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Implie High

Selected Scenes

morning commotion
graduation party apprehension
Mark finally talks to Jennifer
The girls talk about boys
Harold talks to his Mr. Snook, the guidance counselor
Mark talks to his older brother

CHARACTERS

Mark: seventeen years old, a senior, likes cars, high school, and Jennifer, member of the audio-visual club, college plans: maybe someday

Ronny: Mark's fourteen year old brother, attends junior high school

Mrs. Pemick: Mark's mother, believes in God and yelling

Mr. Pemick: Mark's father, believes Mark's mother

Phil: Mark's twenty year old brother, goes to Montclair State

Jennifer: sixteen years old, a junior, likes daydreaming, reading desks, is pretty sure that Mark likes her, college plans: good chance

Tracy: Jennifer's five year old sister

Mrs. Siller: Jennifer's mother

Mr. Siller: Jennifer's father

Harold: fifteen years old, a sophomore, Mark's friend, likes financial aid (if he gets it) and his guidance counselor, member of The Clarion Times (school paper), college plans: not yet

Roy: Harold's friend at the bus stop

Mr. Triggle: the principal of Implie High, might have bodyguards

Jim: Harold's friend, editor of the Clarion Times

Brad: Harold's friend, on Clarion Times staff

Jill: Harold's friend, on Clarion Times staff

Diane: Jennifer's friend

Ellen: Jennifer's friend

Hank: Mark's friend, in his auto class

Mr. Dundey: Jennifer's English teacher

Mr. Snook: Harold's guidance counselor

George: Mark's friend, in the audio-visual club

Mr. Pindon: audio-visual club instructor

Mrs. Plizbenken: audio-visual club secretary

Mr. Slimben: Jennifer's American Literature teacher, likes to dress in costumes

Cathy: Jennifer's friend, in her driver education class

Mr. Brend: Jennifer's driver education teacher

Wilbur: Harold's friend, in his geography class

Mr. Greckel: Mark's history teacher

Mr. Crape: Harold's biology teacher

Fred: Harold's friend, in his biology class

FADE IN:

1. EXTERIOR / IMPLIE HIGH SCHOOL / EARLY MORNING

The first view of Implie High School is from outside, during an early morning sunshower. The school is located at the top of a hill-like area; sidewalks and a narrow two lane road in need of repair lead up to the front, and around. An occasional car and distant thunder can be heard. From below, the entire shape of the school is hard to see, although its outline suggests that it is a long building that stretches out into various sections. There is little view of its depth, but off to the right are hints of open land--playlng fields--which seen to be in line with school grounds. Implie High does not seem like a new school, mainly because its many bricks have begun to fade. It really looks like an important suburban landmark. An American flag that waves plainly above it, crumpled In the rain, sometimes tends to confirm this. Toward the bottom of the hill, a sign with announcements reads "IMPLIE HIGH SCHOOL." Beneath that, in plastic interchangeable letters: "FRIDAY, JUNE 16-- STUDENT-FACULTY FOLLIES." Then, "TUESDAY JUNE 20--GRADUATION."

2. INTERIOR / MARK'S HOUSE / MORNING

The point of view is from that of MARK PEMICK'S alarm clock. MARK is seen sleeping about two feet away from it. He looks close to eighteen years old, of average size for that age and has dark blonde hair. Suddenly, a loud buzzing sound is heard and MARK moves a bit, his eyes start to open, and he reaches out to shut off the clock. As MARK glances around his room, many pictures and posters can he seen on the walls. They are mainly of sports cars, rock singers, and famous girls. His desk is a hit messy, with magazines and loose-leaf paper scattered about. A notebook and some schoolbooks are in the middle of other things. Clothes are on the desk chair by him, and near his bed. MARK gets out of bed. He is wearing a T-shirt and pajama shorts. For the most part he looks strong, although not necessarily an athletic type. His brown eyes have a straightforward, curious edge to them. His face is slightly in need of a shave. MARK walks out of his room and into a hallway.

The first door on his right is open. It is another bedroom. The pictures and posters seen in this room are similar to those in MARK'S bedroom, only here the girls look sexier. There aren't as many books seen in this bedroom, although there are more clothes, mainly T-shirts and socks strewn around. Comic books are around the bed. Rock music is playing on a record player in the room. It is Elvis Costello singing "Accidents Will Happen." MARK walks by without looking in. Just past this bedroom is another door. MARK walks up to it and turns the door knob. It is locked.

MARK (confused): Hey, what is this?

A younger voice comes from behind the door.

RONNY: What?

MARK: C'mon Ronny.

RONNY (confidently): No way.

MARK: Ronny, I told you yesterday. I don't want to go through this again.

RONNY: Go eat breakfast or something.

MARK: I'm not eating breakfast yet. I wash first.

RONNY: So do I.

MARK: Get out.

RONNY: No.

MARK (getting flustered): I'm not going through this every morning!

RONNY: You don't. There's no school on Saturday or Sunday.

MARK: Every morning lately, Ronny! I thought we straightened this out back in September!

No answer comes from behind the door. MARK pauses a few moments and then knocks hard on the door.

MARK: RONNY!

RONNY (calmly): What?

MARK: C'MON!

RONNY: No!

MARK: RONNY!

MRS. PEMICK, in a nightgown, walks into the hallway. She is of medium height and has curly, rather short hair. She seems nice,but her loud, quick walk suggests that she can swiftly create commotion.

MRS. PEMICK: Hey, can't there be peace in this house in the morning?

MARK (practically giving up): I always tell him to wait until I get done. He doesn't have to be in there yet.

MRS. PEMICK: Can't one of you use the downstairs bathroom?

MARK: Yeah. He can.

RONNY: I have to take a shower!

MARK (shocked): WHAT? So do I! I don't have all morning for this to happen.

RONNY: Buy your own bathroom.

MRS. PEMICK: Listen, sometimes you have to allow each other to be in there when you go to school.

RONNY: Right. First come, first serve.

MARK: I can't believe this! I always allow him in there! He never rushes out for me!

MRS. PEMICK: Can't you do something else? Why don't you eat breakfast now?

MARK (trying to reason): No. That's not that way I do things in the morning. You don't understand.

MRS. PEMICK (getting upset): What do you mean "I don't understand."

MARK (trying to console her): Listen. I'm reasonable. I set up. I look at my room. I wash up. Shave. Brush my teeth. I usually don't even eat until after I get dressed. That's the way. I thought you knew that.

MRS. PEMICK: I don't do one thing for your brothers that I don't do for you.

MARK: I understand.

MRS. PEMICK: Now I'm sure for this one morning you can let.....

MARK: Hold on a minute. (He bashes on the door.) RONNY!

RONNY: What?

MARK (yelling): C'mon, I'm a senior! I have to leave for school first! I deserve to get in there before you!

3. INTERIOR / JENNIFER'S HOUSE / MORNING

TRACY, a five year old girl, opens the bathroom door just as her older sister, JENNIFER, is wrapping a towel around herself and walking out.

JENNIFER (playfully): Tracy, what are you trying to do--make me expose myself or something?

JENNIFER SILLER long, curly brown hair, and seems sensitive and soft spoken. Her eyes reveal that she is a very self conscious person who has much concern for others. She looks her age, sixteen. JENNIFER walks into a small hallway, which leads into various other rooms, including the kitchen, from which voices can be heard. She walks into her own room and begins to dry herself off. JENNIFER'S room is not as plastered with things as MARK'S room, but she does have a few movie posters up (E.T. and American Graffiti.) She has quite a few books and, of course, records. Generally, her room is nice looking and neat. As she continues to dry off and comb her hair, she picks up some things that are cluttering up the room a little. After a few moments, TRACY slowly walks in and sits on JENNIFER'S bed.

JENNIFER: You following me around this morning?

TRACY: Uh-huh.

JENNIFER: Ok.

TRACY watches as JENNIFER looks at herself in her mirror.

TRACY: Is school all done?

JENNIFER: No, not yet. A few days. Why?

TRACY: I don't know.

JENNIFER smiles, moves closer to TRACY.

JENNIFER: Want to hand me that brush? (After a short pause) So how's college with you?

TRACY: What?

JENNIFER (fooling around): You know. How's college? How's Harvard?

TRACY smiles and shrugs.

JENNIFER Oh, that's right. I forgot. You're still in pre-school.

TRACY nods no.

JENNIFER: No? Pre-pre school?

TRACY laughs and lays back on JENNIFER'S bed. JENNIFER sits down on the bed with TRACY for a moment, tickling her.

JENNIFER: OK, Trace, I have to keep moving.

TRACY: Can I stay in here?

JENNIFER: Yeah. I'll be back in a little bit.

JENNIFER walks out of her room and closes the door a little. As she stands in the hallway, she can hear her parents arguing.

MRS. SILLER: I don't want to hear it anymore. You never have any money.

MR. SILLER: Don't worry about it. We'll manage.

JENNIFER rolls her eyes and walks toward the kitchen.

MRS. SILLER: That's all you ever say. The mortgage is nearly early three months......

JENNIFER walks into the kitchen.

JENNIFER: I figure I'll eat before I get dressed.

MR. and MRS. SILLER stop arguing and JENNIFER notices this as she reaches for some Life cereal. She looks at the two of them as they watch her.

JENNIFER (referring to the argument): Oh. Don't let me stop you.

MR. and MRS. SILLER look at each other. They are both in their mid-forties, and seem nice. MRS. SILLER is dressed in nothing special, and MR. SILLER is wearing a nice dress shirt. For the most part, MRS. SILLER seems like a somewhat nervous woman, not unlike JENNIFER herself. Mr. Siller appears to be more domineering--stubborn.

MRS. SILLER: Are you going to be home late from school again today, Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Well, I'll he home for supper, but the Follies are tonight.

MRS. SILLER: Oh.

JENNIFER looks curiously at her parents.

JENNIFER: Dad can't you set tonight off?

MR. SILLER (quietly): No, I can't.

JENNIFER: Don't you have any paid days coming to you?

MR. SILLER: Yeah. I used them all on Atlantic City, remember?

JENNIFER stays quiet a few moments, thinking.

JENNIFER: It's just that these kinds of things are only once a year. (pausing) I've never been in a Follies before.

MRS. SILLER: We'll go next year.

JENNIFER: Who knows if I'll be in it next year? Who knows if there will even be another Follies next year?

MR. SILLER: It's not that I don't want to go. I love to see you set involved and do things but I have the other job to go to. Then, I can't concentrate on all.....

JENNIFER: Mom, maybe Aunt Clara and Uncle Pete can come and drive you.

MRS. SILLER: Well, I'll see later. I don't know what they're doing tonight. If they call, maybe they'll go.

JENNIFER: At least somebody in the family would be there.

MRS. SILLER: Well, we'll see.

JENNIFER (contemplating): I don't know. I mean, you've never been in the high school. Dad too. You've never been in it.

MRS. SILLER: Honey, we've seen the school.

JENNIFER: Yeah, from the outside.

MR. SILLER: Don't worry, we know what it's like. High schools don't change that much.

JENNIFER: Both of you never came to the junior high when I was there, either. (She gazes at both) You never met any of my teachers. Ever.

4. INTERIOR / MARK'S HOUSE / MORNING

MARK is seen kneeling by the bathroom door, jiggling a screwdriver near the lock hole. After a few seconds, the door opens and MARK'S fourteen year old brother, RONNY, walks out in his bathrobe. RONNY is generally happy, annoying, and shrewd in a funny way. In the Pemick household, he is the one who continually manages to say and do things exactly when he shouldn't. MARK just stares at him as he walks out.

MARK: Just fabulous. You sure you're done?

RONNY (pausing to think about it): Shit, I forgot to brush my teeth!

MARK casually shoves RONNY out of the way and shuts the door on him.

RONNY (practically screaming): HEY!

MARK loudly locks the door. RONNY trots off, yelling.

RONNY: Hey, Mom!

MARK (talking to himself): Why couldn't he go to the same school that I do so I could kill him?

In the bathroom, MARK washes his face. Then he looks up and looks at himself curiously while he puts on shaving cream. He rubs it all over his face. From below, he picks up an electric shaver, turns it on, and starts rubbing his face with it a little. He pulls it away and looks at it, confused. In the PEMICK'S kitchen, MRS. PEMICK is preparing some pancakes. RONNY walks in.

MRS. PEMICK: Is Phil up yet?

RONNY: No, he's still in bed. And his door is closed.

MRS. PEMICK: He must have a late class today.

RONNY walks over to the refrigerator.

RONNY: College must he great. You can get up whenever you want to.

RONNY opens up the refrigerator and looks inside it with a funny look on his face. He looks awkwardly at MRS. PEMICK.

RONNY: Mom.....What's the cereal doing in the refrigerator?

MRS. PEMICK: Huh?

He shows her.

RONNY: Take a look.

MRS. PEMICK is not terribly surprised.

MRS. PEMICK: Your father never knows what he's doing in the morning.

RONNY: Yeah. Neither does Mark.

RONNY and his brother sit down at the table. A radio is announcing news head-lines in the background. The two start eating, and after a short pause, MRS. PEMICK goes out of her way just to say something.

MRS. PEMICK: Where's Mark?

RONNY: In the bathroom, remember?

There is another somewhat awkward pause between them. MRS. PEMICK again breaks it.

MRS. PEMICK: Um, you have one more year to go in the junior high?

RONNY: Yeah. (He pauses.) Do I get to have a party when I yet out?

MRS. PEMICK: Sure, if you want to invite your friends.....

RONNY: How many people are coming to Mark's party next week?

MRS. PEMICK: Well, just the family--some of your brother's school friends.

RONNY: Is Aunt Gracie coming?

MRS. PEMICK: Yeah, Aunt Gracie is coming, Uncle Pete is coming.

MARK walks in. He is just in his bathrobe.

MARK: I thought I'd wait to get dressed today.

RONNY: Wow! That's a change.

MRS. PEMICK: Honey, you know I want you to get dressed up nice next week.

MARK: Yeah, I know. I will.

MRS. PEMICK: You have that nice blue suit with the vest.

MARK: Yeah.

