INT. AMERICAN ORPHANAGE – DINING HALL – DAY (1977)
A sudden CRASH of a tray hitting the floor echoes through the
hall. Kids jabber in Spanish — fast, sharp, musical. A quick
pan across the room reveals chaotic energy: children
laughing, eating, and talking over each other.
At the end of a long wooden table sits SANDY (9) — a small
Jewish girl with big eyes and bigger hair. She clutches a
piece of bread like it’s a lifeline. Two GIRLS across from
her whisper and giggle in Spanish. Sandy forces a smile, but
the words fly too fast.
ORPHANAGE MOTHER (O.S.)
¡Coman, niñas! Eat, girls!
YOLI (9), a Latina girl with mischievous eyes and an open
smile, taps Sandy's tray gently. She slides half her cookie
over.
YOLI
(in Spanish, subtitled)
Don't worry. They talk too much
anyway.
SANDY
I talk too much too... but at least
I can make you laugh.
She crosses her eyes, does a quick butt wiggle like she’s on
stage. Yoli bursts out laughing. Sandy grins, proud of the
connection.
INT. ORPHANAGE DORM — NIGHT (1977)
Moonlight stripes rows of beds. Yoli tucks a ragged rabbit
into Sandy’s arms.
YOLI
He’s brave. He’ll help us be brave
together. His name’s Coni.
SANDY
I think my mom forgot about me.
YOLI
Well, you’re my carnala. I’ll
always remember you.
SANDY
What’s carnala?
YOLI
Family.
Sandy hugs the rabbit close, eyes shining.
SANDY
When I grow up, I’ll make sure
everybody remembers me.
She whispers softly into its ear.
SANDY (CONT’D)
You’re my family now, Coni.
She closes her eyes, clutching the rabbit as the dorm quiets
around her — a tiny girl holding on to love the only way she
knows how.
FADE OUT.
Over a gentle lullaby that blends with distant children’s
whispers—
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
A Night of Doubt and Determination
EXT. PIZZA JOINT – NIGHT
A family establishment on a corner in the San Fernando
Valley.The sign reads: “Comedy Tonight: Sandy Wolshin” in
mismatched letters.
YOUNG SANDY (V.O.)
Good night, Carnala… I’ll never
forget you.
The voice carries softly over the transition as we move
inside.
FADE IN
INT. PIZZA JOINT – STORAGE ROOM / GREEN ROOM – CONTINUOUS
SANDY (early 50s), beautiful and grounded — a working comic —
paces.
ALAN (early 50s), her fit, kind-eyed husband (a touch of Tim
Allen), patient and steady, watches.
SANDY
I can’t keep doing these joints,
Alan.
(pauses, then)
I think tonight’s it for me.
ALAN
You mean—quit?
SANDY
I’ve been at it for years. Maybe
it’s time to admit I’m not gonna
make the big time.
(beat)
I love it... but I’m tired of
chasing something that doesn’t love
me back.
From the showroom, muffled laughter and applause drift in.
ALAN
They sound good tonight.
Sandy gives a half-smile — part nerves, part resignation.
ALAN (CONT’D)
Are you sure? I don’t see you as a
quitter.
(beat)
You wanted to lose weight. You did
it. You wanted to be a comedian —
and you’re doing it. The “big time”
isn’t out there somewhere. You’re
in it — right now. You’re doing
what you love.
Sandy absorbs that — it lands.
SAL (50s, stained apron, warm grin) pokes his head in.
SAL
House is close to packed. You’re on
in five — capiche?
SANDY
Capiche, Sal.
Sal disappears. Sandy straightens the crooked set list on the
wall, exhales.
SANDY (QUIETLY, TO ALAN) (CONT’D)
Yoli and Rhonda are out there.
ALAN
Then go give them something to
remember.
(quiet confidence)
And if you still want to quit after
that, we’ll talk. But not before
you show them who you are.
Sandy nods. She touches the small Star of David under her
shirt — her steadying ritual, the same calm she found as a
little girl clutching Coni.
ALAN (CONT’D)
Go get ’em, babe.
She pockets the list and heads toward the stage door.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Sandy's Stand-Up Debut
INT. PIZZA JOINT – SMALL STAGE – MOMENTS LATER
Sandy steps into the spotlight.
Polite applause from fifty patrons, many still finishing
their slices.
In the back, YOLI and RHONDA sit together, eyes bright,
watching — ready to lift her if the crowd won’t.
A couple of quick opening jokes land; the room loosens.
SANDY
Let me start by telling you a
little about myself.
(scattered laughs, building)
SANDY (CONT’D)
I have 5 brothers and sisters.
Sheila, Steve, Susan, Stanley, and
Sonia...Why all the S’s? We were
named after my great-grandmother —
Ethel.
(laughs open up; she’s getting them)
SANDY (CONT’D)
My sister, Susan, had big buck
teeth. Her overbite was so profound
that when I sat across the dinner
table from her, she could take a
bite out of my apple...
(MORE)
SANDY (CONT’D)
without leaving her chair.
(big laugh)
SANDY (CONT’D)
She told everyone she was psychic.
The truth is, she just liked to
take credit for things. One time,
my mom said, “Susan, go to your
room!”And Susan said, “I knew you
were gonna say that, Mom. See? I’m
already walking!”
Sandy crosses the stage while delivering her lines with
exaggerated buck teeth.
(laughter rolls; the room is with her)
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Dining and Dashing: A Wolshin Family Adventure
FLASHBACK – INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT – DAY (1976)
TITLE CARD: 1976 — The Wolshin Clan at Dinner.
The place bustles with chatter and clinking plates.
At a corner table sits the WOLSHIN FAMILY — an unpredictable
storm in motion.
LOU (50s), a Jewish Archie Bunker with a gambler’s grin.
OLGA (40s), gorgeous, fiery, castanets never far from reach.
Around them: SHEILA (13), hippie; STEVE (11), sharp-tongued;
SUSAN (9), buck-toothed and psychic wannabe; SANDY (7),
chubby-cheeked and bright-eyed, already showing hints of her
mother’s beauty she hasn’t grown into yet; STANLEY (6),
repeats himself; and SONIA (4), quiet and curious.
LOU
(to nearby table)
You gonna have the number one or
the number two?
(off their blank stares)
Careful — I had the number one and
immediately had to make a number
two.
He cracks himself up; the couple forces a smile.
Lou notices SANDY laughing so hard she can barely breathe —
and for a flicker, his pride softens. He needs her laugh.
Chinese music plays softly through the speakers. OLGA can’t
resist tapping a rhythm with her castanets.
SANDY
Daddy, look!
She oinks, eating without silverware. LOU howls. OLGA frowns.
OLGA
Sandy, enough. You’re being
obnoxious.
SANDY
I was just making Daddy laugh.
LOU
Leave her alone, Olga. This girl’s
got talent.
OLGA
What she’s got is an eating
problem.
SANDY
I do?
OLGA
You can’t stop eating.
LOU
So what? That’s how I know she’s
mine.
SUSAN
(leans forward, teeth
first)
I knew you were gonna say that,
Dad.
OLGA
No, you didn’t.
SUSAN
Yes, I did! Like when you told me
to clean my room and I was already
walking toward it.
The kids groan.
STEVE
Yeah, right. Susan the psychic.
Stanley grabs Olga’s castanets and starts shaking them
OLGA
Stanley, put those down.
STANLEY
Sorry, Mommy! Sorry, Mommy!
SHEILA
Peace, people. We’re just trying to
eat noodles here.
Chinese music is still playing
Lou taps the table like it’s a poker chip, mischief glinting
in his eyes — a man who lives for the hustle.
The music hits a beat. OLGA tilts her head, cupping her ear
like a dancer finding the rhythm, then clicks her castanets
again — hips already starting to sway.
OLGA
What do you think, Lou — rhumba or
tango?
LOU
I say we make it our own.
He grabs her hand, pulls her to her feet. The kids cheer as
Lou and Olga begin an impromptu dance between the tables.
A WAITRESS rushes over.
WAITRESS
No dancing here — only restaurant!
The kids sneak out the side exit, giggling.
Lou and Olga keep twirling, laughing, heading toward the
front door. The waitress turns to take another customer’s
order.
OLGA
Come on, Lou! Spin me out!
They whirl right out of the restaurant —
WAITRESS
(finishing with new
customer, turning back)
Where they go?! They no pay!
She and the OWNER sprint outside —
EXT. CHINESE RESTAURANT – DAY
The staff bursts through the doors just in time to see the
family’s beat-up Six-Pac camper sputter off, coughing smoke.
The back door FLIES OPEN — the older Wolshin kids clutch the
younger ones to keep them from tumbling out, waving wildly
like conquering heroes.
They lean out, shouting gleefully back toward the restaurant
— a chorus of tiny rebels celebrating their escape.
LOU
(honking twice)
That’s our tip!
The waitress throws her hands in the air, defeated.
The camper rattles off into the bright afternoon, their
laughter trailing behind. A family that’s made a habit of
beating the system.
Genres:
["Comedy","Family Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Family Playtime at the Park
EXT. PARK – DAY
The beat-up camper lurches into a patch of grass near a
public park and sputters to a stop. The engine coughs once,
then dies.
The doors BURST open — LOU, SANDY, STEVE, and STANLEY tumble
out, still laughing from their getaway.
SANDY
We’re getting good at this, Daddy!
LOU
You bet we are. My old man worked
himself into the grave and had
nothing to show for it.
(beat)
That’s not gonna be my story.
Any dummy can work for a living — but beating the system?
That takes talent.
STEVE
Do you even work, Daddy?
LOU
I got clients.
STANLEY
What kind of clients?
LOU
The kind who place bets instead of
appointments.
Lou grins, pulling a weathered football from the camper.
LOU (CONT’D)
Less talk, more hands — catch!
He hurls the ball at Stanley, who fumbles it. Olga steps out
of the camper, adjusting her scarf — cool, beautiful,
exasperated but affectionate. She motions to the girls.
OLGA
Come on, girls. Let’s stretch our
legs.
SONIA
(turning to her sister)
Yaya… I wanna go on the swings.
SHEILA
(smiling)
Okay, cutie. Come on — I’ll push
you.
She takes Sonia’s hand, leading her toward the swings.
Back on the grass, Lou lines up with the boys. SANDY darts in
front.
SANDY
I wanna play!
STEVE
You sure, short stuff?
LOU
Let her in — let’s see what she’s
got.
Lou lofts a high spiral downfield. Sandy TAKES OFF — running
long, pigtails flying, laughter spilling out. She jukes left,
then right — outsmarting Steve with quick, clever moves — and
leaps to CATCH the ball mid-air.
STANLEY
Run, Sandy! Run, Sandy!
(squealing)
She’s fast, Daddy! She’s fast,
Daddy!
Steve chases her back the other way, grinning.
STEVE
She almost beat me — and I’m a foot
taller!
Sandy plants her feet, winds up, and fires a perfect spiral
back to Lou. He catches it, stunned — pride swelling in his
chest.
LOU
That’s my girl. Fast and clever.
You keep that up, nobody’s gonna
stop you.
SUE
(to Olga, with her buck
teeth jutting out)
I knew she was gonna catch that
ball, Mom — I knew before Daddy
even threw it.
Olga glances at Sue — letting her believe her supposed
psychic powers and smiling at her — then over at Sandy,
glowing in the sunlight.
For a fleeting moment, they all look like a family that might
just outrun the world.
FADE OUT.
Genres:
["Comedy","Family Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Evening Whimsy at the Wolshin Home
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – EVENING
The Wolshin home hums with leftover laughter from the park.
Kids scatter — shoes kicked off, voices overlapping, life
spilling into every corner.
In the bedroom doorway, OLGA appears — stunning yet modest, a
scarf tied neatly around her hair, hoop earrings catching the
light.
LOU
Look out, kids — your mother’s on
the hunt for a new husband.
OLGA
I’m going to parent-teacher
conferences for your children, Lou.
Besides, my entire body is covered.
LOU
Yeah, sure. Who’s gonna be there —
Jack? That the one you’re hoping to
impress?
OLGA
Stop it, you vulgar man. I want you
and only you.
She grabs his face and kisses him passionately. The kids
groan.
LOU
Maybe we can make a little magic in
the bedroom tonight?
OLGA
(consulting her crystal
ball)
Hmmm… not tonight, Lou.
SUSAN
(leans forward, teeth
first)
I knew Mom was gonna say that!
OLGA
Kids, look after your father for
me.
SANDY lifts her arms for a hug — but OLGA is already halfway
out the door.
LOU drops into his recliner — his throne. He chews his
signature stubby cigar, the end bobbing with every word like
punctuation. It never leaves his mouth — not even when he
laughs.
SANDY
(holding the remote)
What do you feel like watching
tonight, Daddy?
LOU
Something that gets my mind off
your mother flaunting her goods all
over town.
SANDY
Then it sounds like you want the
Sandy Channel!
She does a goofy dance, part “Little Miss Sunshine,” part
Lucy Ricardo.
LOU
(laughing, proud)
That’s great, kiddo. But let’s see
what else is on.
She flips the TV. An EVANGELIST shouts from the screen.
SANDY
What about this?
LOU
These jokers? They get rich blaming
us Jews for killing Jesus.
SANDY
Did we?
LOU
Nah. It was the Romans. But the
Romans aren’t around anymore, so we
make a good scapegoat.
(chewing the cigar)
Now don’t be a dummy… change the
channel.
She clicks again — a LATE-NIGHT COMIC appears, sharp and
Jewish, killing with the crowd.
LOU (CONT’D)
Oh! This is a good one. Leave it
on.
COMIC (ON TV)
…so I tell the waiter, “This
brisket’s so dry, I thought it was
matzah!”
Lou explodes with laughter, clapping his hands.
LOU
That’s Myron Gold! I opened for him
once — in the Catskills. I had a
magic act.
SANDY
Really, Daddy? You did?
LOU
Yep. Right after the guy with the
dancing parrot and before the girl
with the xylophone knees. Big
crowd. Big laughs.
Sandy giggles, curling close to his chair — the safest place
in the world.
ON TV, the setup continues—
COMIC (ON TV)
So the Rabbi looks at me and says—
LOU
“Next time, use a bagel cutter!”
TV COMIC (V.O.)
Next time, use a bagel cutter!
Lou throws his hands up, triumphant.
LOU
See?! Still got it. I’m funnier
than half these schmucks.
SANDY
You’re the funniest, Daddy.
Lou’s grin softens. His hand rests gently on her head — and
for once, stays there.
SANDY (CONT’D)
(softly, awed)
Maybe one day… I could make people
laugh too.
Lou doesn’t hear. The flicker of the TV washes over Sandy’s
face — wide-eyed, already memorizing every rhythm, every
pause, every laugh. She looks up at her dad, eyes glowing,
bathed in the light of her hero.
