid's sake.
After both officers left:
KID
He bought it.
BETRAND
Let's go.
KID
Yes. It'll be better this way.
BETRAND
Not like you think. We have to make a
photo.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
A New Family
EXT. PHOTO SHOP - DAY
The three, Betrand, Kid and Polly, roam through the Christmas
decorated streets until they stop in front of a shop with
Created using Celtx
104.
cameras in the window.
The three go in and after a while, we see them getting out
again. A little bag with a print of the photo shop logo is in
Betrand's hand.
BETRAND
We'll take a day off.
EXT. HIDEAWAY AT THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT - DAY
Betrand takes the framed picture from the wall. A close up
shows Betrand's widow. She has the same appearance as Kid.
Betrand's apr. 7 years young son looks like him -- white with
the dark touch of his mother.
Betrand sits at the table with Kid opposite of him.
BETRAND
My late wife and son.
KID
I know.
BETRAND
She was American. We used to live
here, until we started our own
restaurant in France. One unfortunate
day, the kitchen caught on fire. I
lost both Laquisha and François in the
fire, like you lost your family.
François would be of your age now.
Betrand starts to disassemble the frame.
BETRAND
I lost it all. Could not even pay for
their funeral. I understand what you
have been through. The first two years
I could not sleep without hearing
their voices all night long.
KID
I heard my father screaming, "Run
Abele, run." In the middle of the
fire. I ran away.
BETRAND
My life would be miserable if I would
not have done the same. The insurance
company said I started the fire
Created using Celtx
105.
myself, the bank, my neighbors whose
house was damaged, even the police,
everybody was after me. I have a
feeling they still are. I could not
cope. I got on a cargo boat and ended
back in New York.
KID
My father used to say, "Be careful,
they will come after you. They know we
are rich."
Betrand takes two passports out from behind the picture
frame.
BETRAND
I thought I would never in my life be
able to do this.
Betrand opens his son's passport and kisses the photograph.
He shows Kid François' photo.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
My son.., François.
Betrand opens the bag he took from the photo shop and takes
out a little knife. Slowly he tries to get the photo out of
the passport.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
I never thought to tell all this to a
twelve year old.
The photo comes out.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
These passports are the only things
left, as I had them in my pocket.
Carefully, Betrand glues Kid's photo in François' place.
KID
Maybe you should marry again?
BETRAND
Twelve years old. You've learned more
than a book full of mathematics.
(thinking)
Maybe you are right. Maybe it is time
to look forward.
Created using Celtx
106.
Betrand kisses his wife Laquisha's picture.
BETRAND
Laquisha will understand.
KID
And Bona does.
BETRAND
Bona does?
KID
She will understand, too.
When finished with the passport, Betrand closes the pages.
Now he hands the passport to Kid.
BETRAND
So... from this day on, your name is
François. And you no longer call me
sir. Wherever we go, you call me
Father.
KID
How can I?
BETRAND
Don't worry. You will always be Abele
Yacouba, but you let people call you
François. Like me, I can never replace
your father, but I will call you my
son. No matter if we are near friends
or enemies.
Kid and Betrand give each other a high five and a hug.
BETRAND
Come, let us celebrate instead of
mourn.
Betrand frames the picture again and kisses his wife.
BETRAND
I am looking forward to an ice cream.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
A Favor and a Question
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - NEXT TO RESTAURANT - DAY
Next day the two police officers are already waiting.
OLD POLICE OFFICER
Good morning.
Created using Celtx
107.
BETRAND
Good morning.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
You got the documents?
Betrand shows François' passport to the old policeman.
OLD POLICE OFFICER
(to the young police officer)
No problem.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
Let me have a look.
The old officer does not respond. Instead he lays a friendly
hand on Kid's shoulder.
YOUNG POLICE OFFICER
So your name is François.
The old police officer hands back the documents to Betrand
instead of his colleague.
OLD POLICE OFFICER
You are okay. Still I think you need
to find another place. Security won't
tolerate you so close to the
restaurant.
