- White lines of a distant jet ripple across a crystal sky.
- A fluorescent cross clings to a faux-rock wall above a
jacuzzi-baptistry. One bulb flickers.
- Red Converse hi-tops tumble down through wet pine branches.
- UNDERWATER: Bright bubbles rise. A dog paddles. Men’s hands
brush, linger together. A trout slips through the shimmer.
All while the VOICE OF A BOY (C.J.) explains his life goals:
C.J. (V.O.)
And I’ll have a four-door car. And
I’ll have my own pencils. New, not
used. And I will be tall and I will
have black hair like the Fonze.
FADE TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Dreams at the Dam
EXT. FOREST - OVERFLOW DAM - DAY (1982)
Water glides silent and heavy across the spillway into a deep
green basin below.
At the edge, C.J. HARRIS (10) - skinny in cutoffs and a tank
top - his hair in a bowl-cut, sits cross-legged.
His dog, LADY, pants beside him. His cat, POPEYE, blinks slow
in the heat.
C.J.
And we’ll live in Hollywood in a
house with a paved driveway and
sidewalks. Like on TV. And we’ll
have a refrigerator that’s never
empty. And we will stay together
forever.
He draws with a stub of chalk: four stick figures - two
parents, two kids - holding hands inside a lopsided house.
He stands, admiring his masterpiece. From above, the dam is
impossibly thin.
On one side C.J.’s image reflects on the surface of the deep
lake. On the other side, a hundred-foot drop to white rock
and creek foam.
And the pines, cedars and firs sway in the gentle breeze.
TITLE CARD: SON OF A PREACHER MAN
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Rebellion and Revelation
INT. HIS WAY CHURCH - CRAIG’S OFFICE - DAY (1989)
SUPER: 1989
Muffled preaching bleeds through the walls.
C.J. (17), sits atop the desk. His dirty-blonde hair in a
short mullet. A suit jacket. Pegged pants. Red Converse.
EZRA and DEREK (each 17), lounge around the office in Cosby
sweaters and acid-washed jeans.
EZRA
There’s no way it really works.
C.J.
Put it in the sun for a minute.
Ezra holds a small pink packet up to the window.
DEREK
Owen’s chickening out.
C.J.
He’s taking a piss. Relax.
EZRA
Pastor Craig says if a guy can’t
pee in front of other guys, that’s
how you know.
DEREK
Then Owen’s definitely a fag.
C.J.
Shut up, Derek.
The door opens. Ezra and Derek snap upright. Owen (17), tall,
handsome in Wranglers, boots, and a bolo-tie, steps in.
C.J. smiles at the sight of him.
C.J. (CONT’D)
It’s just Owen, dorks.
OWEN
Looks like Butt-Pirates Anonymous
is in session.
DEREK
Eat my shorts.
EZRA
I think it’s ready.
C.J.
Let’s see.
Ezra hands the packet to C.J. They slip out into the --
-- CHURCH HALLWAY
C.J.
Boost me.
Owen laces his fingers. C.J. steps into them. He pushes open
the pane, disappears into the ceiling. His hand reaches down:
C.J. (CONT’D)
Come on.
Owen hesitates - then takes his hand.
-- ATTIC SPACE - CONTINUOUS
C.J. pulls Owen into the attic space above the sanctuary.
Unfinished walls rise into rafters. Air-conditioning ducts
and water pipes snake through the beams. Stenciled labels
read: BAPTISTRY INTAKE and DRAINAGE.
Below them, muffled preaching vibrates through the ceiling.
A voice startles them:
SHEILA (O.C.)
You boys lost?
EZRA (O.C.)
Pastor Craig asked us to find his
keys, Miss Sheila.
C.J. and Owen peer down through the square of light.
Below: Ezra and Derek stand in the hallway under the access
panel, busted by SHEILA (40s), crew-cut, pant-suit, no-
bullshit.
SHEILA
Lying is a shameful sin, Ezra.
She escorts Ezra and Derek away.
C.J. and Owen retreat into the dark, holding in laughter.
C.J.
(whispers)
Poor bastards.
Owen holds out the small packet. It glows pink in the dark.
OWEN
Gnarly. It really glows.
C.J. looks to the access panel, making sure they are alone.
C.J.
You don’t know what they’d do to
me.
OWEN
Relax. It’s just us.
He rips open the packet, pulls out the pink glowing condom.
C.J.
Who the fuck wants a glow-dick?
Owen unzips. Rolls it on.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Holy shit!
Owen swings the glowing condom around like a toy, making
ridiculous light-saber sounds.
OWEN
Vvvvrrom, vvvvooom, vroom ---
C.J. cracks up.
OWEN (CONT’D)
Follow your feelings, Luke --
The boys collapse into silent laughter.
Then -- The organ BOOMS through the rafters. They nearly jump
out of their skin.
OWEN (CONT’D)
Fuckin’ hell, I’m late.
He zips up as they drop through the access panel into the
hallway and run toward the --
-- SANCTUARY
The boys stop behind a stage-flat to regain their composure.
C.J.
(under his breath)
Where’s the condom?
OWEN
Still on.
They stifle laughter and step into the glare of stage lights.
A vast, modern church. Chandeliers and speakers soar above
hundreds of CONGREGANTS singing with raised hands.
Faux white lilies crowd an altar with an oversized Bible. A
tall back-lit cross glows over a Jacuzzi-style baptistry
flanked by organ pipes.
At center stage, PASTOR NORM CHAMBERS (50s), clean shaven,
hair dyed, in a white three-piece suit, sings with wife,
JANIS (50s), her hair teased, makeup heavy.
PASTOR NORM & JANIS
(singing)
There is pow’r, pow’r, wondrous
working pow’r --
Owen grabs an electric bass guitar, joining a small band,
including an ELDERLY WOMAN (80s), on the organ.
C.J. moves toward JESSIE HARRIS (15), all bangs and shoulder
pads, in the front pew. Derek and Ezra stand in the next row.
CATHY HARRIS (35), hair permed and Aqua-Netted up high,
worships at the far end of the pew, one hand raised, BABY
SCOTTY (1) on her hip. Tears streak her makeup.
The rest of the HARRIS CLAN -- ERIN (7), ANDY (5), and RYAN
(3) -- fill the pew, bored to death and singing along. They
make room for C.J.
PASTOR NORM & JANIS (CONT’D)
(singing)
-- in precious blood of the lamb.
The song crescendos. Norm steps to the pulpit.
PASTOR NORM
Praise the lord. You may be seated.
The congregation sits.
PASTOR NORM (CONT’D)
I want to turn this over to Youth
Pastor Craig for some
announcements. Pastor Craig?
CRAIG HARRIS (35), balding, Fu Manchu, neon green parachute
pants and an orange tee, vaults onto the stage.
Owen slams into a heavy worship riff. The youth chant and
clap, practiced and loud.
CONGREGATION (CHANTING)
King of kings! Lord of lords!
Craig rides the roar of the room.
CONGREGATION (CHANTING) (CONT’D)
Glory! Hallelujah!
Craig lands at the pulpit, jabs a finger skyward.
CRAIG
Radical! Rockin’ for Jesus!
Can I get an ‘amen’?
CONGREGANTS
AMEN!
CRAIG
Amen. C.J., son, come help me with
these announcements.
C.J. climbs the steps. Owen adjusts himself as C.J. passes.
They both fight a giggle.
C.J. steps up to the mic.
C.J.
Good morning.
CONGREGANTS
Good morning!
C.J. checks the announcement sheet. Comfortable. Easy.
C.J.
His Way Youth Ministry is looking
for volunteers for this year’s --
He looks up.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Drum roll please...
The DRUMMER obliges.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Youth talent showcase.
The band riffs. Applause swells.
CRAIG
All youth are invited to share
their awesome God-given talents.
Sign up sheets are in the lobby.
C.J. starts offstage.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Stay up here, son. One more thing.
C.J. stops.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Cathy, join us up here.
Cathy stands, hands Scotty to Jessie, and ascends the stage.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
I met this pretty lady in eighth
grade, and asked her to go steady.
We were fourteen. We were married
four years later.
Cathy stands with Craig and C.J. She leans into the mic.
CATHY
We were just two kids lost in sin
when I got pregnant. The clinic
told us a baby at eighteen would be
too hard. That marriage was not a
“good reason” to keep him.
C.J.’s smile tightens. Cathy notices. A moment of doubt
crosses her face. Then Craig pulls C.J. close.
CRAIG
Satan wanted this boy torn from the
womb and thrown away.
Cathy looks out to the congregation, smiles.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
But C.J. stands here today as proof
that God has a plan.
C.J. forces an awkward smile.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Tell them who gave you life, son.
C.J. looks out at the congregation. Trapped.
C.J.
Jesus.
The room erupts. Craig hugs him tighter. Cathy applauds
through tears, still watching C.J.
CRAIG
Jessie, Erin, Andy, Ryan, come up
here with Scotty.
The Harris kids obey, filing onto the stage.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Lord knows me and Cathy had rough
patches in our marriage.
CATHY
But with the love of Jesus, we
stand here today, together, with
this beautiful family.
CRAIG
A living testament to God’s saving
grace.
The family lines up. Jessie hands Baby Scotty over to C.J.
CATHY
You know, I used to have a job
outside the home. Back then I
thought that’s what gave us
security. But now I know it comes
from the Lord and this family He
restored.
C.J. holds Scotty, wondering where this is going.
CRAIG
And that is why we are so jazzed to
announce that we are blessed again.
CATHY
We’re expecting child number seven.
The sanctuary explodes.
JESSIE
Jesus.
C.J.’s head drops. He looks down at his red Converse. Cathy
hugs him. He forces a smile, shocked.
Pastor Norm steps in, praying.
PASTOR NORM
Lord, God, we just thank you right
now for Pastor Craig and Cathy,
Lord, for bringing yet another
straight arrow into the quiver.
God, bless the Harris family, in
Jesus name --
CONGREGATION
-- AMEN!
The Congregants swarm. Janis and Pastor Norm shake Craig’s
hand and hug Cathy.
JANIS
We are so happy for you two.
Sheila hugs C.J., still holding baby Scotty.
SHEILA
C.J., God has such big plans for
you. This family is chosen by God.
C.J.
Yes. Thank you, Sheila.
He slips free, hands Scotty to Cathy, then pushes up the
aisle to Owen, Ezra and Derek as they disappear into the --
-- MEN’S ROOM
Ezra and Derek step up to the urinals. C.J. checks his hair
in the mirror.
Owen reaches in his pants, yanks off the condom, tosses it to
the counter.
C.J. laughs.
EZRA
Ugh. Gross.
OWEN
C.J.’s parents could have used it.
DEREK
Then you wouldn’t have to be the
anti-abortion poster-child.
OWEN
Seven kids. Jesus.
C.J.
Yeah. God’s got jokes. It’s a total
cluster fuck.
DEREK
Pretty sure cluster fucking is the
leading cause of pregnancy.
C.J.
Gag me.
The door opens. C.J. snatches the condom off the counter,
stuffs it into his pocket.
ZACH (17), shy, soft-spoken, steps in. Guy-liner and a silver
cross, trying for Morrissey but not quite there.
He freezes when he sees the others.
ZACH
Oh, hey, C.J.
C.J.
Hey, Zach.
C.J. tries to stay casual. Owen, Ezra, and Derek watch
through the mirror.
Zach searches for something safe to say.
ZACH
It must be, like... amazing. Jesus
blessing you with a family that
big.
C.J. sees he means it. Then Ezra snickers.
EZRA
So blessed.
DEREK
So large.
C.J. catches the boys watching him. He smiles. Chooses it.
C.J.
Blessed as fuck.
The boys crack up. Zach’s face drops. C.J. sees it.
The door swings open again. Jessie leans in, impatient.
JESSIE
C.J, come on. We’re leaving.
C.J. looks at Zach. But follows Owen, Derek, and Ezra out.
Zach is left alone.
I/E. YOUTH MINISTRY VW VAN - DAY
Craig drives through their gold-rush town. Cathy rides
shotgun, cradling Baby Scotty.
In back: Jessie and Erin share a bench. Andy and Ryan sleep
against C.J., heavy and warm.
C.J.
So does this mean I have to share
my room now?
JESSIE
Not if you move out after
graduation.
C.J.
That’s why they keep having kids -
to push us out.
Craig’s eyes flick to the rearview mirror.
CRAIG
If you don’t like this family,
there’s always foster care.
A beat.
CATHY
If it were up to me, none of you
would ever leave me.
Jessie and C.J. exchange an eye roll.
The van turns into the gravel turn-out of an 1850s farm
house: blistered paint, sagging laundry lines, neglected
orchards, rock-walled fields.
Beyond the trees, water glints. An old mill rusts.
Across the road: a boarded-up cottage, overgrown.
Jessie leans forward:
JESSIE
Evelyn’s finally up before sunset.
ERIN
Who’s motorcycle is that?
Craig pulls beside an old VW Bug, a 70s Lincoln Continental -
and a Harley.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Magic Tricks and Tensions
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - DAY
C.J. exits the van with Jessie, Erin, Andy and Ryan.
CATHY
Mom. You can’t stay with us if
you’re gonna smoke with the oxygen
on. You’re gonna blow this whole
place to smithereens.
Evelyn ignores Cathy. Erin and Andy check out the Harley.
EVELYN
You’ve got company.
JESSIE
So that’s why you’re all dolled up.
Evelyn nods to the field.
ST. NICK (40s), rough and worn down, in jeans, boots and
biker jacket, stands at rock wall, staring out over the land.
C.J.
It’s Saint Nick.
CATHY
(to Craig, re: St. Nick)
Not in front of the kids.
CRAIG
Let me go see what’s up.
Craig heads toward the field.
ERIN
Why is his name Saint Nick?
JESSIE
‘Cause he used to come around like
Santa Claus with his friend Genie
to give mom and dad magic medicine.
CATHY
Watch it, Jessie.
ERIN
Magic medicine?
Cathy carries baby Scotty into the house ignoring Erin.
C.J.’s eyes stay locked on Craig with St. Nick in the field.
JESSIE
(re: St. Nick)
God. He looks terrible.
EVELYN
He’s lookin’ pretty damn good to
me.
JESSIE
Ew. Evelyn.
Jessie heads inside. C.J. steps closer to Evelyn. Reaches
behind her ear - produces a QUARTER.
EVELYN
(laughing)
You think you’re slick shit.
C.J.
Maybe I’m full of magic.
She takes the coin, grinning. Hands him a cigarette.
EVELYN
I swear if you get caught -
C.J.
They tell you the new-kid news?
EVELYN
Yeah - like I need another one of
you moochin’ my smokes. Jesus.
She laughs. C.J. smiles, pockets his cigarette.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Indie"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Chaos at the Harris Farmhouse
INT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - LIVING ROOM
The kids watch TV. Cathy dumps laundry onto the couch.
CATHY
Nope. Jessie, Erin, help fold.
Boys, get your butts outside.
ANDY ERIN
Aw, mom -- Come on --
Evelyn rattles in with her oxygen tank and catalogs.
CATHY
Turn it off.
ERIN
This sucks.
CATHY
That’s it.
ANDY ERIN
Mom, no! Mom, please!! Dad said we
could keep this one.
Cathy yanks the TV by its cord and drags it toward the front
door, passing Evelyn.
EVELYN
Nurse Ratched’s got nothin’ on you.
CATHY
Nobody asked you to move in, mom.
C.J. climbs the tired staircase, passing Jessie.
JESSIE
Another one bites the dust.
C.J. keeps moving.
C.J.
If people only knew the real us.
He disappears down the long hallway.
-- C.J.’S BEDROOM
C.J. closes his door. Latches it.
He kicks off his Converse, digs loose change from every
pocket, and drops it into a glass five-gallon jug.
The jug is half-full now, taped with fading L.A. ads and a
hand-lettered label: HOLLYWOOD OR BUST.
C.J. gives it one practiced shake, judging the weight, then
collapses onto his bed. He picks up a Bible from a stack of
books, flips it open.
Inside: a hollowed-out compartment carved through the pages.
A Walkman. A lighter.
He pulls the pink condom from his pocket, laughs to himself,
and tosses it inside. Puts on the headphones, presses play.
He cracks the window. Lights his cigarette. C.J. picks up an
International Male catalog.
INSERT - QUICK FLASHES:
Hands. Underwear fabric. Bare chest. Bicep. Lower back.
C.J. studies the images, absorbed, stirred. He undoes the top
button of his jeans.
KNOCKING jolts him. He drops the catalog, shoves the Walkman
under the bed, crushes the cigarette.
JESSIE (O.C.)
C.J.!
C.J.
What?!
JESSIE (O.C.)
Mom’s trying to cast demons out of
the TV again.
C.J. crosses to the window.
Below: Cathy throws the TV into a plastic kiddie pool, blasts
it with a garden hose. The younger kids cry.
C.J.
Jesus, mom....
Then he sees Craig and St. Nick across the property, near the
Harley. St. Nick is wrecked. His shoulders shaking. Craig
holds him as he sobs.