FADE OUT.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Comedy","Family Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Sandy's Comedic Heritage
BACK TO PRESENT — INT. PIZZA JOINT – SMALL STAGE – CONTINUOUS
SANDY
I come from a mixed ethnic
background. Mom was a Russian gypsy
and Dad was Jewish.I was a perfect
blend of both of them — I stole
from my mom and sold it back to my
dad... wholesale!
(big laugh)
SANDY (CONT’D)
Mom being a gypsy could tell my
father’s fortune.
(Russian accent, peering
into an imaginary crystal
ball)
“Not tonight, Lou…”
(crowd laughs)
SANDY (CONT’D)
Do we have any Russians here
tonight? Or are you all in Ukraine?
(bigger laugh)
SANDY (CONT’D)
And my mom’s parents did all the
things Russians did back then —
hunted bears, drank vodka, and
hated Jews.
(laugh builds)
SANDY (CONT’D)
My Russian grandmother, Vera
Smirnova, was a famous singer — she
once performed for the Tsar. One
night, Rasputin tried to get fresh.
She stabbed him. Twenty-seven
times.
(Sandy mimes stabbing, counting)
SANDY (CONT’D)
He didn’t die — but he got the
point.
(laughter builds)
SANDY (CONT’D)
When she landed in America, she
sang for the Russian Red Cross —
and if people didn’t want to donate
blood... she stabbed them.
(Sandy mimes stabbing
again — huge laugh)
SANDY (CONT’D)
I inherited her talent — not for
singing... for stabbing.
(Sandy mimics stabbing
motions; crowd laughs.
Her smile softens.)
(crowd applause fades...
blending into the sound
of distant yelling...)
Genres:
["Comedy","Family Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Night of Tension
FLASHBACK – INT. WOLSHIN HOME – GIRLS’ BEDROOM – NIGHT
The laughter of the crowd dissolves into the muffled shouting
of adults.
Sandy and her sisters bolt upright in their beds — wide-eyed.
LOU (O.S.)
I was right! You went there to see
Jack!
OLGA (O.S.)
His kid goes to the same school!
LOU (O.S.)
Then why are you so late coming
home?!
OLGA (O.S.)
Some of the parents stayed after to
talk about graduation.
LOU (O.S.)
You mean Jack?!
OLGA (O.S.)
And others—
LOU (O.S.)
I knew it!
OLGA (O.S.)
Stop it, Lou! You’re gonna wake the
kids!
LOU (O.S.)
I’ll stop it when you stop giving
away the goods!
OLGA (O.S.)
You’re crazy!
LOU (O.S.)
I’m crazy? I’ll show you crazy!
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Abandonment and Resilience
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
Lou storms down the narrow hallway, cigar clenched between
his teeth. Olga follows, trying to pull him back.
He THROWS open the boys’ bedroom door — the slam rattles the
walls.
At the same time, Sandy cracks open the girls’ door, frozen.
LOU
Steve, Stanley! Everyone with a
circumcision — get in the camper.
We’re leaving!
OLGA
What are you doing?! Where are you
taking them?!
LOU
We’re starting a new life as wild
stallions. No women!
SANDY
I wanna go!
LOU
Sorry, kiddo — you’re one of them.
Besides, you still need to learn
gold-digging from your mother.
Steve and Stanley shuffle out, arms full of clothes.
LOU (CONT’D)
Come on, boys…
EXT. WOLSHIN HOME – FRONT YARD – CONTINUOUS
Lou hustles the boys into the camper and SLAMS the door. The
engine sputters and roars.
Sandy and her sisters cling to Olga’s nightgown as they watch
the van rumble down the street.
SANDY
(whispering, shaken)
What if he doesn’t come back?
Olga forces a smile — her eyes already knowing the answer.
OLGA
Don’t worry. He’ll be back.
That man just loves putting on a
show.
(The camper disappears into the night — a hollow silence
fills the frame
TITLE CARD: ONE MONTH LATER
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Olga stands with her daughters — bags packed, faces pale.
OLGA
It doesn’t look like your father’s
coming back this time.I have to
find a job fast, or we won’t have a
roof over our heads. You’ll stay
with Grandma Vera — just for a
little while.
The girls groan.
OLGA (CONT’D)
We’ll mark it on a calendar, make
it fun. Okay?
A HONK blares outside.
OLGA (CONT’D)
That’s the cab. Let’s go.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Rejection at Grandma's Door
EXT. GRANDMA VERA’S HOUSE – DAY
Sandy’s small hand trembles as she knocks. Behind her, SHEILA
(13) Susan (11) and SONIA (4) clutch worn suitcases.
The door swings open. GRANDMA VERA (60s) — regal, cold, thick
Russian accent. Her sharp eyes scan the girls like unwelcome
strangers.
GRANDMA VERA
Vut are you doing here?
SANDY
Dad left Mom. She needs us to stay
with you — just until she finds
work.
GRANDMA VERA
I told her not to marry that good-
for-nothing man. You’re half
Jewish. You can’t stay here.
She SLAMS the door. The echo lingers — hard and final.
Through the window, Vera glares, clutching her Orthodox cross
and kissing it fiercely.
Sandy turns to her sisters — SHEILA and SUSAN stunned, SONIA
near tears.
SANDY
(softly, trying)
She doesn’t really mean it.
SHEILA
(flat)
Remember Chanukah? I think she
means it.
SONIA
I’m scared, Sandy.
Sandy forces a bright smile, pulling Sonia close.
SANDY
It’s okay. We’ll figure something
out.
Sandy lifts her hand and knocks again — one last try. Vera
yanks the door open — then SLAMS it even harder.
The echo of the second slam reverberates — morphing into...
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Stand-Up Reflections
BACK TO PRESENT – INT. COMEDY CLUB – NIGHT
A microphone THUMPS. A spotlight HUMS to life.
Sandy stands on stage — the echo from Grandma’s slammed door
blending into audience laughter.
SANDY
So, my sisters and I spent some
time in a Hispanic orphanage when
we were kids. But that’s where I
met my best friend — Yolanda Maria
Guadalupe hijo del Carillo, Sancho
de la Guerra Gonzalez... the
second.
(Audience laughs)
SANDY (CONT’D)
We called her Yoli for short. I
loved her so much I told her I was
half Mexican — and that my last
name was Shwartzenendez.
(Big laugh)
FLASHBACK – EXT. WHITTIER
BLVD – NIGHT (1987/88)
A candy-apple red ’64 Impala glides low and slow, chrome
flashing under streetlights. Hydraulics lift, bounce. “La
Cucaracha” blares.
TEEN SANDY and YOLI watch, awestruck.
YOLI (IN SPANISH; SUBTITLED)
Calmada, payasa. (Easy, clown.)
SANDY
(grinning)
Pa-ya-sa.
The car hops — they shriek, laughing.
SMASH BACK TO PRESENT – INT. COMEDY CLUB – NIGHT
Sandy rides the laugh, glowing.
SANDY
After Grandma Vera slammed the door
on us, I wouldn’t say I have
abandonment issues — but nobody
leaves this show till I’m done.
(beat)
Seriously... I locked the exits.
Audience LAUGHS.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Promises of Reunion
FLASHBACK – EXT. ALLEY – NIGHT
Red and blue lights strobe cracked walls.
POLICE OFFICER (INTO RADIO)
Code fifty-nine... four juveniles
abandoned. Transporting to Miami
Jai Alai Orphanage.
INT. ORPHANAGE – INTAKE ROOM – NIGHT
Fluorescents buzz. An INTAKE COUNSELOR works briskly.
INTAKE COUNSELOR
Sheila, thirteen — building six.
Sandy, nine — building five.
(to Sonia)
And you must be four. County foster
tonight.
SANDY
No! She’s my sister!
INTAKE COUNSELOR
I know it’s scary. She’ll be safe
there.
Sonia is led away, crying. Sandy stands frozen.
SANDY (WHISPER)
We’ll be together soon.
INT. ORPHANAGE DORM – MORNING
Sunlight over metal beds. Spanish chatter.
Sandy hugs her stuffed rabbit. YOLI plops beside her.
YOLI
How’s the rabbit?
SANDY
Great. Didn’t miss you at all.
They laugh. Yoli calls out to the room.
YOLI
Listen up—my new carnala.
Girls turn.
YOLI (CONT’D)
Name?
SANDY
Wolshin.
YOLI
What kinda name is that?
SANDY
Jewish.
YOLI
Hardcore. Stick with me.
She lifts her mattress—junk-food stash.
YOLI (CONT’D)
Contraband?
SANDY
Not supposed to. My family says I
have an eating disorder.
Sandy jumps on the bed, playful bit:
SANDY (CONT’D)
I eat dis-order of fries, dis-order
of rings, dis-order of ice cream—
The girls crack up.
LOUDSPEAKER (V.O.)
Sandy Wolshin, report to the
office.
SANDY
I knew I wouldn’t be here long!
SMASH CUT TO Sandy returning, holding a tiny bag.
YOLI
Washcloth and toothbrush?
Sandy nods. They exchange a look: maybe she will be there
awhile.
MONTAGE — LIFE INSIDE
— Girls line up for lunch at school. The orphans hand over
orange tickets while the day students pay cash — a quiet,
daily reminder who has parents and who doesn’t.
— Yoli’s arm around Sandy after a fight.
- Sandy and Yoli playing softball. They are really good.
— Sandy making girls laugh during chores.
INT. ORPHANAGE – COMMON ROOM – NIGHT
TITLE: TWENTY-THREE MONTHS LATER.
Sandy, SUSAN, and SHEILA huddle.
ROOM MOTHER (V.O.)
Wolshin sisters to the office.
INT. PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE – NIGHT
ROOM MOTHER
Your mother called. You’re going
home tomorrow.
They shriek, hug. SHEILA murmurs:
SHEILA
If they show up this time.
EXT. ORPHANAGE – DAY
Lou and Olga by the camper. Sonia, Steve, and Stanley already
inside.
Sandy looks for Yoli to say goodbye, She spots her at a
window, eyes wet.
YOLI (MOUTHING)
Don’t forget me.
SANDY (CALLING UP)
I’ll come back for you! ¡Volveré
por ti!¡Volveré por ti!
A horn HONKS. Sandy climbs in, clutching her rabbit.
INT. WOLSHIN CAMPER – MOVING – DAY
The camper rattles away. Sandy stares out the window as the
orphanage shrinks behind her — her promise echoing:
“I’ll come back for you.”
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
A Cheerleader's Dream
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – NIGHT
Lou sits in his recliner, glued to the TV — a football game
blaring. Cigar butt in his mouth, black licorice in his hand.
Sandy (9), in footie pajamas, peeks from the hallway,
watching him watch.
ON TV – Cheerleaders appear — pom-poms flying, legs kicking.
LOU
Now that’s talent.
SANDY
(softly, to herself)
I can do that too, Daddy.
She stays in the shadows. Quiet. Dreaming.
CUT TO:
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – MORNING
Sandy clutches a VHS tape: *INTRODUCTION TO CHEERLEADING.*
She slides it into the VCR, presses play.
ON TV – Teen girls perform a synchronized routine.
Chubby little Sandy tries to follow — offbeat, out of rhythm,
determined.
LOU enters, cigar jutting.
SANDY
Daddy, look at me! I’m a
cheerleader!
LOU
Not bad, kid. You’ve got rhythm.
She lights up — a crumb of approval.
LOU (CONT’D)
But you’re not a cheerleader till
someone gives you a skirt and pom-
poms.
(beat)
Keep practicing. Exercise’ll do you
good. You gotta have a nice figure
if you wanna cheer.
Sandy keeps moving, jaw set — as if effort alone could make
her worthy.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Facing the Cheer
INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE – DAY
DR. GOLDBERG, kind but clinical, smiles gently.
DR. GOLDBERG
Your parents say they’re worried
about your eating. That’s why we’re
meeting today.
SANDY
It was actually my friend Yoli’s
idea.
DR. GOLDBERG
Your best friend?
SANDY
The best.
(beat)
She said I talk too much to the
mirror — maybe I need a new
audience.
A faint smile from Dr. Goldberg.
DR. GOLDBERG
Since your dad insists this is our
only session, let’s jump in. What
do you love to do?
SANDY
Dance. Piano. Baseball, Football.
Make people laugh.But my favorite?
Cheerleading.
DR. GOLDBERG
Do you cheer with a team?
SANDY
In my living room. But one day… on
TV.
DR. GOLDBERG
That’s great. Tell me about the
love and care you get from your
parents.
Sandy stiffens — then jumps up, performing instead of
answering.
SANDY
Give me an L! Give me an O! Give me
a V! Give me an E!
She cartwheels — wobbly but fearless.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Love! Attention! Care!
Dr. Goldberg chuckles softly.
DR. GOLDBERG
That was great. Now, sit at my desk
please
Sandy plops down, still catching her breath.
DR. GOLDBERG (CONT’D)
Let’s try something new.I’d like
you to write with your left hand
about what you like. It’ll feel
like kindergarten but sometimes old
feelings come out that way.
SANDY
Okay. I like trying new things.
She giggles, scribbling awkwardly.
Sandy writes slowly, letters uneven.
SANDY (CONT’D)
(writing and saying aloud)
I like... when Mom... and Dad...
are nice... to each other.
Her smile falters. Tears build.
SANDY (CONT’D)
I don’t like this.
DR. GOLDBERG
That’s okay. We can stop.
Sandy drops the pencil.
DR. GOLDBERG (CONT’D)
But now you have a secret tool.
When you can’t say something out
loud, your left hand will tell the
truth.
Sandy stares at the crooked scrawl, hugs the notebook to her
chest.
SANDY
(quietly, stinging)
Mom and Dad never really wanted me.
Or my brothers. Or my sisters.
She gathers her sweater and walks out — small but composed.
EXT. STREET – CONTINUOUS
Sandy steps into sunlight. The city hums, indifferent.
Squaring her shoulders — already learning to carry the weight
herself - she walks over to her Dad waiting in their car.
MONTAGE – YEARS PASSING
— Sandy practicing with her cheerleading video, ignoring her
parents arguing.
— Practicing in the backyard under rain — won’t stop.
— Writing with her left hand by nightlight.
— Practicing in the school bathroom, sneakers squeaking on
tile.
— Practicing on her walk to class, pom-poms invisible but
real.
— Sheila moving into a tiny apartment, proud but poor.
— Yoli showing Sandy’s letter to her friends — her face
glowing.
— Birthday candles blow out — TEEN SANDY (16) at cheer
tryouts, smiling through nerves.
She nails a move. Someone finally hands her a skirt and pom-
poms.
END MONTAGE.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Jealousy and Dark Comedy
INT. LOU’S CAR – AFTERNOON
Lou drives, jaw tight.