The police officers leave.
KID
You don't want to move?
Betrand unpacks his violin and takes his place.
BETRAND
Not yet.
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - DAY
SITTERLY
Did you talk to the old man?
BONA
It won't help.
SITTERLY
Just do as I asked.
Created using Celtx
108.
EXT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT
Betrand, Kid and Polly wait on Bona's doorsteps as she comes
home after finishing her job.
BETRAND
Can we talk?
BONA
You make me curious. Come on in.
INT. BONA'S HOUSE - SIMPLE KITCHEN - NIGHT
Betrand, Kid, Bona and Granny at the kitchen table.
BETRAND
About Kid. I have to find a school.
MISS JEFFERSON
That will not work. He is illegal. No
school principal will take that risk.
BETRAND
I hope you can ask your mayor.
Bona gets up, uncertain, and starts doing dishes as she does
not know how to respond, until:
BONA
I cannot.
MISS JEFFERSON
Why not?
BONA
You don't understand. I cannot.
BETRAND
You assume you already know his
answer?
BONA
That, too.
MISS JEFFERSON
No matter what. You could still ask.
BONA
You don't understand, Granny.
Bona returns to her seat at the table.
Created using Celtx
109.
BONA
He won't say no, like you expect. He
will say he will think it over. "He
cannot help in his position. His hands
are tied," He will say. But he will
promise that he will try...
(beat)
... and then he will ask favors in
return.
BETRAND
What favors?
BONA
He offered me a job.
BETRAND
That's fine. He favors you!
BONA
I don't know. I got the documents to
sign, but there is no job description
or whatsoever. No one tells me what I
will have to do.
KID
You don't trust him.
BONA
(to Betrand)
Jim is not only a man but also a
diplomat. There is a strategy in
everything he does. A hidden goal.
BETRAND
It's clear.
KID
He wants you.
MISS JEFFERSON
It's obvious. Even to the child.
Betrand wants to leave.
MISS JEFFERSON
The problem is Kid is illegal. America
has changed.
BETRAND
Kid is not illegal. He is my son.
Created using Celtx
110.
MISS JEFFERSON
Now YOU sound like a diplomat.
(to Bona)
We have brandy in the cupboard in the
sitting room Bona. Will you fetch it
for me?
Bona leaves the room.
MISS JEFFERSON
Now tell me, young man, how this nice
François changed into your son so
suddenly. And don't lie to me.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Sacrifice and Revelation
EXT. BONA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Betrand, Kid and Polly leave, pulling the door behind them.
KID
They can help now that I am your son.
BETRAND
They are nice people.
KID
Maybe you should marry her. That makes
it more official when she looks for a
school.
BETRAND
You hear, Polly? Such intrigue. If he
gets to school, he could become the
next mayor.
EXT. DARK ALLEY - NIGHT
Betrand, Kid and Polly enter their hiding place.
EXT. HIDING PLACE BEHIND RESTAURANT - NIGHT
BETRAND
Sleep well, Kid. Today you learned the
world is not only populated by nasty
people.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
As Betrand plays his violin, the three Bullies approach. One
of them is Sitterly's fat son.
Created using Celtx
111.
BRUTAL KID 1
We thought you had left, Grandpa.
BRUTAL KID 2
You're stubborn.
BRUTAL KID 1
And stupid.
One of the Bullies kicks Betrand's hat and coins roll away.
A fight starts and they try to grab the violin out of
Betrand's hands. After that is successful, they kick the
violin kicked into pieces.
The fight intensifies. Polly tries to help by biting the
bullies' legs.
Suddenly in the heat of the fight, the SHRIEK OF THE LITTLE
DOG RINGS OUT. Everyone in the fight, even the bullies,
stops, shocked. The fight ends abruptly. The bullies run.
POLLY LIES DEAD on the street.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Betrand and Kid bury Polly in the park.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - DAY
Again Betrand and Kid place a brown envelope in La Vérité's
letterbox.
