Graffiti Bridge Presents "GRAFFITI BRIDGE" 2nd Draft November 26, 1989 Graffiti Bridge Black Screen A Voice "Dear Dad, Things didn't turn out quite like I wanted them to. Sometimes I feel like I'm gonna explode!" A white hot explosion rocks the screen. Very dreamlike we see a figure running towards us from inside the explosion. We cut to a man dressed in a guard-like attire spinning to camera. He smiles as the person running approaches him. Guardsman "So, come in." He is talking to the Kid, who at first was smiling, but now looks lost. Guardsman "What's the matter, having second thoughts?" They are standing on a bridge. A bridge altough dark at it's entrance becomes brighter and more beautiful with every step that one makes. Guardsman Do you wanna start all over again? The Kid's eyes begin to well as quick flashes of his fate appear in his mind. A burning street. A Jeep being shot at then swerving out of control. A young girl who looks to be dead, is lying in the street. Guardsman You can still come back providing that you . Make certain choices. The Kid looks again to the beautiful bridge that lies before him. He closes his eyes, bravely he turns and walks back to whence he came. The city he heads toward, begins to burn. So the Kid begins to run. Guardsman (smiling) Way to go, Kid. A very dark, very run down city street houses what looks to be the end of the Glam Slam, the Kid's only posession on earth. It's on fire and Levi and Mico run out of the building. Levi (shouting) Hurry up Kid, we can't get to the sprinkler switch. They run from the street quickly back into the club. Alas, a column has fallen in front of the switch and blocked access. The Kid grabs a chair and jams it between the bar and the column. The Kid (to Levi) Let's kick it. They move the column enough to reach the switch. The Kid hits the switch and water sprays into the room. Levi tries to smile as the fire dies but it's a tired smile. The Kid looks to Mico. The Kid Well? Mico Fire bomb. It was Morris' gang. The Kid Thought so. They head outside. In the street soaking wet, the Kid begins to rap. The Kid Everybody wanna see you down for the count but that ain't what being a real man's about the brave and the bold hang around for the kill so the bigger the hole, the bigger we fill it they can hit us whit all they got but you know what? Mico What? The Kid (singing) I can't stop this feeling I got I feel it right down to my toes I can't stop this feeling I got my body got to have it, you know Some of the people in the neighborhood stick their heads out of their windows to see what's going on. One of those people are Melody Cool. A middle-aged lady with a pretty smile. Melody runs her own club. Though, she -- like everyone else in Seven Corners, pays a cut to Morris. Melody Who's kickin' all this racket out here? Levi Hey, Melody -- sing something for us. Melody Uh huh, darlin'! I only sing for paying customers or souls in need. The Kid C'mon Melody, pump it. Melody sings out a strong progression. Everyone cheers her on, but she heads back in her window. Melody You heard it. The Kid (continues) I can't stop this feeling I got you know I can't sleep at night you know I love it a lot I can see an everlasting light Levi What ya mean, man? The Kid Try to tell me how to paint my palace? That ain't where it's at. That's like telling Columbus that the world is flat. If the song we're singin' truly is the best, then that my brothers is the ultimate test. All in favor, say aye! I'm in a ass-kickin' mood tonight, y'all! Just then, T.C. -- the local rapper, approaches the Kid. T.C. Yo, Kid, that rap was slammin' but you oughta let me show you how it's done. Gimme a beat, man. The Kid smiles friendly but otherwise ignores T.C. the Kid leads the people who have gathered around inside the glam slam and they begin cleaning up. Some mop, some spray, some reset-up the knocked down band gear. Everyone is busy. Lights come back on. The place is alive again. Cowboy, the DJ, does a quadruple scratch on the turntable and the same song the Kid was singing kicks in. The Kid smiles in Cowboy's direction. Just outside the club a line is gathering. A motorcycle with a sidecar pulls up. Jerome, dressed to kill, is driving it. A girl with a fur stole on is in the sidecar. Jerome seems shocked that the club is running at all. Him and the girl, whose name is Robin, push their way thru the crowd. The band begin setting up. The Kid is on the balcony playing with the sprinkler, rigging it to hit Morris' reserved table. He lets off a mega-blast. Jerome notices this, but pretends he doesn't. He instead goes up to Mico and shoves him. Jerome (to Mico) Tell your boy to come here. Mico angrily starts for Jerome and Robin. Robin pulls out a pistol and puts it to Mico's nose. Robin Don't even dream it. The place goes a bit quiet. The Kid whispers something to Levi who nods and walks over to big Michael B. on the bandstand. Jerome looks to the Kid. Jerome Kid, we've waited for the money long enough. Either you pay up your half of the rent or Morris takes the club. The Kid I ain't got no money, but I got a new step. Jerome Oh yeah, what's that? The Kid Levi, show Jerome the new step. With that Levi steps on big Michael's corns. Michael hates this more than anything and commences screaming, cursing, and knocking over tables. Jerome and Robin are in a shock for a minute then they run as fast as they can out of the club. Mico lets all the people in. Levi chases Michael with a bucket of ice for his foot. As soon as Jerome hits the street a bad white Mercedes limo pulls up and the window goes down. A hand comes out, a finger snaps and motions for Jerome to open the door. Jerome does so and the car seat electronically deposits Morris, who's dressed to the nines, out into the street. Jerome Ladies and gentleman, Morris E. Day the only Morris (rolling his eyes) Oh Lawd! Without standing he grabs Jerome's lapel. Morris Didn't I tell you to turn this place to ashes? Jerome Yeah, But. Morris Then how come I don't smell smoke? Jerome I don't know what happened, chief, we did everything as planned. Morris Never mind. Let a man come in. Morris begins to stand but notices a puddle of water between him and the curb. Him and Jerome have a slight visual stand off, then they both look to Robin's mink stole. Robin looks a bit fearful as to the boys' motive. Jerome rips her stole off and throws it in the puddle and Morris steps on it to get to the curb. The crowd parts. Morris is big time fierce. Morris and Jerome walk in and right on cue the Kid and his band wail into a welcoming fanfare fit for a king, well maybe a landlord. The music slams to a halt. All eyes and ears are on Morris and the Kid. The Kid The King has arrived. Morris Guess who the Queen is? Robin, Jerome and some of the others break up laughing. The Kid So what brings you off your mountain? Morris People tell me you makin' that spiritual noise again. You know I don't make no money that way. The Kid If you ever gave it a chance, one day you would. Morris But I won't give it a chance! I'm runnin' Seven Corners and I say what music is played. The Kid defiantly cues Michael B. to start a beat. Morris shouts over the drums. Morris You ain't hittin' no more. Why don't you just gimme the keys. The Kid ignores this and cues in the bass. Morris Grace, you better wake up! Your music will never change anybody. Are you listening to me? The band wails into "New Power Generation." It's a tough, defiant anti-establishment somg that labels Morris as the Kid's father, mother, the police, the criminal and even God. Morris ignores the Kid and whips out a cordless phone. When the song is finished there is a dead silence. Men who serve as Morris' posse line-up behind Morris. Together they are known as "The Time." Morris Are you finished? The Kid points the microphone to Morris. The Kid What? I can't hear you. Morris Release it! The Kid cues his keyboard player who has just sasmpled Morris' voice. Over and over the voice says "Release It," just like Morris. The Kid mockingly sings "Release It." Much to his surprise, Jimmy Jam