ACROSS THE STREET — OLGA laughs with a NEIGHBOR JACK (40s)
and his dog.
Innocent — but to Lou, poison.
LOU
(muttering, low)
I knew it...
His grip clamps the wheel. He jerks it — the car jumps the
curb.
Olga and Jack leap back as a hubcap spins loose.
NEIGHBOR JACK
(startled)
What the hell—?
OLGA
(flustered, covering)
My husband. Probably forgot
something at work.
(beat, forcing smile)
Nice seeing you, Jack.
She hurries inside. The Neighbor frowns, uneasy.
CUT TO:
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – KITCHEN – MORNING
Olga cleans, humming.
SFX: FRONT DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.
OLGA
Lou? You didn’t mention you’d be
home early—
She turns — freezes.
A gaunt man (CLYDE, 30s) stands in the doorway with a GUN.
OLGA (CONT’D)
We don’t have much. Take whatever
you want.
CLYDE
Shut up!
OLGA
Okay.
(beat)
You hungry? You look hungry.
CLYDE
What?
OLGA
I just made delicious goulash. How
about a plate?
CLYDE
Lady, I’m here to do a job.
OLGA
Wouldn’t it be better on a full
stomach?
A pause. His gun hand trembles.
CLYDE
...Haven’t had a home-cooked meal
in a long time.
OLGA
Thought so. Come on.
He hesitates, then tucks the gun away and follows her.
END FLASHBACK
BACK ON STAGE –
NIGHT
SANDY
My dad was jealous. Thought Mom was
having an affair with the neighbor
— Jack. So, true story — he picked
up a hitchhiker and offered him a
thousand dollars to kill her. Plus
five hundred for the antisemitic
mother-in-law.
(Audience gasps, half-laughing.)
SANDY
I know what you’re thinking — he
picked up a hitchhiker? That’s so
dangerous.
(Laughter breaks the tension.)
SANDY
Later, Mom’s friend asked, “How
could you marry a man like that?”
And Mom said, “Well, he did spend a
thousand dollars on me.”
(Big Laugh)
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Shattered Innocence
FLASHBACK – INT. SHEILA’S APARTMENT – EVENING
SHEILA (21) hosts her siblings — STEVE (19), SUSAN (17),
SANDY (16), STANLEY (12), and SHOSHI (10).
Pizza boxes everywhere.
SUSAN
I knew Sheila’d be the first to
move out.
STEVE
She’s the oldest, genius.
SANDY
Do you like living on your own?
SHEILA
Best thing ever. You gotta escape
those negative vibes, man.
STANLEY
Look at the TV! Look at the TV!
ON TV — NEWS ANCHOR.
TV ANCHOR
...Wolshin was taken into custody
for attempted murder. The hitman,
Clyde Anderson, turned himself in,
saying he couldn’t go through with
it — because Olga Wolshin was,
quote, “a really nice lady.”
The kids stare, stunned.
SUSAN
(earnest, teeth first)
Okay. I did *not* know that was
gonna happen.
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – NIGHT
All six kids rush to OLGA, clinging.
Sandy stares at her father’s empty recliner — hurt, confused.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A Piece of Cake
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – KITCHEN – DAY
Sandy (22) scans newspaper classifieds.
Olga enters with the mail.
SANDY
Anything for me?
Olga shakes her head.
SANDY (CONT’D)
(sighs)
Dad probably has a lot on his
plate.
OLGA
In prison, maybe.
She exits. Sandy opens the cookie jar. Empty.
EXT. BAKERY – DAY
SANDY exits, mid-bite into a cookie, carrying a cake box.
She passes a dusty dance studio.
A flyer flutters in the window:
**CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS – LA RAMS – May 2, 1 PM – Mason Rec
Center.**
She stops. Cookie mid-air. Looks at the cake box, then the
flyer.
SANDY
(softly)
Piece of cake.
She walks off — not chewing, thinking.
INT. MASON REC CENTER – DAY
Over two hundred stunning women stretch and preen.
Sandy enters in her old community-college cheer outfit,
finishing a candy bar.
Girls giggle; one snaps a photo. Sandy tucks the wrapper in
her bra — old reflex.
SANDY
(to herself)
Still got it.
Across the room, CHERYL JOHNSON (40s), Rams cheer
coordinator, sleek and sharp.
CHERYL
Alright, ladies — small groups of
ten. Let’s see choreography.
Sandy raises a hand.
SANDY
Quick question — is there a group
for girls who’ve cheered before?
CHERYL
(icy smile)
Oh. That’s... cute.
(to the room)
Show of hands — who’s cheered
before?
Every hand shoots up. Sandy’s follows, hesitant.
SANDY
I’ve got experience. I thought—
CHERYL
I’m sure you do. But this is the
NFL. We have standards.
(beat) Especially physical ones.
Her gaze drags over Sandy — slow and surgical.
SANDY
So... you’re saying I’m too fat?
CHERYL
I was trying not to say it.
(beat)
Lovely face, though. That’s
something. Tone up, trim down, try
next year.
Sandy nods, spine stiff, heart sinking.
INT. REC CENTER HALLWAY – MOMENTS LATER
Sandy leans against the wall, fighting tears.
SANDY
(under her breath)
Next year... I’ll be ready.
RHONDA
Don’t let her get to you. She’s
been dying to say that to someone
all day.
SANDY
Guess I made her morning.
RHONDA
You walked in like you belonged —
that’s more than most. I take a
dance class Thursday nights. No
judges. You’d fit right in.
SANDY
You inviting me out of pity?
RHONDA
Nope. Your presence shook a few of
those little girls.(backing away)
Back row’s mine. I’ll scoot over.
Sandy watches her go — then looks down at the flyer.
She folds it carefully, tucking it into her pocket like a
lifeline.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Sweet Escape
EXT. REC CENTER – DAY
Sandy steps into harsh sun. A bakery next door breathes sugar
into the air. She notices… then pushes inside.
INT. BAKERY – DAY
Bell JINGLES. Sandy buys a cake, eyes down. The box becomes
armor.
EXT. MASON REC CENTER – PARKING LOT – DAY
Wind snaps the TRYOUT FLYER in her hand. Across the lot, two
perfect girls peer at a phone — a pic of Sandy mid-chew.
TRYOUT GIRL #1
Cattle call, huh? Didn’t know they
meant a heifer.
TRYOUT GIRL #2
That uniform — Pop Warner?
They snicker. Sandy keeps walking, jaw tight, hugging the
box.
INT. SANDY’S CAR – DAY
Door shuts. Silence. Flyer in her lap. Cake on the seat. A
single tear. She wipes it away. Rhonda’s voice in her
head:“Back row’s mine. I’ll scoot over.”She rips the box
open. A fist of cake. Another. Frosting on her lips. Breath
quickens. She slams the lid, shakes, stares at the crumpled
flyer. Her cake-sticky hand grips the wheel. Engine ON.
CUT TO:
BACK ON STAGE –
NIGHT
SANDY
So I have an eating disorder. When
my feelings get hurt, I eat.
One guy didn’t believe me. I said,
“OK, Take me to dinner. Now hurt my
feelings. Now watch.”
(LAUGHS)
SANDY
I dated another guy who never hurt
my feelings. I thought, “Wow,
he’ssensitive!” Turns out he was
cheap.
(BIGGER LAUGH)
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Kitchen Conflicts
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – KITCHEN – AFTERNOON
The exterior door opens. Sandy trudges in, drops a bag of
cookies.
OLGA rinses a teacup; watching her daughter.
OLGA
Still moping?
SANDY
A little.
OLGA
Weight you can control. You just
eat too much, honey.
SANDY
That’s the problem. Once I start, I
can’t stop.
OLGA
You can. You come from a long line
of people who are used to starving.
SANDY
That’s because there was no food.
OLGA
You can do it Sandy. My grandmother
ate only snow till she was seven.
If the only thing between you and
your dream is weight, you’re lucky.
OLGA (CONT’D)
Oh—your father’s got a parole
hearing Friday. I’m speaking for
him.
SANDY
Well I hope you’re just as lucky,
and he doesn’t try to have you
killed again.
OLGA
Oh honey, that was just a big
mistake.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Support in Shadows
EXT. BOARDWALK – EVENING
Chunky Sandy strolls with CHRIS, an unremarkable guy.
CHRIS
Just so you know… I usually date
hot chicks.
SANDY
Really? How much did you pay them?
She jogs ahead, playful. He lumbers after.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Ooh—ice cream. Two scoops.
CUT TO:
INT. SANDY’S BEDROOM – LATER
She’s sprawled on the bed in her clothes. Candy wrappers
everywhere. Empty pie box. Mascara smudged. Hollow stare. She
dials.
SANDY
(soft, cracked)
Yoli… I binged. Bad. Everything. I
don’t want to do this anymore.If I
don’t get control… I’ll never make
that team.
YOLI (V.O.)
Meet me in the lobby. I’m coming.
Sandy exhales for the first time tonight.
CUT TO:
INT. APARTMENT LOBBY – NIGHT
In Spanish, with subtitles.
Yoli rushes in and immediately wraps Sandy in a tight hug —
the kind that says everything words can’t.
SANDY
Me siento fatal. (I feel terrible.)
YOLI
Te ves fatal. (You look terrible.)
A tiny laugh through tears. Yoli doesn’t let go.
SANDY (ENGLISH)
Why are you so nice to me?
YOLI
Because I’m your carnala. I’ll
always be there. And you’re too
good to let this crap ruin your
dreams. Don’t throw it away on
cookies.
SANDY
You’re so kind.
YOLI
Both my parents were kind.
SANDY
I never asked. What happened?
Yoli drifts, remembering.
YOLI
When I was eight and sick, my mom
use to put Vicks on my dad’s dirty
sock and wrap it around my neck.
SANDY
Gross.
YOLI
I know. But it felt like
protection.
FLASHBACK:
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Threads of Memory
INT. MODEST APARTMENT – NIGHT (LATE 1980S) – SPANISH
(SUBTITLED)
YOUNG YOLI (8), flushed and sniffling. MOTHER wraps a sock
around her neck.
YOLI’S MOTHER
Esta combinación va a sacar lo
malo.
(This combination will
pull the bad out.)
A kiss to the forehead.
YOLI’S MOTHER (CONT’D)
Mi guerrera hermosa. (My beautiful
warrior.)
BACK TO LOBBY:
SANDY
She really loved you.
YOLI
She did.
(beat; lighter)
Now I carry her in weird ways. Like
socks… and strays.
She pulls a CLEAN, folded sock from her hoodie. Offers it.
YOLI (CONT’D)
Here. Clean. I swear.
SANDY
If I die of athlete’s foot, I’m
blaming your mom.
They laugh. Then—
SANDY (CONT’D)
So… why the orphanage?
YOLI
That night, they went to get me
NyQuil. Drunk driver.
After that—foster care, orphanages...
SANDY
I’m so sorry.
YOLI
(smiles gently)
I’m okay. You’re the one in
trouble.
SANDY
Yeah.
YOLI
I heard about this group—for food
addicts. There’s a meeting
tomorrow. Let’s go. I’ll take you.
SANDY
You’d go with me?
YOLI
I said always. Remember?
CUT TO:
EXT. FOOD ADDICTION MEETING – NIGHT
Sandy paces outside. Yoli hurries up.
SANDY
Oh thank God. I was freaking out.
YOLI
Missed a bus.
SANDY
You know I have abandonment issues!
YOLI
I said sorry. Sheesh. I’m here,
aren’t I?
Sandy nods. Yoli opens the door for her.
YOLI (CONT’D)
Plus, when you make it big as an
NFL cheerleader, introduce me to a
linebacker.
They head in—
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Day One: A Journey Begins
INT. FOOD ADDICTION MEETING – NIGHT
They pause just inside. Folding chairs. Coffee. A welcoming
BUZZ.
SANDY
Everyone’s so skinny. Are we in the
right place?
YOLI
Let’s find out.
She approaches a poised woman, BONNIE (40s).
YOLI (CONT’D)
Hey—skinny contest? My friend
thought this was for fat people.
BONNIE
I was close to three hundred pounds
when I started.
YOLI
No way.
BONNIE
Way.
SANDY
Then why are you still here?
BONNIE
Because I still have the disease.
The body changed. The brain… needs
help every day.
Bonnie studies her — recognition, empathy.
BONNIE (CONT’D)
You remind me of me when I as new.
I’m Bonnie. Here’s my number.Call
me when the food starts talking.
She scribbles it on a program, hands it over.
BONNIE (CONT’D)
Welcome. Today’s Day One. It can
get better from here.
Sandy takes the number like a lifeline. Breathes.
She chooses a seat.
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – SANDY’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Sandy sits at her little desk, writing a letter to her
father.
Her voice carries over as we SEE SHOTS of her training and
fighting her way back.
SANDY (V.O.)
Hi Daddy. I know I might be wasting
my time since you never write back,
but I hope you’re okay.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Sandy's Journey: From Doubt to Determination
INT. DANCE STUDIO – THURSDAY NIGHT
Music pumps. Mirrors shimmer. Bodies stretch and sway.
Sandy stands in the doorway — heavier than the rest, tugging
at her shirt, unsure.
Rhonda spots her and waves.
RHONDA
Told you I’d move over.
Sandy steps in beside her. The music kicks up. The group
moves as one — except Sandy, a half-beat off, breath short
but spirit fierce.
NEARBY DANCER
(whispering, smirking)
She won’t last.
Sandy hears it. Her face drops. But Rhonda clocks the
whisper. Without missing a move, Rhonda slides front and
center — sharp, fierce, perfect timing — right in front of
the girl who whispered. The girl tries to keep up… and misses
her count.
RHONDA
(mid-spin)
Oh, you missed that one. That’s
basic jazz, honey. Maybe hit your
own counts before you count my
friend out.
A few dancers laugh. The whisperer flushes, totally off-beat
now.
Rhonda grins, slides back beside Sandy, and winks.
RHONDA (CONT’D)
You got this, girl.
Sandy exhales, finds the rhythm again — and keeps going.
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – BEDROOM – NIGHT
Sandy steps on a scale: 172 lbs. She sits back down, writing
again.
SANDY (V.O.)
The Rams cheer squad said if I lost
some weight, I could try out again
next year.
(pause)
Or the year after.
INT. WOLSHIN KITCHEN – DAY
Sandy preps her food for the week — lean proteins, veggies
neatly packed.
SANDY (V.O.)
I’m going to a food addiction
support group and working really
hard.
INT. DANCE STUDIO – NIGHT
Sweat glistens. Sandy’s moving better now. Still fighting,
still in it.
SANDY (V.O.)
I hope that when I’m an NFL
cheerleader, I can get you tickets
to a game. When you get out.
