sunday will never be the same - simplyscripts · you've been saying that for the past year....
TRANSCRIPT
SUNDAY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
Written by
Thomas Louis Castiglione
Thomas Louis Castiglione6519 Adobe Trails DriveSugar Land, Texas [email protected]
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - 1968 - EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
MUSIC STARTS - (As Credits Rolling) - "Sunday Will Never Bethe Same" by Spanky and Our Gang.
Sweeping aerial view of San Francisco and then Chinatown'sChang's Lucky Garden Chinese Restaurant.
EXT. CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
TIFFANY LU ANNE CHANG (Asian-American, earlytwenties,conservative,appealing) leaves the Chang restaurantand walks down the street to a CABLE CAR marked for theGOLDEN GATE PARK.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - GOLDEN GATE PARK - CONTINUOUS
As MUSIC fades, Tiffany is sitting on her favorite PARKBENCH writing a LETTER.
Suddenly, a FRISBEE is being pushed into Tiffany's knees bya large-friendly dog (PEACE), that is urging her to play.Surprised, Tiffany jumps up a bit. Her PURSE, NOTEBOOK and aPHOTO, fall to the ground.
TIFFANYShoo! Shoo! Go away....
As Tiffany tries to ward off the friendly dog, TROY CASTELLI(Italian-American,mid-twenties, sixties-hippie style,Berkeley graduate student) is running up to rescue her.
TROY (V.O.)Scratch behind his ear and he'll sit.
Troy scratches behind his dog's ear,the dog sits obedientlyand Troy throws the Frisbee back to his friend and collegeroommate, JOSHUA JONES (African-American, mid-twenties,hippie-Afro hair style). Troy picks up Tiffany's belongingsand notices the photo.
TROYNam?
Tiffany nods in agreement.
TIFFANYYou really need to put that thing ona leash.....
(CONTINUED)
TROYThat's my dog...and take away hisfreedom?
Tiffany sits down to continue writing her letter.
TROY (cont'd)Too bad about your friend in thatsenseless war over there.
TIFFANYSenseless? Maybe to a hippie, buthe's proudly serving his country.
TROYI really don't believe in fightingfor a war I don't agree with.
TIFFANYI guess everyone is entitled to theirown opinions.....
TROYMaybe I'm being a bit selfish,concerned about my future. I'm ingrad school. Don't you have hopes anddreams for your future?
Troy sits next to her on the bench. Tiffany moves her purseand herself a bit away from him in a defensive move.
TROY (cont'd)Sometimes, I think Peace is a hippie.
TIFFANYPeace?
TROYMy dog. That's his name...
Tiffany glances at the PEACE SYMBOL hanging from the dog'sCOLLAR.
TROY (cont'd)And my name's Troy. My dream is to bea professor at some university. Maybeteach the world to sing and live inharmony and peace. So, what's yours?Your dream, your future?
Tiffany looks out across the park a bit hesitant to show herfeelings.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:2.
TIFFANYWould you laugh at me if I told you Ialways wanted to play first violinwith the San Francisco Symphony?
TROYNot at all. You play?
TIFFANYListen, I have to finish my letter.Back to my family's restaurant.
TROYThat's really a "trip".
TIFFANYTrip? No, it's really a short rideon the cable car and..
TROYNo, what I meant was like, "wow". Myfamily owns an Italian restaurant inNorth Beach.
Troy gets up to join his friend, then he walks back.
TROY (cont'd)You didn't tell me your name.
TIFFANYIs there a need to know?
TROYWell, we see each other here almostevery Sunday morning. At least weshould know each other's name.
TIFFANYYou're here every Sunday? Guess Ihaven't noticed. Anyway, it'sTiffany.
JOSHUA (yelling)Come on man. You coming or not?
Troy signals at him to cool out.
JOSHUA (cont'd)Well, hurry. We need to get back toBerkeley....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:3.
TROYMaybe we can talk next Sunday?
Joshua comes up to the park bench to hurry Troy. Tiffanygets up and starts to collect her things to leave.
TIFFANYAnd please put that thing on a leash.
Troy and Joshua watch Tiffany coolly walk off into the park.
TROY (to Joshua)Something else? Huh, man?
JOSHUAShe's something else all right. Shecalled your dog a "thing". Besides,did you get a load of that hugediamond engagement ring on herfinger?
TROYYeah. But, I'll tell you this, I'mgoing to marry her someday!
JOSHUABro? And what have you been smoking?
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS - "A Girl Like You" by The Troggs.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO - CHINATOWN - CHANG'S LUCKY GARDENCHINESE RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany is hurrying into the restaurant as her childhoodfriend and waitress MINDY MING (called mostly MING)(HongKong born, early twenties) is preparing for Sunday opening.Mindy rushes up to Tiffany.
MINDYWhere have you been? You're late...
TIFFANYYou know where. Must we go throughthis every Sunday morning?
MINDYWe're one chef down. The dishwashercalled in sick again, the shipment ofrice wasn't at the back door...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:4.
Tiffany rushes into her back office leaving Mindy stopped inher tracks.
MINDY (cont'd) (yelling at Tiffany)And as usual, your Mom's out for yourhead....
Tiffany's Mother, MRS. CHANG (Mainland China born,attractive, widowed, early fifties, broken English) comes upbehind Mindy and hands her a stack of NAPKINS.
MRS. CHANGFinish the tables before we open.I'll handle my daughter.
INT. TIFFANY'S MANAGER'S KITCHEN OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany is sitting behind her desk reviewing the day's menu.
MRS. CHANGPray everyday to Buddha to have anobedient, good, Chinese daughter. Noanswer to a woman's prayers.
TIFFANYNot now, Mother. We open in five...
MRS. CHANGI pray for the future. Pray for mydaughter to be on time, not to livein the past. My daughter is stillliving in the past.
TIFFANYMother, please? Must we go throughthis every Sunday?
MRS. CHANGHave no future the way you are going.Restaurant has no future, daughter nofuture, lost with no future.
TIFFANYYou sound like a stale fortunecookie, Mother.
Tiffany gets up from her desk with the MENU in her hand asthey both go out to the main dining room where Tiffany opensthe restaurant for the lunch crowd.
CONTINUED:5.
INT. CHANG'S RESTAURANT - MAIN DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mrs. Chang goes behind the counter to whisper to Mindy.
MRS. CHANG"Almost Sister" needs to have anothertalk. Put some sense in my daughter'shead.
MINDYMrs. Chang? With all due respect."Almost Sister" has run out of thingsto say....
MRS. CHANGYou're her best friend and almostsister. It's your responsibility. Now go....have talk....
Mindy drags herself back to Tiffany's office.
INT. TIFFANY'S MANAGER'S KITCHEN OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany is standing at the filing cabinet. Mindy comes intothe office.
TIFFANYHad my fortune cookie read alreadyfor this Sunday. No thanks.
MINDYYou know something? Your Mom is soworried about this place. Since yourDad passed, we're not exactly stayingheads above water.
TIFFANYIt'll get better. Once the touristsstop being scared away by all theChinese gangs.
MINDYYou've been saying that for the pastyear. Wake up to reality. In fact, onall accounts.
TIFFANYIf this is going to be a conversationabout Jimmy again I don't want tohear it.
Mindy walks over to the file cabinet to confront Tiffany.
(CONTINUED)
6.
MINDYIt's over two years now, Tiff. ForGod's sake, you need to face up....
TIFFANYLike I told you and everyone elsecountless times. He's MIA, missing inaction. Like so many of thosesoldiers over in Nam.
MINDYHis parents have accepted it, whycan't you? We were at his funeral forGod's sake!
TIFFANYThat is not Jimmy in that grave. Theyalways mix up bodies coming back fromNam. Besides, he promised me.....
MINDYPromised you what? That he'd risefrom the dead?
TIFFANYYou're supposed to be my best friend.Support me, will you?
MINDYYou know I have, for the last twoyears. Please take that engagementring off. It's like you're engaged toa ghost.
Tiffany slams the file cabinet shut and goes to sit at herdesk. An uncomfortable silence is in the room.
MINDY (cont'd)I want my very best friend back, theone I used to know....
TIFFANYThere are customers out there.Isuggest you get back to work.
Mindy slowly leaves the office, leaving Tiffany fiddlingwith her engagement ring, looking at the FRAMED PICTURE ofher fiance on her desk.
CONTINUED:7.
EXT./INT. SAN FRANCISCO - NORTH BEACH - CASTELLI'S ITALIANRESTAURANT - DAY
MRS. MARIE CASTELLI (Troy's Mother, Italian born,late-fifties, broken English) is sitting with Troy at a large kitchen table at the back of the restaurant.
TROYStop worrying, Ma....
MRS. CASTELLIWho's worrying? We never see youanymore. We don't even recognize you,looking like Geronimo....
TROYMa? Stop already. Don't insult theNative Americans.
MRS. CASTELLIYou know we didn't raise a son to begoing around wearing beads andfeathers. What girl is wanting tohave "amore" with a boy wearing beadsaround his neck and wearing a loincloth to cover his culo?
ANGELINA CASTELLI (Troy's sister, flirty, Italian-American,late-twenties) comes into the kitchen from the dining areaof the restaurant.
ANGELINAMa! Leave him alone. He's fine.
MRS. CASTELLIWhat's "fine"? He looks like"Cochise"! How about Gina Giannatti?
TROYMa!
MRS. CASTELLIThen, Maria Mancini?
TROY (to Angelina)Will you talk to her?
MRS. CASTELLIDon't bring your sister into this. It's enough she's an old maid.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
8.
Twenty-eight years old, she's dancingMRS. CASTELLI (cont'd)
the tarantella with one man afteranother. We need a bus to move hermen in and out of here...
ANGELINA (to Troy)See what you started? Ma! StatteZitte, already!
Mrs. Castelli goes to the refrigerator to check the suppliesfor the day.
MRS. CASTELLIAngelina! I told you provolone notmozzarella to order.
ANGELINAMa? You've been on my back all day!
MRS. CASTELLIEh! Some days we're the pigeons, somethe statue. That's the way thepizelle crumbles!
Mrs. Castelli leaves to go into the dining area of therestaurant. Troy tries to get enough nerve to ask his sistersome sisterly advice.
TROYHeh, Sis? Can I ask you something?
ANGELINASorry, just bought a new dress andshoes. No bread.
TROYNot that. It's about....a girl.
ANGELINAIf it's about my girlfriend Rosa,she's practically engaged. I know youhad your eye on her since puberty!
TROYNo, it's some one I met the other dayin the park.
ANGELINAPicking up girls in the park? Younever asked my opinion before aboutgirls?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:9.
TROYWell, this time it's a bit different.
ANGELINAHow so? Cosa?
TROYThis time she's a bit engaged.
Angelina comes over to the kitchen table.
ANGELINAStop right there. My advice to you isto forget it, move on. Been there,done that. Only asking for trouble.
TROYI can't....
ANGELINAWhat do you mean, you can't?
TROYI just can't...I'm telling you...
ANGELINAOh, the old lightning bolt?
TROYIt's like she has this big diamond onher left hand. But, something abouther "vibes" tells me otherwise.
ANGELINAThose vibes are "hormones", baby bro!
Angelina goes back to the counter, retrieving an order.
TROYShe's just different, can't get heroff my mind.
ANGELINADifferent? Come?
TROYBelieve me, she's different.
ANGELINA (laughing)Where's she from? The moon?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:10.
TROY (hesitating)Chinatown.....
Angelina drops the bowl of pasta she is carrying on thekitchen floor as Mrs. Castelli comes back into the kitchen.
MRS. CASTELLICosa? What is Mr. Antonelli'slinguine with clam sauce doing on thekitchen floor?
ANGELINASorry, Ma. It slipped....
MRS. CASTELLIYour head slipped!
ANGELINAI said I was sorry, Ma!
MRS. CASTELLIAnd "you"! Help your sister, MadonnaMia! We have customers waiting!
Troy kneels down to help his sister clean up the mess on thekitchen floor as Mrs. Castelli prepares some orders.
ANGELINA (whispering to Troy)Chinatown? Sei Pazzo? Do you wannagive Ma a stroke?
Angelina starts to break out in laughter as Mrs. Castellileaves out the kitchen door to the dining area.
TROYWhat?
ANGELINAI can't wait to see Ma's face whenyou tell her the girl you're in lovewith eats her pasta with chopsticksand not a fork!
TROYGo on, make jokes about this. Thoughtyou'd be of some help...
ANGELINAOh no! You're on your own. I'vealready been the statue for thepigeon all day around here.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:11.
TROYFine. I'm splitting this scene.
ANGELINAWait a minute. Aren't you going totell me more about this girl?
TROYNot much to tell, only that shewrites letters to her Marine fiancein Nam, and her family runs arestaurant in Chinatown. Oh, andshe's not too crazy about dogs not onleashes.
Troy starts heading out the back door of the restaurantkitchen to leave.
ANGELINAWait a minute! Aren't you going tohelp me clean up this mess?
Troy keeps going out the door.
ANGELINA (cont'd)Fine! Don't think I'm going to helpyou clean up your mess when you tellMa about Miss Chinatown!
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK - NORTH BEACH - CONTINUOUS
Mindy is sitting on a bench in front of Saint Peter andPaul's Catholic Church. Troy is walking to the church,noticing Mindy, looking curious and hesitant.
TROYNo one will bite if you enter....
Mindy looks down shyly as Troy sits down on the bench nextto her.
MINDYAlways wondered how it was inside.Seems so beautiful from outside....
TROYYou'll never find out sitting here...
A beat as Mindy continues staring at the church.
TROY (cont'd)Are you Christian?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:12.
MINDYNot sure what I am. Just always beenfascinated ever since I was little.
TROYMaybe it's time for you to discoverwhat's inside....
Mindy blushes a bit shyly but still behaves a bit flirty.
MINDYI'd love to have you show me....
Troy takes Mindy's hand and leads her up the church steps.
INT. - SAINT PETER AND PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - CONTINUOUS
Mindy and Troy walk to the front of the church. Mindy is inawe of the surroundings as they both sit in the front pew.
MINDYIt's beautiful, just as I imagined.
TROYIt maybe beautiful. But having faithmeans much more than admiring allthese statues and paintings insidehere. Would you be interested inattending Bible classes here onWednesday evenings?
MINDYAre you there? Every Wednesday night?
TROYI teach them when I'm not up atBerkeley attending classes..
Mindy gives Troy a shy flirty look.
MINDYYou're in college? I never, everdated a college boy before. I mean,knew a college boy before...
TROYListen, I've got to meet with thepriest about my class plan. I'll seeyou this Wednesday evening...
Mindy admires Troy as he heads for the back of the church.
CONTINUED:13.
INT. SAINT PETER AND PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - CLASSROOM -WEDNESDAY EVENING
Mindy enters the Bible class that is already in session.Troy is teaching as Mindy quietly sits in the very back.
TROYLife can be a strange but wonderfulmystery that most times we don'tunderstand. There are good parts,birthdays, weddings, new born babies,everyday gifts to enjoy....
Mindy closely observes admiringly from the back.
TROY (cont'd)Then they're the bad parts.Loneliness and silent suffering.These are things we want to talkabout this evening. These are whatJesus is most interested in. Pain isa part of all of our lives. Cananyone tell me how they cope withthis sort of pain?
CLASS ATTENDEEI think Jesus brings a sort ofsupernatural healing and if we arehonest, the kind of healing we need.
TROYToo many of us try to cover our painand brush away our grief, ashamed andscared of being exposed. We keepeverything secret and afraid ifsomeone sees our messed up lives theywon't like us. We bury our hurts,mistakes, fumbles and struggles andtry to appear perfect.
SECOND CLASS ATTENDEESo, what are you suggesting?
TROYA kind of freedom from having to act perfect all the time. Jesus wants tomake a deal with you. Hand over yourfears to him and he will heal you andgive you a new life, loved more thanyou could possibly know.....
(CONTINUED)
14.
Mindy looks down with a sad expression. The class ends, theATTENDEES file out, Mindy slowly approaches Troy as hecollects his things at the front desk.
TROY (cont'd)What did you think?
MINDYI'm a total screw up. I lie and soscared I'm not enough. "Always this","always that". I feel my friendsthink of me....
Troy hands a Bible to Mindy.
TROYTake this home tonight and read someof the stories. Jesus' favorites arerunaway sheep, used up whores,cunning thieves and liars. Peoplejust like you and me...
MINDYWell, I don't think I'm any of that.Well, maybe a runaway lost sheep....
TROYWhatever your story may be, havefaith that Jesus can help. Hope youcontinue to come. We'll be waiting...
Mindy hugs the Bible as Troy hugs her.
