Note that the script is still subject to some change. The medallion thing - I might change this. I'll need to find an object of interest and value to replace it, but for now a medallion will work fine. Parts are fairly loose, so you're welcome to swap roles with someone if you ask me first. But Michael's gonna be Ed. :P
There are six characters altogether.
Bill (Bronson) - A Pinkerton detective in search of the medallion. His name will not be mentioned, so 'Bill' is actually just there for easy reference rather than anything else.
Jonesy (James) - Bill's partner. Another Pinkerton after the same thing.
Big Ed/"Eddy" (Michael) - A mob boss, currently in possession of the medallion.
Maria (Sara) - Ed's girl, secretly after the medallion as well, but for her own greed.
Frank (Blake and Todd) - Refers to both of Ed's goons, so either of them can say the lines etc.
Narration (Bill):
It was a frozen night in winter, the sort of bitter chill that tunnelled under your skin to gnaw at the bone. It had taken me a month to worm my way into Big Ed’s mob, and now he trusted me enough to invite me to his poker night. My job was to reclaim the medallion of Marie Antoinette. Ms Dawson had been awfully upset after it’d been stolen. An heirloom like that must be worth nearly ten grand. It was certainly something Ed didn’t want to leave lying around for all to see. My partner, Jonesy, was up in Ed’s room doing the searching. Once it’d been found we could take it and return the medallion without involving the police. They don’t like Pinkertons around these parts. They don’t even know we’re here. It’d be best to keep it that way.
You can’t trust anyone anymore.
Everyone other than Jonesy is at the table playing poker. Maria is not playing, but flirting with Ed. Have shots of shifty eyes, people holding cards under the table, poker chips, beers, cigars etc. This will need a bit of smoke effects. Alternate with shots of Jonesy sneaking up the driveway, past the window, and into Ed’s room.
Ed: (to Maria) Why don’t you turn in for the night. I’ve got some… business to attend to.
Maria: Mmm, sure darling. Goodnight boys.
Maria smiles and leaves. Bill looks watches her go, then looks down at his cards when he becomes aware he was staring. Ed sees Bill’s look.
Ed: (after Maria has left) Well, I can see we’re all getting pretty tired about now. Why don’t we take a break from the games and have a little chat.
Frank: But boss! I’ve almost got this!
Ed: Oh, I think someone’s almost got this alright, but it ain’t you or me. Tell me, son. Where’d you get so good at cards?
Bill: I uhh, used to know a guy in a casino. He uhh, he had a bit of a habit of playing dirty, counting cards…
Ed: *laughs* Good man!
Bill: He got caught.
Ed: I’m sorry to hear that. But I suppose he got what he deserved.
Frank: Come on, boss! You know we ain’t cheating!
Ed: It’s not the cheating that’s concerning me, it’s the deception. You got a good poker face, don’t you, son?
Bill is undeterred.
Ed: You got a lot of nerve, tryin to put one past me.
Bill: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Ed: (shouting and standing up) You know exactly what I’m talking about! You’re a pink! A private eye, sent to spy on me and then turn me in to the cops! *The goons grab Bill and restrain him* I know what you’re after too. I’m sorry to cause such grief to that young Dawson girl, but this medallion you’ve come for, is mine! And I intend to keep it that way, least till I can get it onto the market. (He sits back down).
Frank: What do you want us to do with him, boss?
Ed: What do we always do with Pinks and Coppers… *sadistic laugh*
A gunshot disrupts the lot.
Maria enters Ed’s room, to find Jonesy hunched over the safe. Jonesy takes the medallion out and admires it. Maria acts seductively, and drags out her words in a playful manner.
Maria: You shouldn’t be here…
Jonesy is startled. He pulls his gun on her.
Maria: Is that any way to treat a lady? I’m not gonna bite.
Jonesy: (Sounding really anxious) Yeah, but your hubby down there ain’t so friendly. I’ve seen what he did to those cops.
Maria: Oh relax, I won’t tell on you. Besides, how could I do such a thing to such a strong, handsome man like you? *she moves toward Jonesy*
Jonesy: *now sounding quietly intimate* I don’t think Ed’d like you talking about someone like that.
Maria: There’s a lot of things Eddy wouldn’t like me to do. Doing them is just part of the fun. *by now she and Jonesy are standing VERY close*
Jonesy: You’re dangerous, you are.
Maria: Oh, I can be so much more than that.
Jonesy: Really?
Maria: I could show you, if you like. It’s cold, and I want someone to hold on to.
Jonesy: Well, I think we can arrange that…
Maria lies atop Jonesy on the bed. It’s implied they’re kissing or whatever. She reaches down to Jonesy’s waist and takes hold of his pistol. Maria sits up – still atop Jonesy – pointing the pistol at him. A seriousness has come about her.
Jonesy: *smiling in that quiet intimacy as before* Is that any way to treat a man?
Maria: *sarcastically* Cute. Hand over the medallion, or I’ll blow your brains out.