C.J. shifts to another window trying to understand.
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
C.J. steps out onto the porch, past the flooded TV.
He watches St. Nick mount his bike. The engine ROARS. Craig
steps back, composes himself, waves St. Nick off.
C.J. heads towards Craig.
C.J.
Is he okay?
CRAIG
Mind your business.
Craig walks away. C.J. stands alone, watching the Harley
disappear down the road.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Caravan of the Lost
EXT. SIERRA CITY - MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY (1982)
Sunlight flashes off chrome. A pack of Harleys rip below the
pines, engines snarling in the soft mountain air.
Craig Harris (28), shirtless and lean, leads the pack. His
long, thinning hair whips in the wind. Fearless. Alive.
An oncoming station wagon veers onto the shoulder as the
riders thunder past.
SUPER: 1982
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - DAY
Craig leads the bikers into a clearing. An old farmhouse.
Empty fields. A cottage across the road, occupied and
cheerful.
They park among a VW Bug, an El Camino, and a rusted dairy
truck turned camper, its U-Haul trailer still hitched.
A caravan of the lost and self-made.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Tension in the Harris Farmhouse
INT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - DAY
Music blares from a turntable on moving boxes.
Lawn chairs for furniture. Cocaine on a plate. Rifles against
the wall. The Brady Bunch flickers on a small TV.
On the floor: a five-gallon glass jug filled with coins,
plastered with cutouts of the Hollywood sign, Disneyland, and
Los Angeles travel ads.
C.J. Harris (10), bowl-cut, cutoffs and tank top, studies a
porn magazine. Curious. Intent.
His cat, Popeye, naps next to him.
CRAIG (O.C.)
What did I tell you about my
business?
Craig looms over him, hair windblown, pistol in his jeans.
C.J.
Stay out of it.
CRAIG
And why is that?
C.J.
‘Cause it’s not for me.
Craig tosses the magazine onto a pile of Hustlers. Kills the
music. The bright chatter of The Brady Bunch remains.
CRAIG
Then why are you in my shit?
C.J.
I was just looking at the car ads.
Craig crouches, presses his fist under C.J.’s chin.
CRAIG
Keep lying and one day I’ll knock
your block off.
C.J. swallows hard.
JESSIE (8), bursts from behind a hanging blanket that serves
as a bedroom door. Lady trots after her.
JESSIE
Dad, dad. Can I have this room?
CRAIG
Share with your brother.
C.J.
I don’t wanna share with Jessie.
JESSIE
Shut up, C.J!
Craig steps out the screen door. Lady follows.
C.J. turns to Jessie:
C.J.
We’re probably gonna move again
anyway.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Porch Conversations and Hidden Tensions
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - PORCH
UNCLE MARK (19), long hair and wispy goatee, in an Oakland
Raiders t-shirt, lies on a skateboard, his polio-twisted legs
dragging behind him.
He nods toward REBECCA (30s), sweeping the porch of the
cottage across the road.
UNCLE MARK
You got neighbors.
CRAIG
They cool?
More Harleys roll in, kicking up dust. Craig passes the joint
to Mark.
UNCLE MARK
She’s a looker. No man around. Any
medicine left?
Craig straightens his back, rolls his shoulders. C.J. does
the same, mirroring his father. Craig steps off the porch.
C.J.
Medicine’s on the trunk, Uncle
Mark.
UNCLE MARK
Atta boy, nephew.
Mark grips the doorframe and pulls himself inside. C.J. and
Jessie race after their father.
At the center of the new arrivals stands St. Nick (at about
50), broad, virile, sunburned, leather vest open over his
bare chest, a pistol strapped across it.
He swings off his bike and spots the kids.
C.J. JESSIE
Saint Nick! Saint Nick!
Nick’s laugh booms. Jessie wraps her arms around his leg.
ST. NICK
Ah! There’s Lil’ Miss Jessie. And
Craig-the-Second. Glad to have you
two back. Isn’t that right, Lady?
He pats the dog.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
What’ve you ruffians been eatin’?
Growin’ faster than weeds.
JESSIE
Peanut butter on a spoon.
ST. NICK
It better be more than that, girl.
C.J.
We were only gone two weeks.
ST. NICK
Well, we all thought you and your
momma moved on for good this time.
Nick grins, shifts his stance.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
Now wait just one darn minute. What
do we have behind these ears?
He reaches behind Jessie’s ear, pulls out a silver dollar.
JESSIE
How’d you do that?
ST. NICK
We’re full of magic, kiddo.
Nick shifts something small into his palm. looks to Craig.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
This public or private?
CRAIG
Private.
Craig leads St. Nick toward the dairy truck.
C.J. holds Jessie back.
C.J.
He’s got to buy his medicine.
CRAIG
C.J., grab your old-man a beer.
The kids race to an ice-chest where YAN (30), with hair down
to his legs, cooks hotdogs over a burn-barrel.
C.J. JESSIE
He told me to get it. C.J.!
Jessie throws punches to get there first.
GENIE
Whoa, slugger.
GENIE (27), handsome and shirtless with a genie-in-a-bottle
tattoo, lifts Jessie up. Her fists swing into the air.
JESSIE
(squealing)
I can do it!
C.J.
Beer?
C.J. gets the beer, pops the top.
GENIE
(calls out)
Craig-o! The rug-rats cool to have
a beer?
CRAIG (O.C.)
One of their own.
C.J. pulls two cans of Near-Beer.
JESSIE
I can do it.
GENIE
Here, chica.
Genie works his buck knife into the cans. His forearm flexes,
dark hair catching the light.
C.J. stares, transfixed.
YAN JESSIE
(to C.J.) Thanks, Genie!
He’s your very own Burt
Reynolds.
Yan laughs. C.J. looks away, embarrassed. He takes beer
toward Craig. Uncle Mark scoots up, cocaine in his nostrils.
UNCLE MARK
That for me?
C.J.
It’s for my dad.
CRAIG
Uncle Mark can have it, buddy.
C.J. hands it over, disappointed. Craig hands Uncle Mark
several dime-bags of cocaine.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
(to Mark)
Work on these? Baking soda’s in the
box marked “kitchen”.
UNCLE MARK
Right on.
Uncle Mark scoots off. Craig does a bump off his buck knife.
Lady drops her ball at Craig’s feet.
CRAIG
Catch.
He tosses the ball to C.J., which he misses trying not to
spill his Near-Beer.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Keep your eye on the ball.
C.J. throws back. The ball falls short. Lady runs after it.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Still throwing like a girl. Go
fetch some kindling.
C.J. looks at his feet. St. Nick approaches, rustles his
hair.
ST. NICK
You can throw any way you like,
C.J.
Too much.
C.J. walks off into the woods alone.
Genres:
["Drama","Indie"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Whispers at Hidden Creek
EXT. HIDDEN CREEK - MOMENTS LATER
C.J. wanders down a narrow path to a small clearing where
sunbeams fracture across shallow pools.
The creek winds around discarded milling machines.
He kicks off his flip-flops and steps into the water. Popeye
follows on mossy stones. Turtles dive.
C.J.
(whispers)
Don’t move, Popeye. They’ll come
back out.
Rustling catches C.J.’s attention. Across the water, SHAWN
(10), in red hi-tops, pokes a stick into the creek.
C.J. moves closer. Shawn looks up. They stare at each other.
Shawn gives a small wave. C.J. waves back. Smiles.
A SHARP WHISTLE pierces the woods.
C.J. turns. When he looks back, Shawn is gone.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Family Tensions at the Harris Farm
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Cathy (28), summer dress, hair pulled back with a bandanna,
whistles again with her fingers.
C.J. comes running from the woods:
C.J.
Mom! There’s a turtle pond!
Jessie runs from a wild berry patch, hands stained purple.
JESSIE
And blackberries!
Cathy catches Jessie’s hands before they hit her dress.
CATHY
Yep. You’re turning purple.
(then to C.J.)
Where’s your father?
St. Nick and Craig emerge from the house.
ST. NICK
Lookin’ good, Cat.
Uncle Mark drags himself out behind them, Hustlers in hand,
coke still dusting one nostril.
UNCLE MARK
Hey, Cathy.
CATHY
Really, Mark?
Craig and Cathy walk toward the driveway. C.J. copies Craig’s
stride, hands in pockets.
CRAIG
Thought you ran off and left me
with the kids this time.
Cathy nods toward Evelyn’s Lincoln Continental.
CATHY
Mom spends more gas chasing coupons
between stores than she saves on
groceries.
C.J. notices Cathy clock Craig’s dilated eyes.
CATHY (CONT’D)
Not in front of mom.
CRAIG
Who’s she to judge?
Cathy pulls scissors from a pocket, turns to the kids.
CATHY
C.J., porch. Haircut. Now.
Jessie, wash those hands before you
touch anything.
Across the road, C.J. spots Shawn in the cottage yard with
SARAH (12). He can’t stop looking.
JESSIE
C.J., come on.
C.J. gives her the finger.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
Mom! C.J. said fuck with fingers.
CATHY
C.J., get on the porch before I cut
those fingers off.
Jessie moves to the garden hose. C.J. climbs onto the porch,
sits on a moving box.
Evelyn (early 50s), full make-up, Dolly Parton wig,
approaches. She takes in the house.
EVELYN
Had to see this place for myself.
Cathy runs a comb through C.J.’s hair, snips.
CRAIG
Little elbow grease can fix this
place up real sweet.
Evelyn scoffs.
EVELYN
Trunk’s open. Don’t let the milk
sour.
Craig moves toward the car where Genie unloads groceries.
Jessie follows her father.
C.J. looks at the house.
C.J.
Mom? Are we gonna stay here?
CATHY
That’s the idea, hon.
Evelyn nods toward Rebecca’s cottage.
EVELYN
Pretty neighbor.
Cathy shoots her a warning look. C.J. listens to every word.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
I’m sure Craig’ll do his best to
keep it in his pants.
CATHY
Jesus, Mom.
Genie steps up with an armload of groceries.
CATHY (CONT’D)
Thank you, Genie.
She sets the scissors down, grabs the bags from Genie, and
carries them inside.
GENIE
Last of it, ma’am.
EVELYN
That’s Miss to you.
GENIE
M’lady.
C.J.
I can carry one too, Grandma.
Genie glances at Evelyn, amused.
GENIE
M’lady.
He flashes a smile, walks off. Evelyn turns on C.J.
EVELYN
No more granny shit. You call me
Evelyn. You don’t cock-block me, I
won’t cock-block you. Deal?
C.J. nods, unsure of what he’s agreed to. Evelyn kisses C.J.
on the forehead, then heads for her car.
Craig saunters back, picks up the scissors, and continues on
C.J.’s hair.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
You’re welcome for the groceries,
Craig.
CRAIG
Thanks, Evelyn.
EVELYN
Anytime, Hoover.
She sniffs one nostril, slips into her car, slams the door.
Craig and C.J. watch her drive off.
C.J.
Dad?
CRAIG
Yeah?
C.J.
Are you and mom getting back
together?
Craig sets down the scissors, lights a new cigarette.
CRAIG
Nothing’s more important to a man
than the freedom to find himself,
C.J. Remember that.
Craig walks off toward St. Nick, Genie, Uncle Mark, and the
burn barrel. C.J. sits there, taking in his dad’s advice.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
A Night of Longing
INT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - NIGHT
C.J., bathed and in his pajamas, locks the back door, closes
the blinds, turns off unused lights. Lady follows him.
He looks past the blanket door into the --
-- BEDROOM
Cathy tucks Jessie into a sleeping bag on a lawn chair.
JESSIE
But how come?
CATHY
When you are ten years old you can
stay up for fifteen extra minutes
on a school night too.
-- LIVING ROOM
C.J. moves to the TV. Turns the channel to Little House on
the Prairie, works the antenna for better reception.
Cathy stands at the blanket door talking to Jessie:
JESSIE (O.C.)
It’s not fair.
CATHY
Honey, life isn’t fair.
C.J. drops the silver dollar he got from St. Nick into the
glass jug.
He looks out the window to the glowing burn barrel next to
the old dairy truck. Popeye sits next to him.
Cathy collapses on the pull-out bed.
Jessie cries in the bedroom.
JESSIE (O.C.)
I want papa....
C.J.
Mom?
CATHY
Yeah, hon?
C.J.
Are you and dad getting back
together?
Cathy looks at C.J., Jessie’s cries get louder.
JESSIE (O.C.)
Daaadaa...
Cathy gives in.
CATHY
For chrissakes. Go get him.
And with that, C.J. and Lady are out the door.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Nighttime Revelry at Harris Farm
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - NIGHT
Music plays from the El Camino’s radio. C.J. trots with Lady
to the dairy truck, peers inside: a gas lantern glows.
CRAIG (O.C.)
Which hand?
REBECCA (O.C.)
That one.
C.J. follows the voices to the front of the truck. Craig
stands with Rebecca in the burn-barrel glow. St. Nick, and
Genie lean on their bikes. Uncle Mark passes a joint.
Craig holds both hands for Rebecca - empty.
CRAIG
Wait. What’s this in your ear?
He reaches up and “magically” pulls a quarter from Rebecca’s
ear. Badly.
REBECCA
Keep your day job.
She laughs, takes a hit from a joint.
C.J.
Dad?
CRAIG
(startled)
Hey, buddy.
(to Rebecca)
My oldest, C.J.
REBECCA
Good to meet you.
C.J. is quiet. Rebecca smiles, pets Lady.
CRAIG
What do you say, mister?
C.J.
Hi, ma’am.
REBECCA
C.J. must be for Craig Junior.
C.J.
Craig James.
CRAIG
Didn’t want him stuck with his old
man’s name when he grows up to hate
me.
The men laugh. C.J. stands, exposed.
REBECCA
You won’t hate your daddy,
hon.
Rebecca hands the joint to Craig.
REBECCA (CONT’D)
Duty calls.
She heads to her cottage. The men watch her go.
UNCLE MARK
Shit, man. Leave some for
the rest of us.
CRAIG
Ass or grass?
UNCLE MARK
Both.
The men laugh. C.J. laughs too, not getting it. He tugs on
Craig’s arm:
C.J.
Mom said to come tuck us in.
ST. NICK
Time to hit the road.
CRAIG
Catch you on the flip side.
ST. NICK
(to C.J.)
G’night big man.
The bikes and El Camino kick to life. Genie does a wheelie.
Uncle Mark spins his El Camino.
C.J. plugs his ears, thrilled, as they roar into the dark.
Craig drops into a racing position. C.J. copies him.
CRAIG
On your mark, get set, GO!
They race to the porch. Craig pulls C.J.’s shirt. Lady barks.
CRAIG (CONT’D) C.J.
Beat ya! Cheater!
Jessie bursts through the front door.
JESSIE
Papa!
Jessie jumps in Craig’s arms as Cathy holds the door open.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Indie"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Fighting Shadows
INT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - NIGHT
‘70’s rock plays on the radio. Sugar Ray Leonard boxes on TV.
C.J. in a tank top, wipes the tears from his red eyes with
the back of his boxing glove. Craig warns C.J.:
CRAIG
No tears.
C.J.
She punched me in the face.
Cathy interjects:
CATHY
You’re a big boy. You gotta swerve
so she misses.
Craig pep talks Jessie, also in a tank top and boxing gloves.
She is clearly loving this.
CRAIG
Duck, duck, SWING that left hook.
JESSIE
Duck, duck, swing!
CRAIG
Round three, ante up!
Cathy and Craig each throw a dollar into a small pile on a
streamer trunk where cocaine is railed out on a plate.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Into your corners!
Jessie and C.J. stand in the corners of the living room.
C.J.
I don’t wanna play this anymore.
CATHY
Don’t hurt her.
CRAIG
On your marks! Get Set! GO!!
Craig rings a cowbell, Jessie starts swinging. Cathy pushes
C.J. towards his opponent.
CRAIG (CONT’D) CATHY
Fight! Gotta make contact Come on C.J.! Weight on the
Jess! That’s it! That’s my back foot, come on!
girl.
C.J. blocks the punches coming from his sister. He drops his
hands, turns to his mom.
C.J. CATHY (CONT’D)
Do I have to? Put ‘em up! Put ‘em up!
Protect your face!
Jessie’s left hook connects to C.J.’s jaw, he goes down.
CRAIG
That’s my girl! My Muhammad Ali!
Craig grabs Jessie’s arm and holds it high. C.J. gets up,
tears run down his face.
C.J. CATHY
Fuck. Fuck.
CATHY (CONT’D)
Watch the language. We’re done.
Losing all my money anyway.
She kisses the top of his head.
CRAIG
Forfeit! We have the heavy weight
champion of the world!
Craig lifts Jessie onto his shoulders, she squeals.
C.J. watches and wipes tears. Cathy tries to comfort him,
hands him the dollars and coins:
CATHY
Here, hon. For your piggy bank.
C.J. tearfully adds the cash to the glass jug.
Cathy works the dial on the TV, lands on American Bandstand.
Le Freak by Chic fills the living room.
JESSIE
Disco!