ARCHIVE - MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. delivers a sermon at hisEbenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. "I'd like somebody tomention that day Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give hislife serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that daythat Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody...that Itried to love and serve humanity. Yes, if you want to, saythat I was a drum major for peace...for righteousness."
INT. CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT - ABOVE FLATAPARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NEXT EVENING
The theme song and opening scene of GREEN ACRES is playingon the living room TELEVISION.
EVA GABOR (singing)"New York is where I'd rather be"....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:15.
MINDYSpeaking of New York, have you heardfrom Sasha lately?
TIFFANYNot a peep....
MINDYWonder how's she's doing?
TIFFANY (singing)You know Sasha, "Chinatown I loatheyou, just give me Park Avenue"....
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS INTO NEXT SCENE - "Going To Send YouBack To Walker" by Eric Burden and the Animals.
ERIC BURDON"Oh, Oh, Oh, Ohhhh! You know that,you had nothing when I met you baby.But, look what you got now"....
INT. SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY
SASHA SING (Asian-American, early-twenties, flirty,confident and sassy. A thoroughbred of a girl) strutsthrough the airport dressed in MINK, wearing SUNGLASSES. Sheis whisked away in a TAXI to Chinatown as MUSIC plays intothe next scene and fades out.
EXT./INT. - CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT -CONTINUOUS
Sasha gets out of the TAXI and enters the restaurant. Sashalowers her SUNGLASSES looking for familiar faces. Mrs. Changis surprised to see her.
MRS. CHANGSasha? Sasha Sing? Is that you?
Mrs. Chang rushes up to Sasha and hugs her.
MRS. CHANG (cont'd)My goodness, Sasha! Just look at you. You really hit the jackpot!
SASHAJust my everyday wear....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:16.
MRS. CHANGThe girls will be so happy....
Mrs. Chang pulls Sasha by her hand to Tiffany's office.
SASHASo, how are the children?
MRS. CHANGChildren? Sasha, always making jokes.
Sasha rolls her eyes at the surroundings.
INT. TIFFANY'S MANAGER'S KITCHEN OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Mindy and Tiffany are going over the daily sales tickets.
MRS. CHANGGirls! Look what just dropped in.....
Mindy and Tiffany, amazed to see Sasha, rush to her and giveher hugs and kisses.
TIFFANYDiamonds and furs, Sasha? Made it toSeventeen Cherry Tree Lane......
SASHA17 Cherry Tree Lane?
MINDY"Mary Poppins". Have you forgotten?
SASHAStill not obsessed with that movie?
TIFFANYMom, can you cover for us?
MRS. CHANGGo! Go! It's slow now until dinner...
TIFFANYCome along children. Spit spot andoff we go!
SASHA (sotto to Mindy)Can I tell her to go fly a kite?
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS - "(If You're Going To) SanFrancisco)" by Scott McKenzie.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:17.
Tiffany, Mindy and Sasha hurriedly head out of therestaurant chatting about old times as they walk towardsNorth Beach as the MUSIC plays into scene.
EXT./INT. SAN FRANCISCO - NORTH BEACH - ITALIAN BAKERY/COFFEE SHOP - CONTINUOUS
The three girls are sitting at a table eating muffins anddrinking hot tea.
SASHAThese muffins are to die for...
TIFFANYLots better in New York, I'm sure?
SASHANot like these. A real San Franciscotreat! Remember, cutting classes inhigh school to come here?
TIFFANYSo, you're here how long?
Sasha hesitates for a beat to answer.
SASHALet's just say for awhile...
MINDYAwhile? Meaning?
SASHAMeaning "awhile"....
MINDYBut, your husband back in New York?
SASHAOh, him. He's always busy with hislaw practice. He won't miss me...
TIFFANYYour job on Park Avenue, theboutique?
SASHAOh, that freakin' thing? I quit. Whoneeds it? Hey! How about we get someof those Italian things we alwaysgot. What do you call them?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:18.
TIFFANYCannoli....
SASHAI even love the sound of cannoli.
Mindy gets up to order cannoli at the counter.
SASHA (cont'd)Your Mom notice? That "thing"dangling around Ming's neck?
TIFFANYThing?
SASHAWhat's with the "cross"?
TIFFANYYou know Ming, always some new thing.Remember when she wanted to changeher name to "Jackie"?
SASHAHow can I forget. She even used towrite "Jackie" on her notebooks atschool and times on her test papers.
TIFFANYAnd there's always some guy behindher madness. She claims Jesus hasfound her. She goes to Bible class.
SASHABible class? And she wonders why yourMom never adopted her.
Mindy returns to the table with the cannoli.
TIFFANYHow about your Dad?
SASHAYou know he still won't talk to me.
TIFFANYStill upset you married a Jew?
MINDYI still can't believe you went andmarried some Jewish guy...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:19.
SASHAWhatever it takes to get out ofChinatown, not like you two wantingto live in Chinatown all my life.
MINDYHey! The food's great, rents are lowand the best roaches in Frisco!
TIFFANYReally need go see your Dad, Sash.
Tiffany gets up for hot water for the tea. Sasha waits untilshe is out of ear shot.
SASHA (to Mindy)OK? Why the freak is she stillwearing it?
Mindy has a mouthful of cannoli and can't answer.
SASHA (cont'd)The freakin' ring, Ming? Theengagement ring from Jimmy?
MINDYLong story.....
SASHAI'm here for awhile, spill!
MINDYLong story short, she still thinkshe's MIA and alive.
SASHAThought you were all at the funeral?
MINDYWe were...
SASHAAnd?
MINDYAnd, she thinks it's someone elsedown there....
SASHAYou've got to be freakin' kidding me?Someone else? Like who, the unknownsoldier?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:20.
MINDYJust someone else.....
SASHAI leave San Francisco for a coupleyears and both of my best friendshave gone looney tunes...
MINDYWhat's that supposed to mean?
SASHAWhat? Are you Catholic now?
Mindy looks down at the cross dangling down around her neck.
MINDYSomething like that.....
SASHASomething like that?
MINDYI'm.....I'm...exploring...
SASHAMy take, you're exploring some guy...
MINDYJackie Kennedy is Catholic....
SASHASo? That means you have to be?
MINDYSasha? You make being Catholic soundlike some kind of horror movie.....
Tiffany comes back with a pot of hot water for the tea.
SASHA (sarcastically)Jackie Kennedy is Catholic....
TIFFANYHuh?
MINDYShe's so wonderful. I always wantedto be like her, change my name to....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:21.
SASHAWe've all heard the story, Ming. Andlived through it.
TIFFANYWhy so on edge, Sash?
SASHAIt's nothing, okay?
Sasha finishes her tea and gets up to leave. Tiffany andMindy watch Sasha through the window as she nervously lightsup a cigarette and leans against the building still smoking.She thinks of the time she met her husband ADAM (A JewishNew York lawyer, mid-forties).
FLASHBACK.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO FIVE STAR HOTEL LOUNGE/BAR - EVENING
Sasha, elegantly dressed sits provocatively at the bar inthe hotel lounge. Adam (very smartly dressed)admires herfrom across the room. He approaches her. Sasha is a bituncomfortable with his admiring glances.
SASHAExcuse me, but is there somethingthat you want?
ADAMAs a matter of fact, yes..."you"..
SASHAListen, I'm not one of those....
ADAMAnd which one of those would that be?
SASHAYou're hotel security, right?
ADAM (amused)Actually, I'm an attorney from NewYork to consult with a client.
Sasha takes a sip of her cocktail and tries to ignore him.
ADAM (cont'd)So, I'm curious as to which one ofthose girls you're not?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:22.
SASHAMust I spell it out for you? One ofthose Chinatown girls looking for...
ADAMLooking for?
SASHAYou are clueless, aren't you? Justwhat do you want?
ADAMI'd love to have dinner with you...
SASHAJust like that?
ADAMHow else would you like it to be? I'mhere all week, when can we?
SASHA (shrugs)Now...
ADAMNow?
SASHAI'm hungry.....
Sasha downs her cocktail and heads for the elevators outsidethe lounge with Adam trying to catch up to her.
ADAMSo, exactly who am I having dinnerwith tonight?
SASHA (sighing)Jesus.....
ADAMYour name is "Jesus"?
SASHAIt's an expression, okay?
Sasha looks up to the heavens and Adam follows her gaze asthey wait for an elevator.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:23.
ADAMWell, I'm not exactly sure he's upthere. What I think, he was aprophet, a good man that.....
SASHAAnd why is that?
ADAM (amused again)I'm.....Jewish...
SASHANever heard that before....
ADAMConsider it part of your Jewisheducation.....
The elevator opens and Sasha struts inside.
SASHAI'm just dying to see what elseyou're going to educate me about...
Adam follows her into the elevator and the door closes.
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS - "Vietnam" by Jimmy Cliff.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - GOLDEN GATE PARK - EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
Troy, Joshua and Peace are playing Frisbee in the park as Tiffany is strolling towards her favorite park bench. Troysignals Joshua to over throw the Frisbee in Tiffany'sdirection as she sits on the park bench.
JOSHUAC'mon, Man! Not again....
The Frisbee accidentally hits Tiffany's feet. Troy runs overto fetch it and mingle with Tiffany.
TIFFANYFirst it's your dog. Now, it's yourturn? Shall I scratch behind your earfor you to behave?
TROYI'm really so sorry....
Tiffany tries to ignore Troy but she has a curiosity abouthim.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:24.
TROY (cont'd)Nice to see an old friend in thepark.....
TIFFANYFriend?
TROYWell? How about "acquaintance"?
Troy sits down on the bench next to Tiffany.
TROY (cont'd)I mean, we are "acquaintances"?
TIFFANYI just think it's a little early forus to be calling each other friends.
TROYI'm so sorry if I appear to be soforward. But, I have to confess...
TIFFANYConfess?
TROYIt's just that, I always see you herein the park and....I seriously havenever felt like this before. Iliterally have to force myself tostop thinking about you. I mean, allthe time....
TIFFANYDo you wanna stop?
TROYStop? No way! I don't think I can.But, I really do feel guilty aboutit...
TIFFANYWhy guilty? Are you stalking me?
TROYNo. No. Nothing like that. I justdon't do stuff like this....ever.
TIFFANYShould I take this as a compliment?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:25.
TROYOh, it is. Definitely, it is. Justfeel you are someone interesting toknow and learn about.....
TIFFANYLearn about?
TROYWell, I'm not trying to learn how toeat with chopsticks or anything....
TIFFANYSo, what I'm hearing here is that youwant to learn about someone Chinese?
TROYWell, yeah. I mean, not just anyone..
TIFFANYBut, someone like "me"?
Troy shyly nods his head in the affirmative.
TROYIf it means anything, I do know howto play Chinese checkers....
Tiffany looks out at the park and starts to giggle.
TIFFANYI'll make a deal. Next Sunday, I'llbring a pair of chopsticks. Justdon't start doodling my name on yourcollege boy notebooks....
TROYDeal. So, how's the violin thinggoing?
TIFFANYHaven't been playing much these days.
TROYIt's your dream. One as talented asyou, shouldn't give up...
TIFFANYEasy for you to say. You're notChinese and have to be obligated tocarry on the family business....Waita minute, what makes you think thatI'm talented?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:26.
TROYSimple. By your fingers...and hands.
Tiffany closely studies her fingers and hands as Troy runsback to Joshua.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT - TIFFANY'S BEDROOM -EVENING
Tiffany is in her bedroom practicing her violin. She putsthe violin down and heads into the living room where Mindyand Sasha are watching the movie "Roman Holiday" ontelevision.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM -CONTINUOUS
Tiffany sits on the sofa and the "Mouth of Truth" sceneappears on the television screen. Audrey Hepburn (PrincessAnne) behaves scared and helpless with Gregory Peck.
SASHAOh please?! Like she's so afraid....
MINDYI think you'd be afraid too, Sash...
TIFFANYYeah, Sash. With all your pastexploits and lies through the years.I'm sure you'd lose both hands...
INT. CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT - EARLY MORNING
Tiffany, Mindy and Mrs.Chang prepare to open the restaurant for the lunch crowd.
TIFFANYWhere's Sasha? I told her to bedownstairs at five a.m.
MINDYI tried to wake her. She just rolledover like a dead fish.....
Sasha finally comes stumbling into the main dining area withher eyes half open.
TIFFANYSasha? I told you five a.m. sharp?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:27.
SASHAI don't even have five a.m. on myfreakin' watch.....
TIFFANYYou promised to help out.....
SASHAI thought it was like a "consultant"? Since I've been to the most exclusiverestaurants in the world. I couldgive advice?
TIFFANYWell, start over there and give Mindyadvice on how to fold napkins....
SASHAYou want me to fold freakin' napkins?
TIFFANYIn every job that must be done, thereis an element of fun.....
Sasha slowly and sleepy-eyed goes over to help Mindy.
SASHA (to Mindy)I swear, if she starts singing, "Aspoonful of sugar helps the medicinego down", I'm back on that freakin'plane to New York.
MINDYWhatever would we do without her.
SASHAYou know, those three cats of yourskept me up all night. And who, intheir right mind, names their catsJesus, Joseph and Mary?
MINDYShhhh! Not so loud in front of Mrs.Chang. She thinks their names are...
SASHAYou're lucky she doesn't send youback to Hong Kong....
Sasha just watches Mindy fold the napkins for the tables.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:28.
MINDYSasha? What are you doing?
SASHAI'm "consulting"....
MINDYConsulting?
SASHALike they do in Paris...or Rome. You're doing just fine......
Sasha is barely keeping her eyes open, trying to focus.
EXT./INT. CASTELLI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - EVENING
The restaurant is semi-crowded. Angelina is waiting ontables and taking orders. She then rushes into the kitchenand notices Troy sitting at the large kitchen table.
ANGELINAMa's looking for you. Another girlfrom Saint Peter and Paul's. Betterhigh tail it to Berkeley before...
Mrs. Castelli comes bursting into the kitchen.
ANGELINA (cont'd)Too late. Your cannelloni is cooked!
Mrs. Castelli notices Troy and approaches him, giving him amotherly slap to the back of his head.
MRS. CASTELLIEh! "Geronimo" has returned from theprairie. Or is it "Sitting Bull"?
TROYMa? Don't insult Native Americans...
Mrs. Castelli fingers the love beads around Troy's neck.
MRS. CASTELLIAngelina? Geronimo or Sitting Bull?
ANGELINA (laughing)"Deer Running Scared", I'd guess..
MRS. CASTELLIScared of meeting a nice girl.....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:29.
MR. CASTELLI (Troy's Father, Italian-born, broken English)comes into the kitchen.
MR. CASTELLILeave the boy alone, Marie! Justexpressing himself......
MRS. CASTELLIExpress all he wants. One day he willrun this place, so we can go back toPalermo to visit.
TROYBetter warn the relatives in SicilyMa, so they can run and hide in themountains...
MRS. CASTELLIEh! Don't get smart with your Mother.The Holy Ghost is watching....
Mr. And Mrs. Castelli head back to the dining room.
MRS. CASTELLI (cont'd) (to Troy)Talk later. Nice girl at the church.
ANGELINABreak any hearts in Chinatown, yet?
TROYI told you, this one is different...
ANGELINAShe's different all right. When areyou going to give Ma a stroke?
TROYHaven't even had a date with her yet.
ANGELINAHow come so serious so soon?
TROYNot like you, Sis. I don't stringthem along!
Angelina gives Troy a sisterly slap to the back of the head.
ANGELINAIn culo alla balena! Don't be a wiseass! Just tread lightly with Ma. Iknow times are a changing.
(MORE)(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:30.
But, think of the culture gap here.ANGELINA (cont'd)
The last time Chinatown and NorthBeach got together was when PacificBell wanted to build that transformerstation between the neighborhoods.
TROYWell, don't you think it's time welearned to live with each other?
ANGELINAI'm just warning you. Ma finds outabout Miss Chinatown and you'll be onthe first boat back to Sicily,marrying some Sicilian girl thatcarries a shotgun.
EXT./INT. SAN FRANCISCO - NORTH BEACH PUB - EVENING
Mindy and Troy are sitting across from each other in a booth having a glass of wine after Bible class at church.
MINDYYou know, when I was very littlegrowing up in Hong Kong, I alwaysthought Santa Claus and someone likeJesus only appeared in America.....
TROYI know you've seen Jesus in yourheart. But, Santa Claus, too?
MINDYWhen my Dad raised me Buddhist, onChinese New Year, we had to consultwith all the Gods and the "Tong Sing"to find out when and where to go. Theold Chinese have lots of traditionsand superstitions.
TROYWhat about your family? You live with them in Chinatown?
MINDYI live with my second family. Myparents both passed away when I wasvery young. I never really knew myMom, she died during my birth.
TROYSo sorry. How about your Dad?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:31.
