The Last Sand Granules

THE LAST SAND GRANULES

by

Rick McCormick

2322 Aralia StreetNewport Beach, CA [email protected] 2007 Rick McCormick

FADE IN:

INT. MCCLEAN RESIDENCE - DAY

SUPER: NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, 1965

A giant hourglass rests on a coffee table. A crucifix and areligious poster entitled "Footprints In The Sand" are onthe family room wall.

BRIAN MCCLEAN (8), clean cut, unsure, sensitive, reserved,sits on a sofa frozen in time. A dozen wilting floralarrangements surround him.

Brian stares past the hourglass at the front door. A lonetear exits his red eye.

MARY MCCLEAN (35), diligent, old-fashioned, reassuring,well-intentioned, catches her son out of the corner of hereye. She makes the sign of the cross, wipes away a tear,and gathers herself. She sits down next to Brian.

MARYHe's never coming through thatdoor again.

BRIANI know. I was just hoping.

She gives him a tight hug.

MARYC'mon, I'll make you a bigbreakfast.

Mary heads to the kitchen.

Brian picks up the hourglass and gazes closely at the sand.The sand runs out. He turns the hourglass over and placesit back on the table. He watches the sand fall.

KITCHEN

The blinding sunlight blasts through a window onto a woodencrucifix, a prayer entitled "AN OLD IRISH BLESSING", and amotto entitled "The Broken Chain."

Plates of steaming eggs, bacon, and sausage are before Brianand Mary as they say grace.

2.

MARY...ever this day be at our side tolight, to guard, to rule andguide. Amen.

Brian looks at a family portrait which includes his fatherin decorated military fatigues.

BRIANAnd please take care of Dad inHeaven.

EXT. MCCLEAN RESIDENCE - DAY

The sun glistens off the ranch-style home with neatlymanicured landscape. Brian receives a long hug from his momon the front porch.

MARYHave a nice day at school, son.

BRIANThanks, Mom.

She watches Brian bounce down the front steps and onto thesidewalk in his salt and pepper corduroy pants and whitedress shirt.

EXT. STREET - DAY

A homeless border collie begs for food. Brian removes hisbackpack and pulls out his lunch box. He tears a piece oflunch meat from his sandwich and feeds the dog. He pets thedog and continues on.

EXT. SCHOOL BUS STOP - DAY

Brian tries to scurry unnoticed past the public schoolkidswaiting for the school bus.

Four of the schoolkids, MORGAN EHLERS (12), smart,analytical, leader, JOHN ANTON (12), even-tempered,coherent, BILL NEWCOMB (11), cool-headed, confident, andOLIVER (OLLIE) GRUNDY (11), scrawny, nervous, cowardly,block his path.

OLLIEIt's the Our Lady Queen of Angelskid.

3.

BILLHi, Queenie.

JOHNSame clothes, different day.

Bill takes Brian's backpack and tosses it to Morgan whotosses it to John. The game of keep away goes on untilBrian finally intercepts his backpack and runs off.

JOHNSee you tomorrow, Mean Queen!

They laugh.

INT. CATHOLIC SCHOOL - DAY

Brian and several students listen to SISTER FRANCISBERNADETTE (28), stern, teach religion. The Ten Commandmentsare listed on the chalkboard.

SISTER FRANCIS BERNADETTEThe next commandment is Thou ShallNot Kill. Someone who killsanother is like killing the Lord,because the Lord is inside everyone of us.

Brian nods in agreement.

SISTER FRANCIS BERNADETTEThere's a camera filming each ofyou throughout your life. At theend of your life, you'll watchyour life's film with God. He'llthen decide if you make it toHeaven, or not.

INT. MCCLEAN RESIDENCE - NIGHT

Steaming plates of chicken and corn on-the-cob are on thetable. Mary and Brian fold their hands and close their eyes.

MARYBless us 'O Lord and these ourgifts which we are about toreceive from thy bounty throughChrist our Lord, amen.

Brian reaches for an ear of corn.

4.

MARYAngel of God...

Brian folds his hands again, peeks through one eye at hismother, and closes the eyelid.

MARY (O.S.)...our guardian dear to whom hislove commits us here, ever thisnight be at our side to light, toguard, to rule and guide, amen.

Mary watches Brian fidget with the skin on his chicken asshe butters her corn on-the-cob.

BRIANWhy are public schoolkids so mean?

MARYMaybe they haven't learned aboutGod, yet.

BRIANCan't they go to a Catholicschool?

MARYIt's not that easy. Catholicschools are expensive and peoplehave different beliefs.

BRIANWill they go to hell if they don'tbelieve in God?

MARYOnly if they do something bad.Even then they could still change.

Brian looks at the family picture on the wall.

BRIANDid Dad kill people?

MARYWell--

BRIANSister Francis Bernadette says ifpeople kill, they can't go toHeaven.

5.

MARYWell, I'm sure he prayed forforgiveness. God is forgiving, nomatter how bad our sins.

BRIANDo you really think he's inHeaven?

MARYI do. And we'll both be therewith him someday.

Brian digs in to the chicken.

BRIAN'S BEDROOM

Mary helps Brian do his homework.

Brian lies in bed as Mary stands nearby. A wooden crucifixhangs on the wall. On the nightstand is a framed photo ofhis father. Brian reads from a worn memorial card.

BRIANYou left us peaceful memories,your love is still our guide,and though we cannot see you,you are always at our side.

Our family chain is brokenand nothing seems the same,But as God calls us one by onethe chain will link again.

Brian tucks the card into the picture frame.

MARYSay your prayers.

Mary kisses Brian on the forehead, turns off the light, andexits.

BRIANLord, please let my Dad be inHeaven.

EXT. BEACH - DAY

A ROLLER SKATER(25), hippie, skates past Brian and Maryholding a sign which reads: JOHN 3:16.

6.

ROLLER SKATERJesus Christ is your savior!

MONTAGE - MARY AND BRIAN AT THE BEACH

-- Mary and Brian build sandcastles.

-- Mary buries Brian up to his neck in sand.

-- Mary and Brian fly a kite.

-- Mary teaches Brian how to body surf.

-- Mary teaches Brian how to swing a baseball bat.

Brian and Mary play catch with a football. Mary getsdistracted. The football hits Mary in the stomach. Shedoubles over in pain. Brian races over to her.

BRIANAre you okay?

MARYI don't know.

She sits on the sand. Brian holds her.

LATER

Mary and Brian towel sand off their feet. They shake sandfrom their beach towels.

INT. CHURCH - DAY

Brian and Mary sing in the cavernous church.

BRIAN(singing)

Shepherd me oh God, beyond mywants, beyond my fears, from deathinto life.

Brian sees Ollie with his family. Brian looks up at thegiant crucifix behind the altar.

Mary touches her stomach. She grimaces.

7.


Mary uses a towel to dry the dishes. She grabs herabdominal area and grimaces. She lifts her shirt to show abaseball size bruise.

INT. DOCTOR SIZEMORE'S OFFICE - DAY

DOCTOR SIZEMORE (60), diligent, serious, examines Mary'sbruised stomach.

DOCTOR SIZEMOREWhen did this happen?

MARYAbout a week ago.

DOCTOR SIZEMOREWe better run some tests.

ONE WEEK LATER

Mary and Doctor Sizemore look at X-rays on a lighted X-rayboard.

DOCTOR SIZEMOREI'm afraid it's not what we hopedfor. You have a tumor in a verytricky spot.

Doctor Sizemore points at an X-ray.

DOCTOR SIZEMOREI don't know if we'll be able tosurgically remove it.

MARYOh, no.

DOCTOR SIZEMOREIf we can't remove it, we'll hitit hard with chemotherapy.

EXT. CHURCH - DAY

A school bell SOUNDS. Hundreds of joyful children in schooluniforms spill out from their classrooms. Brian rides hisbike next door to the church.

8.

INT. CHURCH - DAY

Brian kneels in the front pew of the empty church. He makesthe sign of the cross and looks up at the giant crucifixbehind the altar.

BRIANLord, please make my mom better.

SUPER: SIX YEARS LATER

Brian (14), prays in the same front pew as he looks up atthe giant crucifix.

BRIANWhy aren't you making her better?


There are several bills on the kitchen table. Brian seesMary (41), fight back tears as she looks at an Our LadyQueen of Angels tuition bill stamped "PAST DUE."

MARYYou'll have to go to the publicschool.

Brian is petrified.

BRIANWill I still be able to go toHeaven if I go to the publicschool?

MARYSure. You can go to CCD classes.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Brian marches to school in casual clothes and carrying abackpack. He spots Bill.

BRIANPlease help me, Lord.

BILLWhere's your uniform, Queenie?

BRIANDon't need it.

9.

Bill catches up to Brian.

BILLYou're going to the public school?

BRIANYup.

Bill sees Morgan.

BILLMorgan! Look who's going to ourschool!

Morgan strolls over.

MORGANFather O'Brian! Didn't know youhad any other clothes.

Bill mouths something to Morgan. The two sandwich Brianwith hard shoulders to his body. Brian grimaces.

MORGANYou know anyone else who goes toCorona del Mar High School?

BRIANNope.

Morgan mouths the signal to Bill. They smash hard off Brianagain. Brian fights through the pain.

MORGANThink you're good enough to joinour group?

BILLWhat do we need him for?

MORGANShut up, Bill. Let's see whathe's got.

Brian sees Morgan mouth the signal to Bill. Brian stopsabruptly. Morgan and Bill crash into each other.

INT. MCCLEAN RESIDENCE - NIGHT

Brian and Mary eat.

10.

MARYWhat time's CCD class?

BRIANSeven.

LATER

Brian hustles toward the door with his Bible.

BRIANBye, Mom!

MARY (O.S.)Bye!

Brian pulls a rosary from his pocket and sets it on thecoffee table. The giant hourglass is nearly full. He exits.

EXT. MCCLEAN RESIDENCE - NIGHT

Brian hides his Bible on the front porch. He dashes downthe front steps.

INT. MORGAN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Bill, Morgan, John, and Ollie crumple newspapers into ballsand toss them at Brian. Brian stuffs the newspaper ballsinto a shirt and pants laying on the bed.

MORGANPack 'em tight.

Morgan secures a wig onto a Styrofoam head. He positionsthe head so that it sticks out of the top of the shirt.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Brian, Morgan, John, Bill, and Ollie ride bikes. The dummyrides on the back of Brian's bike. Brian glances nervouslyover at the church as they pass.

The five arrive at the bottom of a hill.

MORGANFace down in the gutter.

Brian sets the dummy face down in the gutter. John lays abike next to it. A car's headlights beam around a corner.

11.

BILLSpin it!

Brian spins a bike tire. The five run for cover in nearbybushes.

The car SCREECHES to a halt. MAN (40), and WOMAN (40), jumpout.

MANGet back in the car!

WOMANI used to be a nurse!

Man quickly approaches the dummy. The five cover theirmouths to keep from laughing.

MANAre you okay? I think we're toolate.

Man nudges the dummy. The head rolls off. Man SCREAMS,jumps in the car, and BURNS rubber. The five LAUGH.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - NIGHT

Brian throws a rope end down a building. He climbs downfrom the building. He ties the rope to a doorknob. He runsto the others who lie on their stomachs in a field.

Keys JINGLE. A CUSTODIAN walks around the building and seesthe rope attached to the doorknob. The custodian looks up,tugs on the rope, and yanks hard. A bucket of watercascades down on him.

The custodian slams the bucket down. The five LAUGH.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Morgan hands Brian a roll of wide masking tape. He hides innearby bushes with John, Bill, and Ollie.

Brian tapes one end of the masking tape to the street stickyside up. He unrolls the tape across the street and tapesthe end down. He sprints to the others.

The five look both ways down the street.

BILLUh, oh.

12.

JOHNOh, no.

OLLIEShoot.

The five try to contain their SNICKERS.

A police car runs over the tape which sticks to the tiresand makes a flat tire KA POO KA POO sound. The police carstops. The OFFICER gets out and sees the tape wound aroundhis tires. The five take off LAUGHING.

INT. SUPERMARKET - DAY

Bill and Ollie act as lookouts at each end of the cookieaisle. Brian trembles between Morgan and John. Brianchecks side to side like a windshield wiper for customers.Bill signals to hurry up.

Brian loosens his belt and carefully places a bag of Oreosdown his pants. Morgan and John grab more bags and shovethem down Brian's pants and into his jacket.

Brian waddles out like a bloated astronaut with the others.

SUPER: THIRTEEN YEARS LATER

Brian (27), sports a couple tattoos, earrings, and longhair. He sits at a desk across from SUPERMARKET MANAGER(40).

SUPERMARKET MANAGERWe need someone who shows up oncein a while, Brian.

BRIANI had to take care of my mom.

SUPERMARKET MANAGERThat's not my problem.


Brian enters with the mail. The house is unkempt. The wornfurniture should have been replaced years ago.

The mail is on the coffee table next to the hourglass whichis about two-thirds filled. Brian scans through theenvelopes which are mostly stamped "BILL ENCLOSED" and"FINAL NOTICE." He hears COUGHING.

13.

MARY'S BEDROOM

A frail Mary lies in bed. She has lost a lot of weight.

MARYHave you been to church?

BRIANNo.

MARYYou wanna go to Heaven? Wherehave you been?

BRIANRunning errands.

MARYI need my prescriptions filled.

Brian leaves.

MARYAnd you better go to church!

HALLWAY

Brian rears back to punch the wall, but stops himself.

IN THE KITCHEN

Brian has bills spread out on the table and a telephone tohis ear.

BRIANShe needs it for her chemo. Shecould die if she doesn't get it!

He SLAMS the phone down.