MRS. PEMICK: You can wear your nice plaid shirt. And I want you to wear your new shoes.

MARK: Yeah, ok. (pausing) Ma, how many people do you have coming to this party?

MRS. PEMICK: The family.

MARK (almost sarcastically): Who's the family?

MRS. PEMICK: C'mon. Us, dad, Aunt Rose and Uncle Henry, Grandma, Uncle Ken, Aunt Dorothy, Hermie, the Bellondies......

MARK: The Bellondies? What did you invite the Bellondies for?

MRS. PEMICK: What do you mean? They're your father's cousins.

MARK: Yeah, and then they'll bring their sons.

MRS. PEMICK: How can I help it? it doesn't look right. As soon as they find out that Uncle Ken is invited, they'd get mad if they didn't come. They like you, you know.

MARK: I know they do. But.....

RONNY: How about Aunt Louise?

MRS. PEMICK: Aunt Louise is coming, Uncle Ben........

MARK (shocked): Aunt Louise and Uncle Ben! They aren't even my real Aunt and Uncle! We just call them that!

MRS. PEMICK (getting a hit flustered): Listen, we've known them for years. You can't forget about these people. They came when Grandpa died, they sent us a card.

MARK: Mom, I told you I wanted something small.

RONNY: Is Mrs. Herman coming?

MRS. PEMICK: Mr. and Herman are coming. The Scantos, the Carlins from up the block.

MARK: Oh God.

MRS. PEMICK: Aunt Ellen, Doctor Flieder.

MARK: Oh God.

RONNY: Don't complain. You're gonna he rich.

MARK sits down in disbelief.

MARK (quietly): I don't know. I didn't want this. It's not necessary.

MRS. PEMICK (affectionately): Honey, why are you like that? You're graduating from high school. You only graduate from high school once, don't you?

MARK: Yeah, I don't know. I just hate it when all these people are over. Uncle Willie will probably get drunk, somebody always has an argument over the lottery or something.......

MRS. PEMICK: It's a wonderful thing to have everybody see you at this time of your life.

MARK: Yeah. I guess.

5. EXTERIOR / VIEWS OF SUBURBAN NEW JERSEY / DAY

As Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" is heard, many different shots of the local community are shown. There are views of people going to work, kids going to school, shots of local stores and malls, movie theaters, lawns being mowed, numerous buses going to pick up students of all ages.

6. EXTERIOR / SCHOOL BUS STOP / DAY

About fifteen high school students are waiting for their bus. A good number of them are talking to each other, in little groups of three or four. In the background, about a block away, younger students are waiting for their bus to the junior high school. Occasionally, a small child walks by on the sidewalk, carrying school books and a lunch bag. HAROLD DIMSMITH is seen talking to a friend of his. Even though it is the end of the school year, HAROLD looks as though he is just starting high school. He wears clothes one would think a person would wear especially for the first day of school. HAROLD'S friend, ROY, is jittery and in appearance seems similar to HAROLD. That is to say, one cannot picture him as an eleventh grader in a few months. HAROLD and ROY are looking at the students talking at the next bus stop.

ROY: There they are--the youth of tomorrow.

HAROLD: Jeez, it's hard to believe we used to wait there last year to get to junior high.

ROY: Yeah. I mean, last year we were just these nerdy ninth graders. Now look at us. Pretty soon--juniors!

HAROLD: We're moving up!

ROY: Who knows? Maybe someday you'll be editor of your college newspaper.

HAROLD: That would he great! Imagine--

ROY: Maybe we could go to the same college together!

HAROLD: Yeah! We set to apply to whatever college we want to after next summer!

ROY: Yeah--we could be roommates or something!

HAROLD: Maybe we could set financial aid together!

ROY: You know, my brother George says even Tipson Community College is a half decent place.

HAROLD: I heard they have co-ed apartments and stuff.

ROY: Yeah. Their classes are supposed to be pretty good too. It's pretty crowded, though.

HAROLD: I heard that, too. I don't know. I like this high school, though. I mean, there's no use in rushing things.

ROY: Being a junior should he pretty good, I guess.

HAROLD: At least we can take more classes of what we want.

ROY: Yeah. I hate requirements.

Off in the distance MARK can be seen walking toward the bus stop. He is dressed in blue jeans and with a rock concert T-shirt. He rubs his face, as though feeling stubs, and straightens out his hair a bit.

ROY: Here comes Mark.

HAROLD: Yeah. He's a good guy. He's graduating this year. His mother invited me to his party.

ROY: Really? God, you don't know him that well, do you?

HAROLD: I've been over his house quite a few times. We've talked. He says most of his senior friends aren't worth talking to.

ROY: That's something. He doesn't seem like the type of guy who would say something like that.

HAROLD: I don't know. That's what he said.

ROY: How'd you meet him?

HAROLD: It was weird. I was in the lunchroom back in November. All of a sudden this bunch of guys walk over to me. I happened to he sitting by myself that day. So these guys come over and say, "Excuse us, we're seniors." And I said, '"That's great. I'm a sophomore, myself," And they said, "Get up and eat somewhere else. This is a senior table." And I said, "No."

ROY: Great!

HAROLD: They said, "Do you want to be shoved in the trash compactor?" So I got up and moved to another table. I didn't even think about where to sit. I just sat at any open spot I could find. The guy sitting to my right turned out to be Mark.

ROY: Jeez.

HAROLD and ROY watch as MARK walks over to them.

MARK: How you guys doing? Harold.

ROY We're cool.

MARK: Get all your last tests done and all?

ROY: So-so.

HAROLD: I have my last one today. I should be all right.

Mark That's good. So you're getting set for summer vacation?

HAROLD: Yeah.

ROY: Gotta find a job.

HAROLD: Me too. But who knows doing what?

ROY: I don't know. Something.

7. EXTERIOR / INTERIOR SCHOOL / BUS DAY

A school bus is seen driving up the street in the distance. A couple of students start trotting to catch up to it as it reaches the stop. Fifteen or so students get on the bus, which is being driven by a heavyset young woman with a four year old child sitting directly behind her. HAROLD and ROY set onto the bus one after the other. ROY gives a friendly nod to the bus driver. All around in the bus, the others are moving and talking, some eating fast, some taking seats next to friends who were already on the bus. Others sit alone, and some, like MARK and HAROLD, sit together and continue the conversation that they were having outside.

MARK (motioning): Here, toward the middle.

MARK sits down next to a window and HAROLD sits down next to him, closing him in. ROY spots a different friend and sits with him.

ROY: See you guys around.

HAROLD: I'm surprised. The bus seems pretty crowded for this close to the end of the year.

HAROLD: Really.

ROY: Yeah. I figured I'd be the only ones on the bus today.

The bus pulls out and goes down the road, passing by the bus stop with the junior high students. HAROLD watches the younger kids as they pass, and then turns toward. After an awkward pause, HAROLD starts speaking.

HAROLD: So.....you looking forward to setting out?

MARK (looking confused): What can I say?

HAROLD: Are you?

MARK: Yeah. (pauses) in a lot of ways.

HAROLD: I can hardly wait.

MARK: Why?

HAROLD (thinking hard): I don't know. I want to do a lot of things.

MARK: You don't have to rush, Don't worry about it.

HAROLD: What do you mean?

MARK: I don't know. You're just a sophomore......

HAROLD: What do you mean--just a sophomore? You know, school can be fun but it isn't everything. it's only one part. I gotta get into the real world, you know. You're lucky......

MARK: I don't think my life is going to change that drastically after I graduate.

HAROLD: Yeah, but.....

MARK: And you're in the real world! Just because you're still in school doesn't make you a zombie or something.

HAROLD: There's something different about it.

MARK: Like what?

HAROLD: I don't know. I have trouble putting it in words.

The bus continues to go through back roads to get to the next stop. From MARK'S window, he and HAROLD can see more kids waiting to be picked up in the distance. The bus slows down, music can he heard corning from it, thanks to plenty of radios that were brought on.

HAROLD: Hey , think your girlfriend is there today?

MARK: What girlfriend?

HAROLD: You know. That girl.....

MARK: She's not my girlfriend.

HAROLD: You should talk to her.

MARK: That's easy for you to say. She always sits toward the front, anyway.

HAROLD: So?

JENNIFER is seen among the kids getting on the bus.

MARK: Oh God.

HAROLD: There she is!

MARK gazes at JENNIFER.

MARK: I don't know what it is..... I'm not even sure of what grade she's in.

HAROLD: That doesn't matter.

JENNIFER walks through the front of the bus, unable to find a seat.

MARK: She'll end up in the back today.

HAROLD: No she won't.

HAROLD suddenly gets my out of his seat and starts to walk toward the back. JENNIFER spots the seat by MARK and sits in it. The bus revs up and begins to move on, having made its last stop.

8. EXTERIOR / INTERIOR SCHOOL BUS / DAY

The bus is seen heading toward the main roads that lead to Implie High. Music continues to play inside the bus. MARK looks curious. He looks out the window, trying to find words. JENNIFER seems equally confused as she glances around. After what seems to he a long wait, MARK looks at JENNIFER and talks.

MARK: You come to school often?

JENNIFER (a little confused): Yeah. I have to.

MARK: Me too.

JENNIFER: You a junior?

MARK (awkwardly): No. Senior.

JENNIFER: Oh.

MARK: You a senior?

JENNIFER: No.

MARK: Sophomore?

JENNIFER: Junior .

There are numerous awkward pauses between the two as they continue talking.

JENNIFER: What's your name?

MARK: Mark.

JENNIFER: My name is Jennifer.

MARK: Oh.

JENNIFER (after a pause): So what do you think?

MARK: About what?

JENNIFER looks as though she thought that he would know what she meant.

JENNIFER: About school.

MARK: I like it. It's there.....um, and I like it.

JENNIFER: Have you been coming to Implie High all three years?

MARK: Yeah. Every school I've gone to has been here in Implie. We moved here when I was four.

JENNIFER: My family moved here when I was nine. I've always liked it here.

MARK: It's pretty quiet. Not like in a city or someplace.

JENNIFER (contemplating): Yeah. The only thing I don't like is the.....communication.

MARK: What do you mean?

JENNIFER: Well, for instance, we've been living next to the same people all around since we moved here. There's Mrs. Burke who lives next door to us on the right, and Mrs. Drine next door on the left. A lady--Mrs. Johnson-- lives across the street. And I mean ever since we first moved here, I saw these people and everyone else on the block, and I would wave to them or their husbands or their kids. And I do the exact same thing now.

MARK: So?

JENNIFER: Well, I never really talked to these people. I never really sat down and talked to them. And never mind all the people who live up the block from us. I just always wave to them. I don't even know who they are. We just all live on the same street. I must have waved to them all three thousand times.

9. EXTERIOR / INTERIOR SCHOOL BUS / DAY

The bus continues on its way through Implie. More students at bus stops are seen, as well as people leaving for work. It is a sunny, pretty day. The bus passes by numerous cars and other buses. Inside, the students are still rowdy and talkative. HAROLD watches and JENNIFER from behind.

MARK: So you made out your schedule for next term?

JENNIFER: Yeah, a while ago.

MARK: That's good. What are you taking?

JENNIFER: Let's see. British Literature, Physics..... Gym, naturally. Trigonometry, Satire.....

MARK: Satire?

JENNIFER: Yeah, Mr. Michaels is going to teach it.

MARK: Mr. Michaels, the humanities teacher?

JENNIFER : Yeah. I have him this semester. He's my favorite teacher.

MARK: I just had him last semester.

JENNIFER: Did you like him?

MARK: He was great.

JENNIFER: I love books--everything he picked to teach.

MARK: He's all right. Is this course about satire in books?

JENNIFER: I think satire in general.

MARK: You mean, like movies, TV.....

JENNIFER: Movies, people, life. Mr. Michaels says life is very satirical.

MARK: Yeah?

JENNIFER: Uh-huh.

MARK: I wish I could take that class.

JENNIFER: I do too. (pause) Are you going to college?

MARK (swiftly): No.

JENNIFER: Well, there's nothing wrong with that.

MARK: Are you?

JENNIFER: I'm not sure yet. I just want to get out of high school before there's a war or something.

10. EXTERIOR / OUTSIDE OF IMPLIE HIGH SCHOOL / DAY

The bus turns, and passes by a lot of kids walking up the hill to the school. Here the school can be seen better. All the sections can be seen, as well as much of the area that the school takes up. It appears to be much bigger than it seemed earlier. The students get off the bus--MARK, JENNIFER and HAROLD among them. HAROLD stays off to the side as he watches MARK and JENNIFER.

MARK: It's so nice and warm out.

JENNIFER: Yeah, but it's still cloudy. It could rain by the end of the day.

MARK (slowing down his pace): Yeah. (pausing) Well, I guess I'll see you.

JENNIFER: Yeah, I'll see you.

The two try to find more words.

JENNIFER: You know, I'm free fifth period right after lunch. Usually I go to the library and read, talk a little. You can try to find me. I'm usually toward the front.

MARK: Yeah. All right. I'm in class then but maybe I can get out of it.

JENNIFER: OK. If not, there's always the bus. After school.

MARK: OK, I'll see you sometime during the day or something.

JENNIFER: All right. (pausing) Well, bye.

MARK: Bye.

Before she walks away, JENNIFER looks at MARK very quizzically, as though wanting to say something else to him. He gazes at her. JENNIFER turns and walks away. MARK stands almost completely still. HAROLD nudges him and he slowly smiles as they walk toward one of the school's front entrances.

MARK: I can't believe it! Do you see what you did!

HAROLD: What did she say?

MARK: I don't know. Odds and ends. Now I can talk to her! It's no more of this detached nonsense.

HAROLD: You could have talked to her a lot earlier.

MARK: Not really. Sometimes it doesn't work out like that.

HAROLD: What did you say to her?

MARK: I forget. I never thought I would have anything to say to her. Now I don't have to worry about that as much.

HAROLD: I don't get it.

MARK: See, usually as soon as you talk to a person once, the next time it's a lot easier.

