HARDCASTLE AND McCORMICK

THE BOXER

by

Patrick Hasburgh

A STEPHEN J. CANNELL PRODUCTION

All rights reserved

Copyright 1983 by Stephen J. Cannell Productions

No portion of this script may be performedor used by any means, or quoted or publishedin any medium without the prior writtenconsent of Stephen J. Cannell Productions,7083 Hollywood Boulevard, Ho11TNood, CA 90028

First Draft August 19, 1983

#2107

liTHE BOXER"

SETS

EXTERIORS

SPARKY'S GYMGULL'S WAYKID CALICO'S RING SIDE GRILLHOSPITALHIGHWAYKANE'S CONDOMINIUMLE SARRE RESTAURANTOLYMPIC AUDITORIUM

INTERIORS

SPARKY'S GYMGATE HOUSEKID CALICO'S RING SIDE GRILLCEMENT HALLWAYKID CALICO'S DRESSING ROOMHARDCASTLE'S DENHOSPITAL ROOMKANE'S CONDOMINIUMCOYOTELE SARRE RESTAURANTSEDANHOSPITAL CORRIDORHOSPITAL ROOMOLYMPIC AUDITORIUM

RING SIDE SEATS

August 19, 1983

"THE BOXER"

CAST

JUDGE MILTON C. HARDCASTLEMARK McCORMICK

SPARKY FURGESSKID CALICOTONY BARROWSJACK CALICOFRANKY KANEHOWARD COSELL

RING ANNOUNCERFIRE MARSHALLA GUYPOLICEMANHOSPITAL ORDERLY

August 19, 1983

--~--~-~---~~~~-~----------~-------~----

-1-

*2107

FADE IN:

HARDCASTLE & McCORMICK

THE BOXER

ACT ONE

EXT. SPARKY'S GYM - NIGHT

A hot summer's rain pounds the flat grey walls of this south­side gym and hanging over a narrow door we can see a pair ofBOXING GLOVES fashioned out of twisted neon. OVER THIS themuffled thud of heavy leather can be heard.

CUT TO:

INT. SPARKY'S GYM - DAY

It is steaming hot and a mist of heavy sweat hangs in theair. Standing in the center of a boxing ring is an elegantyoung man who is known as KID CALICO. Calico is maybe twenty­five, incredibly conditioned and covered with a thin sheen ofperspiration that illuminates him apart from his fellow boxersthat surround the ring::and watch their master craftsmen.Calico dances fast and throws a barrage of deadly combinationsat his sparring partner like a gattling gun on fire. From thecorner of the ring, SPARKY FURGESS barks instructions at hisboy. Furgess is a bull of a man, well over sixty, with a bentnose and the history of a club fighter welted across his face.

FURGESS

You gotta get it off quickerCalico! Quicker! The body,the body, then the head .... !Get on your bike and counter.left.

Calico grins and greets his sparring partner with a blindingflurry of lefts and rights. His sparring partner goes downand Calico dances over to his trainer and spits out his mouthpiece with a smile.

CALICOWhere'd you find that bum,Spark? MyoId man could stilltake him out in the firstround.

FURGESS

Yeah, yeah, ...you go in onAdropov like that, he'll takeyour head off and spit in yourneck.

CONTINUED

-2-

CONTINUED

Furgess motions to another sparring partner and sends himinto the ring.

FURGESSLet's go, let's gol I wannasee a fresh man in there everythree minutes.

(to Calico)You, back ·in. We're gonna gofor fifteen, non-stopped ...and the left, keep it up, huh?

Calico goes back in against his new partne.r and begins hisdance of destruction. Furgess turns and walks through thegym: in the b.g. we can see would be boxers of all shapesand sizes working out on heavy bags and skipping rope. Then,a man named TONY BARROWS steps from the shadows and tugs onFurgess's sleeve: nodding to Calico.

BARROWS

Our boy looks real good,Sparky. You keepin·' himhealthy?

FURGESSWhatta you doin' in here?I told 'ernI wanted to keepthe. scum outta this place.

Barrows grabs Furgess by the collar and presses him againsta bank of lockers. The gYm goes silent and a couple of boxersstart to move in on Barrows, but Furgess waves them off.

BARROWSJust checkin' on Mister Kane'sinvestment and I don't want totell 'em that you're gettin'unreasonable, huh?

Barrows pushes Furgess off and flicks a cigarette into the ringIt rolls to Calico's feet.

BARROWS

You keep the left workin'kid. ~Cause I wouldn'twant you to disappoint theboss.

Barrows starts to leave and Calico spits out his mouth piecein anger.

CONTINUED

-3-

CONTINUEDCALICO

I ain't never gonna fightfor Kane, man. And you tellhim that straight.

Barrows smiles and as he exits:

BARROWS

Yeah, well then maybe we'lljust have to ask your old man.

The gym is silent for a heavy beat and then Furgess clapshis hands together.

FURGESSOkay, okay, c'mon! Whatta Igot here, huh? A bunch'a ladywrestlers? Let's go!

The gYm buzzes back to life and we:

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. GULL'S WAY - DAY

Hardcastle comes out of the front door, stretching in the warmmorning sun and picking up the newspaper from the front step.He thumps through it and sighs: shooting a look to the GATE­HOUSE.

HARDCASTLEC'mon, where's the sports page?

CUT TO:

CLOSE ON - SPORTS PAGE

and on the front page we can see a sports feature that reads:KID CALICO - SECOND GENERATION AT THE AUD.

PULL BACK TO INCLUDE - INT. GATEHOUSE - DAY

as McCormick pours over the sports. page while alternatelyeating a bowl of cereal and chugging a quart of orange juice.Then, there's a bang on the door.

HARDCASTLEGet decent, kid. I'm comin'in.

CONTINUED

-4-

CONTINUED

McCormick quickly stashes the sports page under his butt andsits back down on it. The door opens and Hardcastle enters.

McCORMICKMornin I; judge.

HARDCASTLEDon It "mornin'" me, McCormick.C'mon, up, up.

and like he's done it a hundred times before Hardcastle hoistsMcCormick off of his chair and grabs his newspaper.

HARDCASTLEWe gonna play hide and sitevery morning?

McCORMICK

I was gonna ~ive it, back toyou as soon as I'm"through.

HARDCASTLELook, I tell you this every day.Me, I'm a creature of habit".You, you're just habitual ...andevery morning I read the sportspage first, then the metro andthen the front page, ...and then,I get my coffee.

McCORMICKAh, c'mon, Judge. I bet youread the comics first, don't ya?

Hardcastle grunts and scans the sports page.

HARDCASTLEAnything in here?

McCORMICK(smiles)

Lakers lost.

Hardcastle reaches into the pocket of his robe without lookingup from the newspaper and hands McCormick a five.

F..ARDCASTLE(reading, smiles)

And the Raiders won.

CONTINUED

-5-

CONTINUED - 2

McCormick hands back the five and takes the sports page back.

HARDCASTLEDo you mind? I've read thissentence about five times.

McCORMICKNo look, I want you to seethis.

McCormick points to the picture of KID CALICO.

McCORMICKLooks like another one ofmyoId friends from the tankis doing real well.

HARDCASTLELet me see that.

Hardcastle takes back the paper.

McCORMICKThe guy's an Olympic hopeful.Which is pretty good, 'causein the can he was consideredpretty hopeless.

(smiles)He liked to bang on the guards.

HARDCASTLE(impressed)

You know Kid Calico?

McCORMICK

Yeah, you tend to get friendlywith guys you shower with every­day, Judge.

(re: papers)Calico's got a good shot at grabbin'a medal in the games next summer.

HARDCASTLE

Ray Charles could see that,McCormick.

