A Dove among Pigeons A Screenplay by Chris Mackey and Chad R Homan Based on a Story by Chris Mackey

Final Draft Rev1 Copyright 3-11 by Chris Mackey Registered, WGAw

Chris Mackey Porterville,CA 559-361-3002

A DOVE AMONG PIGEONS BLACK SCREEN: THE MELODIC STRUMMING OF AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR IN A SNAPPY BLUES RHYTHYM SLIDES THROUGH THE FLAPPING WINGS OF SEVERAL BIRDS BLEND IN FADE IN: EXT. SKY AFTERNOON The big blue horizon is scattered with a few faraway clouds. A FLOCK OF PIGEONGS FLY IN FROM THE DISTANCE COMING CLOSER, CLOSER, CLOSER AND THEN OUT OF VIEW. DISSOLVE INTO: EXT. PARK SETTING - AFTERNOON An AGELESS WOMAN, who appears to be homeless, sits on a park bench SOWING BIRD FEED FROM A SMALL SACK. She is SANDRA, the BIRD LADY. Shes comfortable in her colorful, multi-layered outfit which seems to be the latest from a second-hand store. The outfit is completed with a knitted cap and winter gloves. As THE MUSIC SUBSIDES, A YOUNG MAN AND WOMAN, JACK and CRYSTAL, are playing around, looking at the woman from a distance JACK Hey Crystal, bet you didnt know that pigeons dont hop like most birds, but, walk or run with their heads bobbing back and forth. Jack acts pigeon-like, demonstrating for Crystal CRYSTAL Well, what I studied was, that most birds take a sip of water and throw back their heads to let the water trickle down their throats. (Demonstrates) Pigeons suck up their water using their beaks like straws.

THE OPENING MUSIC PICKS UP AGAIN. THE SOUND OF FLAPPING BIRD WINGS RETURN as Crystal and Jack FLAP THEIR ARMS LIKE WINGS, act generally like birds and fly off 2 DISSOLVE INTO: EXT. SKY AFTERNOON OPENING MUSIC CONTINUES THE FLOCK OF PIGEONS FLY BACK AND FORTH THROUGH THE BIG BLUE VISTA Super In/Out: OPENING CREDITS AND TITLE ROLL FADE TO BLACK: Super In/Out: The First Day FADE INTO: PARK SETTING CONTINUOUS A middle-aged business man, WALTER, SWINGING A SACKED LUNCH, APPROACHES THE BENCH where Sandra is sitting. Hes in a smart grayish business suit and tie, shaking his head. As he approaches Sandra, He SNIFFS loud and dramatically. Acting disgusted with the woman, he passes by. Sandra notices that his feigned disgust was aimed at her. Two PARK RANGERS, STEVE PEREGRIN and ERIC FALCONE appear and stand distantly. Eric motions to Sandra while nudging Steve. STEVE You know were supposed to make her stop feeding them birds and move on ERIC Ol buddy, you know City Halls tryin to pass a law against her. Lesee, hows that go again? IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO CAMP, MAINTAIN PETS, AND STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS ON ANY PUBLIC STREET, PARK OR PROPERTY.

STEVE Now thats a mouthful Worse than Miranda Id say. (Pause) But heck, whatever it takes to (Continued) (MORE) 3 (CONT) STEVE (Continuing) keep them damn birds from pooping all over the place and (beat) You know, some even croak they eat so much. ERIC (Sarcastic) Is that what that smell is? STEVE Or is it just the old lady lacking soap? Or a sink It would be comforting if suds were coming out of the bird bath so ERIC Hey, be nice Peregrine Sometimes I think youre certifiable. Another couple, CECE, a woman seemingly in despair, and JIM, her life coach, come along and sit down as the Rangers move on. The couple is each wearing outfits with logos from a nondescript organization. They start stretching for exercise. CeCe seems troubled in some way. Jim peers over at CeCe as she goes through her routine CECE So what do we discuss today Coach Jim? Instead of watching movies like we used to at the club (beat) On TV last night Doctor Seacrest says TO LOSE THE POUNDS LOSE THE FROWNS!... I know it does not rhyme but it is a great start to our run today JIM