11. INTERIOR / IMPLIE HIGH / DAY

There is an almost sudden on-rush of people in the halls. As the people part, a tall, paranoid looking man with dark glasses walks by with two other men who seem identical to him. They all walk into the main office, and the halls continue to clutter up. MARK is about to walk on, but HAROLD holds his arm.

MARK: Well, I'll see you.....

HAROLD: Hold it. Um, Mark..... who was that guy?

MARK: Who? You mean the guy who just walked into the main office?

HAROLD: Yeah. He had two other guys with him.

MARK: Nobody. The principal.

HAROLD: The principal? That was Mr. Triggle?

MARK: Yeah. Didn't you ever see him before?

HAROLD: No, I don't think so. Well, maybe I did--but I never thought that was him. Why the hell does he dress like that? Who were those two other guys?

MARK: Well, supposedly he wears a bullet-proof vest.

HAROLD: What?

MARK: The word is some kid tried to kill him last year. Some senior pulled a gun on him. He was failing ceramics or something. They wouldn't let him graduate when he wanted to.

HAROLD: I heard about that story. I always thought it was bullshit.

MARK: It might be. Nobody is sure about it.

HAROLD: That's nuts.

MARK: What can I say? See you later.

HAROLD: Bye.

12. INTERIOR / IN THE HALLS / DAY

MARK walks in the opposite direction, filtering into the crowd. HAROLD glances at the main office quickly but curiously and walks on. From HAROLD'S point of view there are numerous students and teachers walking through the halls. Occasionally, someone waves and says hello. HAROLD passes many classrooms, mostly only partially filled. Most of the students are waiting outside the classrooms in clusters of four or five. There is a certain detachment in the way the groups notice or don't notice HAROLD walking alone. In fact, most everyone who is walking alone seems in a rush--as though to find their group. HAROLD notices a teacher coming out of the faculty room as he passes by. He nods at a few acquaintances and walks into the Clarion Times office.

13. INTERIOR / CLARION TIMES OFFICE / DAY

Several of HAROLD'S friends are in the office, which is littered with papers and posters. A radio is continually on in the background. JIM, the main editor, is seated behind a desk, and BRAD and JILL are up and around, moving things and writing.

JIM: Here he is!

BRAD: Weird as ever.

HAROLD: Don't laugh. I finished my article on Mr. Slimben.

JIM: Fabulous. Too bad it may not be printed.

HAROLD: What? How come?

JIM: Well, we're just not gonna have the space this time for a full length piece on somebody.

HAROLD That's not what the story was two days ago.

JIM holds up a bunch of papers.

JIM: Two days ago I didn't have the editorials that I have today.

HAROLD: Editorials?

JIM: Yeah. Just about every senior on the staff handed in something about the school--"What it means to be a senior who's graduating."

HAROLD: No kidding.

JIM: Yeah. I handed in one too.

HAROLD: Figures.

JIM (kindly): Listen. You know--Harold, everybody here knows that you're a good reporter, writer--whatever. You might be the editor before you know it. Mr. Slimben will be here for many years to come. You can get that article printed in the next issue, or in September.

HAROLD: Well, I was just hoping I could get it in this last issue because so many students save that one. You know, like the April Fools issue.

JIM: There's not much I can do for you right now. We're about to go to print.

HAROLD: Is there any space left at all?

JIM: Some. Not enough for that, though.

HAROLD (thinking about it): Hmmm. Well, maybe I can do an editorial.

JIM: What?

BRAD: On what?

HAROLD: Well.....

BRAD: "What it means to be a sophomore?"

Everyone laughs.

HAROLD: Yeah! What else?

JILL: Leave him alone. He won't be a sophomore much longer.

HAROLD What's the matter with doing something like that?

JIM: I've never tried it, now that I think of it.

BRAD: C'mon Jim. Be serious. You know how many issues would end up on the floor? You want the janitors to complain?

JILL (kidding): Yeah, then they'll want us to write an editorial about wastepaper or something.

HAROLD: Yeah! Then that can go in the next issue!

BRAD: Who would want to get involved with that?

JIM: Could be controversial.

BRAD: Harold, just be patient, all right? The Slimben article will definitely get printed. maybe the students aren't ready for it yet, anyway. You're supposed to he so terrific--ahead of your time.

HAROLD: Look who's talking. Brad is the guy who writes reviews about movies that came out last year.

BRAD: So what? A review is a review.

HAROLD: Nobody in the school wants to read about movies that came out last year! They want to know how the recent movies are!

BRAD: I'd rather write about those movies than teachers nobody knows about.

HAROLD: Teachers nobody knows about! Mr. Slimben is one of the most popular teachers!

BRAD: To people who take literature.

HAROLD: Who else wears a raincoat in the halls and carries a spear when its time to read "Moby Dick?"

BRAD: I've seen better.

HAROLD: And at least I don't write about student-teachers.

BRAD: What's wrong with student-teachers?

HAROLD: You just try to write about one and they're transferred to another school before the issue they're in comes out.

BRAD: All right, once. That was once.

HAROLD: It happens. It really does.

JIM (calming them down): All I know is--let's not worry about it.

14. INTERIOR / HALLWAYS / DAY

JENNIFER and two of her girlfriends are talking in the halls near some lockers. They glance at the others walking around, preparing for the first class of the day.

DIANE: (to ELLEN): So how's Garry doing?

ELLEN: He's fine. We just went to the movies over the weekend. We saw "Revenge Of The Junior High Cheerleaders."

DIANE: God.

ELLEN: It was about these cheerleaders who are afraid to go to their homecoming game because everyone'll notice that they're going through puberty.

JENNIFER: Isn't Garry getting out this year?

ELLEN: Yeah, I know--it's scary.

DIANE: Not really.

ELLEN: Well, I won't see him as much. He's gonna go to Tipson Community College--prohably at night--and he says he'll have to work during the day.

JENNIFER: Maybe on weekends.......

DIANE: With me and Greg it won't be like that. He doesn't think he'll have to work, so he can be at college while I'm here.

JENNIFER: Where's he going?

DIANE: Tipson. So I can see him more or less at night--the weeknights, weekends.....

ELLEN: Isn't it great? In two months or so we can say we're dating college guys!

DIANE: I know!

ELLEN: What about you, Jennifer? Anybody?

JENNIFER: I see a lot of guys I like. I just don't seem to get the opportunity to talk to them.

ELLEN: Hmmm. Garry and I are gonna go on some trips this summer. We want to go to the shore, Great Adventure, maybe even the Amish country.

JENNIFER drifts off a bit--almost daydreaming.

DIANE: Greg's father has a little boat. We might be able to take it out sometime alone. You know, we can go on the boardwalk during the day......

ELLEN: I always love the beach.

DIANE: That's where I met Greg.

ELLEN: Really?

DIANE: At Belmar.

JENNIFER (coming out of her daze): You'd wonder why they don't teach a class about that.

ELLEN: About what?

DIANE: Belmar?

JENNIFER: No--I mean about guys. Meeting guys.

DIANE: Oh.

ELLEN: Why?

JENNIFER: Well, maybe it would be a help to girls who never know what to say.

ELLEN: You're kidding?

JENNIFER: No.

ELLEN: It would never work. Would it?

JENNIFER: I think....maybe it could.

DIANE: Who'd he crazy enough to teach a class like that?

JENNIFER: There's plenty of teachers here who would.

ELLEN: Isn't it sort of degrading--I mean, taking a class to learn how to meet people?

DIANE: It's sort of embarrassing.

JENNIFER: It would be like all the other classes. (The first bell of the morning rings.) You get used to it.

DIANE: Yeah, I guess.

JENNIFER: Well, I'll see you.

ELLEN: Yeah. Bye, Jennifer.

DIANE: See you later.

Each of the girls goes their own way to class.

15. INTERIOR/EXTERIOR / VARIOUS SCENES OF THE SCHOOL / DAY

The halls empty quite quickly, and hall-teachers stand at different areas, prepared to check for passes. After things quiet down, an announcement can be heard throughout the school. We see various classrooms and sections of the school, both inside and out as the announcement is being made.

MR. TRIGGLE: Good morning, everyone. This is Mr. Triggle. At this time, I would once again like to wish everybody a happy summer. Um, as this year comes to an end..... (realizing that it is all one sentence--more confidently) .....as this year comes to an end. I would like to mention that the yearbooks are in..... They can be picked up in front of the main office between two and four 'o clock today and tomorrow.

MARK talks to his friend HANK from under a car in the auto shop.

MARK: How are something like seven hundred kids going to set their yearbooks during class later?

HANK: I don't know. Ask him.

MR. TRIGGLE: Let me just remind everyone that the Student-Faculty Follies are tonight...... There are still plenty of seats left ..... Three dollars a seat. Come and see some of your favorite teachers, and friends in that auditorium tonight..... putting on um, all sorts of acts and things. (He pauses.) I'll be there, too. I'll be doing a song.....

Back in the auto shop, MARK and HANK are still fooling around with car parts.

HANK: I'm not going.

MARK: You're not?

HANK: No way. How about you?

MARK: I'm in the audio-visual club. We'll be rigging up the sound system and the lighting for them.

HANK: You'll see the whole thing, you mean?

MARK: Yeah.

HANK: Too bad.

MR. TRIGGLE continues his announcements.

MR. TRIGGLE: ......that will be next Tuesday..... At this time, I'd like to turn the microphone over to Mrs. Hotchkins.

There is a feedback noise and a new voice is heard.

MRS. HOTCHKINS: Will everyone please rise for the Pledge Of Allegiance?

During this sequence, we see various classrooms and students and areas of the school. MARK and HANK continue to work under the car.

MRS. HOTCHKINS: I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

16. INTERIOR / AUTO SHOP / DAY

MARK walks over to a car and lightly kicks the feet of the person under it.

MARK: Hey, Hank.....

The person peers out from under the car, and MARK sees that it is MR. MARSH, his auto shop instructor.

MARK: Oh.....um, sorry, Mr. Marsh.

MARK finds HANK near some tools at the other end of the shop.

HANK: We allowed to pray in school?

MARK: Yeah. I think. Why?

HANK: Well, there's some law that's supposed to be passed against it.

MARK: So? Pray for it not to pass.

HANK: Hey, I never thought about that. (He picks up some tools.) Well, even if it does pass..... I only pray at tests, anyway.

The two get to work on a car battery.

HANK: Sometimes I really hate cars....

MARK: I know what you mean.

HANK: ..... but I love them, too.

MARK: What do you think about unleaded?

HANK: Unleaded which?

MARK: Gas.

HANK: Oh, it's definitely lighter I would say.

MARK: Really?

HANK: Yeah. (He holds up a gas can.) Feel this.

MARK: Is this unleaded?

HANK: Yep. (holding up a different can) And this is regular.

MARK: (feeling the weight of both) Yeah..... it is lighter.

HANK: So what are your plans this summer?

MARK: I just want to graduate first. Then I'll worry about all that.

HANK Don't you have any ideas?

MARK (inconfident and a bit annoyed): Yeah. What's the difference?

HANK: What do you mean?

MARK: I have a lot of things on my mind--I mean, it's a bad time for me. When you know that you're going to a college.....It's a little different. I don't know. But when you're getting out, and you don't have another school lined up...... Well, it's a little more..... up in the air.

HANK: That depends. Unless you have a job lined up.

MARK: Which I don't.

HANK: You'll get one. Sooner or later.

17. INTERIOR / JENNIFER'S ENGLISH CLASS / DAY

MR. DUNDEY, a lively and serious teacher, is in front of the classroom. The students look somewhat interested.

MR. DUNDEY: I realize that we're coming down to the end of the course. So, there are no more tests left. No more quizzes. No more homework. So what are we going to do?

The students glance around at each other.

MR. DUNDEY: The truth is.....we haven't finished our wrap-up discussion of "The Catcher In The Rye." We've done "Animal Farm" "Huckleberry Finn", "The Great Gatsby", "Romeo and Juliet"--but this class wouldn't be complete without J.D. Salinger.

MR. DUNDEY spots one of the kids not paying attention. WILLIAM looks up and comes to.

MR. DUNDEY: What did I just say?

WILLIAM (thinking): Um, J.D. Salinger.

MR. DUNDEY: Right. But the question isn't who wrote the book. We all know who wrote the book. The question is..... what does the book mean?

There is a blank look on the students' faces.

MR. DUNDEY: Now, I was nice enough to give out a nice little synopsis when we first started reading this one. (He holds it up.) Everyone must have at least read that.

There is a blank look on the students' faces. MR. DUNDEY shakes his head. But he gets a little excited when he sees one of the students, CATHY, raising her hand.

CATHY: Growing up?

MR.. DUNDEY: What's that, Cathy?

CATHY: I would say it's about growing up.

MR. DUNDEY: Good. I have no problems with that. But growing up in what ways?

CATHY: Well, getting along: with others, I guess. I don't know.

MR.. DUNDEY: That's OK. I'd say that's part of it. Throughout, we've been following the main character and how he relates to others. That's true. Don't forget--he also meets past friends of his, and tries to behave with new ones. How about his younger sister who he sees toward the end? Remember Phoebe? He sneaks into his house and talks to her before his parents set back. C'mon now, that's right at the end.

The students are jittery and quiet.

MR. DUNDEY: Can I ask how many finished the hook?

Some of the students reluctantly raise their hands.

MR. DUNDEY: All right, that's not.......bad. John, Patty,--I figured you two would. Not bad, but I really wanted everyone to get into it. I did choose "The Catcher in The Rye" because I wanted to make sure everyone read it before they......moved on. Ok, maybe we can read the section with Phoebe and Holden right now, anyway. Let's get out the book and open it up.

The students start to get out their books.

MR. DUNDEY: Jennifer, I didn't notice if you had your hand up. Did you read the section with Phoebe?

JENNIFER is a bit dazed out. She quickly pops out of her "daydream" and focuses in on the teacher.

MR. DUNDEY: Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Yes.

MR. DUNDEY: Did you read that section?

JENNIFER: Yes.

MR. DUNDEY: Then I take it that you know where it's located in the book.

JENNIFER: Sure.

She opens her book up toward the end. Everyone quiets down and begins to concentrate.

MR. DUNDEY: Would you read the section with Phoebe and Holden in her bedroom?