BETRAND
Beef Bourguignon. You have to prepare
two days ahead. Beef in red wine. Not
just any red wine. It is essential you
use the right wine to make it
outstanding. Wine from Burgundy.
California or even Chili wine will be
dead ass disrespect. That's what I
wrote... and more details about herbs.
Created using Celtx
112.
Especially about herbs.
KID
How can you help that man, after what
he did to us?
BETRAND
He'll be serving the mayor and other
important visitors. Maybe I'm helping
myself, François.
KID
François. You called me François.
INT. OFFICE TOWN HALL - DAY
Mayor John looks into the mirror.
INT. RESTAURANT LA VÉRITÉ - DAY
Sitterly, Bona and Demario check the tables.
SITTERLY
Thank you.
BONA
Why?
SITTERLY
You convinced the old man. We will use
his recipes for the mayor and his
guests.
BONA
I did not talk about it. Not to him.
Only to my landlady and...
Bona walks to the windows. Across the street, she sees
Betrand. She seems to understand where the envelopes really
come from now.
EXT. CAFÉ OPPOSITE LA VÉRITÉ - DAY
Approximately one week later. Betrand and Kid sit on the
doorsteps opposite the street next to a café.
KID
What are we doing here?
BETRAND
Just sit and watch.
Created using Celtx
113.
The old guest goes by. Walking at his age gives him
difficulties.
BETRAND
Hello, sir. Not going to the La Vérité
today?
OLD MAN
I am not welcome.
BETRAND
Can I offer you a drink?
Betrand, Kid and the old man enter the café.
I/E. CAFÉ OPPOSITE LA VÉRITÉ - DAY
In the café, Christmas songs play. Betrand, Kid and the old
man take a seat at the window.
As Betrand orders coffee, POLICE on motorcycles, followed by
more police cars, enter the street with SIRENS. The road is
blocked. SECURITY GUARDS take positions next to the entrance
of La Vérité. The entrance with the cheap Christmas tree.
OLD MAN
Everybody has his own interpretation
of La Vérité. It's the French word for
truth.
BETRAND
I know. Je suis Français. What is your
interpretation?
OLD MAN
The truth is La Vérité has changed.
Once I owned the restaurant with my
wife. At that time truth meant
respect. Pure ingredients, grown
without fertilizers, meat from animals
that lived outside, no genetic
manipulations. All in lively colors.
Then my wife died. I had to sell La
Vérité. My biggest mistake, selling
the truth to an imposter.
BETRAND
You kept coming.
OLD MAN
I cherish my memories. The food was
Created using Celtx
114.
awful, but today the food tastes like
a miracle. The mayor and his guests
will enjoy it, and the truth is that I
sit here.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
The Fall of La Vérité
EXT. LA VÉRITE - SHOPPING DISTRICT - DAY
Seen through the opposite café, a lot of JOURNALIST,
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TV PEOPLE gather around the entrance of La
Vérité. Big cars with chauffeurs enter the street.
Mayor Jim, Paris's mayor and the French consul arrive.
CONTNUED INT. CAFÉ OPPOSITE LA VÉRITÉ
BETRAND
The truth is fake these days.
OLD MAN
I have to go.
BETRAND
Please stay.
OLD MAN
If you don't mind. I have all the time
of the world.
BETRAND
Please.
KID
Do you know Bona Ferrara?
OLD MAN
Who is Bona?
KID
She works in the restaurant.
OLD MAN
Oh, that nice lady who keeps asking me
about her brown envelopes. All I know,
they didn't come from me. It's
intriging.
Their voices fade out. A clock on the wall shows it getting
later and later. Outside dusk falls.
OLD MAN
Can you now tell me why I had to stay?
Created using Celtx
115.
We are startled by sirens. AMBULANCES arrive at high speed
and all the press is back again.
EXT. LA VÉRITE - SHOPPING DISTRICT - DAY
The mayors and some GUESTS we don't recognize are brought out
on stretchers into the ambulances.