(reads paper)Yeah, I remember his old man.He almost made the games backin fifty two, but got bustedoff the team right before thefinals ...Too bad, too, Ihad'a sawbuck ridin' on him.

CONTINUED

-6-

CONTINUED - 3

McCORMICKI didn't know you were a fightfan, Judge.

HARDCASTLEThere's a lot you don't knowabout me, McCormick •...and I'mnot a fight fan, I'm a boxingexpert.

McCORMICKOh, you are, huh?

(thinks)Best heavyweight?

HARDCASTLEDumb question, kiddo ...There'sonly been one heavyweight ~hamp,Joe Lewis, the Mannassa Mauler.

McCORMICKHah, Ali, no question. Lewisfought like a gorilla.

HARDCASTLEWhat he was, McCormick was afighter. That Cassius Ali what'shis name, Float like a MeatballMohammed, was nothing more thana ballet dancer with a third ratejab. Who'd he ever fight?

McCORMICKListen, Patterson, Frazier, Foreman.

HARDCASTLEBunch'a flyswatters.

McCormick shakes his head.

McCORMICKNothin' I like better thanan intelligent discussion witha reasonable man. Best middle­weight?

HARDCASTLEEasy.

McCORMICKSugar Ray.

CONTINUED

-7-

CONTINUED - 4

HARDCASTLE

Now you're talkin', Sugar RayRobinson was the best.

Iv,tcCORMICKRobinson, I'm talkin' aboutSugar Ray Leonard.

HARDCASTLEThat kid who turned into asports comentator? Forget it.He coudn't pack Robinson'slunch on the best day of hislife.

McCORMICK

How can you say that? Sugar RayLeonard's a genius. Probably themost efficient crasftrnan to haveever climbed into a ring. Hemade boxing a science.

HARDCASTLEYeah, and that's half of thetrouble with the fight gamethese days •... We gotta bunchof scientists in there sluggingit out instead of fighters.You don't hit each other withslide rulers, McCormick. Youuse your hands.

McCormick shakes his head at Hardcastle.

McCORMICKTonuny Hearns?

HARDCASTLEKid's a wussy with no legs.

(shadow boxes)To the head, then to "the bodyand back to the head. None ofthat Ali shufflin' on the rope­a-dope stuff ...just stalk likea bear and knock'em down by themiddle of the third. Now, half1a

the time both guys end up still standin'.

McCORMICKYou used to box a little, didyou, Judge?

CONTINUED

-8-

CONTINUED - 5

Hardcastle continues to shadow box.

HARDCASTLEWhat does it look like?

McCORMICK

It looks like a guy trying totake his pants off over hishead.

Hardcastle shoots McCormick a look.

HARDCASTLE

You got chores to do.Get dressed.

McCormick hands Hardcastle his sports page.

McCORMICK

Hey, Judge. Calico's fightin'an Olympic qualifier tonight atthe aud. You wanna check it out?Y'know, tell me what to look forin a good fighter?

HARDCASTLESure.

Hardcastle glances at the newspaper's picture of Kid Calico.

HARDCASTLEY'know, I wonder what Calico'sold man's doing? The guy waspretty good.

CUT TO:

EXT. KID CALICO'S RING SIDE GRILL - DAY

It is early morning in the ghetto of Los Angeles and this barand grill is in need of paint and probably a better lunch menuWe can see an old pair of stained BOXING GLOVES hanging in thefront window next to a plaque that reads:

KID CALICO - U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM1952

..Then a black LIMO pulls up in front and Tony Barrows climbsout. As he opens the rear door of the limo, we:

CUT TO:

-9-

INT. KID CALICO'S RING SIDE GRILL- DAY

and washing glasses behind the bar is the original kid Calico.JACK CALICO is about sixty, but well bent beyond his yearsand cauliflower ears frame a face that has been battered in.After a beat, Barrows and FRANKY KANE enter. Kane is a giantof a man who wears expensive clothes and wild hair in need ofa cut. Jack Calico looks up from the bar with a crooked smileand limps out in greeting.

JACKKitchen don't open 'til elevenguys, but if you want I can makeyou a sandwich.

Kane nods to Barrows and he pulls down the front shade.

JACK

Hey"what is this?

Kane saunters over to a boxing trophy that is proudly displayedon a.wall mantle and picks it up.

KANEYou had a pretty good lefthook back in those days, didn'tyou?

(beat)But now, a fighter needs morethan just his hands ...he needsbrains. Connections. Peopleto take care of him.

Kane tosses Jack Calico the boxing trophy and Calico misses itand it crashes to the floor.

JACKI don't want no trouble, okay?Who are you guys?

! KANEWe have a little problem withyour boy, Mister Calico. Itseems the young man doesn'twant to listen to reason.

JACKI don't know what you're talkingabout.

CONTINUED

-10-

CONTINUED - 2

KANEYour son. When he was inprison, I pulled some strings.Talked to the parole boardabout giving him a job whenhe got out ••.and now, hethinks he doesn't owe me.

JACK

My boy's been real good sincehe got out. What's he done?He's not in trouble is he?

KANE

Not yet •.•but, your boy won'tsign with me and turn pro.He's waving some flag aboutfighting for his country inthe Olympics. A young manlike him with his talent. Itcould cost us both a greatdeal of money.

Jack Calico rises to his feet and a kind of fire comes to his

eyes that tells us he's been through this before. But morethan likely it was a long time ago.

JACKMy son doesn't fight formoney.

(points to himself)He fights for his father. Hiscountry. For respect.

KANESo he can end up in a dump likethis. Half blind and pourin'drinks for a bunch'a bleeders ...Don't be stupid, Calico. Youblew your shot. Don't letyour son blow his.

Jack Calico shakes with anger.

JACKGet out of here.

Kane waves Barrows over to Jack Calico.

CONTINUED

-11-

CONTINUED - 3

KANETony, see if you can changethis old man's mind.

and as -Barrows moves in on Jack Calico and starts to workhim over, we:

CUT TO:

CLOSE ON - KID CALICO - DAY

As he sprints hown a city street, dressed in sweats and legweights:. shadow boxing through his daily roadwork. We playappropriate music here as Kid Calico streaks through the citywith a gaggle of cheering children falling in step behind hL~.-Play the moment, then:

EXT. KID CALICO'S RING SIDE GRILL - DAY

Kid Calico jogs around the corner just as the black limostretch squeals off in a cloud of dust and stones. Kid -.Calico watches it for a beat and then sprints into the RingSide Cafe •.

INT. KID CALICO'S RING SIDE C~~E - DAY

The place is a wreck: tables are busted and the entire liquorstock has been smashed on the floor. Kid Calico enters andwe can see that he is shattered. He calls out for his fathersearching through the wreckage.

KID CALICODad ••.?!

a groan comes from behind the bar. Kid Calico runs toward.

ANGLE - JACK CALICO

lying in a pool of blood and booze behind the bar. Kid Calicokneels over him.

KID CALICOWhat happened? Who did thisto you?

CONTINUED

-12-

CONTINUED

JACKIt don't matter ••.it don'tmatter.

Kid Calico helps his father to sit up and we can se~ thatthe old man is really hurting.

J~KYou don't fight pro ...notuntil you ~in the gold.

KID CALICO

Let, me get you to a hospital.

Jack Calico shakes his head and smiles.

JACKNo. The last time I went toa hospital was after HurricaneSmith broke my cheek bones inthe fifth. This?, This wasnothing.

KID CALICO

Dad, please. It has to stop.'Let me go pro ••.we'll makesome money. We can get outof here.

Jack Calico gets to his feet and surveys the damage to histavern and picks up his smashed boxing trophy.

JACKThis is all I have left ...you and this place. And noone is going to take thatfrom me. Not again.

Jack Calico and his son exchange a long look.

JACKYou got a fight tonight, getready, huh?