JENNIFER (a bit nervously): Yes.

MR. DUNDEY sits down behind his desk.

JENNIFER: Excuse me, Mr. Dundey--do you mean page 168?

MR. DUNDEY: Um, 169. Pick it up when Holden is talking about the old man--"He was all out of breath."

JENNIFER: All right. Um, "He was all out of breath from just climbing up the stairs, and the whole time he was looking for his initials he kept breathing hard, with his nostrils all funny and sad, while he kept telling Stradlater to get all we could out of Pencey. God, Phoehe--I can't explain. I just didn't like anything that was happening at Pencey. I can't explain. Old Phoebe said something then, but I couldn't hear her. She had the side of her mouth on the pillow, and I couldn't hear her. 'What?' I said. 'Take your mouth away. I can't hear you with your mouth that way."

MR. DUNDEY points his finger at another student, signaling him to pick up reading.

MR. DUNDEY: Donald?

DONALD focuses himself into class.

MR. DUNDEY: Read the part of Phoebe.

DONALD (reading Phoebe's part) Uh, "You don't like anything that's happening."

JENNIFER: "It made me even more depressed when she said that. Yeah, I do. Yes I do. Sure I do. Don't say that. Why the hell do you say that?"

DONALD: "Because you don't. You don't like any schools. You don't like a million things. You don't."

JENNIFER: "I do! That's where you're wrong--that's exactly where you're wrong! Why the hell do you have to say that? Boy, was she depressing me."

DONALD: "Because you don't. Name one thing."

JENNIFER: "One thing? One thing I like? OK. The trouble was, I couldn't concentrate too hot. Sometimes it's hard to concentrate. One thing I like a lot, I asked her. She didn't answer me, though. She was in a cockeyed position way the hell over on the other side of the bed. She was about a thousand miles away. C'mon, answer me, I said. One thing I like a lot, or one thing I just like?"

DONALD: "You like a lot."

JENNIFER: "All right, I said. But the trouble was I couldn't concentrate."

JENNIFER continues to read as we see a view of Implie High's inbetween-class empty halls.

18. INTERIOR / CLARION TIMES OFFICE / DAY

HAROLD and JIM are in the Clarion office. HAROLD has a small piece of paper in his hand.

HAROLD (writing on the piece of paper): "Please allow Harold to go to his guidance counselor. Thank You."

JIM: Beautiful.

HAROLD: Sign it for me please......Mr. Majewski.

JIM (impersonating teacher): Certainly, Harold.

HAROLD: Thank you so much.

HAROLD walks out of the Clarion Times office and into the halls, which seem oddly deserted. No teachers can he heard, and it seems particularly eerie in one area. HAROLD looks confused and acts like the atmosphere is scary.

HAROLD: Ohhh.

After walking a while, Harold notices the spot where the yearbooks are given out. One kid just sits patiently behind the table with all the books. Soon the main office can he seen, with about six or seven students sitting and waiting. None of them looks happy--of course, a bit of a domineering teacher is occupying a chair toward the end of the hall, around the corner. He practically grabs HAROLD as he walks by. HAROLD gasps.

HAROLD: Aaaahhhh!

The teacher sharply looks down at him.

HALL TEACHER: Pass?

HAROLD hands him the forged pass.

HAROLD: Oh, uh--sure. There.

The teacher looks at the pass, hands it back to HAROLD slowly and nods. HAROLD, a little shaken up, walks on. He gets into more lively territory, where teachers and questions being asked can be heard. When he approaches the guidance area, he notices Army recruiters with tables and information lined up by the entrances to the offices.

HAROLD (a bit loudly): Aww--shit!

Suddenly, an arm hand grasps his shoulder. HAROLD gasps again.

HAROLD: Aaahhhhhh!

It's another huge teacher, this time a woman.

WOMAN HALL TEACHER: Going anywhere special?

HAROLD: Uh, no. Um, just to my guidance counselor.

WOMAN HALL TEACHER: Do you have a pass?

HAROLD: Yes. Yes I do. Um--signed by my homeroom teacher.

She looks at the pass and clasps it back into his hand.

WOMAN HALL TEACHER: All right. Let's get to where we have to go.

HAROLD: Yes. Thank you.

HAROLD squeezes in past the army recruiters, who basically ignore him anyway.

19. INTERIOR / GUIDANCE WAITING AREA / DAY

HAROLD walks into the guidance main office and sees a secretary behind a counter and a desk.

MAIN OFFICE SECRETARY (snippy): Can I help you? What's your problem?

HAROLD: Yes, I'd like to see Mr. Snook.

MAIN OFFICE SECRETARY: Mr. Snook is seeing another student right now. Have you scheduled an appointment to see him?

HAROLD: Uh, no. (He realizes she won't let him in, then.) Um, yes, I mean. Yes I have.

MAIN OFFICE SECRETARY: Well, I'm not sure of how long he's going to be.

HAROLD: No problem, I'll wait.

HAROLD walks on, and past a row of guidance offices. Some of them are empty, some with just a counselor. A few have students in, talking to their counselors. Some of the students that HAROLD sees are seated and attentive. Harold notices one kid laying down, as though in a psychiatrist's office. HAROLD walks on and into a sort of waiting room. There are a couple of "Children's Highlights" magazines lying around. A worried-looking girl is the first thing that catches HAROLD'S eye. In fact, each of the two or three other students in the room look worried. Just as everything gets unbearably quiet, a different secretary walks over. She practically acts like a nurse, and carries a clipboard.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY: Judy? Judy Bachen?

The worried girl that HAROLD saw stands up and walks with her down the row of offices. It all seems so much more like a doctor's office than a high school guidance area. HAROLD and the remaining students settle back down as Muzak comes on over small intercom speakers. HAROLD picks up more magazines. Everyone glances around awkwardly. Soon the assistant secretary walks back into the waiting room.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY: Harold? Harold Dimsmith

HAROLD: Yes.

HAROLD gets up and follows the secretary to MR. SNOOK'S office. Before HAROLD walks in, he sees MR. SNOOK seeing another student out.

MR. SNOOK (to other student): You're ok, you know that. I'm sorry I don't know what to tell you. Tell your parents I say hello.

The other student walks out and HAROLD walks in.

20. INTERIOR / MR. SNOOK'S OFFICE / DAY

HAROLD: How are you, Mr. Snook?

Mr. SNOOK: Harold! Sit down!

MR. SNOOK is a big man, dominating looking, but with some understanding, and a little kooky. He wears a casual suit, but decides to take his jacket off. There are numerous college handbooks and leaflets all over his rather messy office. MR. SNOOK has a habit of pacing around his small office.

MR. SNOOK: So how are you doing, Harold?

HAROLD: Pretty good. No big hassles.

MR. SNOOK: No problems with grades or courses or anything like that?

HAROLD: No.

MR. SNOOK: Is your schedule all set for next year--all the requirements?

HAROLD: Yes, no problem with that.

MR. SNOOK: How about your SATs? Did you do good on your SATs?

HAROLD: I haven't taken them yet. I'm a sophomore still.

MR. SNOOK (laughing loudly): Oh, that's right, too. Well..... .... the reason why I made this. appointment with you is because.....(he gets very serious) Well.... as you know, this past year, as counselor...... I've handled everyone with last names of "A" through (He picks up a few papers.) According to Mr.. Triggle's new schedule, we're going to go through a few changes. We're adding some new counselors. A few that are here now will be transferred. I should be handling the "N's" to "R's" next year.

HAROLD: That's too bad.

MR. SNOOK (solemnly): Yeah, there's nothing much I can do about it. I'll try to get used to it, though. Anyway, because of these changes next year, I took the effort to contact some of my more promising students to talk to them.

HAROLD (getting confused): Uh-huh.

MR. SNOOK: You see, Harold, I might he stuck with those new letters for a while.

MR. SNOOK looks at Harold extremely seriously.

MR. SNOOK: Frankly, Harold, I might never be your guidance counselor ever again. (He pauses.) I thought you would want to be informed of that.

HAROLD: (trying to act moved): Well, that's....... very kind of you...... um, to tell me that.

MR. SNOOK: I couldn't let you down, Harold. You were always one of my best.

HAROLD: I appreciate it.

MR. SNOOK: My getting the end of the alphabet won't discourage your attitude or anything, I hope.....

HAROLD: No, sir..... I don't see..... how it would.....

MR. SNOOK stands up in excitement and paces around.

MR. SNOOK: Good, good! God, some of my kids were absolutely devastated! They thought for sure that when you get assigned a counselor at registration, and sophomore orientation time, .....that you keep that counselor for the next three years straight. They didn't realize that schedules change--people move on. (He pauses, as though making a speech.) At least I'm glad to see that you're not taking the whole situation that bad.

HAROLD: No, I'm not. I mean, why? I'll have a new counselor according to the record, but I can still stop by and talk to you--ask your advice and stuff like that.

MR. SNOOK (so happy): Would you really?

HAROLD: Sure, you'll probably just be in a different office, that's all. I'd love to talk to you next year about my future and things.

MR. SNOOK: Oh, that's fantastic! You're the first one who's been optimistic like that.

HAROLD: Well, you know.....I'm not getting any younger.

MR. SNOOK: I'm so glad you said that. I tell all my kids, you have to think about unfamiliar things as you age.

HAROLD: Definitely.

MR. SNOOK: That's some of what my job is all about, isn't it--preparing kids to think more about things that will be new to them sometime.

HAROLD: Yeah, I agree with you.

MR. SNOOK: The first thing, Harold, is to prepare yourself for--well, you know what's out there.

HAROLD (calmly): What?

MR. SNOOK: What? Only the single most important and intriguing aspect of a young person's life!

HAROLD looks at him a bit confused.

MR. SNOOK: I'm talking about the real world, Harold!

HAROLD: Oh.

MR. SNOOK: You young guys, you come to school--maybe you like it, maybe you hate it. But sooner or later, whether you like it or not, the real world gets you!!

HAROLD: Uh-huh.

MR. SNOOK: It's out there right now--just waiting..... waiting for its next, potential.....

HAROLD: College kid?

MR. SNOOK: College might be a last gasp for you--you never know.

HAROLD: Are you saying I should start thinking about college?

MR. SNOOK: Sure, why not--you might as well protect yourself from now.

HAROLD: The truth is, I haven't really worried much about college at this point.

MR. SNOOK: WHAT? The time is coming fast. Don't deceive yourself. College is definitely something to worry about! You'd better start looking through the handbooks from now.

MR. SNOOK starts handing out pamphlets and junk to HAROLD at an amazing pace.

MR. SNOOK: Here, take a look at this. I have plenty of literature..... You might want to buy this book from now..... There are the community colleges, the state places--lots of good places. By the way, is there any particular field that you're interested in?

HAROLD (awkwardly): Well, I'm not sure, really. I do like writing.

MR. SNOOK: Creative writing?

HAROLD: Journalism.

The class bell can he heard ringing, signaling the end of the period.

MR. SNOOK: There's plenty of good schools for that. It's all here, very simple. You decide what school you and your folks can afford, whether or not you want to stay around and live at home or go away. You should really buy some of these books for yourself. Now.

HAROLD: Thanks for all this information, Mr. Snook. I'm sorry but I really have to get back to my classes. We have a final in about two periods.

MR. SNOOK: All right, I won't keep you then. Just figure out all these things.

HAROLD (standing and shaking MR. SNOOK'S hand): Yes, I will. Oh, and I'll stop back to see you next semester.

MR. SNOOK: Please do.

HAROLD: If I don't like my new counselor, maybe I can switch back to you.

MR. SNOOK: Unlikely, but you can give it a try.

HAROLD: Thanks again, Mr. Snook. It's been a very..... simulating conversation.

MR. SNOOK: Anytime, my friend.

HAROLD walks out of MR. SNOOK'S office and out toward the hallways. On the way out he sees a bunch of other students waiting to see their counselors. Then HAROLD walks out into the crowded halls, and eventually dissolves into them.

21. INTERIOR / AUDIO-VISUAL OFFICE / DAY

MARK walks into the audio-visual office, where a number of A.V. guys are hanging around. This is the place where all the various media equipment is kept, and passed to the teachers. There are numerous projectors and film reels around the room. There are also many monitors and microphones and bulbs all over. There is a main desk from which everything taken is signed out, as well as an office in the back.

MARK: How's it going, guys?

GEORGE: Pretty good. Pretty good.

MARK: Where's Mrs. Plizbenken?

GEORGE: Beats me.

RALPH: She left for lunch early, I think.

MARK: How'd the morning go?

GEORGE: Not bad.

JEFF: With the exception of Mrs. Jaspors.

MARK: What happened?

JEFF: Check this out.

JEFF holds out a long strip of film, and starts rolling out more and more.

MARK: It's split in half! How is it holding together?

JEFF: It's like this throughout the whole reel. A half hour's worth.

MARK: How could--

GEORGE: It's unbelievable.

JEFF shows them more of the film, which is spreading out on the floor.

MARK: Jesus.

GEORGE: Yeah, "King Of Kings" I think Cecil B. DeMille did this version.

MARK: When?

GEORGE: 1920's. Anyhow, Mrs. Jaspors apparently had her projector threaded wrong and while everyone in the class was watching the picture, it was busy unreeling and unreeling--all over the floor in the back of the room.

MARK: This was for film study, wasn't it?

GEORGE: Yep. This was rented and everything.

MARK: I hate to think about it.

JEFF: Nothing we can do.

The guys sit down and relax. After a few seconds, MR. PINDON, the audio-visual teacher, walks in. He is in his early fifties, and looks like a very healthy and straightforward man. As he walks into the room, the guys are slouching around.

MR. PINDON: Hi guys.

GEORGE: Hi, Mr. Pindon.

MARK: Hi.

RALPH: Hi.

MR. PINDON: I see all you guys are keeping busy. End of the year blues?

RALPH: No, we're ok.

MR. PINDON sees that MARK is holding the damaged film.

MR. PINDON: I see that Mark has seen our friend.

MARK: Yeah, it's a horror, all right.

MR. PINDON examines the film.

MR. PINDON: What do you think?