Bona is in the doorway. She looks across the street and sees
Betrand. To her, it is clear what happened.
INT. CAFÉ OPPOSITE LA VÉRITÉ - DAY
The TV in the café now shows the breaking news with a live
shot from Restaurant La Vérité.
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
With a bouquet of flowers in hand, Bona visits Jim. Jim is in
the hospital bed, as a result of food poisoning, as Bona
enters the room.
JIM
You!
BONA
I brought you flowers.
JIM
Get out!
BONA
Me?
JIM
Get out, you stupid woman. I don't
want to see you anymore.
BONA
What's wrong, Jim?
JIM
You really have no idea what your
restaurant recommendations did to my
career. Get out, and don't come back.
BONA
My recommendations?
JIM
Your stupid restaurant.
Created using Celtx
116.
BONA
I never asked you to come, Jim. That
was you.
JIM
You could have gotten me killed!
BONA
Me? You barely got food poisoning.
Like people visiting the tropics
getting diarrhea. Or you had a wrong
combination of herbs. There must have
been something wrong in the recipe.
Besides, what have I to do with it?
JIM
Get out, Bona. And don't come back.
Bona puts the flowers on the bed. Cool and unmoved, she walks
to the door.
JIM
Find another job.
BONA
I have to. La Vérité will shut down
after all the fuss.
(Cont'd, angry)
And you're finished too.
.....................................
TRANSITION TO NEWS FLASHBACKS
It is approximately one week later. TV shows newspaper
headlines like 'NO MERRY CHRISTMAS FOR NEW YORK MAYOR'.
Newspapers flashback on what happened. Photos show a desolate
La Vérité.
Continue with the TV-flashback showing La Vérité. Curtains
hang irregularly, dirty windows. Behind the windows are
yellow dried plants that had their last water one week ago.
The nameplate La Vérité is crooked.
TV REPORTER (V.O.)
Truth is fragile and travels fast.
Today, La Vérité is officially closed.
A clerk sticks a poster on the front door. The poster says
FOR SALE with a telephone number of a real estate agent.
Created using Celtx
117.
TV REPORTER (V.O.)
Nobody got seriously ill or injured.
Nevertheless, one unfortunate day with
conflicting ingredients and light food
poisoning was enough to kill this up
and coming restaurant.
There is a glimpse of Betrand playing his violin on his usual
steps.
......................................
TRANSITION FROM TV TO LIVE
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
The Violinist's Reward
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
As usual, Betrand plays his violin, restored with tape (the
sound is scratchy, not nice).
Two police officers, accompanied by the private investigator
approach. They are led by Homeless John, excited and clearly
pointing to Betrand.
HOMELESS JOHN
I told you. There he is.
They stop at Betrand.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Good afternoon. You are Betrand
Dechamps, are you not?
At the same time, the private investigator examines the
picture he showed so often.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
No question. It's you.
BETRAND
Yes, it is me.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Betrand Deschamps from France.
HOMELESS JOHN
(addressing the investigator)
My money, man! I told you!
Private investigator takes his wallet out.
Created using Celtx
118.
HOMELESS JOHN
I said so, I said so! He is here
everyday, man...
(beat)
... and him, too, that illegal
bastard...
(to Betrand)
They are here to fetch you. You and
that little nigga.
(to the investigator)
My money please. You found them. I
showed you, give me my money, man.
The investigator pays Homeless John.
OLD POLICEMAN
You don't need us anymore?
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
No, thank you very much.
Police officers leave.
HOMELESS JOHN
(to Betrand)
I warned you, motherfucker. No one
messes with John. No one. I won't
visit you in jail, motherfucker.
John leaves.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Excuse me, monsieur Dechamps. We have
to talk if that is okay to you.
Six weeks later. Kid and Gina enter the room. Kid lifts a
school bag from his shoulder.
MISS JEFFERSON
How was your day at school, children?
BONA
Did you make friends, François?