Jessie climbs off her father and gets down to the music.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
(singing and dancing)
Ahhhhh - Freak out! --
Cathy smiles, turns it up.
CATHY
Come on, C.J., baby. It’s your
favorite.
She’s right. It’s his favorite. C.J. wipes his tears. He
straightens his spine, closes his eyes, and then, RELEASE:
C.J. dances - his eyes closed - lost in joy.
Craig lights a joint and watches his son dance, reckless and
unguarded, as if nothing else exists.
CRAIG
Hey - stop it.
Craig turns off the TV. C.J. opens his eyes.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Stop shaking your hips. Nobody
wants to see that.
C.J. stops dancing. Craig lays on the pull-out couch.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Bedtime.
JESSIE
Ah, man...
Jessie and C.J. mope through the blanket-door toward their
lawn chair beds.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Quiet Connections
INT. HIS WAY CHURCH - CRAIG’S OFFICE - NIGHT (1989)
The office turned youth group meeting room.
About twenty TEENS sit scattered on the carpet, loose and
tired at the tail end of youth group.
Beside the door, a TALENT SHOW SIGN-UP sheet. C.J.’s name is
already there, in Craig’s handwriting:
TALENT: SERMON
Craig leans against his desk, mid-story. Relaxed. Familiar.
CRAIG
...people keep waiting for God to
hand them some giant neon sign.
Meanwhile, He's already told them
the next thing to do --
C.J. (17) sits beside Owen (17), backs against the couch.
Owen fights sleep. Blinks. Tries to stay with Craig. Loses.
His eyes shut and his head slowly tips over onto C.J.’s
shoulder.
C.J. glances down. He doesn't move. Lets him stay there. Owen
settles into him. Full body weight now. Warm. Heavy.
C.J. closes his eyes too. Their breathing falls into the same
rhythm. Craig’s voice drifts farther away.
CRAIG (O.S.) (CONT’D)
-- and they don't want to do it.
C.J. breathes in. Owen against him. Still. Easy. Safe. Then,
C.J. slips under.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Awakening Tensions
EXT. DESERT ROAD - NIGHT
C.J. rides on the back of a Harley through warm desert air,
stars exploding across the sky. He leans back. Arms wide.
Then leans forward, wraps his arms around Owen riding in
front of him. Presses closer. Rests his head at Owen’s neck.
CRAIG (O.S.)
OWEN.
SMASH BACK TO:
INT. HIS WAY CHURCH - CRAIG’S OFFICE
C.J.'s eyes snap open.
Owen jerks awake -- and off C.J. so fast he nearly knocks
into Derek beside him.
Zach, Ezra, Jessie and the other teens sit dead still.
Craig stares at Owen.
CRAIG
Move.
Owen freezes.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
I said move.
Owen scrambles to his feet.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Over there.
Owen crosses the room and drops into an empty folding chair.
C.J. glances over at Owen - staring straight ahead, gripping
the folding chair until his knuckles pale.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Open your bibles to Luke eleven
twenty eight --
Craig goes right back to his story.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Morning Tensions
INT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - C.J.’S ROOM - DAWN (1989)
A RADIO ALARM CLOCK clicks on. Loud ‘80’s pop jolts C.J. (17)
awake. He groans, fumbles for the switch. Silence
C.J. pulls on his jeans. His mullet sticks up at odd angles.
From somewhere in the house, a deep, rattling cough carries
through the quiet.
-- LIVING ROOM
Half-asleep, C.J. descends old staircase.
Evelyn lies awake on the couch. No wig. Her hair nearly gone.
Her oxygen tank hisses softly as her shoulders heave with
another cough.
C.J.
How’s the couch?
EVELYN
I’ve had longer. And stiffer.
C.J. smiles, leans in, kisses the top of her head.
C.J.
I’m glad you’re staying with us.
EVELYN
At least somebody is.
Evelyn coughs again. C.J. moves on into -
-- KITCHEN
Craig, in worn work overalls, sits in a quiet prayer. His
large bible lies open on the table. A fire snaps and pops in
the old wood-burning cookstove. He opens his eyes.
CRAIG
Morning.
C.J.
(groggy)
Morning.
C.J. opens the fridge. Pulls out a Tupperware pitcher, shakes
it - it’s empty.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Who put the orange juice back
empty?
He sets the empty pitcher on the table, opens the freezer,
pulls out a can of frozen orange juice concentrate.
CRAIG
Raisin bagel?
C.J nods. Craig drops a sliced bagel into the toaster. C.J.
steps to the sink, runs warm water over the juice can.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Here.
Craig stands next to C.J., fills a small pot with water. He
sets it on the wood burning stove. C.J. submerges the frozen
can into the pot to thaw.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
I pulled the cow in.
C.J.
Thanks, dad.
Evelyn’s hacking cough cuts through the silence.
C.J. pulls a glass jug of milk from the fridge. Shakes it to
re-mix the cream on top.
He sits at the table - pours cereal. Craig joins him. C.J.
passes the milk.
They eat in silence. Craig slides his Bible toward C.J.
CRAIG
If you want any of my youth sermons
for the talent show, I’ve got them
marked in here.
C.J. looks at the Bible. Doesn't touch it.
C.J.
Okay.
The toaster pops. Craig stands. He turns the can of orange
juice over in the pot.
C.J. watches him. Then:
C.J. (CONT’D)
It was kinda wild seeing Saint Nick
yesterday.
Craig spreads butter on the hot bagel in silence. Then:
CRAIG
Yeah.
He sets half a bagel in front of C.J., sits with the other
half - eats.
C.J.
Blast from the past.
CRAIG
He needed someone to talk to.
C.J.
Nice he still has you.
CRAIG
Mmm-hmm.
C.J.
I remember he used to always be
around.
CRAIG
We don’t have much in common
anymore.
Craig stands, pulls the orange juice can out of the hot
water. He moves to the table, opens the can and slides the
lumpy half-frozen concentrate into the Tupperware pitcher.
More silence. Then:
C.J.
It’s like we’ve lived different
lives... and he’s stayed the same.
CRAIG
I chose to change my life and
follow Jesus. He didn’t. That’s the
difference.
Craig moves to the sink, fills the pitcher with cold water.
C.J. studies his father. Craig sets the pitcher on the table,
stirs with a wooden spoon. C.J. presses on - casual, but
careful:
C.J.
Did you love him?
CRAIG
We were friends.
C.J.
(backpedaling)
I know, just -
CRAIG
What are you asking?
C.J.
You were close.
Craig stops stirring the orange juice.
CRAIG
Like queer shit?
C.J.
No - I --
CRAIG
Have some respect.
C.J.
Like David and Jonathan --
CRAIG
Nick’s finding out there’s a heavy
price for living for the flesh.
You’d do well to take note.
He knocks the wooden spoon hard on the edge of the pitcher,
clearing the drips.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Go get your chores done before
school.
He grabs his jacket off a hook and pushes out the back door.
C.J. stays frozen in his chair. The house is silent. He stirs
the orange juice.
Cathy shuffles in holding Baby Scotty - places him into a
high-chair next to C.J.
CATHY
Morning, hon.
She kisses C.J. on the head.
C.J.
Morning.
Cathy pulls baby food from the cupboard. Sits and feeds
Scotty. Evelyn coughs again from the other room.
C.J. looks to his mother.
C.J. (CONT’D)
She sounds terrible.
CATHY
Those smokes are a killer. She
knows better.
Andy and Ryan bound into the kitchen in their pajamas and bed-
head - they each pull up chairs at the table.
CATHY (CONT’D)
Good morning.
ANDY
Morning.
Andy grabs a box of cereal, holds it away from Ryan.
RYAN
Mom - I want to read the Cheerios
box.
CATHY
Andy, share with your brother.
C.J. pours orange juice for his brothers. Evelyn coughs and
hacks again from the other room.
C.J.
I wish she could stop smoking.
Cathy goes back to feeding Scotty.
CATHY
Some habits get ahold of you and
don't let go.
Craig suddenly bursts back through the backdoor.
CRAIG
(urgent)
C.J. - come on.
Craig barrels in, yanks a large rifle from its mount in the
kitchen and rushes out the door again. Cathy looks up at C.J.
CATHY
You better get going -
C.J. puts on his trench coat and follows his father out to --
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
The Weight of Expectation
EXT. FIELD - MOMENTS LATER
The ranch is a world of silhouettes. The sky shifts from
black to deep blue.
C.J. trails Craig into a stand of cherry trees.
Craig drops behind the low stone wall and motions C.J. to
join him. Lady presses close.
CRAIG
(hushed, intense)
We’ve got a five-pointer.
C.J. peers over the wall. Beyond the horses, a small group of
deer grazes. One large BUCK stands apart.
Craig raises the rifle, braces it on the stone wall. He peers
through the sights.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Here.
He motions C.J. forward.
C.J.
(whispering)
No, I don’t -
CRAIG
You can do this.
C.J. hesitates. He knows better than to resist. He scoots
forward, shoulders the rifle. His hands tremble.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
(quiet, instructive)
Slow breath. Line up the sight.
C.J.
I don’t wanna do this.
CRAIG
(impatient)
Line it up.
C.J. swallows hard, obeys.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Relax.
C.J. stares down the barrel at the deer.
C.J.
Dad - I can’t --
CRAIG
Ease off the safety.
C.J.’s hands shake violently. Craig wraps his arms around
him, steadying the rifle.
C.J.
I don’t want to kill it.
CRAIG
Perfect shot. Right behind the
front leg. Straight to the heart.
Tears spill down C.J.’s face.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
On your mark -- get set --
C.J. jerks back -
C.J.
I can’t!
BOOM - The rifle fires. Deer scatter. Horses bolt. C.J.
staggers back.
C.J. (CONT’D)
I’m sorry! I’m sorry!
CRAIG
Give me that.
Craig rips the rifle from him.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
You’re gonna get someone killed.
C.J. shakes, pale, trying to breathe.
C.J.
I didn’t mean for it to go off --
CRAIG
Stop crying. No more of this pansy
shit.
C.J.
I didn’t mean to -
Craig steps close, lethal.
CRAIG
Man up before I knock your block
off.
Craig strides back toward the house. C.J. remains frozen
behind the wall, Lady pressed against his leg.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Morning Routines and New Friendships
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - MORNING (1982)
C.J. (10), with his bowl-cut combed tight and dressed for
school, stands with Jessie (8). They stare at the neighbor’s
cottage - Lady and Popeye at their side.
Shawn, bounds out of his house dressed in his Boy Scouts
uniform with his backpack, red hi-tops and “Mork & Mindy”
lunch box.
Sarah, follows with her “Olivia Newton John” back pack and
matching “Trapper Keeper”. Rebecca, in her robe, calls out
from the door:
REBECCA
Shawn, Sarah! Kisses!
C.J. watches from the distance as Shawn and Sarah turn back
for a big hug and kiss from their mom.
Cathy comes out of the house dressed professionally with a
cigarette in hand. She heads for her VW Bug. Craig stands
shirtless in the doorway also smoking.
Cathy starts her car. Rolls down the window. Leans towards
C.J. and Jessie.
CATHY
How do I look?
JESSIE
Beautiful!
C.J.
Are you coming home when you’re
done?
CATHY
Of course, hon. It’s just a job
interview, OK? Wish me luck!
Cathy blows kisses and drives off. C.J. watches Craig nod to
Rebecca from his porch. She smiles, returns to her cottage.
Shawn and Sarah cross the road to C.J. and Jessie:
SHAWN
Our bus stop is past those
conifers.
SARAH
They’re called trees, dufus. Try to
be normal.
C.J. smiles, shy, but excited to make new friends. Shawn
smiles back at him. The kids all walk, the pets follow.
SHAWN
I like your cat.
C.J.
That’s Popeye. And Lady’s our dog.
Jessie tries to chime in:
JESSIE
Our dad sells medicine out of his
truck.
Sarah and Shawn give each other a look.
SARAH
Medicine?
C.J.
Jessie, shush.
EXT. BUS STOP - MORNING
The kids and their pets emerge from the pine trees at a turn-
out where Derek and Ezra (both 10), compare “Empire Strikes
Back” trading cards.
SHAWN
(under his breath)
Derek and Ezra are rich. Their
houses come microwaves.
Derek looks C.J. and Jessie up and down.
DEREK
You’re new.
SHAWN
They’re our neighbors.
The bus arrives, opens its doors. The kids all step onto:
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Bullying on the Bus
INT. SCHOOL BUS
Derek, Ezra and Sarah make their way to the backseats where
Owen (10), sits. C.J., Shawn and Jessie follow.
OWEN
(to Sarah)
Why does your brother hold his
hands like a fag?
SARAH
(laughing)
Because he is a fag.
SHAWN
Takes one to know one.
Ezra flips his eyelids inside out and holds his wrists limp
mocking Shawn.
EZRA
(imitating Shawn)
Give a HOOT don’t pollute!
Sarah, Ezra, Derek and Owen laugh. Derek points to Zach (10),
sitting alone few rows ahead.
DEREK
Sit with Zach in the fag row.
C.J. is horrified. He points Jessie to an open seat.
C.J.
Sit here, Jessie.
Shawn sits near Zach, who smiles shyly. They endure the
laughter from the back seat.
JESSIE
(to C.J.)
C.J., what’s a fag?
C.J.
(under his breath)
Shut up, Jessie.
ZACH
It’s a cigarette.
Zach offers them candy cigarettes. Shawn happily takes the
box, distributes to C.J. and Jessie.
JESSIE
(blowing sugar ‘smoke’)
Our grandma loves fags.
Shawn and Zach laugh, enjoy their candy cigarettes and ignore
the teasing coming from the back row.
C.J. leans his head against the window, watches the trees
roll past his reflection -
CROSS DISSOLVE:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Bus Conversations and Diverging Paths
INT. SCHOOL BUS - DAY (1989)
C.J. (17) sleeps, his head against the window.
ZACH (O.C.)
Mind if I sit?
C.J. opens one eye to find Zach (17) standing next to his
seat. The bus is full. Jessie (15), hair Aqua-Netted to its
max, giggles nearby with her girlfriends.
C.J.
Hey, Zach. Sure.
Zach slides in.
ZACH
I think you drooled.
C.J.
Gross. Sorry.
ZACH
Maybe that’s your talent.
C.J.
What?
ZACH
For the church talent show thing.
C.J.
Oh. Right. Yeah, that’d actually be
funny.
ZACH
So what’s your talent gonna be?
C.J.
My dad wants me to do one of his
sermons.
ZACH
So you’re the next preacher man?
C.J.
Yeah. Not my thing.
ZACH
You’re good at the pulpit.
C.J.
It’s not hard. You just say what
they want.
Zach thinks about that.
ZACH
Do you believe it?
C.J.
Believe what?
ZACH
God. Jesus. Heaven.
C.J.
I believe my dad believes it.
That’s bad enough.
ZACH
That’s not what I asked.
C.J. looks out the window.
C.J.
God’s gonna do what He wants
either way.
ZACH
So... why bother?
C.J.
Exactly.
ZACH
When did you decide that?
C.J.
When I was ten.
C.J. spots several drafting tools and rolled floor plans
protruding from Zach’s bag - changes the subject:
C.J. (CONT’D)
What’s all that?
ZACH
Architectural drafting.
C.J.
Like drawing houses?
ZACH
Yeah. Floor plans. Counts toward
shop credit.
C.J.
Well, there’s your big talent show
act.
ZACH
Ha. Yeah right. “Tonight, for the
glory of God, Zach will draw a two-
bedroom rambler.”
C.J. laughs.
ZACH (CONT’D)
I was thinking maybe I’d sing.
C.J.
What song?
ZACH
I don’t know. Something from
church, probably.
C.J.
Of course.
ZACH
What?
C.J.
Nothing.
ZACH
Not everybody hates it.
C.J. looks at him.
C.J.
I don’t hate it.
ZACH
You just don’t believe it.
C.J.
I just need to get out of here. Get
to L.A. Figure it out without
everyone watching.
ZACH
My brother got out.
C.J.
Out-out?
ZACH
Glendale. Same difference.
Zach tears off some drafting paper, writes. Hands it over.
ZACH (CONT’D)
Look him when you get to L.A. He
can show you around.
The bus pulls into the SIERRA CITY HIGH SCHOOL complex
surrounded by forest. Hand-made banners read: “Go Warriors”
and “Class of 1990”. Students loiter in the parking lot.
Out the window, C.J. notices Owen, Derek, and Ezra smoking
cigarettes by Owen’s lifted 4x4.
Zach sees C.J. seeing them. Lets him off the hook.
ZACH (CONT’D)
It’s okay.
C.J.
What?
ZACH
You can go.
C.J. knows exactly what Zach means. Zach holds out a pack of
cigarettes.
ZACH (CONT’D)
Here.
C.J. takes one. Looks at the piece of paper from Zach. Then:
C.J.
Catch you later, Zach.
C.J. hops off the bus to greet Owen and the others. Zach
steps off behind him and walks alone toward the school.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Ride to Remember
EXT. SIERRA CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DAY (1982)
Bells ring. Doors push open. SCHOOL CHILDREN flood out toward
yellow buses.