who is positioned right behind Morris, samples the Kid's voice. When he presses down on a key the Kid's voice comes out, only the voice is singing. Jimmy plays a chord and a perfect 3 part harmony comes forth. Morris grins as the Kid, a bit embarassed, heads for the balcony. And Morris begins to "Read Him." He hurls insults while the Time back him. They head to the stage. The crowd begins a chant. Morris and the Time whip into "Release It." The crowd loves it. They all stand. The Guardsman can hear the music as far as the bridge. He grooves a little. The sound of faint singing interrupts him. He turns to look behind him. A woman walks from out of the light on the bridge. She is beautiful. The Guardsman gasps. She comes closer never making eye contact. Only focusing on the city of Seven Corners. Woman (very sweetly) So, our friend changed his mind, eh? The Guardsman can barely speak. Guard Uh, yes Ma'am, I mean yes sir, no, I mean uh yes! Woman Well I better go keep an eye on him. She heads into the darkness of the city. The Guardsman faints. Back inside the club Morris angrily spits at the Kid perched high on the balcony messing with the sprinkler getting it ready to douse Morris. Morris I want my money, and the set changed by thursday or this joint is mine! He looks to the crowd. Morris Party's at my place and everybody's comin'! The crowd cheers and pied piper style follow Morris and the Time outside. Before he leaves he turns to the Kid. Morris You know, these plants look so thirsty. Morris turns to the plant while Jerome takes off his overcoat to mask Morris in the act of urinating on the plant. Morris begins saying the alphabet. When he gets to "P" he stops. He then turns back to the balcony. Morris Q, R, Sssssss He lights his lighter, the sound blends with his hissing. Morris sets the plant aflame. Laughing he walks out. The Kid reaches up and aims the sprinkler at the plant and douses it. He heads out the back door. Coming down the stairs he runs his hand along the white wall. He reaches down and picks up a brush and begins writing words on the wall. "Can It Be." He says the words. Over and over with each time he makes another period searching for something he makes a question mark and walks over to a pile of trash and sits in it. He looks to the sky. The Kid Can it be? A brush rolls into the frame by his feet. He looks up. It's the woman from the bridge whom for our purposes we'll call the Angel. She is standing against the wall. She has a brush that she playfully rubs against her lips. Needless to say the Kid is sure this is a dream. She then dips the brush into the blue paint and draws a line up her leg and into her thigh. The Kid swallows hard. What could be next? She then dips the brush again and turns to the wall. She writes out the alphabet. Stopping at "P" she turns and smiles. She then continues, stopping on "S" she says "Ssssssssss" just like Morris. The Kid rubs his eyes. He can't believe this. When he looks back she has finished the letters and has begun painting a hangman platform. The Kid rises and cautiously walks towards her. She smiles to him gently. He points his brush to the letter a. The Angel smiles and fills in the blank that houses the letter "A". There is only one. From the expression on the Kid's face we can tell he was hoping for more. The Kid begins to loose badly and we see the Angel paint a quick little cartoon of the Kid standing on a chair. She then smiles, paints a rope around his neck and paints over the chair hanging the character in the cartoon. Under the mock gallows she fills in the remaining letters. It reads "Elephants & Flowers." The Kid What is it? The Angel then paints a heart shape with a tiny cross symbol inside on the Kid's shirt. He looks down at the art on his chest. When he looks up the Angel is gone. The Kid is confused, excited, happy and afraid all at once. He races to begin painting his thoughts on the wall. (in a wide shot we see the Kid begin to paint. The shot dissolves to the same angle but the wall is completely filled with lyrics). The Kid is lying fast asleep under the wall. We cut to the Glam Slam the following night. It is filled to the brim with people dancing, partying and having a great time. Very orgy-like in essence. Couples kiss unashamedly, people smoke illegal cigarettes, not your average night spot. On stage the Kid is singing. He sings a tale of the Angel he just met. The Kid Is this Angel for real or is she just in my mind one ting's for sure this Angel sho is fine. The crowd digs the funk beat. A blonde girl walks in carrying what looks to be a saxophone case. She walks up to T.C. who is observing by the door. Candy My name's Candy and I want to sit in. T.C. likes Candy's smile. T.C. Well Candy, you'll have to ask the boss. They look to the stage. The Kid's song has taken an abrupt turn. The beat slows and he starts to sing "Elephants And Flowers," the song that he wrote the night before. It's still the same groove but slower and funkier. Much funkier. The crowd don't dig the change though, and several people leave the dance floor. The Kid (singing) love the one who is love, the one who gave us the power, the one who made everything, elephants and flowers, the one who will listen when all others will not. There will be peace for those who love God a lot! The word God jolts the crowd, the whole audience stops dancing when the Kid sings this. Wild jeering and booing fill the club. Everyone begins to file out. A few couples continue dancing, or at least trying to. Candy's in awe at what is happening. T.C. is definitely upset. T.C. (sarcastically) Oh great. He's back to that shit again. Candy's digging it. Candy Oh yeah. I've heard about this. The music gets even slower. The beats continues, but we're going at a crawl now. The lighting changes and the couples begin holding each other, caressing. A boy takes off his shirt. A girl strips to her bra. They hold each other. They don't kiss. This isn't sex. It's something else. Candy opens her case and dons an alto saxophone. She makes a crying sound. The Kid doesn't even notice. He's deep into the groove. The camera pans up to the balcony. The Angel is watching. She smiles. The song ends and the club goes black. The next day a white Mercedes limo is whipping thru the city. Morris and Jerome are making the rounds. We hear Morris os. Morris I woke up this morning, opened my eyes and do you know what I see? Jerome What's that Morris? We cut inside the limo. Morris Money. Morris is slouched down in the back seat of the limo wearing his pajamas, robe and covering his eyes to keep the sun out -- are eye shades made from $50 bills. Morris Money to the left of me, money to the right! Jerome, make a sound, what did we get last night? Jerome opens a black attache. Jerome Well, let's see. George's place pulled $17,000. Melody Cool made a cool $23,500. We made our usual 35 and the Kid made his usual. Morris $2,000? Man that's it! I'm taking that club. Billy, rest his soul, was fucked up giving half the place to him and half to me! Jerome Whoo, I know that's right. Morris Baby, light this for me. Morris hands a cigarette up to Robin who is driving the limo. She is dressed in a high-collar chauffeur's outfit with hat and gloves. She lights the cigarette and hands it back to him. Morris When I take that joint, that'll be it. I'll own controlling interest of every club in the city. Baby, head over there, let's get this over with. Morris takes a long drag on the cigarette. He coughs. Morris (having a change of heart) I don't know, maybe we'll give him a little longer. The chauffeur tilts the rear view mirror to observe Morris. The eyes in the mirror belong to the Angel. She drives off. The Guardsman smiles as the Kid approaches rubbing his eyes apparently blinded by the morning light. Ext. Bridge Guardsman Hey, Kid, that was a great song last night. I could feel it way over here. The Kid Nobody else felt it. Guardsman (looking to the light across the bridge) I think somebody else did. The Kid I miss my dad. Can I talk to him? Guardsman Sure, Kid when it's time, you'll