INT. PHARMACY - DAY

The cashier rings up several prescriptions. Brian winceswhen he sees the total on the register.

EXT. CHURCH - DAY

Brian passes the church without looking at it. Ollie exitsthe church. He spots Brian.

14.

OLLIEBrian!

BRIANHey, Ollie. How's it going? Youstill hanging with Morgan, Bill,and John?

OLLIEI live with them...and kind ofwork with them.

BRIANYou do? Doing what?

OLLIEI can't really...come over andI'll let them tell you.

BRIANCome on, Ollie.

Ollie moves in close to Brian.

OLLIEYou can't tell anyone.

BRIANI won't.

OLLIEWe kind of relieve banks of paper.

Ollie sees that Brian doesn't understand.

OLLIEGreen paper.

Brian still doesn't get it.

OLLIEWith dead Presidents.

BRIANNo way! You're kidding?

OLLIEI wish I were. Don't tell anyone.

BRIANI won't.

15.

OLLIEHow's it with you?

BRIANI'm between jobs.

OLLIEMaybe Morgan will let you in onsome jobs.

BRIANAre you crazy? I can't do that.

OLLIEWhy not?

BRIANI gotta look after my mom.

OLLIEHow's she doing?

BRIANNot good.

INT. CAR - NIGHT

Morgan sits behind the wheel as Brian rides shotgun. Bill,John, and Ollie are in the back seat. Morgan pulls to thecurb near an expensive bike chained to a pole.

MORGANYou're good to go.

Brian hesitates with his hand on the door handle. He seeshis church in the distance.

BILLWhat are you waiting for?

MORGANShut up, Bill! You've gotta dothis for your mom.

Brian takes a DEEP BREATH and exits.

BILLHow many bikes did we just slidethe lock over the pole?

JOHNWhat? Ten percent, Morg?

16.

MORGANMore like a quarter of 'em.

JOHNDon't ever underestimate thestupidity of the American public.

Morgan and the others watch as Brian takes giant boltcutters out of his knapsack and cuts the bike chain. Brianrides off on the bike.

INT. WAREHOUSE - DAY

Brian rolls the stolen bike into a back room. FENCE (50),sleazeball, examines the bike and hands Brian a bill.

EXT. PARKING STRUCTURE - NIGHT

Brian uses a screwdriver to pop out the keyhole on a car. Hejumps into the car and uses the screwdriver to pop out theignition. The car starts. He drives off.

EXT. PHARMACY - DAY

Brian exits with a shopping bag. He examines the receiptand slams it into the bag.

INT. HOUSE - NIGHT

Brian, dressed all in black and wearing gloves, quietlyplaces silverware into a bag.

BEDROOM

A lady wakes up, hears a SOUND, and dials the phone.

KITCHEN

Brian HEARS a car door shut. He sees a police car in thestreet and a POLICE OFFICER creeping toward the house.

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT

Brian runs out the back with the loot bag. The policemangives chase. Brian jumps over a fence narrowly escaping theofficer who struggles to get over the fence.

17.

INT. WAREHOUSE - DAY

Brian hands Fence the bag. In the background, men use apower saw to slice apart a Porsche. Fence pours thecontents of the bag onto a table. Silverware falls out.Fence examines the items.

FENCEA hundred.

BRIANCome on! I almost got busted!

FENCEI need the good stuff. Take it orleave it.

Fence pulls out a thick wad of bills. He tosses a bill onthe table. Brian snatches the bill and storms out.

INT. MORGAN'S APARTMENT - DAY

Brian, Morgan, Bill, John, and Ollie watch TV and drinkbeer. There are ski masks and guns next to a pizza box onthe coffee table. Morgan counts large stacks of bills.

JOHNI still can't get over the teller.Here's a gun in her face and sheasks if small bills are okay.

BILLLike we're gonna turn down fivesand tens.

JOHNAnd Morgan's face! He looksaround to see if he's on CandidCamera!

MORGANUsually, they're shaking and justshove the money into the bag.

JOHNAnd then as we're leaving, shetells us to have a nice day!

BILLTalk about a creature of habit.

18.

BRIANWhat are you doing with all yourmoney?

MORGANInvesting it.

Brian examines one of the guns.

BRIANEver had to use one of these?

JOHNNever. How's your mom doing?

BRIANNot so hot.

MORGANJust a matter of time before youget busted, Brian.

BRIANAnd you won't? At least if I getbusted I won't spend as much timein prison.

MORGANHasn't happened yet.

OLLIEAnd we only work once a month.

MORGANOnly need a couple big jobs withus, Brian.

BILLWe already got four guys, Morg.

BRIANI can't. Thanks anyway.

Brian leaves.

EXT. SEARS - NIGHT

Brian pulls around the back of a Sears store in his mom'sstation wagon. He sees an eighteen wheeler backed in to aloading dock.

19.

Brian sees a video surveillance camera on the building. Heputs on a pair of sunglasses and a baseball cap.

Brian hops out of the station wagon and jumps onto theloading dock. He peeks into the building.

Brian grabs a TV box out of the truck and slides it to theback of his car. He lifts it into the back of the car.

He runs back and grabs another TV box from the truck. SEARSMAN (30), obese, clumsy, sees Brian.

SEARS MANHey!

Brian slides the box across the ground. Sears Man giveschase for a short distance, then dials a phone. Brianshoves the box into the wagon. He hops in and rockets fromthe area.

INT. STATION WAGON - NIGHT

Brian HEARS SIRENS as he GASPS for breath. He rolls thewindow up to deaden the sound.

A police car with flashing lights passes in the oppositedirection. Brian checks his side and rear view mirrors. Thepolice car continues on.

INT. BANK - DAY

Brian observes the tellers, cameras, and bank layout as hefills out a deposit slip. He discards the bank slip into atrash can and exits.

EXT. BEACH - DAY

The wind blows clouds of sand. Brian eats a sandwich on alifeguard tower as he looks out over the ocean.

LATER

Brian washes sand off his feet at an outdoor shower. Thesand goes down a drain.


Brian enters with lots of mail marked "FINAL NOTICE." Brianhears COUGHING.

20.

KITCHEN

Brian pulls a beer out of the refrigerator. He stares atthe pile of bills while he chugs the beer.

MARY'S BEDROOM

Brian tends to pale and frail Mary who lies in bed coughing.A crucifix is on the wall above her.

BRIANWhen's your next chemo?

MARYTomorrow, if I'm strong enough.

He kisses her forehead. She sees that he's perspiring.

MARYWhat are you up to, Brian?

BRIANNothing.

MARYBrian.

BRIANGet your rest, Mom.

BRIAN'S BEDROOM

Brian stares at the rosary next to the car keys on thedresser. He makes the sign of the cross. He takes the carkeys and exits.

EXT. MORGAN'S APARTMENT - DAY

Morgan, John, Bill, and Ollie wait with several duffel bags.Brian pulls up in the beat up station wagon. Morgan sees abumper sticker that reads: "JESUS CHRIST IS MY SAVIOR." Hepeels it off.

INT. CAR - DAY

A rosary hangs from the rear view mirror. Brian takes downthe rosary and tosses it into the glove box which overflowswith junk.

The four hop in. Morgan sticks the bumper sticker on theglove box door.

21.

MORGANNo identifying marks.

BRIANI really appreciate you guyswanting to help.

JOHNIt's Bank of America that's gonnahelp you.

Nervous LAUGHTER.

BRIANThere can't be any shooting.

BILLYou're either banks or not banks.

BRIANI'm serious. No shooting.

BILLBanks or not banks.

BRIANI'm banks.

MORGANJust do what we showed you andeverything will be crisp.

EXT. BANK - DAY

The street is nearly empty. The station wagon pulls to thecurb. An armed guard stands just inside the front door.

INT. CAR - DAY

Brian shakes. Ollie switches seats with Brian behind thewheel.

BRIANWhy do you get to drive?

OLLIEI don't want to kill anyone.

BRIANI don't want to kill anyone!

22.

MORGANCalm down. He always drives.

Morgan, Brian, John, and Bill put on ski masks.

BRIANNo shooting.

Morgan checks the passenger side view mirror. A black andwhite border collie BARKS repeatedly at Brian.

BRIANDamn it!

Brian takes off his mask. He springs outside.

MORGANBrian. Damn it!

BILLWhat's he doing?

They anxiously look at the armed guard.

EXT. CAR - DAY

Brian chases the dog away.

INT. CAR - DAY

Brian gets in.

BILLWhat the hell are you doing? Wegotta abandon this, Morg.

MORGANShut up, Bill. Don't do anythinglike that again.

OLLIEThis bank's got so much paper,it's a fire hazard.

JOHNLet's be good citizens and removethat hazard.

John cocks his shotgun.

23.

MORGANOllie, keep the car running.

Brian makes the sign of the cross and closes his eyes.

EXT. BANK - DAY

The two curbside doors open and the four men bounce out.

INT. BANK - DAY

Bill opens the door for the other three who sprint past thearmed guard. Bill points his shotgun at the guard before hecan react.

MORGANEveryone lick the floor!

Customers SCREAM. The customers lie on their stomachs.

BILLClose the drapes.

The guard closes the drapes over the front doors. Morganpoints his gun at a teller.

MORGANDon't do anything stupid!

John and Brian hurry to the tellers' windows and toss thetellers the bags.

BRIANCome on! Move it!

He strikes a slow female teller's arm with his shotgun. Shespeeds up. The tellers throw money into the bags. Johnpasses the filled bags over the counter to Morgan and Brianwho set them on a table.

Sirens WAIL in the distance. John jumps over the counter asthe other three grab the bags and make their way toward thedoor.

INT. CAR - DAY

An uneasy Ollie prays.

OLLIEPlease help me, Lord.

24.

Ollie leans over and opens the two curbside doors. Thesirens get louder. Ollie sees a police car turn onto hisstreet and race toward him.

EXT. BANK - DAY

The police car skids to a stop in front of the stationwagon. OFFICER GARNER (32), assertive, stern, flings hisdoor open to act as a shield. He aims his gun at Ollie.

OFFICER GARNERShow me your hands!

Bill holds open the door as the others race by. John FIRESat the officer who returns FIRE. Bullets ricochet off thebank building and BLAST out the front doors.

Bill shoots. Brian watches Officer Garner drop his gun andclutch his chest.

BRIANNo!

Brian pushes Bill's gun away as Officer Garner writhes inpain on the ground. Ollie is stunned. He gets out of thecar.

The four gunmen dash toward the getaway car and dive throughthe open doors.

INT. CAR - DAY

The four are surprised that Ollie is gone.

JOHNWhere the hell's Ollie?

They see Ollie tend to Officer Garner.

BILLDamn it!

MORGANC'mon, Ollie!

Morgan slides over and puts the car in gear.

BRIANI said no shooting!

25.

BILLI had to!

BRIANHe better live!

MORGANGet in now, Ollie! Damn it!

EXT. BANK - DAY

SIRENS WAIL. Officer Garner chokes up blood and bleedsprofusely from the chest area. Ollie takes off his shirtand presses it into the gaping hole.

MORGANLeave him!

John opens his door and takes a few steps towards Ollie. Hesees an approaching police car and jumps back in.

The station wagon's tires SQUEAL as the car fishtails aroundOfficer Garner's patrol car.

Police cars skid to stops. Officers jump out with gunsdrawn at Ollie.

An officer tackles Ollie. Ollie tries to go back to OfficerGarner. Officers wrestle with him on the ground.

INT. HIGHWAY - DAY

The station wagon races down the highway. Police cars withflashing lights chase in the distance.

INT. CAR - DAY

The police cars quickly gain ground on the station wagon.Morgan checks his rear and side view mirrors. Bill and Johnready their weapons while Brian sits in a daze.

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

The station wagon moves too fast to negotiate a turn. Itcaroms off a guardrail, rolls over several times, and landsupside down in the middle of the road.

The SOUND of SIRENS.

26.

INT. CAR - DAY

Brian tries to flee, but is trapped by his seatbelt. Hesees the "JESUS CHRIST IS MY SAVIOR" sticker on the glovebox. The glove box opens and the rosary hangs out.

Brian sees several sets of upside down shoes racing towardshim. Police officers point their weapons and bark orders atBrian and the others.

EXT. CAR - DAY

The rear bumper shows glue residue from the bumper sticker.

INT. COURTROOM - DAY

SUPER: TWO YEARS LATER

Mary prays with her rosary. The five defendants sit at along table with their lawyers. The PROSECUTOR (50),addresses the attentive jury.

PROSECUTOROliver Grundy didn't want anywitnesses. He wasn't trying tostop the bleeding. He was tryingto strangle Officer Garner withhis bare hands.

LATER

Brian, Morgan, John, Bill, and Ollie anxiously watch thejury file into the courtroom.

The JUDGE (55), eyes the JURY FOREMAN (60).

JUDGEHas the jury reached a decision?

JURY FOREMANWe have your honor. In count one,bank robbery, we find thedefendants guilty.

MARYNo!

Brian shakes uncontrollably.

27.

JURY FOREMANCount two, murder of a peaceofficer. We find the defendantsguilty.

MARYNo, Lord!

Brian collapses onto the table. He sees Mary BLUBBERING ashe's lead out by bailiffs.

EXT. PRISON - DAY

Armed guards stand on each side of BERNIE (40), skinhead,flaky, unsophisticated, who wears khaki pants, a whitet-shirt, and holds a cardboard box.

The guards and Bernie watch as giant gates open. A busenters. The gates close. The bus stops near a building.

Brian, Morgan, Bill, John, and Ollie get off the bus heavilyshackled. Brian and Bernie make eye contact as they pass.

Brian watches Bernie get onto the bus without guards. Aguard JABS a rifle butt into Brian's kidney. Brian winces.