INT. SHEILA’S HOUSE – DAY
The family gathers around pizza boxes. Sandy sits with her
siblings but quietly opens her own little Tupperware meal. A
smile — proud but wistful.
INT. SHEILA’S BATHROOM – LATER
Sandy steps on the scale: 154 lbs.
SANDY (V.O.)
The family’s doing good. Sheila —
or “Peace” now — got engaged to a
guy named Canyon.He smells really
bad. Mom says it’s because he’s a
filthy hippie.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Struggles of Temptation
EXT. SANTA MONICA BEACH – THE STEPS – DAY
Sandy pushes up the steep stairs, sweat pouring, breath
ragged. Halfway up, she slows — gasping, dizzy.
She looks down the steps, defeat creeping in.
At the bottom: an ICE CREAM CART. Bright umbrella.
Condensation glistening on the metal lid.
The VENDOR smiles.
VENDOR
Looks like you’ve been working out.
Here — on the house.
He sets a cone in the holder. Perfect. Tempting.
SANDY
Oh, no. Thank you.
(beat)
But could I trouble you for some
water?
She glances at the cone. A flicker of longing. Eyes back to
the ocean.
The vendor pours from a jug, hands her a paper cup.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Thanks.
She drinks, hands the cup back, turns away — calm, steady, in
control.
We STAY on the cone, melting in the sun.
A bead of ice cream slides down the side, glistening…
Then — WHAP! Sandy’s hand snatches it out of frame.
EXT. BUSHES – MOMENTS LATER
Hidden from view, she devours the cone.
Savage, messy bites.
Cold sugar slamming her system.
She licks her fingers, breathless, eyes darting — like it
never happened.
EXT. 7-ELEVEN – LATE AFTERNOON
Neon hums. Sandy’s old car swings into the lot.
A crumpled napkin with melted ice cream stains rides the
dash.
She straightens her shirt, wipes her mouth, pushes inside.
INT. 7-ELEVEN – CONTINUOUS
She moves fast, mechanical.
Trail mix. Pistachios. Family-size chips.
Then the freezer — frosty glass, her reflection staring back.
She slides it open.
Grabs one ice cream sandwich. Hesitates.
Grabs two.
At the register:
CLERK
Party?
SANDY
(laughing lightly)
Something like that.
EXT. 7-ELEVEN PARKING LOT – MOMENTS LATER
Sandy hustles to her car, arms full of bags.
Door slams. Engine starts.
INT. CAR – CONTINUOUS
She’s already eating. Chips open, one hand on the wheel, the
other shoveling.
Crumbs, salt, frosting — chaos.
The world outside disappears into chewing.
OVER THIS:
The sound of crinkling bags, relentless crunches.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
One Pound at a Time
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – BATHROOM – NIGHT
Sandy steps on the scale: 159 lbs.
She picks up a scrap of paper: BONNIE — Food Addiction Group.
Dials.
SANDY (V.O.)
Daddy… it’s been so hard without
you.
Do you ever think about me?
BONNIE (O.S.)
(answering, gentle)
Hello?
SANDY
(soft, shaky)
Hi Bonnie. It’s Sandy. I... binged.
I don’t know what to do.
INT. FOOD ADDICTION SUPPORT GROUP – NIGHT
Sandy sits in the circle, hands twisting in her lap.
Bonnie watches her gently — really sees her.
Sandy lets the words tumble out. Tears. Nods from strangers
who understand.
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – SANDY’S ROOM – NIGHT
Sandy writes again, slow and steady.
SANDY (V.O.)
Daddy... do... you... love... me?
EXT. WILSHIRE BOULEVARD – EARLY MORNING
The city just waking.
Sandy runs — still heavier, but determined.
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
She writes in her food journal.
SANDY (V.O.)
No sugar. No flour. One day at a
time.
INT. DANCE STUDIO – NIGHT
Sweat. Rhythm. This time, she keeps up perfectly.
Rhonda catches her eye, proud.
INT. BATHROOM – NIGHT
Scale: 142.7 lbs.
A small smile flickers.
INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT
Sandy on the phone with Bonnie.
BONNIE
One pound at a time, sweetheart.
SANDY
Next year, when the Rams hold
tryouts… I’m not just showing up.
I’m making that team.
BONNIE
You said you’d be ready. Now you
believe it.
Sandy wipes away a tear — smiling this time.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Sandy's Triumph
EXT. WILSHIRE BOULEVARD – MORNING
She runs again. Faster now. Ponytail flying. Lighter. Fierce.
MUSIC CUE: “GONNA FLY NOW” – Rocky Theme (slow build).
She passes the Ebell Theater. A bakery. Doesn’t even glance
at the croissants.
Up ahead — HER SUPPORT GROUP.
Signs wave. Cowbells ring.
SIGNS READ:
“YOU GO SANDY!”
“STEPS NOT SUGAR!”
“RUNNING ON GOD!”
SLOW MOTION: They jog behind her — arms flapping, headbands
bouncing. A ballet of blubber and bravery. Ridiculous,
beautiful, trying.
One woman discreetly ducks away… pulls a donut from her
purse, devours it in two bites. She tucks the wrapper in her
bra, then re-joins the pack, cheering louder than anyone.
EXT. SANTA MONICA – PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY – DAY
YOLI zips up beside Sandy on a scooter.
YOLI
You look like you stole that sweat
from your thighs — let’s GOOOO!
Sandy LAUGHS. Wipes a tear. Keeps running.
BONNIE pops up on the sidewalk with a decaf and a tiara.
BONNIE
You’re a spiritual athlete, baby!
They round a corner. The group keeps pace for another block…
barely.
GROUP WOMAN #1
I haven’t run since Reagan was president!
GROUP WOMAN #2
I’m jogging emotionally!
BONNIE
Okay, team. Screw cardio. Get in
the van!
The group veers off, gasping and laughing. Their VAN peels
away, headed for the top.
EXT. SANTA MONICA STAIRS – LATER
Sandy attacks the steep steps. Breath ragged. Legs shaking.
These are the same stairs that once broke her. But not today.
She pushes through. Reaches the top. Arms shoot up —
trembling, crying, laughing. She did it.
The van screeches up. The SUPPORT GROUP pile out — yelling
her name, waving signs, beaming.
They rush her, wrapping Sandy in a giant, sweaty, joyful hug.
She laughs through the tears, letting their love in. Not the
first time she’s been held — but the first time she truly
believes she deserves it.
INT. BATHROOM – NIGHT
Scale: 125.0 lbs. Sandy stares at the number. A breath. A
shaky smile. She wraps her arms around herself. Tears spill —
quiet, unforced.
SANDY (V.O.)
Thank you.
She doesn’t say who to. She just lets it out, like a prayer
whispered into the air. Her eyes close. The sound of her
breath fills the silence.
FADE OUT.
MUSIC SWELLS — “Gonna Fly Now” reprise, soft and soaring.
FADE TO BLACK.
Genres:
["Drama","Inspirational","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Cheers to New Beginnings
EXT. COFFEE SHOP PATIO – DAY
Sandy and Rhonda sip iced teas, sun on their faces.
RHONDA
You still set on the Rams?
SANDY
Yeah… why?
RHONDA
Because the Raiders are holding
open tryouts next week. Coliseum.
National spotlight.
SANDY
The Raiders? Rhonda, they’re like
the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.
(MORE)
SANDY (CONT’D)
You have to dance crazy—and be
gorgeous.
RHONDA
You are gorgeous.
SANDY
No, I’m not. I’m just regular. But
you taught me how to do lashes and
extensions—so now I know how to
fake it.
Rhonda laughs, touched.
RHONDA
Then let’s go fake it together.
Sandy grins—nervous, hopeful, glowing.
SANDY
Okay… Raiders it is. Just win,
baby.
RHONDA
You even sound like Al Davis.
They clink their iced teas, grinning like girls about to do
something crazy.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Cheerleader Auditions: A Competitive Showcase
EXT. FOOTBALL PRACTICE FIELD – DAY
A sea of hopefuls in dance attire. Pinned numbers everywhere.
SANDY, 918, clutches her number like a life raft. At a long
table: COACH; PLAY-BY-PLAY ANNOUNCER (PBP); COLOR COMMENTATOR
(COLOR); and the owner, AL DAVIS (50s, sharp, amused).
COACH
Number 652.
A thin brunette with assets steps forward.
GIRL 652
Hi, judges. I’m Jackie. Five-four.
Brunette. Blue eyes. Four years
UCLA cheer.
She spins, gives the judges a look at her lines, returns to
the mark. Clipboards scratch.
COACH
Number 395.
GIRL 395 (SEXY)
Hi. I’m Misty. Five-five. Brunette.
Green eyes. Thirty-eight, twenty-
four, thirty-six.
She snaps into a series of poses.
AL DAVIS
Sweetheart, you’re in. See Janet in
the tent for paperwork.
MISTY
Thank you, Mr. Davis.
COACH
Number 918.
Sandy steps forward and launches into a quick, crisp hip-hop
routine.
SANDY (IN CHEER CADENCE)
My name is Sandy—yeah—I’m sweet as
candy—yeah— My hair is blonde, my
eyes are brown— I’m five-seven—get
on down!
She HITS a silly pose. The table can’t help but grin. Al
Davis chuckles.
EXT. FOOTBALL PRACTICE FIELD – LATER
COACH
Number 44, let’s see you cheer.
A cute blonde steps up.
GIRL 44
Give me an R! (kick) Give me an A!
(kick) Give me a D! (kick) Give me
an E! (kick) What does it spell?!
AL DAVIS (HOLDING A HAND)
Honey, you just spelled “Rade.”
AL DAVIS (CONT’D)
I’ve seen enough. Maybe next year.
Girl 44 slinks out.
EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD – LATER STILL
About a hundred remain, including Sandy. A STAFFER hits
play—music POUNDS. CHOREOGRAPHER LISA stands near the
mirrors.
CHOREOGRAPHER
Five, six, seven, eight—
The line dances a tight, scripted combo. Sandy is
unexpectedly smooth—athletic, clean.
EXT. PRACTICE FIELD – EVEN LATER
Down to roughly forty-eight for thirty-six spots. Q&A round.
COACH
Number 918.
Sandy steps forward.
AL DAVIS
Where do you see yourself in ten
years?
SANDY
Honestly? I hope to have a
boyfriend by then.
A beat—then Al Davis LAUGHS.
AL DAVIS
That’s great. You’ve got balls,
honey.
SANDY
Don’t worry—I’ll get ’em removed
before the first game.
PBP
Timing.
COLOR
Guts.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
The Final Cut: Triumph and Tears
INT. PRACTICE FACILITY – DAY
Final-cut routine. Groups of six. MUSIC BLARES. Sandy nails
the opening counts—then BLANKS. Half a beat late. Panic
flashes. The group finishes. Pencils move. Al Davis
frowns—disappointed; he’d noticed something special earlier.
He starts to turn away—
SANDY
Mr. Davis—please, don’t dock me for
the brain-freeze. It won’t happen
again.
(beat)
You want Raiderettes who can
represent the team out there? I
can. I’m funny.
She pivots to the panel of JUDGES.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Okay judges, by a show of hands—any
football fans in the room?
A few reluctant hands.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Great! I’ll be sure to speak…
sloooowly.
Light laughter ripples.
SANDY (CONT’D)
And—I’ve got a decent arm.
She pulls a FOOTBALL from her bag, pats it once, eyes
narrowing. A hush. Then—she rifles a DEAD-ON SPIRAL.
Gasps from the line. Al Davis SNAGS it clean, impressed.
AL DAVIS
Don’t dock points. She earned ’em
back.
Sandy exhales—shaky, grateful.
EXT. PRACTICE FIELD – LATER
Twenty-eight numbers already called. Four remain. Electric
air—every breath held.
COACH
Alright… last four.
(checks clipboard)
Number 742!
MISTY shrieks; a dogpile of hugs.
COACH (CONT’D)
Number 867!
RHONDA sprints forward, tears and mascara. Sandy claps, joy
for her friend punching through fear. Rhonda looks back—eyes
locked on Sandy. She chews a nail, whisper-prays.
COACH (CONT’D)
Number 901!
Another squeal, another dogpile. One spot left. Sandy stands
very still. The world narrows to a heartbeat and a number.
COACH (CONT’D)
And finally… Number 918.
Silence—then the room ERUPTS. Girls shriek, hug, cry. Rhonda
barrels back, wraps Sandy. They clutch each other, laughing
and sobbing. Around them, some sink in tears, others stare in
shock. For Sandy, it’s everything.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Sandy's Big News
INT. WOLSHIN HOME – NIGHT
Sandy bursts in, clutching her CONTRACT and pompoms.
(Top line visible: RATE: $60 PER GAME.)
SANDY (CALLING OUT)
Everybody—down here! Big news!
Olga pokes out from the kitchen as SUSAN, SHOSHI, and STANLEY
thunder down the stairs.
STANLEY
Sandy. Sandy. Guess what? Guess
what?
Sandy doesn’t really hear him.
SANDY
Give me an R!
FAMILY
R!
SANDY
Give me an I!
FAMILY
I!
SANDY
Give me a C!
FAMILY
C!
SANDY
Give me an H!
FAMILY
H!
SANDY
What does it spell?
FAMILY
Rich!
She twirls, giddy.
SANDY (SCREAMING)
I’m a Raiderette! I’m gonna be
rich!
LOU (O.S.)
Not for sixty bucks a game.
She spins — he’s in the doorway. Her joy turns to surprise.
SANDY
Daddy, you’re home!
She rushes to hug him; he allows it briefly, then pulls back.
STANLEY
Tried to tell you. Tried to tell
you
LOU
Sixty bucks ain’t squat — but at
least you look better.
(beat)
Here. Got you something. Don’t say
I never did nothin’ for you.
He gestures for privacy. She follows.
LOU (QUIET, ALMOST EMBARRASSED) (CONT’D)
It’s a chai — means “life.” Two
Hebrew letters. I know we’re not
religious, but you’re still Jewish.
Don’t forget that.
He fastens the small gold pendant around her neck — rough but
careful.
LOU (CONT’D)
There. Don’t lose it.
SANDY
I won’t.
He grunts and heads to the kitchen.
Sandy touches the pendant — life gleaming at her throat.
ON STAGE – NIGHT (PRESENT)
SANDY
My childhood drove me to be the
funny girl. But breaking into
comedy? Harder than sneaking into
Yom Kippur without a
ticket.(laughs) To pay the bills I
answered phones at a fancy law
firm.(phone voice)“Good morning,
Jewish, Jewish & Jewish—how may I
direct your call?” (laughs)When I
wasn’t answering phones, I was
fetching coffee. One day I met a
talent agent getting coffee and he
asked, “Are you ready for your life
to change?”Let’s just say — it did.