As they move to embrace:

SMASH CUT TO:

-13-

CLOSE AL'lGLE- BOXING RING - (STOCK FOOTAGE)

as TWO LIGHT HEAVIES go at it toe to toe in the cen~er of thering. One of the guys goes down and the crowd cheers.

PULL BACK TO INCLUDE - INT. OLYMPIC AUDITORIUM

Hardcastle and McCormick make their way through the crowd andtake up some seats at ringside.

McCORMICKWho'd you bribe to get theseseats, Judge? They're great.

HARDCASTLEI traded Madison down at Head­quarters for a couple of Lakertickets ••.now, remember whatI told you to look for, a guywith a good jab can never makeit against a guy who can hitwith both hands.

McCORJ.'\1ICKI'll take the boxer every time,Hardcastle.

(hands over fightprogram)

Make your picks, we'll go forten a bout.

'Harrcastle grins and takes the program.

HARDCASTLENothin' I like better thanbettin' with an expert.

The ring announcer takes up his position in the ring.

RING AL'INOUNCERNext on our card is tonight'sfeature bout. A three roundamateur contest between twoOlympic hopefuls.

The crowd roars.

RING AL'INOUNCERIn the blue trunks and weighingin at one hundred and sixty-oneand a quarter pounds ...TooterThomas from Portland, Oregon.

CONTINUED

-14-

CONTINUED

The crowd boos.

RING ANNOUNCERAnd in the red trunks, a localhero who has made boxing ascience, weigning in at one hundredand sixty-three and a halfpounds ...Kid Calico!

The crowd goes wild and Calico climbs into the ring andcircles while he dances out about a million lightening-likecombinations.

ANGLE - HARDCASTLE AND McCORMICK

HARDCASTLEI'll take Calico ...

McCORMICKWhatta guy.

RESUME - BOXING RING

and with as much stock footage as we can use, we will see herean incredible display of pugilistic talent. Kid Calico winswith an effortless combination of grace and speed. Then:

CUT TO:

INT. CEMENT HALLWAY - DAY

Hardcastle and McCormick make their way toward Kid Calico'sdressing room that is located somewhere in the tunnels under­neath the Olympic Auditorium.

HARDCASTLEYou think Calico's gonnaremember you, kid? Anyway,fighter's don't like to bebothered after a bout.

McCORMICK

What you you kidding? Meand the Kid are like this.

(crossing fingers)I used to help him workoutwhen he was training for someof the fights he had while hewas in prison.

CONTINUED

-15-

CONTINUED

HARDC;"STLEYou did, huh?

McCORMICKWatch ..•

McCormick throws a couple of quick jabs.

HARDCASTLEKeep the left up, charrlp.

McCormick knocks on Kid Calico's dressing room door.

KID CALICO'S (V.O.)Go away.

McCormick knocks again, louder.

HARDCASTLEFloat like a butterfly, inter­rupt like a Qull.

INT. KID CALICO'S DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT

Kid Calico sits on a medical cot and we can see that his handsare still taped and he is sweating off the tension of the bout.McCormick sticks his head in the door.

KID CALICO,I told'em, no press ...nowget out --

McCORMICKHey, Calico, it's me ...MarkMcCormick.

Kid Calico recognizes McCormick and jumps off the cot.

KID CALICOHey, Mark. Hey, it's goodto see you ...how you been?

Hardcastle steps in behind McCormick.

CONTINUED

-16-

CONTINUED

McCORMICK

Just great ..•Milton Hardcastle,Kid Calico .•.'t.hefastest handsin the exercise yard.

HARDCASTLE

How you doin', kid.

McCORMICKYou looked real good out theretonight. You gonna win a goldfor the good U.S. of A. nextsunnner?

KID CALICOWorkin' on it.

HARDCASTLE

I bet that makes your dad realproud, kid. I was a big fan ofhis back in the fifties. Toobad they pulled his amateur statusright before the finals. Hewould'a beat that Cuban kid easy.

We can see that this is a touchy subject and Kid Calico startsto get edgy.

KID CALICOLook, I want to shower down,so maybe I'll catch you later,huh, Mark? And I'll see whatI can do about that gold medal.

and on that Franky Kane and Tony Barrows enter the dressingroom.

KAJ.'lE

There isn't gOnnagold medal, kid.that.

be anyWe told you

CONTINUED

-17-

CONTINUED - 2

Hardcastle and McCormick react to Kane and Barrows.

KANEGood thing you guys got achance to see Calico's lastamateur fight •.• 'cause realsoon we're gonna make boxinghistory with the biggest propurse ever ...you and Hagler,huh? At the garden, with a

.live gate of maybe a hundredmillion.

KID CALICOGet out of here •

. KANEBe nice, kid. We have company.

Kane extends a hand to Hardcastle and Hardcastle doesn't takeit.KANE

Franky Kane ...Kane Sports WorldUnlimited. Kid Calico is aboutto sign with me.

HARDCASTLEThat's not the way we heard it.He does that, he can't make thegames.

KANE(hard)

Life can take real quick turnson you, pal.

Hardcastle rises to his feet.

HARDCASTLEYeah, I've heard that.

McCORMICK

Easy, Judge.

CALICOMark, I don't want you guys"in on' this. I can handle it.

KA..""1EThat's real smart ...and tell

your dad we're sorry to hear. (more)

-18-

______ CONTINUED - 3

KANE (cont'd)about what happened to him thisafternoon ••.you ready to sign?

Calico shakes his head.

KANEToo bad.

{nods}Gentlemen.

Kane and Barrows walk out and they slam the door.

McCORMICKWhat was that all about?

CALICONothing, Mark. Back off of

..'it, okay?

McCORMICKThis guy here, he's a judge.He knows people. Maybe we canhelp yeu out.

HARDCASTLEIf Kane's trying to force youinto his pocket, that's illegal,son. We could do something aboutit.

KID CALICO

Everything's illegal, man. AndI don't need anybody to help meprotect my dad.

CUT TO:

EXT. KID CALICO'S RING SIDE CAFE - NIGHT

As a sedan wheels in and tosses a fire bomb into it andthe place bursts into flames. Play this and:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE

-19-

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. GULL'S WAY - DAY

It is morning and the newspaper man wheels up in his cartand hurls a newspaper onto the front steps of Hardcastle'sestate. McCormick jogs toward the newspaper and just as hepicks it up, Hardcastle opens the front door. McCormickhands Hardcastle the paper.

McCORMICK

Here's your paper, Judge.

Hardcastle grabs it and taps his watch.

HARDCASTLEI said six ... It's ten after.

McCORMICKAn English Muffin got stuckin the toaster.

HARDCASTLEThat can happen.

Hardcastle enters the Estate and McCormick follows him.

INT. HARDCASTLE'S DEN - DAY

Hardcastle goes to a file drawer and pulls out about four setsof manilla files.

HARDCASTLEWe were right about that FrankyKane character, kid. I was onthe phone half the night withthe boys down at records and I.D.and up until six years -ago, hedidn't exist ... At least notas Franky Kane, Sports promoterextraordinaire.

McCORMICK

What's the story, is he legit?

HARDCASTLEWell now, that's an interestingquestion. His name's been changed

(more)CONTINUED

-20-

CONTINUEDHARDCASTLE (co~t'd)

real legal and all that •..But,the guy's past has more leftturns than an L.A. freeway.

Hardcastle hands McCormick the file and McCormick opens it.

McCORMICKI always thought if you had afelony record you hadda stayoutta the fight game.

,HARDCASTLEThat's probably why he changedhis name. It took me almostfive hours to pull his file;but if Franky Lane is who Ithink he is, your friend Calico'sin trouble.

McCORMICKKane's done time for second degreemurder. Extortion, aggravatedassault, racketeering. He's asweetheart.