MINDY (hesitant)You know, in the past I didn't liketo talk about it. But, since yourclass a few weeks ago about how weshould not hold back and not act likeeverything is perfect..
TROYYou don't have to. But, if you'reready....
MINDYHe...committed...suicide...
TROYI'm so sorry....
MINDYBack in those days, Chinatown herehad the highest rate of suicide inthe country? My dad was veryheartbroken over my Mom's passingwhen I was born. I came here with myDad from Hong Kong when I was aboutfour or five years old. My Dad couldonly get manual jobs in the laundryor washing dishes, even though he washighly educated. He lost his dignity.
TROYI understand.
Mindy takes a sip of her wine and hesitates to go on.
MINDYI was only ten when he passed. Ialways remember sitting on his lap ashe read to me from the Golden BookSeries, "The Three Little Kittens".That was always my favorite and now Ihave three cats of my own. Jesus,Joseph and Mary...
TROYCool....
MINDYNot to be disrespectful, but to honorthe Holy Family. You know, I alwayswonder why my Dad left me like hedid.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:32.
I remember my best girlfriend's MomMINDY (cont'd)
bought me a new dress the day beforemy Dad's funeral. She wanted me tolook pretty for him. I really didn'thave any really nice dresses and herMom gave me a big box of Ghirardellichocolates....
TROYYour best friend's Mom took you in?
MINDYYeah. I'm still living with them. Thedress and chocolates helped a bit.But, I was so scared of what I wasabout to see. I wanted to scream. Iwanted to hurt someone, anyone, tomake them understand some of the painthat I felt.
TROYYou were only ten?
MINDYYes. Her Mom took my hand and led me,well, half dragged me into theviewing room. I had no idea what toexpect and it was so hot in there.The overwhelming smell of gardeniasand peonies choking me. The room wasdimly lit with wavering candlelight.I recognized a few faces. Theexpressions on everyone's facesshowed mostly pity for the poor youngthing who had lost her father.
Mindy starts to get emotional and a tear forms in her eye.
MINDY (cont'd)Listen to me. I just met you and I'mpouring out my heart to you? But, Ifeel so comfortable with you...
TROYYou can stop. You don't have to tellthe rest.
MINDYIt's OK. I haven't let it out inawhile. It helps.
Troy reaches across the table and gently holds her hand.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:33.
MINDY (cont'd)I heard some sobs in the backgroundas my friend's Mom guided me to thefront of the room towards the casket.It was as large as a row boat. Mylegs felt wooden and it was if myfeet continually snagged the carpetas we moved toward my father.
TROYYou must have been a brave littlegirl?
MINDYI could feel my friend's Mom's handtremble on my shoulder. I looked upat her and saw her bring both handsto her mouth as she stifled a sob.
Mindy tries to collect herself with a sip of wine.
TROYDid you cry?
MINDYI was too numb. I could barely seeover the coffin and the velvet liningthat pillowed around my Dad. His eyeswere shut, of course, and I wasstruck by how much he seemed to be awax facsimile of the man I adored.The expression on his face was notone I recognized. I thought tomyself, this is not my father, notthe gentle and kind face that I knew.They weren't the same eyes that litup when I told him about myadventures at school. His handsweren't the same ones that touched myface, soothed my hair and told methat I was loved.
TROYIt must of been quite an experienceat your young age?
MINDYI knew enough to say a prayer beforerising. Not to Jesus, but to Buddha.I was trembling so much inside andthought if that man in the casketwasn't my father, then where is he?When would I see him again?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:34.
TROYAnd you didn't cry?
MINDYNot until that night when I was allalone in bed. Then all my tears cameout. All of the sadness, loneliness,anger and fear that I kept pent upinside all day.
Mindy takes a sip of her wine, her eyes full of tears.
MINDY (cont'd)It all came out and I wanted toscream. Maybe I did because myfriend's Mom came into the bedroomand told me that from now on, shewould take care of me and that Iwould live with her family and oneday they would adopt me and I'd besisters with my best friend.
TROYSo, they adopted you?
MINDYSad to say no. Maybe it's becausethey couldn't afford to, because myfriend's Dad passed soon after. But,I know they love me so much. So, I'mwhat you would call an "almostsister"...
Mindy giggles through her tears as she tries to wipe themaway with her napkin.
MINDY (cont'd)That seems to be the story of mywhole life, "almost anything"....
TROYDon't say that. You're such abeautiful and sweet person...
MINDYYou know? After my Dad's suicide, Ihated myself and I lost faith ineverything. I got deeply depressedand wanted to die to be with him. Iwanted to walk out into the baytowards Alcatraz Island until Icouldn't touch bottom any longer andsink. But, I was a coward...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:35.
TROYNo. You were brave to endure.
MINDYAnd the saddest thing, I would hearlots of gossip and whispering allthroughout Chinatown that my Dad wasprobably in Hell for what he did. Ialways pray for Jesus to forgive him.
TROYJesus died on the cross to forgive usfor our sins. You know, I have aconfession to make also...
MINDYConfession?
TROYThe Bible class I may be conductingthem in a Catholic church. But,I'mreally involved more in the "JesusMovement".....
MINDYJesus Movement?
TROYWe're called "Jesus People". Or asNon-Christian hippies label us as"Jesus Freaks"....
MINDYI've heard that term before. So,you're a hippie? You're against thewar?
TROYDefinitely. But, then again. Therewill be no peace until all things aremade new. That's something Jesustaught and he did indeed mean that itwill take the end of the world, andthen it's remaking to bring aboutpermanent and lasting peace. Thepeace Jesus offers is grace unearnedso that we can have a relationshipwith the creator of all.
MINDYOh my gosh. It's so late. I have toget up early to open the restaurant.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:36.
TROYRestaurant? It seems like everyone inChinatown works in a restaurant...
MINDYJust about....
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - NATIONAL MILITARY CEMETERY - PRESIDIO -NEXT DAY
Tiffany and Mindy are placing flowers over the assumed gravesite of Tiffany's fiance, Jimmy Chang. The SOUNDS of thepark and cemetery are the only sounds as a focus on the headstone, "James "Jimmy" Chang, Sgt. U.S. Marines, Killed inAction - Vietnam, May 17, 1946 - August 12, 1966".
MINDY"Death is the reckoning of Heaven".
TIFFANYThat from that Bible class of yours?
MINDYCharlie Chan. "The Chinese Ring". Ialways watched every Charlie Chanmovie I could with my Dad.
A long beat.
TIFFANYHey! I have one. "Fear of the futureis wrong for young people in love".
MINDY"The Chinese Cat". That's a good one.My favorite is "Believing in the Lordis sometimes like a melon growing inthe shade. Eventually, it will ripenin the end".
Another long beat.
MINDY (cont'd)Tiff?
TIFFANYWhat?
MINDYIf Jimmy's MIA? Who's down there?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:37.
TIFFANYNot a clue. Just hope he's at peace.War is such an awful thing. Vietnamis such a big mistake.
A beat.
TIFFANY AND MINDY (in unison)"Biggest Mistakes In History Made ByPeople Who Didn't Think". "CharlieChan at the Circus"!
They both give each other comforting smiles as Tiffany takesthe Prayer to Buddha pose and Mindy makes the sign of thecross and clasps her hands in prayer.
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS - "Where Have All The Flowers Gone"by The Kingston Trio.
An aerial view as they both stand up and hug each other andwalk off holding hands around the numerous grave markers.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - TELEGRAPH HILL - FILBERT STEPS - DAY
Troy starts to walk down the steps. Mindy, who has beensecretly following him, rushes to the bottom of the stepsand pretends to be heading up the steps.
TROYMindy?
MINDYOh Hi! What a coincidence...
TROYShouldn't you be at the restaurant?
MINDYDay off. I do get one now and then. I just love Telegraph Hill.
TROYWell, don't want to interrupt that...
Troy tries to continue down the stairs, Mindy gently takeshim by his arm and gives him a passionate kiss on the lips.Troy tries to catch his breath and balance.
TROY (cont'd)So, are you going to make me ask?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:38.
MINDYJackie Kennedy once said, "One mightnot let oneself be overwhelmed bysadness"....
TROYOkay.....and?
MINDYRemember in class you said that weshouldn't hold back secrets?Shouldn't worry about being exposedabout our feelings?
TROYYeah, but.....
MINDYI can't hide anymore. I think....Ithink, I'm in love with you...
A beat.
TROYMindy? I don't think...
MINDYYou know in the movie Roman Holidaywhen Princess Anne had a hard timesaying goodbye to Gregory Peck andshe gave him a long goodbye kiss? Andyou're like, you don't ever want tosay goodbye to someone that's openedyour eyes and changed your life...
TROYWe're hardly saying goodbye....
MINDYWhen you go back to Berkeley, I missyou so much and look forward to whenyou come back to the city.....
TROYI think it's more the classes thatyou miss.....
MINDYBut, it's more about "you". I don'twant to keep it a secret any longer.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:39.
TROYMindy? I'm glad you're expressingyour feelings. It's just that...
MINDYThere's someone else, right?
TROYWell.....kind of....
MINDYThen, nothing's definite?
TROYListen Mindy? I have to go. We'lltalk more Wednesday evening...
Troy gives her a friendly kiss on her forehead and headsdown the steps as Mindy lets out a long sigh.
EXT. STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - NORTH BEACH - NEXT DAY
Tiffany is walking down a street as Troy and his dog Peacespot her from across the street.
TROYHey! So glad to see you on my side oftown. You should come more often.
TIFFANYI doubt anyone's rolling out the redcarpet for me. Or anyone else inChinatown.....
TROYLet me walk you....
Troy tries to keep up as Tiffany starts walking at a fastpace, a bit scared of Troy's dog and shy to be seeing Troy.
TROY (cont'd)Where we going?
TIFFANYWe?
TROYJust curious...
TIFFANYCuriosity killed the cat, you know?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:40.
TROYWouldn't know. Always had a dog...
TIFFANYI see it's still not on a leash...
TROYHear that Peace? You've just beenupgraded from a "Thing" to an "It"?
TIFFANYThere must be some kind of "leashlaw" in San Francisco?
TROYI'll have to check on that...
Peace suddenly and playfully jumps up at Tiffany making herdrop her purse and stumble. Troy catches her before shefalls. They end up in a close embrace on the sidewalk.
TIFFANYAre you going to let me go or must Iscratch behind your ear?
TROYI don't know. It feels kind ofenlightening holding you like this.What's that Buddhist word for it?
TIFFANY"Bodhi"....
TROY"Bootie"?
TIFFANYNo. "Bodhi"....
Tiffany notices that Peace has her purse in his mouth,wagging his tail at her.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Your dog has my purse....
Troy is lost in the moment.
TROYWhat?
TIFFANYYour dog? He has my purse...he'sabout to run off with it.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:41.
TROYYou think so?
TIFFANYI know so. Perhaps if you let me go.
Troy is still struck by the close proximity of Tiffany.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Well? Are you or aren't you?
TROYHow about this Saturday night? Dinnerand the opera?
TIFFANYWhat?
TROYYou asked if I was going to...
TIFFANYPeople are staring...
Troy lets her go and Tiffany loses her balance and ends upsitting on a bench.
TROYWhat is it with you and benches?
Tiffany gets up embarrassed and tries to pull her purse outof Peace's mouth.
TROY (cont'd)Remember? A scratch or two behind theear does the trick...
Troy bends down and scratches Peace behind his ear and heimmediately behaves and lets go of the purse, sendingTiffany stumbling back and sitting back on the bench.
TROY (cont'd) (teasing)There is something about you andbenches.....
Tiffany stands up again, straightens her skirt and slingsher purse over her shoulder and scurries off down the streetembarrassed and shy, without even looking back at Troy.
TROY (cont'd) (yelling)Yes or no about Saturday night?
CONTINUED:42.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO - NORTH BEACH - ITALIAN BAKERY/COFFEESHOP - NEXT DAY
Tiffany enters her favorite bakery (owned by Troy's UncleVinny) and is waited on by Troy's cousin, JOHNNIE CASTELLI (Italian-American,good-looking, mid-twenties).
JOHNNIEThere's my most favorite customer.Cannoli today?
TIFFANYYes. A dozen will do....
JOHNNIEMust be a special occasion?
TIFFANYNot really. Just that my family andfriends love them so much.
JOHNNIEWe've got the best in San Francisco,by far. Be right back, just made somefresh. Just for a pretty lady...
Tiffany blushes shyly as Johnnie heads in the back, whereTroy is helping him finish a fresh batch of cannoli.
JOHNNIE (cont'd)Mio Dio! Il fiore bella fromChinatown out there...
Troy is half listening and busy finishing up the last batchof cannoli for the day.
TROYWait a second. Did you say"Chinatown"?
JOHNNIEAnd what a beautiful flower she is.She'll take your breath away...
Troy peeks out the back kitchen door to look out, then runsback, pulls off his apron and checks himself in a mirror. Hethen hurries out to the counter. Johnnie laughs to himselfat his cousin.
JOHNNIE (cont'd) (to Troy)Don't break her heart, Cuz!
(CONTINUED)
43.
Troy waits on Tiffany looking in her purse for her wallet.
TROYHope didn't lose it the other day?
TIFFANYHuh?
Tiffany looks up and is surprised to see Troy.
TIFFANY (cont'd)A real "Mary Poppins", aren't we?
TROYBeen called lots of things before...
TIFFANYWe pop up here, we pop up there...
TROYJust been looking for you to start mychopstick lessons.....
TIFFANYSo busy. Which reminds me...
Tiffany puts her wallet back in her purse and heads out thedoor to leave, trying desperately to reject her feelings.
TROYWait. Your order is in back.....
TIFFANYSorry, business has picked up so muchsince the tourists' curiosity aboutthe "Summer of Love" in HaightAshbury last year...
Troy runs out from behind the counter to stop her at thedoor and they end up holding each other again.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Going to go through this again?
TROYMaybe not. No benches in here....
Johnnie looks out and is amused at his cousin's antics.
TROY (cont'd)Your order is on the house...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:44.
TIFFANYYou don't have to do that....
TROYMy uncle owns the place, just take itout of my pay. It's the least I cando to apologize. I hope my dog didn'truin your purse strap...
TIFFANYMy purse strap is fine. It's myblouse you're wrinkling...
TROYYou don't want to get me fired forrunning off a customer, do you?
TIFFANYOkay. Only if I pay half of it....
TROYNo need. I'll just take thosechopstick lessons for the other half.
Troy takes Tiffany by her hand and leads her to a table. Shesits and waits for her order.
TROY (cont'd)How about some Italian coffee, whileyou wait? It'll just be a minute....
Tiffany sits at the table as Johnnie gets Tiffany a cup ofItalian coffee as Troy runs in back for her order.
JOHNNIE (to Tiffany)He's harmless. Just a caring soul...
Tiffany looks nervously around the bakery.
TIFFANYHis dog's not around, is it?
JOHNNIEHe's out back in the courtyard.
TIFFANYI really need to get back.......
JOHNNIEI'll hurry him up. Just enjoy...
Johnnie goes in back to hurry Troy.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:45.
JOHNNIE (cont'd) (to Troy)You know that China doll?
TROYKnow her? I'm going to marry her....
JOHNNIEScusa?
Johnnie watches in amusement as Troy rushes around.
JOHNNIE (cont'd)Ma E Pazzo, Cuz? You want to give myAunt Marie a stroke? Your Mother willsend you back to Sicily to swim withthe fishes.....
TROYI'll make sure to say ciao for you toall the relatives back in Sicily....
Troy rushes back to the dining area with Tiffany's order.
TROY (cont'd) (to Tiffany)Really wish you'd let me pay.....
TIFFANYWhy are you doing all of this?
TROYI told you, to apologize.
TIFFANYI judged too quickly about the leash.
Tiffany tries drinking the Italian coffee, choking on it.
TIFFANY (cont'd)It's like cough syrup...
TROYHere, let me get you some tea...
TIFFANYI really have to be getting back...
TROYCan you stay just a few minutes more?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:46.
TIFFANYSorry. They only let us out ofChinatown on a check-in and check-outbasis.....I'm kidding...
They both are amused as Troy's head is in the clouds.
TROYSei Molto Bella.....
Tiffany appears confused.
JOHNNIE (V.O.)He told you that you are verybeautiful.
Tiffany stares at her coffee cup too shy to look at Troy.
TIFFANYI really must be going....
TROYI really didn't mean to embarrass youby saying that. Came from my heart.
TIFFANYThanks for the cannoli and coffee....
Troy follows Tiffany to the front door.
TROYCan I see you again?
Tiffany is hesitant.
TIFFANYPerhaps Sunday...in the park...
TROYSame park, same bench. And don'tforget a pair of those chopsticks....
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS - "Different Drum" by The StonePonies and Linda Ronstadt.
