Movie night and a change of plans thanks to the gang and some serendipity. The taming experiment continues with a different Frankie movie at the center of the action.
FADE IN:
INT. JEDEMI CAFE
It’s early evening and Nicole wiping off a table near the front of the cafe, when she hears a tap at the window. She looks over but can’t tell what’s going on, so she keeps wiping and straightening things out. But the taping continues. So she wipes her hands on her apron as she goes outside to see what’s going on.
CUT TO:
EXT. JEDEMI CAFE
Standing near the window is Sam smoking a cigarette. He looks relieved when he sees Nicole.
SAM
Great! You heard my tapping. Thanks for stopping what you’re doing.
Nicole has a puzzled expression on her face and is even more surprised when Sam takes her gently by the elbow and walks her away from the cafe. He pulls out a pack of Marlboros and offers her one, but she waves him off.
SAM
I need your help.
NICOLE
Sure, Sam. What’s up? And why are we talking way out here?
SAM
Well… you see… tonight is movie night, and…
Nicole is trying to read Sam as he’s speaking.
NICOLE
Oh… You’re bailing? You want to bail out? But I thought you said…
SAM
Hold on ther… let me finish. (pause) You see, this movie thing… it’s a real special time for Viv. I’d almost equate it to going to church, ya know.
Nicole nods.
SAM
And I’ll be honest with you. I’ve never been one to sit still for long periods of time.
NICOLE
Yeah… Go on…
SAM
I’m just afraid Viv may pick up on my “uncomfortable-ness” — and then she’d be distracted. She’s such a caring person you know.
Sam is pacing around as he talks.
SAM
Seriously, I’d do anything to spend time with her — except this movie thing. It just doesn’t feel right.
NICOLE
Okay.
Nicole turns to walk back to the cafe.
SAM
Okay? That’s it?
Nicole turns back around and walks back to Sam.
NICOLE
Come on, Sam. I get it. There’ll be other opportunities.
SAM
There will?
NICOLE
Sure. Now go and enjoy your evening. I’ll work up a Plan B for Viv.
Sam is beaming and looks quite relieved.
SAM
You’re the best! I owe you.
NICOLE
No worries. I’ll let you know how it goes next time you’re in.
SAM
Thanks again, Darlin!
Nicole walks back towards the front door of the cafe.
CUT TO:
INT. JEDEMI CAFE
Nicole reaches to pull the door to the cafe open and is thrown off because the door has opened before she could grab the handle. Looking up, she sees Viv.
VIV
Oh, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you. A smoke break is the last thing I expected.
Nicole looks puzzled but goes along with it.
NICOLE
Sorry. I should have checked in with you.
VIV
Normally that wouldn’t have been a problem, but you’ve got a visitor.
NICOLE
Visitor?
Nicole looks and sees that her mom has stopped by. Viv leaves them and heads to the back of the cafe.
NICOLE
Hey, Lady!
CAROL
Hey, you!
They hug.
NICOLE
You should have let me know you were coming. I would have…
Carol cuts her off.
CAROL
No worries. I’ve been running around doing errands close by so I figured I’d drop by and say “hi!”
NICOLE
Always glad to see you Mom. But we’re fresh out…
Carol touches her gently on the shoulder.
CAROL
I should have finished my thought… No worries because I had a late lunch. Not really hungry at the moment… However… I’d be really happy if you would make me one of your fine Chai drinks.
NICOLE
Sure thing! Coming right up!
As Nicole is making the drink, she chats with her Mom.
NICOLE
How did class go last night?
CAROL
Well. Really, really well. The bunny story was a hit.
NICOLE
Ah, Mom! That’s awesome! Nothing like getting that monkey off your back.
CAROL
Only to have another one crawl on.
NICOLE
Huh? Why is that?
CAROL
Remember when I told you about the choices of topics we had to write about?
NICOLE
Yeah.
CAROL
Well the teacher has another exercise for us — involving movies. So I can’t escape.
NICOLE
It’s not the end of the world, Mom.
CAROL
I know. I just need to… you know… get my butt to a theater.
NICOLE
You could always rent something.
CAROL
She wants us to write about the total film going experience. The sights, the smells…
NICOLE
The sticky floors…
Carol is frowning and then takes a sip of her Chai which cheers her up. She holds up the cup and smiles.
CAROL
Sticky floors, gum popping, and really lousy sound is why I won’t go.
Just then Viv joins them.
VIV
Won’t go where?