C.J. (10), and Jessie (8), spot Craig across the street on
his Harley. St. Nick and Genie share a bike. Uncle Mark waits
in his El Camino, Lady panting in the back.
Teachers and parents watch closely.
Craig grins as the kids run to him.
C.J. JESSIE
Dad! Daddy!
CRAIG
Hop on big man.
C.J. hesitates, afraid of the bike.
C.J.
I’ll ride in Uncle Mark’s truck.
Craig’s smile fades.
CRAIG
Girls ride in the truck.
C.J. fights tears.
JESSIE
I’ll ride with you, dad!
CRAIG
Go with your brother.
Craig fires up his hog, disappointed.
UNCLE MARK
Hop in, rug rats!
C.J. and Jessie climb into the El Camino bed with Lady.
EXT. SIERRA CITY / MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY
The El Camino cruises beside Craig, St. Nick and Genie on
their Harleys.
C.J. and Jessie stand in the truck bed with Lady, wind in
their hair.
Craig guns it onto the open road. The El Camino surges after
him. The kids squeal.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Baptism by the River
EXT. DEER RIVER - BRIDGE - DAY
The hot sun beats down on bikers and El Camino. They cross a
high bridge. The river churns far below.
EXT. DEER RIVER - DIRT ROAD - DAY
The bikers inch their Harleys down a steep, rutted dirt road.
C.J. and Jessie jostle in the bed of Uncle Mark’s El Camino
with Lady, tumbling into each other, howling with laughter.
Craig laughs with them.
EXT. DEER RIVER - DAY
The bikers and El Camino pull up near an old school bus
painted with rainbows, flowers, crosses: “THE JESUS BUS”
C.J. and Jessie hop out with Lady and sprint to the water.
Downriver, Pastor Norm (40s), loose white linen, flowing
beard, baptizes young hippie converts, mostly women.
Craig, St. Nick and Genie splash water on their faces, openly
checking out the women.
Uncle Mark watches from the El Camino.
Pastor Norm wades closer, smile blazing.
PASTOR NORM
Come on in. The water’s fine.
He shakes Craig’s hand.
PASTOR NORM (CONT’D)
Norm. Pastor Norm.
CRAIG
Craig Harris. Nick. Genie. My kid
brother, Mark.
C.J. spots Owen (10) standing near Janis (30s) and Sheila
(30s). Owen gives a small wave. C.J. waves back.
Pastor Norm smiles at the bikers without judgment.
PASTOR NORM
Everything’s God’s perfect plan.
Craig clocks the way the people orbit Pastor Norm.
PASTOR NORM (CONT’D)
Janis. Owen. Come say hello.
Janis, 30s, natural hair, wet Jesus Freak t-shirt, approaches
with Owen. Sheila, in flannel and cut offs, lingers near the
motorcycles.
PASTOR NORM (CONT’D)
My beautiful bride, Janis. Our boy,
Owen.
JESSIE
You’re pretty.
JANIS
Well thank you, sweetheart. Quite
the charmer!
CRAIG
Taking after her old man.
Sheila studies the bikes. Owen joins her.
SHEILA
Nice hogs.
Uncle Mark drops from the El Camino, drags himself toward the
bikes.
UNCLE MARK
Seventy-eight FXS Low Rider. Eighty-
one iron-head hardtail chopper.
GENIE
(to Owen)
This one’s C.J.’s favorite.
OWEN
Cool.
Owen smiles at C.J. C.J. beams.
Craig offers Pastor Norm a dime bag.
PASTOR NORM
No thanks, brother. Jesus is the
only high we need.
Pastor Norm points up, pats Craig’s shoulder, easy and warm.
CRAIG
Not really on the religion thing.
JANIS
No religion. Just basking in the
love of Jesus.
Pastor Norm turns to Uncle Mark.
PASTOR NORM
The healing power of Jesus can do
miracles.
UNCLE MARK
Yeah. No cure for polio. But
thanks.
Pastor Norm smiles. At least he offered.
PASTOR NORM
You’re all welcome on the Jesus
Bus.
CRAIG
Thanks. We’re headed to the falls.
Craig turns up the dirt road. C.J. follows, looking back at
Owen. Owen waves. C.J. waves back. Behind them:
PASTOR NORM
God always chooses an imperfect
vessel for His most perfect work.
St. Nick and Genie exchange a look.
UNCLE MARK
That’s one hell of a racket.
CRAIG
Yeah.
(a beat)
Wild.
Genres:
["Drama","Indie"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Chaos at Deer River Falls
EXT. DEER RIVER - FALLS
The El Camino parks near a waterfall thundering into a clear
pool, out of sight of the Jesus Bus.
NUDISTS soak in the last heat of summer. St. Nick and Genie
strip and dive in.
Craig follows.
Uncle Mark cracks a beer and cranks a lazy 70s rock jam. The
music drifts over the falls, defiant against the faint hymns
downriver.
C.J. and Jessie stand clothed at the edge.
CRAIG
Don’t get your clothes wet.
He whoops and dives nude into the pool.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
WHOOOOOO!!
UNDERWATER:
Muted roar. Bubbles. Pebbles. Trout.
Lady’s paws paddle past. St. Nick and Genie wrestle naked,
hands brushing, bodies easy.
C.J. bursts through the surface.
Across the pool, Craig flirts with TWO NUDE WOMEN.
A sharp WHISTLE cuts through the roar. C.J. turns.
Cathy appears on the trail, still in her professional
clothes. C.J. waves, thrilled.
Craig gives Cathy a quick nod, then turns back to the women.
Cathy takes that in.
Then, deliberate and unbothered, she undresses near the kids,
lays her clothes on a rock, and reclines nude in the sun.
Radiant. Unmissable.
A HANDSOME NUDE MAN approaches Cathy, interested.
Craig sees. He turns, climbs the steep rock face beside the
falls. Lady scrambles after him.
At the top, Craig looks down. The nude women wave. St. Nick
and Genie cheer.
Craig steps back, out of sight. C.J. holds his breath.
Craig SPRINTS and LAUNCHES himself over the falls. Lady leaps
after him. They vanish into the roar.
Everyone cheers.
Lady pops up first, paddles hard to shore, shakes water all
over Jessie.
But no Craig. C.J. scans the pool.
C.J.
Mom...
Cathy sits up.
CATHY
Did he come up?
Uncle Mark leans out of the El Camino for a better view.
St. Nick and Genie dive under.
C.J. ducks under - can’t see. Pops back up. So do St. Nick
and Genie.
Still no Craig.
The HANDSOME NUDE MAN dives in too.
Panic grips C.J. Then, Craig steps out from behind the falls,
completely fine.
Laughter from the nudists.
C.J. wipes away tears, trying to recover. He looks to the
water, then calls out to Craig.
C.J.
Dad! Watch!
The falls swallow his voice. He turns to Jessie.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Jessie, watch -
He runs and jumps from a low rock into the water. Jessie and
Lady jump in after him, laughing.
The current catches them. Fast.
Uncle Mark blasts the El Camino horn. Too late.
-- UNDERWATER
Whitewater. Boulders. Bubbles. Jessie’s hair whips past. C.J.
reaches for her. Misses.
He breaks the surface, swept downstream. He sees Cathy
scramble across the rocks before he’s dragged under again.
-- UNDERWATER
Chaos.
Cathy’s hand SNAPS onto C.J.’s arm. She hauls him up, slams
him onto a rock. He coughs water, sobbing.
Cathy dives back toward Jessie, being pulled farther
downstream with Lady.
Craig and St. Nick fight the rapids toward them.
CRAIG
Grab C.J.!
Craig breaks toward Cathy. Still nude, she lifts a limp
Jessie from the water - within view of Pastor Norm and the
hippies downstream.
Cathy beats Jessie’s back - Jessie VOMITS water.
C.J.’s grip slips.
C.J.
Dad!
St. Nick surfaces beside him and locks an arm around him.
ST. NICK
It’s ok. I’ve got you.
Craig reaches Cathy. Both naked. Shaking.
The SLAP cracks through the river noise.
CATHY
FUCKING BASTARD.
Craig’s nose erupts with blood.
Pastor Norm, Janis, Owen, Sheila and the hippies stare. Janis
pulls Owen close, shielding his view. St. Nick carries C.J.
through the water.
ST. NICK
Up we go.
He lifts C.J. onto the dirt embankment.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
He’s ok, Cat. He’s ok.
C.J. covers himself, suddenly aware everyone can see him.
Sheila approaches with towels. Genie gathers Cathy’s clothes.
Cathy clutches her children, sobbing, furious, alive.
Sheila helps her get C.J. and Jessie toward the VW Bug parked
near the Jesus Bus. Lady follows, soaked and shaking.
Cathy does not look back. Craig stands bleeding, naked,
abandoned by the river.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Tragedy"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Fairground Revelations
EXT. SIERRA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS - EVENING (1989)
Hidden behind the Log Flume, Owen, Ezra and Derek (all 17)
pass an apple made into a bong.
C.J. (17) stays focused on pegging his jeans above his red
Converse, pretending not to care.
Ezra takes a hit and coughs hard.
EZRA
That shit’s harsh.
Owen takes the apple, hits it, coughs, passes it to C.J., he
takes a hit, exhales, then bites into the apple.
DEREK
Dude! What the fuck?
Owen and Ezra crack up.
C.J.
Gotta destroy the evidence.
OWEN
Let’s roll.
C.J. tosses the apple into a trash can.
They push into the fair: bumper cars, Graviton, Tilt O’
Whirl, Zipper. Rock music collides with squeals and screams
under the pines.
They stop at a FREE THROW game. Owen hands over cash to the
BARKER (40s).
C.J. hangs back.
Owen shoots. All net. Ezra drains one too. The boys cheer.
Derek turns and holds out the ball to C.J.
DEREK
Don’t hide now, Harris.
C.J.
Naw. I don’t want any of that junk.
EZRA
Come on, Hollywood. You owe me for
my apple.
C.J. doesn’t move. Ezra tosses the ball to him.
EZRA (CONT’D)
Don’t fuck it up.
C.J. shoots. It falls short.
BARKER
Ouch.
DEREK
My little sister can make that
shot.
OWEN
Shut up, Derek.
C.J.
Good. That shit was ugly anyway.
C.J. walks off. Owen laughs for Ezra and Derek’s benefit.
Then follows C.J., nudges his shoulder.
OWEN
Fuck that guy.
C.J. doesn’t respond. Walks through the midway.
OWEN (CONT’D)
You good?
C.J.
I keep thinking about Saturday.
OWEN
The talent show?
C.J.
My dad wants me to preach.
OWEN
So don’t.
C.J.
You don’t get to just “don’t” in my
house.
OWEN
We’re almost outta here. Then you
get L.A.
C.J.
You could come.
Owen looks over.
C.J. (CONT’D)
I mean, if this place ever pisses
you off enough.
Owen checks back. Ezra and Derek are still heckling the
Barker. Only then does he slip ride coupons from his pocket.
OWEN
Come on.
He heads for the SWING CAROUSEL. C.J. smiles, follows.
The boys strap into the swings.
The synth keys of an 80’s pop anthem kicks in. Owen looks
over - and doesn’t look away. Their chairs drift close enough
that their feet touch briefly.
The swings lift and start to spin - they rise beneath the
neon carousel, chains stretched, chairs flying wide.
C.J.’s red Converse skim the dark pine branches.
He looks over. Owen is laughing, hair blown back, eyes still
on him. C.J. laughs too.
For a moment, it’s just them above the fair. Then, from
below:
EZRA DEREK
Owen! Don’t puke, Chambers!
Owen looks down. Ezra and Derek wave up from the midway.
Just like that, Owen’s face changes. He leans out of his
swing, aiming spit toward them.
OWEN
Open wide, dickheads!
Ezra and Derek scatter below, laughing. Owen laughs too loud
now, playing to them, swinging wild, all dare and noise.
C.J. watches him. The private moment gone while they sail
above the fair, suspended in music and light.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Indie"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Family's Warm Welcome
INT. CATHY’S VW BUG - DAY (1982)
Wind blows C.J.’s (10) fresh, tight new haircut. His hand
riding the wind out the window of Cathy’s VW.
Orange and yellow leaves drift down to blanket the road.
Jessie (8) stands on the backseat, her hair in new ribbons.
Cathy drives in her best dress.
The three sing together along with the radio.
CATHY, JESSIE & C.J.
(singing)
-- You, you make loving fun - it’s
all I want to do --
Cathy pulls up to --
EXT. OLD SIERRA THEATER
-- a packed gravel lot. Pickup trucks. VW buses. Young
couples. Long skirts. Bell-bottoms. Mustaches. Babies on
hips. Guitars come faint through open doors.
The old movie marquee above reads “HIS WAY CHURCH - PASTOR
NORM CHAMBERS”.
The JESUS BUS from the river is parked right out front.
C.J. watches Cathy climb out of the bug, smooth her blouse.
C.J.
This is it?
CATHY
I think so.
C.J. looks at the building. The people. The open doors. This
is not his world. But it’s warm, alive.
Cathy takes Jessie’s hand, looks back at C.J.
CATHY
Come on, hon.
C.J. gets out, shuts the door. They walk toward the entrance
like they belong.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Faith and Fracture
INT. OLD SIERRA THEATER - LOBBY
A rush of bodies and music and welcome. Handshakes and
coffee. Kids darts past. Somebody laughing too loud.
C.J. takes in the crowd: Young, happy, clean people.
He spots a scale-model of a modern house-shaped building on
the repurposed concessions counter. He inspects the little
trees, colorful toy cars, and tiny people that surround the
model building. A color poster reads:
“HIS WAY CHURCH - Our New Home Opens Spring ‘83”.
A donation box sits under a thermometer graphic, nearly
reaching the $1.3 million fundraising goal.
Sheila, in men’s flannel and jeans, steps up to Cathy.
SHEILA
Cathy! You made it.
Cathy smiles, a little self-conscious.
CATHY
Barely.
Sheila nods to Cathy’s dress.
SHEILA
Such a nice color on you.
JESSIE
My mom’s boyfriend took us
shopping.
CATHY
Jessie --
JESSIE
He’s a doctor.
Sheila laughs.
SHEILA
Wow. He sounds nice.
CATHY
Will you two please mind your
business?
Sheila smiles, presses a bulletin into her hand.
SHEILA
We’re so glad you finally made it.
Cathy nods. High energy music swells - congregants move
further inside.
SHEILA (CONT’D)
Come on, I know where the good
seats are.
Cathy gathers her kids close. C.J. pulls on her sleeve.
C.J.
(whispers)
Everyone’s so clean.
They follow Sheila into --
THEATER / SANCTUARY
The windowless but brightly lit old theater is alive with
music. Faux white lilies, an American flag, a baby grand
piano, and a tall wooden cross decorate the stage.
Pastor Norm and Janis, in white linen and long hair - more
slick than they were at the river - lead the congregation in
song with the choir.
Owen (10) rocks out his guitar with the band.
PASTOR NORM & JANIS
(harmonizing)
You don’t have to jump no pews -
run down aisles - no chills run
down your spine --
Congregants fill every inch of the theater - standing and
singing with eyes closed, hands raised. No one is polished or
formal. But all are fervent.
Sheila leads Cathy and the kids through the concert-like
crowd to the front row.
From the stage, Janis and Norm give Cathy a wave and smile.
PASTOR NORM & JANIS (CONT’D)
(harmonizing)
but you'll know - that you’ve been -
born again -
C.J. stares at Owen impressed. Owen spots him, smiles. C.J.
smiles back. He pulls on his mom’s sleeve.
C.J. PASTOR NORM & JANIS (CONT’D)
I like it here. (singing)
- don′t you know my hands
didn't shake - the Earth
didn't quake -
Cathy smiles. She does too. She tries to sing along. C.J.
scans the room.
Then sees - Craig. A few rows over. Clean-cut. Shaved. Good
shirt. Bible in hand.
C.J. (CONT’D) JANIS
Mom! Dad’s here! (singing)
no stars fell from the sky -
but I knew - that I been
born again -
Cathy looks: It’s Craig singing next to a WOMAN (30s). He
looks younger somehow. Lighter. Sober. Open-faced.
Cathy freezes. Craig sees them. He goes still too.
Cathy’s face hardens. The church rocks on.
C.J. (CONT’D) PASTOR NORM
Mom? (singing)
I say- you don′t have to jump
no pews - run down no aisles
CATHY PASTOR NORM & JANIS
We’re leaving. (singing)
no chills run down your spine
C.J. PASTOR NORM & JANIS (CONT’D)
I want to see dad. (singing)
but you′ll know -
JESSIE PASTOR NORM & JANIS (CONT’D)
PAPA!! (singing)
that you been - born again
Jessie breaks into a full run across the theater to Craig.
She jumps into his arms.
Cathy faces forward. Frustrated tears fall. She glances over.
Craig holds Jessie tight.
C.J.
Mom?
Cathy looks at Craig with their daughter in his arms. Clean.