KID
I did, but they talk about games I
don't know.
Created using Celtx
119.
LITTLE GINA
Computer games.
KID
When will I see my father?
BONA
Betrand? I don't know.
KID
I haven't seen him for four weeks.
BONA
Six weeks.
KID
I do miss him.
MISS JEFFERSON
I am sure he won't forget you. I bet
he thinks about you every minute.
KID
Why can I not visit him?
BONA
You know he went to Europe. And you
are a scholar now.
Gina hands Bona an envelope.
LITTLE GINA
It was on the doormat.
Bona opens the envelope, takes out a card and reads the
content as she speaks.
BONA
An invitation. "La Vérité is going to
open under new management."
Bona hands the card to Granny.
BONA
(to Granny)
We are all invited for the official
opening. And they offered me a job.
As Granny reads the card and looks at the new logo -- La
nouvelle Vérité:
Created using Celtx
120.
MISS JEFFERSON
Who is the new manager?
KID
The old man! He used to be the owner.
He regretted he ever sold the
restaurant to Sitterly.
BONA
The old man? He knows everything about
food. I would like to work for him.
KID
I hope Betrand will be back in time.
GINA
There is a photo on the back of the
card.
Bona turns the card.
BONA
You were right, François.
(reads loud)
Mister Théodore Aranowitz will welcome
you. Must be the old man's name.
KID
Can we go?
BONA
Of course, we can go. I love that man.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
The Unveiling of La Nouvelle Vérité
EXT. RESTAURANT LA NOUVELLE VÉRITÉ - DAY
The facade of La Vérité is clean. Nice banners with the logo
communicate a new image of quality. Balloons and garlands
decorate the entrance.
Bona Ferrara, nicely dressed, is impressed. She enters La
nouvelle Vérité, accompanied by Granny, Kid and Gina.
LITTLE GINA
It's nice we were invited, too.
INT. RESTAURANT LA NOUVELLE VÉRITÉ - DAY
In the renovated interior, it is rather busy. MEN are in
suits, WOMEN nicely dressed. In the beckground is Demario in
his white jacket. There is violin music. The violin music
makes Kid act emotional. Without a word, he leaves the group.
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121.
Bona bumps into a man in suit, the French lawyer, Mr.
Beauvais.
MR. BEAUVAIS
Excusez moi.
Mr. Taylor draws closer with a glass of champagne in each
hand.
MR. TAYLOR
You must be Bona Ferrara.
The private investigator nears. He introduces himself and
takes Granny's hand.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
You must be Miss Jefferson.
He bows towards little Gina.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR (CONT'D)
(to Gina)
And you, young lady, are the Miss Gina
Ferrara Betrand talked about, I
suppose? Where is Kid?
Everybody in the group wonders and looks around. They do not
really panic; however, tension rises when Gina alerts her
mother.
LITTLE GINA
The music made him sad.
BONA
Granny, look after Gina. I'll be back
in a minute. I have to check...
Bona walks out the door.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - RESTAURANT - DAY
On the steps, next to the restaurant, she finds Kid crying.
Bona sits besides him.
KID
Where is Betrand? That violin music. I
miss him so much.
BONA
Don't cry. He will come. Has he ever
let you down?
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122.
KID
Never.
BONA
Well, come inside. I'll stay with you.
KID
I cannot.
BONA
Gina will miss you.
KID
Where is Betrand?
BONA
Maybe on the plane. He comes from
Paris.
KID
How could he travel to Paris? He has
no money. He came on a cargo boat like
me.
BONA
Has he ever lied to you?
KID
Never.
BONA
Well?
Kid calms down.
BONA
He taught you to look forward, Kid.
KID
François.
BONA
Come, François.
INT. RESTAURANT LA NOUVELLE VÉRITÉ - DAY
The old man, Théodore Aranowitz, welcomes Bona and Kid both
at the door.
OLD MAN
Let's begin!
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123.