MARK: It's gonna be another hundred dollars or so out of the English department's budget.

MR. PINDON: It's too had. You fellows don't think it could have been our projector?

GEORGE: No way. We have the projector right here. She just threaded it wrong. The projector's fine.

MR. PINDON: This is what happens. All right, who else is here this period?

GEORGE: Us guys. I think Rich and Jason are next door.

MR. PINDON: Ok, can you get them, Jeff? I just want to make a short statement.

JEFF leaves the audio-visual office and walks next door into the small TV studio-room. MR. PINDON goes into his office and puts some books down. When he walks back out, the five or six guys that are present are waiting.

MR. PINDON: Everybody's here?

RALPH: Yeah.

Mr. PINDON: Where's Mrs. Plizbenken?

GEORGE: Out to lunch.

MR. PINDON: All right, let's listen up, then. I realize it's the end of the year, many teachers are showing films at this time like crazy--our equipment is going out like crazy. But we're still going to have to be especially careful at this time. Some of you guys still haven't been keeping track of where the stuff is going.

MR. PINDON picks up some sheets of paper.

MR. PINDON: We have the sign-out sheets here. You have to make sure that each teacher signs his name for any equipment. You have to make sure that you write the number of the piece of equipment that's going out down. When something breaks down in a classroom, I want to know what happened, who caused it, and who took care of it. I don't care if a film only needs one splice! I want to know about it. This summer, yes, we will be repairing equipment. Mark and George are welcome to come back.....

MR. PINDON: Does everybody understand?

The guys nod, but they've heard this before.

MR. PINDON: All right, let's keep busy.

The guys nod again and scatter around.

22. INTERIOR / AUDIO-VISUAL STUDIO ROOM / DAY

MARK and GEORGE walk out of the audio-visual office and into the room right near it. This is the studio, which consists of still more media equipment, much of it on repair tables. There is an area where video taping can be done--cameras are set up and MARK and GEORGE find a spot to themselves. GEORGE is a very likable guy, and a senior. He clearly likes to hang out with MARK and seems like the type of person who likes to do as many different things as time permits. He is energetic.

GEORGE: I knew every word he was going to say.

MARK: Of course. Me too.

GEORGE: So you thinking of coming back to do some repair work this summer?

MARK: Yeah, I should be around. How about you?

GEORGE: I can use a few extra bucks.

The two lean back and gaze around at the studio.

MARK: You know, it's hard to believe how many free periods we've put into this place.

GEORGE: It beat hanging out in the library.

MARK: No doubt.

GEORGE: You really like communications and all that?

MARK: Yeah! You don't?

GEORGE: I doubt I'll do much more with it. This club was a way to make some friends, learn a few new things. When I first joined, I didn't know what a take-up reel was.

MARK: You gonna keep going to school?

GEORGE: Yeah.

MARK: Oh, yeah. That's right--Rutgers. Know what you're gonna major in?

GEORGE: No. At least not yet.

MARK: That's ok.

GEORGE: I spoke to my counselor and everything a while back. He said it was all right just to take a lot of different things the first year.

MARK: That's what mine said.

GEORGE: You weren't accepted to any school yet, huh?

MARK: I never applied to any.

GEORGE: You don't want to go to college?

MARK: No--it's just........ I want to take a break from school for a while. I'm sure I'll end up taking at least a few classes somewhere soon enough.

GEORGE: When?

MARK: I don't know.

GEORGE: I bet you don't have a brother or sister in college.

MARK: Why?

GEORGE: Well, I always felt that they kind of make you want to keep going. It's pretty crummy when your brother or sister graduates from college and you don't.

MARK: I don't believe that. Anyway, I have an older brother.

GEORGE: How old is he?

MARK: Twenty. And if college made him like he is, then I'm never going to college.

GEORGE: What do you mean?

MARK: I hardly ever talk to him. I mean, he does go to school in Montclair--but he doesn't make himself seen that much.

GEORGE: He lives at school?

MARK: No, at home. He hardly even eats with us. He stays in his room a lot of the time. It's like he wants to hide from everybody he used to know.

GEORGE: How come?

MARK: I don't know.

GEORGE: I have a cousin like that. He never feels like doing anything.

The two sit still for a while.

23. INTERIOR / CLARION TIMES OFFICE / DAY

In the Clarion Times office, HAROLD talks to his friend JILL. After he catches her eye as she is typing, she smiles at him and sits back.

HAROLD: You seem content.

JILL: Well, my least favorite classes are done for today. I'm done with all my homework and tests. And I'm not getting anything: lower than a 'C' this last quarter. Life is good.

HAROLD: Hmm. You have a boyfriend?

JILL: Yes.

HAROLD: Oh, ok.

JILL: Why? You have a girlfriend?

HAROLD: (awkwardly) Well--I know girls. I have a lot of friends.....I have a lot of girls who are friends.... Um, well, none of the girls I know are my girlfriend..... But, like I said, a lot of my friends are girls..... The friends.....

JILL: I understand.

HAROLD: It's hard to explain.

JILL: I know it is. Do you ask any girls out?

HAROLD: What do you mean?

JILL: Do you ask a lot of girls for a date?

JILL: Well, it helps when you just ask girls to places. It increases the possibility of having a girlfriend.

HAROLD: Yeah, I know.

JILL: You have to learn how to catch girls off guard. It always helps.

HAROLD: How do you know?

JILL: Harold. Well, one time I met this guy and we exchanged phone numbers. The thing was-- I thought that he would call me first, and he thought that I would call him first. So time just went by, and by the time he called me, I was going out with Rob. But it was bad luck. Rob moved faster. It wasn't that I didn't like the other guy.

HAROLD: What was the other guy's name?

JILL: I really don't remember it.

HAROLD: How'd you meet Rob?

JILL: It was in the mall. He worked in the movie theater. He ripped tickets. One day I wrote down my phone number on a scrap, of paper, and slipped it to him while he was ripping my ticket in half.

HAROLD: I thought you said it's guys who have to catch girls off guard.

JILL: Goes both ways, bud. He called me a few days later, you know, and......

HAROLD: Great.

24. INTERIOR / LUNCHROOM / DAY

JENNIFER is on line for lunch. While she is choosing the food that she wants, she notices a lunch lady with a hairnet on--and the hairiest arms ever. She pays for her lunch and walks to a table where DIANE and ELLEN are sitting. Music is playing on a nearby radio. DIANE and ELLEN are conversing.

DIANE: He's really ok.

JENNIFER: Hello, everybody.

DIANE: Hi, Jennifer.

ELLEN: Anyway, Garry and I get along great lately, too.

DIANE: You never have any arguments with him?

ELLEN: Well, no. I wouldn't call then arguments. We discuss things. We just discuss things if we don't agree about something.

DIANE: Amazing.

ELLEN: I only argue with my parents.

DIANE: Oh.

JENNIFER: I kind of know what you mean. My parents were arguing this morning.

ELLEN: About what?

JENNIFER: Money.

DIANE: Of course. I would say that my parents argue about twice a week. Nine out of ten times, it's about money.

ELLEN: I would say it's about six out of ten with mine.

DIANE: What's the other ones?

ELLEN: Um, usually stuff about the house needing work done. Or other relatives. Sometimes it's about me--coming home late or something.

JENNIFER: Mine--they argue when my sister and I are out of ear-reach or not home--something like that. It's like they don't want me to know that they fight. They were at it as soon as I got up this morning. They must have thought I was sleeping.

DIANE: What was the argument about?

JENNIFER: Money.

ELLEN: After a while, you can just predict.....

DIANE: My parents don't care where they are when they argue. They can be in a store--fighting about TV dinners or something, or out in the yard--arguing about the lawn or the garden. They bicker. And when they start raising their voices, I have to run around the house shutting all the windows and doors.

ELLEN: It's ridiculous.

DIANE :Yeah. it's embarrassing. I just don't want anyone hearing them yelling.

JENNIFER: Listen to this. My parents used to be like that, yelling a lot--a real lot. They still do, but I kind of figured out why they don't do it in front of me much anymore.

ELLEN: Yeah?

JENNIFER: Uh-huh. But it's gonna sound kind of weird.

DIANE: What is it?

JENNIFER: Well, the other day they were arguing about the air conditioning or the garbage pails or something. And you just know that's a cover--up. They yell about one thing, but they're really yelling about another thing. I figured that out. They were really yelling about money.

DIANE: Yeah?

JENNIFER: Well, a few hours after the argument--at supper or something, I told them I didn't think I ever wanted to get married.

DIANE (surprised): What?

JENNIFER: I told them. I said that if all these fights that don't matter and all this nonsense and yelling were all that marriage really was about--if that was all that ever happened--then I never wanted to be married.

ELLEN: What did they say?

JENNIFER: Well, they didn't say anything at first. At least not in front of me. But it seems that since then, I rarely hear them yelling much. They try to keep it to themselves now. I guess I either scared them, or they just didn't want to put bad thoughts in my head.

DIANE: It kind of makes sense, I guess.

ELLEN: The whole thing is just so--silly.

JENNIFER: They haven't really changed, you know.

25. INTERIOR / HALLS / DAY

HAROLD, JILL and GEORGE walk out of the Clarion Times office and into the hallways. The period has changed just a few minutes earlier. As the four walk and chat, in the background two students are struggling to lift a projector and cart up some stairs. The cart hits a step, and the projector slides off and hits the floor, shattering into a number of pieces. In the meantime, a female teacher stops the group.

HALL TEACHER: Where are you all going?

GEORGE: We're on lunch. We were just going to take a walk.

HALL TEACHER: Then you should be in the cafeteria. Can I see your schedules?

JILL: I don't think I have mine.

GEORGE: Me either.

HALL TEACHER: All right, make your way to the lunchroom, then.

HAROLD: Ok.

The four ignore the teacher and walk out of the school and into one of the parking lots.

GEORGE: What happened with your car?

MARK: It's not mine, yet. It's my father's. He uses it for work during the day. I can't use it until tonight.

GEORGE: Oh.

JILL: So where are going?

GEORGE: McDonald's, I guess.

MARK: You sure?

GEORGE: Yeah.

JILL: McDonald's?

HAROLD: George?

GEORGE: What?

HAROLD: Well, we have all of Route 18 to choose from. Why does it have to be McDonald's?

GEORGE: I like McDonald's. What else is there?

HAROLD: There's that Burger-Time Pizza place. Um, that seafood place--you know, Fish 'N Chips.

GEORGE: Harold, we only have about forty minutes here. What do you say, Mark?

MARK: Hamburgers are good. There's Roy Rogers, Burger King. Chicken sounds good. Gino's.

JILL: Yeah, that sounds good.

GEORGE: You'd rather have chicken?

JILL: Yeah.

MARK: Ok with me.

HAROLD: How about Chinese?

MARK: Chinese?

JILL: Mmmmm.

GEORGE: Harold, this isn't the time for gourmet meals and shit.

They pause as they reach GEORGE'S car. GEORGE breaks the silence.

GEORGE: All right, all right, so what is it? McDonald's?

JILL AND MARK: Gino's!

HAROLD: We said chicken, you putz.

GEORGE (shaking his head): All right. Ok. Chicken.

JILL: By the way, has anyone gone to a class today?

MARK: Are you?

JILL: Yeah, later. Probably.

The four begin to get into GEORGE'S car, but almost suddenly, a police car rounds the corner at the back of the school.

JILL: Hey, who are they?

GEORGE: Everybody just make believe that we're just getting out of the car.

HAROLD: What?

GEORGE: Just listen to me. They'll think we we're just hanging out.

The policeman in the car looks at them and drives by.

JILL: I don't get it.

MARK: It's the lunch squad.

HAROLD: I thought that we were allowed to go out to eat.

JILL: I guess not.

GEORGE: I don't know. They're always changing the rules about that. One month you're allowed to leave the school grounds, the next month you can't.

HAROLD: I guess ever since those kids got into an accident on Route 27 a month ago, they aren't sure what to do.

GEORGE: It's ok. We can probably eat in the audio-visual studio.

JILL: It's so nice out.

MARK (To GEORGE): Where do you want to eat?

GEORGE: Anywhere.

JILL: The student park is nice.

HAROLD: Yeah. I'll tell you what. How about if I eat with Jill in the park area there, and you guys eat in A.V. or somewhere?

MARK: Trying to get rid of us?

HAROLD: Yeah, sort of.

GEORGE: All right, whatever. A.V. has been too quiet today, anyway. We have to make something happen sooner or later.

MARK: I agree.

26. INTERIOR / AUDIO-VISUAL OFFICE / AFTERNOON

The period has changed and it is a little after lunchtime. A couple of audio-visual guys are fixing a projector, which has much smoke coming from it. MARK walks in and immediately pulls out the plug. The phone in the office rings, and the A.V. secretary answers it. She listens and then calls MARK.

MRS. PLIZBENKEN: Excuse me. A projector in room 55 blew a bulb. They've been waiting a few minutes. Can you take care of it?

MARK reaches up to grab a new bulb on a shelf.

MARK: Sure, I'll see what I can do. (reading number on bulb) E--J--L. Room 55, you said.

MRS. PLIZBENKEN: Yes.

MARK: I'll be right back.

MARK walks out the door. A few moments later, he walks back in.

MARK: Will I need a pass?

MRS. PLIZBENKEN: Tell them it's an emergency if you get stopped.

MARK: You sure it's ok?

MRS. PLIZBENKEN: Do they carry passes, too? Don't worry about it.

27. INTERIOR / HALLS / AFTERNOON

MARK walks out again and walks through the empty halls. He passes numerous classrooms and notices the different teachers and especially the various moods that are in each room. Some classes are free and lively, others are quiet and gloomy. The teachers are just varied. Eventually, MARK hears a loud voice quoting from "Moby Dick." It is coming from MR. SLIMBEN'S room--room 55.

28. INTERIOR / MR. SLIMBEN'S ROOM / AFTERNOON

MARK walks in and sees MR. SLIMBEN wearing a raincoat and carrying a spear around the room. The projector is shut off and MARK stands still as MR. SLIMBEN finishes his sequence. He walks over to and MARK and calms down.