HARDCASTLE"Cept back then we only knew him asa cheap hood. Freddy Vail. Now,he's one of the most powerfulsports promoters in the country.

McCORMICKAnd you say the penal system don'twork. This guy must'a taken theDon King correspondence coursewhen he was in the cooker. Me?I learned how to fix refrigerators.

McCormick hands Hardcastle back the files

McCORMICK

Calico's not the kinda guy wholets people into his business.

HARDCASTLEIf Kane's doing what I thinkhe is, that'~ illegal. Then,it is our business. C'mon, let'sgo over and talk to his dad.

As they leave:

CUT TO:

-21-'

EXT. CALICO'S RING SIDE CAFE - DAY

and it is nothing more than a burned out ruin. The Coyote pullsup and both Hardcastle and McCormick get out and survey thedamage. As they walk toward a FIRE MARSHALL who is siftingthrough the wreckage and taking notes on a clipboard.

McCORMICKYou wanna bet that this isn'ta coincidence? I'll give youodds and go for a twenty.

HARDCASTLEKane must want your friendreal bad, kid.

(to Fire Marshall)Any idea how it started, Chief?

FIRE MARSHALLWell, I'm sure someone's gonnaclaim faulty wiring, but it wasarson. No doubt about it. Theydon't go up this fast with anelectrical .

. ~.•.

McCORMICKWas anyone hurt?

FIRE MARSHALL

Yea~, the old man who owns thejoint took in some smoke andgot a lot of first and seconds.Might'a been a suicide attempt.Y'know, business is in the toiletand you let your relatives offthe hook with a big insurancesettlement •••Lucky for him hiskid came in and pulled him out.

McCORMICKYou know where they took him?His kid's a friend of mine.

FIRE MARSHALL

Probably Saint Rita's. Theyhave a real good burn unitthere.

Hardcastle bends down and picks up what is left of Jack Calico'sboxing trophy. He hands it to McCormick.

HARDCASTLELooks like the Calico's are infor the fight of their lives,doesn't it.

CONTINUED

-22-

CONTINUED

CUT TO:

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Hardcastle's pick-up wheels up and parks in front.

KID CALICO (V.O.)I'm not fighting anymore, dad.Not after this. Not after whatthey've done to you.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Jack Calico is sitting up in bed and attached to all kinds oftubes and monitors. Standing over him is his son, Kid Calico.

JACK(angry)

You'll fight because I say youwill ...I'm your father.

KID CALICOBut next time Kane will kill

you. He's already tried.

JACK(smiles)

But the Calico's, they don'tdie easy, huh?

KID CALICO~lease?

JACKNo.

(grabs his son's hand)We've got debts to pay, son.You for what you did that sentyou to prison ...Me, for whatI did to our country. Andthis time the Calico's are

going to pay up.

On that there is a knock on the door and Hardcastle and McCormickenter. Jack Calico reacts and his son calms him with a hand.

KID CALICOIt's all right, dad. They'refriends of mine.

CONTINU~D

-23-

CONTINUEDMcCORMICK

I'm real sorry this happened,Kid. How are you feelingmister Calico?

JACKProfessional wrestlers gethurt worse than this ...I feelfine.

Hardcastle grins at Calico and for a beat they exchange anintense look.

HARDCASTLEMilton Hardcastle. Remember me,Mister Calico? I was a realbig fan of yours?

CALICO

I didn't think you were stillaround, Judge. Figured some­body would'a counted,yqu outby now .. ,

McCORMICKYou guys know each other?

HARDCASTLENot really ..I just Dave a goodmemory for fighters with lots'atalent.

CALICOWhat talent? I was a clubfighter with a good chin.

HARDCASTLEYou weren't a clubber back inthe Olympic qualifiers. Youwere just good. Heck of acounter puncher.

Jack Calico turns away from the memory.

McCO&~ICKMark McCormick, I'm a friendof the Kid's from prison. Wedid a little time tog~ther.

Jack Calico glares at his son.

CONTINUED

-24-

CONTINUEDJACK

I told you not to mess withthose boys anymore, Jackie.You'll end up back inside.

HARDCASTLE

It's all right. He's beenreal 'straightened out.

(beat) ,But this Franky Kane has got mea little worried.

(nods to Kid Calico)And my guess is that he wantsyour son, •..Bad.

Jack Calico raises up off of the bed and reaches for his sonin anger.

JACK

You don't tell our familybusiness, Jackie. Our fightsare our own. We don't need

any help from nobody."

McCORMICK '"He didn't tell us anythiri<l.But it's not real hard to figurethat Kane's trying to get a hookinto your son. Hardcastledug ,·a,lot of dirt on Kane.We know that he's trying to makethe Kid go pro ...Maybe we canhelp you with that.

JACKI don't want anybody messin' inour lives. Now you guys getout of here and leave us alone.

Hardcastle pulls McCormick aside.

HARDCASTLE

Why don't you take the kid out­side for some coffee and let metalk to his old man.

McCcrmick motions to Kid Calico to leave.

HARDCASTLE(to Kid Calico)

It's all right. I just wantto talk old times.

CONTINUED

-25-

CONTINUED

McCormick and Kid Calico leave. Calico looks at Hardcastle:sincere.

JACKYou didn't tell my boy aboutme, did you?

HARDCASTLEOf course I didn't tell him.But I can't believe you haven'tby now. That was a long timeago, Jack. We all make mistakes.

JACKNot like that, we don't.

HARDCASTLE

Look, I don't know what you'retrying to prove by taking on agoon like Kan~ all by yourself .

.:". JACKMy son and me, we got debts,and we're gonna pay them up infull.

HARDCASTLEBut, you boy's the one who's gonnabe paying yours, Calico.

JACK

It's his duty.

HARDCASTLELook, I'm not gonna climb inbetween your son and some crossyou've been carrying for thirtyyears. But I got a way to maybestep on Franky Kane. Get yourson his shot at the Olympics.

JACKYou think you can get Kaneoffa us?

HARDCASTLEOf course I do.

(smiles)We may be in the fifteenthround, Jack. But guys likeyou and me, we can still comeoff the ropes.

CONTINUED

-26-

CONTINUED

As Calico reaches to shake Hardcastle's hand, we:

CUT TO:

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

McCormick, Hardcastle and Kid Calico walk down the ffont steps.

HARDCASTLEJust be at the gym tonight ...and I'll get on to ring magazineand local papers.

(slaps McCormick onhis back)

We're gettin' into the fightgame, kiddo. Whatta you think?

" ....;...

McCORMICKI think I better keep my leftup.

Hardcastle and McCormick jlli~pinto the pick-up and wheel out.

ANGLE - BLACK LIMO - DAY

And at the wheel we see TONY BARROWS. He picks up a mobilephone and dials.

BARROWSMister Kane, please.

INTERCUT - FRANKY K&~E - AS NECESSARY

In the living room a~ one of those real chic condos locatedoff of the miracle mile with a view of the pacific. This placeis decked out with the finest in tacky furniture that new moneycan buy: poor taste and gaudy.

BARROWSThose two guys that were inKid Calico's dressing roomare still hanging around,Mister Kane.

KANEYou think they're cops?

CONTINUED

CONTINUED

.... -..•.

-27-

CONTINUEDBARROWS

No. But I think we should

find out'why they're pokin'around with our fighter.

KANEYou do that, Tony.

Kane hangs up and we:

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

The pick up wheels by.

INT. PICKUP - DAY

Hardcastle drives.

McCORMICKI knew you knew Jack Calico,but I didn't think you'd knowhim personally Judge. I mean,come on. You can't know every­body.

HARDCASTLEYeah, you're right. I don'tknow the Pope. Not real wellanyway. But that's justbecause my Latin's a littleshakey.