SFX: a milk steamer SCREAMS—
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
A Chance Encounter
FLASHBACK – INT. COFFEE SHOP – MORNING (25 YEARS AGO)
The steamer hisses as SANDY (late 20s) balances a tray of
orders.
MARK CHEESEMAN (40s), slick and smiling, edges up behind her.
MARK
Getting your coffee fix?
SANDY
Picking up for my bosses.
MARK
Where at?
SANDY (PHONES VOICE)
Goldberg, Greenberg &
Schwarzenberg—how may I direct your
call?
MARK (LAUGHS)
That’s a lot of Bergs.
SANDY
In Yiddish, “Berg” means “ambulance
chaser.”
He laughs, hooked.
MARK
You’re funny.
SANDY
Day job. I’m a stand-up — open
mics, little clubs, big dreams.
MARK
Mark Cheeseman — Iconic Artists. I
rep comics. Got a reel?
SANDY
Really? Yeah, I do.
MARK
Email it. Address is on the card.
SFX: a phone RINGS—
INT. LAW FIRM – RECEPTION – AFTERNOON
Phones RING. Sandy answers brightly.
SANDY
Good afternoon, Goldberg, Greenberg
& Schwarzenberg—how may I—
MARK (V.O.)
Are you ready for your life to
change?
SANDY
Excuse me?
MARK (V.O.)
It’s Cheeseman. I watched your
reel. You’re too good to be
answering phones. Meet me — Beverly
Wilshire, 7:00. Don’t be late.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Confrontation and Renewal
INT. BEVERLY WILSHIRE HOTEL – BAR – NIGHT
Dim, buzzy. Sandy sips, trying to stay calm.
MARK leans close — charm and calculation.
MARK
Crazy family, overweight kid,
Raiderette, now comic. That’s a
story. I can sell that.
SANDY
I just want a shot.
MARK
Then let’s take this upstairs — no
distractions.
Her smile fades. She keeps it light.
SANDY
You’ve got plenty of models for
that. Let’s keep it professional.
MARK
I am professional. I am also very
attracted to you.
He grips her wrist — too hard. She pulls back.
SANDY
I was hoping you’d see me as a
comic, not a… perk.
She lays down cash, stands.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Thanks for your time. I don’t want
to owe you for anything.
She walks off.
MARK
Stupid bitch.
Sandy stops. Turns—projecting to the room.
SANDY
Oh, I’m a stupid bitch because I
won’t sleep with the guy who said
he’d help my career?
The bar goes quiet. A BARTENDER murmurs to the MANAGER.
BARTENDER
Finally—someone told him off.
The MANAGER nods, impressed.
Heads turn. Mark shrinks in his seat.
INT. SANDY’S APARTMENT – BATHROOM – MORNING
Sandy, still in last night’s clothes, half a cream pie beside
her.
She exhales, dials.
SANDY
Bonnie, it’s me. I’m struggling.
BONNIE (V.O.)
What happened?
SANDY
Agent turned out to be a creep. I
ate over it.
BONNIE (V.O.)
You called — that’s the win. Start
with water, shower, and let’s take
this one hour at a time.
Behind frosted glass, Sandy’s silhouette steps in.Steam
rises. Water roars. Her face softens — pain giving way to
strength.
MATCH CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Drills and Discontent
EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD – DAY (RAIN)
Rain hammers the turf. The RAIDERETTES drill hard under their
pregnant COACH.
COACH
One, two, three, four — come on,
ladies, work!
She stops BRITTANY.
COACH (CONT’D)
Put your hand on my stomach.
BRITTANY
(feeling kick)
Oh my gosh—amazing!
COACH
It’s not amazing that my fetus
kicks better than you — it’s
pathetic!Now do better than my
fetus!
BRITTANY
Yes, ma’am!
EXT. SIDELINE – CONTINUOUS
A laminated sheet clipped to a clipboard:
RAIDERETTES APPEARANCE RULES
-No eating in uniform, No curlers, Late = laps, If you arrive
without makeup, wear sunglasses until you’re fully made up
Sandy ties her shoes beside a teammate who looks crestfallen
SANDY
Don’t worry, if we smile hard
enough, they validate parking.
(beat)
Kidding. We validate our own
parking.
COACH (O.S.)
Media day’s Friday. Show up sloppy,
and you’re selling season tickets
in San Bernardino — unpaid!
Groans ripple through the line.
SANDY (LOW, TO LISA)
Didn’t expect to work this hard for
this little.
LISA
Yeah, but the perks are amazing.
SANDY
So… what are the perks?
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Glamour and Discomfort
EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS MANSION – NIGHT
An establishing shot of a mansion, valets scrambling to park
cars.
YOLI (V.O.)
Thanks for letting me be your plus-
one.
INT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS MANSION – CONTINUOUS
Sandy is stunning in a sparkly low-cut top and impossibly
short miniskirt; Yoli squeezes into what might be her old
prom dress. CELEBRITIES and PRO ATHLETES mingle with PLAYBOY
BUNNIES and RAIDERETTES. Numerous male eyes clock the
newcomers.
SANDY
They’re looking at me like I’m a
piece of meat.
YOLI
You’ve earned it, girl! I’m gonna
take a lap and see if I get any
bites.
SANDY
No, stay with me—
But Yoli is already bee-lining toward a cluster of football
players. Sandy hesitates. A handsome man in an expensive suit
steps in — slicked hair, extremely white teeth.
MAN
You okay?
SANDY
I’m sorry?
MAN
Don’t take this the wrong way, but
you look a little like a deer in
headlights.
SANDY
Are you calling me Bambi?
He grins, offers his hand.
MAN
Herb Stevens.
They shake.
SANDY
Sandy Wolshin.
HERB
Let me guess — with that body?
Raiderette?
SANDY
Yep, you guessed right. What about
you? Whiter-than-white teeth, slick
words, fancy suit… sports agent or
pimp?
HERB (LAUGHING)
Sports agent. Some of these
meatheads are my clients.
SANDY
Really? Where’d you find them — the
local butcher shop?
HERB
Good one. You’re funny, you know
that?
SANDY
Yeah. I used to be fat. Being funny
was my way of compensating.
HERB
What about now?
SANDY
I still like making people laugh.
I’m thinking about trying stand-up.
HERB
Really? I know the owner of a
comedy club. Bring a tight three
minutes and I’ll float your name.
A drunk fan lurches up, phone raised.
FAN
Picture? Smile — give me a spin.
HERB (QUIETLY)
One turn, then that’s it.
Sandy poses for a quick picture
HERB (CONT’D)
So you used to be fat, and now —
here you are charming me with your
beauty and wit.
(gestures toward the bar)
What can I get you?
SANDY
I’ll take a Diet Coke.
They start walking.
PHOTOGRAPHER (O.S.)
Raiderette — eyes up!
EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS MANSION – LATER
Sandy and Herb by the pool, drinks in hand. In the water,
Playboy Bunnies ride on players’ shoulders, splashing and
shrieking — chaos and champagne.
Yoli appears at the edge surrounded by linebackers
YOLI
There’s plenty of me to go around,
boys!
She’s loving it.
INT. RAIDERS AFTER-PARTY – NIGHT
Music thumps. Players and sponsors crowd the suite. Sandy, in
uniform, balances her diet coke.
A DRUNK SPONSOR leans in, leering.
SPONSOR
Give us a spin, sweetheart. That’s
what you’re here for.
Sandy forces a smile, turns, then quickly slips out to the
balcony. Alone, she exhales, mask dropping — her eyes saying
I don’t belong here.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
A Night of Laughter and Connection
INT. THE COMEDY STORE – NIGHT
Dressed in a little black dress, Sandy follows Herb to a
table. He pulls out a chair for her; they sit.
HERB
Have I mentioned you look stunning
tonight?
SANDY
Four times.
HERB
You’re definitely one of the
hottest Raiderettes.
SANDY
It’s not a competition, Herb.
HERB
Lucky for them.
Near the door, a corkboard: OPEN MIC – RIVERSIDE, CA – WED
6PM SIGN-UPS – 3 MINUTES. A small stack of flyers hangs by a
pushpin.
SANDY
Do you think we’ll get a chance to
talk to the owner?
HERB (LOOKING AROUND)
I’m not sure she’s here tonight. If
I see her, I’ll let you know.
SANDY
Right...
A female emcee takes the stage. Polite clapping.
EMCEE
How ’bout giving it up again,
’cause I’m recently uh single—
Everyone cheers.
EMCEE (CONT’D)
Mom!
Silence… then laughter. Sandy laughs the hardest — she’s
never seen comedy live.
EMCEE (CONT’D)
So a friend set me up with a nice
guy. First date, we went to an
Italian restaurant. Out of the blue
he says, “I’ve got to get this off
my chest. I only have one testicle.
Are there any questions?”
(beat)
I say, “Yeah. What happened to the
other one?” Turns out he lost it
playing football. So I said to him,
“Wow — talk about a sack.”
More laughs.
EMCEE (CONT’D)
Then the waiter’s comes over and I
want to order meatballs… but they
come in pairs.
Full-on laughter.
SANDY
(smiling to Herb)
Thank you for bringing me.
HERB
Anything for you, babe.
He slides an arm around her; she leans in, eyes on the mic
and the OPEN MIC flyer. As they stand to leave, Sandy peels a
flyer off the board and tucks it into her clutch.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Lonely Laughter
INT. DIVE BAR – RIVERSIDE – NIGHT
Neon buzz. A plywood “stage” in the corner. Busted karaoke
mic. Sandy at a sticky table, clutching her set list. She
checks her watch: 11:45 PM. Hours of waiting.
The EMCEE, slurring, waves her up.
EMCEE
Next up… Sandy… something Jewish.
Sandy takes the stage. A table of THREE DRUNKS barely looks
up; two are making out.
DRUNK GUY
Do the chicken dance!
Sandy forces a smile, tries a joke.
SANDY
So I drove two hours to Riverside
for this gig… and now I know why
MapQuest added “Are you sure?”
A polite chuckle — from the bartender. The drunks don’t
notice. She pushes on, voice cracking between punchlines.
SANDY (CONT’D)
My mom said I’d be performing for
packed houses. She forgot to
mention they’d be packed with
Miller Lite.
Nothing. A glass clinks. One make-out partner stumbles toward
the bathroom. Sandy exhales, defeated — a flicker of a girl
unsure if she belongs. She straightens the mic.
SANDY (CONT’D)
But hey — three people in the
audience… that’s three more than
were in the orphanage clapping for
me. So thank you, Riverside —
you’ve officially doubled my fan
base.
A smattering of drunken applause. She bows anyway. She drives
home through the dark, empty freeway.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
A Heartfelt Invitation
INT. SANDY’S APARTMENT – DAY
A cute, eclectic one-bedroom. Sandy enters, sweaty from a
jog. The answering machine blinks. She hits PLAY.
LISA (V.O.)
Hi Sandy, it’s Lisa from Mr. Davis’
office. It’s been a good year with
the team making the playoffs, and
Mr. Davis wants to show his
appreciation. He’s giving each
Raiderette a pair of premium fifty-
yard-line tickets. Whoever you
invite can see you cheer. Pick them
up at the box office. Thanks!
Sandy beams, grabs the phone.
INT. LOU’S TRAILER – DAY – SPLIT SCREEN
Lou in a recliner, cigar stub in teeth, surrounded by fast
food. Phone rings.
LOU
Hello?
SANDY
Hi Daddy, it’s Sandy.
LOU
How are ya, kid?
SANDY
I’m good. I know you’ve been bummed
since Mom threw you out, but I’ve
got something to cheer you up — two
fifty-yard-line tickets to the
Raiders playoff game.
LOU (ALMOST PROUD)
Fifty yard line? That’s big-time,
kid.
SANDY
So, you’ll go?
LOU
When’s the game?
SANDY
Monday night.
LOU
Oh.
SANDY
Something wrong?
LOU
I’ve been going to bed early
lately. And this week I’m heading
down to Mexico for a little R and
R.
SANDY
You’re staying out of trouble,
right?
LOU
I’ve been really trying, kiddo.
SANDY
Good. And how’s your diet?
Lou gulps his soda.
LOU
I’m the pillar of health. …A
slightly cracked pillar, maybe.
SANDY
The doctor warned you. Maybe come
with me to one of my support group
meetings. They help.
LOU (A FLICKER OF SINCERITY)
Maybe I should. We’ll see.
SANDY
OK. Anyway, I hope I’ll see you at
the game. I love you, Daddy.
LOU
Thanks for calling.
He stands still, phone in hand — emotion flickers.
LOU (SOFTLY) (CONT’D)
I love you too, sweetheart.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Breaking Free
INT. SANDY’S APARTMENT – DAY
The DOORBELL RINGS. Sandy opens the door — HERB grins and
steps in.
HERB
Hey gorgeous.
SANDY
Hey.
He kisses her, follows her in.
HERB
We still on for lunch?
SANDY
Yeah, quick shower first.
HERB
Then get a move on, babe — chop-
chop.
She makes a face, heads to the bedroom. Herb lingers near the
doorway with a small costume bag.
HERB (CONT’D)
You know the Vegas fight in a
couple weeks? I’m friends with the
promoter. He’s looking for ring
girls. I told him my girlfriend’s
one of the hottest chicks in L.A.
Sandy steps out of the bedroom in a bra and thong,
unimpressed.
SANDY
Ring girl? You want me half-naked
holding a sign?
HERB
It’s basically what you did for the
Raiders — and this pays a thousand
bucks.
SANDY
It’s not the same. I thought you
were gonna help me get a stand-up
gig.
HERB
I talked to the owner of that club
on Sunset — showed her your
picture. She said the same thing I
did… you’re too pretty for stand-
up.
Sandy freezes, stung. Herb steps closer, tilts her chin like
he’s doing her a favor.
HERB (CONT’D)
You’ve got two paths, babe — the
one where people look at you, or
the one where they laugh at you. I
know which one pays.
Sandy takes a long beat, lowers his hand from her chin.
SANDY
Yeah? Maybe it’s time I stop
letting men decide what I’m good
at.
She grabs her robe, covers herself, and opens the door.
HERB
You’re making a mistake.
SANDY
Maybe. But at least it’s mine.
She shuts the door behind him. The sound hangs in the air
quiet, but final.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Sandy's Night of Triumph
INT. COMEDY CLUB – FOUR NIGHTS LATER
Low-rent open mic in North Hollywood. Small crowd of comics
and stragglers.
The MC leans into the mic.
MC
Alright, you masochists, next
victim… another dreamer who thinks
she’s funny. Give it up for… Sandy
Wolshin.
Scattered, half-hearted applause.
Sandy walks up, clutching the mic stand like an anchor.
Exhales—dives in.
SANDY
Who knows what women’s number one
fear is?
(beat; scans)
It’s not spiders. It’s not that
your partner’s gonna cheat. It’s
not even death.