Troy watches Tiffany walk down the street as MUSIC plays,mesmerized by Tiffany. Tiffany glances at him over hershoulder as she continues to walk down the street, stilltrying to hold back her feelings for him.
CONTINUED:47.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO - CHINATOWN TEA HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Tiffany, Mindy and Sasha are seated in a booth having anafternoon tea.
TIFFANYYou know, Sasha? One shouldn't beafraid to tell the truth to one'sfriends?
SASHAThe truth?
TIFFANYYes, the truth. The real reasonyou're back here in San Francisco.
SASHAI told you why. Can't a girl comeback and see her two best friends shehasn't seen in over two years?
MINDYYeah, Tiff? Why can't she?
TIFFANYI've known you much too long to notknow something is up...
SASHAJust leave it alone, OK?
TIFFANYYour husband is upset with you?
A long beat as the three just sip at their tea. Mindy,noticing that Sasha is uncomfortable with the topic, triesto change the subject.
MINDYDid you see that guy again?
SASHAA guy? What guy?
MINDYThis guy in the park. He's thereevery Sunday trying to hit on her...
TIFFANYNo one's hitting on anyone...
(CONTINUED)
48.
MINDYShe goes every Sunday morning.
TIFFANYYou're not helping, Ming.
SASHAEvery Sunday morning?
MINDYMary Poppins's room had a park view.
SASHAI wanna hear more about this guy..
TIFFANYThere's no guy....
SASHAThat's not what she's saying......
TIFFANYThere's no guy. He's just there everySunday playing with his dog andfriend.
SASHADog and friend? What is he, twelve?
MINDYEven bought her coffee and cannoli. Dinner and the opera, Saturday night?
TIFFANYMing? Please? You're not helping..
SASHASo, perhaps the freakin' ring shouldbe coming off?
TIFFANYI'm still engaged, Sasha...
A long beat as the three sip at their teas in silence.
SASHAYou should go out with him?
TIFFANYOut where?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:49.
SASHAOn a "date", Chang! Or did we forgetwhat a freakin' date is?
TIFFANYDo you always have to use that word?
SASHAWhich word?
TIFFANYYou know which word.
MINDYAt least it's not the other "F" word.
SASHAYou can't even freakin' say it!Anyway, I think you should go outwith him.
TIFFANYAnd maybe I should stick a pair ofchopsticks in my eye too?
SASHAMing? What do you think?
MINDYA pair of chopsticks would be awfullypainful....
SASHAThe "date", Ming! The date...
MINDYWell, it has been over two years. Iguess, she is long overdue...
SASHAYou guess? There's freakin' moldgrowing down there...
TIFFANYSasha? Why do you always have to beso crude?
SASHATo knock some sense in that uptightChinese ass of yours, that's why!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:50.
TIFFANYYou know what, Sasha? Since you'vebeen back, I have this funny feelingthat your husband threw you out...
MINDYTiff, don't say that....
SASHAI'm sorry. I just think it's time youthought of the next step.....
A long beat.
SASHA (cont'd)Do I still have a bed to sleep in?
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS - "Tobacco Road" by The NashvilleTeens.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - CHINATOWN - DAY
As MUSIC plays, Sasha is walking around Chinatownreminiscing about growing up in Chinatown. She enters aChinese senior citizen center, looking for her Father.
INT./EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - CHINATOWN SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER -CONTINUOUS
As the MUSIC fades, Sasha notices her Father, MR. SINGplaying Mah Jongg with another CHINESE SENIOR CITIZEN.
SASHAPapa?.....Papa?...It's me..."Sasha"..
Mr. Sing is ignoring his daughter, continuing the game.
SENIOR CITIZEN FRIEND (to Mr. Sing)Daughter? Not going to welcome?
MR. SINGHave no daughter, just sad memory.
SASHAPapa? Please? I'm so sorry. I've cometo ask for your forgiveness. Just youand me now that Mama has passed...
Mr. Sing still ignores Sasha. The senior citizen friend iscompassionate towards Sasha and tries to encourage Mr. Sing.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:51.
SENIOR CITIZEN FRIEND (to Sasha)I'll convince. Best go now....
Sasha slowly backs away with tears in her eyes.
INT. CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT - DAY
The restaurant is a bit crowded for lunch. A tourist busjust drops off a load of TOURISTS. Tiffany is rushing overto Sasha at the front hostess stand at the front door.
TIFFANYSash? I need you to cover for Ming.She's feeling a bit ill and I toldher to take a break upstairs...
SASHABut, I'm the hostess...
TIFFANYI know you're the hostess. But, thisis an emergency. There's another busload of tourists due in half an hour.Just get over to table five and taketheir order...
SASHAYou mean, I have to tell moretourists that we don't serve the SanFrancisco treat, Rice A Roni here?
TIFFANYJust go! They've been waiting overtwenty minutes.....
Sasha reluctantly is hurried by Tiffany over to table five.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Be nice, like a good Chinese girl foronce, Sasha.
Table five has an older American couple waiting to order.
SASHADecided yet?
OLDER TOURIST MANMy wife would like to know what thedifference is between Hunan andSichuan.....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:52.
SASHAThe Hunan is actually hotter with thevinegar and pepper. Sichuan usespepper corn, numbing the taste buds.
OLDER TOURIST WOMANDidn't hear. What was that?
OLDER TOURIST MAN (to Sasha)Sorry. My wife wears a hearing aid...
SASHAWell? Maybe she needs to turn it on?
OLDER TOURIST WOMANWhat did she say?
SASHATurn it on.....
OLDER TOURIST WOMANWhat?
SASHA (louder)Turn it on!
OLDER TOURIST WOMANI can't hear a word she is saying...
Sasha writes on her WAITRESS NOTEPAD to turn the aid on.
OLDER TOURIST WOMAN (cont'd)I can't read that, I need my glasses.
SASHAOn top of your head....
OLDER TOURIST WOMANWhat?
Sasha writes "on top of your head" on her notepad.
OLDER TOURIST WOMAN (cont'd)Oh. Here they are. Why didn't you sayso?
Sasha rips out her written pad notes, balls them up andtosses them into the air.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:53.
TIFFANY (to Sasha)What are you doing?
SASHA"Waitressing"....
TIFFANYSasha? If that's "waitressing", I'm"Jewish"!
SASHAThen, Mazel Tov, to you!
TIFFANYJust get table two before I put you on a freakin' plane back to freakin'New York so your husband can dealwith you....
SASHA (to herself)Unbelievable! Not once, but twice...
TIFFANYWhy is this so difficult for you? Whydo you complicate things that arereally quite simple?
SASHAWell, maybe I need a break?
TIFFANYJust had one thirty minutes ago....
SASHADo you know how tiring it is to beextra nice to people you could careless about?
As Sasha is about to take table two's order, Mindy suddenlycomes rushing through the restaurant in a panic.
MINDYJesus! Jesus!
SASHAWhat?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:54.
MINDYYou left the bedroom window open withyour smoking. Jesus got out and he'swandering around! Do you know howmany in Chinatown would love to haveJesus for late supper?!
Mindy rushes out the front door in search of her cat. Thewhole restaurant is looking in confusion at Sasha!
SASHAPlease excuse her folks. The poorsoul's from Hong Kong....
Tiffany rushes over to Sasha.
TIFFANYWhere's Jesus?
SASHAHow should I know? Maybe he ran offto London to see the Queen...
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - GOLDEN GATE PARK - EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
Troy is sitting next to Tiffany on her favorite park benchas Joshua and Peace are playing in the park.
TROYSo, writing more letters, I see?
TIFFANYActually, making notes for a book...
TROYCool. What's it about?
TIFFANY (teasing)Our adventures together here in thepark and everywhere else you pop up.Think it will sell?
TROYHope so. I'll sure buy one...
TIFFANYReally?
TROYI'm dying to find out what happens tous....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:55.
TIFFANYAnd how should I write the ending?Any suggestions?
TROYWell, since it is our destiny to betogether, I'd have us getting marriedand living in a commune...
TIFFANYWow! That's a pretty unrealisticending. For one thing, I'm not ahippie and not Christian.....
TROYWhat's so unrealistic about it? Agreat end to a great love story...
TIFFANYLove story? Two people from twodifferent worlds, two differentcultures? This world is not ready fora love story like that. And, youbelieve in Jesus and I believe inBuddha. How's that gonna work?
TROYYou know we're the sixtiesgeneration? It's up to us to changethe world. Don't you ever wish andhope that dreams will come true?
TIFFANYSure. I've been dreaming and hopingfor someone to invent a phone with nowires or cords. Think that will everhappen?
TROYAnything is possible. I never thoughtthat maybe one day people would referto me as a "Jesus Freak". But, itjust happened...
TIFFANYAnd that's what you want me to be? Idon't think I'd want to be married tosomeone that's referred to as a"freak". And, I can tell, you don'tbelieve in the war in Vietnam....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:56.
TROYTotally against it. But, then again.Jesus didn't come here to bringpeace. But, a sword....
TIFFANYI never, ever thought, in my life,that one day I'd be sitting on a parkbench talking to a hippie, let alonea freak of Jesus. I'm not either ofwhat you are....
TROY (amused)The times they are a changin'....Andopposites do attract....
TIFFANYWe're opposites, all right....
TROY"You know, all our dreams can cometrue if we have the courage to pursuethem". Said the cowardly lion toDorothy......
TIFFANYEven if we're stuck in a place andsituation that we don't want to be?
TROYCourage is found in unlikely places.Even in the Land of Oz....
A beat as Tiffany is writing on her notebook.
TROY (cont'd)You never did give me an answer aboutSaturday evening. Why don't we both"pop up" at the opera?
TIFFANYDo I get to call you "Mary"?
TROYMary? Not Dorothy?
TIFFANYYou know, "Mary Poppins"?
TROYI like "Dorothy" better, she had adog.......
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:57.
TIFFANYYou would, it wasn't even on a leash.Well, maybe just the opera forstarters. Just don't show up wearinga skirt.....
TROYThis is San Francisco. And by theway, Toto would have never been ableto expose the Wizard, if he was on aleash. You know, I think ourneighborhoods should get together.
TIFFANYWhat did you have in mind? Havingspaghetti and meatballs at the nextChinatown New Year's parade?
TROYI was thinking more egg rolls insteadof cannoli at the next Columbus DayItalian Festival. But, I'm trying notto be too particular...
TIFFANYKnow what I always wanted to do here?
TROYPut my dog on a leash?
TIFFANY (giggling)Well, that too. But, I always wantedto go fly a kite, like in "MaryPoppins"?
TROYJoshua has one in his backpack.....
TIFFANYThen, spit spot! Let's go fly a kiteand send it soaring....
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS - "Groovin" by The Rascals.
Tiffany, Troy, Joshua and Peace are all flying the kite asthe MUSIC plays and fades out into the next scene.
CONTINUED:58.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - HAIGHT ASHBURY STREET - DAY
JIMMY CHANG (Tiffany's Marine fiance, early twenties) and anew acquaintance CHARLOTTE FUNG (attractive, early twenties)are walking down the street. Charlotte is wearing a tie dyedhippie colorful scarf around her head that she just boughtat one of the hippie shops.
JIMMYI can't believe you bought that. Youlook like a gypsy Chairman Mao...
CHARLOTTEStop being so square. You need to bemore fun and hip. Do we really haveto go to that boring new Asian museumtoday? Looking at Buddhas is not myidea of fun...
JIMMYYou need some culture in your life,Charlotte. Life is not all fun andgames.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO ASIAN ART MUSEUM - CONTINUOUS
Charlotte playfully poses with Buddha statues and artworkwhile Jimmy looks not amused and serious. They then sit infront of a representation of the Buddhist deity.
JIMMYKinda looks familiar, like I've seenso much of that in Nam....
CHARLOTTEYou need to get that damn Nam out ofyour freakin' head, Jimmy....
JIMMYEasy for you to say....
Charlotte pulls Jimmy behind a walled partition in thegallery and corners him against the wall.
CHARLOTTEMaybe this will get that damnfreakin' war off your mind....
Charlotte gives Jimmy a long and passionate kiss as thescene fades.
59.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT - EARLY EVENING
Tiffany, Mindy and Sasha are sitting around the living roomhaving an early evening tea.
SASHAWait a minute? You're freakin'telling us you have a date tomorrownight?
TIFFANYNot really a date. A "pop-up"....
SASHAWhat the freak is a "pop-up"?
TIFFANYHe shows up at the opera and then Ishow up too...a "pop-up"!
MINDYJust be glad she's going out. If shewants to refer to it as a "pop-up"...
SASHAThe "opera"? What is he, sixty?
TIFFANYHe's not sixty and he's not twelve. Just decided to start controlling myown destiny, write my own story. I'mgoing to stop bossing everybody too.
SASHAYeah. Good luck with that one. Justdon't wear anything from Chinatownlost and found like you usually do...
Opera MUSIC starts (and into the next scene).
EXT/INT. SAN FRANCISCO WAR MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE - SATURDAYEVENING
Troy, dressed in formal attire, desperately searches forTiffany among the crowd in the foyer of the Opera House. Hespots her. In slow motion, as Opera MUSIC plays, Tiffany isshown entering the Opera House, beautifully and elegantlydressed.
Tiffany and Troy are seated in the mezzanine watching theopera. Troy cannot take his eyes off Tiffany who is seated on the edge of her seat, intrigued by her first opera.
60.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO - NORTH BEACH - TOSCA CAFE - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany and Troy are seated in a booth with opera MUSIC inthe background both having a glass of wine.
TIFFANYI really want to thank you for takingme tonight. You've been so nice tome, I feel I need to confess to you.
TROY (teasing)Need to go to a confessional booth?
TIFFANYEveryone thinks my fiance is.....deadand buried...Stepped on a land minein Vietnam. Unrecognizable, closedcoffin at the funeral. The dog tagswere found several feet from thebody. Buried over in Presidio...
TROYAnd you?
TIFFANYI have a very strong feeling thathe's alive. He promised me he'dreturn. We'd be married. I'm crazy,right? Thinking he's still MIA?
TROYWell? If your faith is strong...
Tiffany hesitates a bit and then lets out a long sigh.
TIFFANYThat's just it. I'm starting to doubtmyself. It's been over two years. Thefaith you speak of and your beliefs?What happened on that landmine overthere? Was that like your Godwatching over the Titanic?
TROYWell, there are still a lot of guyswho are unaccounted for over there. Icould help you find him?
TIFFANYHow's that even possible?
(CONTINUED)
61.
TROYThere's an organization called "TheLeague of Families". They havemeetings to find ways to get thegovernment to search for MIA's andPOW's over in Nam......
TIFFANYThat's very nice of you. But, whywould you do that?
TROYBecause I care for you and, besides,I love to see that pretty smile ofyours....
TIFFANYI'd feel funny going by myself...
TROYWe'd go together, as a team...
Tiffany looks around the cafe a bit uncomfortable.
TIFFANYWhat would your parents think if youbrought me home to meet them?
Troy thinks of the scene introducing Tiffany to his Mother.
TIFFANY (cont'd)See? I can see the look on your face.They wouldn't accept me. My Motherwouldn't understand either. My bestfriends married a Jewish lo-flan. Herfather disowned her.
TROYLo-flan?
TIFFANYChinese slang for a white person. Myparents didn't want me to be with myfiance. His last name is the same asmine. Chinese superstition forbidstwo of the same last name to marry.Bad luck for the family and forbusiness.
TROYBummer!
CONTINUED:62.
INT. THE LEAGUE OF FAMILIES (WIVES) MEETING - EVENING
Tiffany and Troy are attending the meeting and are welcomedby one of the organizers PAMELA PACE (a striking blonde inher mid-thirties whose husband was shot down in Vietnam).
PAMELAI'm so happy that you two havevolunteered to assist us in raisingfunds. We need all the help we canget at our rallies....
TROYWe're more than happy to help.
PAMELA (to Tiffany)We sympathize so much with you dear.We're all in this together to changepublic awareness of the POW/MIAsituation. Newspapers, magazines,public talks and most importantly,television, are all helping us in ourcall for help.
TIFFANYMy fiance, who is a Marine, has beenmissing for over two years now. Ijust didn't know where to turn.
PAMELAThings are improving. Since Nixon hasbeen elected this year, theAdministration's attitude hascompletely changed. They've realizedthe quiet, behind-the-scenesdiplomacy on behalf of the POW's andMIA's was failing them. They arefinally allowing the families tospeak out with the Americangovernment's support.
TROYThank God....
PAMELAThe new Administration has come tounderstand the public relations valuethat we women and our families canprovide. It's a unifying cause in apolitically divided country. Nixon,himself is a military veteran and heis sympathetic to the POW's plight.
(CONTINUED)
63.