Jonesy: *no longer intimate, now cynical* Easy, there. Have you ever fired a gun before?
Maria: I think I can work it out.
Jonesy: Oh really? And what happens when Eddy comes down here to find you lying atop a dead stranger on his bed?
Maria: I’ll be gone by then.
Jonesy: If you want the medallion, you’ll have to shoot me first. I know you’re not gonna do that to a ‘strong, handsome man’ like me.
Maria: *leaning in to Jonesy* Doing it is part of the fun.
Maria fires the pistol. She takes the medallion from Jonesy’s body and heads to the phone.
Back at the poker game.
Ed: Jesus Christ! What the hell was that?!
Frank: Sounded like a gunshot to me, boss.
Ed: Shutup. *to Bill* Did you bring any of your buddies? HUH?!
Bill: *spitting the words at Ed* I came alone.
Ed: *to the Franks* Bring him here!
The goons bring Bill to the other side of the table and bend him lower than Ed. Ed bends down and grabs Bill by the neck.
Ed:*to Bill, in a whispered rage through his teeth* You’d better be telling the truth, boy. Or your head’s going on my trophy wall! *Ed straightens up and shouts at the Franks* Keep an eye on him, and don’t move unless I say so. I’ll be right back. *he heads to his room*
Maria puts the phone down on the receiver. Cut to Ed’s perspective heading down the hallway, gun in hand.
Ed: Maria? …Maria? *Maria appears in the doorway with a gun in her hand* Maria? What do you think you’re doing?
She slams the door shut and pushes the chest in front of it.
Ed: *banging on the door* Maria! Open this door!
Maria: I’ve called the police, Eddy!
Ed: What?! You stupid bitch! Open this door!
Maria: And I’ve taken the medallion, too.
Ed: You…
Maria: The cops sounded real happy to know where the guy who killed off all their buddies lived.
Ed: How dare you… no one’s known about my place for years!
Maria: And now they know everything! What are you gonna do about it, Eddy?
Ed: I’ll kill you, bitch!
A siren is heard in the distance.
Maria: Time’s ticking, Eddy.
Ed pushes the door open in a rage, to find the place overturned, the safe containing the medallion open, and the door leading outside, also open. No sign of Maria. He heads back to the poker game.
Ed: You two take care of Pinky here, don’t let him get his side out to the cops.
Frank: You got it, boss.
Ed: I’m gonna put one in that bitch for good…
Ed leaves, and the goons throw Bill to the ground. They aim their guns at his head.
Frank: It’s a shame your buddy couldn’t hold onto that medallion.
Bill spins round and fights off the goons, knocking them out, and shoots them (either to kill, or to seriously wound – he doesn’t care, isn’t looking). He then chases after Ed. He makes it to the driveway to find Ed lying there dead, and police lights flaring everywhere. He raises his hands.
Cut to black.
It was a frozen night in winter, the sort of bitter chill that tunnelled under your skin to gnaw at the bone. It had taken me a month to worm my way into Big Ed’s mob, and now he trusted me enough to invite me to his poker night. My job was to reclaim the medallion of Marie Antoinette. Ms Dawson had been awfully upset after it’d been stolen. An heirloom like that must be worth nearly ten grand. It was certainly something Ed didn’t want to leave lying around for all to see. My partner, Jonesy, was up in Ed’s room doing the searching. Once it’d been found we could take it and return the medallion without involving the police. They don’t like Pinkertons around these parts. They don’t even know we’re here. It’d be best to keep it that way.
You can’t trust anyone anymore.
Everyone other than Jonesy is at the table playing poker. Maria is not playing, but flirting with Ed. Have shots of shifty eyes, people holding cards under the table, poker chips, beers, cigars etc. This will need a bit of smoke effects. Alternate with shots of Jonesy sneaking up the driveway, past the window, and into Ed’s room.
Ed: (to Maria) Why don’t you turn in for the night. I’ve got some… business to attend to.
Maria: Mmm, sure darling. Goodnight boys.
Maria smiles and leaves. Bill looks watches her go, then looks down at his cards when he becomes aware he was staring. Ed sees Bill’s look.
Ed: (after Maria has left) Well, I can see we’re all getting pretty tired about now. Why don’t we take a break from the games and have a little chat.
Frank: But boss! I’ve almost got this!
Ed: Oh, I think someone’s almost got this alright, but it ain’t you or me. Tell me, son. Where’d you get so good at cards?
Bill: I uhh, used to know a guy in a casino. He uhh, he had a bit of a habit of playing dirty, counting cards…
Ed: *laughs* Good man!
Bill: He got caught.
Ed: I’m sorry to hear that. But I suppose he got what he deserved.
Frank: Come on, boss! You know we ain’t cheating!
Ed: It’s not the cheating that’s concerning me, it’s the deception. You got a good poker face, don’t you, son?
Bill is undeterred.
Ed: You got a lot of nerve, tryin to put one past me.