Well I dont know if it will Turn your frown upside down, CeCe but we could discuss women as homeless like that old woman over there on the bench. They glance over at Sandra. 4 CECE Allright That topic would help me to focus and get my mind off the munchies. CeCe looks back over at Sandra. CECE You know she does remind me of the Lady Mary Poppins who feeds the birds odd huh? JIM See, I was thinkin (continued) Sandra is sitting comfortably on the bench leaning back with an arm over the top. With her legs slightly apart, shes scratching her stomach. JIM (continuing) theres Lindsay Lohan in a few years (Pause) JIM STARTS TO SNIFF THE AIR ABOUT THEM, taking his attention off of CeCe. CECE (Long pause Staring at Jim) Can you just focus for my sake!? Comments like yours make me want to grab a snack and never be skinny like her! JIM

Sorry But seriously now do you smell her, that? CECE Its all probably all the rotten junk food preservatives keep that stuff fermentingewww! FADE TO BLACK: 5 Super In/Out: The Next Day FADE INTO: EXT. PARK SETTING - AFTERNOON NEXT DAY Sandra, in the same outfit, but with different gloves, is again on the bench and again, WALTER IS APPROACHING HER FROM A DISTANCE, CARRYING HIS LUNCH SACK, GESTICULATING, MUMBLING He hesitates and stops when he notices the two Rangers have also returned. They all eye Sandra from a distance as before STEVE Lets just run her ID If she has any see if we can add to her list of misdemeanors. ERIC Reeaalllyy Falcone?... Then we can see ourselves featured by big actors on a new TV series (spreading palms) FRESNO PARK, CSI! (continued) (Pause) ERIC (continuing) our harassment would be sooo believable The Rangers go back to patrolling, surveying Sarah as they leave. Like a wary coward, Walter watches them walk off He then starts to move and pose himself straightening his shoulders, puffing up his chest and summoning up courage as if preparing to go on stage and make a speech. HE BOLDLY WALKS OVER TO SARAH, leans down to her as she humbly looks up at him

WALTER (quietly, yet forceful) Okay Birdshit for brains, (slower, quieter, a whisper) Slide it or lose it (continued) Sandra doesnt flinch and Walter, still upset, pulls back, still hovering over Sarah. Still deliberate, he tries a different approach 6 WALTER (continuing) You cant even afford to feed these birds! Sandra stares back wide-eyed at Walter SANDRA (unabashed) For such a new friend I like your smarts I was thinking the other day Money is getting tighter and tighter and how can I fund my little groups meals? Then it hit me On one of my little scavenger hunts WALTER (mumbling under breath) You mean dumpster dives Sandra reaches back somewhere in her multi-layered outfit of soiled clothing SANDRA in the trash, a cup or penny pot as we used to say She pulls out a well-worn and equally soiled styrofoam cup with the words Cup-a-Noodles. She SHAKES THE CUP towards Walter as COINS JINGLE INSIDE. Walter jolts back, flaying his arms as if Limburger Cheese were being put to his nose. He loses his balance and falls HIS LUNCH SCATTERS WALTER Geeze Lady! That smells nauseating (continued)

Sandra looks at the cup, looks at Walter, looks out and shrugs her shoulders Walter rises, sitting with his forearms resting on open knees WALTER (continuing) Look lady, this is the only place here I can eat my lunch in peace! (continued) 7 WALTER BEGINS PICKING UP HIS FOOD ITEMS, HURRIEDLY CRAWLING AROUND LIKE AN INFANT WALTER (continuing) And since youve arrived... (continued) SHE RISES AND TURNS, LEAVING... Walters too busy to notice. Shaking his head, HE PICKS UP HIS ITEMS IN CADENCE WITH HIS WORDS WALTER (continuing) I-dont-have-time-for-old-ladieswho Walter gets up on his knees finally noticing SANDRA WALKING OFF, he makes a smile. THEN, SANDRA TURNS BACK AROUND to Walter, still on the ground. SANDRA Entertain my babies for a moment Momma needs seed. WALTER I only have a half an hour! As SANDRA WALKS OFF, WALTER PULLS HIMSELF UP ONTO THE BENCH MUSICAL MONTAGE - CONTINUOUS Sandra solicits money. Walter eats his lunch on the bench. The other couples busy themselves The Rangers Patrol Joggers pass by Jack and Crystal dance Sandra gets popcorn Jim and CeCe run. Children ride by on bikes. People generally busy themselves in the park