Sober. Here. Everything she has hoped for.
CATHY
Go on.
C.J. runs to his father, embraces him with all his strength.
I/E. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - BEDROOM - LATER
C.J. sits on his lawn-chair bed with Jessie. Tears streak
down her face. Lady and Popeye stay close.
CATHY (O.C.)
(screaming)
Every fucking word out your mouth
is a lie.
C.J. moves to the blanket door, peeks into the --
LIVING ROOM
Cathy furiously stacks moving boxes. Craig stands calm,
almost glowing, a Bible in his hands.
CATHY (CONT’D)
Get your shit out of my house. This
is not your storage locker.
CRAIG
Cathy. Everything is different now.
CATHY
Don’t tell me what’s different.
NOTHING changes with you.
C.J. moves to step between them, moves them apart. Jessie
watches from the blanket door.
C.J.
Into your corners.
CATHY
No. He is leaving. Right now. With
all his shit.
Craig steps back. C.J. points for his mother:
C.J. CRAIG
That’s your corner. You don’t have to believe me.
CATHY
I don’t.
CRAIG
His truth is all there is.
CATHY
You are so full of shit.
C.J. tugs lightly at Cathy’s arm, trying to pull her back.
CRAIG
Cathy. I’ve fallen in love with
Jesus. He’s calling for you too.
For all of us.
Cathy laughs through tears.
CATHY
Have him call Carol. Or Beth. Or
Katie. Or any of your two-bit
whores.
CRAIG
Cathy -
CATHY
We came back to be a family. To
start fresh. And every single time
you shit on us. You run off. You
cheat and party and who-the-fuck-
knows-what.
CRAIG
You’re right. I’m a sinner. A liar
and adulterer. I know that, Cathy.
Christ has forgiven me.
Cathy charges toward him. C.J. can’t stop her.
C.J. CATHY
Mom -- I’m not Christ, so fuck you.
CRAIG
I am saved. Washed in the blood of
the lamb.
C.J. and Jessie freeze.
JESSIE
Blood?
CRAIG
This family has been chosen by God.
CATHY
Fuck this Jim Jones cult shit. Wipe
that stupid fucking smile off your
face before I do it for you.
CRAIG
He loves you Cathy. He died for
you. For me. For all of us.
CATHY C.J.
Jesus. Who died?
Craig kneels to C.J.
CRAIG
Jesus did, son.
Craig pulls a gold ring from his pocket. Slips it on. Stands
to face Cathy.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
I’m putting this back on. I’ve
committed my life to Jesus. To this
family. To our children. To you.
Cathy breaks. She wants to believe him.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
You never deserved the pain I
caused. I will never hurt you
again. I love you.
Cathy shakes her head, crying.
CATHY
You’re such an asshole.
CRAIG
One Sunday. Come with me once. And
I will never bother you again.
CATHY
Get out.
CRAIG
I love you.
CATHY
GET OUT!
Craig leaves with a smile.
Through the window, C.J. watches Craig walk toward Pastor
Norm, waiting at the open door of the “THE JESUS BUS”.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Scouting Beliefs
EXT. SHAWN’S COTTAGE - DAY
Fog lifts between the evergreens into the overcast sky above.
C.J. waits in his Royal Ranger uniform with Lady and Popeye.
Shawn bursts out of his cottage in his Boy Scout uniform and
a buck knife strapped to his leg. They run off shoulder-to-
shoulder into the woods. The animals follow.
EXT. IRRIGATION FLUMES - DAY
C.J. and Shawn walk single-file along slick, narrow wooden
planks above rushing water. Lady and Popeye follow close.
C.J. studies the merit badges on Shawn’s uniform.
C.J.
What’s that one?
SHAWN
Camping. But I want Fish and
Wildlife.
C.J.
Owen’s got a Bible Merit. I’m gonna
get mine too.
SHAWN
Boy Scouts doesn’t have that.
C.J.
Royal Rangers is just for
Christians. That’s why.
SHAWN
Am I a Christian?
C.J.
Well, you don’t go to our church,
so not yet.
SHAWN
My mom says I can’t.
C.J.
The Holy Ghost comes into our
church.
SHAWN
There’s no such thing as ghosts.
C.J.
It’s just what they call him. You
can’t see him.
SHAWN
Like the Force?
C.J.
Kinda like the Force. But everyone
starts speaking in different
languages.
SHAWN
Nu-uh.
SMASH CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Fervent Worship and Inner Turmoil
INT. OLD SIERRA THEATER - SANCTUARY - DAY
C.J., Jessie and Cathy stand stiff in the front row, hair
combed tight, dressed modestly. They try to sing with Craig.
Pastor Norm and Janis perform onstage in flowing white linen.
Owen plays the tambourine.
The congregation speaks in tongues, dance, hands raised,
crying. Bodies convulse. People collapse.
C.J. watches as Sheila, dressed in her men’s flannel, weeps
while Pastor Norm, Janis and congregants pray over her.
Pastor Norm presses a Bible to her forehead.
PASTOR NORM
I rebuke these lesbian demons from
this child of God -
C.J. absorbs it.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Fort of Questions
EXT. HIDDEN CREEK - ANOTHER DAY
A light rain drizzles as fall moves to winter.
C.J. and Shawn, in raincoats, pull a cedar branch.
C.J.
Sometimes we drink blood. But
really it’s just grape juice.
SHAWN
Why?
C.J.
It’s illegal to drink real blood.
SHAWN
Gross.
They hoist the branch onto several others creating a
makeshift fort against at tall cedar tree.
C.J. ducks inside. The small space is dry, protected. Shawn
crawls in to join him.
C.J.
This part’s your room. Mine’s over
here.
Shawn moves to the far corner, claiming his space.
SHAWN
Perfect. We can stay here every
day.
C.J. clears twigs from his portion of the “room”.
C.J.
Except Sunday. Church. You can come
if you get born again.
SHAWN
How do you get born twice?
C.J.
We have to change so God loves us.
SHAWN
Change how?
C.J. doesn’t have an answer. The two boys fall silent again.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Divided Paths on Market Street
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - MARKET STREET - DAY (1982)
A PERFORMANCE TROUPE in matching overalls and yellow t-shirts
hold a sheet painted with:
“JESUS SAVES”
Craig and a very pregnant Cathy stand with Pastor Norm,
Janis, Sheila and the troupe.
C.J., Jessie, and Owen -- also in the matching outfits --
stand with their parents.
The troupe joins hands to form a half circle. Owen reaches
down and takes C.J.’s hand. They smile at each other.
Onlookers gather near the Jesus Bus.
Across the street: Uncle Mark watches from his El Camino. St.
Nick sits astride his Harley with Genie behind him.
At Pastor Norm’s cue, Sheila drops to the pavement in front
of the troupe, curling into herself. The troupe pantomimes
hurling stones at her.
THE TROUPE C.J. AND JESSIE
Adulterer! Whore! Sinner!
C.J. glances proudly toward St. Nick and Uncle Mark. St. Nick
gives him an encouraging nod -- then takes in what he’s
actually watching.
ST. NICK
(under his breath)
What in the name of fuck?
UNCLE MARK
It’s gotten serious.
Pastor Norm raises his hand.
PASTOR NORM
(loud)
He that is without sin - let him
cast the first stone!
The troupe freezes mid-throw. Craig steps forward, helps
Sheila to her feet.
CRAIG
Accept Christ and be saved. Go, and
sin no more.
Pastor Norm watches Craig with pride. Cathy wipes tears. The
troupe sings, handing out pamphlets to uneasy pedestrians.
THE TROUPE
(singing)
And they will know we are
Christians by our love --
C.J. and Jessie run to St. Nick, Genie and Uncle Mark, for
hugs. Craig follows, Bible in hand.
JESSIE C.J.
Saint Nick! Did you see me?
ST. NICK GENIE
You were great! Yeah. Bravo!
CRAIG
Thanks for coming out.
ST. NICK
(laughs)
Infiltrating enemy lines?
The two shake hands and embrace. As they separate, St. Nick
palms a large baggie of cocaine into Craig’s hand. Craig
holds it out.
CRAIG
No, man.
GENIE
What are you doing?
Genie snatches the baggie and shoves it into a pocket.
Glances around.
ST. NICK
Jesus.
CRAIG
I’m not down with it anymore.
UNCLE MARK
Told you.
Cathy leans on Craig, smiling, holding her belly.
ST. NICK
What’s going on, Cat?
CATHY
Just spreading the good news.
UNCLE MARK
(laughing)
More like sold out. Now you’re
better than us?
CRAIG
God uses imperfect vessels.
C.J.
Are you going to heaven, Uncle
Mark?
UNCLE MARK
Oh, hell no, bud.
(to St. Nick)
Let’s roll.
St. Nick pulls C.J. close.
ST. NICK
Don’t lose who you are, ok, kiddo?
He kick starts his bike. Engines roar.
CRAIG
I’ll be praying for you.
UNCLE MARK
Traitor.
St. Nick gives a ‘so-long’ salute and they pull away.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
A Night of Confession and Rejection
INT. HIS WAY CHURCH - SANCTUARY - NIGHT (1989)
C.J. (17) in his mullet and Miami Vice-esque jacket, sits in
a pew with Owen, Derek and Ezra (all 17, in Cosby sweaters).
Ahead of them: Cathy and Jessie with their Aqua-Net hair and
the younger Harris kids.
Zach sits alone a few rows away.
At the pulpit, Craig - in his signature neon parachute pants -
stand with Pastor Norm, slick in his 3-piece suit.
Between them: St. Nick.
C.J. watches - St. Nick looks out of place. Tattooed,
pierced. Leather jacket. His shoulders slumped, eyes down.
CRAIG
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
my dear friend Nick here has known
me from my days living in sin.
Owen leans toward C.J.
OWEN
(whispering)
You know this guy?
C.J.
Yeah, he used to be my dad’s drug
dealer.
(beat)
Kind of my godfather.
EZRA
Whoa.
The boys are impressed. C.J. smiles to himself.
Craig continues from the pulpit:
CRAIG
Nick’s seen me commit every sin
known to man.
(beat)
Well, except murder... and
homosexuality.
Laughter ripples through Congregation. Craig turns to Nick:
CRAIG (CONT’D) EZRA
Over the years, since I got (whispering)
saved, I’ve urged you to come He’s got biker tattoos.
up here. To meet our church
family, to experience
Christ’s unconditional love
firsthand. Haven’t I?
ST. NICK C.J.
(quiet) (whispering)
Yes. That’s right. Hell’s Angels.
CRAIG DEREK
And last week you finally (whispering)
came up from San Francisco to Fucking cool.
see me.
ST. NICK
Yes -
CONGREGATION
Amen. Praise Jesus. Welcome, Nick.
PASTOR NORM
Why don’t you share what you shared
with Pastor Craig and me?
He gestures to the pulpit mic. St. Nick hesitates, leans in.
ST. NICK
Well... Pastor Norm... Craig -
Pastor Craig --
CRAIG
Craig is just fine, my friend.
Craig pats him on the back. St. Nick looks at him:
ST. NICK
We’ve done a lot together. I...
I’ve been living in the city - the
Castro - for years. Selling dope.
Running with gangs.
Derek leans toward C.J.
OWEN
(whispers)
He’s a fuckin’ badass.
C.J. basks.
ST. NICK
(voice shaking)
And I’ve also been hiding all that
time as a ... a homosexual.
(beat)
With Genie. Eugene. My partner.
There are gasps. Ezra and Derek turn to C.J., stunned.
Owen doesn’t. He can’t look away from St. Nick. Then he
realizes he’s the only one still staring. He blinks, checks
Ezra and Derek.
OWEN
(whispers)
Wait - he’s gay?
Pastor Norm wraps an arm around St. Nick.
PASTOR NORM
Jesus loves you, Nick.
ST. NICK CRAIG
So many of my friends are Give him strength, Jesus.
sick. Dying.
(beat)
And, Genie - he got sick -
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
- He passed. My Genie.. he’s gone.
St. Nick breaks down. The sanctuary goes silent. Cathy weeps
openly. C.J. is frozen. Owen glances at C.J.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
(sobbing)
-- I don’t want to live with this --
I don’t want to die like this --
PASTOR NORM ST. NICK (CONT’D)
You don’t have to live with -- please, God, take it away -
this anymore, Nick. - please, make it go away --
Hands rise across the sanctuary. Congregants pray in tongues.
ELDERS surround St. Nick, hands pressing, voices rising.
Janis steps to the mic and the band swells beneath her.
JANIS
(singing)
I want to thank you Lord --
Sheila joins the prayer circle - but her hand trembles before
it lands on Nick’s shoulder. Pastor Norm pushes a bible
against Nick’s head.
PASTOR NORM CRAIG
With the power vested in me Come out you foul queer
through the almighty king of spirit. You have NO dominion
kings, I command over this man. Release this
homosexuality COME OUT of child of God from your filthy
this man -- grip, In the name of Jesus --
The noise builds louder, more frantic.
C.J. stares, unable to move.
Across the pew, Owen grips the hymnal rack hard enough to
whiten his knuckles. He catches himself. Lets go.
Nearby, Zach catches C.J.’s eye. C.J. bolts up and out to --
-- THE LOBBY
C.J. stops at the glass lobby doors, struggling to process
what he’s just seen.
A sanctuary door opens behind him, leaking distorted prayer
and tongues into the space. Jessie steps out to join him.
JESSIE
Hey.
The sanctuary door closes. The noise drops away. They stand
side by side in silence - their reflections stare back at
them in the glass.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
I always knew about Nick and Genie.
(then)
I can always tell.
C.J. shakes his head.
C.J.
(cold, flat)
It’s what God does. Kills queers.
Jessie isn’t sure how to respond, or if she even should.
JESSIE
I would never wish that on you.
C.J. walks away, wiping tears. This is too much. He pushes
into the -
-- MEN’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
C.J. enters a stall. Locks the door. He breaths hard, trying
to steady himself.
A door opens. Footsteps. He exhales, braces himself, then
pushes out of the stall.
Zach at the sink. They see each other in the mirror.
ZACH
I don’t think it’s ok - what
they’re saying in there.
C.J. looks at him for a moment - turns away and walks out.
-- LOBBY
Congregants spill out of the sanctuary. Murmurs, handshakes.
Pastor Norm and Craig emerge with St. Nick, who looks spent,
wiping tears as he shakes hands.
PASTOR NORM
Come by this week. We’ll find you
work. Keep your hands busy, keep
your heart open.
ST. NICK
Thank you, Pastor. Truly.
PASTOR NORM
One day at a time, brother.
Derek, Ezra move toward C.J. Owen laughs too fast.
OWEN
So... guess he’s demon-free now.
DEREK
Gay-Busters-R-Us.
EZRA
There’s something strange in the
neighborhood. Who ya gonna call?
DEREK OWEN
Gay-Busters! Gay-Busters!
The boys crack up. C.J. doesn’t.
SHEILA (O.C.)
Not the time or place, gentleman.
Sheila passes, cool and corrective, without slowing. C.J.
bristles, mutters:
C.J.
How is that dyke always around?
St. Nick spots C.J. and smiles big, and approaches.
ST. NICK
Craig-the-second. A spitting image
of your dad at seventeen.
C.J. forces a smile. St. Nick opens his arms for a hug.
C.J. steps back. St. Nick stops himself, covers it with a
weak grin. The boys watch C.J., waiting.
Jessie appears, throws her arms around St. Nick.
JESSIE
St. Nick!
ST. NICK
(laughs)
Lil’ Miss Jessie! Look at you
ruffians. All grown up. Time flies.
Time flies.
C.J. turns back to his friends.
C.J.
Who ya gonna call?
DEREK EZRA
Gay-Busters! Gay-Busters!
They laugh and walk off together, leaving St. Nick standing
there, the smile fading as he swallows the rejection.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Embrace of the Abyss
EXT. OVERFLOW DAM - DAY (1989)
Fog lifts off the deep lake, drifting through towering
evergreens.
C.J. walks the narrow dam, heavy with thought. He pulls chalk
from his pocket, draws on the concrete like he did as a kid.
He stands at the edge, red hi-tops peeking over open space.
The creek roars a hundred feet below.
Tears streak his face.
Water creeps across the dry concrete, impossible and silent,
slowly washing away the chalk - his name, a house, two stick
figures holding hands.
C.J. watches until nothing remains. He tosses the chalk over
the edge. It falls into oblivion.
Suddenly - arms wrap around him from behind. C.J. stiffens,
then exhales. Closes his eyes. Leans into the embrace.
Calmed, he turns. It’s Owen. Owen leans in, kisses him. The
world tilts. They fall together into the deep lake --
UNDERWATER
A rush of bubbles.
C.J. and Owen tumble beneath the surface, tangled in the
white current, kissing passionately.
A deep CRACK echoes beneath them. The current surges, hard
and hungry. They hold each other as the water takes them.
SMASH CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Morning Disarray
INT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING (1989)
C.J. jolts awake on the couch, gasping. Disoriented. He looks
down. A wet spot spreads across his pants.
