a dove among pigeons - final rev

8/2/2019 A Dove Among Pigeons - Final Rev

1/21

A Dove among Pigeons

A Screenplay

by Chris Mackey

and Chad R Homan

Based on a Story

by Chris Mackey

Final Draft Rev1 Chris Mackey

Copyright 3-11 by Chris Mackey Porterville,CA

Registered, WGAw 559-361-3002


2/21

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.


3/21

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.


4/21

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 non-

descript 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


5/21

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


6/21

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


7/21

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)


8/21

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 placehere 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-ladies-

who

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


9/21

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 graciouslyaccepts 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


10/21

(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


11/21

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 dontyou 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


12/21

(sarcastically)

Well Mrs. Sandra Raven

(matter of fact)

Those birds are soo nasty

(with emphasis)

Theyre useless

(slowly buildingto anger)

Birds squawk.

Birds are noisy. (continued)

WALTER NOW STANDS, pointing to the ground.

WALTER (continuing)

Birds Poop Everywhere!

Birds are Dirty!

Birds Have Disease!!

BIRDS 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


13/21

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 ofrecitation, 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


14/21

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


15/21

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)


16/21

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)


17/21

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


18/21

(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


19/21

You should have taken the pigeons

(MORE)

16

(CONT)

SANDRA (cont)

lead my dear boy See, once theflock 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


20/21

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


21/21

END CREDITS ROLL

FADE OUT.

a dove among pigeons - final rev

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