The crowd quiets.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Women’s number one fear… is that
their hairdresser will find out
they went to someone else.
Laughter bursts. A table of women crack up—knowing laughs.
SANDY (CONT’D)
It happened to me. I went back to
my hairdresser and she screamed,
“Who did your hair?!”
(playing guilty)
I felt like I was cheating. I got
defensive.
(in a man’s voice)
“It was just one time! It didn’t
mean anything. Plus, we were on a
break!”
Bigger laughs; nods. Sandy’s eyes sparkle—first real taste.
SANDY (CONT’D)
We’re back together now… but it’s
just not the same.
The sound rolls over her like music. CAMERA PULLS BACK—the
club’s still dingy, but tonight, she owns it.
The MC steps up, squinting.
MC
Don’t get used to it, sweetheart.
You got lucky.
Her smile flickers—then she holds her ground in the
spotlight.
INT. COMEDY CLUB – LATER
The next comic’s onstage as Sandy weaves through the crowd,
notebook clutched. She’s glowing, shaky, alive.
An OLDER COMIC, late 50s, worn but kind, stops her.
OLDER COMIC
You’re funny. Show up next
Saturday—Igby’s gives ten minutes
to females. You’d be perfect.
Sandy lights up, nodding.
SANDY
Really? Thank you so much.
OLDER COMIC
You’re welcome. You’re funny.
He heads toward the stage. She watches him go, a tiny,
childlike smile.
SANDY
(soft, to herself)
I am?
She hugs her notebook and pushes out into the night.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
A Choice Between Comfort and Ambition
INT. HERB’S APARTMENT – SATURDAY NIGHT
Takeout, a movie queued. HERB lounges as SANDY rushes in with
a flyer.
HERB
Hey—slow down. Sit. Eat. We can
binge a movie.
SANDY
I can’t. Igby’s just called
confirming there’s a spot for me
tonight. Louie Anderson’s gonna be
there.
HERB (HALF-JOKING)
Or… you could stay here with your
boyfriend.
She hesitates—comfort vs. dream.
SANDY
I want both, Herb.
HERB
We’ve got something good. You don’t
have to chase every maybe. You
could be happy right here.
SANDY
I love steady. I just don’t want
still. One set. Then I’m back.
HERB (SOFTENING)
You sure it’s worth missing our
night?
SANDY
Ask me after. If it tanks, I owe
you dinner for a week.
He exhales, nods.
HERB
Go. Break a leg.
She kisses his cheek and bolts. He watches her go—proud, a
little bruised.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Stand-Up and Stand Strong
INT. IGBY’S – FOYER/HALL – NIGHT
Crowd hum. SANDY and RHONDA weave in. Sandy spots MARK
CHEESEMAN.
SANDY (LOW)
Oh no. There he is.
RHONDA
Want to bail?
SANDY
No. He doesn’t own the hallway.
CHEESEMAN
Sandy. Let’s be adults, yeah? We
can keep you at 8:10—if we handle
it right.
(quiet)
Tina’s my closer. If you crush
before her, she looks soft. Then I
look soft. Bad for business.
He flashes a one-page memo.
SANDY
What’s this?
CHEESEMAN
Simple. I “manage” you—twenty
percent of everything, now and
forever. Prime slot guaranteed. No
politics with my headliner.
CLOSE ON header: “20% OF GROSS — PRESENT AND FUTURE.”
SANDY
Twenty? I thought managers take
ten. What is this—the Mark
Cheeseman Make-Your-Own-Price Plan?
CHEESEMAN
You want the good slot or not?
SANDY
I’m not going to be less funny to
protect your client. No thanks.
She moves past. Rhonda catches Cheeseman whispering to the
booker’s assistant; the kid nods, nervous.
INT. IGBY’S – GREENROOM DOORWAY
The BOOKER’S ASSISTANT pokes in.
ASSISTANT
Sandy, heads up. You’re still at
8:10 tonight, but next Saturday’s
agent set’s moved to next month.
He’s gone.
RHONDA (LOW)
He did that.
SANDY
Then I’ll be unforgettable tonight.
She touches her Star of David pendant—her steadying ritual.
INT. IGBY’S – STAGE – LATER
Sandy lands her closer.
SANDY (ON MIC)
I’m Sandy Shwartzenendez—only one
in the phone book. Good night!
Big LAUGH. She lets it ride, small nod.
MC (O.S.)
One more time for Sandy Wolshin!
AT THE BACK OF THE ROOM, Cheeseman watches the applause—jaw
tight. A hard glare. He slips into the hall.
INT. IGBY’S – WINGS / HALL – SECONDS LATER
Sandy, flushed, gathering her things—unsure how she did.
LOUIE ANDERSON steps beside her.
LOUIE (QUIET, KIND)
You’re funny. Don’t let anybody
tell you different.
ROSIE O’DONNELL grins from behind him.
ROSIE
Yeah—timing, heart. That’s rare.
Stick with it.
SANDY (SOFT)
Really?
LOUIE
Really.
ROSIE pats her arm; they drift toward the bar.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Going Viral
INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY
YOLI scrolls her phone as Sandy breezes in, dropping her bag.
SANDY
You’re not gonna believe this—Louie
Anderson, Rosie O’Donnell. They
told me I was funny.
YOLI nearly spits her coffee, shoves her phone at Sandy.
YOLI
Girl, you must’ve killed—someone
filmed it. My cousin in Phoenix
just texted—it’s online.
Sandy laughs—half disbelief, half terror.
SANDY
Great. Now the whole world knows I
bombed in front of thirty people
more into nachos than my
punchlines.
YOLI squeezes her hand, sincere.
YOLI
No, Sandy. The whole world’s about
to know you’re the real deal.
SANDY (VULNERABLE)
If I’m so funny… how come I’m not
famous yet?
YOLI
You will be. Ten fe. (Have faith)
INSERT — ENTERTAINMENT OFFICE MONITOR (GENERIC UI)
Email preview: “Comic to watch – 1 min.”
A clip of Sandy auto-plays in a background tab. The cursor
clicks elsewhere; the tab keeps running.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Empty Seats and Bitter Truths
EXT. RAIDERS STADIUM – EVENING
Players warm up. Raiderettes stretch on the sideline.
MISTY stands with Sandy.
MISTY
So if we lose, the season’s over?
SANDY
Yep.
A pass sails toward Sandy. She picks it up.
RECEIVER
Toss it here, honey.
SANDY
Go deep.
She heaves a perfect spiral downfield 40 yards. It lands
clean in his hands.
RECEIVER
She’s more accurate than you,
Marinovich.
MARINOVICH
Bite me.
MISTY (AWED)
You should be the quarterback.
SANDY (DEADPAN)
Only if I can wear sequins.
BOOKER (TEXT ON SANDY’S PHONE)
“Quick note: your Thursday paid spot is now unpaid guest set.
Budget cap’s tight.”
SANDY (UNDER BREATH)
Right. “Budget cap.” Sure.
INT. RAIDERS STADIUM – NIGHT
Packed house, playoff game underway. Sandy scans the stands.
Two empty seats: her father’s.
MISTY
What’s wrong, honey? You look like
you just got dumped.
SANDY
I did… by my father.
MISTY
You were dating your father?!
SANDY
Metaphor, Misty.
MISTY
Oh. I don’t know that language.
Sandy forces a smile as the crowd roars.
INT. LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT
Raiderettes shower and change. Lisa rushes up.
LISA
Sandy, you have a phone call.
Sounds important.
INT. STADIUM OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER
Sandy answers the phone.
SANDY
This is Sandy Wolshin.
OLGA (V.O.)
Sandy, it’s Mom...Your father... he
had a heart attack. (softly)Honey,
I’m afraid he’s gone.
The words land. Sandy’s knees give out. She grips the desk —
phone slipping from her hand. Her other hand covers her
mouth, a sharp, silent gasp. She sinks slowly to the floor,
back against the desk, eyes wide — frozen in disbelief.
For a long beat, nothing moves. Just the hum of the stadium
outside. Then, through a cracked whisper—
SANDY
I can’t believe it...
(beat)
He actually had a good excuse.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
A Moment of Grief and Connection
INT. FUNERAL HOME – DAY
Family and friends fill the room. Among them: Rhonda, Yoli,
Herb. OLGA, in black and enormous hoop earrings, rises and
sings “Edelweiss,” clacking castanets.
OLGA
♪ Edelweiss, Edelweiss… every
morning you greet me… ♪
The siblings sob, holding each other. Sandy sits apart, stone-
faced. Eyes locked on the casket—unblinking, unreadable.
EXT. SHEILA’S BUNGALOW – DAY
A shabby little house, overgrown weeds, peeling paint.
SANDY (V.O.)
I love what you’ve done with the
place.
INT. BUNGALOW – CONTINUOUS
Thrift-store clutter. SHEILA on the sofa.
SHEILA
We aren’t into labels, man. One
man’s garbage is another man’s
treasure.
She pats the cushion. Sandy sits beside her.
SANDY
Do you miss Dad?
SHEILA
Not really. Why?
SANDY
I feel lost without him. Like I’ll
never make him proud.
SHEILA
You did. Whenever you walked in,
his whole face lit up. You never
noticed?
SANDY (QUIET)
No…
SHEILA
He was a flawed, angry man. But no
one, no one, made him laugh like
you. He was proud of you, and so am
I. Look, you drive me crazy, but
when you want something, you push
through. I’ve always admired that.
SANDY
You have?
SHEILA
Don’t make me say it twice.
Sandy hugs her hard.
SANDY
I love you, sis.
SHEILA
Love you too.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
From Frustration to Connection
INT. THE COMEDY STORE – GREENROOM HALL / CHECK-IN – NIGHT
A TALENT COORDINATOR scans a clipboard: “MAIN ROOM SHOWCASE —
9:20 SANDY WOLSHIN.”
TALENT COORDINATOR
Sandy, I have to slide your
showcase. Heard you were late last
week.
SANDY
I was ten minutes early.
She glances aside—Cheeseman’s at the water cooler, casual
smile.
CHEESEMAN
Tough business. Stay flexible.
Sandy meets his stare, jaw setting. Then she walks on—steady,
silent, done.
EXT. CHARITY SOFTBALL FIELD – DAY
Banner: “Raiderettes vs Rams Cheerleaders – Foster Youth
Charity Game.” Crowd cheers. Sandy stands on the mound. Bases
loaded, two outs. She winds up — STRIKE ONE! STRIKE TWO!
STRIKE THREE!
The Raiderettes erupt, hoisting Sandy into the air. For a
moment, she glows — like that little girl back at the
orphanage.
EXT. FIELD – LATER
NANCY (50s), the organizer, addresses the crowd.
NANCY
Thanks to these wonderful ladies,
we raised fifteen thousand dollars
for the Foster Youth Association!
Applause. A bus pulls up. A dozen ORPHAN GIRLS spill out,
wide-eyed. Herb sidles up to Sandy.
HERB
You did your part. Can we bail?
SANDY
The orphans just got here.
HERB
I know — depressing.
Sandy’s face hardens.
SANDY
Yeah, Herb. Go.
Herb shrugs, leaves.
Sandy kneels to AMANDA (6), tiny, dark-eyed.
AMANDA
You’re so pretty. Your hair’s like
Barbie.
SANDY
Wanna know a secret? It used to be
brown, like yours. When I grew up,
I wanted to be somebody else.
AMANDA
Wow. One day I’ll be just like you.
Sandy hugs her, tears welling.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Ring Girl Regrets
EXT. LAS VEGAS STRIP – NIGHT
Neon lights blaze. A marquee shouts: “HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
TONIGHT!”
INT. ARENA – BACKSTAGE – CONTINUOUS
Chaos: athletes, entourages, celebrities. Bikini-clad RING
GIRLS parade past. A door creaks open.
INT. ARENA – BACKSTAGE – NIGHT
Sandy steps out in a skimpy ring-girl outfit, tugging at the
straps, mortified. Her eyes dart — scanning the room, wishing
she could vanish.
SANDY
I can’t believe I let you talk me
into this.
HERB
Whaddya mean? You look hot as hell.
SANDY
But I want to do stand-up, Herb.
HERB
Look, babe, in order to book a
stand-up gig right now you need to
be a fat lesbian.
(MORE)
HERB (CONT’D)
And you’re neither. So put a smile
on your face and make me proud.
Sandy sighs, walks away.
HERB (CONT’D)
That’s my girl!
SERIES OF SHOTS – THE FIGHT
— The fighters circle. Jabs. — Sandy and the Ring Girls
parade with round cards. — The crowd grows restless.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Sandy's Stand-Up Showdown
INT. BOXING ARENA – NIGHT
Bell rings, fighters to corners. Round 9. Sandy climbs in
with a card. She spots the mic dangling above. Inspiration
hits. She drops the card, grabs the mic.
SANDY (INTO MIC)
Hey folks, let me hear it if you
think this match could use a little
more action.
The crowd CHEERS.
SANDY (CONT’D)
The biggest fight tonight is
staying awake — am I right?
Laughter.
SANDY (CONT’D)
My boyfriend made me take this gig.
I told him I wanted to be a
comedian, and not just when I
review his performance in bed.
ANGLE ON Herb ringside, beet red. The crowd HOOTS.
SANDY (CONT’D)
I hate to break it to him like
this, but Herb…
(pointing)
You and I? We’re done. It’s over!
The crowd EXPLODES. The REFEREE approaches Sandy.
SANDY (CONT’D)
This was fun, but it looks like my
time is up.
(MORE)
SANDY (CONT’D)
(cheer-style)
Gooooo boxers!
The crowd roars as she hands the mic to the bemused Ref and
exits the ring.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Waiting for Comfort
EXT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY
Sandy paces outside the busy café. Checks her watch, the
street — that flicker of the little girl waiting for parents
who never came. Finally, Yoli and Rhonda rush up.
SANDY
I thought you guys had blown me
off!
YOLI
No way — the bus was late. You know
L.A. transit.
They fold Sandy into a hug. Relief softens her face.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP – MOMENTS LATER
They sit at an outdoor table with fancy drinks.
YOLI
You really announced you were
dumping him in the middle of a
boxing match?
(off Sandy’s nod)
Damn, girl, I’m not even that cold.
SANDY
Yeah. I kinda feel bad about the
whole thing.
RHONDA
You shouldn’t. I never told you
this, but Herb hit on me at the
softball game.
SANDY
Seriously?
RHONDA
It was so sleazy. I totally
rejected him.
SANDY
Well, he’s out of my life now.
YOLI
You sure that’s what’s eating you?
You’ve been off ever since the
funeral. You haven’t cried for your
dad yet, have you?
Sandy looks down at her cup, stirring nothing.
SANDY
Crying messes up my mascara… and my
denial.