Evelyn crosses past in her robe and wig, coffee in hand.
EVELYN
Sounded like a good one.
C.J., mortified, bolts up - rushes to the --
-- BATHROOM
C.J. locks the door. He grips the sink, stares at his
reflection. Breathes hard.
On the wall: a framed print of Jesus. C.J. looks at it.
C.J.
Why do you hate me?
Defeated, he runs the shower.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Promises on Thin Ice
EXT. FOREST - OVERFLOW DAM - DAY (1982)
Light snow drifts over the partially frozen lake.
C.J. (10) and Shawn (10) sit on the narrow dam, bundled in
layers. C.J. wears plastic Wonder Bread bags over his socks.
Lady and Popeye trail behind.
C.J. grabs a rock and hurls it onto the ice. It bounces,
skids - then bloop - drops through.
C.J.
It’s fine.
Shawn looks at the hole. Then at C.J.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Just stay on this end.
SHAWN
You go first.
C.J.
Same time. On your mark, get set,
go!
They step onto the ice. Dark, deep water beneath. It clicks.
Ticks. Shawn slips - catches himself.
SHAWN C.J. (CONT’D)
Shit! Here. Hold on.
C.J. reaches out. Shawn takes his hand. They slide a few
feet, laughing.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Whooo hooo!!!
Shawn answers:
SHAWN
Whoo hooooooo!
Lady whines.
C.J.
Lady! Come on, girl. You got it.
Lady steps on the ice. Slips. Adjusts, gets the hang of it.
Popeye turns and pads off.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Good girl!
Shawn tilts his head back, catches snowflakes on his tongue.
SHAWN
Delicious.
C.J. slides into his best disco moves and sings.
C.J.
(singing)
Ahhhh - Freak out!
Shawn joins him.
C.J. (CONT’D) SHAWN
(singing) (singing)
Le freak, so chic - Le freak, so chic -
C.J. slips. Falls hard.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Fuck!
Shawn tumbles onto him. The ice clicks louder. Lady scrambles
over. The boys laugh hysterically.
SHAWN C.J. (CONT’D)
Owww... that hurt. You landed on me!
They roll apart, lie on their backs. Snowflakes fall. C.J.
scoots closer, presses his head beside Shawn’s.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Someday, you and me - we’re gonna
live in Hollywood in a house with
sidewalks. And we’ll have a
refrigerator that’s never empty.
And we will stay together forever.
Shawn sits up, unstraps his buck knife. He uses the sharp
point to pierce his finger. A small dot of red blood appears.
SHAWN
Promise.
He hands the knife to C.J., solemn.
SHAWN (CONT’D)
Careful. It’s really sharp.
C.J. pushes his finger onto the knife tip, winces. He pulls
his hand back, a blood droplet falls into the snow.
C.J. looks at Shawn, holds out his hand. The boys press their
pierced fingers together.
C.J.
I promise.
SHAWN
Me too.
C.J. smiles. Shawn smiles back. The promise sealed.
C.J. moves back to the dam, pulls chalk from his pocket and
draws on the concrete. Soon, Shawn joins him. They sit in
silence. Snowflakes drift in the cedar trees. And the creek
rushes far below.
Shawn doodles “S+C” on his red Converse with a marker. Lady
perks up.
CRAIG (O.C.)
C.J.
C.J. and Shawn turn, surprised to see Craig walking towards
them. Lady wags her tail and gets pets from Craig.
C.J.
Hi, dad.
Craig spots the chalk drawing.
CRAIG
Shawn, get home.
Shawn looks to C.J.
C.J.
See you tomorrow.
SHAWN
Okay.
Shawn walks up the trail past the fort.
CRAIG
What’s this?
Craig points to the chalk drawings: “C.J. loves Shawn” with a
heart and two stick figures holding hands in a house.
C.J.
(innocent, proud)
It’s my house in Hollywood with
Shawn. When we grow up.
Craig squats and splashes water over the chalk, erasing it.
CRAIG
Queers don’t go to heaven, C.J.
C.J. freezes. Craig walks away.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Go get ready. We’re late.
C.J., Lady, and Popeye follow.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Graduation Night Revelry
EXT. DEER RIVER - NIGHT (1989)
A massive BONFIRE roars beside the river, throwing wild light
across TEENS in graduation caps and gowns - their silhouettes
dance against smoke and the waterfall.
A CHAINSAW screams somewhere in the dark.
Music POUNDS from Owen’s lifted 4x4 - a slick, breathy late-
’80’s synth groove everyone knows, echoing off the water.
C.J. (17), in his cap, gown and red Converse.
Owen (17), shirtless under his open gown, a black cowboy hat
low over his eyes. Ezra (17) and Derek (17) sport decorated
graduation caps.
All the teens are drunk.
C.J. bites the seal off a Jack Daniels bottle, guzzles it,
shoves it to Owen. Owen drinks. Howls.
A freshly cut TREE crashes onto the fire - embers explode
into the night. Everyone cheers.
OWEN
(drunk, wired)
C.J., come with.
Owen leads him toward Ezra crouched over a CD case. A razor
scrapes, chops, scrapes.
Owen bends, snorts a line.
OWEN (CONT’D)
Whoo! Fuck yes.
EZRA
Class of nineteen ninety!
Ezra offers the CD case to C.J. He leans in, snorts a line.
He jerks back, eyes watering. Then laughs, breathless.
C.J.
FUUUUCK!
C.J. grabs the boombox and runs to the water. He sets it on
bedrock, blasting music into the stars.
C.J. dances.
Owen holds bottles of Bartles & Jaymes and Jack Daniels.
C.J. smiles. Drunk and free, they try to one-up the other
with dance moves.
Owen’s leg hits the boombox sending it into the lake.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Oh shit!
C.J. lays on his stomach trying to reach for the boombox as
it bobs in the water before fully submerging.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Fuck - it’s sinking.
Owen suddenly dives over C.J. into the dark water.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Dude!
C.J. waits a moment in the dark silence. Then Owen pops up
holding the doomed boombox. He lifts it up, water streaming
from its speakers. C.J. laughs.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Holy shit, Owen.
OWEN
We couldn’t just leave Fine Young
Cannibals at the bottom of the
river.
C.J. helps Owen out; his soaked jeans and shirtless body,
glistening in the night. Owen shivers.
C.J.
You fuckin’ maniac. You’re gonna
freeze. Put this on.
C.J. removes his graduation gown, helps Owen into it, then
rubs his arms and shoulders vigorously to help warm him up.
OWEN
Thanks. Fuck.
Drunk but sincere, Owen wraps his arm around C.J.’s shoulder.
OWEN (CONT’D)
I love you, man.
C.J. looks back to the others, no one is watching. Then:
C.J.
I love you too.
He leans into Owen. The moment feels safe. Suddenly, Owen
pulls C.J. into the river --
UNDERWATER
-- Blackness. The roar of the falls muted.
They break the surface, gasping and laughing. Cheers erupt
from the bonfire. C.J. punches Owen arm, playful.
C.J. (CONT’D)
You’re crazy.
The boys climb out shivering, adrenaline and narcotics
screaming through their systems.
EZRA
(calling out)
You fuckin’ maniacs are gonna
freeze.
Soaked, Owen and C.J. move back to the fire. The bottle is
passed. Owen takes a pull, howls at the sky.
OWEN
FREEDOM!
He grins at C.J., shivering.
OWEN (CONT’D)
I need a jacuzzi.
He looks only at C.J.
OWEN (CONT’D)
Come on -
Owen stumbles towards his 4x4 with the bottle. C.J. follows.
I/E. OWEN’S 4X4 - DAWN
Owen drives, black cowboy hat low on his brow. C.J. rides
shotgun. The heater blasts as the boys try to warm up.
C.J. hangs his 1990 tassel on the rear-view mirror. They
ride, listening to the radio. Then:
OWEN
It’s not gonna be the same here
when you head to L.A.
C.J.
I don’t even know if I’m gonna go.
OWEN
I’ll kick your ass if you don’t.
C.J. laughs.
OWEN (CONT’D)
Get the fuck out of this hell hole.
Go be somebody.
C.J.
You coming with me or not?
Owen keeps his eyes on the road. Then, he removes his cowboy
hat, and places it on C.J.’s head.
OWEN
Now I’ll have come and get my hat
back.
C.J. smiles so wide - his heart could burst. He lets out a
howl, and Owen joins him,
C.J. & OWEN
Hoooooowwwwwooooo!!
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Indie"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Dawn Shenanigans at His Way Church
INT. HIS WAY CHURCH - LOBBY - DAWN - MOMENTS LATER
Silhouettes of C.J., cowboy hat on, and Owen with keys
outside the glass front doors.
OWEN (O.C.)
It’s the big one.
C.J. (O.C.)
This is the big one.
OWEN (O.C.)
The other big one.
The key finally turns. The door unlocks. They slip inside,
Owen with the Jack Daniels bottle.
OWEN (CONT’D)
Fuck. Its colder than a witch’s tit
in here. Come on -
They stifle giggles, cross the dark lobby in their gowns and
disappear into the --
-- SANCTUARY
The vast sanctuary is dim, lit only by early morning light
spilling through tall windows.
Owen sprints down the center aisle, Jack Daniels bottle in
hand. C.J. chases after him, laughing, breathless - gown
flowing free.
At the altar, Owen takes a long pull from the Jack bottle.
OWEN
Drink, in remembrance of me.
C.J. takes the bottle, drinks deep, steadying the cowboy hat
on his head.
Owen climbs onto the stage, grabs the pulpit mic.
OWEN (CONT’D)
Welcome to the First Annual Saved-
As-Hell Talent Show.
C.J. laughs despite himself. Owen strikes a pose.
OWEN (CONT’D)
For my first number, I’ll be doing
a dramatic interpretation of Pastor
Craig’s hairline.
C.J.
You’re going to hell.
OWEN
Already packed.
He moves to the organ, pounds out AXEL F. C.J. dances in the
empty sanctuary, unselfconscious, electric - strikes a pose
at the pulpit.
C.J.
I rebuke you Satan, in the name of
JESUS!
Owen howls with laughter and jogs across the stage, flipping
switches on a control panel.
The BAPTISTRY JETS KICK ON, water churning, steam rising.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Is it cold?
OWEN
Heat’s always on.
Owen strips to his underwear, steps into the bubbling water.
C.J. laughs, shakes his head.
C.J.
You’re out of your mind.
He undresses to his briefs but keeps the cowboy hat on -
climbs in.
Owen slips under the surface, lifts his underwear out of the
water, tosses them aside.
OWEN
Feels great.
C.J. follows suit. He places a hand on Owen’s forehead.
C.J.
In the name of the father, son and
holy spirit --
He dunks Owen beneath the water.
UNDERWATER - Bubbles churn. Limbs tangle. Hands search.
Owen rises back to the surface. They hover inches apart.
A beat.
Owen leans in and kisses C.J., then pulls away, breath
caught. He glances to the cross above them.
OWEN
You can’t tell anyone.
C.J. smiles.
C.J.
Never.
Owen kisses him full - harder than C.J. expected. The two
cling to each other, clumsy, urgent, hands searching.
SNAP.
The massive CROSS ABOVE THE STAGE LIGHTS UP. Stage lights
flood the room.
Owen jolts back.
OWEN
Fuck!
Underwater lights ignite inside the baptistry, illuminating
the GLASS FRONT PANEL facing the sanctuary.
The boys freeze, exposed.
C.J.
(whispering)
Don’t move.
Suddenly, MUSIC BLASTS through the massive sound system.
AMY GRANT (V.O.)
(singing)
I have decided! I’m gonna live like
a believer --
The boys crouch lower in the water, trembling.
The double sanctuary doors swing open: St. Nick enters,
pushing a janitor’s cart, already singing along as he crosses
the aisle. Unaware of the boys, he hits more light switches,
the chandeliers blaze on.
ST. NICK
(singing)
Bein’ good is just a fable, I just
can’t ‘cause I’m not able --
Owen trembles, lips moving before sound comes out.
OWEN
(whispering)
Please help me, Jesus I’m sorry.
I’m so sorry.
St. Nick reaches the altar. Stops. He notices the JACK
DANIELS BOTTLE sitting there. The music continues.
St. Nick looks up. He sees them. Naked. Frozen. Under the
cross. A long, charged beat.
Then St. Nick looks away. He drops the bottle into his trash
bag. Plugs in the vacuum. The music keeps playing.
ST. NICK
(singing)
I have decided! I’m gonna live what
I believe --
C.J.
(quiet)
Come on.
The boys slip out of the water, grab their gowns and clothes,
and disappear through the stage door.
-- BACKSTAGE HALLWAY
They dress fast. Wet skin. Shaking hands. Clothes sticking.
C.J. stifles laughter breathless from the escape.
Owen is silent.
He can’t get his zipper up. His hands won’t work. He looks
back toward the sanctuary, toward the glowing cross, toward
the music.
ST. NICK (O.S.)
(singing)
I have decided! I’m gonna live what
I believe --
Owen wipes his mouth hard.
C.J. sees it.
C.J.
Owen --
Owen shoves past him and hits the exit door.
St. Nick keeps cleaning. Keeps singing. The song echoes
through the empty sanctuary.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age","Indie"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Sunrise Rejection
EXT. HIS WAY CHURCH - SUNRISE
Owen storms into the empty parking lot, still buttoning his
jeans, shaking with adrenaline.
C.J. follows, barefoot, soaked, clutching his clothes and the
cowboy hat.
C.J.
Oh my god, you can’t make this shit
up.
Owen stops at his truck, his back turned. His breathing is
ragged. Almost sobbing.
C.J.’s smile fades.
Owen sees his cowboy hat in C.J.’s hands. His face hardens.
OWEN
Dirty faggot.
C.J. freezes. Owen opens the truck door, doesn’t look back.
OWEN (CONT’D)
I’m not like you.
C.J.
What?
OWEN
You. That guy in there. All that
queer shit. That ain’t me.
His words hang in cold air. He yanks the 1990 tassel off the
mirror, throws it to the ground.
OWEN (CONT’D)
Go to L.A. and be whatever the fuck
you are.
C.J. stands there, naked, shaking, the hat covering himself.
Owen slams the door and peels out of the lot.
C.J., alone as the sun crests the trees, pulls on his jeans
and shirt.
From inside the church, muffled worship music drifts through
the tall windows.
C.J. picks up his tassel, looks up at the building once more,
then turns and walks away.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Morning Routines and Prayers
INT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - MORNING (1982)
Re-runs play on the T.V. Cathy (34) - long hair, visibly
pregnant - clears plates. A thick Bible lies open.
Jessie (8) counts as Craig (34) does push-ups in his boxers.
C.J (10) pets Popeye, who lies listless in a cardboard box.
C.J.
Why can’t we take Popeye to the
doctor?
JESSIE
-- forty nine --
CATHY
I’ll keep an eye on him, hon.
JESSIE
-- and fifty!
Craig hops up, high fives Jessie.
C.J.
Can we call St. Nick? I can use my
jug money. Buy medicine.
CRAIG
We don’t use that kind of medicine
any more. And it’s not for cats.
A beat.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Let’s pray.
Craig kneels. Places his hand on Popeye. Jessie joins. C.J.
hesitates, then reaches into the box.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Dear heavenly Father, we ask for
your healing. Make Popeye whole. In
Jesus’ name. Amen.
C.J. JESSIE
Amen. AMEN!
CATHY
Amen. Kisses. We’re late.
The kids kiss Cathy on the cheek and then bound out the door.
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - MORNING
Rain drizzles on Shawn and Sarah waiting across the road.
C.J. and Jessie come out the front door with Lady.
SARAH
(calls out)
Hurry. We’re late!
C.J. waves to Craig who watches from the kitchen window.
JESSIE
Run, C.J.!
The kids run with the dog through the wet trees towards the:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
A Race to Tragedy
EXT. BUS STOP
An over-loaded pick-up truck lumbers up the wet, narrow road
with a line of cars behind it. The School Bus approaches in
the distance.
Jessie calls out to Shawn and Sarah, between the slow cars:
JESSIE
The bus is coming!
SHAWN
(calling back)
Don’t go without us!
C.J.
I won’t leave you!
SARAH
Why don’t you two get married
already.
SHAWN
Maybe we will. And when we grow up
we’ll move to Hollywood.
JESSIE
(singing)
Shawn and C.J. sittin’ in a tree --
C.J.
Shut up, Jessie.
JESSIE SARAH
K - I - S - S - I - N - G K - I - S - S - I - N - G
C.J. blushes. Changes the subject:
C.J.
Last one across is a rotten egg.
As the final car passes:
C.J. (CONT’D)
On your mark, get set... GO!
Shawn runs across the road towards C.J.
TIRE SCREECH - Shawn locks eyes with C.J.
A SPEEDING CAR HITS SHAWN
SOUND DROPS OUT - Shawn’s body flies high into the air.
CLOSE ON: Shawn’s red high-tops flying into the trees.
SOUND SLAMS BACK: The car SCREECHES to a halt.
A DRIVER (50s, female) jumps out in shock and anger.