Bill: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Ed: (shouting and standing up) You know exactly what I’m talking about! You’re a pink! A private eye, sent to spy on me and then turn me in to the cops! *The goons grab Bill and restrain him* I know what you’re after too. I’m sorry to cause such grief to that young Dawson girl, but this medallion you’ve come for, is mine! And I intend to keep it that way, least till I can get it onto the market. (He sits back down).
Frank: What do you want us to do with him, boss?
Ed: What do we always do with Pinks and Coppers… *sadistic laugh*
A gunshot disrupts the lot.
Maria enters Ed’s room, to find Jonesy hunched over the safe. Jonesy takes the medallion out and admires it. Maria acts seductively, and drags out her words in a playful manner.
Maria: You shouldn’t be here…
Jonesy is startled. He pulls his gun on her.
Maria: Is that any way to treat a lady? I’m not gonna bite.
Jonesy: (Sounding really anxious) Yeah, but your hubby down there ain’t so friendly. I’ve seen what he did to those cops.
Maria: Oh relax, I won’t tell on you. Besides, how could I do such a thing to such a strong, handsome man like you? *she moves toward Jonesy*
Jonesy: *now sounding quietly intimate* I don’t think Ed’d like you talking about someone like that.
Maria: There’s a lot of things Eddy wouldn’t like me to do. Doing them is just part of the fun. *by now she and Jonesy are standing VERY close*
Jonesy: You’re dangerous, you are.
Maria: Oh, I can be so much more than that.
Jonesy: Really?
Maria: I could show you, if you like. It’s cold, and I want someone to hold on to.
Jonesy: Well, I think we can arrange that…
Maria lies atop Jonesy on the bed. It’s implied they’re kissing or whatever. She reaches down to Jonesy’s waist and takes hold of his pistol. Maria sits up – still atop Jonesy – pointing the pistol at him. A seriousness has come about her.
Jonesy: *smiling in that quiet intimacy as before* Is that any way to treat a man?
Maria: *sarcastically* Cute. Hand over the medallion, or I’ll blow your brains out.
Jonesy: *no longer intimate, now cynical* Easy, there. Have you ever fired a gun before?
Maria: I think I can work it out.
Jonesy: Oh really? And what happens when Eddy comes down here to find you lying atop a dead stranger on his bed?
Maria: I’ll be gone by then.
Jonesy: If you want the medallion, you’ll have to shoot me first. I know you’re not gonna do that to a ‘strong, handsome man’ like me.
Maria: *leaning in to Jonesy* Doing it is part of the fun.
Maria fires the pistol. She takes the medallion from Jonesy’s body and heads to the phone.
Back at the poker game.
Ed: Jesus Christ! What the hell was that?!
Frank: Sounded like a gunshot to me, boss.
Ed: Shutup. *to Bill* Did you bring any of your buddies? HUH?!
Bill: *spitting the words at Ed* I came alone.
Ed: *to the Franks* Bring him here!
The goons bring Bill to the other side of the table and bend him lower than Ed. Ed bends down and grabs Bill by the neck.
Ed:*to Bill, in a whispered rage through his teeth* You’d better be telling the truth, boy. Or your head’s going on my trophy wall! *Ed straightens up and shouts at the Franks* Keep an eye on him, and don’t move unless I say so. I’ll be right back. *he heads to his room*
Maria puts the phone down on the receiver. Cut to Ed’s perspective heading down the hallway, gun in hand.
Ed: Maria? …Maria? *Maria appears in the doorway with a gun in her hand* Maria? What do you think you’re doing?
She slams the door shut and pushes the chest in front of it.
Ed: *banging on the door* Maria! Open this door!
Maria: I’ve called the police, Eddy!
Ed: What?! You stupid bitch! Open this door!
Maria: And I’ve taken the medallion, too.
Ed: You…
Maria: The cops sounded real happy to know where the guy who killed off all their buddies lived.
Ed: How dare you… no one’s known about my place for years!
Maria: And now they know everything! What are you gonna do about it, Eddy?
Ed: I’ll kill you, bitch!
A siren is heard in the distance.
Maria: Time’s ticking, Eddy.
Ed pushes the door open in a rage, to find the place overturned, the safe containing the medallion open, and the door leading outside, also open. No sign of Maria. He heads back to the poker game.
Ed: You two take care of Pinky here, don’t let him get his side out to the cops.
Frank: You got it, boss.
Ed: I’m gonna put one in that bitch for good…
Ed leaves, and the goons throw Bill to the ground. They aim their guns at his head.
Frank: It’s a shame your buddy couldn’t hold onto that medallion.
Bill spins round and fights off the goons, knocking them out, and shoots them (either to kill, or to seriously wound – he doesn’t care, isn’t looking). He then chases after Ed. He makes it to the driveway to find Ed lying there dead, and police lights flaring everywhere. He raises his hands.
Cut to black.
No comments:
Post a Comment