McCORMICKWhat'd he do?

HARDCASTLE

The Pope?

McCORMICKCalico's old man. If you knowhim he had to do somethingillegal.

HARDCASTLE(serious)

I probably shouldn't tell youthis, kid. But Jack Calicodidn't lose his amateur statusbecause he turned pro ••. He lost

(more)

.-28-

CONTINUEDHARDCASTLE (cont'd)

it because someone found out hedeserted during World War Two ...He was getting a lot of press asa boxer and the· state departmentpulled his status.

McCORMICKNo wonder he's bent on his songoin' for the gold: Did he dotime?

HARDCASTLEYeah, two years. He even triedto re-up and go to Korea, but theywouldn't let him. The poorbastard's been trying to makeup for it ever since.

McCORMICKWell, he was a deserter, Judge.That's pretty heavy, even fora liberal like me.

HARDCASTLEWe all have our demons, kid.And Jack Calico has been tryingto punch his out for thelast thirty years.

(beat)Maybe it's time someone gavehim a hand.

McCORMICK

It's funny isn't it. Even boxersare afraid of some things.

HARDCASTLEIn a war everybody's afraid,McCormick. It's just that someof us are too frightened to run.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. SPARKY'S GYM - NIGHT

News trucks and sports reporters mingle into the place as theCoyote wheels up and Hardcastle and McCormick climb out andwalk toward the gym.

CONTINUED

-29-

CONTINUED

McCORMICKYou did all this with justa phone call? Half thesporting press is here.

HARDCASTLESure, half of these scribblersstill" owe me for tellin' 'em whowas gonna win the N.B.A. champion­ship back in seventy six.

McCO~~ICK~eah, right. Next thing you'lltell me is that Howard Cosellis a personal friend of yours.

HARDCASTLENah, I wouldn't call Howard afriend.

(smiles)Just an acquaintance.

CUT TO:

CLOSE ON - HOWARD COSELL

As he sits at Ringside and a make-up person applies some lastminute make-up. In the b.g. we can see some ABC Wide Worldfor Sports Cameras and etc. Kid·Calico sits next to Cosell.

COSELLMaybe some of you remembera fine middle weight back inthe early fifties who calledhimself, Kid Calico. Well,~ith us tonight is anotherbrilliant talent fighter,Kid Calico the second, son,of the near famous middleweight.

KID CALICO

Thank you, Howard.

COSELLAlthough I must say that whatyou are about to announce isgoing to more than likely

" (more)

CONTINUED

-30-

CONTINUED

COSELL (cont'd)shatter the boxing world. You,without question, an enormouslytalented, young fighter withalmost a guaranteed career havechosen to sign with a virtuallyunknown fight promoter. A movethat would seem apparent to thelearned boxing fans world wide asan attempt to throwaway whateverchance you may have as an eventualmiddleweight title contender.

KID CALICOI don't think that's accurate,Mister Cosell. Judge Hardcastlemay not be a well known sportspromoter --

COSELLWell known? He's a retired Judgewith a record of law and order that

could seemingly offend any broad.minded legal practitioner.

KID CALICOMay be, but Hardcastle has agreedto stay any professional boutsuntil after the Olympics so I canretain my amateur status.

COSELLUnquestionably you're a patriot,and a credft to the sport, but onemust challenge your decision to signwith Judge Hardcastle.

MATCH CUT TO:

TELEVISION SET -INT. KANE'S CONDOMINIUM - NIGHT

As he watches this interview with an intense look of anger. TonyBarrows stands in the background.

CONTINUED

-31-

CONTINUED

KANE

I want this guy ...l don'tcare if you nave to drop themin a hole somewhere, but noone's gonna move in on my action •.•Nobody.

CUT TO:

lNT: SPARKY'S GYM - NIGHT

Hardcastle, McCormick and Cosell walk Kid Calico through thegym and toward the exit.

HARDCASTLEYou were .a little hard on me ,don't you think, How~rd?

COSELLI call'em like I see'em, Milt.Behind the bench, no doubt youwere a heaVTNeight, but boxing,c'mon. I just want to see thekid throw his career away on acouple of amateurs.

McCO'RMICKDon't worry about it, MisterCosell. Hardcastle here is aboxing expert. He told methat himself.

COSELL(to Hardcastle)

You are, huh?

HARDCASTLEWell, kinda. I guess youcould say that I am, yeah.

COSELL

Best, hea~fWeight?

HARDCASTLEJoe Lewis.

COSELL

Hah, Ali, no question.

Cosell exits and McCormick holds out his palm as Hardcastlehands him a twenty.

CONTINUED

-32-

CONTINUEDHARDCASTLE

What does Howard Cosell knowabout boxing anyway .•.

. (to Calico)Look, kid. Now that we've gonepublic with our little plan here,I want you to train outta myplace. A couple of cops are·waiting outside to take youthere ....

KID CALICOYou think my dad III be safe?

HARDCASTLEYeah, I posted some guards atthe hospital. See you in awhile okay ...

Kid Calico exits and McCormick and Hardcastle exchange looks

McCORMICK

To answer your question, Judge.Howard Cosell knows everythingabout boxing.

HARDCASTLE

Except the heavyweights, kiddo.He doesn't know the hea~FNeightsvery well.

(thinks)Except for when their sitting onthe bench.

CUT TO:

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

The Coyote streaks by.

INT. COYOTE - NIGHT

McCormick drives and Hardcastle rides shotgun.

McCORMICKYou think this is gonna work.

HARDCASTLEOf course I think it's gonnawork. When Franky Kane hearsabout it, he'll move in on us.

(more)

CONTINUED

-33-

CONTINUEDHARDCASTLE (cont'd)

When he does, we bust him.

McCORMICKIn other words we're bait.

HARDCASTLEThat's one way to look at it,yeah. But don't worry, McCormickit's gonna take a while for Kane

to mak~ his move ...Guys like himlike to come in low and sideways.

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

As the BLACK SEDAN from the end of ACT ONE comes in lowand sideways and bashes into the Coyote.

INT. COYOTE - NIGHT

Hardcastle pulls out his revolver.

HARDCASTLEWell, I was half right.

EXT. CAR CHASE - ~IGHT

and the race is on, McCormick wheels the Coyote across anopen field and the Sedan pulls in tight and follows with gunblazing out the passenger window .. Hardcastle returns fireand M~Cormick takes the Coyote over a dirt ramp and lands inwhat appears to be a golf course.

INT. BLACK SEDAN - NIGHT

As a guy named BRAD SHAFFER fights with the wheel and hispartner pulls the trigger on a shotgun that he hangs outthe window. McCormick loops the Coyote in a one eightyand comes back at the sedan with Hardcastle firing. The guywith the shotgun takes a slug in the arm and the Shafferloops the· car in a circle and takes off.

RESUME - CAR CHASE - GOLF COURSE - NIGHT

But this time the Coyote is in hot pursuit and gaining fast.The sedan heads for a narrow bridge across a waterhole andramps off of it: flying maybe a hundred feet in the air andlanding in the center of the pond. After a beat the twoheavies climb onto the roof cf the sedan and Hardcastle and

(

-34-

CONTINUED

McCormick jumps out of the Coyote with Hardcastle bracinghis gun.

HARDCASTLE

Looks like this one's gonnacost you a stroke and distance,fella's.

FADE OUT

END ACT TWO

-35-

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

EXT. GULL'S WAY - DAY

A heavybag has been hung from a tree in the center of thefront lawn and McCormick and Calico are there. Calico wearsworking sweats and gloves and McCormick stands behind thebag like Bugress Meridith in Rocky 1.

McCOfu~ICKNow, I noticed you don't getthe right off quick enoughafter the jab, maybe we shouldwork on it. Get you some morepower.