talk to him. Int. -- neon lit bedroom. The Kid wakes up from a deep sleep. He rises up in his bed. We see his bedroom. Scarves of silk hang everywhere. Neon lights surround his bed. A crystal ball sits above his bed on the headboard. Electric beams of light dance inside of it. He reaches over the CD unit on the night stand. He turns it on. A smooth sexy music fills the room. He lays back down. He quickly flashes on the Angel running the paint brush up her thigh. His hand goes across his own stomach headed down into his pants. His head goes back and his eyes close. He just lets the music take his mind far away. The sound of someone else in the bedroom startles him. Angel Pssst! It's the Angel. She shakes her head. Angel Tsk, tsk, naughty boy. She motions for him to follow her. She climbs the ladder that is situated in the middle of the room. We cut to the interior of the Kid's club and see the Angel climbing thru the trap door on the stage. The Kid's living quarters, it seems, is directly below the stage. The Angel laughs and dances out of the club into the back near the white wall. The Kid follows like a baby at Christmas. So shocked he is to find several people standing around a black baby grand piano. The people are dressed in blue body suits. Their heads and faces are covered by a strange hood. Everyone of them have the name of a chord written across their bodies. M-7th, dB, Major 9th etc. The Angel smiles and beckons the Kid to take his place at the piano. He rubs his eyes again. He thinks he's dreaming. He may be. The Kid sits at the piano. She runs to the stairs by the wall and paints over the lyric to make room for more. The Kid looks to the chords standing before him. The are motionless. He strikes a chord on the piano. One of the chords in front of him begins to dance. He strikes another chord. Another member of the group begins to dance. The Angel is applauding in delight. The Kid understands and begins to play a beautifully uplifting piece designed to get all the chords dancing at once. They do so. The Angel starts to dance. The Kid smiles at her. Experimenting, he plays one strange chord and the another. The chords begin to crash into each other. The Kid likes this. His piano playing begins to take on a discordant quality. Each chord stranger than the one previous. The dancing chords are really in disarray now. The Angel looks upset. She knows the Kid is enjoying being in charge of the chaos and she teasingly begins to cry. The Kid looks to her. The piano stops. All the dancing chords fall to the ground. The Kid What is the answer? The Angel runs to the paint brush and begins writing. She writes: Now what is the answer to the question of you? She motions for the Kid to resume playing. He does so and sings as well. Adding a line -- The Kid (singing) Now what is the answer to the question of you Now what must I look for, Now what must I do? The Angel is painting every word. She adds a line -- Which way do I turn when I'm feeling lost? She turns to him. The Kid (singing) If I sell my soul, Now what will it cost? Unbeknownst to the Kid, who is deep into the song, the dancing chords have begun the most beautiful ballet ever seen. Their bodies entwine and caress each other. They come apart, spin wildly only to return to each other's caress. The Kid sings as the sound of orchestrated strings fill the morining air. The Kid Must I become naked no image at all Must I remain upright, or get down and crawl. The Angel, pleased with what she's done, dances down the street with the chords following. As they pass Melody Cool's club, Melody peeks her head out of the window. She then looks at the Kid whose immersed in music. She shakes her head. It's obvious she cares about the Kid. As he completes his song silence brings his eyes to the wall. It is filled with lyrics to a new song entitled "The Question Of You." Ext. Day. A booth resembling a Fotomat[tm] sits in the parking lot of the neighborhood mall. The booth is run by a beautiful girl named Aura. She sells spiritual books and new power music. The soothing sounds waft from her speaker system. A black Porsche whips by. Two dudes smile and wave as it passes. Aura pretends not to notice. It passes by again. The dudes just pose this time. Aura begins to get annoyed. A third time the Porsche passes. This time they back up and screech to a stop. It's Morris and Jerome. Morris She's bad, ain't she? Jerome She's so bad she's good. Want me to rap? Morris Yes, I'll be over here posin' by the Porsche. Jerome Hello darlin'. You must be helping out a friend cuz you are much too pretty to be working here. What's up with that? Aura What's up with your buddy over there holding his stuff? Does he have to use the bathroom? We cut to Morris standing by the car definitely holding his "stuff." Jerome No baby, he's posin' by the Porsche. Aura Cars don't impress me. So what's up, you guys can't be into the new power music. Jerome New power, yeah, right. That's Morris day and he would like to eat you, I mean meet you. Aura (eyeing at a challenge) Oh yeah? Alright, go get him. Jerome (hollering) Hey, Morris! She wants to meet you, man. Morris Oh Lawd! Morris quickly heads over. Aura continues stacking cassettes. Morris' eyes are on her backside. Morris Name? Aura Aura. Morris Hmmmm, lovely. Where'd you get that ass? Aura Same place you got your manners. Morris Jerome, where'd I get my manners? Jerome Same place she got that ass. Morris And where was that? Jerome Momma! Morris That's right baby, your Momma. Now let's be nice, it's such a pretty day. Aura's eyes tell she isn't amused by these two. A woman and her small child approach the booth. The child is crying loudly. Woman Do you have Ingrid's new cassette? Aura What did you say, Ma'am? I can barely hear you. The child is wailing. Jerome raises his hand to smack him. Morris restrains him. Woman Benny, I told you no more candy, now shut up for God's sake! The child cries louder. Morris intervenes, whipping out a $20 dollar bill, he flashes it on Benny. Morris Yo Benny, you ever seen one of these? Guess how much candy you can buy with this? Benny stops crying. Woman Pardon me sir, but I think I can handle my own Kid. Morris whispers something in the woman's ear. Her mood quickly changes as she starts eyeing Morris' body then his car. Aura is smiling at the goings on. Morris stoops back down to talk at Benny. Morris So like, Benny, you can have this candy money on one condition. Benny Yeah, and what's that. Morris (whispering in Benny's ear) That you shut your motherfucking mouth up. You understand? Your Momma's fine and wants us all to go for a little ride later. Take this $20 and remember. There's plenty more where that came from. Benny Ok! Thanks! Benny hugs Morris. Woman Come on Benny, let's go. She winks at Morris and walks off. Aura Alright, what did you say to that woman? Morris I just made her an offer she couldn't refuse. Aura Yeah? What was that? Morris Me. Cut to the Kid in his bedroom. A CD plays quiet music while he writes at his desk. We intercut between his handwriting, the speaker and the aquarium in his room. The heart-shaped letter reads: "Dear Dad, Just a note to tell you I visited Mom at the Phelps Center. She's not doing so well. She misses you bad. I guess I do too. I've been writing a lot. Although it's dawning on me that what you said may be true. Some souls can't be saved. God only knows Mom & I tried to save yours." A gunshot brings the Kid's letter to an early end. He stares into space. The sound of Levi's voice startles him. Levi Hey, Kid. The Kid Yo? Levi Lemme scream at ya. The Kid Be right up. The Kid drops the note into the aquarium and leaves the scene. We cut upstairs to the ext. of the Glam Slam. He and Levi come out of the front door and head down the street. T.C. and Mico join them. T.C. Kid, yo, I need that break man. When can I rap? Mico notices the Kid's demeanor and backs T.C. away. Mico T.C.! Not now, man. Go on, book. Mico looks to Levi & the Kid. Mico Hey, fellas what's up? Levi We're losing bad every night. We're going to George's place to get a new vibe