PARK SETTING LATER SAME DAY - CONTINUOUS On the bench, scattered remains of a sacked lunch encircle Walter. He looks over to see Sandra approaching. He quickly stuffs a last morsel into his mouth, PICKS UPS HIS WRAPPERS AND RUSHES OFF Sandra returns to the bench with her cup as Jack and Crystal are walking by. SHE RATTLES HER CUP AT THEM SANDRA Pennies for pigeons? 8 JIM PUTS SOME CHANGE INTO SANDRAS CUP. Sandra graciously accepts with a slight nod and cautiously looks around while STUFFING THE CUP BACK INTO HER CLOTHING. SANDRA Thank you, now if you dont mind (continued) Sandra gently puts her palms to their backs and ushers them off SANDRA (continuing) Its feeding time. As the TWO WALK AWAY JACK Hey, check her out At least the Salvation Army rings a bell when you drop change. CRYSTAL Oh dont pick on the old lady Jack. (continued) The Couple stop, turn their shoulders and take a wondering look back at the woman CRYSTAL (continuing) (sweetly) I think shes a dove among pigeons

(Pause) As THEY RESUME WALKING AWAY JACK And what are we? CRYSTAL Well, youre definitely a hawk With what you brought into the nest last night?... all that silly string? The FLAPING WINGS SOUND OF SEVERAL BIRDS FILL THE AIR FADE TO BLACK: 9 Super In/Out: The Final Day FADE INTO: EXT. PARK SETTING - AFTERNOON NEXT DAY The FLAPING WINGS SOUND CONTINUE FOR A WHILE AND THEN ABATE while Sandras on the bench, looking up down and around, a bag of popcorn in hand, making COOING SOUNDS. Yet there are no birds in sight SHE THROWS THE KERNELS AROUND in front of her. SANDRA There there my pretties eat up, eat up There my Sweeties A PAPER SACK CRACKLES AS IT SWINGS across the view. With lunch sack in hand, WALTER QUICKLY WALKS in a decisive gait. He scans the ground in front of him, shaking his head back and forth and making general mannerisms of disgust. Sandra notices Walter approaching yet continues SPREADING THE FEED. WALTER WALKS RIGHT UP TO THE BENCH ignoring Sandra and plops himself down forcefully. HE IMMEDIATELY JUMPS BACK UP, turns around and pulls a popcorn kernel out from the crack in the back of his pants Sandra and Walter warily make eye contact. With frustration he forces his hand into the lunch sack and pulls out a napkin. He hurriedly busies himself wiping down the bench where he was

sitting. While turning his head to Sandra, Walter starts making SNIFFING SOUNDS again and wrinkling his nose. WALTER Can you finish feeding those birds and move off my bench? My times short While youre at it, why dont you go use the bird bath over there to get some of that stench off of you? SANDRA (unphased and politely) Whats your name young man? (beat) People rushing into judgment without any introduction Theres a moment of silence before Walter replies 10 WALTER (slightly perturbed) Lets just say its Walter (feigning politeness) And yours? WALTER SITS BACK DOWN. SANDRA Everybody calls me bird brain even my friends, but then they nicknamed me BeBe. Except (continued) She looks up at him coyishly SANDRA (continuing) My real name is Sandra. (properly nodding her head) Sandra Raven. Sandra gives a pleasant smile Walter returns to his negative tirade WALTER

(sarcastically) Well Mrs. Sandra Raven (matter of fact) Those birds are soo nasty (with emphasis) Theyre useless (slowly building to anger) Birds squawk. Birds are noisy. (continued) WALTER NOW STANDS, pointing to the ground. Birds Birds Birds BIRDS WALTER (continuing) Poop Everywhere! are Dirty! Have Disease!! CAN KILL YOU!!!

Sandra corrects Walter like a 3rd Grade School Teacher.

11 SANDRA PIGEONS Walter, pigeons... (shaking head back and forth) They are not just birds. WALTER SITS BACK DOWN, REACHES INTO HIS SACK, PULLS OUT AN ITEM AND BEGINS TO EAT. He starts to settle down. A few times he curiously looks over at Sandra while continuing to stuff food down his mouth. WALTER (seemingly pleasant) Have you seen that Mary Poppins video, that song?... You remind me of that old lady in the square who sings that song. Walter looks up as if recollecting and trying to draw the words out of his head