TROYAren't there any special teams orefforts?
PAMELASorry to say, no. Us women have quitwaiting for our husbands to berescued by the American government.We've become the rescuers and aredoing the job ourselves to bring ourmen home.
TIFFANYWow! That's a fairy tale in reverse.
PAMELALet's just say, that we ladies neverknew what was coming. We'redetermined to find hope for ourhusbands to show them that theircountry has not forgotten them. We'veused lots of letter-writing campaignsas weapons against the NorthVietnamese.
TIFFANYGuess I'll be spending more time onthat park bench putting pen to paper.
ARCHIVE - June 4/5, 1968 - San Francisco - AmbassadorHotel - Evening
California Primary ROBERT KENNEDY addresses a large crowd ofsupporters after winning in California and South Dakota. Ashe leaves the stage, he is shot by SIRHAN SIRHAN in thehotel kitchen.
INT. TIFFANY'S MANAGER'S KITCHEN OFFICE - NEXT DAY
Mindy and Sasha are standing in front of Tiffany's desk.Tiffany is seated behind it.
TIFFANYSasha? You need to start getting upearlier. We're halfway prepared toopen by the time you get down here.
SASHAI just need my beauty sleep, OK?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:64.
TIFFANYYou don't sleep, Sasha. Youhibernate. And, another thing. Ican't believe you're still seeingthat guy you met at some bar. One manjust isn't enough for you, is it?
SASHAHe's just a friend, Okay? Sometimeswhat a girl needs is just a guy totell her problems to. One who willthen just look at you, shrug and say"I'd still do you"!
TIFFANYI want you to stop seeing him. You'rea married woman...
SASHA (to Mindy)I thought she said she wasn't goingto boss anyone around anymore?
Tiffany gets up to her file cabinet. The long telephone cordgets wrapped around her.
TIFFANYI wish someone would invent a phonewith no cords...
SASHAKeep dreaming....
Tiffany comes back to her desk and sits.
SASHA (cont'd) (to Mindy)Maybe you should add that to thatprayer list of yours?
MINDYGood idea....
Mindy pulls out a piece of paper from her apron pocket andthe list expands to a length that hits the floor.
SASHAWhat the freak is that?
MINDYMy prayer list....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:65.
SASHABy the way, how was your date lastnight?
TIFFANY"Pop-up"....
SASHAWhatever....
TIFFANYActually, he kind of made anunreasonable demand of me last night.
SASHA (to Mindy)Obviously, he didn't know he wasdealing with a beginner...
TIFFANYHe asked for me to spend more timewith him so that we could get to knoweach other better.
MINDYMore "pop-ups"?
TIFFANYLet's just say, an "extended pop-up".
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS (and into the next scene) - "SummerRain" by Johnny Rivers.
EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - EARLY NEXT MORNING
Troy is riding his HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE with Tiffanyat his back as they head for Big Sur for the weekend asMUSIC continues to play and into the next beach scene.
EXT. BIG SUR - PFEIFFER BEACH - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany and Troy are walking on the beach hand in hand asthe MUSIC continues and fades out.
INT. BIG SUR CABIN - EVENING
The cabin is illuminated in candlelight as Tiffany and Troyare sitting on the bed having a glass of wine.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:66.
TIFFANYI've never, ever done this before.Being with another guy, all alonelike this. But, it's so beautifulhere and so peaceful. I love thiscabin.
TROYIt's my Uncle Vinny's. You know, theone that owns the bakery?
TIFFANYYeah. I love that too...
TROYAnd I brought some of your favorites.
TIFFANYOh my gawd, cannoli....
Troy takes a cannolo from the bag and holds it while Tiffanyshyly takes a bite. Troy watches her, mesmerized by herbeauty.
TIFFANY (cont'd)I'm glad that something can put asmile on my face. Those League ofFamilies meetings make me so sad attimes.
TROYThe families can speak out now. Yourletter writing is going to help.
TIFFANYI just hope all the letters that I'vebeen writing will help raise enoughfunding that will make a difference.
TROYYou're doing great and I just sentout three letters, myself.
Tiffany gets up from the bed and looks out at the ocean viewthrough the cabin window.
TROY (cont'd)You're still holding out hope forhim, aren't you?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:67.
TIFFANYNot sure anymore. Maybe with ourefforts and those of the League ofFamilies we'll find him. But, thenagain, Jimmy would want me to live mylife and pursue my dream, just likeyou encourage me to do. As a friend,I want to encourage you too, topursue your dreams teaching.
Tiffany gazes out the window and lets out a long sigh.
TIFFANY (cont'd)I think you are the most sweetest,nicest person I've ever met. And youdon't even try....
TROYActually. I've been busting my culooff trying......
TIFFANYCan we just be friends?
TROYFriends?
TIFFANYFriends don't have to be intimate?
TROYThey can be close.....
TIFFANYClose? Like what?
Troy gets up from the bed and joins Tiffany at the window.He tries to give her a kiss on the cheek. Tiffany backsaway.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Please don't...I'd rather...
TROYThen "friends", it is. It's gettinglate. I know where we can get somehorses to ride on the beach tomorrow.
TIFFANYHorses? I'm still trying to get usedto your dog....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:68.
TROYC'mon. Let's get some sleep....
They both lay down on the bed, Troy quickly falls asleep.Tiffany, having a tough time sleeping, tosses and turns. Shegets up, removes a bottle of sleeping pills from her purse,swallows a couple of pills, and then goes back to bed.
INT. BIG SUR CABIN - EARLY NEXT MORNING - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany slowly opens her eyes and realizes she has her headon Troy's bare chest and cuddling him. She jumps up out ofthe bed in a panic.
TIFFANYOh my gawd....
Troy is awakened by her outburst.
TROYWhat? What's wrong?
Tiffany is pointing at Troy who is wearing only his lovebeads around his neck and a pair of tie-dyed boxer shorts.
TIFFANYYou're...you're...naked. The "Summerof Love" was last year...
Troy looks down at himself.
TROYWhat naked?
TIFFANYThere....
TROYYou said you wanted to be friends....
TIFFANYYes. But, not that friendly....
Tiffany quickly turns in embarrassment and looks out thewindow with her gaze away from Troy.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Please, put something on....
TROYWhat's the big deal? Haven't you everseen your fiance in his boxers?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:69.
TIFFANYNo, never! What kind of girl do youthink I am?
TROYAn engaged to be married one. This isthe sixties and usually when peopleget engaged they...
TIFFANYDo you have something on yet?
Troy gets up from bed and wraps a blanket around his waist.
TIFFANY (cont'd)If I would have known you'd be....
TROYI'm not naked...
Troy comes around the bed to Tiffany who is at the window.
TROY (cont'd)It was warm last night and.....
TIFFANYWell, I'm not used to seeing a guy inhis boxers....
TROYDon't I get a morning kiss?
TIFFANYWhat?
TROYA morning kiss?
TIFFANYI don't think "friends" give outmorning kisses to each other, letalone in their.....
Troy cups Tiffany's face in his hands and gives her a longkiss on the lips as his blanket falls to the floor.
TIFFANY (cont'd) (out of breath)boxers......
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS (and into the next scene) - "WhatKind of Girl (Do You Think I Am)?" by The Charmaines.
CONTINUED:70.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT KITCHEN - EARLY MONDAYMORNING
As MUSIC plays the camera focuses on Troy's LOVE BEADShanging down from around Tiffany's neck. Mindy and Sasha aresitting across the breakfast table staring at the beads.
SASHA (sarcastically)Least it's not a cross. OK? You gotthose, what did he get?
TIFFANYNothing happened....
SASHAWhat do you think, Ming? What dothose beads spell out?
MINDYI was always terrible at spelling....
SASHAThey're love beads, Ming!
MINDYOh......Ohhhhhhh.
TIFFANYSasha? Ming and I have been talking.
MINDYSome of us just listen...
TIFFANYWe think you should try to get backwith your husband.
SASHAAre you two trying to get rid of me?
TIFFANYWe just want you to be happy.
SASHAI am happy, very happy. I don't haveto see him and he is still providingfor me. It's a perfect relationship.
TIFFANYNot according to your husband.....
(CONTINUED)
71.
SASHAWhat did you say?
MINDYMaybe we shouldn't get involved...
TIFFANYShe's our best friend. Someone has tointervene....
Sasha gets up and starts to go back to her bedroom.
SASHAYou two just stay out of it. Juststay the hell off my freakin' cloud.You don't have a clue...
TIFFANYWe do, Sasha! More than just a clue.He called here looking for you. Hetold me everything. How you cheatedon him. How you got fired from yourjob on Park Avenue. How you stolejewelry and money to support yourdrug habit. Want me to go on?
SASHAThe freakin' Jew is lying....
MINDYSash? Don't insult your husband likethat. He gives you everything...
SASHAActually, not everything. I wouldsneak out on him every night. Iwanted attention that he never gaveme. I felt so all alone in such a bigand lonely city...That bastard, howdare he call here and...
TIFFANYHe cares for you Sasha. He's been soworried about you. He's still verymuch in love with you...
SASHAHe said that? That he loves me?
TIFFANYVery much so. Sit down, Sash. We wantto help. We're your best friends.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:72.
Sasha slowly comes back to the table and sits down.
SASHA (To Mindy)Well? Aren't you going to sayanything?
MINDYI'm just curious how she'd sneak outevery night.....
SASHAI went out the door....
MINDYHe was right there, beside you inbed. Can't imagine how you did it...
SASHAI went out the door....
MINDYNot the window?
SASHAMing? I live in freakin' Manhattan.Twenty freakin' stories up. People inNew York don't go out windows....
TIFFANYAre you two through? Ming? Is thatall you've got to say?
SASHAYou start preaching about Jesus. Iswear, Ming. You're going out thewindow just like your cat...
MINDYDon't swear, Sash. That won't help...
SASHAOkay. I fucked up....
TIFFANYSo what's new, Sash? You're such amess. Always have been...
SASHAWhat can I say? I do what I likes andI likes what I do. You should knowthat one. It's from Mary Poppins.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:73.
I'm sorry. I'm not your idol, MarySASHA (cont'd)
Poppins....
FLASHBACK.
INT. NEW YORK CITY - CLASSY MANHATTAN PENTHOUSE PRIVATEPARTY - EVENING
Sasha is elegantly dressed and alone in the study/librarywith Adam's Rabbi, RABBI STEIN. She is very flirty andstanding very close to him, playing with and straighteninghis tie. Rabbi Stein is slightly embarrassed but is enjoyingthe attention. Adam appears in the doorway. The Rabbiexcuses himself and heads back to the party.
ADAMSasha? What the hell was that?
SASHAYou told me to be extra friendly toall your boring clients Adam....
ADAMSasha? He's my Rabbi, for God'ssake...
SASHAWhat's the freakin' big deal? His tieneeded fixing...
ADAMThat was lots more than "tie fixing",Sash....
SASHAAt least he takes notice of me. Hiseyes have been like white on rice onmy chinkass since we've walked in thefreakin' door...
ADAMWell, maybe if you didn't wear your damn skirts and dresses so damntight.....
SASHACaught your eye back in that barfirst time you noticed me, didn't it?
ADAMWhat if this gets around at mysynagogue?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:74.
SASHAWell, let me have a scientific wildass guess here. Perhaps, what they'vebeen calling me will justify things?Your "tchatchke" or was it your"shikse"?
ADAMThey just meant your young andpretty...and non-Jewish....
SASHAYour little play toy, Adam. Troubleis, you stopped freakin' playing withme. Your damn law practice is moreimportant....
ADAMYou know what Sasha? I tried to beunderstanding when you were firedfrom your job at the boutique....
SASHAIt's this cheap pink wine they'reserving....
ADAMWhat?
SASHAPink wine makes me slutty. One sipand I'm like Jayne Mansfield throwingmyself at Tony Curtis....
ADAMI just find it so amazing how youcolor things, Sasha....
SASHAI need another drink. Maybe if Ihave more of this freakin' cheapwine, I'll find myself in Hollywoodteaming up with Joan Crawford andBetty Davis throwing themselves attheir leading men....
Sasha pats Adam on his cheek and struts to the bar.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
MINDYSash?.....Sash?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:75.
Sasha comes out of her flashback.
MINDY (cont'd)So, what are you going to do?
SASHAHe threw me out. I have no place togo. My father sure doesn't want me.
TIFFANYWe keep throwing buckets of water onyou and you still don't seem to melt.
SASHAAnd what about you, Chang? When areyou going to face reality? Take thefreakin' ring off. He's dead andburied, time you found someone else.
TIFFANYJust wait and see. His name is goingto appear on the missing in actionlist soon...
SASHAAnd mine's going to appear on thefreakin' Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
MINDYI think we all need to just stopfighting like this. Maybe a littlebit of meditation...
SASHAMeditation? That's like napping,right? I can do that....
Tiffany wiggles her engagement ring off her finger, placesit down as Sasha and Mindy stare at the ring lying on thetable like it's a miracle.
TIFFANYIt's off! You happy? Now, I want youto do something to get your life ontrack. Because, I certainly am....
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS - (and continues throughout the nextscene)- "I'm Looking Through You" by The Beatles (AnthologyTwo Version).
CONTINUED:76.
INT./EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - NORTH BEACH - BOOK AND RECORDSHOP - DAY
Tiffany is wandering around the shop and notices someone wholooks very much like her fiance, JIMMY CHANG, but this manhas long, straggly hair and is unshaven. Looking a bitconfused and surprised, Tiffany continues to watch him andhis few friends as she runs upstairs to get a better viewand to stay out of sight. Jimmy leaves out into the streetas Tiffany runs out as he vanishes and the MUSIC fades out.
EXT./INT. CASTELLI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - KITCHEN -CONTINUOUS
Troy is showing Tiffany how to make cannoli. They playfullythrow flour at each other and chase each other around thekitchen and into the supply closet where they embrace andkiss as Troy kicks the door shut with his foot.
Suddenly, Mrs. Castelli and Angelina come into the kitchencarrying bags filled with kitchen supplies.
ANGELINAMa! I told you, we needed Swisscheese....
MRS. CASTELLIEh with the Swiss cheese. I don't payfor holes.
Mrs. Castelli takes the bread out of the shopping bag.
MRS. CASTELLI (cont'd)Angelina? American bread? This is anItalian restaurant......
ANGELINAThis is America, Ma. Not Sicily! Wehave lots of American customers whorequest it. Dio Mio! Adjust! You'renot in Palermo any more.
MRS. CASTELLIThey want American bread? Tell 'em goto McDonald's.
Angelina goes to put some of the groceries into the supplycloset. When she opens the door, Tiffany and Troy are stillembraced in the closet. Angelina quickly SLAMS the door andbraces her back against the door.
(CONTINUED)
77.
MRS. CASTELLI (cont'd)Cosa?
ANGELINAMouse.....
MRS. CASTELLIWho made all this mess with makingcannoli? That brother of yours, Isuspect. And look, these cannoli inthe oven are overbaked here....
Angelina still has her back pressed against the door.
ANGELINAAlong with your son.....
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - CHINATOWN STREET - DAY
Tiffany is walking down the street when she sees the verysame image of her Marine fiance. She hurries to cross thestreet and catch up with him but loses him again.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT - TIFFANY'S BEDROOM -THAT EVENING
Tiffany is sitting on her bed in a state of confusion. Mindycomes into the bedroom and sits next to her.
MINDYYou alright? You look like you'vejust seen a ghost?
TIFFANYThat's an understatement....
MINDYWhat?
TIFFANYMing? Do I look crazy?
MINDYNot any different than I'm used to...
TIFFANYWhat are you used to?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:78.
MINDYWell, sometimes you get a littlebossy and sometimes you're a bit onedge and sometimes you'reunreasonable to talk to and othertimes you're....
TIFFANYMing?
MINDYAnd then there was that one time...
TIFFANYStop....
MINDYRemember last week when you...
TIFFANYStop already....I think I saw Jimmy.First in the book shop and today inthe street. I think I'm losing it....
MINDYI had a feeling this was going tohappen, feeling guilty you took thering off and about this new guy, thatyou're seeing visions.
TIFFANYYou think so?
MINDYYou seem to be getting really seriousabout this guy in the park.
TIFFANYThis guy "Troy"? He is one of thenicest guys I've ever met...
MINDYWait a minute. You said his name wasTroy? From North Beach? Grad studentup at Berkeley?
TIFFANYYeah, that's him. You know him?
MINDYKnow him? I love him! Well, I mean, Ireally like him....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:79.
Mindy gets up from the bed totally upset.
TIFFANYI just met him in the park. He was sonice and understanding...
MINDYA total hunk...
TIFFANYWell, that too. But....
MINDYBut what? You're just going to stealhim away from me?
TIFFANYNo, of course not....