on thangs. Across the street, a child no more than 12 years old, stands in the doorway of the club Melody Cool. His eyes beckon the Kid to enter. Melody then joins the child and they both reach out to the Kid. The Kid (Still looking at the stranger in the doorway) Maybe y'all should go without me. I can't really get into that shit. Levi No, this time, you're going. We need to hear a kickin' vibe. It'll inspire us. The Kid Levi, Man. Mico Come on Kid, what do we got to lose? The Kid (giving in) Aw, shit! We cut to George Clinton on stage with a band of the strangest looking individuals ever seen on the face of any planet. The packed house screams "Awwwww Shit!" Levi, Mico and the Kid approach the joint. The bass hurts your chest, even out on the street. An ambulance sits in front with the engine running. Levi Man, listen to the bass coming out of this place. Mico Yes, my brother. A man staggers out of the club, bleeding and opens the door to the ambulance himself. He falls in. The vehicle pulls off. The Kid (fearing what he's about to see) Aw, shit. A neon sign flickers "Clinton's House." The doors open. The Kid takes a step back. The smell hits him first. A combination of marijuana, sweat and fried food takes his nasal passages by storm. The bass is so loud the Kid covers his ears. Everybody is dancing. George is on stage humping his guitar player's leg. Multi-colored braids swinging wildly. George (singing) I'm scared! Cuz if I don't get you, I'm gonna go mad, baby. Let's just go somewhere we can funk! The music is terrifying. So much so, you fear for your soul just listening to it. This is funk. The vocalists sing -- Backgroud Singers We can funk. The Kid does a double-take on the last singer on the right. He can't believe his eyes. Dressed in a man's suit that's cut strategically to expose one breast and one leg -- it is the Angel. She moves slowly to her own rhythm. At the sight of her, the music fades. But only for the Kid and the Angel. People continue dancing to their own beat as the sound of a kick drum and bongos supply the rhythm that the Angel is dancing too. The Kid understands now. He sings the beginning words to "Joy In Repetition." A song that says "Holding One Is Truly Believing There's Joy In Repetition." A song that reaffirms the Kid's faith in his music. As strange as it sometimes seems, people can and will get into his music if the Kid sticks to his guns. The Angel co-signs this by repeating the words "Love Me." Over and over she sings the words intertwining with the Kid's chorus. Everyone else in the club continues dancing to their own counter-rhythm and the mix of all the elements somehow create a sexy balet of bodies and sound. Again the Angel sings "Love Me." Again she sings "Love Me" and again and again until the Kid can take no more. Together they run for the back door. In the alley over by the curb he asks her -- The Kid Tell me, what's your name? She repeats the words again and it begins to rain. She kisses him ever so slightly on the lips. And it's as though they've made love. She hands him a heart-shaped note just like the one he earlier that night dropped into the aquarium. He looks down to read it. And by a miracle it's a continuation of "Can It Be," the song they've been writing on the side of the club. It's signed simply -- "Love Me." Tears well up in the Kid's eyes. He looks up and the Angel is gone. He runs into the rainy night. We cut to the interior of Morris' limo. The car cruises thru the rain at a sexy speed. Morris is busy eyeing Aura's physique. She looks lovely dressed up. Jerome sits on the other side of her. Jerome Sexiness to the left of you. Morris Sexiness to the right. Aura Alright you two. Morris It's about a pimp sandwich tonight! Morris lets out a scream to wake the dead. Aura Where are we going? Morris I'm taking you to my club. Aura (exasperated) Your club? Right! How do you know about business? You're just a thug. Morris Baby, I'll have you know I rounded up some people and we bought this club legal-like, you know. Aura I'll believe it when I see it. Cut to the exterior of Morris' club, it's the most lavish laid-out joint ever seen. A bold, red neon sign says "The Time." There are 3 beautiful girl valets parking cars. Karl, a small hispanic dude, oversees the door. He lets in the club who he wants. He criticizes the others something awful. They turn and walk away. Morris' limo approaches. Karl comes over to it and opens the door. He greets Morris. Karl Morris, how long has it been? Six hours? Morris looks uneasy. Karl sees Aura Karl Damn, what a lovely lady. The one last night. My God she was so fat she had to use a VCR for a beeper! Morris (very relaxed) You're fired. Karl I'm fired? I'm fired? I quit! They shouldn't of let you people in the country in the first place. Morris (getting upset) Let us in the country? Motherfucker, what history book did you read? Jerome, hook this punk up to my Porsche! Jerome The Rollerskates? Morris The Rollerskates. Aura I think I wanna go home. Jerome quickly grabs a cursing, kicking Karl and drags him out of the scene. Morris extends his arm to Aura. They head inside the club. On the way out of the club is Mico and Levi. They immediately go ga-ga over Aura. Morris (beaming) Well, what have we here? Crowd must be a little light at y'all's place, huh. Oh well. Go get your boss and tell him to come see my new bracelet -- Aura. He holds up Aura's arm. She snatches her hand away, obviously insulted. Morris cracks up at this. Mico Let's hit it. Off they run into the night. The doors of Morris' joint open. For women rush over to assist him. He plants a kiss on one of them. Aura is quite impressed. She smiles. One of the girls takes her wrap and escorts her to Morris' private table. Morris (ushering in jerome) Cue the band up for "Love Machine." Jerome (smiling) Gotcha. Mico and Levi are running thru the night briskly. Huffing and puffing, they finally reach the Kid who is busy adding the new lyrics to the wall of the club. The guys are giddy. Mico Kid, I think you need to come with us. The Kid is angry. The Kid Where y'all been? Everybody's left. Levi We were just makingthe rounds. Uh, Morris has got a hot show going on tonight. We should check it out. The Kid (turning back to paint) Ain't interested. Mico When you see what he's got with him, you will be. The Kid Yeah, What? Levi Your future wife, that's what. The Kid turns to the guys. The Kid Oh? Mico Man, I came just looking at her. Levi Kid, we should go play at Morris' and dog the place out. The Kid drops his brush. He likes a challenge. Mico Revenge. Yes. Besides, somebody's got to cop that Stella. The Kid Too fine, huh? Levi She's three fine! The Kid smiles. The Kid Ok boys, tell the rest of the band to come on -- we gonna kick some ass! They all head off. The sound of thunder brings a drop of rain. One and then another until it begins to pour. The Angel appears from the shadows and the disappears inside of them. We see the wall as the rain washes away the new lyrics. Cutting back into Morris' joint, we find the place alive. Morris is sitting with Aura, showering her with compliments and a constant flow of white wine. She's beginning to get a little tipsy. She plays it off well though. Aura You have a lovely place. You know I'm sorry maybe I judged you wrong. I knew a man like you, once. All he cared about was money and draws. Morris Musta been a musician. Aura You guessed it. You know, every night I would kneel down to say my prayers, he would say "You Better Pray For A Strong Back Cuz I'm Knocking It Out Tonight, Baby!" Yeah, you got a lovely place. Morris (looking over his palace) Yes, I have the best music, the best dancing girls and the best guest any club could have. Aura blushes at the compliment. Morris Me. Aura smirks at this bravado. Morris Waitress! A Waitress quickly comes to the table. Morris The lady's glass is empty. Can you change that? He pinches the waitress' ass. If looks could kill, Morris would drop dead. Filling both glasses, she walks off mumbling. Waitress Bastard! Morris Now, let's be nice. It's such a pretty