MR. SLIMBEN: You've read "Moby Dick", haven't you?

MARK: Some parts, yes.

MR. SLIMBEN: Good. I assign you to finish the book.

MARK: I will. Thanks.

MR. SLIMBEN walks with MARK to the back of the room where the projector is.

MR. SLIMBEN: I think it's just the projector bulb, right?

MARK: Yes. I have one right here.

As MARK begins to insert the bulb, MR. SLIMBEN sits down.

MR. SLIMBEN (to the class): All right, let's quiet down. The young man is taking care of our technical difficulty.

MARK opens up the front of the projector, and as he looks into it, he sees JENNIFER sitting down near him and watching. He nods at her awkwardly, though he is not sure of who she is, and she smiles. He inserts the bulb and glances at her. She lightly gazes back. MARK shuts the projector.

MARK: All right, I think we're all set.

He turns on the projector, and a film about "Moby Dick" comes on.

MR. SLIMBEN: Lights!

A kid turns the lights off. Many of the students applaud as the movie comes on. MARK glances at JENNIFER again, who is still looking at him, and he walks out and back into the halls.

29. INTERIOR HALLWAYS / AUDIO-VISUAL STUDIO / AFTERNOON

MARK walks back through the halls, and past the audio-visual office, where MR. PINDON is giving another lecture about the equipment. He passes by and walks into the studio room, where GEORGE has also decided to hide out.

MARK: Mr. Pindon is in there giving another sign-up lecture.

GEORGE: Yeah, I know.

MARK: Have you been here long?

GEORGE: No, not really.

MARK looks over some of the video equipment.

MARK: Hey, you know that girl I told you I liked?

GEORGE: Yeah, the one you never talk to? The one you see on your bus?

MARK: Yeah, I saw her again today.

GEORGE: What else is new?

MARK: Well, I finally talked to her.

GEORGE: You're kidding! What did she say?

MARK: I don't know. Not much. Anyway, I think I just saw her again.

GEORGE: What do you mean--you think you just saw her again?

MARK: Well, while I was replacing a bulb for Mr. Slimben in room 55, this girl in his class smiled at me.

GEORGE: And you think it was her?

MARK: Yeah, I think it was her.

GEORGE: All right, now forget about the girl you think you just saw in the classroom. Think about the girl you see on the bus practically every morning, Think about the girl you said you've been wondering about since the school year started.

MARK: OK.

GEORGE: What color hair does she have?

MARK: Um, brown?

GEORGE: Are you asking me or telling me?

MARK: I'm not sure.

GEORGE: Give me a break. Is she a blonde?

MARK: Sort of--like a light brown color.

GEORGE: Not blonde.

MARK: No, not really.

GEORGE: What color eyes does she have?

MARK: Oh, I don't remember.

GEORGE: You don't know--

MARK: I was never that close to her!

GEORGE: You claim that you talked to her!

MARK: I can't help it! I didn't notice the color of her eyes!

GEORGE: This is a girl who you've had a crush on since September--over eight months! What were you thinking about when you were talking to her? How much can she possibly mean to you?

MARK: When she was talking to me, I was thinking about what she was saying. She was pretty interesting.

GEORGE: Do you at least know her name?

MARK: Yeah. Jennifer.

30. EXTERIOR / DRIVING RANGE / AFTERNOON

The Implie High driving range is located at the back of the school, past the student parking lots. A voice can he heard coming from the loudspeakers around the range. For a while, the voice instructs the drivers in a pleasant voice, but suddenly it becomes more desperate as several of the cars start driving up curbs and all over the place. One nearly hits the fence, another drives completely out of the range, and into school grounds.

VOICE: Watch out for the fence! Car 23, watch out!

The cars continue messing up. The voice over the loudspeaker practically starts screaming.

VOICE: Car 10, where are you going? Car 16, no! NO!

31. INTERIOR / JENNIFER'S DRIVER ED CLASS / AFTERNOON

A projector is set up in the back of the classroom. One of JENNIFER'S school friends, CATHY, is sitting next to her.

CATHY: Jesus, I feel like I've been watching movies practically all day.

JENNIFER: Me too.

CATHY: At least we don't have to sit in a circle, right?

JENNIFER: I know what you mean.

The instructor, an overly excited man, enters the classroom.

MR. BREND: All right, all right--let's simmer down. C'mon, now. Quiet. (He pauses.) I realize perfectly well that no one really wants to see me get into a heavy lecture today--especlally since we've already taken all our tests and turned in all our papers. So I'm making today a special day. Isn't that great? Today we're going to see a movie!

There is some light applause in the classroom.

CATHY: Time for a nap.

MR. BREND: Now I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression. This is still driver education class, end of the year or not. The movie that we're going to see today is definitely a part of driver education. In fact, it's one of the most important parts. I would really like everyone to pay close attention to it. Even all you film buffs will have to admit that it's brilliantly edited. Let's roll it, Timmy.

The lights go out and the film is turned on. Everyone starts to get settled. MR. BREND takes a front row seat. The screen reads: "Driver Educational Films Presents," and then in big, bold letters, "U.S. ROUTE DEATH."

CATHY: Huh?

JENNIFER: What is this?

A weird looking guy turns toward JENNIFER and CATHY and gives them a semi-sadistic smile. Cut to the small movie screen. We see exactly what the announcer of the film describes.

NARRATOR: Just take a look at this guy. Around sixteen or seventeen years old, right? He goes into the kitchen and asks his mother for the car keys. She hands them to him and warns him--Be Careful. He doesn't even listen.

JENNIFER: This is ridiculous.

CATHY starts to rest her head on her desk.

NARRATOR: Now the kid is sitting in his mother's car, right? He drives off, practically hits the little newspaper boy as he backs out of the driveway at thirty miles an hour. Now he gets on the main road, as if he owns it. He sees that the sign says the speed limit is twenty five miles an hour. But does he care? No way!

JENNIFER: Oh, God.

NARRATOR: Uh-oh! The kid pulls out and doesn't see that another car is turning the corner!

The two cars brutally crash into each other.

NARRATOR: Boom! Now that's what you call an accident!

The camera in the movie zooms in to show the two drivers.

NARRATOR: Wow! Look at that!

JENNIFER: Oh, Jesus. Cathy, look at this.

CATHY (looking up): Oh, shit!

The weird guy next to her laughs hysterically, as do most of the guys in the room. There is also much applause. Most of the girls are covering their eyes. The camera in the movie shows the guys in the accident bleeding all over, and the car smashed.

CATHY: This is disgusting.

JENNIFER: I hope I don't get sick.

CATHY: Me too.

Several of the girls have already rushed out of the room. There is still much laughter going on. Cut to the little movie screen.

NARRATOR: Now just look at this guy. Nineteen years old and drunk. He could lose his driver's license, but does he care? No! He rushes into his car and rushes home, probably to get more beer for his friends.

MR. BREND: Check out this photography now!

NARRATOR: This idiot is going sixty-two miles an hour in a thirty mile an hour zone. Everything seems to be all right--no cops around or anything. But does he see the rabbit crossing the street? Yes! He slams on the brakes and goes through the windshield!

CATHY: Help!

There is still more laughter and applause.

JENNIFER: I can't take this!

Both go out the door.

MR. BREND (calling to them): Chicken!

32. INTERIOR / GIRL'S BATHROOM / AFTERNOON

JENNIFER and CATHY run to the girl's room, which is not too far from the driver's ed class. There are already a few girls there. Some are combing their hair, others are just hanging out.

CATHY: I feel so emptied out.

JENNIFER: How can this school show us movies like that?

A girl who is straightening herself out turns to JENNIFER.

BETTY: They do it every semester--every year--every driver ed class.

JENNIFER: Why?

BETTY: I don't know.

JENNIFER: Maybe to scare us?

CATHY: Probably.

BETTY: I'm scared enough without that. See you guys.

BETTY leaves the bathroom.

CATHY: Bye.

JENNIFER: Take care.

CATHY: So are you ready for the variety show tonight?

JENNIFER: Yeah. All ready.

CATHY: What are you doing again?

JENNIFER: Dancing.

CATHY: Oh, I thought you were in a skit or something.

JENNIFER: No, I'll be dancing to "Masterblaster" by Stevie Wonder.

CATHY: That's great. Alone?

JENNIFER: No, there'll be around fifteen others. The rehearsals have all been going good, so everything should be all right.

CATHY: I'm kind of surprised that you're in the show.

JENNIFER: Why?

CATHY: Oh, I don't know. You just don't seem like the type of person who would go up in front of an auditorium full of people.

JENNIFER: Well, it's not like I'm accepting an award or something all alone. The truth is, I won't be able to see anybody when I'm on stage. The lights just shine right down on us. Nobody could be in the audience for all I know.

Another girl from the class barges into the bathroom. She is holding her hands over her mouth.

CATHY: Now what? Linda, what happened?

LINDA: They just showed this guy and girl kissing each other while they were driving. They drove right into a Burger King drive-through.

CATHY: Jesus, they never give up.

JENNIFER: Do you get the impression that they're trying to tell us something?

CATHY: What--that we're going: to die someday? I already know that.

JENNIFER: I'm not sure of what to think about it.

CATHY: What is there to think about it?

JENNIFER: Mr. Brend has been preparing us for the worst since the first day of driver ed. Remember the very first thing that he did? He walked in and wrote on the blackboard: "At least one of you in this classroom will someday die in a car accident." Real profound stuff. It's like psychological warfare or something. I wonder if he was ever in an accident himself.

CATHY: Probably. C'mon, lets get out of here. I'm tired of throwing up all over my vomit.

33. INTERIOR / EMPTY HALLWAYS/ VARIOUS CLASSROOMS / AFTERNOON

In the generally empty hallways, MR. TRIGGLE can he heard coming in over all the school intercoms.

MR. TRIGGLE: Can I have your attention? Can I have your attention, please?

During this sequence we see various classroom listening to the intercoms. Students quiet down and start to listen up. Teachers remain quiet, too.

MR. TRIGGLE: This is Mr. Triggle speaking. I hope everyone is having a good day. I just want to make an announcement. I have been asked to say that your choices--your votes have been tabulated. The results are in. Are we ready for them? Here we go, seniors.

MARK (in a class): What is this for?

The girl who sits by him speaks up.

CINDY: Remember when we voted about a month ago?

MARK looks confused. Each person mentioned by MR. TRIGGLE is shown in his or her present class.

MR. TRIGGLE: Here we go. The person voted best dressed: Jeffrey Krine. Most popular: Adrienne Kosty. Most artistic: Mary Lacina. Most musical: Edward Hallock. Most athletic: Alan Grip.

MR. TRIGGLE pauses. Applause can be heard lightly in the halls.

MR. TRIGGLE: Now we're at the big ones! Best looking girl: Carol Heany. Best looking guy: David Abbott. Most intelligent: Betsy Shugart. The person who did the most for the senior class: the class president, Bradford Sherwood. The person most likely to succeed: Anthony Metzger. Last, but not least, the class clown is: Robert McDermott.

ROBERT sits in his class wearing a funny wig and glasses.

34. INTERIOR / HAROLD'S GEOGRAPHY CLASS / AFTERNOON

HAROLD is talking to WILBUR, a guy in his geography class.

HAROLD: The whole thing is a popularity contest.

WILBUR: Naturally.

HAROLD: It's not worth it.

WILBUR: Sure it is! It's a tradition to vote for that shit. We'll vote too when we're seniors.

HAROLD: Not me.

WILBUR: Anti--American.

HAROLD: Let's face it, Wilbur, there are plenty of students in this school who are better dressed than Jeffrey Krine, more musical than Edward Hallock.....

WILBUR: Give me a break.

HAROLD: Funnier than Robert McDermott!

WILBUR: C'mon, ,Robert McDermott is definitely the funniest person in this high school.

HAROLD: You miss the point. Robert McDermott is the funniest popular person in this school.

WILBUR: You shmoe! You're not supposed to analyze these things. Once you're a senior, you're just supposed to shut up and vote for whoever you like on the ballot.

HAROLD: You would vote?

WILBUR: Of course! You wouldn't?

HAROLD: Nope.

WILBUR: What are you--intelligent or something?

HAROLD: I ignore your ignorance.

35. INTERIOR / MARK'S HISTORY CLASS / AFTERNOON

MR. GRECKEL, a rather loud-mouthed teacher, is in front of the classroom. MARK is seated toward the middle of the classroom.

MR. GRECKEL: Granted, there are a lot of various opinions on the subject. Some people like him, some people are disgusted by him. I'm not saying whether or not he was good or bad or whatever. I'm just giving you one opinion. I'm just saying--no matter how you look at it, Hitler was..... a helluva guy!

Hands immediately go up.

MR. GRECKEL: All right, hold on. Hold on! I'll get to all of your questions. Just give me my turn to talk, ok? C'mon, hands down for a minute.

The students settle down.

MR. GRECKEL: Now. Just look throughout history. How many people can you remember who are really important? Sure, there's some, right? But how many historical figures are right on the tip of your tongue? How many are household words--names that you might hear in your house everyday? How many people can you look back at in history and say to yourself--"I remember him, and I remember him well!"

Hands shoot up again. MR. GRECKEL points to a guy.

MR. GRECKEL: Yes, um--Ted?

TED: Well, we've heard and known about Hitler for a few years now. Since ninth grade or so. But I would never call him a great person or anything. The guy who wrote this book thinks he was great, and you think he was an evil genius, but I can't see how anybody can pay so much respect to this weird guy who was involved with wars and concentration camps and stuff like that.

More hands go up.

MR. GRECKEL: All right, all right, hold on. Let's get some other opinions. (He points to a girl who looks bored.) Grace?

GRACE shrugs.

GRACE: Um..... I just think he was just a loud nut.

Some of the students laugh because of her short reply.

MR. GRECKEL: Now let's think about this for a while. Hold on, Jack. Fred, I'll get back to you. (He pauses.) Granted, there were some things about Hitler that were a little.....kooky. But you have to keep in mind the structure of his work! Look at those hundreds of rows of soldiers all over the place, and all the advertising his staff did! And those concentration camps--as raunchy as they were, don't get me wrong-- those concentration camps required a lot of...... concentration!