They laugh gently, but the truth hangs between them — honest,
tender, real.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Finding Direction
INT. AL DAVIS’ OFFICE – DAY
Sandy enters Al Davis’ office. He’s behind his desk. No
celebrity photos — just clean and simple. One photo of his
wife and son.
SANDY
Thank you so much for seeing me,
Mr. Davis. I’m not sure if you
remember me.
AL DAVIS
Of course I do. You’re our funny
girl. How’s the comedy going?
SANDY
Pretty good. I’ve been performing
at some local joints.
AL DAVIS
Good for you. So why did you want
to see me?
SANDY
I’ve always admired you and looked
up to you. I was hoping you could
give me some advice.
AL DAVIS
What about?
SANDY
I’ve been struggling since my dad
passed away. He wasn’t very
affectionate, but he always told me
what I needed to hear.
AL DAVIS
Okay…
SANDY
So here’s the thing: I’m not sure
if I should try out for Raiderettes
again or go all-in for a comedy
career. It’s tying me up in knots —
and not in a sexy way.
Al chuckles.
SANDY (CONT’D)
I was hoping you could tell me what
to do.
AL DAVIS
Heck if I know. I was supposed to
be a doctor or a lawyer or a rabbi
— or all three. But instead, I did
what I love — football. And this is
where I ended up. So my advice? Do
what you love and the rest will
work itself out.
AL DAVIS (CONT’D)
Look, kid, your dad just died. Give
it some time. The Raiders will be
here.
SANDY
Okay. Thank you so much for seeing
me. I really appreciate it.
She stands.
AL DAVIS
Of course. You’re a part of the
Raider family, which means you’re a
part of my family.
SANDY
In that case, can I have an
increase in my allowance, Dad?
AL DAVIS
No! But you are funny.
AL DAVIS (CONT’D)
Good luck, kid. And always
remember, “Just win, baby.”
INT. SANDY’S CAR – DAY
Sandy drives, quiet. Al Davis’s words echo in her head — “Do
what you love.” She glances at a photo of her parents tucked
in the visor.
SANDY
(softly)
I’ve got to get some questions
answered first.
She exhales, turns the wheel — decision made.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Breaking the Silence
INT. OLGA’S APARTMENT – DAY
SANDY
Hi Mom, how are you doing?
OLGA
I’m fine, dear. How are you?
SANDY
I’m good… just kind of stuck.
Deciding if I should keep doing the
cheerleading thing or pursue stand-
up.
OLGA
I’m sure you’ll make the right
decision, dear.
SANDY
But that’s not why I stopped by. I
wanted to talk about something
that’s been bothering me for a long
time.
OLGA
Of course, dear. You know you can
talk to me about anything.
SANDY
I want to know why you never talk
about the time we spent in the
orphanage.
OLGA
I don’t know what you mean, dear.
She stands, moving toward the kitchen.
SANDY
You don’t know what I mean? Are you
kidding me?
OLGA
Are you hungry, dear? Maybe you’re
hungry. I made a fresh chocolate
cake.
Sandy rises, follows her. Olga points at photos on the
fridge.
OLGA (CONT’D)
Oh, Sandy, look how happy you were.
Remember Disneyland? That was such
a great trip.
SANDY
Mom, stop it!
(startles Olga)
I need you to talk about it. Why
won’t you? It was terrible for me.
Why did you abandon us there?
Olga freezes, shoulders trembling. She finally turns — eyes
wet, voice small.
OLGA
Because when I think about what
happened to you girls…I can’t live
with myself. I’m so sorry. I’m so,
so sorry.
Sandy steps forward and throws her arms around her mother.
SANDY
Mommy, I understand… We don’t ever
have to talk about it again. I love
you so much.
OLGA
I love you, too. My bright,
beautiful, funny, strong girl. I’m
so sorry.
They hold each other — years of silence finally breaking.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
A Sign from Beyond
EXT. JEWISH CEMETERY – DAY
Sandy kneels at Lou’s grave.
SANDY
Daddy — hi. It’s me, Sandy.
I know you once said there’s no
heaven, but I’ve chosen to believe
your spirit is somewhere nice.
Probably watching football and
eating Chinese food.
She exhales softly.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Anyway.I’ve been struggling with
what to do with my life. Do I keep
cheering? Do I give stand-up a
hundred and ten percent? Do I jump
off a bridge? I don’t know… I just
wish you were here to guide me. Can
you give me some sorta sign?
She takes a small notebook from her purse, writes left-
handed.
SANDY (V.O.)
Dear Daddy… I miss you. I love you.
Her body trembles. The words hit deeper than she expected.
She sinks to her knees, tears finally breaking through —
quiet, unstoppable.
A soft wind stirs the trees, carrying a faint echo of a
football crowd. Sandy wipes her eyes, breathes, and looks up
toward the sunlight. Something in her finally letting go.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
One More Time
INT. SANDY’S CAR – LATER
Sandy is driving home with the radio on.
RADIO DJ (V.O.)
Welcome to the KLOS Four O’Clock
Funnies. Here’s comedian Freddie
Schiff...
MALE COMIC (V.O.)
So I’m eating at my local Chinese
restaurant and a guy at the next
table asks me, “What’s good here?”
So I tell him, “Don’t order the
number one. I had the number one
and now I have to make a number
two.”
On the radio, we hear laughs from the audience.
SANDY
Thank you, Daddy. That’s what I
needed...
END FLASHBACK
TITLE: LOS ANGELES — YEARS LATER
MONTAGE — YEARS OF LIFE & JUGGLING (QUICK CUTS)
— WEDDING DAY: SANDY and ALAN under a CHUPPAH. Glass breaks —
MAZEL TOV!
— HOSPITAL / NEWBORN: Sandy cradles a baby; she jots a
punchline on the back of a hospital menu.
— BATHROOM / MORNING: A BABY on her hip. She scribbles a tag
on a DIAPER BOX with a dry-erase marker.
SANDY (STAND-UP AUDIO, OVER)
Ever try to write a joke with a
baby wipe in one hand?
— GROCERY AISLE: Toddler grabs sugary cereal; Sandy swaps in
raisins, whispers a bit into her phone. The cart’s WHEEL
SQUEAK becomes her metronome.
— LAUNDRY ROOM / NIGHT: She lip-syncs her set while flipping
clothes. DRYER DING = her “applause” button; she bows to a
tower of towels.
— OPEN MIC / DIVE BAR: Six patrons, neon beer sign. One big
laugh. She pockets a DRINK TICKET like it’s an Oscar.
— KITCHEN TABLE / 1 A.M.: FRIDGE LIGHT + a lonely DESK LAMP.
She tears up a dud line, writes a cleaner one, keeps going.
SANDY (STAND-UP AUDIO, OVER)
I measure sets in nap lengths… if
he sleeps twenty minutes, I’ve got
a tight five.
— CLUB BACK HALL / EVENING: She checks a BABY MONITOR app,
kisses ALAN’s cheek, pockets the phone, steps toward the
curtain.
— CURB / PARKING METER: A TICKET on the windshield. She flips
it, jots a tag on the back, chuckles — paid for a punchline.
— LIVING ROOM / HANUKKAH: A MENORAH flickers as she paces
with a notebook. Light grows; confidence grows with it.
END MONTAGE
MATCH CUT: the MENORAH glow blooms into a STAGE SPOTLIGHT —
PRESENT DAY.
AND RETURN TO SANDY ON STAGE…
SANDY
Being a comic, I get to perform at
so many different venues. Last week
I was performing at an assisted
living home. I was a hit! They
loved me. There wasn’t a dry seat
in the house.
(Audience laughs)
SANDY (CONT’D)
Those places are great for comics
because I can go back every other
year or so to a whole new crowd.
(Audience laughs and
groans.)
SANDY (CONT’D)
So my father’s 86-year-old mother,
Grandma Tanya of blessed memory,
had the best advice for me. She
said, “Sandy, in the morning... I
get up, I have a cup of coffee, I
go to the bathroom, and then I get
out of bed.”
(The Audience laughs
again.)
SANDY (CONT’D)
I really appreciate you guys —
you’ve been a great audience. This
is my last night of stand-up so
Thank you so much...
(Audience applauds, many
stand.)
NT. GREEN ROOM – NIGHT
Laughter from the club still hums faintly through the walls.
Inside, it’s quiet. Too quiet. Sandy sits alone, half-packing
her bag, half just sitting there. The silence hits — a
deafening reminder this might really be it.
The door BURSTS open. YOLI and RHONDA tumble in, breathless,
flushed with adrenaline.
YOLI
Oh no. No, no, no. Tell me you’re
not serious about quitting.
RHONDA
You can’t do that, Sandy. Not after
tonight.
SANDY
I’m done. I gave it everything I
had.
YOLI
You’re not done. You’re tired.
There’s a difference.
RHONDA
You were fantastic up there. The
room loved you.
Sandy gives a small laugh — half gratitude, half disbelief.
SANDY
Yeah, well... I’m not gonna make it
big from audiences who love me at a
pizza parlor.
YOLI
You can’t quit. You’re too damn
good.
RHONDA
Please. Just one more shot.
SANDY
At what? Another open mic in a bar
that smells like throw-up?
Yoli crouches in front of her, eyes locked on hers.
YOLI
No. A real stage. Our stage. Let’s
do a fundraiser — you headline, we
build it around you. We’ll book
other comics too who can bring
industry. I’ll run production,
Rhonda will handle outreach. We’ll
pack it. We’ll make people see you.
RHONDA
For real, Sandy. One night. You owe
it to yourself.
Sandy looks at them — the stubborn hope in their faces. A
tiny flicker inside her, but she covers it.
SANDY
You two are nuts.
YOLI
Maybe. But we believe in you.
RHONDA
Come on. Say yes. Just this once.
Sandy exhales, eyes softening.
SANDY
Let me… think about it. Okay?
They exchange a quick look — they know that’s not a no.
YOLI
We’ll take it.
They hug her, impulsive and fierce, then go. The door closes.
Silence again.
Alan peeks in.
ALAN
Hey. You were great tonight. You
okay?
SANDY
Yeah. I’m fine. Give me a minute.
I’ll meet you in the car.
He nods, gives her a look of quiet love, and leaves.
Sandy sits again — still, listening to the muffled laughter
in the distance. A small, private smile flickers. Then,
almost under her breath:
SANDY (CONT’D)
Maybe just one more time.
MONTAGE OVER THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS – OPERATION: FUNDRAISER
— Sandy and Yoli on phones, making calls. A whiteboard with
scribbled lists: Comics, Lights, Sponsors. Mr. Davis nodding
in approval. Rec staff member Jorge running the sound booth.
Sandy driving along Sunset Boulevard at night — her car
glides past a massive billboard:
TINA MARSH — *“LIVE FROM THE SUNSET!”*
ICONIC TALENT — MARK CHEESEMAN printed below in bold white
letters.
The glow hits her face — recognition freezes her breath.She
jerks the wheel, easing the car to the curb. For a beat, she
just sits there — engine humming, world moving on without
her. Eyes fixed on that name.
A tear slides down — not just pain, but shock, memory, and
the quiet pride of a woman who once said *no*.
She wipes it, exhales, straightens her shoulders.
The billboard looms behind her as she drives off — resolve
hardening back into grace.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
A Sunday of Support and Preparation
EXT. SANDY & ALAN’S HOUSE – CURRENT DAY - SUNDAY AFTERNOON
A happy backyard madhouse — food sizzling, kids, grandkids,
in-laws, sister, and nephew by the pool.
JOYCE (90), Sandy’s surrogate mom, sits like a queen in her
recliner, passing out butterscotch.
INT./EXT. BACK PATIO / KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
SANDY threads through with a stack of INDEX CARDS, dodging
scooters. MAX (13) raids chips, backpack half-zipped.
MAX
Mom, if you get famous today, do I
still have to go to practice at
three?
SANDY
If I get famous today, you’re
taking a limo to practice.
The DOORBELL BUZZES.
Sandy opens to YOLI and RHONDA — breathless, amped, stepping
over a tiny TRICYCLE.
YOLI
Oh my gosh — just heard some TV
folks are coming to the show. Like,
real-deal—Johnny Carson-level
excitement.
SANDY
Really? You mean the Johnny Carson
RADIO show in Anchorage, Alaska?
They all laugh
RHONDA
But honestly Sandy, I’m so glad
you’re giving it another shot. Have
you been practicing?
SANDY
Yes, in Between a band aid for
Caleb’s Bruised knee and playing
soccer with Max I got my opening
down.
YOLI
Awesome girl you got this.
They all high five and hug each other and Sandy starts doing
her little funky but shaking dance (like can’t touch this)as
they burst out laughing — pure joy between friends who’ve
seen every high and low.
ALAN (CALLING FROM GRILL)
Go rehearse babe. I’ll handle this
zoo.
SANDY (CALLING BACK, WARM)
Te amo. Don’t burn the kosher dogs.
SANDY (CONT’D)
(TO ANA, IN SPANISH) Ana — ¿puedes
vigilar a los niños una hora? Voy
arriba con Yoli y Rhonda.
ANA
Claro, yo los tengo.
They grin. Sandy leads Yoli and Rhonda upstairs.
INT. SANDY’S HOME OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER
Walls lined with Raiderette memorabilia. Her old uniform in a
glass case. Family photos cover another wall — kids,
grandkids, Sonia and her son Ben.
On a shelf, a worn stuffed rabbit from the orphanage days.
A blank corkboard waits. Sandy spreads her index cards and
starts the timer on her phone.
SANDY
Big opener. Honest all the way
through. Strong finish.
YOLI
Trim the stuff that drags — keep
the energy up.
RHONDA
Keep it connected. You’re ready.
MAX pops his head in.
MAX
Famous limo or regular Mom at
three?
SANDY
Regular Mom. Famous later.
He thumbs-up and vanishes. Sandy exhales, steadies — then
pins the first card to the board.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Okay — let’s do this.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Rehearsing for Success
INT. HOME OFFICE – NEXT DAY - LATE AFTERNOON
Corkboard: OPEN • RAIDERS • ORPHANAGE • FAMILY • CLOSER.
ALAN sits on an ottoman with the timer. SANDY stands like
it’s a stage; a broom with tape marks for a “mic.”
ALAN
From the top.
Sandy runs the opener. Alan taps the timer section marks,
calm and steady.
ALAN (CONT’D)
Good. Cut a couple words — get to
the turn faster.
She scratches a card, tries the line again — cleaner. The
timer ticks.
ALAN (CONT’D)
There it is. Button the joke, then
breathe. Let them laugh.
Sandy notes a small pause. She runs the Raiders bit; tags
land.
ALAN (CONT’D)
Lose the grocery-store tag — it
slows it down.
SANDY
Gone.