In the b.g. Hardcastle is walking toward them from the house.He hears McCormick's instructions and shakes his head.

KID CALICOYou want more power, huh?

McCORMICKYeah, and make sure it comesfrom the shoulder. Throw yourpunches with snap, push rightthrough the bag.

KID CALICOYou ready?

McCormick nods and Kid Calico attacks the bag with a flurryof jabs and combinations; then he lets lose with his righthands and McCormick is knocked to the ground by the swingingheavy bag. Hardcastle helps him to his feet.

HARDCASTLEGo easy on Calico, kid. Wewant to save him for the garden.

KID CALICODid you get a fix on those guysthat tried to hit you last night.

HARDCASTLE

Yup, ... They checked out asnothing more than hired meat,

(more)CONTINUED

-36-

CCNTINUED

HARDCASTLE (cont'd)but there's no doubt that Kanepaid 'em off real nice to keeptheir mouths shut ....

'I figure your little press con­ference got a stone in his shoe.

McCORMICKWhat do we do next, coach?

HARDCASTLEWell, I figure that Kane's gonna'get in touch and make us anoffer .

.McCORMICKYeah, like weather we want toend up in the river or in a trunkof a car.

HARDCASTLESomething like that, yeah. Butin the meantime we can't let thekid· here get out of shape. Wegot an amateur exhibition onFriday. •

Hardcastle holds the heavy bag.

HARDCASTLENow, don't get me wrong here, Kid.But I know a little about thegentlemenly game of boxing and Icouldn't help but notice that youhave a little trouble with yourjab. Nothing serious of course ...But, don't follow so quick withthe right hand. You wanna pacethe· power punches a little more.

KID CALICO

That's just exactly the oppositeof what Mark told me to do.

HARDCASTLEYeah, well then it's probablyright. Okay, now c'mon, show meyour stuff.

Once again Kid Calico hits the bag with a powerful flurry andwhen he connects with his big right hand, Hardcastle goes down.

CONTINUED

-37-

CONTINUED

McCormick helps Hardcastle to his feet.

McCORMICKC'mon, Judge, you're gonnamake boxing experts all acrossthe country look bad.

HARDCASTLE

I slipped.

McCORMICKYeah, you and Sonny Listonwith Ali's invisible right hand.

HARDCASTLEAli who?

McCORMICKThe Greatest.

HARDCASTLENow let's not start that again,McCormick. I want you to be agood·~~fluence on the Kid here.

(to Calico)How's your road work?

KID CALICOAll.right I guess. Do aboutten. miles a day with leg weights.

HARDCASTLEGood. McCormick, get yoursneakers on. I want someoneto pace our boy here.

McCORMICKPace?

HARDCASTLEYeah, y'know, run along nextto him so we can count cadence.

McCOR.&.'1ICKFor ten miles?

HARDCASTLEDon't worry about it, at leastI'm not gonna make you wearleg weights.

Off of McCormick's look, we:CUT TO:

-38-

EXT. KANE'S CONDO - DAY

Kane sits in a large leather chair and dictates to hissecretary: a real fox of a girl who goes by the name ofCANDY.

KANETell'm I want to collapse thatcorporation in Dallas and sellout our real estate interests

down there if the prime goesup, it'll kill us.

Barrows enters and Kane nods to Candy to leave.

KANEWhat did you find out?

BARROWS

You're gonnalove it. Thosetwo guys that signed Kid Calicoaway from us are real interesting.One of them is an ex-con, did alittle time in the joint ....

KANEHe might not be too hard toget to.

BARROWSMaybe not, but the other one isa Judge, Milton Hardcastle. Heworked outta the criminal courthere in L.A. for 'bout the lastthirty years. But now he'sretired.

KANEI don't care if he's a retiredpriest ... Nobody is gonna cashin on Kid Calico but me.

BARROWSI don't know, Mister Kane. You

(more)

CONTINUED

-39-

CONTINUED

BARROWS (cont'd)can't just go out and hit on aJudge. Guy's like Hardcastleprobably still have a lot offriends.

KANEI'm a free man, Tony. I didmy time. All I want is totalk a little business with thisJudge. You set it up, okay?Someplace real nice. I wannashow the guy that I've got alittle class.

BARROWSShould I bring some muscle?

KANEYeah, but don'~ use it unless hedoesn't want to listen.

CUT TO:

EXT. GULL'S WAY - DAY

After a beat we can hear Hardcastle calling out a cadence,

HARDCASTLE'S (V.O.)One to the body, two to thehead, three to counter, andand then hit'm with lead, andfour you put'em to bed.

and the pick up wheels up the drive. McCormick and Kid Calicoare running alongside of it and Hardcastle drives. We canclearly see that McCormick is exhausted and Kid Calico is hardlybreaking sweat: shadow boxing with a fluid kind of grace.

HARDCASTLEC'mon, McCormick ...You're slowingdown our boy here.

McCormick troes to pick up the pace.

McCOR1-lICKYou're trying to kill me aren'tyou?

CONTINUED

-40-

CONTINUED

HARDCASTLE(smiles)

Nah, ••.(to Kid Calico)

Now remember, kid. You keepmoving in on him like a steam­roller. Don't let up ...Keepthrowing both hands ••••Y'know,like Jake LaMotta. We want toturn you into a fighter.

A boxer.Kid.

McCORMICKDon't listen to him,

McCormick tries to shadow box but he's almost too tired.

McCORMICK

Stay lose. Peddle back for thefirst round and scope your partnerout •..Get his attention witha couple of jabs and go for thepoints.

HARDCASTLEFor a knockout.

McCOR..~ICKA decision.

HARDCASTLETKO. Work the eyes. Cut'mearly.

Hardcastle pulls the pick up to a stop and McCormick just -­out collapses.

McCORMICKWhat are you trying to do?Kid Calico fights with styleand grace and you want to turnhim into a cement mixer.

HARDCASTLEWhat I'm trying to do is makehim into a better fighter ...

Hardcastle rubs Kid Calico down.

HARDCASTLE(re: McCormick)

You listen to him and You'llend up fightin' like

(more)CONTINUED

-41-

CONTINUED

HARDCASTLE (cont'd)a bandleaderwith a bad wrist.

Sarah comes out of the main house and walks toward:

MCCORMICK

Sylvester Stallone must'a gave youthat one.

We hear a telephone ring.

McCORMICK

You got a phone to answer, Coach.

As Hardcastle walks toward the house.

HARDCASTLE

Thanks ...and McCormick, I want youto make up something to eat forKid Calico. Lots of beef, maybea couple of sirloins, some hashbrowns. Eggs, bacon, meat andpotatoes. You know the power andprotein drill. I want this guyto split lightening and throwsparks.

KID CALICOHey, Judge, no offense, But I'ma vegetarian.

HARDCASTLE

Not when you're in my camp, Kid.Lots of raw meat ...Brings out theanimal in you.

They watch Hardcastle leave.

McCORMICK

Don't you love that guy.

KID CALICOY'know, guys like him and my dad,they got their ways. A fightereats of lot of beef_and lays offwomen before the fight. You go tothe body and then the head. Anupper cut works better than a jaband you always go for the knock outearly ...and you know something?They're usually right.

McCORMICK

So much for the science of boxing,

-42-

INT. HARDCASTLE'S DEN - DAY

Hardcastle is on the phone.

HARDCASTLEYeah, this is he.

INTERCUT - FRANKY KANE AS NECESSARY

In his condo.

KANEYeah, well Judge, this is FrankKane. Kane Sports International..

HARDCASTLEYeah.

KANEWell, I just called to congratulateyou in signing Kid Calico. He'sa real good prospect ...and I thoughtmaybe you and me, we should talkabout it.

HARDCASTLEThere's nothing to talk about.I'm afraid you're a day late anda Dollar short, Mister Kane.