day. Morris smiles and lifts his glass to toast. Aura takes a long sip. She begins to brag. Aura I should warn you, my ex-boyfriend taught me how to drink. Unbeknownst to her, Morris pours his wine behind his head to a kneeling Jerome who catches every drop and refills Aura's glass. Morris bends across the table to rap at Aura. Morris Three sexy! Baby, if I were a woman, I'd want to look just like you. Aura bends across the table to rap at Morris. Aura (Leaning close to morris) Come here, I have to ask you something. Do you believe in the Hereafter? She moves to Morris' ear and kisses it. Intoxicated, her mean, suspicious spirit disappears. She is every bit as sexy as Morris had hoped. He actually blushes. Clearing his throat, he fights to get the next line out. Morris Ahem! My dear, last night inpiration struck me like a thunderbolt. I have composed, in your honor, a masterpiece entitled "The Love Machine." Aura fighting not to appear drunk pushes up on her shapely figure and oozes out the reply. Aura Love. There isn't a man alive who truly understands the word. Morris signals Jerome under the table as Jerome crawls out of the scene to the bandstand. Morris moves in for the kill. Morris I'm a man, I'm definitely alive and I would love to change your mind. Aura Baby, my toys 'll turn your body out. We cut to the Kid with all his band walking thru the front door. The idea of blowin' Morris and his gang off the stage have been somewhat diminished because the Time, right on cue, slam into "The Love Machine." Aura smiles and says to Morris -- right in time with the music: Aura I've got the toys to turn your body out I've got the noise to make you scream and shout Morris (With Jerome acting out every word) Don't lie! You want some love that'll make you cry. seventeen tongues licking from the neck down, moving in a quickspeed circular motion round and round. I can lick it like you like it. The crowd screams it's approval. Mico begins to groove to the groove. The Kid just smiles. Aura looks to Morris. Aura I've got the toys to turn your body out I've got the noise to make you scream and shout This time the girls in the crowd gather 'round Aura. Backing her up, they chime in with the words pointing to all the boys. Girls The love machine 'll take your body higher cuz if it don't then I know you're a liar The Kid is taken by Aura. He has never seen a beauty as such. He looks at her and forgets all. Even his disgust for Morris leaves him. He almost enjoys the song as much as the crowd does. Aura rolls her eyes at Morris' lewd suggestions. He grabs her hand and pulls her toward the door. She yanks free and jumps on a table. All the girls are rooting for her, she says the words once again. Aura I've got the toys to turn your body out I've got the noise to make you scream and shout Morris pulls her from the table and they head out the door. Morris passes right by the Kid and doesn't even notice. But Aura does. The Kid is cool. He only smiles. It's a smile she knows she will see again, and so she smiles back. Jerome is waiting by the limo with two glasses of wine. Morris takes them, the bottle and puts them and Aura into the limo. Morris Excuse me, darling while I attend to one of my critics. Morris heads over to Karl who has been tied by his wrists to the Porsche by a long rope. Morris (Checking the strength of the rope) Now what was you saying 'bout my people? The Kid meanwhile has approached the limo. Aura drops the window. They don't smile this time. They just look. The Kid opens his shirt to Aura and reveals one side of his chest. Still drunk, she reaches her hand into his shirt. His chest is hot. She closes her eyes. The connection is cut off when Jerome shoves the Kid to the ground. Before he can get up to respond, Jerome is in the limo with the door locked. It quickly pulls into the street and makes a u-turn. Morris meanwhile is in the driver seat of the Porsche grinning devilishliy at Karl. Karl Please Morris, I've never rollerskated before in my life. Morris Well why put off 'til tomorrow, what you can do tonight? Laughing, Morris floors it and drags Karl, who tries to gain his balance on the skates, down the street with the limo in pursuit. Levi (Shaking his head in disgust) Man that's jacked up! T.C. Hey Look! The Kid on a purple and black motorbike races after the to cars. Karl, screaming bloody murder as Morris starts gaining speed, is shocked when the Kid whips out a knife and cuts the rope. Karl does a flip onto the front lawn of his own house. His woman comes out holding their baby. Wife Karl, what happened? Karl (A bit shaken) Yeah, right uh, well the boss was coming this way so he just dropped me off, you know? We cut to the speeding limo. Aura is passed out cold. The Kid speeds by Jerome on the passenger side in front and spits on the window. We cut to Jerome inside the limo. Jerome Yuck! The Kid roars off. We cut to a black screen. A kick drum pulses very snake-like over a syncopated tambourine. Jerome's face, lit only by the candle he is carrying, appears 1st. He brings it to the table next to the couch that Morris has Aura on. She is very drunk. She mumbles something but her speech is too slurred to understand. Morris Don't worry baby. Just let Morris take care of everything As he gives her another sip of wine, Jerome sits down next to them. Jerome (whispering) Whatcha gonna do, man? Morris (whispering) Oh, I'm not gonna take it, I just want her to go to sleep, then when she wakes up, she'll fall in love with the 1st face she sees. Aura (Drunkenly mimicking morris) I'll fall in love with the 1st face I see. Hiccup! Morris Jerome, fill this glass up. Our house guest is thirsty. As Jerome leaves, Morris can't resist and plants a kiss on Aura. Ext. Morris' club. The Kid, on his motorbike, pulls up to the club. He looks around then heads inside. Cut to int. Morris' living room. Deep in the kiss we see the Kid standing in the candle light walking quietly toward the couch. He blows out the candle and again the room is black. Morris Jerome. Get a match, the candle went out. Jerome doesn't answer. Morris Jerome? Damn! We hear Morris rise to get the candles himself. We hear faint groans from Aura. We cut to outside the club. The Kid is carrying Aura over his shoulder. She doesn't know quite what's going on as she's too drunk. The Kid has stolen her and now Jerome and Morris are alone. Jerome Morris, whatcha doing, man, as if I don't know. Heh, heh. Aura, I've got some wine for you, darlin'. Open Wide. Morris (Approaching the couch) Jerome, where's the matches, man? Ow! Shit, it's dark in here! We hear sounds as Morris sits back down on the couch. Hands start groping as Jerome loses his cool. Jerome Man, Morris, I can't take it anymore. Lemme just feel her chest one time, come on. Morris gasps as a hand goes across his chest. There is dead silence now. Then there is chaotic noise of chairs and tables falling from the two of them to get to a light switch. Two lights go on at once. They stare at each other in silence. Finally they both scream. Morris runs to the bathroom to throw up and Jerome just faints. The notion of the two of them together "That Way" is to much for them to bear. A series of dissolves finds the Kid taking Aura to his club onto the stage and down the trap door to his bedroom. There he tucks her very cozily into his bed. Another dissolve and the morning light shines in through the ceiling. Aura stirs a bit waking the Kid who is asleep at the foot of the bed. He crawls on the bed until he is directly over Aura. Her eyes open. She is even prettier to him the morning after. Aura I'll fall in love with the 1st face I see. The Kid smiles and crawls off the bed and picks up a heart shaped pad, where he draws a hangman. He has already marked off for empty spaces reserved for letters. Aura, like a child gets excited at this game. She loses and the Kid "Hangs" her and fills in the blanks. He shows her the word. It says -- "Mine." Aura (puzzled) What? The Kid points to Aura then to the word on the pad. Aura No Baby. She points to the sky. Aura His. Rising from the