Craig runs from the farm house in his boxers, screaming in
horror as Shawn’s body lands in a rock ditch...
CRAIG DRIVER
JESSIE -- (in shock, raging)
What are you little shits
doing in the road?!
Craig picks up Shawn’s bleeding body.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
It’s not Jessie! Oh thank you,
Jesus! It’s not Jessie.
Cathy runs to C.J. and Jessie. Lady barks. C.J.’s legs
buckle, the shock is too much.
Rebecca comes running in her robe to Shawn.
CRAIG (CONT’D) DRIVER
Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, (in shock)
Jesus! It’s not my baby girl. Oh my god. Why were they in
the road? Oh my god.
Rebecca kneels in the mud and takes Shawn from Craig.
REBECCA
(in panic and despair)
CALL NINE ONE ONE!
Craig runs back to the house.
C.J. holds on to Cathy - watches Rebecca rock Shawn’s body in
the ditch. Blood streams from Shawn’s ears. His eyes are
open, but rolled back.
SHAWN REBECCA (CONT’D)
Mama... Mama. I’m right here baby. I’m
right here.
Sarah comes to Cathy in tears.
SARAH CATHY
Is Shawn ok? Will he be ok? Help us, Jesus, please,
Jesus.
DRIVER
I didn’t see them. I didn’t know --
They just darted out -
Craig runs back with blankets, helps Rebecca wrap up Shawn as
his wet body convulses.
CRAIG
Paramedics are coming.
The school bus pulls up slowly. KIDS press against the
windows. Craig stands with his arms out, loudly:
CRAIG (CONT’D)
In the name of Jesus! We rebuke you
Satan. Jesus, we call upon you to
heal this boy. Be healed!
REBECCA
Shut the fuck up, Craig!
Craig steps back and continues his prayers quietly. Rebecca
tries to soothe an incoherent Shawn.
CATHY
Come on. Come with me.
Cathy guides C.J., Jessie and Sarah back towards the houses,
away from the scene.
Sirens scream in the distance.
Genres:
["Drama","Tragedy"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Burial of Loss
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - DAY
C.J. stands in a shirt and tie, tears streaming down his
face. He holds a shoebox labeled: POPEYE.
He places the box in a hole under a cross made of sticks
surrounded by wildflowers.
Jessie holds Cathy’s hand. Lady sits nearby. Craig shovels
dirt over the box.
I/E. SHAWN’S COTTAGE - DAY
C.J. slowly crosses the empty road. Lady follows him. He
steps up onto the cottage porch.
Through the screen door he sees Sarah help a catatonic
Rebecca fold Shawn’s clothes into a box marked “Good Will”.
Rebecca looks up at C.J., her face blank:
REBECCA
We missed you at Shawn’s services.
C.J.
My dad thought it would be better
to go without us.
Sarah steps outside to join C.J. They pull a Red Ryder wagon
of Good Will boxes towards Rebecca’s Volvo.
SARAH
I’m sorry about your cat.
C.J.
I’m sorry too.
They walk in silence.
C.J. places a Good Will box into the Volvo. Shawn’s red
converse with “S+C” drawn on them fall out of the box. C.J.
carefully places the shoes back inside.
He looks to Sarah, unsure of what to say. Then:
C.J. (CONT’D)
I keep dreaming about him. And when
I wake up I remember.
SARAH
Me too.
REBECCA (O.C.)
(calling out)
Sarah, honey.
C.J. has more to say, but he pauses. Sarah walks towards the
house. He then blurts it out:
C.J.
Did Shawn ask Jesus in his heart
before he died?
Sarah stops, turns to C.J.
SARAH
Your dad said Shawn’s in heaven.
That’s why him and your mom were
smiling at the funeral. They said
it means we should be happy for
him.
C.J. tries to hold his emotions together. A beat, then:
C.J.
You have to ask God to change you
to go to heaven.
Sarah stares at him. C.J. stands there, conflicted.
SARAH
If Shawn’s not in heaven, I don’t
want to go there.
REBECCA (O.C.)
(calling out)
Sarah --
Sarah walks inside. C.J., unsure of what to do, picks up
Shawn’s red converse and walks with Lady towards his house.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Grief at Popeye's Grave
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER
C.J. stands in front of Popeye’s grave. He sets the shoes
down and kneels in front of the small cross to pray. Lady
sits next to him. His voice shakes:
C.J.
Dear Jesus. Why didn’t you take me
instead?
He breaks.
C.J. (CONT’D)
I’m sorry. Please leave my heart. I
don’t want to go to heaven. Please,
God, please leave me alone.
He lays his face against the dirt and sobs over the loss of
his friend, the loss of his cat, and the loss of his God.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Isolation Amidst Excitement
INT. HIS WAY CHURCH - FELLOWSHIP HALL - DAY (1989)
Dozens of TEENS rehearse their various talents: ribbon
dancing, foam puppets, tambourines.
Jessie (15) practices at the piano.
Owen (17) tunes his guitar. Over-tightens a peg. A string
SNAPS. He flinches harder than he should.
Zach (17) stands off to the side, carefully applying guy-
liner in the reflection of a darkened window. Beside him:
rolled floor plans, smudged with pencil marks.
C.J. (17) pegs his pant leg above his red converse. Craig’s
marked-up sermon pages sit on top of a cardboard box.
ZACH
What’s in the box?
C.J.
Props.
ZACH
Pastor Craig approved props?
C.J.
He approved the pages.
C.J. keeps his hand on the box, protective. Zach notices.
ZACH
You okay?
C.J.
Yeah.
Craig, in neon POWER TEAM wardrobe, calls everyone together:
CRAIG
Circle up!
Cathy lets out her signature WHISTLE. The room quiets.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
There we go. Thank you, Cathy.
Let’s pray before we go on.
The teens move into a large circle, join hands. Zach tucks
the floor plans away before anyone can see.
JANIS
Nick - over here. Sheila, honey.
Janis gently guides St. Nick beside Sheila, placing their
hands together like a display.
JANIS (CONT’D)
There we go.
Sheila’s smile tightens. St. Nick lowers his eyes.
C.J. holds his hand out for Owen. Owen sees it. Then slips in
beside Ezra, taking his hand instead.
C.J. is left hanging. Jessie quietly takes his hand.
PASTOR NORM
Pastor Craig tells me we have a
full house today.
CRAIG
That’s right, Pastor Norm. We
opened up the balcony seating.
The group buzzes with excitement.
PASTOR NORM
Well, praise the Lord.
CRAIG
Amen. Brother Nick - will you lead
us in prayer?
St. Nick steps forward. C.J. won’t look at him. He glances at
Owen who stares downward.
ST. NICK
Yes. Amen, brother Craig.
He bows his head.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
Lord, I want to thank you for the
gifts you’ve placed in these young
people, their talent, their hearts,
their desire to serve you --
Zach catches C.J.’s eye, smiles. C.J. looks away.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
-- and for watching over us always.
Seeing us... even when we think no
one else does.
C.J. looks up. St. Nick’s eyes land on him.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
It’s only by repentance and your
grace that we are saved. In Jesus
name --
EVERYONE
AMEN.
Craig claps.
CRAIG
Alright. Performers, head
backstage. Everyone else, let’s set
up for the potluck.
JANIS
Five minutes to showtime, y’all!
C.J. takes a breath, approaches Owen, Ezra and Derek.
C.J.
Hey, Owen --
Owen looks past him and walks away. Ezra and Derek follow.
C.J. stands there a moment. Then picks up a box and heads
toward the stairs alone.
ST. NICK (O.C.)
I’m praying for you, C.J.
C.J. turns. Saint Nick meets his eyes. Quiet, earnest.
Afraid. C.J. nods. Unsure what else to do.
Cathy steps up with Scotty on her hip.
CATHY
Hey, Nick, Sheila could use a hand
with those casseroles.
C.J. uses the moment to disappear up the stairs.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Disco Disruption
INT. HIS WAY CHURCH - SANCTUARY - DAY - LATER
The sanctuary is packed. The heavy, driving rock of PETRA -
“Judas’ Kiss” cranks from the speakers.
OWEN (O.S.)
(singing)
-- I wonder how it makes you feel
when he'd rather be on his own --
Owen fronts the church band - he belts out the lyrics into
the mic and shreds his electric guitar.
Stage lights pulse bright - the congregation rocks out.
From the wings, C.J. and Jessie watch.
OWEN (CONT’D)
(singing)
-- I wonder what it's like for you
when a lamb has gone astray --
JESSIE
Damn he’s good.
C.J.
Yeah. Too good.
OWEN
(singing)
-- It must be just like --
Just like Judas' kiss --
Owen hits his falsetto. Applause erupts. Pastor Norm beams
from the front row, Janis wipes tears.
Craig bounds up to the mic.
CRAIG
ROCK ON! Let’s hear it for Owen
Chambers!
Craig grabs Owens hand and holds it high. More applause.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Look what God can do through our
young people.
Owen nods and smiles, wipes his brow and moves to the wings,
passes C.J. and Jessie -
C.J.
That was incredible, Owen.
Owen pushes past with the rest of the band.
JESSIE
(low, to C.J.)
Jesus.
C.J. doesn’t respond.
CRAIG
Radical. Now - next up, another of
His Way Church PK - one of my own -
let’s hear it for C.J. Harris. Son -
it’s all yours.
Applause. Whistles. Hoops. C.J. carries his cardboard box and
sermon pages into the lights.
He scans the crowd. Owen joins Ezra and Derek in the pews.
They whisper and laugh. Zach watches from a pew.
Craig returns to the front pew to join Cathy, Pastor Norm,
Janis, St. Nick and Sheila.
C.J. lays the sermon pages on the lectern. Craig’s
handwriting fills the margins.
C.J. clears his throat.
C.J.
Uh - hi, everyone. So - I’d like to
slow things down a little and start
with every head bowed and every eye
closed.
The congregation obeys. C.J. looks at the sermon pages, then
to Craig in the front pew - eyes closed, smiling, proud. He
takes a deep breath, slides the sermon pages aside.
C.J. (CONT’D)
I want to take you on a journey.
Back to a time you almost remember.
He reaches into the box, pulls out polyester bell-bottoms,
slides into them.
Craig opens one eye.
C.J. (CONT’D)
You’re in darkness. Somewhere, far
away, you hear a beat. Steady.
Familiar.
C.J. pulls out a silk shirt, then a rhinestone-covered
pleather jacket, slips them on. Craig sits up straighter.
C.J. (CONT’D)
It’s not jazz. Not R&B. Not reggae.
Horns come in. Strings.
C.J. drops a gold medallion around his neck.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Then it hits you. You’ve never felt
more free --
He points toward sound booth.
CHIC - “LE FREAK” BLASTS from the speakers.
CHIC (V.O.)
One, two, ahhh, freak out!
A spotlight snaps on. C.J. strikes a perfect Disco pose.
C.J. CHIC (V.O.)
DISCO, baby! Le Freak, c’est chic. Freak
out!
The crowd explodes. Gasps. Laughter.
C.J. dances, confident and electric, every move sharp.
Craig stares at C.J., gutted. Then the fury takes over.
CHIC (V.O.)
Ahhh, freak out!
The music surges. The sanctuary in chaos. C.J. dances. Free.
Genres:
["Drama","Musical"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Confrontations and Consequences
INT. HIS WAY CHURCH - MEN’S ROOM - LATER
C.J., still in his disco-suit, steps up to the urinal beside
Zach. C.J. pees.
C.J.
Hey Zach.
Zach stands stiff. Can’t pee. He exhales, frustrated, moves
to the mirror.
ZACH
Well, that certainly wasn’t one of
your dad’s sermons.
C.J.
You noticed?
Zach laughs. C.J. flushes, zips, joins Zach at the sink.
ZACH
Looked like you’d been practicing
for a while.
C.J.
I just made it up.
ZACH
You weren’t scared. Wish I could do
that.
C.J. smiles, enjoys the compliment.
C.J.
Thanks.
They catch each other’s eyes in the mirror.
ZACH
I mean it.
C.J. removes the gold medallion, holds it out.
C.J.
For courage.
Zach grins, slips it on.
The door swings open. Ezra, Derek and Owen enter.
Owen stops when he sees the medallion on Zach’s chest. Then
he sees C.J. seeing it.
EZRA
Yo, Zach, your mascara’s running.
C.J. laughs, reflexively. Instantly regrets it.
Zach drops his gaze as Ezra and Derek crowd the urinals. Owen
leans on the wall, eyes locked on C.J. in the mirror.
OWEN
You here to piss? Or just watch?
ZACH
I’m trying to piss, actually.
OWEN
Sure you are.
Zach looks at Owen now. Scared, but tired of it.
ZACH
I’m not gay, Owen. You only say
that because it scares you.
Owen’s smile vanishes. His jaw works, but nothing comes out.
DEREK
Come on, man.
Owen ignores him, his eyes snap to C.J. in the mirror.
OWEN
Yeah? Ask C.J. what scares him.
C.J. goes still.
OWEN (CONT’D)
C.J. invite you to the baptistry
for a skinny dip yet?
Ezra and Derek snicker.
C.J.
That was your idea -
OWEN
You gonna tell everyone who you
really are, C.J.?
Zach steps between them, scared but done.
ZACH
Back off, Owen.
Owen shoves Zach hard into the wall. The second Zach hits,
Owen knows he went too far.
Zach absorbs it, scared but still standing. He looks to C.J. -
C.J. can’t look back.
DEREK
Come on.
Derek pulls Owen toward the door.
EZRA
You fags can kiss in private.
Ezra flips off the lights as he exits.
BLACK.
The lights snap back on. Zach, at the door, straightens the
gold medallion around his neck, trying not to shake.
C.J. remains at the sink - pale. He stares at Zach through
the mirror - opens his mouth. Nothing comes out.
Zach takes off the medallion. Sets it on the sink. Walks out.
C.J. is left alone.
-- FELLOWSHIP HALL - DAY - MOMENTS LATER
The hall hums with post-performance joy. Congregants crowd
folding tables. Teens glow with adrenaline. Kids weave
through adults balancing plates of Jell-O salads and
casseroles.
C.J. scans the room.
Across the hall, Owen stands with Craig, Pastor Norm and St.
Nick. He talks fast, shaken.
Craig leans in. St. Nick’s face drains. Craig turns, finds
C.J., starts toward him.
CRAIG
We’re leaving.
C.J. sees Owen look away.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
Now.
Craig storms off. C.J. hangs his head, follows.
Cathy motions to Jessie, they move after them.
Behind them, Owen, Ezra, and Derek watch. Pastor Norm, Janis,
St. Nick and Sheila do nothing.
Craig pushes out the exit doors. C.J. stops. Zach brushes
past him, and exits alone. He doesn’t look back.
I/E. YOUTH MINISTRY VW VAN - DAY - MOMENTS LATER
Cathy sits rigid, clutching baby Scotty. Craig drives in
tense silence, still wearing his neon church outfit.
Behind him, C.J. sits in his disco suit.
Further back, Jessie rides with Erin, Andy, and Ryan. No one
speaks. Craig’s eyes glare at C.J. in the rearview.
CRAIG
Just who in the hell do you think
you are?
C.J.
I don’t know.
CRAIG
Skinny dipping in the baptistry?
C.J.
We were just messing around --
CRAIG
(a growl)
You are an extension of me. You
represent MY FAMILY.
C.J.
I’m not you.
Craig SLAMS the brakes. Everyone lurches forward.
CATHY
Craig! The baby -
Craig punches the gas. Shaken, C.J., reaches across the seat
backs, pulling seatbelts over his siblings.
A HORN BLASTS. A PICKUP cuts around the van. Its DRIVER flips
Craig off.
Craig swerves after him.
CATHY (CONT’D)
Craig. Don’t.
The pickup brakes hard and pulls onto the shoulder. Craig
stops behind it.
The Driver gets out, tire iron in hand.
Craig steps from the Youth Ministry van and raises a pistol.
The Driver freezes.
CRAIG
You got something to say?
A minivan slows behind them.
PARISHIONER
Pastor Craig?
Craig turns. A PARISHIONER peers out from behind the wheel,
his wife and kids staring.
PARISHIONER (CONT’D)
Everything alright?
Craig lowers the gun. Smiles.
CRAIG
Everything’s great. God bless.
He gets back into the van. Silence. He pulls onto the road.
RYAN
Is that man bad?
No one answers.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Family Tensions and Disco Dreams
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - DAY - LATER
Craig slams the Youth Ministry van into the driveway and
storms into the house.
The family follows in silence, passing Evelyn on the porch:
leisure suit, Dolly Parton wig, oxygen tube, cigarette.
C.J. sits in the van, alone in his disco suit.
He climbs out.
EVELYN
Someone call 9-1-1. We’ve got a
five alarm Disco inferno.
C.J. hands her a quarter. Evelyn palms him a cigarette.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
How’d it go?
Before he can answer, Cathy appears in the doorway.
CATHY
C.J., get to your room.
She disappears inside. C.J. exhales.
C.J.
God. The drama.