MINDYWhy is it you always have to haveeverything I get?
TIFFANYWhat are you talking about?
MINDYBilly Wang! I wanted him so much backin high school and you knew it. Thenwhat happened. You went and startedflirting with him in the cafeteria...
TIFFANYMing? I told you back then. I hadsomething in my eye.....
MINDYOf course you did, Billy Wang...
TIFFANYI can't believe you're bringing thisup again. After all these years...
MINDYThe time my Dad bought me the veryfirst Asian Barbie doll?
TIFFANYSo absolutely ridiculous now, Ming...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:80.
MINDYRidiculous, huh? You had your Mom buyyou not one, but two Asian Barbiedolls, just to outdo me....
TIFFANYBecause I liked the one you had...
MINDYExactly! Now, I got this freakin'hunk and you have to freakin' havehim too?
TIFFANYYou've been sleeping with Sasha muchtoo long. Now, you're talking likeher....
MINDYLeast, Sasha doesn't go 'roundwanting what I've got...
TIFFANYSasha has everything you don't...
MINDYHow dare you say that? Just leave himthe freak alone, he's mine.....
Mindy storms out the bedroom. Tiffany tries to sleep buttosses and turns in her bed. Finally, she reaches over to abottle on her night stand for a couple of sleeping pills.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT - MINDY AND SASHA'SBEDROOM - EVENING
Mindy and Sasha are in bed for the evening. Sasha is tryingto sleep, but Mindy is restless and finally turns on thelight on the night stand.
SASHAOkay? Am I gonna have to tie you downon the bed tonight?
MINDYI can't sleep...
SASHAObviously....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:81.
MINDYI'm worried about, Tiff. She's beenseeing things....
SASHAThings? Like what things? You tell meshe's seeing Jesus and you're goingout that window like your cat did....
MINDYShe thinks that she saw Jimmy....
Sasha sits up in bed.
SASHAIsn't that nice? The resurrectionfrom the dead has finally happened?
Sasha turns away and throws the covers over her head andtries to go back to sleep.
MINDYI'm serious, Sash! She saw him twicenow, in the book shop and the street.
Sasha sits back up in bed and takes a long sigh.
SASHAIsn't it enough that I have to sleepwith three freakin' cats and listento you every night pray to the HolyGhost? Now, she's seeing ghosts?
MINDYWhat are we going to do, Sash?
SASHAI'm going back to sleep.
Sasha goes back under the covers.
MINDYThat's not helping Sash.....
SASHALeave me alone.....
MINDYShe's feeling guilty about taking offthe ring and seeing this other guy.She's using it as an excuse not toget involved...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:82.
SASHAI said, leave me the freak alone...
MINDYBut, on the other hand. If it's true,I'll have this guy all to myself.Then we won't have to fight over himanymore...
A beat and then Sasha comes up from under the covers.
SASHAYou're fighting over some guy?
MINDY"Troy".
SASHAWho the hell is Troy?
MINDYThe guy Tiff and I are fighting over.But, then again. Maybe it'scompletely innocent...
SASHAYou told me you never did have thatgirl to girl talk with her. What areyou worried about.....
MINDYWhere's Jackie Kennedy when I needher?
Sasha dives back under the covers. Mindy makes the sign ofthe cross and turns off the light.
ARCHIVES - October 20, 1968 - JACQUELINE KENNEDY is marriedto ARISTOTLE ONASSIS, a Greek shipping magnate on theprivate island of Scorpios.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - GOLDEN GATE PARK - FEW DAYS LATER
Tiffany is sitting on her favorite park bench writing aletter and becomes aware of someone in front of her.
MINDYTwo days. That's got to be thelongest we've ever, never not saidtwo words to each other....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:83.
TIFFANYEven when we didn't live together...
MINDYMind if I share your bench with you?
TIFFANYBelongs to the City of San Francisco.
MINDYSure? By now, I would think you wouldhave squatter's rights to it....
TIFFANYThink so?
MINDYKnow so.....
Mindy finally sits down on the bench next to Tiffany.
MINDY (cont'd)Remember when we were little and yourMom used to take us here to the parkand we would chase birds over thereand try to catch them?
Tiffany looks out at the flock of birds on the park knoll.
TIFFANYWe never did catch one, did we?
MINDYPain often puts us on a chase similarto when we tried to catch thosebirds, thinking of finding thosehard-to-find answers.....
TIFFANYMing? What are you getting at?
MINDYWe wake up in the morning thinkingmaybe today is the day it all makessense. We chase why did this happenand no one loves me anymore?
TIFFANYMing? Please? You know very well yourDad loved you very much. We all do.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:84.
MINDYI know you do and your Mom. Well,sometimes, I wonder about Sasha....
TIFFANYSasha loves you. She just has a hardtime showing it and her feelings....
MINDY"You are those who have stood by mein my trials".
TIFFANYCharlie Chan?
MINDYTroy. Well, Luke 22:28. Only in Jesusdo we find both the courage and thepermission to admit we've beenwronged. In Jesus we can forgive....
TIFFANYTroy is really teaching you so muchabout compassion, isn't he?
MINDYYeah. He's really taught me a lotabout how to cope with life. Now, Ithink it's your turn to learn fromhim. Besides, I was his "almostgirlfriend" anyway. I wish you andTroy all the happiness. I want you tobe with him, learn from him and lovehim. I think Jimmy would understand.
TIFFANYHow do you know I love him?
MINDYI can tell by the look in your eyes.I've seen how he's made you smilemore these days.
TIFFANYDon't say that you were his "almostgirlfriend". You'll always be specialto him. And I don't want you sayingthat you're my "almost sister" anylonger. We don't need a piece ofpaper to be real sisters....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:85.
A long beat as they both look at each other with tears intheir eyes and hug on the park bench. Mindy wipes her tearsand points to the birds.
MINDYWant to chase some birds?
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS - "I'll Never Find Another You" byThe Seekers.
Tiffany and Mindy run and start chasing the birds togetheras the MUSIC plays out the scene.
INT. CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT - DAY
Sasha's husband, ADAM enters the restaurant looking forSasha.
TIFFANYTable for one?
ADAMActually, I'm here looking for Sasha.I'm her husband...
TIFFANYYou're Adam? We spoke on the phone.So nice to meet you. Sasha's on breakin back.....
Sasha comes out of the back and is stopped in her tracksnoticing her husband standing at the front.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Aren't you going to say hello to yourhusband?
SASHATell him I'm not here....
TIFFANYSasha? He's standing right therelooking straight at you....
SASHAWell then, I'm not available....
TIFFANYDon't you think you owe him a fewminutes of your time? He came outhere all the way from New York to seeyou. Go 'head. Use my office....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:86.
Sasha turns on her heels and goes back to Tiffany's officeas Tiffany motions to Adam to follow Sasha to the back.
INT. TIFFANY'S MANAGER'S KITCHEN OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Sasha is sitting behind Tiffany's desk as Adam enters theoffice and closes the door.
ADAMHello, Sasha.
SASHAOkay. I saw you. You can leavenow....
ADAMCome on, Sash! Can you at least becivil for once in your life? Can I atleast sit for a few minutes?
SASHADo what you want. That's what youalways do anyway, isn't it?
Adam sits down in a chair in front of Tiffany's desk. A longbeat as Adam looks curiously at his wife for a sign.
SASHA (cont'd)What the freak do you want, Adam? Youalready embarrassed the hell out ofme with your phone calls. Are you outof your "kosher" mind...
ADAMDo we have to start with the Jewishstuff already? No one's dragginganyone anywhere. I've come to ask younicely to come back to New York....
SASHAYou threw me out, Adam.
ADAMI'm sorry. It was just that you upsetme so with your behavior back in NewYork. You can't blame me. Flirtingwith my Rabbi, then having affairswith God knows who? Honestly, Sasha?
SASHAThat's between God and me...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:87.
ADAM (amused)Do you even believe in God, Sasha?
SASHAYou could have shown me moreattention and loved me....
ADAMI do love you, Sash! Even though youmake men crazy with your bewitchingways...
SASHAI do that to most men, or haven't younoticed?
ADAMI've noticed, Sash! You even had myRabbi making deals with the devil....
SASHAMen are men. I can't help how you menare, even those sworn to God....
ADAMYou've had me totally bewitched eversince I met you....
SASHAMaybe you should get your Rabbi togive you an exorcism, Adam?
ADAMThat's something a Catholic priestdoes, Sasha....
SASHAThen get whatever Jewish peopleget...
ADAMI apologize for all the late meetingsand out of town trips. I love you....
SASHAYou sure had a strange way of showingit. I got more attention from yourRabbi than from you....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:88.
ADAMAnd why is that? C'mon, Sash? Do Ihave to get down on my knees and begyou to come back?
SASHAWouldn't be the first time. Go on,for old time's sake....
ADAMIt's so amazing how you get me sowound up all the time...
SASHAThen, stop complaining how I behave.
ADAMCan you at least be a little nicer?
SASHAHow nice?
ADAMJust nicer....
SASHAYou know Adam? I can't stay in lovewith a man who doesn't even know he'snot involved. Your freakin' lawpractice is more important than me...
ADAMIt's what provides all the shit youlove, Sash! Minks, diamonds...
SASHAI tried to get close to you, Adam.
Sasha's cool confidence begins to crack. She looks away,pushing at the corners of her eyes, trying to stop a tear.She crosses towards the door past him. Adam rushes to herbefore she opens the door.
ADAMCome on, Sash? We'll both work at ourrelationship together. I promise. Iwon't try to force all that Jewishstuff on you, I promise.
SASHAYou'll tell your friends andrelatives to stop calling me your"tchatchke" and "shikse"?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:89.
ADAMI promise....
SASHAYou know, Adam? If you're braveenough to commit, I will devotemyself entirely to you...
ADAMBrave enough, but not stupid enough.Just be a little nicer. And a littleless naughty...
SASHATell you what? You go back to NewYork like a good boy and give me timeto think about it....
Sasha gives Adam a kiss on his lips and a pat on his cheek.
SASHA (cont'd)I'll try to be nicer, but I'm notsure about the naughty part. Sasha isSasha, what can I say.
Sasha gives Adam a flirty wink as she goes out the door.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT - TIFFANY'S BEDROOM -EARLY EVENING
Tiffany is dressed to meet Troy's family. She is checkingher appearance in her mirror as Mindy is sitting on the bed.
MINDYYou look beautiful, Tiff.
TIFFANYI am so scared. Especially of hisMother. I have a feeling she's goingto be a real challenge. She's fromSicily....
MINDYMama Mia! I hear women from Sicilyare more dangerous than a shotgun.
TIFFANYShould I bring one of my own?
Sasha appears in the bedroom doorway.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:90.
SASHAHerself? Ordering people around allthe time? She'll definitely be chasedout of there by his Mother with ashotgun. Can I come in or are you twostill at each other's throats?
MINDYWe buried the hatchet days ago.
SASHAAlong with the other burial, I hope?
TIFFANYLet her keep making jokes. It's timeI moved on with my life.
MINDYShe's even wearing her Chinese NewYear's good luck red panties...
SASHAHmm? Maybe this might be this guy'slucky night?
TIFFANYWhat's that supposed to mean?
SASHAMing? Haven't you had that girl togirl talk with her yet?
TIFFANYI just hope his Mother will like me,maybe just a little bit....
SASHAMaybe you can make her an offer shecan't refuse? If I were you, I'd weara bullet proof vest instead of thosered panties tonight!
EXT./INT. CASTELLI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
Troy is leading Tiffany into his family restaurant. UNCLEVINNY (Italian born, mid-fifties, heavy set) has a strand ofspaghetti hanging from his mouth and a wide-eyed look on hisface at the sight of Tiffany coming through the door andthen looks at Mr. Castelli.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:91.
MR. CASTELLI (to Uncle Vinny)Diverse, ma belle.....
Uncle Vinny begins to shake his head in agreement, but thenquickly looks at Mrs. Castelli who is clearly annoyed. Mrs.Castelli gives Uncle Vinny a threatening look as a way totell him to not get involved. Uncle Vinny shrugs hisshoulders and quickly looks down at his plate.
A long beat as everyone in the room is motionless. Angelinaenters the dining area from the kitchen carrying a largeplate of pasta. She puts the plate on the large table andthen turns towards Tiffany to welcome her.
ANGELINAHi. I'm Angelina, Troy's sister. Andyou must be....
TIFFANYHello. I'm Tiffany....
MRS. CASTELLI (sotto to Mr. Castelli)Uffa! Jesus, Joseph and Mary. EAdesso! She's a lampada.....
MR. CASTELLIMarie! Stop with the nicknames. She'sa beautiful girl, not a lamp!
ANGELINA (to Tiffany)Troy has told us so much about you,except he failed to tell us howbeautiful you are. Ma? Isn't Tiffanymolto bella?
MRS. CASTELLICosa? Tell all about? The first Ihear anything about her....
Mrs. Castelli slowly walks in shock over to Tiffany towelcome her.
MRS. CASTELLI (cont'd)Prego Si Accomodi. Sit. Sit.Mangia....
Troy leads Tiffany to a seat at the table.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:92.
TROYC'mon. She's telling you to eat...
MR. CASTELLIWelcome, sweetheart. I'm Troy's Dad.Troy tells us that your family has arestaurant in Chinatown.
MRS. CASTELLI (sotto to Angelina)How does everyone know everything andI don't?
Uncle Vinny is busy eating.
TROYAnd that's my Uncle Vinny over there.He's the one that owns the bakery.Uncle Vinny? Tiffany here is one ofyour regular customers...
Uncle Vinny just nods a thank-you to Tiffany, his mouth toofull of pasta to talk. Mrs. Castelli goes off to the kitchentrying to catch her breath still a bit in shock.
ANGELINA (sotto to Troy)Better go check on Ma. I think she'son the kitchen floor having a heartattack.....
Troy excuses himself from the table to check on his Mother. He finds her in front of The Cross on the kitchen wall,praying aloud the rosary beads.
INT. CASTELLI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
TROYMa? Put those away. There's no reasonfor the Stations of the Crosstonight....
Mrs. Castelli keeps praying aloud to Jesus.
TROY (cont'd)Ma? Please? Statte Zitte with therosary beads.....
MRS. CASTELLIWhere you meet this lampada?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:93.
TROYMa! Her name is Tiffany. For God'ssake, she's not a lamp...
MRS. CASTELLIWatch your mouth in front of Jesus...
TROYMa? Please sit down with me...
Troy leads his Mother over to the kitchen table for a talk.
MRS. CASTELLIIt's all your Father's fault...
TROYCosa?
MRS. CASTELLIHe should of never taught you to playChinese checkers when you were ten...
TROYMa? Stop talking nonsense. Can you atleast, give her half a chance?
MRS. CASTELLIHalf a chance? How could you do thisto me, tua madre? Town of China....
TROYYes Ma! Chinatown. I love her.
MRS. CASTELLIIsn't it enough that your sistermakes me crazy with all of herstrange boyfriends, but now you too? Now, we need a, "come si dice", arickshaw for your Town of China...
TROYOnly one Ma. I only have one.
MRS. CASTELLIOne is enough to send your Mother toher grave....
TROYMa! Isn't it a bit too early to beadministered last rites?
Angelina comes into the kitchen.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:94.
TROY (cont'd)Let me get back to Tiffany...
ANGELINAShe's fine. Dad's learning all abouthow to run a Chinese restaurant...
MRS. CASTELLIHe needs to learn first how to run anItalian one. And "you"? How come youdidn't tell your Mother about thislampada? I don't even know her lastname.....
TROYMa! Again with the lamp? It's"Chang".....
MRS. CASTELLIChe Cos'e?
TROYChang....
MRS. CASTELLIChing?
TROYNo Ma. Chang.
MRS. CASTELLIChing, Chang, Butta Bing.....
Angelina comes over to the kitchen table.
ANGELINAMa? He loves her. Why does he have tolove a girl from the parish?
MRS. CASTELLIBecause we know these people. Whoknows those people in Town of China?Honey, when your Father and I firstcame to this country from Sicily, wehad to stand in the pouring rain, inthe dead of night for six hours inthe cold. We were just thankful forjust a cup of hot chocolate. But, itwas our own people, the Italians, whohelped us make this our home.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:95.
ANGELINAMa! You always said it was almost onehundred degrees in the shade,thankful for a cup of lemonade?
MRS. CASTELLICosa?
ANGELINAYou said it was daytime and hot...
MRS. CASTELLIEh? Were you there? Stay out of this.Let your Mother talk some sense intoyour brother's head. And stop makingup stories about your Mother.
Angelina rolls her eyes and takes more food out to thedining area of the restaurant.
MRS. CASTELLI (cont'd)Like I was saying, honey. Your Fatherand I stood there...
TROYMa? What's this got to do withTiffany out there?