In the restaurant, visitors look in the same direction. Bona
and Kid have to find a way through to see a man in a white
chef's costume and hat in front of the visitors, facing the
group. It is Betrand; because of his outfit AND BECAUSE HE
SHAVED HIS BEARD, he is not recognized. Not even by Bona,
Granny or Gina. He starts talking:
BETRAND
Dear friends...
Kid immediately recognizes Betrand's voice. He cannot help,
but now cries out loudly.
BETRAND
Dear friends, welcome to La Nouvelle
Vérité, a New Reality.
(loudly)
Kid, please come forward?
BONA
Kid, go on. The man calls you.
BETRAND
Kid, come over and stand beside me.
Kid steps forward. Visitors in expectation start to applause.
As Kid stands besides Betrand, still crying, Betrand, with
his hand on Kid's shoulder, continues.
BETRAND
La nouvelle Vérité will offer a new
future. For our guests at the table
and for young students in our kitchen.
Applause.
BETRAND
I will be happy to be back in the
kitchen. But I also like to introduce
you to my sous chef.
Sitterly enters, well groomed and dressed in snow white
chef's costume.
BETRAND
Yes, you know him as mr. Sitterly.
Indeed.., we had our contradictions,
but in this world there should be no
place for hatred; it's God who tells
us to forgive. Besides that, I can
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124.
tell you Sitterly is an excellent cook
if he focuses on that and as long as
he has strong recipes.
Betrand and Sitterly, emotional, shake hands.
There is applause.
BETRAND
I'm not yet finished... Of course La
Nouvelle Vérité needs outstanding
service too. So..,
Bona Ferrara, I ask you, will you be
my partner? I know you love the job.
Kid runs from Betrand into Bona's arms. People turn their
heads to Bona.
MISS JEFFERSON
This pretty much sounds like a
marriage proposal.
Visitors step aside and make room. Bona, now knowing who is
talking...
BONA
(lowly)
...Betrand?
... Bona, a bit confused, walks up to Betrand.
Visitors applause again.
Betrand and Bona meet in front of the people with a shy
handshake. They don't kiss, but look each other in the eyes,
and then they hold hands.
Beat.
Bona remains a bit flabbergasted. Betrand ends his speech,
Bona's hand still in his. It's getting formal.
BETRAND
No opening is complete without a word
of thanks. And maybe explanation.
Please, Mr. Banner, will you step
forward?
Mr. BANNER, owner of a large food company, steps forward.
Demario, dressed in his white classic waiter jacket, with
cloth over his arm and thin white gloves -he served the
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125.
guests- and old Man Mr. Theodore Aranowitz applaud with all
the others.
BETRAND (CONT'D)
Six years ago, Mr. Banner asked me to
use one of my recipes. He made the now
world famous Banner Sauce out of it.
Last week in Paris, Mr. Banner forced
me to sign his license contract. After
which he paid the past six years of
royalties, which made it possible for
me to buy the old Vérité.
(beat)
I would like to give a toast to Mr.
Banner and our guest of honor, Mr.
Theodore Aranowitz.
MR. BANNER
After Betrand's restaurant burned
down, I've been looking for him for
three years.
With the help of my French friends and
a skilled investigator, to pay his
share.
Betrand, Bona and Banner toast in front of the public. Kid
stands proudly besides them.
At an official ceremony in a hall, such as an impressive
atrium of a museum, a black man in a chef's uniform, FRANCOIS
DESCHAMPS, is honored in front of a lot of visitors and
press.
OFFICIAL
I am honored to congratulate François
Deschamps with achieving his third
Michelin Star as one of the youngest
chefs in America.
Francois Deschamps, or Kid, now 32 years old, with tears in
his eyes, points at OLDER BETRAND, 60 years old, now in the
corner, sitting beside 55 years old OLDER BONA and 28 years
old OLDER GINA.
KID
I am honored. Of course. But I cannot
accept this honor without thanking my
mentor. Don't interview me. Ask him,
my mentor who truly is like a father,
for me.