KANELook, Mister Hardcastle.I'm a business man ...I sell pro­ducts and you have just comeinto the hottest product on themarket. Maybe we could make anarrangement.

HARDCASTLEIt's already been made.

K&'1E

Maybe. But it couldn't hurt totalk would it?

HARDCASTLEOkay, where?

KANE

Le Sarre ...For lunch. Say oneo'clock.

MaCormick walks in the den in the b.g.

HARDCASTLESee you there.

-43-

CONTINUED

He hangs up and:

HARDCASTLEWhat did I tell you.

(nods to phone)FrankyKane wants to havelunch and talk a deal ...

MCCORMICKBut we're not going to makeany deal.

HARDCASTLEThat's right.

(beat)and maybe that'll piss him offenough to make another stupidmove.

RESUME - EXT. GULL'S WAY - DAY

McCormick backs the Coyote out of the garage as McCormickcomes out of the house. Kid Calico is there.

HARDCASTLE(to Calico)

How you feelin', Kid?

Kid Calico is losening up.

KID CALICOReal good.

HARDCASTLEAll right, now listen up.McCormick's taking me over tohave a little meeting withyour pal Franky Kane.

KID CALICOHe's a pretty dangerous guy,Judge. Look what he's doneto my dad.

HARDCASTLEI know that, Kid. But maybe Ican back him off ...or force himinto making another move. Eitherway we're gonna get this thingover with so you can get on withyour boxing career.

CONTINUED

-44-

The Coyote rolls up.

You got aand I areyour dad.

HARDCASTLEfight tonight. McCormickgonna swing by and pick upWe'll meet you there.

Hardcastle gets into the Coyote.

HARDCASTLEAnd Kid, be careful.

Kid Calico walks around to McCormick's side of the Coyote .

.KID CALICOKeep an eye on that guy, McCormick.

McCORMICK(aside to Kid Calico)

That's why I'm here, but don't tellthe Judge that, o'kay ...and Kid ...have a good fight.

KID CALICOSure ...keep your left up, o'kay.

The Coyote wheels off and:

EXT. LE SARRE - DAY

As Coyote wheels up and pulls around back.

INT. COYOTE - DAY

McCormick is at the wheels as Hardcastle gets out. He wears coat

McCORMICKI don't think you should go inthere and talk to this guy alone,Judge. He's already tried totake us out once.

HARDCASTLEI'll be careful, Mark. Thanks'Now, you stay out here and keepcool. If anything funny goes on,

(shrugs)I might need to use that leftjab of yours.

They smile and we:

CUT TO:

IN'!'. LE SARRE - DAY

-45-

CONTINUED

GUYYou're coat, sir?

HARDCASTLE

Of course it's my coat ...thoseyour pants?

(walks past)I got a lunch with Franky Kane~he is here?

ANGLE - KANE

Sitting at a table with Tony Barrows. Kane waves to Hardcastle

KANEOver here, Judge.

Hardcastle sits down and for a beat they exchange looks.

KANEYou want to order first.I hear the steak tare tareis excellent.

HARDCASTLEIs that so ...I hear it's a little rare.

(BEAT)Let's not dance around about this, o'kay?Whatta want?

KANEKid Calico ...and I'm willingto pay you a lot of money for hiscontract .

.HARDCASTLE

I told you on the phone, Kane.He wasn't for sale.

KANE(Nicer)

Look, Judge. The fight game canbe a dirty business. But you gotlucky, you signed a real prospect.So, why not take a big profit andLet the pros handle any risk. I meanthe kid could get hurt ...Break ahand ...His career could end early.It happens all the time.

(BEAT)

So, why don't you just retire likeeverybody else and raise some daisiesand work on your short game.

-46-

CONTINUED

HARPCASTLEWhat I'm doing now that I'm retired,is waiting for scumballs like you toscrew up so I can bust you back intothe can where you belong.

(smiles)

Barrows makes a move to his coatpocket and Kane stopshim with a look.

KANELet's not sit here and insult eachother", Hardcastle. I'm a businessman now and I'll offer you a millionup front and a couple of points onthe Kid's first purse. What do YOU" say?

HARDCASTLEAnd what you are, Kane, is a bum.Freddy Vail, right? I pulled a fileon you that I'm sure the boxingcommission would be real interestedin reading. Not to mention the factthat you've been beating up on Calico'sold man.

Klu'l'E

I'm real sorry you brought thatup, Hardcastle.

HARDCASTLEI got a habit of pushing the rightbuttons on wrong numbers."

Kane nods to Barrows and Barrows flashes his gun.

BARROWSI suggest you leave with me realquiet, Hardcastle ...I wouldn'twant you to bleed on the table.

CUT TO:

EXT. LE SARRE - DAY

CONTINUED

-47-

CONTINUED

As Hardcastle is lead out and into the rear of a black sedan.

Barrows jumps into the dtiver's seat and Kane walks on towardhis limo. The sedan pulls out and McCormick follows.

INT. LIMO - DAY

As Kane picks up his car phone.

KAL'lE

I want you to send a couple of guysover to the hospital and pick upCalico's old man ...I think I'm gonnaneed some leaverage with his Kid.

FADE OUT

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

The black sedan drives by, with the Coyote in the b.g.: followingout of sight.

INT. SEDAN... ~~.

Hardcastle is in the back seat with two gorillas namedSUITER and JAKE. They hold a gun on him and we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE---------

-48-

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Various cars and patients are wheeled in and out.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY

And we can see an armed POLICEMAN standing guard in frontof Jack Calico's door. A beat, then an ORDERLY wheels upa large laundry basket. He knocks on Jack· Calico's door~ -

POLICEMANI'm not suppose to let anyonein there without a pass.

The Orderly shrugs.

ORDERLYHey, man, if you want that oldguy to sleep on dirty sheets,it's fine with me.

The Orderly starts to wheel off.

POLICEMAN

O'kay, go on in. But makeif fast.

The Orderly wheels in his laundry cart.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Jack Calico is sitting in a chair and looking out the window.Then, the Orderly pulls out a gun and puts it on Jack Calico.

ORDERLY

All right old man, get inthe cart and don't make anynoise.

As Calico gets into the cart and the Orderly covers himwith the sheets, we:

CONTINUED

-49-

CONTINUED

RESUME - INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY

After a beat the Orderly wheels out the laundry cart andnods to the Policeman.

CUT TO:

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

As we see Jack Calico being loaded into the rear of a sedanand as it wheels.

MATCH CUT TO:

ANGLE - BLACK SEDAN - DAY

As it wheels down a back road somewhere out in the country.It stops and Hardcastle is led from the back of the sedan.

BARROWS

Too bad you brought up allthat ancient history toMister Kane. It tends tomake him a little crazy.

HARDCASTLEI'll try'n remember that.

Barrows pulls his gun.

BARROWSYou know, I've always wantedto do a Judge.

and as Barrows goes to squeeze his trigger:

CLOSE ON - COYOTE

As it flys off of a dirt berm and screams overhead aboutfive feet over Hardcastle, Barrows, Suiter and Jake. TheCoyote travels maybe forty feet and Hardcastle grabs hischance: he flattens Barrows with a hard right and as theCoyote lands, Suiter and Jake open fire.

SERIES OF SHOTS - DAY

As McCormick swings the Coyot~ up to Hardcastle and he divesin. Barrows makes for the black sedan as Suiter and Jake tryto fend off the Coyote. McCormick expertly dodges fire asSuiter and Jake jump into the sedan and it sqeals off:

CONTHWED

-50-

CONTINUED

EXT. CAR CHASE - SERIES OF SHOTS - DAY

As the Coyote chases the 'black sedan over the dirt and throughthe bushes and trees •..Spectacular off road racing here and asthe dirt flies into FRAME the black $edan launches off of acreek bed and smashes in~o a row of trees. The Coyote 'motorsup and in the b.g. we can hear the sound of wailing policesirens ...Hardcastle and McCormick jump out of the Coyote andpull down on Barrows, Suiter and Jake ..