She pulls the card, shifts the order: FAMILY moves later;
CLOSER slides up a slot.
ALAN
Reset. From “Orphanage.”
Sandy hits the beat — honest, funny, precise. Alan doesn’t
gush; he just nods.
ALAN (CONT’D)
That’s the set.
Sandy posts the last revision, looks at the board — tighter,
cleaner, hers.
SANDY
Okay.
She clicks the pen closed, a small, private smile.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Foster Dreams Fundraiser: A Night of Reflection and Resilience
INT. SMALL CHURCH – CANDLE ALCOVE – EARLY MORNING (DAY OF
SHOW)
Rows of veladoras flicker in the dim light.
Yoli lights two — slow, steady, reverent.
YOLI (IN SPANISH; SUBTITLED)
Para mis padres… y para Sandy.
She touches the folded flyer beside her:
“FOSTER DREAMS FUNDRAISER — TONIGHT 7PM.”
The candlelight glows across her determined face.
MATCH CUT TO:
EXT./INT. COMMUNITY REC CENTER – NIGHT
Poster: “FOSTER DREAMS FUNDRAISER — TONIGHT 7PM.”
The crowd buzzes — Raiderettes, Raiders, Sandy’s family,
foster kids, a sprinkle of industry faces.
INT. BACKSTAGE – NIGHT
Sandy and Yoli huddle by the stage. Jorge, the tech
volunteer, checks his clipboard and cables.
SANDY
Yoli, this is Jorge — our tech boss
tonight.
YOLI
Mucho gusto.
SANDY
You know what’s wild? Everyone
working this show — me, you, Jorge
— all of us were in foster care or
an orphanage at some point.
YOLI
¿De verdad?
JORGE
¡Sí!
SANDY
Even Mr. Davis.
YOLI
Mr. Davis??
SANDY
Kidding. He just financed the whole
thing.
They laugh.
JORGE
I’ll be in the booth.
He exits. Yoli scans the clipboard.
YOLI
Okay, Here’s the set list for the
comics. Jamal opens, then Lexi,
Paulie B… and Tina Marsh closes the
first act.
SANDY
Wait. Tina Marsh?
Yoli nods, confused. Sandy’s face tightens.
SANDY (CONT’D)
She’s repped by Cheeseman. They’ve
got a billboard on Sunset. I
haven’t seen him in over twenty
years.
YOLI
Cheeseman? Oh Sandy, I didn’t know.
I booked through an agency. I’m
sorry.
SANDY
It’s okay.
YOLI
Tina Marsh has been on The Tonight
Show, but honestly? She’s not that
funny. She’s sleeping with him —
that’s why he reps her. That’s what
he wanted from you.
SANDY
Yeah.
YOLI
Thank G-d you’re funny.
SANDY
Gracias, carnala.
They share a knowing look — women who’ve both survived the
worst and kept their humor.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Lights Out, Laughter On
INT. REC CENTER – HALLWAY BY TECH CLOSET
Cheeseman — older, polished, still oily — flashes a fake
STAFF badge. He leans toward the Venue Manager, who’s
checking a breaker panel.
CHEESEMAN
Fire marshal sent me to double-
check the mains. Which one controls
stage?
VENUE MANAGER
That one — 3-B. Please don’t touch
anything.
Cheeseman smiles, memorizing it. He pats the man’s shoulder,
already scheming.
INT. REC CENTER – NIGHT
Sandy walks on stage to cheers.
ON STAGE
Sandy grabs the mic, the lights
warm on her face. She’s in the zone
— owning the room.
Alan films from the crowd. Yoli watches from the wings,
glowing with pride. Thirty-five minutes into her act, she’s
still killing it — the crowd hanging on every word.
SANDY
I didn’t even know what a duvet
cover was until I married up.
Before that, I thought “shams” were
just what you called foster parents
who showed up drunk.
Roaring laughter. The foster-care alumni feel every word.
Celebrities and industry folks laugh too, but for the alumni,
it hits home.
Cheeseman glares — humiliated by her success. He rises from
his seat and slips toward the side exit. Alan catches it out
of the corner of his eye.
INT. TECH BOOTH – MOMENTS LATER
Cheeseman slips inside unseen. He peers through the curtain
at the crowd — Sandy is on fire, near the end of her set.
CHEESEMAN (MUTTERING)
Let’s see how funny you are in the
dark.
He flips the labeled switch: STAGE / HOUSE 3-B.
INT. STAGE – CONTINUOUS
Instant blackout. Total silence.
The audience holds its breath. Sandy freezes, heart pounding
— then something steadies her. She looks up, a small nod
skyward.
SANDY (SOFTLY)
Okay, Daddy. The show goes on.
She finds the mic by touch. Her faint voice cuts through the
dark.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Don’t panic, folks. This is just my
electric bill. Been overdue since
Ripples of laughter. A single phone light flickers on — then
another, then dozens. The room becomes a constellation of
light, faces glowing toward her.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Guess you all decided I needed
better lighting. Thank you — you’re
beautiful.
The applause swells, turning the dark into gold.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Confrontation and Triumph
INT. TECH BOOTH – CONTINUOUS
Cheeseman stares, furious that she’s still winning. He flips
another switch. Sound dies. He slips out the back, smug.
INT. SIDE CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS
Alan spots him — fury building — and follows quietly. They
reach the dim hall behind the stage. Alan steps into his
path.
ALAN
You think you can ruin her night
and walk away?
CHEESEMAN (SNEERING)
I run this town, pal. Don’t get
clever.
Alan’s fist connects — one clean, quiet punch. Cheeseman
stumbles back, stunned.
ALAN (LOW)
You don’t run anything. You tried
to break her once — never again. If
you ever go near my wife, I’ll make
sure every producer in this town
knows who you really are.
Alan walks off — calm as a storm that’s done its job.
Cheeseman stays slumped in the shadows, smaller than he’s
ever been.
INT. TECH BOOTH – MOMENTS LATER
Jorge notices the flipped switch on the monitor: STAGE /
HOUSE 3-B.
He hits LOCK, then snaps a padlock on the panel.
Lights flood back up.
ON STAGE
The crowd roars. Sandy squints
against the brightness, catching
her breath.
SANDY
That was either sabotage... or
menopause.
Laughter erupts again — louder, freer.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Either way — I’m still standing.
And thanks to you, we just raised over twenty thousand
dollars for foster care! The audience leaps to their feet —
thunderous ovation.
INT. BACKSTAGE HALL – MOMENTS LATER
Cheeseman rounds the corner just as Security arrives.
CHEESEMAN (SHOUTING)
You’re nothing without me!
He’s dragged away, face burning red.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
A Moment of Triumph
INT. WINGS – CONTINUOUS
Alan rushes to Sandy with water. Yoli barrels in behind him.
ALAN
You okay? You were amazing.
SANDY
Yeah... I’m okay.
YOLI
You didn’t miss a beat, girl. Not
one.
John Schulman — polished, kind-eyed — steps forward.
JOHN SCHULMAN
Hi, Sandy. John Schulman. Producer.
(offers his card)
I actually remember a clip of you
online years ago — Igby’s Comedy
Club. When I saw your name on
tonight’s program, I thought, I
have to see her live.
(beat; sincere) What you’re doing
is incredible. I grew up in foster
care too. And so did a very famous
former talk-show host I know.
(smiles) Call me in the morning.
Let’s talk next steps.
Sandy stares at the card — trembling, smiling, fighting
tears. Yoli squeezes her hand. Alan’s eyes shine with pride.
YOLI (SOFTLY)
You did it, girl.
SANDY (WHISPERS)
We did it.
SUPER: ONE MONTH LATER
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Sandy's Night of Triumph
INT. WILTERN THEATER – NIGHT
The 1,850-seat art deco palace is packed. House lights sweep
across Sandy’s life — family, friends, and heroes.
Front rows: YOLI, RHONDA, JORGE, and forty RAIDERETTES in
silver and black. ALAN sits with MAX, the adult kids, and
grandkids.
A few rows back, JOHN SCHULMAN sits beside a PROMINENT FORMER
DAYTIME TALK SHOW HOST — both tearful, quietly sharing foster
care stories. Cameras prowl the aisles. Outside, a dolly
glides past the marquee:
“SANDY WOLSHIN – LIVE!”
EMCEE (O.S.)
Ladies and gentlemen... please
welcome — Sandy Wolshin!
Thunderous applause as SANDY steps into the light — radiant,
calm, whole. She pauses. The roar softens to a hush. A faint
melody drifts in — the same one that once played in the
orphanage. The light around her warms, glows — a quiet
shimmer of memory awakening.
FLASH – INT. ORPHANAGE – SPIRITUAL MEMORY
ADULT SANDY appears — peaceful, luminous. She kneels beside
LITTLE SANDY, who sits clutching her worn rabbit.
SANDY
(softly, moved)
Hey... I’ve come to take you out of
here.
Little SANDY looks up — eyes wide, like she’s been waiting
for this moment forever.
SANDY (CONT’D)
We’re gonna do this show together,
okay? It’s not just for me... it’s
for you too. For both of us.
Little Sandy nods, smiling through tears. She presses the
rabbit into her older self’s hands. Adult Sandy takes her
hand. Together, they walk into the light. The orphanage
fading behind them until all that remains is radiance.
BACK TO PRESENT – INT. WILTERN THEATER – CONTINUOUS
That same light now surrounds ADULT SANDY onstage. A soft
gold glint flares on the pendant as she lays her hand over
her heart.
SANDY
Thank you... thank you.
(soft smile)
What a beautiful audience.
The crowd applauds — warm, alive, electric. Sandy exhales,
steady now — it’s time.
TIME CUT – LATER
Quick flashes: laughter, applause, Sandy mid-joke; the
Wiltern alive with energy.
ON STAGE
SANDY
I’m happy to tell you that I have a
fifty pound weight loss.
(Applause.)
SANDY (CONT’D)
To figure out why I was eating so
much, I went to a therapist, Dr.
Goldberg. She said, “Sandy, you
push your feelings down. You have
to express yourself. Tell people
how you feel.” Express your
feelings! So last week when I was
getting mugged at gun point, I told
my assailant, “I’m feeling very
angry.” and he put down his gun and
said, “Dr. Goldberg?”
(Laughter.)
SANDY (CONT’D)
So I’ve been learning that the
secret to happiness is for me to
align my will with God’s will. So
I’m standing on Rodeo Drive looking
at a dress I know I can’t afford,
thinking,“How do I know it’s not
God’s will?” Why would God have me
on Rodeo Drive...so suddenly
(Chuckles.)
SANDY (CONT’D)
So I try the dress on and it fits!
God’s will! But just to make sure,
I say to myself, if the money’s in
my purse, then I know it’s God’s
will. So I put my hand in my purse
and I pull out my Visa card. You
see, God is everywhere you want Him
to be!
(Laughter.)
SANDY (CONT’D)
Now I have the dress, and God has
thirty days to get me the money.
(Huge laugh. She’s a hit.)
The laughter rolls through the
theater.
Sandy catches her breath, looking out at the faces — lights
glowing warm and kind.
SANDY (CONT’D)
You know, I’ve been working on not
having assumptions. We all do it.
(MORE)
SANDY (CONT’D)
Take me, for example — you might
assume that because I’m a blonde,
bubbly cheerleader that I come from
a charmed, suburban, wholesome
background. Well, the truth is..my
hair is dyed, I used to be
overweight and depressed, and for a
time, my sisters and I were placed
in an orphanage. Changing the hair
was easy. I found a fabulous queen
who reinvented my look in under two
hours. The weight, took only twenty
years. And the abandonment issues
well...
She suddenly pretends to notice someone leaving.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Sir in the back, don’t you dare
leave! Sit down now! No one is
allowed to leave. Don’t leave me!
(Laughter.)
SANDY (CONT’D)
Still working on that. But my point
is — don’t judge a book by its
cover. Anyone can change.
She playfully points to a man in the front row.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Except maybe this guy right here...
but most people.
(More laughter.)
SANDY (CONT’D)
Yes, I still have pain from my
past, but I made a choice to become
the kind of person I wanted to be.
And if that starts with a two-
hundred-dollar dye job and a
somehow even more expensive pair of
Spanx, I say, “Go for it.”(back to
the man)I’m talking to you, sir.
(Big laugh.)
Her tone softens, heartbeat steady.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Really what I’m saying is:
don’t let old pain stop you from
being all that God created you to
be. But most importantly, always
remember to be your own
cheerleader.
The audience rises — standing ovation, pure joy. Sandy bows,
then pauses. Her eyes drift to the back of the theater — Her
DAD stands there, surrounded by soft gold light. Beaming. A
thumbs-up.
DAD (GENTLE, CERTAIN)
You did it, kid.
SANDY (WHISPER)
I love you, Daddy.
She touches the small Star of David at her neck — her
steadying ritual — and turns back to the audience as her
father’s image fades. Music HITS. Sandy breaks into a
Raiderette routine, finishing with a perfect cartwheel across
the stage. She’s still got it. The crowd goes wild —
laughter, cheers, applause.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
Morning Revelations
INT. SANDY AND ALAN’S BEDROOM – MORNING
Soft sunlight spills through half-open curtains. The Wiltern
poster glows faintly on her nightstand beside a bouquet of
wilted roses from the night before. Sandy is still half-
asleep, mascara smudged.
MAX (O.S.)
Mom! You left your phone in the
kitchen! And we’re out of milk!
Alan stirs beside her.
ALAN
Morning, superstar.
Sandy groans, pulling the covers over her head.
INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
Max, 13, rummages through the cabinets. The phone BUZZES on
the counter. Caller ID: John Schulman.
MAX
(under his breath)
Guess Mom’s famous now.
He answers.
MAX (INTO PHONE) (CONT’D)
Uh, hi — this is Max, her son. Can
you hold on a sec?
He jogs down the hall.
INT. BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
Sandy sits up, groggy, as Max bursts in.
MAX
Mom — Mr. Schulman’s calling you!
And I’m starving!
She takes the phone, blinking herself awake.
SANDY
Hello?... What?... You’re kidding —
next Thursday?
(listens)
Yes. I’m ready.
She hangs up, dazed. Alan props himself on an elbow.
ALAN
Good news?
She looks from him to Max — both watching her. Her eyes fill,
shining.
SANDY
We did it.
Alan smiles, reaching for her hand. Max grins — then leaps
onto the bed, wrapping them both in a huge bear hug. They all
collapse in laughter — a real-life dog pile of love and
victory. The kind you don’t plan... you just earn.
FADE OUT.
END CREDITS — Archival photos: Sandy growing up, family,
Raiderette years, and years on stage as a comic; intercut
with a short highlight clip.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NA8_Ap69plOurf8Dfsv_hgNpSKVa
ocCU/view?usp=sharing
And Newspaper clipping