MRS. CASTELLIWhat I'm trying to say is, bethankful for what you have in yourown neighborhood. No need to beexploring on the wrong side of town.
TROYWhat wrong side of town?
MRS. CASTELLIThe wrong side, Town of China...
TROYSays who?
MRS. CASTELLISays your Mother! Who better thanyour own Mother to tell her son whatis best for him?
Angelina comes back into the kitchen.
ANGELINABetter listen to your Mother. TheHoly Ghost is watching.
(MORE)(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:96.
I think he should introduce her toANGELINA (cont'd)
all the relatives.
MRS. CASTELLIThe relatives already think we have ason that thinks he's "Sitting Bull".If they come next Sunday and see lalampada, they'll think he will beSitting Bull in a temple...
EXT. STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - NORTH BEACH - CONTINUOUS
Troy is walking Tiffany back to Chinatown after dinner.
TIFFANYThanks so much for inviting me. YourDad is so sweet. I can see who youtake after. And I loved your sister,Angelina. She's so pretty and caring.
TROYAnd my Mom?
TIFFANYLet's face it. Your Mother will neveraccept me and my Mother will neveraccept you. Old ways are hard tochange for some.
A long beat as they walk towards Chinatown.
TROYTiff? Marry me.....
TIFFANYAre you crazy? I think you had toomuch of that Italian vino...
TROYI'm serious. I've never met anyonelike you....let's get married.
TIFFANYYou're still in school. I'm in astruggling restaurant in Chinatown.And your Mom would disown you andshoot me with her shotgun.
TROYWhat shotgun? Listen, give my Momsome time. She'll come around.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:97.
She'll see how happy I am and howTROY (cont'd)
much I'm so in love with you.
TIFFANYWe're in two different worlds,different cultures. The world willnever change. There's just as muchchance of them inventing a phone withno cords than there is a relationshiplike you're suggesting that we be in.
TROYI don't care. I don't care whatpeople think or say. I just want tobe with you always.
They stop in front of the CHINATOWN GATEWAY ARCH and faceeach other to say goodnight.
TIFFANYI need time. Can you give me moretime? It's so sudden....
TROYIf that's what you need. Remember,I'll love you no matter what.
Tiffany is silent not being able to return his commitment.
TROY (cont'd)Aren't you going to say anything?
TIFFANY"Super Calafragilistic -Expilalidocious"....
TROYHuh?
TIFFANYIt's something to say when you don'tknow what to say. It's from MaryPoppins, what she used to say whenshe didn't know....Please? Just giveme more time....
Tiffany gives Troy a slight peck on his cheek and turns towalk away under the Chinatown Gateway Arch. She takes a fewsteps and turns around and waves goodbye to him.
CONTINUED:98.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO - CHINATOWN TEA HOUSE - FEW DAYS LATER
Tiffany has entered the tea house and to her surprise, seesthe same image of Jimmy Chang sitting at a table by himselfhaving a cup of tea. Cautiously, she approaches the table.
TIFFANYJimmy?.....Jimmy Chang?
JIMMYI'm sorry, do I know you?
TIFFANYJimmy? You don't remember me? I'mTiffany....Tiffany Chang?
Tiffany notices the heart-shaped birthmark on his rightwrist.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Your birthmark? On your right wrist?You are Jimmy Chang...
Jimmy looks confused at his birthmark and then back atTiffany.
JIMMYI'm Jimmy Chang. But, I'm so sorry, Idon't think we've met. I think youhave me confused with someone else.
A very pretty CHINESE GIRL (early-twenties) comes and joinsJimmy at his table. Tiffany backs away as Jimmy welcomes thegirl. Tiffany bolts out the door and then looks at thecouple through the window totally confused and frustrated.
INT. CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT -DAY
Mindy rushes over to Tiffany and Sasha and pulls each ofthem by their arms into the office and slams the door.
INT. CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT - TIFFANY'SOFFICE - CONTINUOUS
SASHAIf this is about another one of yourfreakin' cats going out some window..
MINDYBenjamin Brooks....
(CONTINUED)
99.
Tiffany and Sasha look at each other in confusion.
MINDY (cont'd)Corporal Benjamin Brooks....
A beat.
MINDY (cont'd)He's the one down there. Troy toldme. He's been volunteering at thosefamily meetings and found out throughthem that they finally identified whowas buried there. He traced it allthe way to Washington to prove it'snot Jimmy down there...
SASHAWhy would he do that? The guydefinitely wants Tiff for himself...
Sasha looks at Tiffany for a response.
TIFFANYBecause he's "Troy", that's why....
EXT. NATIONAL MILITARY CEMETERY - PRESIDO - NEXT DAY
Tiffany is kneeling before the grave stone that reads JimmyChang, placing flowers and praying in a Buddha pose as afigure appears above her. Without looking up, she realizesit is Troy.
TIFFANYDon't think I'll ever stop cominghere even now that I know....
TROYI never thought that you wouldn't...
A long beat as Tiffany arranges the flowers on the grave.
TIFFANYDidn't surprise me at all what youdid.....thanks.
TROYI just wanted to...
TIFFANYMake me smile, right?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:100.
TROYYeah. Something like that....
Troy sits down on the grass in front of Tiffany as she liftsher head to look at him sitting there.
TIFFANYAnd what about you? Are you happy?
TROYHappy for you and how you were rightall along........
TIFFANYIt's called "faith", right?
TROYHe's out there. We'll find him.....
TIFFANYYou seem more confident than me, now?
Tiffany gets up and gives Troy a friendly kiss on his lips.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO - CHINATOWN - JIMMY CHANG'S BEDROOM -THAT EVENING
Jimmy is cleaning and organizing his bedroom closet. Heopens an old shoe box buried at the bottom of his closetthat jars his recollection of Tiffany.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - GOLDEN GATE PARK - EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
Jimmy is walking in the park and comes across the park benchthat Tiffany and he would sit on every Sunday morning beforehe was deployed to Vietnam. He sits on the bench.
Suddenly, Tiffany appears in front of him. She falls to herknees, reaches out to touch his hands and face. They end uphugging each other.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO - CHINATOWN TEA HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany and Jimmy are sitting across from each other at atable, just staring at each other in silence.
TIFFANYWhen?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:101.
JIMMYSix months ago...
TIFFANYSix months ago?
JIMMYI forgot so many things andremembered only my name and myparents. Another unit in Nam found mewandering around in the jungle. Theland mine jarred my memory. I didn'teven remember I was a Marine, Tiff. Iam so sorry I forgot all about you.
TIFFANYHow did you remember?
JIMMYI found an old box of your picturesand letters you wrote to me when Iwas in basic training.
TIFFANYBut, why didn't your parents tell me?
JIMMYTiff? This might be hard on you. But,your Mom knew. I approached myparents last night. They finallyconfessed they didn't want either ofus to know. They still want us apart.
TIFFANYMy Mom knew?
JIMMYCome on, Tiff? Bad for both of ourfamily's businesses....
TIFFANYStupid Chinese superstitions...
JIMMYSo? We're engaged?
Tiffany looks at her left hand minus the engagement ring.
TIFFANYI can't believe our parents stillwant to keep us apart.......
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:102.
JIMMYBoth of our parents grew up with lotsof old silly superstitions andtraditions.....
TIFFANYYou know you're supposed to be buriedover there in Presidio?
JIMMYWhat? My parents never told me that.I guess it is one of my men that setoff the land mine. It must haveknocked my dog tags off and theythought he was me.
TIFFANYI hear it happens lots. Send thewrong body in a body bag from Nam. Ikept telling everyone. Did you knowthis Benjamin Brooks? He's the oneburied over there in Presido...
JIMMYNot really. I guess he was one of theMarine specialists that joined oursquad for that special mission.....
Jimmy looks out the window and decides to confess.
JIMMY (cont'd)Tiff? I have to be honest here. I'mnot the same person I was before Ileft for Nam. Lots of guys come backwith drug issues, alcohol, nightmaresand suicide. I've been struggling.
TIFFANYI should have never agreed for you tojoin up?
JIMMYMy fault. I wanted to serve mycountry, be something special. Butnow, I'm suffering. I even forgot allabout you. My mind is not the same.Some days I look in the mirror and Idon't even recognize myself. I'm sosorry, Tiff. Please forgive me......
CONTINUED:103.
INT. CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany bursts into the restaurant. Mrs. Chang, Mindy andSasha are preparing to open for Sunday's lunch.
TIFFANYMother? How could you?
Mrs. Chang doesn't answer but knows what the subjectdefinitely is about.
TIFFANY (cont'd) (to Mindy an Sasha)He's back.....
MINDY AND SASHA (in unison)Who's back?
TIFFANYJimmy!
SASHAI thought we were well past this?
TIFFANYI saw him. I touched him. Heremembers me.....
SASHAShe's way over the edge now. I'llcall the hospital and see if we canget a room for her....
MRS. CHANGNo need for that....
TIFFANYThat's right, Mother! Why Mother?
MRS. CHANGIt's best....
TIFFANYBest for who, Mother? The restaurant?For good luck for the families?
MRS. CHANGFor everyone....
TIFFANYMother? You didn't mind when Jimmyand I were just friends.
(MORE)(CONTINUED)
104.
But, once we got engaged, I had toTIFFANY (cont'd)
go running off to the park everySunday morning to see him.....
Tiffany goes behind the counter and picks up a couple ofdishes and smashes them on the floor in frustration. Mindytries to stop her from picking up several more dishes.
MRS. CHANGLet her be. Breaking china bringsgood luck.....
INT. CHANG'S LUCKY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT - TWO WEEKSLATER
Mindy notices Troy entering and rushes up to greet him.
TROYIs Tiffany all right? I haven't heardfrom her or seen her?
MINDYShe didn't tell you? She found Jimmy?
INT. TIFFANY'S MANAGER'S KITCHEN OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Mindy knocks on Tiffany's door as Tiffany is engrossed inpaperwork on her desk.
MINDYTiff? It's Troy, here to see you...
Mindy excuses herself and closes the door for Tiffany andTroy to be alone.
TROYYou all right?
Tiffany gets up from her desk and goes over to her filecabinet trying to continue to work. Troy goes over to thefile cabinet to Tiffany.
TROY (cont'd)Why didn't you tell me?
Tiffany closes her eyes and lets out a long sigh.
TIFFANYI don't know what to say.....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:105.
TROYThen don't say anything now. You'reconfused. Just take time to figureout what will really make you happy.You're happy you found him, right?
TIFFANYOf course I am, but I'm sad because Imiss our time together. I'm torn andfeel like I'm being pulled in twodifferent directions!
TROYI can't help you on this one, Tiff,and I won't stand in your way if youchoose Jimmy. He's already beenthrough a lot. I'm just glad for ourtime together and that we werefriends. I just want you to be happy.
TIFFANYWere? How can you be so casual aboutit? Were just friends?
TROYListen. You've got a lot of work todo here.....
TIFFANYYou got me having these lovingfeelings for you and now you're...
TROYStop it. Maybe what you really neednow is to spend more time with Jimmyto see if he is who you really want.Know this though, I will always bethere for you. If you choose Jimmy,tell him that he's got the mostbeautiful thing in this world. But,I'm sure he knows that....
Troy hugs Tiffany and gives her a long kiss on her foreheadand then leaves out the door.
TIFFANY (to herself)"Thing"? Not an "It"?
CONTINUED:106.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT - TIFFANY'S BEDROOM -EVENING
Tiffany is tossing and turning in her bed. She sits up inbed and reaches for a bottle of prescription sleeping pillson her night stand.
ONE MONTH LATER.
EXT./INT. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - BERKELEY CAMPUS -TROY'S DORMITORY ROOM - DAY
Mindy is knocking on Troy's dormitory door. Troy opens thedoor surprised to see her.
TROYMindy? What brings you up here?
MINDYI really need to talk to you....
Mindy enters the room still a bit hesitant.
TROYWhat's to talk about? I heard thatTiffany made her decision and thatshe's back with Jimmy. I told herthat it's best we just be friends andleave it at that.
Troy notices that Mindy is distraught and takes her by herhand and leads her over to the sofa. Mindy breaks down andstarts to cry.
TROY (cont'd)Mindy? Why are you crying?
MINDYBecause of Tiff. She's strung out...
TROYStrung out?
MINDYOn pills, sleeping pills. I think thebreak-up with you and now things havegone very south with Jimmy...
MINDY (cont'd)He's not the same. Struggling somuch, the war has really taken a tollon him.
(MORE)(CONTINUED)
107.
Nightmares, distancing himself fromMINDY (cont'd)
his family and even being distanttowards Tiff. He's even seeing othergirls......
TROYIt doesn't sound like Tiffany to betaking drugs...
MINDYShe can't sleep nights. Sasha and Ican hear her crying all night. She'sbeen taking sleeping pills. She saysthat they help her get through thenight, but Sasha and I are scared forher and don't know how to help her.Please come back!
TROYI'm probably the last person shewants to see...
MINDYShe calls out your name at night. Shestill loves you.
TROYYou know? They say that love is theanswer to all problems, but it canalso create problems...
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - GOLDEN GATE PARK - FEW DAYS LATER
Tiffany and Jimmy are sitting on their favorite park benchstaring out at the park.
JIMMY (finally speaking)Things were lots simpler back in highschool....
TIFFANYI never even looked at another guy.Always wanted to be with you...
JIMMYWe were so much in love...
TIFFANYWere?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:108.
JIMMYTiff? I told you before I'm not thesame guy like back then.
TIFFANYWe'll get help. I'm sure there is...
JIMMYThere's not. No one understands whatwar does to someone...
TIFFANYWe'll give it time, Jimmy. We'veinvested too much of our livestogether.
JIMMYMaybe a break from each other isbest?
Tiffany stands up from the park bench and confronts Jimmy.
TIFFANYWhat are you saying? You're breakingup with me?
JIMMYA break. You know, see if thisengagement thing is what's best....
TIFFANYYou sound like our parents now.
Tiffany starts walking out towards the park as Jimmy watchesin bewilderment. Tiffany turns around and slowly startswalking backwards.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Go ahead! Believe in those stupidsuperstitions like all those oldgossip ladies in Chinatown...
JIMMYC'mon, Tiff! It's not about that. Come back and sit....
TIFFANYNo! Bad luck! A Chang shouldn't besitting next to another Chang alonein the park. Someone might die!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:109.
JIMMYStop talking nonsense. We'll still befriends. Meet once a month here...
Tiffany points her finger at Jimmy, still walking backwardsaway from him.
TIFFANYMore bad luck!
Jimmy gets up from the park bench and approaches Tiffany.
JIMMYFor gawd's sake, Tiff!
Jimmy hugs Tiffany and gives her a kiss on her forehead asshe wells up with tears.
TIFFANYHow long a break?
JIMMYI don't know, a month. We'll meetback here and see...
TIFFANYI won't come.....
JIMMYWhat do you mean, you won't come?
TIFFANYI just won't. Maybe that's why I hadthe bad luck. You disappearing theway you did. Maybe if I hadn't agreedfor you to join up. Maybe then Iwouldn't have this bad luck we'reboth having? And maybe if we hadn'tgot engaged...
JIMMYNow who's sounding like our parents?
Tiffany breaks away from Jimmy's grasp and goes back to gether purse on the park bench. Then she walks up to Jimmy.
TIFFANYI hope those other girls you've beenseeing since you've gotten back makeyou happy......
Tiffany starts walking off into the park and doesn't lookback at Jimmy.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:110.
JIMMYCome on, Tiff. Don't make this harderthan it already is....
Tiffany doesn't look back as Jimmy sits back on the parkbench watching her walk away into the park.
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT KITCHEN - EARLY MORNING
Tiffany, Mindy and Sasha are having early morning breakfast.Mindy is eating a bagel flavored with cinnamon, blueberriesand strawberries.
SASHAWhat the freak is that?
MINDYIt's called a "Catholic Bagel".
Sasha glances at Tiffany.
SASHAWell, God bless us, Mrs. Robinson.And what are you having, a "BuddhistBagel"? I swear Ming? What's next,"Catholic Won-Ton" for lunch?
TIFFANYJust eat your rice chex like a goodgirl, Sash. We have a new menu to goover this morning....
SASHAWell count me the hell out. I'mputting in my notice this morning.I'm going back to New York. I decidedto give him another chance.
TIFFANYAnother chance? Don't you think itshould be the other way around?
SASHAAnyway, I just feel like I've beenthe "sideshow attraction" aroundhere. It hasn't been exactly"Breakfast at Tiffany's" here....
MINDYLeast there was a cat involved...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:111.
SASHADon't remind me. It'll take me monthsto get the cat hair out of my mink. Ijust hope you make a decision Tiff.You can't dance at two weddings.