HARDCASTLEThat's it! It's over! Now getout of there real easy.

Hardcastle responds to the police cars that are now carreening,towards them through the underbush.

HARDCASTLEHow they get here so fast?

'*: .•-

McCORMICKI called'em, Judge. Whattathink?

HARDCASTLEYou're starting to get the hangof this now, aren't you kiddo.

Hardcastle smiles as the police wheel in.

HARDCASTLE

Wrap these guys up on felonykidnapping and conspiracy tocommit murder.

McCORMICK

We better get over to the Aud,Judge. If Kane was trying totake you out of this ga~e, youknow he has to be making anothermove on Kid Calico.

As they jog toward the Coyote we:

CUT TO:

EXT. OLYMPIC AUDITORIUM - DAY

Franky Kane and two of his goons walk Jack Calico towardthe front doors. OVER THIS:

CONTINUED

-51-

CONTINUED

RING ANNOUNCERAnd in this corner, wearing theblue trunks and weighing in at onehundred and sixty three pounds ...Kid Calico ...!·1!

CUT TO:

INT. OLYMPIC AUDITORIUM - DAY

Kid Calico sits in the corner of the ring and talks withSparky Furgess.

KID CALICOI don't like this, Sparky.My friends were suppose to bringmy dad here for this bout.

FURGESSI wouldn't worry about it, Kid.They probably got stuck in trafficor something. Now remember, movein fast on this guy and when hedrops his right, counter left anduse the jab.

Sparky slaps Kid Calico on the back and he climbs out ofthe ring. The bell for round one sounds and:

ANGLE - KID CALICO

As he moves in and dances: throwing punches like a tiger.

ANGLE - AUDIENCE

As Kane and his. two goons push Jack Calico into a ring sideseat.

INTERCUT - KID CALICO

And as he looks to Kane and his dad, his opponent takes ashot and knocks him down. He climbs to his.feet and lookingback at his dad, he goes down again. The bell sounds andKid Calico staggers back to his corner. Sparkey Furgesstakes out his mouthpiece.

FURGESSWhatta doin' in there, Kid?You wanna get killed.

CONTINUED

-52-

CONTINUED

Kid·Calico is a little starry eyed.

KID CALICOThey've got my dad.

FURGESSWho?

On that, Kane sticks his head through the ropes

KANE .How's it gain' Kid?

FURGESSGet away from my boy!

KANE

We already took care of theJudge, Calico ... and we gotyour dad.

KID CALICOLeave us alone!

KANEThis is your last amateur fightmake it a good one, huh? Thenyou sing with me or your oldman ends up like your palHardcastle.

The bell rings and Kid Calico steps to the center of the ringand the fight resumes.

ANGLE - HARDCASTLE AND McCORMICK

As they make their way down two isles they parallel eachother and lead down to the ringside seats of Kane and hisgoons.

RESUME - RING

As Kid Calico is getting his ass kicked as he keeps lookingover to his dad.

RESUME - HARDCASTLE &~D McCORMICK

As they take up a position at each end of Kane's isle.

RESUME - RING

Kid Calico spots Hardcastle and McCormick and

-53-

INTERCUT - HARDCASTLE AND McCORMICK

As Hardcastle points to Kane an6 then to the bell that ishung at the judges' table.

ANGLE - KID CALICO

"As he nods and begins to fight with a flurry and thecrowd goes wild. Then the bell rings and:

WIDE &~GLE - TO INCLUDE - RING SIDE SEATS

As McCormick and Hardcastl~ make their way toward Kane andKid Calico leaps over the ropes and lands on top of him.Hardcastle and McCormick each go one on one with the othertwo goons.-and the place breaks into bedlam. tie play anincredible fist fight here as Hardcastle, McCormick and KidCalico pound the crap out of these heavies like a bunch ofheavyweight champs. They win and Hardcastle pulls out his gunand trains it on Kane 'and his partners. He nods to Jack Calico

HARDCASTLEWhy don't you call the cops,Jack, while we count these guysout.

FADE OUT

END OF ACT FOUR

-54-

TAG

EXT. SPARKY'S GYM - DAY

The Coyote wheels up and Hardcastle and McCormick getout and walk toward the gym.

McCORMICKYou handled that guy prettygood, Judge. I gotta tell you.

HARDCASTLEYou weren't bad yourself, kiddo.

McCORMICKYeah, but me. Heck, I used tobox a little.

HARDCASTLEYou did, huh?

McCORMICKWhat does it look like?

McCormick throws a couple of jabs.

HARDCASTLEIt looks iike someone tryingto run underwater.

McCormick shakes his head and they enter.

INT. SPARKY'S GYM - DAY

Kid Calico is in the center of the ring working out witha sparring partner. Sparky Furgess is in the corner andCalico waves as Hardcastle and McCormick step up. Hardcastleand McCormick watch for a beat, then Hardcastle nods toFurgess.

HARDCASTLE

You got to tell your boy to moveoffa his right, quicker, Sparky.Any fighter in town could take hishead off if he fights like that.

Furgess shakes his head.

McCORMICK(to Furgess)

Better listen to his guy, Sparky.He's a boxing expert.

-55-

CONTINUED

FURGESSIs that so'?

HARDCASTLEKinda, it is, yeah.

FURGESSArchie Moore?

HARDCASTLEWeighed in at 211 with a recordof sixty three and two ...Foughtwith both hands, hadda good leftwith big right hand. Retired infifty three against a guy namedMorrison.

Sparky nods and turns back to Kid Calico.

FURGESS

(impressed)Maybe he is.

HARDCASTLE(smiles)

Care to put the gloves on, Kid?

McCORMICKWhat? With me? Are you kiddingJudge? I'm a little younger, alot faster ...and more than that,I'm a boxer. You're a brawler.

(smiles)I'd kill you.

HARDCASTLE(to Furgess)

You got any training glovesaround here?

McCORMICKC'mon, Judge. You can't beserious.

HARDCASTLEJust a friendly little round ortwo, McCormick. You're not chickenare you?

McCORMICK

Get the gloves.

(

-56-

CONTINUED

CLOSE ON - BOXING GLOVES

As Kid Calico laces up McCormick's gloves in one corner ofthe ring.

KID CALICODon't hurt'em, Mark. He's agood guy.

McCORMICKHurt him? Hardcastle willprobably kill me. He's prettyrough.

ANGLE - HARDCASTLE .

As Jack Calico laces up his gloves.

JACK CALICOGo easy on your friend, Milt.

HARDCASTLE\ihat, are you kidding? The kid'lltake me out in the first round.He's real tough.

The bell rings and both McCormick and Hardcastle get totheir fight: wearing the expression of a bet that has gonetoo far. McCormick dances around and Hardcastle stalks himlike a gorilla.

H..~RDCASTLEIf you stop dancing, McCormick,I could hit you and get thisover with.

McCORMICKIt's called, boxing, Judge. WatchAli, shuffle ... Here it comes.

McCormick shuffles and almost trips.

HARDCASTLECome on, fight.

McCOro.lICKYou first. I don't want to throwa punch at a guy your age.

CONTINUED

-57-

CONTINUED

HARDCASTLE

I wouldn't worry about it, pal.You couldn't hit the ground withboth feet.

McCORMICKFloat like a butterfly.

and as McCormick throws a punch.

HARDCASTLECharge like a bull.

and Hardcastle throws a right hand just as both punches areabout to land on the surprised. looks of our guys we:

FREEZE FRAME

FADE OUT

THE END