INT. PRISON - DAY

The five new prisoners exit a room with a San Quentin logo.A sign on the door reads "PROCESSING." They walk singlefile in light blue jumpsuits. Each carries a stack ofsheets, towels, and a bar of soap.

GUARD BAKER (35), reassuring, and two other guards escortthe five down a corridor lined with cells on each side.

GUARD BAKERWe don't want any problems fromyou guys, you hear?

The five nod.

Black prisoners JOE (30), a mountain of a man, fiery, andJESSE (28), cynical, taunt the five from their cells whileDON (25), extremely obese, cowardly, looks on.

JESSEWelcome to hell! You boys scared?

Joe chews gum and blows bubbles.

28.

JOEWhich one of you's the cop killer?

JESSEI'm tagging the short one, Joe.

JOEBet you don't make it to sunset.

Prisoner SYD (30), a lanky black man with a shiner,religious, honest, stands outside his open cell. He looksup at WARDEN JOHNSON (57), who nods at him. Syd approachesthe five with Bibles.

Syd extends a Bible to Morgan who walks by. Bill and Ollieaccept Bibles.

Syd offers a Bible to Brian who SLAPS it out of his hand.Syd picks up the Bible and carefully dusts it off.

SYDMay God be with you.

LATER

A bell RINGS. Cell doors open, the prisoners stand atattention outside their cells. Prison guards write onclipboards as they do a headcount.

EXT. PRISON YARD - DAY

The prisoners are in self-segregated groups throughout thebland yard.

Brian, John, Bill, and Ollie survey all the sketchycharacters. Several prisoners, including Joe, Jesse, andDon, stare down the convicted bank robbers.

MORGANDon't stare.

BRIAN(To Bill)

Forty to life, because you had tokill a cop.

Brian grabs a fistful of Ollie's shirt.

BRIANAnd all you had to do was drivethe damn car.

29.

A tower guard snaps to life and keeps an eye on Brian.

MORGANDon't cause waves. I don't wantforty years of problems.

BRIANI'll cause all the problems Iwant! I'm not hanging in thishellhole with these lowlifes.

Morgan covers Brian's mouth with his hand.

MORGANWhat are you gonna do? Walk on outof here?

Guard Baker approaches the five.

GUARD BAKERI strongly recommend you keep toyour own kind. Except Syd. Hecan be a big help to you.

BRIANI won't be going outside my kind.

MORGANHow do we find this Syd?

GUARD BAKERYou already have.

Guard Baker points to the man who tried to give them Biblespreaching to a group in the center of the yard.

BILLWhat's he in for?

GUARD BAKERDon't ever ask him. Only thewarden knows.

Guard Baker strolls off.

BILLLet's check it out.

BRIANWhy? To thank God for putting ushere? I have no use for Himanymore.

30.

Brian leaves.

MORGANI wouldn't go far. I'm stayingright here.

JOHNMe, too.

BILLI don't mind the protection.

Bill keeps a look out as he wanders over to Syd's group.

MORGANI don't know if that's protectionor makes him a target. Weshouldn't be splittin' up.

Joe, Jesse, and Don lift weights. Joe spots Bill.

JOECop killer.

They eye Bill.

JESSEGotta be worth a lot ofcigarettes. How much the OrangeCounty cops pay'n?

JOEOne year supply. Any brand youwant.

INT. BRIAN'S CELL - NIGHT

Brian writes a letter addressed to his mom.

PRISON GUARD ONELights out!

The cell lights go out. A cockroach scoots across thefloor.

Brian takes a spoon and knife out of his pillow case. Heuses the spoon to scrape at the cement between the bricks.It bends in half. He chisels with the knife. It snaps.

Brian slides under his blanket and fights back tears.BLUBBERING CRIES ECHO off the cell walls.

31.


Brian scopes out the guard towers. Some black prisoners walktoward him. He moves in a different direction.

Brian surveys the strong perimeter wall topped with amplebarb wire. Morgan, John, Bill, and Ollie head over.

MORGANDon't even think about it.

JOHNEvery guy who's stepped foot inhere has thought of escaping.

BRIANI'm not staying.

BILLYou're wasting your time.

BRIANTime's all I got, thanks to you!

JOHNRelax.

BRIANYou relax! Who's gonna take careof my mom?

Brian storms off.

BILLShould've thought of that ahead oftime!

MORGANEveryone's gotta be responsiblefor their actions.

OLLIEThink we're gonna make it, Morg?

They scan the sleazy inmates.

MORGANForty years is a long time. I'dsay no.

32.

INT. PRISON MESS HALL - DAY

The five new prisoners slide their trays along the steelflashing. Servers slap slop into bowls. The five makedisgusting faces at the sight of the food.

Joe, Jesse, and Don stand behind them. Joe SMACKS his gum.

JOEAin't no way you guys make fortyyears.

Jesse slaps Ollie on the rear.

JESSEI'll help you enjoy the forty.

John looks back at Joe and Jesse. Joe blows a bubble. Jesseblows an imaginary kiss.

JOHNGreat. Now we gotta deal withGumby and Pokey.

JESSE(Sings to the Humble Pie tune)

Forty years in the hole! Fortyyears in the hole!

Brian wheels around, but Morgan turns him back.

MORGANLow profile.

BRIANThis isn't happening.

BILLYeah, it is. Get used to it.

BRIANYou probably wanna shoot the food.

BILLOr you.

BRIANBet now you wish you had flooredit instead of helping the cop.

33.

OLLIEI couldn't go to Heaven if hedied.

BRIANWell, he died. So we're not goingto Heaven.

MORGANKnock it off you guys.

Syd watches Brian take the long way around the blackprisoner section to get to the white section. Brian sitsdown at a long table with the others. He examines his food.

Brian dips his spoon into his soup.

BILLSay goodbye to home cooking.

Brian sips the soup and makes a disgusting face.

MORGANYou'll acquire a taste for it.


Syd walks to the center with Bill at his side. Syd's groupfollows.

Jesse and Don lift weights. Joe pops a stick of gum intohis mouth as he studies Syd's group.

JOEThe cop killer's getting too cozywith Syd.

Guards watch Joe, Jesse, and Don get up and approach Syd'sgroup. The guards turn and walk away.

SYDThere will always be those whospit on you, but your ultimategoal is eternal life.

Some followers spot Joe, Jesse, and Don, and quickly moveaway. Joe pushes his way through the group. He wallops Sydon the cheekbone sending him to one knee.

JOEHe's sending you down a wrongroad.

34.

The frightened followers watch as Syd struggles to stand.Don watches with a concerned look.

JOEYou're supposed to turn the othercheek.

Joe punches Syd's other cheek sending him to the ground.

JOE(To the followers)

You're wasting your time. Youcan't change. We're criminals andwe're all going to hell.

Joe, Jesse, and Don walk off. A concerned Don looks back atSyd.

INT. PRISON LIBRARY - DAY

Brian sits at a long table with several open books and alegal pad. A puffy-faced Syd walks over with a Bible.

BRIANYou've got a lot of guts, or nobrains.

SYDDon't let evil get the best ofyou, but conquer evil by doinggood. Romans, Twelve, twenty-one.

BRIANTake a hike. Brian, Four,twenty-three.

SYDI'd like to read you a passagefrom Matthew.

BRIANGet lost, Syd.

SYDChange is a bad word because wehave to leave our comfortableworld behind.

Syd sets the Bible down. Brian shoves the Bible, which zipsacross the table and onto the floor. Syd picks up the Bibleand dusts it off with his shirt.

35.


Armed guards watch the prisoners from their towers.

Brian and the other four stand in the white prisoner sectionkeeping a lookout for ambushers. The Hispanic and blackgroups do the same. Bernie walks over.

BRIANDidn't you just leave this place?

BERNIEYeah, but I always end up doingsomething stupid. Name's Bernie.

BRIANName's Brian. The preacher tookquite a beating the other day.

BERNIESyd? He gets beat up all thetime. Won't hit back...somethingabout God inside each of us.

JOHNWhy beat him up?

BERNIEHe keeps the prisoners in line.That's their job.

Bernie points at Joe, Jesse, and Don.

BERNIEGuards give 'em treats for keepingus in line...makes their jobeasier.

JOHNCan't they just kill him?

BRIANYeah, Bill will do it.

BERNIENo one wants to stay here longerthan they have to.

BRIANA lifer's got nothing to lose.

36.

BERNIEThey don't hate Syd. That'd becutting off their meal ticket.

Syd walks by with his followers. Bill follows. Brian headstoward the library.


Brian reads a letter from his mom. He looks at a photo ofhis mom. He gets out a pen and paper.

GUARD BAKERLights out!

The lights go out. Brian slides into bed with the picture.A mouse scurries across the floor. He CRIES. Other CRIESECHO throughout the prison.


Brian plays poker for cigarettes with Morgan, John, andOllie. Brian is low on cigarettes while Morgan has lots ofcigarettes in front of him.

Morgan deals the cards. Brian looks at his cards, makes adisgusted face, and SLAMS his cards down on the table.

BRIANFold!

MORGANYou give up way too easily.

JOHNAt least take some cards.

BRIANI'm out.

Brian leaves the table. He watches Syd and Bill walk to thecenter of the yard with Bibles. Very few followers gather.Prisoners keep a watch on Joe, Jesse, and Don.

JESSEWanna growl 'em?

Joe rubs his knuckles.

37.

JOENah. Syd's head must be made ofconcrete.

More prisoners gather around Syd and Bill when they see thethree lift weights.

SYDWe've all sinned. It's never toolate to ask for forgiveness.


Syd watches Bill stride over to Brian seated at his usualtable.

BILLWanna do some preaching with Sydand me?

BRIANSo I can get worked over? No,thanks.

BILLYou're not gonna get worked over.Then at least join us.

BRIANNo thanks.

Syd marches over.

SYDI'd like to read you that passagefrom Matthew.

BRIANI'm busy.

SYDToo busy for God?

BRIANHe did a lot of good having mesent here.

BILLMaybe you sent yourself. Youcan't stay angry at God forever.

38.

Syd and Bill walk over to other prisoners at another table.Prison Guard Baker strides over to Brian.

GUARD BAKERYour mom's waiting for you in thevisitor's box.

Brian darts off.

INT. VISITOR'S BOX - DAY

A large, Plexiglas partition separates Brian from a gauntMary. Each puts a palm against the glass in the hopes oftouching the other. They each pick up a telephone.

MARYHow are they treating you?

BRIANLousy. I have to plug my nose toeat the food.

MARYWhy, Brian?

BRIANWhat else could I do? We werestrapped.

MARYSo you'd rather rot in hell forkilling a police officer.

BRIANMom--

MARYIt's true!

BRIANIf God exists, he wouldn't havelet me get caught...or given youcancer...or taken Dad. If hereally exists, why does he letanything bad happen?

MARYWe don't know his overall plan.You have to have faith, Brian.

Mary pulls out the worn memorial card and holds it againstthe glass.

39.

MARYI pray that somehow you'll be withme and Dad. Please, Brian. Ourfamily chain must link again.

The guard escorts Mary away. Brian and Mary lock eyes untilshe leaves the room.

EXT. HOUSE - DAY

A hand reaches into a mailbox and pulls out letters. In hisuniform, PRISON GUARD DONALDSON (50), dishonest, thumbsthrough the letters on the way to the front door.

Prison Guard Donaldson flips over a letter which has noreturn address. He rips open the letter. Inside areseveral large bills.


Syd and Bill preach to their followers in the center of theyard. Joe, Jesse, and Don lift weights.

Joe, Jesse, and Don get up from the weight benches. Theyconceal shanks in their hands. The three march toward Syd'sgroup. Don stops, tosses his shank, and goes back.

Joe and Jesse close in on Syd's group. Some of thefollowers spot the two men and hurry off.

Joe stabs Bill in the side. He drops to the ground gaspingfor air. Joe and Jesse stab Bill repeatedly. Bill tries toblock the rapid strikes with his hands, but is overpowered.

EAR-SPLITTING ALARMS BLARE. Don drops his head.


A guard races past Brian. Brian looks out a window. Herushes out the door.


Tear gas canisters bounce off the ground sending out plumesof white smoke.

Prisoners lie down on their stomachs. A large CROWD CHEERS.

40.

CROWDKill him! Kill him!

Brian races to the crowd. He gets a glimpse of Billbleeding profusely.

Brian pushes his way to Bill who looks up at Brian. Billlies in a pool of blood with his arms straight out from hisbody and bloody palms facing up.

BILLSorry for changing your life,Brian.

BRIANIt's alright. I forgive you.

BILLI'm going to meet my maker.

BRIANDon't talk, Bill.

BILLYou can still change, Brian.

Bill's face gets white. His eyes glass over.

Guards in gas masks restore order.

Guards haul away Joe and Jesse.

INT. DON'S CELL - NIGHT

The cell door opens. Don enters. Several cartons ofcigarettes are on his bed. He rips apart the cartons.


Brian walks over to his usual table carrying several lawbooks. He sees a Bible on the table. He tosses the Bibleonto another table.

A bruised Syd limps over to Brian.

SYDStill too busy for God?

BRIANHow do I get a knife?

41.

SYDWhy do you want--

BRIANHow do I get a knife?

Syd points at Brian's chair.

SYDYou're sitting on about twentyknives, but if you kill someonedon't expect to go to Heaven.

BRIANI'm not going to Heaven.

SYDYou don't know that.

BRIANHow long are they gonna be insolitary?

SYDA long time.

BRIANCan't believe he's gone.

SYDI've seen men have their throatsslashed right in front of me. Whenyou see a man lose his life, itchanges your life forever.