MINDYYes you can. You can be a bride'smaid at one and....
SASHAJust eat your "Pope in a Blanket"there. And she needs to startdressing lots better...Just how muchbang for the buck do you really thinkyou get from those cheap Chinatownheels you wore yesterday?
TIFFANYWell excuse me. I don't have "Prada"stenciled on my ass like you, Sasha!
Tiffany storms off out of the kitchen.
MINDYLeast she knows a designer's name....
INT. CHANG'S UPSTAIRS FLAT APARTMENT - TIFFANY'S BEDROOM
Tiffany is laying in bed, gasping for breath. She fumbles toget her phone and knocks over the lamp on her bedside table.
TIFFANYMing?....Ming?
Mindy runs into Tiffany's bedroom and sees Tiffany slippingin and out of consciousness and sees the bottle of sleepingpills spilled all over the bedroom floor. Sasha and Mrs.Chang rush into the bedroom. Mindy tries to hold Tiffany asMrs. Chang calls an ambulance.
MINDY (crying)I think she took too many of them.Please God, don't let her die.
CONTINUED:112.
EXT./INT. SAN FRANCISCO - CHINATOWN HOSPITAL - MORNING - FEWDAYS LATER
Tiffany is in a hospital bed recovering from an overdose ofsleeping pills. A HOSPITAL ATTENDANT is serving Tiffany herbreakfast on a tray. There is a knock on the room door.
HOSPITAL ATTENDANTIt's your two angels of the morning. Each and every morning....
Mindy and Sasha enter the hospital room.
SASHAActually, we're just here toestablish an alibi for your Mother sowe don't have to fold napkins thismorning....
There is another knock on Tiffany's door.
ANGELINAI brought you some cannoli. But,thenurse out there wouldn't let me bringit in...
Angelina comes over and hugs Tiffany.
ANGELINA (cont'd)It's a good thing I brought somethingelse..... Ma?
Mrs. Castelli comes into the room carrying a dozen red rosesand presents it to Tiffany.
MRS. CASTELLIThey tell me that the color red isgood luck in the Town of China.
TIFFANYMrs. Castelli, they are so beautiful.
SASHA (sotto to Mindy)Let's split this scene, before shepulls out the shotgun...
MRS. CASTELLI (to Tiffany)I pray the rosary every night....
(CONTINUED)
113.
ANGELINAAnd she goes to mass and confessionevery week to repent....
MRS. CASTELLIAgain, with the stories about yourMother?
Sasha pulls Mindy by her sleeve to leave.
SASHAC'mon, napkins await.....
Mindy and Sasha leave.
MRS. CASTELLI (to Tiffany)Honey, I have come to realize what anangel in disguise you have been to myfamily and especially to my son. Troymisses you so!
TIFFANYMrs. Castelli? I'm far from that...
ANGELINAYou really have opened her eyes. Sheeven puts out American bread at thetables now.....
MRS. CASTELLIAgain, with the stories? I just wanther to know, anyone my son loves somuch, I will love as much.
Mrs. Castelli hugs Tiffany and pulls Angelina by her blouseout the door.
ANGELINAWe all love you. Especially, Troy....
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS (and into the next scene) - "RealLove" by The Beatles (Anthology Two version).
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO BUS TERMINAL - ONE WEEK LATER - DAY
Tiffany is waiting for a bus to the University of Californiaat Berkeley campus and then sitting on the bus alone lookingout of the bus window at the passing views as MUSICcontinues.
CONTINUED:114.
EXT. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - BERKELEY CAMPUS - CONTINUOUS
As the MUSIC continues to play, she arrives at the campus.She walks around, looking a bit mystified at what shesees(not ever being on a college campus before). She sits ona BENCH and watches the students going to and from classes.
Troy is walking to class and passes by Tiffany on the bench.He then realizes that she is sitting there and goes back tostand before her. Tiffany shyly looks down and fiddles withher PURSE-DAY BAG as the MUSIC fades out.
TROYFound a new bench?
TIFFANY (shyly)Guess I got tired of the old one...
Troy sits down next to her on the bench.
TIFFANY (cont'd)I tried. I tried so hard to getthrough everything. Guess, I didn'ttry hard enough?
TROYHei, fatto bene....You did good. Thebest you could. Just please stoptaking those pills.
TIFFANYI have, honest I have. I'm lotsbetter now....
TROYI can see, as beautiful as ever....
TIFFANYTroy? Jimmy and I are through. Hiscondition and all. He feels he justcan't commit to me. That ridiculouswar, it's changed him so much. Evenwith his counseling, I'm not surehe'll ever be the same again...
TROYI think you should give him moretime. With time, perhaps he will behimself again...
(CONTINUED)
115.
TIFFANYI'm not so sure. He was my first loveand I always thought my last love.Now, he's with others....
TROYDo you still love him?
TIFFANYA part of me always will, just not inthe same way.....
TIFFANY (cont'd)Troy? What about us? Do you stilllove me? Or did I totally screwthings up? You probably hate me....
TROYI'll always love you, Tiff....
INT. CHINATOWN SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER - MR. SING'S ROOM - DAY
Mr. Sing, wags his finger and shouts in Chinese at a PICTUREOF SASHA, propped up on his BUDDHIST ALTAR. Sasha appears atthe doorway of his room.
SASHANo need to curse at my picture, I'mhere for that, Father...
Mr. Sing turns to face his daughter.
MR. SINGDon't have a daughter. Just an imageof what use to be...
SASHAFather? You don't know how much thathurts me when you say that...
MR. SINGMaybe daughter should have thought ofthat before she disgraced her family?
SASHAWhy Father? Because I didn't marryChinese?
MR. SINGMuch more than that....
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:116.
SASHAI know I've messed up my life. Howmany times must I ask for yourforgiveness? I'm sorry I disgracedyou and the Sing family. Are yougoing to hate me the rest of yourlife for that?
MR. SINGI don't hate you. I'm just...disappointed in daughter...
SASHAYou know what, Father? I thought thatmoney and material things would makeme happy, but now I realize that it'sreally my friends and family, righthere in Chinatown who make me feelhappy and accepted. I'm so sorry Iembarrassed you and your friends bynot being the daughter you dreamed.Can you blame me for wanting a betterlife?
MR. SINGMy Father was a poor man, embarrassedby his own life. I swore I'd neverend up like him. I too thought moneyand success would be the difference.So, you my daughter, perhaps havefollowed in my footsteps. I guess, inmany ways we are alike...
SASHAI'm going back to New York to Adam,Father. I want you to come with me.But, we'll come back to Chinatownoften so we can see our friends.
MR. SINGMy life is here...
SASHAThere's a life outside of Chinatown,Father. I want you to see it...
MR. SINGBest my daughter be with husband.
SASHACan you at least say you forgive mebefore I leave? It would mean so muchto me....please?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:117.
MR. SINGI understand....
Sasha has a slight smile through her tears, closes her eyesand sighs to herself.
SASHAGuess we are so alike showing ourfeelings. Guess an understanding fromyou is a start....
Sasha kneels in front of her Father and hugs him.
SASHA (cont'd)Please, Father? Next time you pointat my picture, pray to Buddha forme...pray for us.....
INT. SAN FRANCISCO EXPENSIVE RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Tiffany, Mindy and Sasha are dressed elegantly to celebrateSasha's return to New York and her husband.
TIFFANYWell, Sasha? I guess we can call thisyour "last supper"?
SASHAI think you have me confused with myhusband? He's the Jewish one...
TIFFANYWhy don't you pick out the lobster inthe tank for our dinner?
SASHAMing's the one with the cross aroundher neck. I'll let her make the lifedecisions tonight...
MINDYSo, Sash? What made you decide to goback to New York?
SASHAWell, I told my Father that I'd tryand not be so materialistic in life.But, Adam offered a Park Avenueapartment until we feel things areright to move in together again. How,can a girl refuse? My own place, myown freedom...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:118.
MINDYApartment on Park Avenue? That'swhere Jackie stays! With a view ofCentral Park. I heard Jackie takesstrolls in the park. Maybe you cantake a step in time with her....
TIFFANYSasha taking a step in time withJackie would be something I can'timagine to even think about. Scary,to say the least...
SASHAWhy scary? We're both women of styleand absolute total visionaries...
TIFFANYCome on, Sash? You're vision of lifeis a bit cloudy, to say the least...
SASHAA girl can change, can't she? Theseare the times of a changing...
MINDYI'm going to miss you so much, Sash!Who am I going to sleep with everynight now?
SASHAYou know what, Ming? Maybe it's youthat needs that "girl to girl"......
TIFFANYYou still have your cats, Ming..
SASHABeing here I've learned that livingwith three cats means that nobodysleeps, everything's broken andthere's lots of throwing up....
Sasha takes a sip of her wine.
SASHA (cont'd)I've also learned that ourfriendships are more precious to me.I'll miss you too, Ming...
Sasha reaches over and hugs Mindy across the table.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:119.
MINDYLook, Tiff! Sasha is hugging me....
TIFFANYWill miracles never cease...
INT. CHINATOWN BUDDHIST TEMPLE - DAY
Tiffany and Mindy are in a Buddhist pose in front of aBuddha statue. They both have their eyes closed and handsand palms extended upwards in meditation.
MINDY"Mikvah"....
TIFFANYWhat?
MINDYThe collection of bath water used forthe purpose of ritual immersion inJudaism.
TIFFANYOkay? Don't keep me in suspense.
MINDYSasha called me from New Yorkyesterday...
TIFFANYBoy! You two have become hugging,calling each other buddies now...
MINDYShe told me that she is thinking of pleasing Adam by immersing herself inJudaism....
TIFFANYWould that even be considered"kosher"?
A long beat as they meditate.
MINDYTiff?
TIFFANYWhat?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:120.
MINDYWhy don't you go see him? Troy?
TIFFANYI was hoping to see him at the park,but he hasn't been there...
MINDYJust go to his restaurant...
TIFFANYI don't know. I got the feeling hejust doesn't want to see me anymore.
MINDYA most famous lady once said. "You'vegot to fight for what you believe in.You have to finish what you start".
TIFFANYJackie, right?
MINDYGo get him, Tiff!
FEW WEEKS LATER.
INT. CASTELLI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - KITCHEN - EVENING
Angelina and Troy are enjoying a glass of wine at the largekitchen table.
ANGELINAWhat's wrong, Troy? You seem so lostin thought?
TROYBeen offered a fellowship in Rome....
ANGELINATeaching fellowship, that's great. Mawill be so proud...
TROYI guess it comes at a good time.Really need to get away from here....
Angelina gets up and hugs Troy.
TROY (cont'd)Sis? Can you do me a favor?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:121.
ANGELINAI'll break it to Ma, don't worry...
TROYNot that. She already knows...
Troy pulls out a bulky ENVELOPE from his jeans and hands itto Angelina.
TROY (cont'd)I want you to give this to Tiffanyfor me. I just can't bear to saygoodbye to her. I'm so worried she'llget sick again...
ANGELINAI understand. Abbracciami. Ti Amo.
Angelina hugs Troy again.
A FEW WEEKS LATER.
INT. SAN FRANCISCO - NORTH BEACH - CASTELLI'S ITALIANRESTAURANT - DAY
Tiffany walks into the restaurant before the lunch crowd.Angelina is busy setting up tables.
ANGELINATiffany? So nice to see you.
Angelina is folding napkins and Tiffany offers to help.
TIFFANYImagine that? That's the same way wedo it over in the Town of China...
ANGELINAWe're all the same. No matter whatside of town we're on.....
A long beat as they fold napkins.
ANGELINA (cont'd)He's in Rome. A fellowship at theUniversity of Rome and to learn howto make cannoli lots better....
TIFFANYBut, he made the best. I'm so happyhe finally got his dream to teach. Ijust wish he would of said goodbye.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:122.
ANGELINAIt was hard for him. He loves youvery much. He didn't want to see youget sick again....
TIFFANYBut, I'm better now....
Tiffany starts to walk out of the restaurant.
ANGELINATiffany? Wait. He wanted me to giveyou something.
Angelina goes behind the bar and goes into the cash registerto retrieve the envelope that Troy left. She then walks backand gives it to Tiffany.
TIFFANYWhat is it?
ANGELINAGo ahead, open it...
Tiffany opens the envelope and is very surprised as shereads the letter.
TIFFANYMy gawd! He paid for violin tutoringlessons for me at the Symphony. Andwhy all this money?
ANGELINAHe was saving his pay from the bakeryfor you to buy a new violin, a reallynice one. He wanted so much to seeyou play up on stage one day with theSan Francisco Symphony.....
TIFFANYThis is too much. I can't...
ANGELINAIt would make Troy very happy to seeyou up there one day. Think you owe asmile on his face, wouldn't you say?
Tiffany has tears in her eyes as she hugs Angelina.
CONTINUED:123.
INT. TIFFANY'S MANAGER'S KITCHEN OFFICE - LATE EVENING
Tiffany is exhausted at her desk after another long day atthe restaurant. Mindy comes in after closing the restaurantand has a seat in front of Tiffany's desk.
MINDYYou're still a stranger to me...
TIFFANYHuh?
MINDYYou're still not the friend and"almost sister" I used to know.
TIFFANYPlease don't start. Such a long day.
Tiffany goes to the file cabinet to file some paperwork.
TIFFANY (cont'd)You've known me since we were tenyears old. How dare you say that...
MINDYBecause, before you wanted to changethe world. You were so sweet, so muchfun and trying to figure it out......
TIFFANYThat was when I was young and naive.
MINDYAnd then Jimmy happened. You justgave up and stopped caring abouteverything, including us....
TIFFANYThat's not true and you know it.
MINDYMy take is that you're suffering froma broken heart and the only way it'sgoing to stop hurting is that you dosomething about it.
TIFFANYAnd what do you suggest I do, Missknow it all?
(CONTINUED)
124.
MINDYYou know what to do. You're TiffanyLu Anne Chang. The smartest andprettiest and fairest of them all atChinatown High....
Tiffany slams the file cabinet drawer and walks towardsMindy.
TIFFANYDon't just sit there. Let's gofreakin' do something about it!
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS (and into the next scene) - "On AnEvening In Roma" - by Dean Martin
EXT. ROME, ITALY - MOUTH OF TRUTH - DAY
Tiffany and Mindy are walking down the street and end up infront of "The Mouth of Truth".
MINDYWow, Tiff? "The Mouth of Truth".Remember, it's from the movie "RomanHoliday" with Audrey Hepburn? Theysay if you tell a lie and you putyour hand in there, it'll be cut off.
TIFFANYPlease, Ming? I'm so sick and tiredof superstitions.....
MINDYI think you should try...
TIFFANYAnd say what?
MINDYI think you should say that you stilllove Troy very much. That's why we'rehere, isn't it? Go on.....
Tiffany does it just to please Mindy and then pulls her handout all intact.
MINDY (cont'd)See, it's true. Now, go across thestreet there and tell him that.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:125.
Tiffany crosses the street and goes into a restaurant. Troyis on the phone with his friend Joshua who is back atBerkeley.
INT. ROME, ITALY - RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
JOSHUA (V.O.)It's bad luck not to call yourMother. Least call your Mom. Shekeeps calling me. From what I'veheard, she's left her old ways backin Palermo...
Tiffany enters the restaurant and Troy notices her throughthe kitchen opening as he continues to talk to Joshua.
TROYAnd it looks like she sent her newways over here to Roma....
Troy hangs up the phone and goes out to face Tiffany.
TIFFANYWhat was I afraid of? The gossip?What people would say? I know now,that I can't exist without you....
TROYNo, you'll get sick again.
TIFFANYI don't care if I get sick again.Being without you is worse. I don'tcare we're from two different worldsand cultures. It's what's inside thatcounts. I'm so sorry it took so long.
Troy starts to swell with tears in his eyes.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Don't just stand there crying, like asilly hippie freak. Are you or aren'tyou? It's just you and me now...
Mindy appears in the doorway.
MINDYHey! What about me?
TIFFANYShe really needs to be adopted...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:126.
Tiffany pushes herself in Troy's arms just like the timePeace made her lose her balance in North Beach.
TIFFANY (cont'd)Are you going to marry me, or what?
TROYYou bet your sweet Chinese culo......
SUGGESTED MUSIC STARTS -"If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)"by The Staple Singers.
EXT. ROME, ITALY - STREET - CONTINUOUS
Tiffany, Troy and Mindy are walking through the streets ofRome, a new threesome as MUSIC continues and as endingcredits roll.
THE END.
EXTRA ENDING SCENE:
SUGGESTED MUSIC - "My Love, Forgive Me (Amore, Scusami)" byRobert Goulet.
The whole cast pairs up to dance in the courtyard ofAlcatraz Island with aerial and close-up views of the cast.
CONTINUED:127.