Hands shoot up. Many students are yelling out into the discussion. Suddenly, a little, elderly secretary sticks her head in the room.

MR. GRECKEL: All right--c'mon! hold it down! (to secretary)---Yes, can I help you with anything?

ELDERLY SECRETARY: Is there a Mark Pemick in this class?

MARK looks up and starts to raise his hand. Other students look over at him.

ELDERLY SECRETARY: I have an emergency call for a Mark Pemick.

MARK (standing up): Right here.

MARK rises slowly, a bit nervously, as everyone--including MR. GRECKEL, watches him leave the room with concerned eyes. It is a slow, almost embarrassing situation that causes the class discussion to stop.

36. INTERIOR HALLS / MAIN OFFICE / AFTERNOON

MARK and the secretary walk down the halls to the main office.

ELDERLY SECRETARY: You can use the phone in the main office.

MARK: Thanks. Listen, is it anything serious? Do you know?

ELDERLY SECRETARY: Well, your mother did sound very worried, I know that.

MARK looks worried. He walks into the main office, bypassing the kids waiting to see the principal, and walks behind the main counter. He picks up the phone.

MARK (nervously): Yeah--mom. What's the matter?

Cut to MARK'S house. MRS. PEMICK is using the kitchen phone. We cut to each as they speak.

MRS. PEMICK (very upset): Mark, did you touch any money lying around the house?

MARK: What?

MRS. PEMICK: Did you touch any money lying around the house?

MARK: Mom--what are you talking about?

MRS. PEMICK (almost crying): I had twenty dollars on my dresser, and now it's not there! I just put it there..... Wednesday.....

MARK: All right, hold on. Mom..... listen.....

MRS. PEMICK: Did you take it?

MARK (getting louder): Of course I didn't take it! Mom--(calming down) I can't.....

MRS. PEMICK: I don't know what to do.....

MARK: I don't know what to tell you. Just keep looking around the house. Did you look behind the dresser--around the bed.....

MRS. PEMICK: I just looked around the whole room.

MARK: All right, don't get upset. Just keep looking.....

MRS. PEMICK: I just lost twenty dollars last month.....

MARK: You didn't lose it. We found it in the side pocket of your pocketbook, remember? We found the twenty dollars.

MRS. PEMICK: You don't know where the money is?

MARK: NO!

The students sitting by MARK, as well as the secretaries in the main office turn and look.

MRS. PEMICK: All right, let me call Ronny.

MARK: No! Don't call anyone! Mom, you can't just call us at school like this whenever you want! We're trying to learn here!

MRS. PEMICK: How else can I ever find out........

MARK: Just wait a half-hour! Just wait another half-hour! Ronny and I will be coming home-- we'll look around the house, we'll find the money. None of us in the family are crooks--don't worry. All right, I'll see you in a little while, ok? Just wait, ok? I'll see you in a little while. Bye.

The secretary and the students in the main office look curiously at MARK. He shrugs.

MARK: Family problem.

37. INTERIOR / HAROLD' S BIOLOGY CLASS / AFTERNOON

MR. CRAPE is standing in front of the classroom. He looks very scientific. The class has been taking a test.

MR. CRAPE: All right, time's up. Let's pass up all the tests.

The students reluctantly begin to pass their tests up to the front.

MR. CRAPE: C'mon, let's pass them up.

As MR. CRAPE picks up the tests, HAROLD talks to his friend FRED, who sits next to him.

HAROLD: I'm sure everybody did pretty good.

FRED: So how do you think you did?

HAROLD: Oh. How about you?

FRED: So--so. You going to the follies tonight?

HAROLD: Yeah, I should be going with my friend, Mark.

FRED: He in our grade?

HAROLD: No, he's a senior. He's going to get me in free, and I can hang out backstage for a while, hopefully.

FRED: Not bad.

HAROLD: You going?

FRED: I doubt it. Those things are the same every year.

HAROLD: Not necessarily.

There is some commotion going on by the door of the classroom.

MR. CRAPE: No, really come on in. Just step in for a second.

MR. CRAPE tugs a young guy, about twenty-one years old, into the lab.

MR. CRAPE: Class--class, quiet down for a minute. Quiet down. I just want to introduce you to Reginald Bickman. Reginald was a student of mine around four years ago. He was truly one of the best biology students I ever had. He always got straight A's. He was consistently good all around. He just stopped by to tell me that he went to Tipson community college for two years, and that he's about to graduate from Livingston College of Rutgers with a B.A. degree!

The whole class looks confused, and then slowly but surely begins to applaud.

38. INTERIOR / HALLWAYS / AFTERNOON

The last school bell of the day is about to ring. JENNIFER is slowly walking through the halls near her locker. She notices a girl her age sitting down in an awkward position to the side of a classroom. As JENNIFER walks closer, she sees that the girl is crying. The class in which she was a part is still going on, with the teacher still instructing. JENNIFER continues to walk to the girl, who doesn't notice her right away. When the girl looks up, JENNIFER leans over to the floor, almost squatting down. She puts her hand on the girl's shoulder and looks at her very concerned.

JENNIFER (softly): Is everything all right? Is there anything that I can do?

The girl looks at JENNIFER with tears in her eyes, looking somehow betrayed.

GIRL (low): Please..... leave me alone.....

JENNIFER: You sure you'll be ok?

JENNIFER looks at the girl as though she really wants to say more to her. The last bell of the day rings, and the halls almost immediately fill up. JENNIFER slowly walks away from the girl, as she still stays on the floor while classes let out right by where she is sitting. The halls continue to clutter up. There is the sense of rushing, of excitement, because the school day has ended.

39. EXTERIOR / BACK SIDE OF IMPLIE / AFTERNOON

Outside, many school buses are lined up and waiting all along the building. MARK walks through the crowds, and goes outside one of the back exits to the area where his bus is. MARK occasionally waves at friends from classes. He gets on his bus and sits down toward the middle. Not long after that, HAROLD walks on the bus and sits down next to MARK.

HAROLD: Mark!

MARK: What's up?

HAROLD: How's things go today?

MARK: Pretty good. A little weird, as usual.

HAROLD: Definitely. Listen, you remember that article about Mr. Slimben that I wrote?

MARK: Yeah.

HAROLD: Well, it's not going to be printed in the last issue of the Clarion Times.

MARK: You're kidding.

HAROLD: No. Not enough space or something. The paper's going to the printer today, too.

MARK: Hey, are all those kids we heard mentioned over the loudspeakers today going to be in it?

HAROLD: Of course. They each get their pictures in it. That's one of the main spreads. Remember that questionnaire you guys filled out last week on graduation plans?

MARK: Yeah.

HAROLD: That will be in there, too.

MARK: Great.

HAROLD: Don't worry. You're not the only senior who filled that out. Most didn't. Not including whoever lies. Did you fill out that best--worst thing about the school?

MARK: Yeah, I did fill that one out.

HAROLD: What did you put?

MARK: The best? Being successful in sneaking out for lunch. The worst? Not enough air conditioners in the school.

HAROLD: Pretty good choices.

MARK: Thanks.

HAROLD sees JENNIFER sitting on the bus and on cue stands up and cuts MARK'S words off before he gets them out.

MARK: I was wondering, Harold.......

HAROLD: Listen, I'll talk to you later when you pick me up.

HAROLD walks to a different seat and sits down. JENNIFER sees MARK and walks through the aisle toward him. It appears that she is going to sit down next to him, but at the last second she sits down in the empty seat right across from him. She says a quick hello as she gets into the seat. She sits with her feet pointed toward MARK, stretched out on the seat. Throughout their next conversation, there are a few times when both are trying to think of something to say. The bus takes off, driving around the school and down the hill to the main roads.

40. INTERIOR / SCHOOL BUS / AFTERNOON

JENNIFER looks out of the school bus window, trying to think of something to say. MARK does the same, but after a few moments he calls out to JENNIFER.

MARK (normal tone of voice): Jennifer?

The bus noises are too loud for her to hear him.

MARK (louder): Jennifer!

JENNIFER turns her head toward him and looks at him curiously.

MARK (loud): How was your day?

JENNIFER (loud): What?

MARK: How was your---

JENNIFER swiftly gets up and sits down next to him.

MARK: Day?

JENNIFER: It was ok. Not too bizarre.

MARK: Good.

There is a long pause between the two before JENNIFER says something else to him.

JENNIFER: You read desks?

MARK: What?

JENNIFER: Do you read desks?

MARK (confused): I don't know. Sometimes, I guess.

JENNIFER: I've been following a good one lately.

MARK: Yeah?

JENNIFER: Uh--huh. It's in my history class.

MARK: What does it say?

JENNIFER: Well, two weeks ago it said: "What did I ever do to deserve this class?"

MARK: Hmm.

JENNIFER: Last week it said something like: "What are we really learning here?

MARK: That's something.

JENNIFER: The clincher came yesterday. It said: "Maybe I should kill myself."

MARK: What?

JENNIFER: You heard me.

MARK: It really said that?

JENNIFER: Yeah.

MARK: Are you sure that all these things were written by the same person?

JENNIFER: Yep. Whoever it was wrote the messages right near each other. The handwriting matched. Same pen was used, too.

MARK: God.

MARK turns and looks out the window of the bus, and then turns back to JENNIFER.

MARK: Did you write back?

JENNIFER (contemplating): Yeah. Yeah, I did. I just wrote: "Don't do it, you're ok" near the last message.

MARK: Good.

JENNIFER: I haven't seen anything else written on that desk since I wrote that.

MARK: Hard to believe.

JENNIFER: Not really. (She pauses.) So--anything interesting happen to you today?

MARK (pauses and thinks): No. How about you?

JENNIFER: Not much. I'm just getting a little nervous about the show tonight.

MARK: The Follies? Are you in it or something?

JENNIFER: Yeah.

MARK: Really? We're videotaping the show.

JENNIFER: Who is?

MARK: Me--the audio-visual club.

JENNIFER: Who?

MARK: The audio-visual club. You know, the A.V. Club.....

JENNIFER still looks confused.

MARK: You know all those crummy movies you see in classes? When the teacher is sick or just doesn't want to teach?

JENNIFER: Yeah.

MARK: Well, we're the guys who get the projectors to the classrooms so that you can see them.

JENNIFER (understanding): Ohhh!

MARK: We do a lot of different stuff. We set up the microphones for board meetings and conferences. We do a lot of transporting of film and video equipment. We do lighting for the school plays and things. Tonight I'll be doing lights--controlling what colors and when to turn them on and off. You know.

JENNIFER: I see. Aren't the A.V. offices by the library--around there?

MARK: Yeah, that's where I am a lot. I've been in the club since the middle of my sophomore year.

JENNIFER: That's a pretty long time.

MARK: Yeah. It's fun, though. Usually. So what act are you in tonight? A skit?

JENNIFER: No, in a dance.

MARK: That's nice.

They pause and glance around. JENNIFER breaks the silence this time.

JENNIFER: So...... you don't seem very excited for someone who's about to graduate.

MARK: I'm ok.

JENNIFER: I hope so.

MARK: Yeah? I don't know. Graduating is no big deal. It's all set up. I just have to stay in line with the others, wave to my parents and smile, sit down in my numbered seat.

JENNIFER: Uh--huh.

MARK: Then I wait for my name to be called. And I just go up and shake some administrator's hand, and I get the diploma.

JENNIFER (kidding around): .....and the rest is history.

MARK: Whatever.

The bus pulls over to let the first load of students out. JENNIFER starts to get up, and she lightly places her hand on MARK'S shoulder, in a friendly manner.

JENNIFER: Well, I hope to see you later tonight, then.

MARK (awkwardly): Yeah. I'll be looking for you.

JENNIFER: Me too.

She smiles and walks out. MARK watches the load get off--about a third of those on the bus. He looks out of his window, and sees a bunch of kids from the bus walking on the sidewalk. He also sees JENNIFER, and she awkwardly waves to him from outside.

41. EXTERIOR / BUS STOP AREA / AFTERNOON

The bus gets to HAROLD'S stop, and they get off and walk a bit before splitting off.

HAROLD: What is she like?

MARK: I don't know. She's nice. A little.....perplexing.

HAROLD: Yeah?

MARK: I really like her.

HAROLD: Did you get her phone number?

MARK: No.

HAROLD: No? Why not?

MARK: I--I didn't think to ask her for it.

HAROLD: Figures.....

MARK: Don't worry about it. I'll probably see her later.

HAROLD: Where? At the show?

MARK: Yeah. She's in it.

HAROLD: Doing what?

MARK: I think she said.....singing? I don't remember.

HAROLD: Singing?

MARK: Something like that.

HAROLD: You gonna pick her up?

MARK: Why?

HAROLD: To get to the show!

MARK: No, I'm getting you, remember?

HAROLD: I take it you didn't think to ask her for her phone number.

MARK: What do you mean?

HAROLD: Never mind. You're worse than me. I'll see you later.

42. INTERIOR / MARK'S HOUSE--TV ROOM / AFTERNOON

After MARK walks down his block, he walks into his house and sees RONNY watching TV.

RONNY (not bothering to look up): Hello.

MARK: Hi, Ronny. Mom's home?

RONNY: Yeah, she's around here somewhere.

MARK puts his books down by the couch and notices that Ronald Reagan is on the television.

MARK: Hey--you watching Uncle Bonzo?

RONNY: Yeah.

MARK: What is this? The news?

RONNY: Yeah.

MARK: That's what I figured. Well, I guess I'll go and relax a little.

MARK starts to walk out of the room.

RONNY: (commanding): Hey, don't get on the phone!

MARK: What?

RONNY: Don't get on the phone.

MARK: I didn't touch the phone.

RONNY: Just don't use it yet. I'm expecting a call from Kurt.

MARK: Kurt?

RONNY: Yeah, Kurt Loggins. One of my best friends, remember?

MARK: All right, I'll try to stay off the phone.

RONNY: Trying isn't good enough. Just stay off it.

MARK: Ronny, you don't own the phone, you know.

RONNY: No?

MARK: So you can't just stop someone from using it or even going near it whenever you want.