Brian sits alone at a table. The workout area is empty.Morgan, John, and Ollie listen to Syd preach. Don listensto Syd from the back of the group. He walks over to Brian.

BRIANWhat do you want? Fat piece of...

DONI didn't know they were going tokill him.

BRIANDon't give me that! You could'vestopped it!

42.

DONAnd have them do the same to me?I'd be dead a long time ago if Iwasn't hang'n with them.

BRIANYou let a guy die for some lousycigarettes.

DONYou let a cop die for a few bucks.

Syd's group breaks up. Morgan, John, and Ollie hustle overto Brian and Don.

OLLIESyd says you got a shot at Heaven!

Morgan gets in Don's face.

MORGANGet out of here you fat tub ofgoo.

Don leaves.

JOHNHe says you'll probably have tospend some time in Purgatory.

OLLIEMaybe we all have a shot.

BRIANWe can't get to Heaven.

OLLIEWhy not?

BRIANYou went to church. Thou shallnot kill.

JOHNIs that what you think?

MORGANI always thought if you did moregood than bad you went to Heaven.

OLLIEBein' golden.

43.

Some have confused looks.

OLLIELive by The Golden Rule.

JOHNThere's gotta be more to it thanthat.

BRIANObey the Ten Commandments.

MORGANNo one in here has.

OLLIENo one outside has.

JOHNYou say'n nobody's going toHeaven? I'm not buying it.

MORGANIf that's the case, why have aHeaven?

OLLIEI thought God wants us all withhim.

BRIANNot murderers.

Syd strolls over.

SYDMaybe not, but he forgives thosewho believe.

BRIANFace it. We're damaged goods.

SYDMaybe prison's Purgatory on Earthand then we go straight to Heaven.

BRIANDream on.

JOHNDoesn't anyone know what it takesto get to Heaven?

44.

OLLIEGuess we'll know in the end.

JOHNIsn't it worth the chance to bewith your mom and dad, Brian?

INT. PRISON CHURCH - DAY

Several prisoners, including Brian, Morgan, John, Ollie, andSyd watch CLERGYMAN (30), well-intentioned, use anaspergillum to sprinkle holy water on Bill's coffin.

LATER

Brian meets with Clergyman at the back of the church.

CLERGYMANBill's in Heaven with his maker.

BRIANHe can't be. He killed a policeofficer.

CLERGYMANHe repented his sins and preachedthe word of God.

BRIANYeah, but--

CLERGYMANWho are we to say who God keepsout of His kingdom?


Brian uses a large book to conceal the Bible hidden inside.The Bible is opened to Exodus 20, The Ten Commandments.

Brian runs his finger down The Ten Commandments. He pausesat number six: Thou Shalt Not Kill. He runs his fingerdown to number eight: Thou Shalt Not Steal.

Brian slams the Bible shut.


Brian enters. The steel door slams shut. An envelope is onhis bed. He opens it and takes out the worn motto card he

45.

kept on his nightstand as a youngster. He reads theenclosed letter.

INSERT THE LETTER

Dear Brian McClean,

You have our deepest sympathy as we regret to inform youthat your mother, Mary Geraldine McClean, passed awayFriday, November 26 due to a heart attack.

Sincerely,Gerald Johnson, Warden

He falls on his bed and clenches his fist around the letter.A rat runs across the floor.


Brian, Morgan, John, and Ollie sit at a table with theirbacks to each other as they watch for ambushers.

MORGANSorry about your mom.

JOHNSorry.

Brian wheels around.

BRIANWhy couldn't we just get jobs likeeveryone else?

JOHNYou can't change that now.

He looks around at all the questionable characters.

BRIANNow my parents are in Heaven andI'm here with this scum.

JOHNWay to love one another, Brian.

MORGANWe have to be rehabilitated.

46.

BRIANPrison isn't for rehabilitating!It's to punish you! People don'tchange.

MORGANPeople in here change.

BRIANBullcrap.

JOHNWhat? Ten percent, Morg?

MORGANMore.

OLLIEMaybe even make it to Heaven.

BRIANBull.

MORGANYou don't know.

BRIANThis is hell on Earth before we gothrough hell in hell.

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

A hearse leads a small caravan.

A prison bus with steel bars across the windows parks. GuardBaker and ANOTHER GUARD, both in black suits, help Brianexit the bus. Guard Baker removes Brian's ankle shackles,but keeps him in handcuffs.

LATER

Brian and the small group of people watch Mary's casket getlowered into the ground.

Guard Baker sees Brian constantly looking around.

GUARD BAKERDon't even think about it...unlessyou want to join her.

People leave. The guards escort Brian away. Brian looksback at his mother's final resting spot.

47.

INT. BRIAN'S CELL - EVENING

Brian enters. The steel door CLANGS shut. He notices aBible on his bed. He slides the Bible between the steelbars and sets it on the ground outside his cell.

Brian stares at the Bible. He turns to the cell next door.

BRIANHey, Bernie.

BERNIE (O.S.)Yeah.

BRIANHow well does Syd know the Bible?

BERNIE (O.S.)Knows it better than anyone inhere. Why?

BRIANJust wondering.


Brian reaches for a law book on a book shelf. He noticesseveral Bibles mixed in with the law books.

LATER

There are several piles of legal books on Brian's table. Sydwatches an agitated Brian write on a legal pad and quicklyerase what he just wrote.

Brian frustratingly scratches over what he just wrote, tearsthe sheet off the pad, crumples it into a ball, and heavesit across the room. Syd approaches Brian.

SYDFace the fact. You're gonna behere awhile.

BRIANI could just end it all.

Syd is shocked.

SYDIf you kill yourself, you can't goto Heaven.

48.

BRIANIf I breathe, I can't go toHeaven.

SYDGod isn't for bailing you out whentimes are tough and ignored whentimes are good.

BRIANWhy me?

SYDNo one said life was gonna beeasy. All these books, but you'remissing the most important one.

He taps his Bible.

BRIANI was involved in a murder. Ican't go to--

SYDI know!

Prisoners look over.

BRIANGod's not gonna like what He seeswhen He watches my life's film.

SYDHe already knows what you've done.He doesn't have to wait till yourlife's over. Who knows what he'lldecide?

BRIANHell. That's what.

SYDYou think because you sinned youmight as well give up? We're allsinners. That's why he died on thecross for us.

BRIANYeah, but--

49.

SYDDon't you want your film to showyou in the best light from thispoint forward?

Brian ponders this. He rests his hand on the top of thechair next to him for what seems like an eternity.

SYDLook, if you don't think you'vegot a chance, at least help otherstry to get to Heaven. Maybe it'llhelp you get to Heaven.

Brian pulls the chair out. Syd sits down and slides the lawbooks away.

Brian reads the Bible. Prisoners SNICKER at him. He slidesa large book back and hides the Bible inside the large book.

INT. BRIAN'S CELL - DAY

Brian lies in bed. A prisoner pushes a book cart outsidehis cell. Brian points at the cart. The prisoner passes hima Bible between the steel bars.


Brian and Syd read their Bibles. Syd notices Brian's Biblehidden inside a larger book.

SYDDoes God embarrass you?

Brian sets the larger book down exposing the Bible. He getsantsy in his chair.

BRIANThis is too hard.

Syd slides Brian's legal pad toward Brian. He tears offBrian's law notes and crumples them up.

SYDTake your time. Make some notes.

Brian looks blankly past his Bible. His eyes get moist.

BRIANAre any of us going to Heaven?

50.

Syd slips a tasseled bookmark into his Bible.

BRIANI mean, if He loves us, why can'twe all go to Heaven?

SYDI don't know. Maybe we'reexamples to others to not do thethings we did.

BRIANAre we going to Heaven?

SYDAlmost all of us can if we havefaith.

BRIANAlmost all? God doesn't takemurderers, does he?

Syd shifts in his chair.

SYDMaybe not the actual killer.

BRIANBill's not in Heaven, is he?

SYDI prayed for him since he gothere.

BRIANIs he?

SYDHe changed his ways...had faith atthe end. It's up to God now.

Brian places a tasseled bookmark in his Bible and closes it.

SYDWe're only spinning through spaceon this blue and white marble fora short time. What we do on Earthfor seventy years is nothingcompared to what awaits us inHeaven for eternity.

51.


A much slimmer Don jogs alongside the perimeter wall.

Morgan, John, and Ollie watch for ambushers as Brian and Sydread their Bibles.

BRIANYou really think there's a God?

SYDGuy, Brian. You sure you wereraised Catholic? Come here.

Syd and Brian march across the yard and up several concretesteps.

SYDWe've all had strange miracleshappen to us, so there's a God.

The two reach the top. Brian tries to catch his breath.They observe an extraordinary sunset over the harbor.

SYDWho do you think made that? Itsure wasn't man.

INT. PRISON - DAY

Guards escort four prisoners out of the room marked"PROCESSING." They carry blankets, sheets, and soap as theyapproach Brian. Brian looks up at Warden Johnson who nods.

Brian offers a Bible to each of the four prisoners as theywalk by. The first three decline the Bibles. The lastprisoner accepts a Bible.


Syd and Brian preach to several prisoners including Don.

Don's eyes fill with fear when he sees Joe and Jesse exit abuilding. He immediately heads for the weight benches.Other followers see Joe and Jesse and quickly leave.

Joe and Jesse glare at Syd and Brian. Brian abruptly leavesfor his usual table.

Syd marches over to Brian.

52.

BRIANI can't do it Syd.

SYDNot even for God?

BRIANI don't want to get killed.

SYDYou promised you'd help the othersget to Heaven.

BRIANSorry, Syd.

LATER

Syd and Brian preach to a tiny group far away from Joe,Jesse, and Don. Brian anxiously keeps an eye on the three.

Brian and Guard Donaldson see Joe, Jesse, and Don headtoward the group. Brian zips toward his table. GuardDonaldson turns and walks away.

Joe and Jesse push their way through the group while Donacts as a lookout. They knock Syd to the ground and kickhim. Don spots a guard. He WHISTLES. The three leave.

Brian hustles to Syd. He pauses when he hears him mumbling.

SYDLord, please forgive them, forthey know not what they do. Helpme show them your truth and light.


Brian and bruised Syd read their Bibles.

BRIANWhy'd you get into preaching?

SYDGuys would get out, and end upright back in here. I wanted themto make a real change...to findGod.

BRIANAny of 'em change?

53.

SYDSome.

BRIANWhy are you here, Syd?

Syd swallows hard.

SYDI looked all over for a job.Nobody would hire me. We had nofood. One Sunday after mass, Istole the collection money. FatherMcCarthy startled me. There was astruggle. He slipped and hit hishead.

Brian is stunned.

BRIANYou killed him?

SYDI promised God I'd try to be likeFather McCarthy and change everyman that walked in here.

BRIANYou can't go to Heaven?

SYDIt's in His hands now. I prayHe'll show mercy on me when it'smy time.

LATER

Syd and Brian preach to a group. Joe, Jesse, and Don burstthrough a door. Brian tries to leave, but Joe throws himagainst a wall. Joe and Jesse punch and kick Brian and Sydwhile Don acts as a lookout.

ALARMS BLARE. Guards rush in. They haul off Joe and Jesse.Morgan, Bill, and Ollie tend to Brian and Syd.


SUPER: THIRTY-THREE YEARS LATER

Brian (61), has a scowl expression etched on his face thatlooks like it's been there for decades. He, Morgan (64),John (64), and Ollie (63), watch for ambushers.

54.

A large, mixed group assists frail Syd (64), to the centerof the yard.

Morgan, John, and Ollie head toward Syd's group. Brianstays.

Joe, Jesse, and Don (58), show the wear and tear of longprison lives. Ollie approaches.

OLLIECome on, Joe.

JOENo thanks, Ollie.

OLLIEJesse?

JESSENope.

Ollie and Don head over to Syd's group.

PRISON GUARD ONE (40), cautious, notices a large group ofHispanics studying Syd's group. He passes Syd.

PRISON GUARD ONEHispanics are planning something.

Syd scans the Hispanic group.

Armed tower guards, sensing something, keep a keen watchover the yard.

The large Hispanic group eyes Joe and Jesse. Several of theHispanics walk in one direction while others walk in theopposite direction.

The remaining Hispanics speed walk straight toward Joe andJesse who show panic for the first time. All three groupspick up speed as they converge on Joe and Jesse like killerbees. The Hispanics kick and thrust shanks into the men.

ALARMS BLARE. Tear gas canisters bounce on the asphaltsending out contrails of white smoke. Joe tries to run, butis quickly kicked, beaten, and stabbed.

Prisoners lie on their stomachs as an army of guards regainscontrol. Joe's and Jesse's battered bodies lieunrecognizable in pools of blood.

Don watches as Joe's and Jesse's blood snake downhilltowards Brian. Brian does a push-up to let the blood run

55.

under him. He fights to hold the push-up. He collapsesinto the blood. The blood soaks into his clothes.

INT. WARDEN'S OFFICE - DAY

Syd and WARDEN SEGERSTROM (55), blissful, look out a windowat the active prison yard.

WARDEN SEGERSTROMWe've always appreciated your helpin keeping a peaceful prison, Syd.

SYDMorgan's group wouldn't hurt anant.

WARDEN SEGERSTROMI'll see what I can do.

SYDThank you, sir.

WARDEN SEGERSTROMYou sure you don't want a hearingfor yourself? I could set up--

SYDMy work's not done here. Neverwill be.

EXT. PRISON HEARING BOARDROOM - DAY

Morgan, John, and Ollie pace anxiously. An ecstatic Brianbounces out and hugs the three.

INT. MESS HALL - DAY

Syd and the four are jovial.

PRISON GUARD SNIDER (25), condescending, heads over.