CAROL
To the movies. I’ve had such horrible experiences that I’ve given up going altogether.
VIV
Have you been to the Stanford? It’s wonderful. There’s an old time balcony. The seats are really comfortable and nothing sticky is served — just water and tea. People are really respectful of the place too.
CAROL
Sounds wonderful. Guess I should grab a paper and see what’s showing and when.
VIV
No need… What are you doing tonight?
CAROL
Tonight?
VIV
Yeah. Mr Deeds is Coming to Town.
CAROL
Huh? Who’s Mr. Deeds?
VIV
It’s the name of the movie playing at the Stanford. But actually, come to think of it — I believe it’s called Mr Deeds Goes to Town. Anyway… It’s supposed to be really good.
The Majestic Stanford
What’s Playing – Learn about Mr. Deeds
CAROL
Stanford? How far away is it?
VIV
Not far. You can ride along with me if you want. I’m leaving in a little bit.
CAROL
Rather spur of the moment for me… But since my husband is out of town on business all week — I’ve got nothing pressing at home to tend to… So what the heck. Let’s do it!
Carol goes to a table to hang out and wait for Viv. Nicole walks towards the back with Viv.
NICOLE
Great idea… So… what about Sam?
VIV
No problem. I’m going to call him right now and let him know to meet us there. No point in all of us riding in the front seat of his truck.
NICOLE
Yeah. Good idea.
CUT TO:
INT. SAM’S TRUCK
Sam is sitting at a traffic light, fiddling with his radio when his cell phone rings. Seeing that it is Viv, he hesitates.
SAM
Here it comes. She’s probably really mad at me.
It keeps ringing.
SAM
Better let that one roll into voicemail. She probably thinks I’m a scoundrel.
CUT TO:
INT. JEDEMI CAFE
Viv hangs up the phone and walks back up front.
NICOLE
You talk to Sam?
VIV
Left him a voice mail.
NICOLE
(checks her watch)
You guys better head out. I’ve got things covered here.
Viv picks up her sweater and things and heads towards Carol’s table.
CUT TO:
EXT. SAM’S TRUCK
Sam is standing outside his truck in the parking lot of a grocery story, listening to his voicemail. A big smile comes across his face.
SAM
She let me off the hook. How cool is that? Something about going with Nicole’s mom. Had to do with a school assignment. Whatever… the fact that she made joining up with them optional is great. Wow… That girl! I so owe her one.
Sam puts the phone into his pocket and walks into the grocery store with a spring to his step.
FADE OUT.
***************
Scene 21 – “Thursday: Nice Movie Choice”
FADE IN:
INT. JEDEMI CAFE
Doc, Joey and Frannie are hanging out observing the situation.
JOEY
Are you ever going to let him out again?
DOC
Nope.
JOEY
Really?
DOC
That guy needs a short leash… am I right, Frannie?
FRANNIE
Yeah. You’re right. Besides he owes you tons of make up hours tending to our buddy in the basement.
JOEY
Almost can’t believe my eyes on what just happened.
DOC
Viv went with Nicole’s mom to the movies… where the heck is Sam?
FRANNIE
I ran into X on my way up here. He said that Sam was kind of uncomfortable with the whole movie thing — so he was looking for a way out.
DOC
Guess he got it then…
JOEY
So how is X? Haven’t seen him around.
FRANNIE
You know… that guy isn’t one to stay in one place for very long. He always has things to do, places to go, people to see AND most of all, messages to deliver.
DOC
He sure is a busy guy.
JOEY
And I’m sure he’s loving every minute … am I right?
FRANNIE
He did mention he was looking forward to seeing this movie.
JOEY
Our X? Won’t he be just as bored as Sam?
DOC
He sees a lot more than what’s on screen. That guy tunes in on a bunch of levels. Plus, he’s way observant.
JOEY
Guess he’ll be dropping off his report in the morning.
FRANNIE
I think that was his plan.
JOEY
Do the boys have something in the works for us this evening?
FRANNIE
Let’s go see.
DOC
Yeah — I’m ready to bolt this perch.
JOEY
After you, Doc.
DOC
After you, Frannie
FRANNIE
Fine… you’re both such gentlemen.
FADE TO BLACK.
***************
Scene 22 – Friday: Pixilated?”
FRIDAY — The next day. Viv enters the cafe and is busy setting up. Every now and then she starts spontaneously laughing. The other workers (Tim & Danny– verify) watch her wondering what’s going on. Manny thinks the boss is Loco.