bed she starts to look around. Aura So, which way out? The Kid points up. Aura heads up the ladder then she climbs back down, goes over to the Kid and exposes her breast to him. He reaches out but she turns and leaves him. Up the ladder she goes and heads out of the place. She turns back and reaches out to him but then quickly turns back and leaves. The door barely closes when the Angel walks in. She walks behind the stools that are stacked upon the tables. The Kid notices something over her shoulder. When she climbs up to the balcony, he sees what it is. A rope with a noose! She is dropping the noose over the support beam and directly in front of his face. They look for a second at one another and the Kid knows that he has to obey. He places the noose around his neck. The Angel whips out a magic marker and makes for dashes on the wall. She points to the Kid who takes his 1st guess. The Kid "A" The Angel shakes her head no and yanks on the rope to make the noose tighter. The Kid coughs, and guesses again. The Kid "B" Another wrong guess and the Angel kicks a chair over to him. He reluctantly stands on it. She taps the wall fiercely signalling the Kid to try again. The Kid "C" Nope. This time the Angel goes over to the Kid and shakes her head no. The Kid is angry. He doesn't like this game. The Kid (shouting) "D" With that final wrong guess the Angel kicks the chair from under the Kid and his feet dangel and he begins to choke. Violently he grabs for the noose to free himself. The Angel gives him the chair so that he can loosen the noose and get free. She pulls the rope from the foundation and using it as a leash takes the Kid over to the four empty spaces and fills them in. She writes: M -- I -- N -- E Returning her marker to her back pocket she leads the Kid, by the rope, out the back to the white wall. He can't believe his eyes. All the lyrics have washed away. She dips the brush and hands it to him. She points to the wall for him to begin again. He obeys. We dissolve to nightfall. Many stars fill the sky. The Kid looks tired. The lyrics on the wall are jumbled with many things crossed out or painted over. The Angel Psst. The Kid turns to her. She motions for him to come to her. He does so. She motions him closer. He puckers for a kiss but she hugs him instead. From the onset, the Kid knows this is no ordinary hug. A gust of wind revs up and blows all the trash all around the back alley. Her hair waves in the wind and she embraces him tighter. She hugs him with her whole body and he loves it. Street lights flicker painting patterns on their bodies. He reaches down to undo his pants but she puts his hand back around her waist. Electric this is and only of the soul. We dissolve and the Kid is lying on the ground alone. That night Morris is sitting at his private table pitching a bitch. He is upset about everything. Jerome approaches and to be honest, he's the last person Morris wants to see. Morris (on the phone) I don't care if you are the Mayor. I told you, I'll get you your money when I got it to give you. You just make sure you keep the police off my block. Morris hangs up. Jerome George grabbed 19 five last night, mo. We made a killing! Morris Why don't you give me a break on that noise. I know what he made. Jerome I'm just trying to bring you good news, cousin. Morris Yeah, well I didn't rattle your cage, alright? Now where's Jimmy and Terry? Jerome They'll be here any minute, mo. Relax. Morris They're late, dock 'em! $100 each and don't tell me to relax motherfucker. Ya'll think that running Seven Corners is easy? I got city officials on my ass night and day. Jerome Yeah, well you can add me to that list if you don't stop cursing me. I'm trying to help you. Morris (rising from his desk) Oh, you bad now, huh. You wanna try me? They both reach in their pockets. Morris Then let's go. At the same time they both start counting bills out on the table. Much to their surprise, they have exactly the same amount of cash. Morris grins as he remembers his "Secret Emergency Stash." Hidden within the heel of his stacey Adams shoe, is an extra three hundred dollars. He slaps it on the table and thus is the winner. All the money now belongs to him. Jimmy and Terry walk in. Morris' attention is centered elsewhere. Morris (sarcastically) Uh, what time is it? Jimmy Oh yeah, man, sorry. We stopped at Rudolph's and got some barbecue. Morris Why you big, three-neck, cole-slaw slopin' -- put that shit down and go get on that stage. Now! Terry Come on Morris, chill. It's alright. Morris Grace, shut up. Jerome, go get my Stella at the Mall and make sure she looks nice, we're playin' everything we know tonight. Just then the door swings open and the Kid is standing all alone screaming at the top of his lungs. Nothing in particular just anything as long as it's loud. Morris' eyes bulge at this intrusion. All the band members are in shock. When the screaming stops Morris speaks. Morris What is your main problem? The Kid I wanna battle tonight. Morris laughs. All the rest join right in. When the laughing stops, Morris rises and walks slowly around the room. Morris Honey, don't you know who I am? Monte, nervously approaches the Kid. Monte Lemme show him, Morris, lemme. His words are cut off by a backhand slap from the Kid. Before the Kid can get another one in, jellybeam, all 6 foot 3 inches worth of him, comes thru the door and bear hugs him. Monte pulls the Kid's hair and they take him to Morris. Morris You can't battle me, son! You're still wet behind the ears! Morris nods to Terry, who is walking by, drinking a soda. Terry throws the remainder in the Kid's face and keeps walking. Morris You still got the price tag on ya! Don't you know who I am? I wrote the book! With Jellybean and Monte holding the Kid steady and the rest of the band chiming in like deacons, Morris commences into a sermon. Morris I cook young brothers like you! And then spit out the seeds! I don't need you. I'm the one that you need! I took you in when you were down and out. I gave you a club, now you think you got clout. You can't battle me, baby. I'll kick your little ass. I'll have you runnin' home to Momma good and plenty fast. Oh, by the way, when's she gettin' out of the nut house? The Kid tries to break free but to no avail. Morris I hope soon, you know I miss those back rubs. The Kid stops struggling. Instead we see him stare directly into Morris' eyes. Morris stares back. Silence is thick. Morris Get him outa here. Morris turns away then reconsiders. Morris No, wait. Come back here at eleven and if you and your crew can whoop mine, the club is yours -- lock, keys and all. But if not, I take it and you work for me, understood? The Kid breaks free and backs out of the club with a strange look in his eyes. He's beyond mad. Beyond hate. And in a way Morris knows it. Morris Alright, everybody on stage, we got some sauce to boil! The Kid walks down the street. Hate is in his eyes. He sees only revenge. The Angel is walking right behind him. She circles him once and then again, trying to get his attention. No response. She circles again, this time it is no longer the Angel. It's Aura. Aura Hi. I've been looking for you. I've heard what you do at the Glam Slam is really trippy. I wanna see it tonight. The Kid There's somewhere else to go. Aura looks confused. The Kid There's somewhere else to go. He walks away. Aura (screaming after him) Punk! Why don't you talk? What are you so afraid of? We're probably very much alike. Why can't you just let me in? The Kid turns back and makes a strange sign with his hands that has no significance to Aura whats-so-ever. Aura What the fuck does that mean? The Kid turns and runs. That night Morris' joint is rockin'. The Time is on stage playin' "Cool 1990." The whole crowd spells the word out their hands. Too funky. Aura is busy at the private table downing white wine. Morris signals Jerome and he fills the glass again. Aura, pretending to be drunk, has actually been pouring the wine behind the booth on the floor. The song ends and the place goes crazy. This is Mico's cue. He cracks the