PRISON GUARD SNIDERYou're only being let out becausewe don't have space for you.You'll never contribute anythingto society.

BRIANBetter hope we don't find outwhere you live.

56.

Prison Guard Snider stares Brian down before leaving.

MORGANYou didn't need to do that.

BRIANI don't care.

JOHNI'm not going to miss this placeone bit.

OLLIEI'll be the first one out. Whereare we going?

MORGANWe can pool the money they'regonna give us.

OLLIEWhere are we going to stay?

MORGANWe can grab a cheap place. Ourmoving expenses shouldn't be much.

JOHNIt's called jump on a bus and go.

They laugh.

SYDEither that or hitchhike.

BRIANNobody hitchhikes anymore.

OLLIEToo many bad guys.

JOHNWe just spent thirty-seven yearsbehind bars. We are the bad guys.

SYDThere's going to be a lot ofpeople racing to work, getting thekids to school. Don't let 'emforget about God. Where youheaded?

57.

MORGANBack to Orange County, I guess.

OLLIEDon't know anywhere else.


Brian lies in bed reading the worn memorial card. He looksat the photo of his mother.

PRISON GUARD SNIDERLights out!

The lights go out.

SNIFFLES grow into BLUBBERING CRIES echoing off the walls.


The four grinning prisoners are dressed in white t-shirtsand khaki pants. Each holds a cardboard box.

Morgan, John, and Ollie have a dirt, cross shape on theirforeheads. Syd bends down and rubs his thumb in the dirt.He makes the sign of the cross on Brian's forehead.

SYDRemember that you are dust and todust you shall return.

Brian and Syd shake hands.

BRIANThanks for everything, Syd. I'llnever forget you.

MORGANDon't ever change, Syd.

Brian and the others hug Syd.

SYDGet to confession and receive theEucharist right away.

PRISON GUARD SNIDERLet's go.

Prison Guard Snider escorts the four prisoners toward thegiant gates.

58.

PRISON GUARD SNIDER(To Brian)

You'll never make it to Heaven.

Morgan steps between Brian and the guard.

MORGAN(To Brian)

Keep moving.

The inmates have their eyes fixed on the threshold.

JOHNThis is unbelievable.

OLLIEWhat's the world gonna look likeafter so long?

BRIANMy dad used to take me campingevery summer. Home always seemedso different after only being gonea week.

Their pace slows. The gates open and the four walk through.

PRISON GUARD SNIDERSee you shortly, ladies.

Brian waves goodbye to Syd, who makes the sign of the cross.Prison Guard Snider goes back inside the compound as thegiant gates close behind him.

Morgan barely touches the massive wall.

MORGANThe last time I saw this side waswhen they brought us in.

A prison bus approaches. It waits for the gates to open.Brian sees Bernie on the bus. Bernie looks at Brian. Thebus enters. The gates close.

The four creep down the street into their new world.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Brian, Morgan, John, and Ollie scan their new surroundingsas they ramble along a storefront sidewalk. Passersby andstore owners eyeball the four. John looks inside his box.

59.

JOHNWe got enough old stuff to open anantique shop.

OLLIELet's pool the eight hundred bucksand try our luck in Vegas?

The other three give him "You idiot" looks.

A lady walking a dog approaches. The four find it difficultto make eye contact.

EXT. BUS STATION - DAY

Brian, Morgan, John, and Ollie climb aboard a bus with adestination sign which reads: LOS ANGELES.

INT. BUS - DAY

The four gaze at the rural landscape.

EXT. BUS STATION - DAY

Brian, Morgan, John, and Ollie step off the bus.

SUPER: COSTA MESA, CA

Well-dressed people with sleek cell phones and I-Podsrubberneck at the four.

EXT. STREET - DAY

The four spot a sports bar.

JOHNWe haven't had hops in fourdecades.

BRIANLet's hoist one for Bill.

INT. SPORTS BAR - DAY

The four enter and immediately receive funny looks from thepatrons. Like scared rabbits, they head straight to themen's restroom.

60.

MEN'S RESTROOM

The four do their business.

They look around for the flush handles.

OLLIEHow do you flush this thing?

They step away and the toilets flush automatically.

BRIANWow.

They squirt soap on their hands. They look for faucethandles. They watch a man swipe his hands under a faucet andsee water pour out. The man puts his hands up to a papertowel dispenser and paper towels spring out.

AT THE BAR

The four sit at the long bar on bar stools. Dozens of TVsplay.

OLLIELook at all the TVs.

JOHNLook how clear the pictures are.

BARTENDER (40), impatient, peers at the four.

MORGANFour Falstaffs.

BARTENDERFalstaff? What's that?

MORGANHow 'bout four Lucky beers?

BARTENDERNever heard of it.

JOHNPabst?

OLLIEBrew 102?

BRIANLook, bud--

61.

BARTENDERGot Bud.

Bartender reaches into a small refrigerator, opens, anddisperses four Budweiser beers. The four raise theirbottles.

MORGANTo Bill.

JOHNHere, here.

BRIANI hope you're in Heaven with yourfamily.

MORGANI'm glad I'm on the right side ofdirt.

OLLIEWhen I go, I don't want you guysspending a lot on my funeral.

JOHNWe'll just throw a sheet over ya.

They laugh. John looks over a menu and almost spits out hisbeer.

JOHNFive bucks for a beer! We used toget a case for that!

Morgan grabs the menu from him.

MORGANWe gotta watch every dime fromhere on out.

EXT. SPORTS BAR - DAY

The four exit. Three kids, including RICARDO (12), tattoos,carry spray paint cans as they're chased by HARDWARE STOREOWNER (50).

HARDWARE STORE OWNERDamn kids! You're gonna end up inprison!

Morgan spots a Wells Fargo bank across the street.

62.

MORGANWells Fargo!

Morgan runs across the street. A car HONKS and narrowlymisses him. The others follow.

OLLIEI hope we're not gonna rob it.Cause I don't have anotherthirty-seven years.

INT. BANK - DAY

The four sit at BANKER'S (30) desk. Ollie points at themonitor on his desk.

OLLIEThat's a computer!

Banker looks at Ollie funny.

BRIANHe doesn't get out much.

A secretary delivers a check to Banker who hands the checkto Morgan.

BANKERHere you are, Mr. Ehlers. Wealways wondered what happened toyou.

The four grin at the check with wide eyes.

INT. PRIMERICA OFFICE - DAY

The four sit across from PRIMERICA EXECUTIVE (50).

PRIMERICA EXECUTIVEAmerican Express bought E.F.Hutton and then we bought it fromthem.

A secretary hands a check to Primerica Executive who looksit over before she hands it over to Morgan.

PRIMERICA EXECUTIVEYou're an excellent example of buyand hold investing, Mr. Ehlers. Along-term investor today issomeone who holds a stock for an

63.

PRIMERICA EXECUTIVEhour.

Morgan and the others gasp at the check.

MORGANI thought Chevron and Exxon woulddo well.

EXT. PRIMERICA OFFICE - DAY

The four exit.

JOHNNow we can get a place!

OLLIEAnd have all the women and boozewe want!

BRIANWait a minute. This is Morgan'smoney.

They stare at Morgan.

MORGANI've lived with you guys for solong. I'm not going to leave younow.

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

Brian kneels at his mother's and father's graves.

BRIANSorry, I'll never be with you.

EXT. MCCLEAN HOUSE - DAY

Brian stares at his old house from the sidewalk.

Brian KNOCKS on the front door. AUNT ELIZABETH (85),quarrelsome, opens the door.

BRIANHi, Aunt Elizabeth. It's me,Brian.

64.

AUNT ELIZABETHI know who you are. What do youwant?

BRIANI just wanted to stop by and seehow you're doing.

AUNT ELIZABETHI'm fine. Please, don't ever comeback here.

She SLAMS the door. Brian walks slowly down the frontsteps.

EXT. GARNER HOUSE - DAY

Brian stares at a house with an American flag out front. Heslowly walks off without taking his eyes off the house.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Brian saunters along the sidewalk. A car waits at a redlight. A young girl in the back of the car smiles at Brianwho forces a smile back.

Brian watches several well-dressed people hustle past hisold church with sparse, bland landscape. The dirty sign outfront reads: OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH. Briancontinues on.

INT. MORGAN'S HOUSE - DAY

John, Brian, and Ollie move a sofa into place against awall.

They flop down on the sofa with LOUD EXHALES.

MORGANHere.

Morgan hands each of them an envelope. They open theenvelopes to expose large bills.

JOHNHoly cow, Morgan!

65.

MORGANWe were ordered around for solong, I want you to enjoy the timeyou have left.

BRIANA little girl in a car smiled atme today. It made me think how Imissed out having a wife and kids.

MORGANI'm afraid we all missed out onthat.

OLLIEMaybe we're lucky. Seen howsnooty people are?

BRIANWe hurt our families.

MORGANHow many times were they askedwhere we were? How come we don'tsee Morgan anymore?

BRIANWhat'd they tell 'em?

MORGANMy family said I was aninternational banker...always outof the country.

JOHNI was overseas in the military, orsomething.

OLLIEI was a pitcher for the BaltimoreOrioles.

BRIANYou?

OLLIEThat didn't last long, cuz theycouldn't find my name on the teamroster.

They laugh.

66.

EXT. STREET - DAY

An HISPANIC GARDENER (50), smiles at Brian who walks along astore-lined street. Graffiti is spray painted on buildings.Some windows are broken.

Brian spots a fruit stand owner, WENDY (40), glum, in frontof her store.

BRIANGood morning.

Wendy glances at his clothes and looks away. Brian looks athis clothes and moves on.

A lady, JUDY (35), and her daughter SARAH (10), approachfrom the opposite direction.

BRIANHello.

Judy and Sarah look at Brian's unkempt hair and look away.

Brian rambles sullenly along a sidewalk. He looks over athis old church. He continues on.

INT. PRODUCE STORE OFFICE - DAY

Wendy stews at a desk with several envelopes marked "FINALNOTICE." With one swoop of her hand she flings theenvelopes off the desk.

EXT. THRIFT STORE - DAY

Brian exits wearing nicer clothes.

EXT. BARBER SHOP - DAY

Brian exits sporting a new haircut.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

Brian sees a schoolgirl, CAMI (10), waiting on the bench.

BRIANHi.

67.

Cami glances at Brian's tattoos and looks away. Brian looksover the bus schedule.

BRIANDo you know how to read thisthing?

Bus Twenty-three approaches.

BRIANI guess I'll take this one.

The bus pulls to the curb.

INT. BUS - DAY

JESUS (8), Hispanic, needy, warmhearted, sees well-dressedkids JOSH (10), unfriendly, and CORY (11), cruel, get on andapproach down the center aisle. Jesus pulls out a red,heart-shaped box from his backpack. He rubs the box.

Cory smacks Jesus on the head.

CORYIllegal alien.

JOSHNice clothes.

Brian gets on. He scans the packed, quiet bus. A notice atthe front of the bus reads: PASSENGERS MUST BE SEATED AT ALLTIMES.

Brian pulls a bill from his wallet and tries to give it tothe driver, DAVID (30), fat, short-tempered, uptight.

DAVIDI don't take it! Put it in there!

He points at the bill acceptor. Brian tries to figure outwhere to put the money into the machine. In the side viewmirror, David sees an old lady jogging toward his bus. Davidsnatches the bill from Brian and feeds it into the machine.

DAVIDSit down!

Passengers SNICKER. Brian sits in the front row next toDELORES (50), heavy makeup, guarded.

BRIANHello, I'm Brian.

68.

Delores looks out the window. The old lady catches up tothe bus. David floors it leaving a plume of black smoke inher face.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

Brian steps off the bus. He gapes at all the trees,buildings, and people. A man approaches.

BRIANGood morning.

The man walks past. Brian sees CINDY (40), with herdaughter KENDRA (7).

BRIANNice day, isn't it?

Cindy notices Brian's arm tattoos. She pulls Kendra inclose to her side as they walk by. Another lady approaches.

BRIANMorning.

The lady sees his tattoos and looks away.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Pedestrians give Brian plenty of room on the sidewalk.There's more graffiti and broken store windows.

Hardware Store Owner surveys the vandalism.

HARDWARE STORE OWNERDamn kids!

Brian observes busy people hustling past the church. Hesees a sign which reads: CONFESSIONS THURSDAY 6:00 P.M.

EXT. HOUSE - DAY

Brian stands on the sidewalk staring at a house.

Brian knocks on the front door. His UNCLE BILL (85),reluctant, uncooperative, answers the door.

BRIANHi, Uncle Bill. It's Brian. Ijust wanted to say--

69.

UNCLE BILLDo you realize all theembarrassment you caused? Don'tcome around here anymore. Youhear me?

BRIANYes, sir.

Uncle Bill closes the door. Brian glumly turns and leaves.


Brian gawks at the house with the American flag.

EXT. BEACH - DAY

JOGGER (25), cases beachfront houses. He notices a homewith the drapes closed and a heavy dusting of sand on thepatio furniture.

INT. CHURCH - NIGHT

Brian enters the dim, cavernous building.

He sees short lines of people outside of confessional boxes.He walks over and fidgets in one of the lines.

The door opens and a young girl exits. The girl stares atBrian's tattoos. Brian looks at his arms.

CONFESSIONAL BOX ONE

Brian kneels down. FATHER O' MALLEY (70), old-fashioned,intolerant, slides open an opaque window revealing anotheropaque window with several small holes.

BRIANBless me father for I have sinned.The last time I went to confessionwas over forty years ago.

FATHER O' MALLEYForty years! Don't you love theLord?

BRIANYes, Father.

70.

FATHER O' MALLEYDon't you ever read the Bible?

BRIANWhen I get a chance.