CUT TO: JEDEMI CAFE – OVERHEAD
This is being observed by Doc, Joey and Frannie.
JOEY
Would you look at that? What the heck is going on?
DOC
What? Is it the spontaneous laughter that’s getting to you?
JOEY
Yeah.
DOC
What’s so wrong with that?
Frannie burst out in laughter.
JOEY
You too? Is this some sort of girl thing?
FRANNIE
I was just remembering one of the Bugs Bunny cartoons that the boys rigged up for us last night.
Now Doc starts laughing.
DOC
Was it the gremlin one? Eee, Ahh, Ohh! Eee, Ahh, Ohh! Eee, Ahh, Ohh!
Frannie cracks up again and talks through her laughter.
Learn about Gremlins
FRANNIE
Incredible, Ain’t it.
Now they are both laughing out of control.
JOEY
Ah, guys?
FRANNIE
Oh sorry about that.
DOC
Yeah Joey, you were saying?
JOEY
Oh nothing… I mean… it was about Viv and her…
Viv is doing it again.
DOC
Maybe it was something from the movie?
FRANNIE
Yeah. Maybe SHE saw some Bugs Bunny cartoons before the main feature.
DOC
No worries, Joey. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.
The buzzing of an aircraft is heard (as X arrives and drops off his report).
FRANNIE
Perfect timing… X’s wrap-up report from last evening.
JOEY
Let me see that.
DOC
Me too.
All goes silent for a few seconds while they read.
DOC
There it is, Joey.
JOEY
There what is?
DOC
The reason she’s laughing — its probably because of the pixilated scene from the movie.
FRANNIE
Yeah. X wrote that it got to him too. See?
Ladies discussing “pixilated” during the trial.
JOEY
Laughed so hard I was in tears. Now people probably think I’m pixilated.
DOC
Makes sense…
JOEY
Wish someone would let us in on joke.
Just then, Frankie arrives.
FRANKIE
Let you in on what joke?
JOEY
This whole pixilaed business.
FRANKIE
Ah! Pixilated? I haven’t heard that word in years…
Doc hands the report over to Frankie.
DOC
Here’s X’s write-up from last night.
FRANKIE
Oh, of course — The Stanford is still doing a retrospective of my movies and she saw Mr. Deeds. So what? You guys think Viv’s pixilated?
JOEY
Actually, I THINK you’re all PIXILATED. (to Frankie) You should of seen these two carrying on just a few minutes ago.
FRANNIE
Lighten up, Sunshine.
DOC
Yeah.
FRANKIE
So what exactly is the concern?
Just then Viv again bursts out into uncontrollable laughter.
JOEY
Uh… that!
FRANKIE
So she’s happy? And that’s a problem because… ?
FRANNIE
That’s what we said.
DOC
But the professor here thinks that Viv’ll get herself locked up in the looney bin, I guess.
JOEY
No… I didn’t say that. It’s just… well… I mean I’d hate to see the project … our project get halted because people think she’s … crazy.
DOC
Seriously? You’re equating spontaneous laughter with crazy?
FRANNIE
Yeah, Joey! There’s more to it than that.
FRANKIE
Our girl looks really happy. Happier than we’ve seen her in a long time…. In fact, I’m going down to get a closer look.
FRANNIE
Not too close Frankie, okay?
FRANKIE
Okay… jeesh.
Frankie leaves. The three continue their conversation.
DOC
I recommend that we do what we can to help her be happy and let her infectious laughter rub off on the visitors to this wonderful cafe.
FRANNIE
Well put. Besides, We’re watching out for her. We’ll make sure she doesn’t go off the deep end.
JOEY
Promise?
FRANNIE
Of course!
DOC
Yeah — definitely. And Frannie here’s got double-duty — Viv and Frankie.
FRANNIE
Glad to be of service.
JOEY
Speaking of service, you better get down there. Don’t need Frankie doing any end-arounds, if you know what I mean.
FRANNIE
On my way!
DOC
Thanks Frannie!
She leaves. Doc and Joey are still observing. Doc burst out in laughter again.
JOEY
Bugs Bunny again?
DOC
No — actually I was just picturing what Frannie would do to Frankie if she actually caught him doing an end around.
There’s a moment of silence and then finally, Joey bursts out laughing.
DOC
Oh you see it?
JOEY
Yeah I do…
He’s still laughing.
DOC
I love this place.
JOEY
Me too.
FADE OUT.
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