Evelyn watches him head to the house.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Breaking Point
INT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - LIVING ROOM
Andy and Ryan sprawl on with Erin, watching THE COSBY SHOW
reruns on a small TV. CANNED LAUGHTER fills the room.
C.J. enters, still in his disco suit. He steps over the kids
and heads for the stairs.
Another LAUGH TRACK HIT. Jessie leans against the banister.
JESSIE
You brought this on yourself.
C.J. looks at her. Too tired to fight.
C.J.
Yeah.
He continues upstairs. The laughter keeps rolling below.
-- HALLWAY
C.J. reaches his bedroom door. Stops.
The house feels too quiet now. His hand rests on the knob.
Another faint burst of LAUGH TRACK rises from downstairs.
Then something THUMPS inside his room. C.J. opens the door.
-- C.J.’S BEDROOM
Craig tears through the room. Closet emptied. Drawers dumped.
Mattress flipped. Memories scattered across the floor.
C.J. freezes in the doorway.
CRAIG
Take it off.
Craig grabs him by the pleather jacket and yanks.
C.J.
Dad -
CRAIG
Where’s the rest of it?
C.J.
The rest of what?
CRAIG
Don’t play stupid with me.
Craig shoves past him, digs through the wreckage, finds the
INTERNATIONAL MALE CATALOGUE. He flips it open. Glossy pages
of nearly naked men. Shoves it into C.J.’s face.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
This.
C.J. can barely breathe.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
You get off on this queer shit?
C.J.
It’s just underwear.
CRAIG
Where’d you get this? Nick?
C.J.
What? NO.
CRAIG
I’ll kill that son of a bitch.
Craig unbuckles his belt.
C.J.
Dad --
CRAIG
I did not raise a pervert.
The BELT CRACKS across C.J.’s legs, he cries out. Craig
presses his face against C.J.’s.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
You think you can outsmart me?
C.J.
No, dad --
Craig snorts. Turns, storms out with the catalogue.
C.J. collapses onto the ruined bed, gasping.
After a beat, Cathy enters. Her eyes red.
C.J. (CONT’D)
Please make him stop.
CATHY
Your father's doing the best he
can.
C.J.
He pulled a gun on a guy, mom.
CATHY
To protect us.
C.J.
Why do you always choose him over
what’s best for us?
CATHY
He’s all we got, C.J. You need to
give it over to God.
C.J.
But Dad’s not God.
The slap is instant and hard. C.J. holds his face, stunned.
CATHY
God restored this family. He chose
us. Don’t you EVER spit on that.
She gathers herself. Then:
CATHY (CONT’D)
I can’t protect you anymore, C.J.
She slips out, shutting the door.
C.J. stands in the destroyed room. He crosses to the window,
Looks down. Too far to jump.
Across the property: the Youth Ministry van. Evelyn’s
Continental. His siblings playing with Lady.
Beyond them: the sawmill. The dam. Shawn’s boarded-up house.
The whole map of his childhood.
The bedroom door opens.
C.J.
Dad --
Craig picks up C.J.’s Bible and presses it hard against
C.J.’s forehead.
CRAIG
Lord, God, I call on you right now
to deliver this boy from Satan. In
the name of JESUS, I CAST YOU OUT!
C.J.
Dad - stop. Please.
CRAIG
I command you to repent!
C.J.
For what?
CRAIG
For turning your back on God.
C.J.
He turned His back first.
Craig shoves him back. The Bible drops, falls open. The
SECRET COMPARTMENT spills out: Walkman. Cigarettes. The pink
glow-in-the-dark condom.
CRAIG
(low, dangerous)
Do your siblings know about this?
C.J.
No - I --
Craig lifts the belt again. C.J. grabs a blanket as a shield.
CRAIG
If you infected my family with your
depravity, I will knock your block
off -
C.J.
BUT I AM YOUR FAMILY.
Cathy opens the door: The Bible. The condom. C.J. sobbing
behind the blanket. She takes it in.
C.J. (CONT’D)
You keep saying Jesus saved us.
CRAIG
Enough.
C.J.
He didn’t.
CATHY
Don’t say that.
C.J.
If He was ever here, He saw
everything.
A beat.
C.J. (CONT’D)
And He didn’t do shit.
C.J. weeps.
C.J. (CONT’D)
You should’ve just aborted me.
CRAIG
You’re my son.
C.J.
But you don’t want me.
Craig pulls C.J. into a crushing embrace.
C.J. (CONT’D)
I’m not you.
Evelyn storms in, livid, the catalogue clenched in her fist.
EVELYN
Let him go.
Craig releases C.J.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
Touch him again and I’ll send you
back to hell.
She shoves the catalogue at Craig.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
You want someone to blame? Blame
me.
She hands cigarettes to C.J.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
These too. Come beat the shit out
of me, coward.
She passes Cathy on her way out. Cathy reaches for C.J.
CATHY
I’m sorry, baby -
C.J.
No.
C.J. stands shaking with anger, grief, resolve. He spots the
glass jug overturned. Sets it upright. The coins settle.
On the floor beside the open Bible: Zach’s torn scrap of
drafting paper. The Glendale number.
C.J. picks it up. Folds it carefully. Then he pushes past
Craig and Cathy, out of the wreckage of his room and away
from his parents.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Solitary Creativity
INT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY (1982)
Embers glow inside the wood burning stove. The TV plays 70’s
sit-com re-runs, the volume turned low.
C.J. (10), in his Royal Ranger uniform, sits on the living
room floor surrounded by magazines. He concentrates on
cutting images from travel ads.
Lady snores nearby. Rain patters against the windows outside.
C.J. sings a disco tune - quiet, to himself.
C.J.
Ahhh - freak out - do, do, do, do
ta - do -- freak out --
He finishes a cut-out of Disneyland’s castle. Proud of his
work, he turns his glass jug of coins - covered in cut-outs
of the Hollywood sign, the Brady Bunch house, and a four-door
car. And a photo of Popeye.
He spots an open area in need of an image - holds his hand
out to Shawn without looking up:
C.J. (CONT’D)
Pass me the tape.
He turns to look. Shawn’s not there.
C.J. sits silent. Still. He takes in a ragged breath - and
goes back to building with his legos.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
C.J.'s 18th Birthday: A Moment of Reflection
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - FRONT YARD - DAY (1989)
Limp balloons and loose streamers. A crooked banner reads:
HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY
A folding table holds the remains of a sheet cake.
The Harris kids run and play. Janis and a few CHURCH LADIES
help Cathy clean up, moving with practiced cheer.
On the porch, Craig and Pastor Norm stand with the CHURCH
MEN, admiring Craig’s gun collection.
PASTOR NORM
Pastor Craig told me the Lord’s
been working on his temper.
CRAIG
Still a work in progress.
The men laugh, easy and knowing.
Nearby, St. Nick stands beside Sheila. He pulls his sleeve
down to cover his tattoos. Sheila’s flannels are gone; now
she wears a long, flower-print dress.
They hold hands, stiff and dutiful.
I/E. HARRIS HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY - SAME
C.J. (17), sits at the table wearing Owen’s cowboy hat.
Evelyn deals gin rummy. He reads birthday cards.
The Addams Family reruns play on a small TV. Outside the
window, his birthday party winds down.
Evelyn studies C.J. She nods to the TV.
EVELYN
There’s just something about Lurch.
That gets a smile out of C.J.
C.J.
You can do better, Evelyn.
EVELYN
Fuck it. Call me grandma. People
can tell me I look good for my age.
C.J. smiles, then fades. Evelyn looks out to the party.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
Nice little turn out.
C.J.
That party isn’t for me.
Evelyn doesn’t argue.
EVELYN
When’s Owen and the boys comin’ by?
C.J.
They’re not coming.
Evelyn lights a cigarette. Watches him. Then -
EVELYN
Don’t you ever hide.
C.J.
I’ll go back out there.
Evelyn pours herself a drink. Then pours one for C.J. He
looks at her, surprised.
EVELYN
Go live your life. It’s yours.
Don’t waste time on no man.
C.J.
Grandma -
EVELYN
Doesn’t matter how good he smells.
If he can’t give you the love you
deserve, you walk away.
She gestures toward the party outside - Craig, Cathy, Norm,
Janis, Sheila, St. Nick.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
And if these people can’t celebrate
who you are, they’re not your
people.
Tears slip down Evelyn’s face.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
Promise me right now you’ll never
hurt yourself.
C.J. looks up at her.
C.J.
I’ll be ok.
EVELYN
I want to hear it.
C.J.
I promise.
Evelyn stands. Removes the black cowboy hat, kisses C.J.’s
head, then places it back on him.
EVELYN
OK. You can move to Hollywood.
She sits, shuffles the cards. C.J. takes it all in.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Transitions and Tensions
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - FRONT - LATER
C.J. hangs his graduation tassel on the rearview mirror of
Uncle Mark’s El Camino. Lady sits nearby, watching.
ST. NICK (O.C.)
She’s a beast.
C.J. looks up. St. Nick leans against the car. C.J. avoids
eye contact, fiddles with the dash.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
She’ll get you to L.A.
C.J. nods. St. Nick tries to connect again:
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
What’s it - twelve hours?
C.J. doesn’t answer. Uncle Mark rolls up in his wheelchair.
C.J.
This is so rad, Uncle Mark.
UNCLE MARK
And you don’t even have to use your
feet to drive it.
C.J. smiles. Uncle Mark pulls out an envelope, hands it over.
UNCLE MARK (CONT’D)
Happy birthday, Nephew.
C.J.
The car is way more than enough.
UNCLE MARK
Open it.
C.J. opens the envelope. Inside: a JOINT and a FAKE I.D.
C.J.
Holy shit.
Uncle Mark notices St. Nick subtly shake his head no.
UNCLE MARK
Uncle’s sworn duty.
C.J. pockets the joint and I.D., then hugs Uncle Mark.
C.J.
Thank you.
Uncle Mark pulls out a flask, takes a swig, tosses it to C.J.
He catches it, drinks.
UNCLE MARK
Welcome to adulthood.
C.J. offers the flask to St. Nick.
ST. NICK
Nah. That life’s behind me.
UNCLE MARK
So what, they got you and that
Sheila lady playing house now?
St. Nick doesn’t answer.
UNCLE MARK (CONT’D)
Jesus.
ST. NICK
By the grace of God, that dirty,
old, depraved me is dead.
UNCLE MARK
Genie would’ve never let you say
that.
St. Nick lowers his eyes. Uncle Mark rocks his chair gently.
UNCLE MARK (CONT’D)
I don’t know much about God, C.J.
And it took me a long time to
figure out that God don’t make
mistakes. He made us exactly who we
are. We have to learn to love it.
St. Nick stares straight ahead. Uncle Mark wheels off.
C.J. and St. Nick stand in silence. C.J. studies St. Nick.
After a long beat, C.J. starts to speak - then stops. He
takes a deep breath, then:
C.J.
I’m sorry about Genie.
St. Nick nods. The grief is still raw. He looks at C.J.
ST. NICK
You remind me a lot of me, C.J.
C.J. looks away, nods. St. Nick fights for composure. Then:
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
There’s a lot of choices ahead of
you --
St. Nick fights to hold himself together.
ST. NICK (CONT’D)
Just -- promise me you’ll be
careful out there.
C.J.
I’ll be careful.
A beat.
C.J. (CONT’D)
But the rest isn’t up to me.
St. Nick hangs his head. Tears fall into the dust. C.J. steps
forward, reaches for St. Nick, and embraces him.
St. Nick’s shoulders heave. C.J. holds him. Then reaches
behind St. Nick’s ear - pulls out a QUARTER.
C.J. (CONT’D)
We’re still magic.
He places the coin in St. Nick’s palm. St. Nick trembles.
ST. NICK
I need to - uh -
He turns and walks away - wiping his face. C.J. watches him
go. Lady sits at his feet.
I/E. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY - LATER
C.J. watches through the window as Craig and Cathy hug Pastor
Norm and Janis goodbye. They climb into their Cadillac.
Behind them, St. Nick, Sheila, and several PARISHIONERS file
into a newer fifteen-passenger van splashed with graphics:
HOP ON THE BUS WITH HIS WAY CHURCH!
The vehicles pull away. C.J. turns and walks past Jessie on
the couch, watching Beverly Hills 90210.
C.J.
Mom’ll throw that TV out if she
catches you watching that.
Jessie shrugs, eyes never leaving the screen.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
A Farewell in the Sky
INT. HARRIS HOUSE - C.J.’S BEDROOM - LATER
C.J. packs clothes into boxes with photos of Popeye and Lady.
Jessie enters:
JESSIE
What’s with everyone being here
like it’s your funeral?
C.J.
It’s what they needed.
JESSIE
Total first-born syndrome. No way
they show up for mine.
C.J.
Count your blessings.
Jessie flops onto his bed. Lady hops up beside her. Jessie
pets her, staring out the window. A white jet streaks across
the blue sky.
JESSIE
I wonder where they’re all floating
off to.
C.J. lies down beside her.
C.J.
Anywhere but here.
JESSIE
Take me with you.
C.J.
Can’t. You’re man of the house now.
JESSIE
(laughs)
Yeah, right.
They lie there quietly.
JESSIE (CONT’D)
Where are you even gonna sleep?
C.J.
Zach gave me his brother’s number.
JESSIE
Stellar planning. Jesus, C.J.
C.J.
I can’t find what I need here.
JESSIE
I know.
C.J.
It’s like I’m pouring Cheerios and
expecting Froot Loops.
JESSIE
You’re getting stale Corn Flakes.
The siblings laugh together. They fall into silence. Then --
JESSIE (CONT’D)
I don’t want you to float away.
C.J. takes her hand.
C.J.
I’ll come back.
JESSIE
No. Don’t.
(then)
I’ll come find you.
They lie with Lady, watching jets cut across the sky.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Bittersweet Farewell
EXT. HARRIS FARM HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - DAY
C.J. on a kitchen stool. Cathy cuts his hair with clippers
plugged into an extension cord. Lady rests at his feet.
CATHY
I always knew this day would come.
C.J.
It hasn’t yet.
CATHY
I don’t know what being in this
family will be like without you.
C.J.
We’ve made different choices.
She wipes tears, keeps working on his hair. Silence, then:
CATHY
How will I know you’ll be okay?
C.J.
I’ll be okay, mom.
She starts to pray under her breath.
CATHY
Jesus, protect my baby.
The PHONE RINGS inside.
EVELYN (O.C.)
Cathy! Phone!
CATHY
(to C.J.)
Sit tight.
She goes inside. C.J. looks up at the trees. Clouds drift.
Lady presses closer.
The clippers resume. C.J.’s eyes open, Craig behind him.
CRAIG
How short?
C.J.’s face hardens.
C.J.
Short on the sides. Long on top.
Craig starts cutting.
CRAIG
Eighteen. Same age I was when you
were born. Goes by fast.
C.J.
An entire lifetime for me.
Craig smiles. It fades.
CRAIG (CONT'D)
You’ve grown to be a much different
man than I was at your age.
C.J. looks straight ahead.
C.J.
Nothing’s more important to a man
than the freedom to find himself...
right?
Craig stops cutting. After a long beat:
CRAIG
I’m worried about heaven, son.
C.J.
You’ll get in.
CRAIG
I don’t know if I’ll see you there.
C.J.
I don’t want to go to heaven, dad.
CRAIG
I know.
Then, soft:
C.J.
I’m here now.
Tears fall down Craig’s face. He sets the clippers down,
disappears inside behind C.J.
C.J. inhales deep, and slowly lets everything out.
He looks at the clippers. Then picks them up, clicks them on
and buzzes the rest of his hair himself. Clumps fall on the
gentle breeze.
The song “Son of a Preacher Man” plays as:
I/E. EL CAMINO - HARRIS FARM HOUSE - MORNING
Craig, Cathy, and the Harris kids stand in the driveway with
Lady and Evelyn.
C.J. sits behind the wheel.
Jessie wipes tears, flips him off. C.J. smiles, pulls away.
I/E. EL CAMINO - MOUNTAIN ROADS - DAY
C.J., hair buzzed, drives the winding mountain road. His
tassel and the medallion hang from the rearview.
On the dashboard: the black cowboy hat.
Beside it: Shawn’s red Converse, “S+C” written on the side.
On the seat: a Thomas Guide, open and already creased. The
scrap of paper with the Glendale number tucked inside.
He looks at his five-gallon glass jug on the floor, L.A. Ads
taped to the glass. The coins barely fill half.
C.J. cracks the window, lets the air hit his face. Wipes
tears from his eyes. And keeps driving.
EXT. EL CAMINO - REDWOODS - DAY
The El Camino drives through an ancient grove of redwoods.
I/E. EL CAMINO - SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY - DAY
Flat land. Open sky. Orchards. Aqueducts.
C.J. glances in the rearview mirror. He holds his own gaze.
Then reaches for the black cowboy hat and puts it on.
His hand rides the wind.
A sign flashes past: LOS ANGELES – 320 MILES
“Son of a Preacher Man” rises.
FADE TO BLACK.