WALTER Lesee Hows it go? (Pause) Tupp Tuppa Tupperware (now nasty) ..for BIIRRDS! (continued) Walter is now actually taunting her, in a sing-song fashion of recitation, teasing WALTER (continuing) TUPPERWARE FOR BIRDS TUPPERWARE FOR BIRDS Sandra continues her feeding, all the while ignoring Walter and his mimicry. As she finishes spreading the handful of feed, she turns to address Walter as if an old fashioned disciplinarian school teacher. SANDRA (contained) Oh Mr. Biig Executive (Sarcastically quizzical) In such a rush through life? 12 Walter eventually becomes enraged again WALTER Would you just move on? So I can finish my inadequate lunch, go Back To My Inadequate Job My Nine TO FIVE GRIND ALLREADY!!! (Pause) SANDRA LOOK! In a paranoid manner, Walter quickly swivels his head in all directions Sandra points to his feet. SANDRA Youre pigeon-toed! SANDRA CHUCKLES, Walter becomes indignant at the perceived snipe and furiously eyes the sack in Sandras hand. HE RASHLY

STANDS UP. IN ONE BRUTAL SWEEPING MOTION, WALTER SWIPES THE BAG FROM SANDRAS HAND, QUICKLY TURNS IT UPSIDE DOWN, POURING THE FEW REMAINING KERNELS AND PIECES -- covered with a little greenish powder -- DOWN HIS GULLET SLOPPILY, SOME TRICKLE OUT OF HIS MOUTH AND SACK FALLING DOWN HIS SHIRT As WALTER GOBBLES DOWN THE FEED, WIPING HIS MOUTH WITH HIS SHIRT SLEEVE, Sandra watches him curiously SANDRA Oh dear Like that day old popcorn do you Walter? (continued) WALTER THROWS DOWN THE SACK DECISIVELY. HE THEN CHOKES A LITTLE, SPITTING UP SOME PARSELS He wipes his mouth with his hand again where a few pieces and a smudge of the powder remain SANDRA (continuing) (in a teaching tone) Do you know my dear Walter, that the avian oral-factory system is different than that of mans? (pause) Doesnt that popcorn taste bitter to you? (continued) 13 WALTER SHRUGS, SWIRLS HIS TONGUE AROUND HIS MOUTH, giving Sandra a puzzled look. SANDRA (continuing) For one thing, there are very few taste buds in the oral cavity of pigeons -- only 37 while you and I have over 9,000! (continued) WALTER COUGHS A LITTLE. Still staring at Sandra SANDRA (continuing) My my my This allows them to consume many things which you and I would find unpalatable

Walter rolls his eyes, shakes his head back and forth, incredulous at her ongoing soliloquy. He opens his mouth to respond, yet finds he can only speak in a raspy tone WALTER What are you talkin, go go goin WALTER COUGHS SOME MORE, as if trying to get rid of a clog in his throat Now a little troubled, Walter puts a hand up to his throat, COUGHING, while Sandra continues unabated SANDRA Rotten produce dead insects, animal shit (Pause thinking) but not road kill for some reason (Pause) Now more troubled, Walters legs start to tremble. WALTER What tha.. Whas ha LaLaLady!? SANDRA Not just rotten foods though Some whose tastes are just too rich and strong for us. Like chili peppers not everyone can eat those, but pigeons can without a thought. (continued) 14 Walters movements become odd while he tries to split his attention between Sandra and what is unnaturally occurring within his body. Sandra is unaware, continuing with her lesson. SANDRA (continuing) Jalapenos, Seranos, the Tabasco Pepper, even the Red Habenero Thats why a lot of them die from consuming natural poisons they cant taste the bitterness (continued) Walters eyes widen with a daunting thought. He grows weaker. SANDRA (continuing)

Oh, which brings me back to what I meant to say Yes I have been feeding the pigeons Walter. Ive been feeding them to put them to sleep Ive been putting them to sleep to take them out of their misery Hardly able to walk or talk well, WALTER APPROACHES SANDRA. WALTER I, I, Ive You, You SANDRA (with concern) Is your throat starting to swell Walter? Nothing comes out of Walters mouth. He is starting to tremble. To stable himself, he grabs hold of the back of the bench next to Sandra. SANDRA Thats one of the first effects of the extra ingredient I put into the feed ground Oleander leaves. (Pause) (Matter of fact) Oh I know some call it poison, but I like to think of it as medication. (continued) Walters eyes really widen now. He grabs his throat with both hands, yet is barely able to steady himself. 15 SANDRA (continuing) Medicine to put the pour dears out of their daily misery just like you Walter. (continued) Walter begins to shake and slumps down next to Sandra SANDRA (Continuing)