front door just enough to let the sound in. The Kid's voice counts a pattern 1, 2, 1234! The band goes into the fastest trash rock any band's ever played. "Tick-Tick Bang" is the song and Morris is leaving the stage to check it out. Everyone follows Morris to the front door. They are all shocked. The Kid and his whole band are lying face-down in the street playing harder than they've ever played before. Morris is aghast to find out that the words are about ejaculation. Yes. All over Aura. She is intrigued by the Kid's bravado. Morris is not. All the while Jimmy is sampling the song's beat. The Kid ends the song, but Jimmy revs it up again with the Time backing him. It's louder and funkier. Robin comes in with a rap and points it to Aura. Robin (big-time jealous) When you're the other woman you break a cardinal sin wondering how it coulda and how it shoulda been Aura just ignores her. While Aura's eyes become locked with the Kid's, Morris is a bit confused. He's starting to get angry. The Kid's band is shocked by Morris' band's ability to play their music better than them, just by sampling. They walk out on the Kid and he is alone. He shrugs his shoulder to Aura who shakes her head in disgust. Morris has had enough. Morris That's it! School's in! We gonna do one for everybody -- "Shake!" The Time kick it on the one. The song is a mixture of rock and hard funk and the audience loves it. The crowd parties so hearty, the door seems to shut by itself on the Kid. The Kid has lost, and his face shows it. We cut back inside the club. Morris declares on the mike: Morris Whoever battles me, better bring an army! The Time You got to bring an army sho nuff! The song ends and the lights fade. At the controls of the spotlight is none other than the Angel. Her head goes down. She doesn't want to help Morris but the Kid is losing his center. She has no choice. Outside the club the kis is alone in the street. All his band members are gone. Party sounds pour from the club. He has reached his bottom. Across the corner, the door to Melody Cool's place opens and the young child peers out once again. His friendly face does little to lift the Kid'd spirit. The child beckons for him to come into Melody Cool's place. The Kid rises but instead, dragging his guitar, turns and walks lonely down the street. The guitar from "The Question Of You" rings thru the night. In a long shot we see the Kid throw his guitar thru a window. All seems lost. He runs to his club. Aura comes out of Morris' club to look for the Kid, but he is gone. The Kid's band members are leaving. And it appears to be for good. Instruments in hand, they have no smiles for the Kid. He goes into the club and takes what may be the final look at his world. He looks to the letters the Angel wrote: M-I-N-E. We cut downstairs to the bedroom as the Kid finishes off another imaginary letter to his father. "Dear Dad, Things didn't turn out quite like I wanted them to. Sometimes I feel like I'm gonna explode. Morris and his gang are gonna take over all of seven corners. I don't wanna see that happen, I'd rather die first. Now I think I know why you did what you did. although I don't think it's right, for the first time I feel. Sympathy." Crashing sounds startle the Kid who races up the ladder to find out what's going on. Jimmy, Terry, Monte and Jellybean have wrecked the club. Torn down all that personalizes the place. Jellybean kicks in the bass drum and replaces a head on it that reads "The Time." Monte takes a paint roller and streaks the wall with color. Red. The Time's favorite. Tears fill the Kid's eyes. He runs out the back exit. We cut to the front door as the Kid races by on his motorbike. The destruction continues. Cut to Morris' living room. Torches light the room roman- style. Jerome is pouring wine. Aura, appearing drunk, is sprawled out half-dressed on the couch. Jerome More wine, darlin'? Aura Sure baby. Why don't you taste it 1st though and check the temperature? Jerome (a bit gone) Don't mind if I do. Jerome takes a sip. Jerome Ah, Perfect. He falls on the couch next to her. We cut to Morris' club. He is alone with Robin who is not too happy. Robin So what's up with you and this half and half bitch. Am I number one or two, tell me now, cuz I don't really need this shit, baby! Morris You better put some treble on that tone, grace or you gonna be pulling some stacey Adams out of your ass! Robin Don't you threaten me! She gets right in Morris' face. The Angel is behind her and undoes her top. Robin thinks it just falls open by itself and goes with it. Morris' nose is directly between Robin's breasts. Robin Who's built the best? Morris (taken aback) Ahem. Robin backs away and clicks on a stage light that bathes her in silhouette. Robin Speak up, baby! I can't hear you! Yet another and another piece of clothing comes off until she's virtually naked save for her mirrored-chrome pumps. A silhouette of pure sex. Morris can't resist. He heads over to the drum set. Behold -- the Angel hands him the sticks. Morris doesn't even notice her. Morris (to Robin) Rap to me, darlin'. Robin (With Morris supplying the beat) I won't be number five and I won't be number four cuz baby, I'm the fiercest on all the dance floors. My only name is power cuz this is what I got. If you try to love another -- huh! I think not. I won't be number three and I won't be number two. Look at this body baby, and don'tcha be no fool. I'll be your number one baby. Or I'll be nothing at all! Morris (Getting hot from the sight) Damn! I can't even keep the beat. He stops playing. Morris reaches for the light switch. Morris We'll be right back after a commercial break. The room goes dark. Sounds of love-making as the Angel leaves the room. We follow her silhouetted feet up the flight of stairs. Back in the living room Jerome and Aura are toasting and Jerome is on a roll. Jerome You know, I honestly think I better suit your needs. Aura How's that baby, go on, drink up. Jerome guzzles the wine, and while his glass is tipped Aura pours her wine behind her head. The Angel kneeling behind the couch catches every drop and refills Jerome's glass everytime it hits the table. Aura and Jerome are oblivious to her presence. Jerome (slurring speech) Well, I'm younger and I'm. How can I put this without sounding nasty. Hmmmm -- better. Yeah, Better! He laughs. She does too. A phony laugh. It's obvious she is not drunk. This has all been a game. She just wants to leave and find the Kid. Jerome gives one more hearthy laugh then passes out into a deep sleep. Aura heads out the door. The Angel opens it for her. She sneaks down the stairs past Morris and Robin deep in the throes. Soft music skips on the turntable. "Donald Trump -- Black Version" is the song. Aura heads out into the street. The Angel is waiting for her. Aura stares at her. The Angel smiles and looks towards Melody Cool's club. The small boy is standing in the doorway. The Angel extends her hand to Aura who cautiously takes it. They go inside the club. We see the motorcycle pull behind the Glam Slam. Debris lies everywhere. The Kid's lyrics have been painted over. He looks in horror at the empty red wall. He turns and looks down the street. George, the owner of Clinton's house, is being forced at gunpoint out of the building. Terry and Jellybean have George's Guard handcuffed and Jimmy Jam is holding out a pen for George to sign the lease over to Morris. The Kid and George make eye contact. The Kid looks in pity as George signs the lease. A scream comes from inside the club -- Melody Cool. Aura runs out, terribly excited, she sees the Kid and runs for him. Aura Kid, I was just talking to Melody Cool. There is another place to go! With all the confusion going on, George's Guard has hit Terry with the cuffs. Terry crashes into Jellybean. Chaos breaks out. The Guard runs for his Jeep. Jimmy drops the lease and George picks it up. The Guard, gunning the Jeep, swerves out into the street at top speed. Jimmy pulls out a small pistol and fires twice into the air. The Guard loses control of the Jeep, fearing for his life. The Kid