FATHER O' MALLEYWhat do you do for work?

BRIANI'm not working.

FATHER O' MALLEYThen you have plenty of time toread the Bible. Do you have afamily?

BRIANNo, father.

FATHER O' MALLEYSo you have no wife, no kids, andno job? What have you been doingthe last forty years? Sitting inprison?

BRIANNo.

Brian drops his head. He leaves the confessional.

OUTSIDE CONFESSIONAL BOX ONE

Brian sees another confessional box.

CONFESSIONAL BOX TWO

Brian kneels down. FATHER KEN (40), black, thoughtful,analytical, slides open an opaque window revealing anotheropaque window with small holes.

BRIANBless me father for I have sinned.The last time I went to confessionwas thirty seconds ago.

OUTSIDE CONFESSIONAL BOX TWO

Brian waits as Father Ken exits. Father Ken puts his armaround Brian. The two sit in a pew.

71.

BRIANI used to go to this school. Inever thought I'd have the lifeI've had.

FATHER KENI commend you for wanting tochange your ways. To love othersis to love God.

BRIANFather Ken, how can I love othersif they won't even say hello?

FATHER KENIf you wait long enough, peoplewill show you their good side.

INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY

An hourglass, with over half the sand in the bottom half,rests on a table. Brian lies on a doctor's lounge chair witha bright light on each arm. A doctor uses lasers to removeBrian's tattoos.

INT. MORGAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT

John enters with pizza boxes. He sits next to the others onthe couch watching TV. He looks at Brian's arms.

JOHNHurt, didn't it?

BRIANLike getting splattered with hotgrease. You gonna do it?

JOHNI'm thinking about it.

They dig in to the pizza. The TV NEWSCASTER reports.

TV NEWSCASTER (V.O.)A ten year-old girl was the victimof a drive-by shooting today...

BRIANLet's kill the TV and eat togetherat the table.

72.

They turn off the TV and bring the pizza to the kitchentable.

BRIANI'd like to say grace.

The three stare at Brian. They set their pizza down. Theywatch Brian make the sign of the cross, fold his hands andbow his head. They do the same.

BRIANBless us O Lord and these ourgifts which we are about toreceive from thy bounty throughChrist our Lord, amen.

The other three raise their heads and reach for their pizza.

BRIANAngel of God our guardian dear...

The three fold their hands again.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Brian looks at the church. He continues on.

Two boys approach tattoo-less Brian from the oppositedirection.

BRIANHi.

The boys look away. Brian crosses the street to the producestore. Wendy arranges apples out front.

BRIANEverything looks so fresh.

WENDYWe get this stuff all the time.

Brian chooses an apple and hands Wendy some change. Shewatches Brian cross the street.

Brian walks spiritlessly through an alley. He looks up atthe sky with moist eyes.

BRIANWhy, God?

73.

Brian KICKS a commercial trash can. He hears WHIMPERING. Helooks behind the trash can. He sees a dirty, bloody bordercollie tied to a chain link fence with barbed wire.

Brian carefully frees the dog from the barbed wire. The doglicks Brian.

Brian carries the blood-soaked dog to a nearby house. Hehoses it down. The skinny dog drinks a lot of water andshakes water off its body. Brian takes off his shirt andpat-dries the dog.

Brian shakes out his shirt and puts it back on. He walksaway. The dog follows.

Brian notices the dog following him.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

Cami is on the bench. Brian reads the bus schedule.

BRIANDo you have the time?

Cami looks at Brian's bloody shirt and the somewhat bloodydog. She looks away. Brian pets the dog. Bus Twenty-threepulls up.

BRIANStay away from your owner.

The dog watches Brian get on the bus.

INT. BUS - DAY

The bus is packed, yet quiet. Jesus looks at the dog andthen Brian.

BRIANGood morning.

David looks out the window and honks the horn at a carblocking the road.

DAVIDCome on! Move!

Brian slides a bill into the bill acceptor. He sits down inthe first row next to Delores.

74.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

The dog watches the bus leave until it's out of sight. Itlies down.

INT. BUS - DAY

Delores looks out the window.

BRIANGood morning.

DELORESYou wanna meet for dinner tonight?

BRIANYeah.

DELORESWhere do you wanna meet?

BRIANI'm new around here. You tell me.

Delores turns to Brian wearing a Bluetooth earpiece.

DELORESDid you say something?

A smile disappears from Brian's face.

The bus stops and Delores gets up.

DELORESHave a nice day.

A hint of a smile appears on her face.

INT. BUS DEPOT - DAY

Brian hops on a bus which reads: CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST.

EXT. BUS - DAY

The bus kicks up a cloud of dust along a rural road.

75.

INT. BUS - DAY

Brian enjoys the scenery. The bus slows down. A flock ofsheep blocks the road. The bus stops.

Brian watches a border collie corner a lone, black sheep inthe distance. A shepherd catches the black sheep and carriesit back to the flock.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

Bus Twenty-three pulls to the curb. Brian exits. The doghe rescued rushes over.

BRIANYou gotta be kidding.

The dog licks him wildly. Brian pets the dog.

BRIANHave you been here all day?

INT. MORGAN'S HOME - DAY

Brian gets a bowl out of the cupboard. He opens therefrigerator and puts leftover sausage and ham in the bowl.

BRIANHere you go.

He places the bowl on the floor. The dog gulps down themeal in no time. Brian gets more food out of therefrigerator and places it in the bowl. The dog eats.

BATHROOM

Brian gives the dog a bath.

BRIANWhy would anyone tie you to afence with barbed wire?

John and Ollie poke their heads in. Brian dries the dogwith a towel.

JOHNWhy would anyone rob a bank andpop a cop?

OLLIEPeople do stupid things.

76.

JOHNAre you going to keep him?

BRIANIf it's okay with you guys.

The dog slides out from the towel and licks John and Ollie.

BRIANShe's trying to talk her way in toit.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

Cami waits at the bus stop. Her face lights up when shesees the newly-bathed dog.

CAMIYour dogs looksterrific...compared to before.

BRIANI rescued her. Isn't shebeautiful?

CAMIShe sure is.

Bus Twenty-three arrives. From their windows, Jesus andDelores see the dog and smile.

BRIANSee you later, Blacky.

The doors open. Brian gets on. The doors close.

INT. BUS - DAY

The bus is packed with the usual people and quiet.

BRIANGood morning.

Brian puts a bill in the machine.

DAVID(mumbles)

Morn'n.

Brian sits down in the front row next to Delores.

77.

BRIANHi.

DELORESHello.

Jesus gets out of his seat and sits across the aisle fromBrian.

JESUSHi.

BRIANHi. I'm Brian.

JESUSI'm Jesus. Do you think I canplay with your dog when I get backfrom school?

BRIANSure. Did you see Blackyyesterday?

JESUSYeah. I wanted to play with her,but she just waited for buses.

Brian pulls a dog biscuit out of his pocket and hands it toJesus.

BRIANGive her this so she knows you'rea friend of mine.

The bus stops. Brian gets off. The passengers observeJesus wave goodbye to Brian.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

Blacky waits. Bus Twenty-three approaches. Blacky perksup. The doors open and Jesus gets off.

JESUSHi, Blacky!

Blacky watches the doors until they close. The bus leaves.Blacky lies down and waits.

78.

Jesus takes the dog biscuit out of his pocket. Blacky wagsher tail. Jesus gives her the treat. Blacky picks up anold tennis ball and drops it in front of Jesus. Jesus throwsthe ball, and Blacky blazes after it.

INT. BUS - DAY

Brian looks out the window.

BRIANOh my God.

A crowd gathers to watch as Blacky leaps high and catchesthe tennis ball.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

Blacky and Jesus run over to the bus stop. Brian gets offBus Twenty-three. Blacky leaps into Brian's arms and lickshim wildly.

JESUSBlacky can do a lot of tricksBrian! Watch!

Jesus gets down on all fours, taps his back andsimultaneously throws the tennis ball up in the air. Blackyruns at Jesus, jumps off his back like a springboard, andcatches the ball. More passersby stop to watch.

BRIANThat's terrific!

JESUSThat's nothing. Watch this.

Jesus pulls a Frisbee out of his backpack. The red,heart-shaped box falls out. Jesus carefully brushes it offand places it back into his backpack.

Jesus flings the Frisbee. Blacky takes off after it, tracksit down, and makes a leaping catch.

BRIANUnbelievable!

JESUSShe gets every one I throw!

Brian notices other passersby, including Josh and Cory, stopto watch. A BUTCHER (40), turns to Wendy.

79.

BUTCHERAren't you the produce lady?

WENDYYes, I'm Wendy.

The two shake hands.

Others converse and point at Blacky. Josh and Cory walk overto Jesus.

CORYCan we play with her?

JESUSSure.

Jesus hands the Frisbee to Josh. Josh throws the Frisbee.Blacky retrieves it. Brian observes all the smiling faces.

INT. MORGAN'S HOUSE - DAY

Ollie enters with the mail.

OLLIEHey, a letter from San Quentin.

JOHNIf they made a mistake, I'm notgoing back.

Ollie hands the letter to Morgan who opens it. Brian, John,and Ollie gather around Morgan who reads the letter.

MORGANShoot.

BRIANWhat?

Morgan hands Brian the letter. Brian reads the letter. Hiseyes could burn the house down as he HYPERVENTILATES.

Morgan puts a bear hug on Brian who thrashes about trying toescape.

BRIANLet go of me!

John reads the letter.

80.

BRIANLet me go, Morgan!

Morgan releases Brian.

JOHNSyd's in a better place now.

BRIANNo, he's not! He killed a priest!

Brian storms out.

OLLIEWhat happened?

JOHNThe young Hispanics killed Syd.

EXT. BEACH - NIGHT

The full moon and abundant stars cast light on beachfronthomes.

From atop a lifeguard tower, Brian watches waves crashagainst a jetty.

Brian wipes tears from his eyes. He steps down from thetower. He heads for the houses.

INT. BEACHFRONT HOME - NIGHT

There are large trash bags, TVs, and stereo equipment justinside the front door. Jogger hustles to the front doorwith trash bags swung over his shoulder.

Jogger quietly opens the front door.

EXT. BEACHFRONT HOME - NIGHT

Jogger pokes his head out and checks to see if the coast isclear. He exits and tosses the trash bags into the back ofa van. He dashes back into the house.

Jogger pokes his head out. He doesn't see Brian approachfrom the beach. He dashes out with the TV. He places theTV inside the van and darts back to the house.

Brian sees the van with the back doors open. He checks itout.

81.

A stereo CRASHES into the back of Brian's skull. Briandrops to his knees. Jogger kicks Brian hard in the stomach.Brian rolls onto his back.

Jogger holds the stereo over his head. Brian rolls out ofthe way. The stereo SMASHES onto the pavement. Brian grabsa sharp, broken piece of the stereo.

ELDERLY MAN walks his dog. He sees Brian stab Jogger in thetorso. Elderly Man quickly punches three numbers on his cellphone.

Brian GASPS for air next to motionless Jogger.

Fear fills Brian's eyes. He quickly presses his hands ontoJoggers wounds to stop the bleeding. He checks Joggerspulse. He performs CPR on Jogger as SIRENS WAIL.

Police cars SKID to stops. Police officers draw their gunsat bloody Brian.

Elderly Man points at Brian. Officers handcuff Brian atgunpoint. They place him in the back seat of a patrol car.

INT. POLICE CAR - NIGHT

An ambulance SCREECHES to a halt. Brian watches with greatconcern as PARAMEDIC checks Jogger's pulse. He seesParamedic shake his head. Brian kicks the steel caging.

INT. POLICE STATION - DAY

A bruised Brian paces the small jail cell. He lies down onthe bed. He looks at the photo of his mom and the wornmemorial card with moist eyes.

MARY (V.O.)Please, Brian. Our family chainmust link again.

POLICE OFFICER (35), unlocks his cell. Brian pops up.

POLICE OFFICERWe got ahold of a neighbor'ssurveillance video. Your storychecks out.

Brian exits the jail cell.

82.

INT. CHURCH - DAY

Brian kneels in a pew. Father Ken walks over. They sit inthe pew.

BRIANSomeone finally said hi to me.

FATHER KENGood, Brian! Hey, I was wonderingif you'd like to be our sexton.

BRIANI'm not that kind of guy.

FATHER KENYou'd take care of the church andschool.

BRIANOh.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Brian, Jesus, and Blacky walk down a street. Jesus tossesthe tennis ball into the air and Blacky catches it. AnHispanic WINDOW CLEANER (22), smiles at Brian.

WINDOW CLEANERLove your dog.

BRIANThanks. I'm Brian.

The two shake hands.

BRIANI'm going to be working at theCatholic church. You're welcomethere anytime.

Brian and Blacky continue on. WILBUR (40), black, amountain of a man, races up to them.

WILBURThat's my dog!

Blacky jumps into Brian's arms and snarls at the giganticfigure.

WILBURYou stole my dog!

83.

BRIANI didn't steal her! I rescuedher.

Wilbur lunges for Blacky who barks and snaps at his hands.Wilbur backs away.

BRIANWhy'd you tie her up?

WILBURBecause she stopped doing tricks.

BRIANSo you tied her up with barbedwire?

WILBURThat's my dog!

Blacky barks at Wilbur.

BRIANIt doesn't look like she wantsyou.

Brian turns and takes a couple steps.

WILBURI want five hundred bucks forKiller!

Brian turns around.

BRIANKiller? I'll get your money. Andher name's Blacky.

Brian strides off. Blacky gets in one last snarl beforelicking Brian's face.

INT. MORGAN'S HOME - NIGHT

Brian, Morgan, John, and Ollie eat pizza at the table. Briangives Blacky a piece of pepperoni.