A daily grind in an inadequate space, inadequate food I would have warned you (continued) SANDRA SLAPS WALTER ON THE KNEE. SANDRA (continuing) But youre in such a rush to nowhere Hadnt you noticed that the pigeon population has reduced quite substantially since Ive arrived? With great difficulty, Walter grabs at Sandras sleeve, trying to raise his head and speak to her WALTER Sandra HeHeHeellp.. Mmm SANDRA Maybe in the next place youll learn to slow down a bit and not eat so fast. (continued) She slaps him on the knee again Seen from a distance, Sandra looks over at Walter AS GURGLING SOUNDS ARE HEARD SANDRA (continuing) Oh, Thats a good sign Walters face is distorted with a copious amount of FOAM POURING FROM HIS MOUTH SANDRA (continuing) It means the medicine is quickly working His shaking has increased SANDRA PUTS HER ARM AROUND WALTER, as if consoling a loved one SANDRA (consoling) And those convulsions shouldnt last long either. (pause) Shortly theyll (MORE) 16

(CONT) turn into paralysis A complete and total systemic shut down Soon you wont have to breathe any more of this fowl air (pause) SANDRA STARTS TO CHUCKLE SANDRA Oh what a funny pun! Walters eyes now start to recede into the top of their sockets. His mouth begins to open on its own But nothing can come out now except INFANTILE COOS He appears to be losing control of all of his muscles Sandra gently strokes his hair SANDRA See, By helping the pigeons, Im making room for others In my parks, on my benches (continued) SANDRA REACHES DOWN TO PICK UP THE NEAR-EMPTY SACK SANDRA (continuing) All from a harmless looking bag (continued) She brings her shoulders up, smiles and SHAKES THE BAG.STUFFS IT INTO A POCKET AND PULLS OUT A KERCHEF AND BEGINS TO WIPE OFF THE FOAM/DROOL AROUND WALTERS MOUTH as if he were an infant. SANDRA (continuing) See, I am helping you. Soon youll be out of this ho-hum existence; soon youll be sleeping with the pigeons. Walter, even with his eyes receding can still manage to look up and over at Sandra. His muscles have tightened even more, causing his arms and legs to kink as the shaking begins to subside... WALTERS BREATHING BECOMES STRAINED. SANDRA SIGHS. SHE CONTINUES STROKING WALTERS HAIR. SANDRA

You should have taken the pigeons (MORE) 16 (CONT) SANDRA (cont) lead my dear boy See, once the flock starts dying off the others get the message (beat) Ha Ha! Messenger Pigeons and they fly off to another location. But you didnt get the message Walter. Walter struggles to breathe and tries to fight off the contractions and a few remaining spasms but he is defenseless Yet Sandra continues on, unaffected SANDRA The retirement money my husband left will soon run out I cant keep chasing them from park to park bench to bench But youll have no such worries Dear Walter Youve assured yourself of that (continued) Walters muscles have now fully contracted, bringing his feet off the ground and shrinking him into a fetal state, totally catatonic. SANDRA CONTINUES STROKING WALTERS HAIR. SANDRA (continuing) There, there No worries for the big (Sarcastically) New Accounts Executive. SANDRA PUTS HER ARM AROUND WALTER. SANDRA (continuing) No more misdirection No more idle chit-chat (continued) Sandra looks up to the sky as dusk looms SANDRA (continuing) Eskimos say that stars are the spirits of those who have passed

Shinning down upon us from Heaven, to let us know they are happy (continued) 17 Walters curled into his fetal state with his head on Sandras shoulder SANDRA (continuing) Will you be happy Walter? If, thats where youre going Will you be having an enlightened discourse on High or a heated debate below? (continued) WALTERS LABORED BREATHING CEASES WITH A DEATH RATTLE SANDRA (continuing) Youll be like a new born babe now (continued) SANDRA KISSES DEAD WALTER ON THE FORHEAD SANDRA (continuing) Now well see who smells (continued) SHE BEGINS TO SING TO DEAD WALTER SANDRA (continuing) Rooock aaabye baaaby onna treee taaahhp (continues) Something does not sound quite right with Sandras singing. Its not off key, theres just a disquieting, eerie, haunting refrain to it. WHILE SANDRA CONTINUES THE LULLABY, Dusk Comes. Cradling Walter, she begins to rock him Now changing to a view of Sandra from above, she is seen actually holding, rocking and petting instead -- a dead pigeon THEME MUSIC BLENDS IN As the scene darkens into black, stars come out Super In/Out: FIN

END CREDITS ROLL FADE OUT.