screams to Aura who is directly in the path of the Jeep. It's too late. The Jeep hits her and she falls to the ground. The Kid covers his face. Morris and Robin come running out, half-dressed, to her aid. Morris (to Robin) Get an ambulance, quick! People scatter. George smiles and rips up the lease. The Jeep meanwhile has crashed into the Glam Slam and bursts into flames. The ambulance whips by. Robin and the attendants 1st put Aura in the vehicle when other attendants pull the Guard from the Jeep. He's not shot, but severely shaken. The attendants rush him to the ambulance, then roar off. Morris heads directly to the Kid who seems in shock by all of this. Morris slams him into the red wall screaming. Morris This is your fault. That was my woman and you been creepin' behind my back! The Kid (angry) No! That's not true. Morris Motherfucker, don't lie to me! Just then a burst of thunder and lightning and the sound of a voice. It's Melody Cool's voice. Melody Stop! At first people don't respond. Melody raises her volume. Melody I said, stop! All chaos ceases. The feeling of respect comes over the Kid when Melody Cool shows her face, which is very rare. Female On-looker Be cool, ya'll. Melody's here. Melody Has everybody lost their minds? How do we get anywhere killin' one another? We need to be somewhere makin love. You! She points to the Kid. Melody Who are you? The Kid doesn't answer. Melody Walkin' 'round talkin' 'bout savin' souls, when you got enough trouble tryin' to save your own! And you -- She points to Morris. Melody Who are you, walkin' 'round tellin' everybody what to do? I been layin' low, respectin' Billy's dyin' wishes but when you start bogartin' me and George, you messin' with the food on our dishes. Male On-looker Read him, girl. Read him! Morris is unmoved. Morris Jimmy and Terry, what time is it? Jimmy and Terry It's chillin' time. Morris It's chillin' time. Melody get back in your club. There is a moment of tension in the street. Morris is walking on thin ice messin' with Melody or George. They are the elders. Everyone is uneasy. The Kid (looking to Melody) Who are you? Melody smiles and with one nod the child in the doorway runs back inside the club. Melody swings her arm and screams. A sound so loud comes from inside her club, everyone jumps back in amazement. With another wave of her arms, Melody Cool launches full volume into a song telling who she is: Melody They call me Melody Cool. I make and break all the rules. If you dog me, I'll leave you cuz I'm nobody's fool -- I'm Melody Cool. Morris playes unimpressed, the Kid is into it. Melody When I was born there were tidal waves, whole town went under, nobody was saved. At every funeral it rained everytime I sang Melody Cool. Male On-looker Can't nobody mess with Melody. Go on, girl. Morris is getting riled. Morris Fellas, get the shit! Let's show 'em who's runnin' Seven Corners! They head off down the street. The Kid's band has been setting up gear on the roof of the building across the glam slam. They wave to the Kid as Melody continues. Melody Everybody's talkin' 'bout savin' souls, when they got enough trouble tryin' to save their own. The Angel taps the Kid on the shoulder and he turns to the red wall which now has new lyrics written all over them. They are the completed lyrics to a song entitled, well, the Angel lets the Kid do the honors. He takes the brush from her and climbs the ladder and writes the title "The Grand Progression." Melody's music very smoothly comes to a pause. With the addition of the title, the wall itself seems to glow. There comes a beautiful peace amongst the people of Seven Corners. That peace is shattered with the downbeat of the Time coming down the street with the drums, amps and keyboards being pulled by a flatbed. Morris leads the pack screaming. Morris What time is it! Some of the people cheer but there is a definite sense of change going on here. The same people who used to back Morris now oppose him. Morris spits the lyrics. Morris I know I said I love you, I know I said I needed you. I know I said that I'd be here always but what I didn't tell is that this year the latest fashion is to lie in the heat of passion. The Kid's band hits a slow, mellow downbeat and the Kid comes in singing. The Kid Can it be in this seemingly short space of time we've lived a year or to inside our mind and I just want to whisper in your ear that it's ok. Morris chimes back in. Morris This year the latest fashion is to lie in the heat of passion. Melody Cool Ain't that the pot calling the kettle ruthless. And when you to kill one another, behold the real truth! She points to the child standing in the doorway. Tevin sings with a voice that's unbelievable. His words ring of truth. Tevin Every woman and every man, one day they just got to understand that if we live in the same key everything could be Melody Cool. Melody screams and it begins to thunder. The Kid continues. The Kid If there really is a God up above, to him I owe my life, for I now know love. And ah -- if I died yesterday it's ok. Morris is unmoved. Morris (singing) People tell me what I want to hear. This time the tables have turned, this time I'm the one that's building fires instead of getting burned. Morris' words are having no effect on the crowd. Even his band, including Jerome, have the look of doubt on their faces. The Angel and the Kid eyes meet as he sings the chorus. The Kid Darlin' it seems I have found the grand progression whenever I'm in your arms. From July until June every sun and every moon will melt in the sight of your charms. The Kid revs up the bridge of the song. The Kid Everbody's lookin' for Graffiti Bridge. A bridge of many colors, a bridge that leads into the key to your soul. Everybody's lookin' for graffiti bridge, everybody's lookin' for love. Melody, the Kid, George & Tevin. Everybody's lookin' for love. Melody The love of a boy. George The love of a girl. The Kid & Tevin the love that comes from a warm heart in a cold, cold world. All Everybody's lookin' for Graffiti Bridge. Everybody's lookin' for love. With every chorus growing louder, more and more people join in. Morris screams in defiance. Morris Your music will never change anybody! His words are drowned out by the sound of the music he so wrongly criticizes. He grimaces as his band, one by one, leave his side. Jerome is the last to leave. Before he can make his decision, Morris sees the Angel and becomes transfixed. We cut to Robin arriving in the ambulance. She runs to Morris and takes his hand. Robin Aura's gonna be alright. Morris hears the words but his eyes are on the Angel. In the distance a bridge lights up and the Angel heads to it. She turns back to blow Morris a kiss. He doesn't know who she is, but a strange sensation compels him to climb down from the flatbed and face the Kid. Weak to the idea at first, they both finally give up and shake hands. This makes the Angel smile and the Kid runs towards her. The rest of the people of Seven Corners applaud Morris and the Kid's truce. Life in this city will be different now. One group of kids carry a large trash can and urge people to throw away their firearms. Many do. There is a new feeling of democracy and love. The song "The New Power Generation" kicks back in and the Kid reaches the bridge just as the Angel begins to fade into light. She laughs and blows him a kiss too. It leaves a lipstick mark on the Kid's cheek. The Guardsman appears and asks the angel: Guardsman Is everything alright? Angel Yeah! She disappears into the light. The Guardsman approaches the Kid. Guardsman Don't tell me. You wanna go back, right? The Kid flashes on his fate. He sees Aura reaching out smiling. Morris comes into her arms, a happy child close behind. Pictures of all people of Seven Corners singing and dancing, a picture of a guitar laying in an open field and one last picture of Tevin. To the Kid, this means that there is a future. A future worth fighting for. The Kid runs back towards Seven Corners. The Guardsman (smiling) Way to go, Kid! The End. [ movie scripts | discography | links | random link ]