BRIANI'm moving to the church tomorrow. They hired me to watch over itand the school in exchange forroom and board.

84.

OLLIEGood for you, Brian.

JOHNWill they let you take Blacky?

BRIANYup.

INT. CHURCH - DAY

Brian takes several dying plants and flowers off the altarsteps.

EXT. CHURCH - DAY

Brian plants the dying plants and flowers in the garden bythe front steps.

Brian fertilizes and waters the garden.

Blacky spots Wilbur. She walks up to him. He pets her.

WILBURPlease forgive me.

Blacky looks up at the church. Wilbur looks up at thechurch. He walks up the church steps.

Several uniformed students watch Brian clean the "OUR LADYQUEEN OF ANGELS" sign as they walk to school.

Brian polishes the giant steel cross. The blinding sunlightblasts off the cross and catches Wendy's attention. Wendywalks up the steps and enters the church.

Wilbur exits the church. He spots Brian.

WILBURYou wouldn't let me have her back,would you?

BRIANShe likes being with me.

WILBURI know.

BRIANThere's no excuse for abuse.

85.

WILBURI know.

EXT. SCHOOL - DAY

Schoolkids play. The church is in the background. Brianwashes classroom windows. He sees a MOTHER (40), walk outof the principal's office with her MISCHIEVOUS SON (8).

MOTHERHow do you ever expect to get toHeaven?

MISCHIEVIOUS SONI'll just keep running in and outand slamming the door until SaintPeter says, 'For Heaven's sake,come in or stay out.'

Several schoolkids, including STUDENT (10), approach Brian.

BRIANHi. How are you?

The schoolkids pass Brian. SISTER ROSEMARY (30), meddlesome,observes the schoolkids snub Brian.

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

Sister Rosemary sits at her desk while the students take anexam. Student approaches Sister Rosemary with her test.Student points at her test. Sister Rosemary shrugs hershoulders.

Sister Rosemary watches Student return to her desk with aperplexed look. Sister Rosemary smiles at Student whosmiles back. Student gets up from her desk and races out ofthe classroom.

EXT. SCHOOL - DAY

Student runs across campus to a shed filled with mops andcleaning supplies. Brian is startled to see Student.

STUDENTWhat's your name?

BRIANBrian.

86.

STUDENTNice to meet you, Brian.

Student takes off. Another student runs past Student in theopposite direction toward Brian's shed. Several studentsrun toward Brian's shed.

STUDENTSWhat's your name?

BRIANBrian.

STUDENTSHi, Brian! Nice to meet you!

More students run up to Brian.

STUDENTSWhat's your name?

INT. RECTORY - NIGHT

Brian and the priests are at the dining room table withhands folded and heads bowed. Salad, fish, bread, and wineare on the table.

BRIAN...ever this night be at our sideto light, to guard, to rule, andguide, amen.

Brian and the priests make the sign of the cross.

FATHER KENHow's it going so far?

BRIANOkay, I guess.

They dig into the food.

FATHER KENIf you love one another asyourself, you'll have no problems.

FATHER O' MALLEYThe ultimate measure of a human istheir love.

87.

FATHER KENYou were put here for a reason,Brian. We're all part of Hismaster plan.

FATHER O' MALLEYHe gives each of us a specialpurpose.

FATHER KENIf we don't seek it, it's likespitting in God's eye.

FATHER O' MALLEYOur lives are God's gift to us andwhat we do with our lives is ourgift back to God.

INT. CHURCH - NIGHT

Brian dusts the altar in the dim church. A candle flickersin a red vase. He mops using a back and forth motion.

Brian kneels and looks up at the crucifix.

BRIANI hope I'm serving you the way youwant. Please help me get toHeaven, Lord.

He hears one of the rear doors open and close. Brian hidesin an area just off from the altar. He watches a smallfigure enter and warm himself against the radiator.

The giant crucifix attracts the attention of the smallfigure who moves up to the front of the church. Brian seesthat it is Jesus. Jesus kneels in the front pew and foldshis hands.

JESUSLord, please have my brother leavethe gang so he doesn't get introuble.

Jesus makes the sign of the cross and gets up. He kneelsback down.

JESUSJust so I know you've heard me,please leave me a toy car. I'llpick it up tomorrow. And could youplease put a man in it? Thanks.

88.

He makes the sign of the cross and leaves.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

Bus Twenty-three pulls to the curb. Brian pets Blacky.

BRIANBe a good girl.

CAMIHave a nice day, Brian.

BRIANYou too, Cami. Make someone smiletoday.

Brian gets on the bus.

INT. BUS - DAY

The people are more talkative.

BRIANGood morning.

DAVIDGood morning.

Brian puts his bill in the bill acceptor and sits in hisusual front seat.

BRIANGood morning.

DELORESGood morning.

Jesus sits across from Brian.

JESUSHi, Brian. How's Blacky?

BRIANGreat. Jesus, do you have anybrothers or sisters?

JESUSI have a big brother, Ricardo.

BRIANHow about your parents?

89.

Jesus glumly looks away.

JESUSMy dad's never home...works threejobs. My mom died of cancer.

BRIANI'm very sorry to hear that.

Jesus unzips his backpack. He takes out the red,decorative, heart-shaped box, and a wallet. He opens thewallet and shows a picture to Brian.

Brian studies the photo.

BRIANI'm sure she was special.

Jesus gazes at the red box.

JESUSShe still loves me, even fromHeaven.

BRIANI'd like to meet your brother.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Brian and Blacky walk along a tree-lined, residentialstreet. Brian sees a girl with a missing arm.

BRIAN (V.O.)Lord, please watch over this girlthroughout her life.

Blacky stops and looks down the alley where Brian rescuedher. Brian follows Blacky past the large, commercial trashcan where she was tied up.

Blacky stops on a house doorstep. Brian rings the doorbell.Wilbur opens the door.

BRIANI've got your money.

Brian opens his wallet and hands Wilbur the money. Wilburpets Blacky.

WILBURMy wife passed away recently. Iguess I took it out on her.

90.

BRIANSorry to hear about your wife.

Brian sees several bags of dog food inside the house.

BRIANYou still got some dog food. Whydon't you rescue a dog from thepound? And this time take goodcare of it.

Brian walks away. He observes Blacky licking Wilbur's hand.

EXT. CHURCH - DAY

Brian plants flowers. Passing students wave to Brian.

A passerby admires the new landscape. Blacky guides thepasserby up the church steps as others descend the steps.

INT. CHURCH - NIGHT

The candle flickers in the red vase. Father O'Malleyobserves Brian from just off the altar.

Brian pulls a toy car out of a bag. He puts a small man inthe car and places it on the altar steps.

He dunks a mop into a bucket and squeezes the excess waterout. He mops the marble floor around the altar using a backand forth motion.

Brian looks up at the crucifix. He kneels on the altar stepsand folds his hands. He EXHALES deeply.

BRIANLord, please forgive me aboutOfficer Garner.

Brian hears the back door open. He hides behind the areajust off the altar.

Wendy walks down the center aisle and kneels in the frontpew. She looks up at the giant crucifix and CRIES. Brianmarches over.

BRIANWhat's wrong, Wendy?

WENDYThey're foreclosing on my house.

91.

Brian comforts Wendy.

LATER

Brian mops. He hears the back door open and close. Hehides behind the area just off from the altar. A smallfigure enters and warms himself against the radiator.

The small figure strides toward the altar. Jesus movesfaster as he makes out the toy on the altar steps. He picksup the toy and grins up at the giant crucifix.


Brian looks in a mirror. A picture of Jesus Christ on thewall behind him reflects in the mirror.

The Eight Beatitudes are posted next to the mirror. Brianreads the Beatitudes.

DINING ROOM

Brian and the priests sit at the table with lots of food.Blacky lies on the floor near Brian. Brian tosses Blackysome food which she chomps on.

FATHER KENTurning around gang members is agreat idea.

FATHER O' MALLEYYou've asked for forgiveness forthe officer shooting, and you'vereceived it.

BRIANHow could I?

FATHER KENYou may think you hurt God by thethings you did in the past.

FATHER O' MALLEYGod's love leaves no one behind,but how strong is your love forGod?

FATHER KENWhat's the most importantcommandment?

92.

BRIANLove the Lord your God with allyour heart.

FATHER O' MALLEYAnd with all your soul and withall your mind. Do you?

BRIANNo.

FATHER KENYou love your parents so much youwant to be with them in Heaven,but you're suppose to love Godeven more.

FATHER O' MALLEYLife's short, Brian. Heaven'sforever.

INT. BANK - DAY

Morgan, Brian, and Wendy sit at Banker's desk. The fourstand and Banker shakes Wendy's hand.

INT. BUS - DAY

Brian places a bill in the bill acceptor. There is moretalking and even some laughing on the bus.

DAVIDGood morning, Brian.

BRIANGood morning, David.

From the side view mirror, David sees the same old ladyrunning to catch his bus. Brian sits in his usual front rowseat next to Delores.

DELORESHello, Brian.

BRIANHi, Delores.

David waits for the old lady to reach his bus. He gets upand helps her onto the bus.

Jesus sits across from Brian in the front row.

93.

JESUSHi, Brian.

BRIANHi. Are you going to play withBlacky today?

JESUSSure.

BRIANLet's take her over to your placeso Ricardo can play with her.

JESUSWell...

BRIANI'd like to meet him.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Brian, Jesus, and Blacky walk along a tree-lined street.

JESUSHow old's Blacky?

BRIANI'll have to ask Wilbur. Dogsdon't live very long.

JESUSThat's too bad.

BRIANYour time is your life, don'twaste it. You can't get it back.

JESUSEver since Mom died Ricardo isn'tvery nice.

BRIANHow so?

JESUSHe's always getting in trouble.

94.

EXT. JESUS'S HOUSE - DAY

Jesus, Brian, and Blacky walk up the dilapidated steps.Paint is missing off the building. An oxidized Chevy isparked on the front lawn behind a rusty, chain link fence.

INT. JESUS'S HOUSE - DAY

Brian and Jesus enter the dingy structure. Several Hispanicmen wearing t-shirts, blue jeans, and work boots watch TVand sleep.

JESUSThey rent rooms.

They move down a hallway. Jesus KNOCKS on a door at the endof the hallway.

RICARDOWhat!

RICARDO'S ROOM

Jesus and Brian enter. Ricardo lies on his bed. There's abeer on his desk next to him. There are several cans ofspray paint throughout the untidy room. Brian picks up oneof the cans.

BRIANGonna do some painting?

RICARDOWho's he?

JESUSThis is Brian, the one with thedog.

RICARDOCan you pick me up some beer?

BRIANNope. I just wanted to talk toyou. Let me talk to him.

Jesus exits and closes the door. Ricardo takes a sip of hisbeer.

BRIANYour brother's worried about you.He doesn't want you to end up inprison.

95.

RICARDOI don't need this.

BRIANI don't want you in prison.

Ricardo tries to take a swig of his beer. Brian grabs thebottle.

BRIANYou wanna end up in prison likeme...always worried someone'sgonna stab you in the back?

RICARDOLeave.

BRIANI spent thirty-seven years inprison. I'm only doing what Iwish someone had done for me.

RICARDOGet out!

HALLWAY

Brian exits with the beer bottle.

JESUSYou were in prison?

EXT. JESUS'S HOUSE - DAY

Brian walks down the front steps as the screen door closesin front of Jesus.

BRIANIt's not something I'm proud of.

JESUSGod will forgive you, right Brian?

Brian's moist eyes can't face Jesus.

BRIANI don't know.

He pours the beer out, tosses the bottle into a trash can,and leaves.

96.


Brian, Father Ken, and Father O'Malley enjoy fish, bread,and wine.

FATHER O' MALLEYEven when I was wrong, God showedme so much patience. He alwayswaited for me to return to Him.

FATHER KENThat's the great thing aboutGod...He forgives all our sins. Hewants us all with him in Heaven.

FATHER O' MALLEYHave you shown the same compassionfor your enemies, Brian? It'seasy to love those who love you.It's a lot harder to love thosewho have done you wrong.

FATHER KENWhen you forgive others and prayfor your enemies, you remove theblackness from your heart so youcan love again.

FATHER O' MALLEYHe made your life the way it isfor a reason. Shed your past.It'll help you move forward.


Brian stares at the house with the American flag. Hefinally moves up the pathway towards the front door.

BRIANPlease help me, Lord.

Brian KNOCKS on the door.

The widow of slain police Officer Garner, MARGARET GARNER(65), compassionate, forgiving, answers the door.

Brian's moist eyes and quivering lips signal Margaret thatsomething is seriously wrong.

BRIANMrs. Garner, I...I...

97.

Margaret gives Brian a tight hug. Brian is surprised. Heputs his arms around her. The two weep.

INT. GARNER HOUSE - DAY

Brian and Margaret sit at a table covered with photo albums.On the wall is a crucifix, a photo of Officer Garner, and aposter entitled "Footprints In The Sand."

MARGARET GARNERI always wondered what I'd do ifone of you knocked on my door.

BRIANNow you know.

MARGARET GARNERAnd now I know. I'm so sorry aboutyour mother, Brian.

BRIANThanks, Margaret. Thanks forbeing so forgiving.

MARGARET GARNERFor many years I wasn't. The painwas so overbearing. I finallyrealized the hate I carried insidewas not what God wanted. So Istarted praying for you. I feltthe pain being lifted almostimmediately.


Brian and Margaret hug on the front porch.

MARGARET GARNERPlease tell the others to stop by.

BRIANI will.

MARGARET GARNERSee you in Heaven, Brian.

Brian leaves.

98.

INT. CHURCH - NIGHT

Brian sweeps around the altar. The candle flickers in thered vase. Blacky sits next to the mop bucket.

BRIANBring me the bucket, girl.

Blacky nudges the mop bucket across the floor with hersnout.

Blacky looks up at the giant crucifix. Brian looks up atthe crucifix, kneels, and makes the sign of the cross.

BRIANLord, thanks for giving me Blacky,my life, everything. Forgive mefor leaving you. Please let me getto Heaven.

The SOUND of WIND. The candle in the red vase FLICKERSrapidly.

Brian mops using an infinity sign motion, instead of hisusual back and forth method.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Brian, Morgan, John, Ollie, and Blacky hide behind thehardware store. They see Ricardo and another boy with spraypaint cans. They roll up their sleeves to expose tattoos.Morgan sees Ollie struggle to make his bicep bulge.

MORGANWe wanna scare 'em, not make 'emlaugh.

They sneak up on the boys and grab the paint cans. BlackyBARKS at Ricardo as the other boy runs off.

BRIANGet him!

Blacky chases after the other boy.

BRIANThis is how I started down thewrong road...doing pranks.

Blacky catches up to the other boy.

Ricardo tries to walk away. John blocks his path.

99.

JOHNWhere are you going?

Ricardo stops. Morgan gets in Ricardo's face.

MORGANWe know about prison...wastingaway with no end in sight.

Ollie gets in Ricardo's face.

OLLIEOur friend was killed in prison.

BRIANIs that what you want?

Blacky corners the other boy using her ranching instincts.

BRIANYou're not a good example for yourbrother. You want him to end upin prison?

RICARDONo.

Brian points at the graffiti.

BRIANThink your dad wants to pay forthis with his hard earned money?

RICARDONo.

BRIANWould your mom be happy?

Ricardo's lips quiver as he holds his breath.

BRIANIt's okay, let it out.

Ricardo EXHALES LOUDLY.

BRIANMy mom died of cancer, too. Wedon't want you to end up like us.

RICARDOI know.

100.

BRIANStop the vandalism, study inschool, and get a part-time job.You take care of the first two,I'll work on getting you a job.

RICARDOOkay.

Blacky brings the other boy back. Ricardo and the other boywalk away.

INT. BUS - DAY

The usual passengers are on board and in a jovial mood.Jesus and Brian sit in the same row.

BRIANDidn't you say you worked for thedowntown association?

DELORESThat's right.

BRIANWhat are the odds of getting somekids jobs cleaning up downtown?

DELORESI'm sure we can find themsomething.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Brian wears a florescent yellow vest and holds a red "STOP"sign as he walks kids across a street. Blacky sits on acorner next to a fold up beach chair.

BRIANHave a nice day at school. Makesomeone smile.

INT. BUS - DAY

Everyone talks, laughs, and sits up front with Brian.

DAVIDWhy do you always say hi toeverybody?

101.

It gets quiet as they wait for an answer.

BRIANI don't like the feeling that I'mmissing out on meeting a newperson...since God's inside eachof us.

DELORESDon't you ever get angry atpeople?

BRIANOnce in awhile, so I do what thepriests do; eat extra Euchariststo get more of Christ in me.

They all laugh. Brian scans all the smiling faces.

INT. HARDWARE STORE - DAY

Brian, Ricardo, and Jesus stand in the checkout line withvarious cleaning supplies.

BRIANHow much money do you have?

RICARDOTwenty bucks.

BRIANPull out ten.

Ricardo reaches into his wallet and pulls out a bill.

BRIANThere's consequences to everythingwe do in life.

EXT. STREET - DAY

MONTAGE - BRIAN, RICARDO, AND OTHER KIDS CLEAN THE TOWN

-- They wash windows.

-- They paint over graffiti.

-- They sweep the sidewalks and gutters.

-- They help store owners replace broken windows.

102.

Wilbur walks up with a black Labrador. Blacky and the dogget acquainted.

BRIANHey! You took my advice.

WILBURThis is Lexie.

Brian pets Lexie.

BRIANShe's beautiful. She's countingon you to take good care of her.

WILBURI'm going to, Brian.

EXT. STORE - DAY

People pet Blacky. Brian, Ricardo, and Jesus exit withshopping bags.

Brian sees the Hispanic gardener hard at work. Ricardowatches Brian take a can of soda out of a bag and place itnear the gardener who waves.

Brian sees an elderly man trying to hang a sign. He nudgesRicardo toward the elderly man. Ricardo helps the man hangthe sign.

INT. CHURCH - DAY

MONTAGE - RICARDO AND HIS FRIENDS FIX UP THE CHURCH

- They sand and stain the pews.

- They paint the church.

- They polish the floor with a buffer machine.

Brian watches Ricardo cross the center aisle wearing abreathing mask. Ricardo stops, genuflects at the crucifix,and makes the sign of the cross.

RICARDOYou're low on sandpaper.

103.

EXT. CHURCH - DAY

The well-manicured garden is fresh and bursting with color.Brian greets parishioners. Wendy and Delores walk up thesteps.

BRIANHello, Wendy! Hello, Delores!

WENDYHello, Brian.

Cami walks up the steps in a choir outfit.

BRIANI want to hear you loud and clear.

CAMIOkay, Brian. Make someone smile.

INT. CHURCH - DAY

The church is immaculate. Cami walks up the back stairs andjoins the rest of the children in the choir loft. Theconductor waves her hand and the children sing.

CHILDREN'S CHOIRGod of great and God of small, Godof one and God of all...

Several seated parishioners including Wendy, Judy, Delores,and the window cleaner turn their heads back toward thechoir and smile.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR...God of land and sky and sea,God of life and destiny...

Brian ushers people into pews.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR (V.O.)...God of silence, God of sound,God of whom the lost are found,God of day and darkest night, Godwhose love turns wrong to right...

More smiling faces including Cindy and the Hispanic gardenerturn around. Brian smiles up at Cami who smiles back.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR...God of Heaven and God of earth,God of death and God of birth, Godof now and days before, God who

104.

CHILDREN'S CHOIRreigns for evermore...

EXT. STREET - DAY

Brian holds his red "STOP" sign as he walks schoolkidsacross a busy street. Brian waves to parents and kids whocall his name from all directions.

WENDYHi, Brian!

SARAHHi, Brian!

BRIANHi!

JOSHHi!

BRIANMake someone smile today, Josh.

JOSHI will.

LATER

Brian folds up his beach chair. A wave of panic comes overhim. He drops the "STOP" sign. He clutches his chest as hefalls to the ground.

Brian's trembling hand reaches into his pocket and pulls outa rosary.

INT. CHURCH - DAY

A few elderly people kneel in prayer in the dimly-litchurch. A female, CHURCH SINGER (35), pleasant, and aPIANIST (30), practice while Father Ken listens nearby.

YOUNG GIRL hustles over to Father Ken. Father Ken quicklygenuflects, makes the sign of the cross, and exits. ChurchSinger and Pianist hurry over to Young Girl.

People hurry over. Sobbing people trickle into the churchand talk amongst each other. Some people kneel in pews.

Pianist sits down at the piano and PLAYS. More peopleenter. Church Singer steps up to the microphone and SINGS.

105.

CHURCH SINGERShepherd me, o God, beyond mywants, beyond my fears, from deathinto life...

INT. RECTORY - DAY

Father Ken rushes over to Father O'Malley in the hallway.Father O'Malley makes the sign of the cross.

EXT. CHURCH - DAY

Father Ken gets into a car with a wooden crucifix androsary. The window cleaner and others hustle over. Theyspeak briefly with Father Ken. Father Ken drives off.

CHURCH SINGER (V.O.)God is my shepherd, so nothingshall I want, I rest in themeadows of faithfulness and love,I walk by the quiet waters ofpeace...

INT. CHURCH - DAY

More concerned people enter including the Hispanic gardener,the butcher, and the hardware store owner. People WEEP andhug one another.

CHURCH SINGERGently you raise me and heal myweary soul, you lead me bypathways of righteousness andtruth, my spirit shall sing themusic of your name.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

A crowd surrounds Blacky. Bus Twenty-three pulls to thecurb. The doors open. Jesus jumps off the bus and runs tothe crowd.

CORYBrian's not coming back todayBlacky.

CINDYHe may never come back.

106.

Confused, Blacky tilts her head from side to side.

JESUSWhat happened?

JUDYBrian had a heart attack. He's atHoag Hospital.

Jesus takes off running.

INT. CHURCH - DAY

More visibly shaken people, including Wilbur and Delores,enter the church. Father O'Malley consoles the people.

CHURCH SINGERThough I should wander the valleyof death, I fear no evil for youare at my side...

EXT. STREET - DAY

Jesus races down the store-lined street. People gather inclusters in front of the stores and talk on cell phones.

CHURCH SINGER (V.O.)Shepherd me, o God, beyond mywants, beyond my fears, from deathinto life.

MONTAGE - JESUS THINKS OF TIMES WITH BRIAN

-- Brian waves to shop owners.

-- Bus passengers laugh with Brian.

-- Brian and Jesus play catch with Blacky.

-- Crossing guard Brian walks children across the street.

Jesus runs toward the hospital.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Jesus runs down a long, polished corridor.

107.

CHURCH SINGER (V.O.)You have set a banquet of love inthe face of hatred, crowning mewith love beyond my power to hold.

BRIAN'S HOSPITAL ROOM

Jesus enters winded. Brian lies in bed with tubing comingout of his nostrils. Jesus watches Father Ken give Brian theEucharist. There are two burning candles in an open woodencrucifix and an hourglass low on sand on a table.

FATHER KENLord, may our brother Brian safelyreach your kingdom of light andlife. We ask this through Christour Lord. Amen. (to Brian)May the Lord Jesus protect you andlead you to eternal life.

Jesus watches Father Ken dip his thumb in holy water andmake the sign of the cross on Brian's forehead. Father Kenholds Brian's trembling hands.

BRIANI tried to touch a lot of people.

Father Ken looks at the hourglass.

FATHER KENCoaches practice for the final twominutes of a game, because they'rethe most important. It's the samewith life, because you have tomake amends before you meet yourCreator.

BRIANBut no one knows when they'regonna die.

FATHER KENLike a burglar in the night, wehave to be ready for Him.

A doctor enters and reaches for the hourglass. Father Kengrabs the doctor's wrist. The doctor and Father Ken lockeyes. The doctor puts the hourglass down without turning itover, and leaves.

108.

FATHER KENTo get to Heaven, you have toaccept Jesus Christ, you have torepent your sins, and you have toacknowledge that Jesus Christ isyour savior to someone.

BRIANI haven't done the last one.

FATHER KENSay it to me.

With moist eyes, Brian EXHALES LOUDLY.

BRIANJesus Christ is my savior.

Father Ken blows out the candles and packs away thecrucifix.

FATHER KENPut in a good word for me with theman upstairs.

A grin disappears from Brian's face.

BRIANYou gotta tell Morgan and Ollieand John how to get to Heaven!

FATHER KENI will.

BRIANTell everyone!

FATHER KENThat's why I became a priest.

Father Ken leaves. Brian takes the photo of his mom and theworn memorial card out of his Bible and places them over hisheart.

BRIANI want you to have this.

He hands Jesus his Bible.

109.

BRIANWe spend so much time worryingabout every little thing, whenthis is nothing compared to thebig show.

JESUSIs this the last time I'm going tosee you?

BRIANI'll see you in Heaven. Treatpeople well and don't ever hurtanyone. Do what is right andyou'll never go wrong.

Jesus unzips his backpack and pulls out the red,heart-shaped box.

JESUSI want you to have this.

BRIANI can't have chocolate.

Jesus forces Brian to take the box.

JESUSMy mom gave me it before she died.

Jesus smiles broadly as Brian opens the empty box.

BRIANWhat is it?

JESUSIt's love. It'll keep you warmwhen you're lonely and safe whenyou're scared.

Brian gives Jesus a long hug.

BRIANDid you save enough for yourself?

JESUSSure. Besides, that hug just gaveme a lot more. Tell my mom I missher.

BRIANI will.

110.

The last sand granules fall in the hourglass.

CHURCH SINGER (V.O.)Surely your kindness and mercyfollow me all the days of my life,I will dwell in the house of myGod forevermore.

ALARM BLARES. The doctor and nurses rush in and work onBrian. The heart monitor flat lines. Brian's hand goesstill over the photo and worn memorial card. Jesus SOBS.

EXT. BUS STOP - NIGHT

Empty, cold, and dark. A despondent Blacky lies on thesidewalk. She perks up when she HEARS a distant bus.

A nearly-empty bus pulls to the curb. The doors open and aman gets off. The doors close and the bus leaves. Blackylies down.

LATER

A bus approaches. A hopeful Blacky wags her tail. Theempty bus continues on. A glum Blacky lies back down.

LATER

Bus Twenty-three approaches. Blacky sits up. The bus pullsto the curb. The doors open. Jesus gets off.

Blacky darts past Jesus and springs onto the bus.

JESUSBlacky!

INT. BUS - NIGHT

Blacky WHIMPERS LOUDLY. Jesus hops on the bus. The busdriver turns around. Blacky runs up and down the centeraisle checking the rows of empty seats.

JESUSBlacky, come here.

Blacky finally obeys and the two step off the bus.

EXT. BUS STOP - NIGHT

Blacky lies down and waits. Jesus pets her.

111.

JESUSIt's okay.

Jesus takes Brian's Bible out of his backpack and let'sBlacky sniff it.

JESUSIt's gonna be alright.

The two take a few steps. Blacky stops and looks back.Blacky takes a few more steps and looks back.

JESUSIt's never too late to change.

Jesus walks with Blacky down a tree-lined street.

FADE OUT.

Documents

The Last Sand Granules