RONNY: Says who? I told you I expecting......

MARK: You're always expecting a call. It doesn't matter where you are, or what part of the day it is--you're always waiting for someone to call. Well, in that case, I'm expecting a call too. I don't know exactly who it will be, or what they'll want, but I know that sooner or later, they'll be calling.....Maybe in a few days, maybe in a few weeks, but they'll be calling and I'll be expecting it--just like you are now. What do you want me to do--tell everyone in the family to stay off the phone a few weeks?

MARK walks out of the room and into the kitchen. RONNY stares at the TV and refers to MARK.

RONNY: Idiot.

43. INTERIOR / KITCHEN LATE / AFTERNOON

MRS. PEMICK is in the kitchen.

MARK: Hi.

MRS. PEMICK: Hi. How was your day?

MARK: Did you find the money?

MRS. PEMICK: What money?

MARK: The money you called me up about!

MRS. PEMICK: Oh, I found it near the telephone.

MARK: I told you it would turn up.

MRS. PEMICK: You want to eat now or wait for later?

MARK: I'll wait.

MRS. PEMICK: What time are you leaving?

MARK: In a little while. Hey, is Phil home from college yet?

MRS. PEMICK: Yeah. I think so.

MARK: Ok. I'll be in my room.

44. INTERIOR / HALLWAY BY MARK'S ROOM LATE / AFTERNOON

MARK walks to his older brother's room, passing RONNY talking on the phone. MARK knocks lightly on PHIL'S door. There is a pause before a low voice is heard.

PHIL: Yeah?

MARK: Yeah, Phil. It's Mark.

Another long pause.

PHIL: Yeah.

MARK (brightly): How ya doing?

Another long pause.

PHIL: All right.

MARK: Good.

MARK walks down the hallway a bit, and into his room. He shuts the door and glances around. He slowly walks to his bed, lays down, and looking at the ceiling, takes a long, deep breath. Another school day has come and gone.

45. INTERIOR / MARK'S HOUSE LATE / AFTERNOON

We time-lapse to the kitchen, just a little later on. MR. and MRS. PEMICK, MARK, and RONNY are sitting down to dinner. MR. PEMICK is dressed somewhat neatly, as though he came home from work recently. He is a mostly quiet, stubborn man who seems nothing like his wife.

MR. PEMICK: Can you pass me the rolls?

MARK: Here.

MRS. PEMICK: Watch these pans. They're hot.

MR. PEMICK: Ronny, be careful.

MRS. PEMICK: We have a little of everything tonight.

MR. PEMICK: In other words, leftovers.

MRS. PEMICK: That's right.

MARK: Leftovers. Sounds like a good brand name. Leftover's sausage. Leftover's Eggs. Leftover's leftovers.

MR. PEMICK: A bunch of comedians, we're bringing up in this family.

MRS. PEMICK: You never know.

MARK: Never know what?

RONNY: Hey, are french fries imported?

MR. PEMICK: What?

MRS. PEMICK: Does somebody want to pass me the hamburgers, please? Everybody just forgets about Mom.

MARK: Who?

MR. PEMICK (to MARK): So how was school today?

MARK: Schoolish.

MR. PEMICK (to RONNY): How about you?

RONNY: It was ok. Nothing special. I want to get out already.

MARK: Yeah?

MRS. PEMICK: You'll finish up. Don't worry. Only five more years--You'll get out. It's not like a jail.

MARK: Mom's right. Maybe they'll let you out in four years with good behavior.

RONNY: That'll be the day.

MR. PEMICK: You'll do good. Don't rush things. You'll do what you want.

RONNY: I never do what I want.

MR. PEMICK: What do you mean? You have everything that you want here. A nice home, a nice room--friends. You can go practically anywhere you want around. There's the movies--lots of them--ten in one place now. (He thinks a little.) You have the mall.....

RONNY: I don't know.

MARK (mimicking his father): There's hardly any crime, loads of nice, pretty split-level houses all in rows.....Farms..... Bingo every Tuesday and Saturday night.

MR. PEMICK: What would you rather do, Ronny--live in the city? You know what that's like?

JENNIFER: There's more people and things.

MR. PEMICK: Yes, but look at what goes with it! Muggers, rapes--you never know who's going to attack you next. Is that what you want? You don't like protection?

RONNY shrugs and everyone pays more attention to eating for a few moments.

MRS. PEMICK: We have a lot to be thankful for. We should thank God for our blessings everyday, right?

MARK and RONNY just continue eating.

MRS. PEMICK: Right?

MR. PEMICK: I guess it's not in style to believe in things like that anymore, huh?

MRS. PEMICK: You can't just forget about God. He's with us all the time.

MR. PEMICK: That's the trouble with these kids now. They just want to believe what they want to believe--nothing else. We never had it that way. We have beliefs. We were always like that. And we always taught you kids to believe in God in our own way.

MARK: We have beliefs--don't worry.

MRS. PEMICK: Ronny, you have to learn to appreciate whatever you have.

RONNY: Yeah, I know.

MR. PEMICK: A lot of these kids.....they don't believe in life after life. They don't believe in life before life. They don't believe in life during life.

MARK: We're not like that.

RONNY: Please not a lecture.

MR. PEMICK: Learn how to be grateful.

MRS. PEMICK: Learn how to thank God.

MARK: All right, all right, I'll thank God. I'll invite him to my graduation party. I'll thank him there.

MR. PEMICK: What kind of thing is that to say?

MRS. PEMICK: Mark, that's not the first remark you've made about the party. Almost everyday lately..... What do you want us to do--call everyone up and tell them not to come?

MARK: No, I don't.....it's not that.

MRS. PEMICK: Well, what's wrong? You should tell us when there's something wrong.

MARK: I don't know.

MRS. PEMICK: You do know.

MARK: I just wish there were less people coming. There's too many.

MR. PEMICK: What?

MRS. PEMICK: Mark, this is the family. We have to invite certain people. If you invite a particular person and they find out that someone else in the family is invited, then they'll feel bad.

MARK: Give me a break.

MRS. PEMICK: Don't tell me! Mark, they'll all want to come.

MR. PEMICK: Mark, I don't see what the problem is. It's only one day.

MARK: I just don't like the idea.

MR. PEMICK: What?

MRS. PEMICK: Why?

MARK: I just don't like it!

MRS. PEMICK: I don't understand what you're so worried about.

MR. PEMICK: It'll be over one, two, three.

MRS. PEMICK: Besides, do you remember how many graduation parties your father and I have had to go to? Remember Aunt Linda's daughter? All of Dad's cousins' children, Paul and Grace from my side of the family..... Do you realize how much money your father and I have put out during the years?

MARK: What's that got to do with it?

MRS. PEMICK: Now you're entitled to your share!

MARK: Oh, Jesus.

MR. PEMICK: Hey!

MRS. PEMICK: Don't you see? You have it coming to you! After all these years, you deserve to get something back!

MARK: But I don't have anything to do with this at all! It's just......obligation!

MRS. PEMICK: No, it's not!

MR. PEMICK: What's wrong with that?

RONNY (to MARK): I think you're crazy. You could be so rich......

MARK: Shut up.

MRS. PEMICK: Don't you ever tell your brother to shut up! That's your brother!

MARK: Jesus.

MR. PEMICK: Hey!

MRS. PEMICK: I don't understand him!

MR. PEMICK: All right, let's just calm down.

The family cools off a bit. They start eating again. MRS. PEMICK and MARK look like they want to say more.

MRS. PEMICK: I guess you just don't want to have a graduation party.

MR. PEMICK: Shhhh.

MARK: No, it's not really that. Ma, don't it personal.

MRS. PEMICK: How do you expect me to take it?

MARK: I don't know.

MRS. PEMICK: Then what's the problem?

MARK: What makes you think there's a problem?

MRS. PEMICK: I'm your mother, remember? I can tell these things.

A pause.

MARK: The problem is....... I'm not stubborn enough. I wanted a very small party--just a few friends, a few relatives.....

MR. PEMICK: There's nothing wrong with that.

MRS. PEMICK: Yes, but when it comes to the relatives it's either everybody or nobody.

RONNY: Maybe he's anti-social.

MARK: Shut up.

MR. PEMICK: Hey!

A pause.

MARK: All right, so we'll invite all these people to my party, right? It's no big deal for you. I'm the one who has to be the center of attention.

MRS. PEMICK: What do you expect? You're the one who's graduating.

MARK: So I hate being the center of attention! You don't understand. It's probably going to be a real nice day out, and all of these people--relatives and things--will start showing up at the house. They'll be all dressed up, and I'll be all dressed up. They'll all work their way into the house, acting so nice, like they know us so well, and see us so often that they hardly have to say anything. Soon they start lounging around the house, hanging around outside, getting ready to eat. That's all ok. I can accept it. But sooner or later, they're going to see my diploma on the TV, or on a snack table or something, and they'll stop munching out and remember what they're really there for. So somebody will eventually start saying something like "So where's the graduate?" Then somebody else will follow it up with "How is Mark doing?" and "Where is the young man?" And I'll get hunted down. And then comes the worst. The relatives are all smart enough to know not to talk to me all at the same time, so they'll each find me and talk to me one by one, or one family at a time. You wouldn't think there's anything so bad about that. They'll start off by saying "Mark, you got so big!" or "We're so happy for you!" as though I'm the only one in the world who's graduating from high school. Then the real fun starts. It's not good enough just to say a few cute things to me--they'll have to knaw into me. I can just hear them--one by one, non-stop. "So, what are your plans now, Mark?" "Well, Mark, now the good times are over and you'll have to star thinking about the rest of your life." "Are you going to college?" "No?" "Why haven't you applied to any?" "What are you going to be?"

MARK leans back on his chair and tries to catch his breath.

MARK: I don't know if I can handle it. I don't know if I'll make it through.

The family is quiet for a while. MRS. PEMICK breaks the silence.

MRS. PEMICK (comforting): It's too late to change anything now, so don't worry about it. You'll manage.

MR. PEMICK: It's only one day.

MR. PEMICK: You'll be all right.

46. EXTERIOR/INTERIOR / OUTSIDE OF IMPLIE/STAGE AREA / EARLY EVE.

We see Implie High in a long shot. Several cars are in the parking lots. Many are in the back of the school. Many students are sitting on the outside benches, some rehearsing skits and monologues for the variety show. Inside, JENNIFER is practicing dancing with the other girls in her group. The song comes to an end, and she takes a long, slow walk through the school. Mainly, she heads toward the auditorium, where we see concession stands being set up and paper programs being prepared. Eventually she gets to the backstage area. She sees guys setting up microphones and coiling wires. Curtains are being tested to make sure they go up. Set pieces are being moved into place. There are all kinds of props scattered around. JENNIFER keeps looking around, paying particular attention to the audio-visual crew. She is apparently keeping an eye out for MARK.

47. INTERIOR / PHIL'S ROOM / EARLY EVENING

MARK slowly walks to PHIL'S room. As usual, the door is closed. MARK approaches it and reluctantly knocks. He waits and calls. (This scene is played at a rather slow pace.)

MARK: Phil?

PHIL: Yeah?

MARK: Can I come in?

PHIL: Yeah.

MARK walks in. PHIL is a bit bigger than MARK, and is somewhat quiet and a more "inward" person. He is sitting down and eating a TV dinner on a snack table. The TV is on low in his room, which is loaded with pictures, posters and sayings. MARK sits down on PHIL'S bed. There are numerous pauses as the two talk.

MARK: What are you watching?

PHIL: MTV.

MARK: So.....how you doing?

PHIL: Pretty good. I heard you a bit from in here.

MARK: Yeah. It's a trip, isn't it?

PHIL: Yeah. I know how you feel. I went through it a few years ago. It'll come and go. So you put up with a little tension, aggravation for one day.

MARK: I guess I have no choice.

PHIL: Yeah, it'll pass. It isn't quite as bad as you make it out to be. All right, so you get a few bucks in your pocket for your trouble.

MARK: Yeah, but do they really want to give it to me? Do they think I really deserve it?

PHIL: Most of the people will. You're ok, you know. You manage to stay out of trouble.

MARK: Yeah, I guess. (He pauses.) What about college?

PHIL: What about it?

MARK: I don't know.

PHIL: Mom and Dad getting on your case about it?

MARK: No. They're pretty good like that.

PHIL: So don't get yourself sick over it. You don't have to live up to anyone's expectations except your own.

MARK: Maybe the problem is..... I'm not sure of what my expectations are.

PHIL: So what's wrong with that?

MARK: Good question.

There is a pause and then MARK speaks.

MARK: When I was in grammar school, just before the seventh grade, my class went on a trip to see the junior high school--the next school we'd be in. We got a tour and everything, and they explained to us about how the rules would be stricter, and how we'd have no one to make sure we got to class on time. We would have to follow a more rigid schedule and all that. I remember how scared I was walking through all those halls that were so big and long. There were all these eighth and ninth graders who were bigger than me. I wondered if I'd ever get out of the ninth grade. I did it though. You know, I never did get a tour of Implie High. We were just sort of led into it. I don't know. Now I'm getting out of school--maybe altogether--and I'm looking back at all these school years and I'm thinking to myself, how is it possible to learn so much and so little at the same time? Know what I mean?

48. EXTERIOR / OUTSIDE OF MARK'S HOUSE / EARLY EVENING

Time-lapse to MARK walking out of his house and up to the family car. MRS. PEMICK watches him from the door.

MRS. PEMICK: Just be careful!

MARK: Don't worry! I will be!

MARK pulls out of the driveway and bumps into the curb. He drives down his block, and up a few streets, passing by his bus-stop and other familiar areas. MARK turns on his radio and numerous rock songs are heard throughout this scene. Among them: "Watching The Wheels" by John Lennon, "You Tell Me" by Tom Petty, "Abra-cadabra" by Steve Miller, and "You Might Think" by The Cars. HAROLD is outside waiting on his porch when MARK pulls up. HAROLD gets in and the two drive on to the high school.

MARK: How's it going?

HAROLD: Not bad.

The car passes through a lot of side streets.

MARK: Did you eat?

HAROLD: Yeah. Did you?

MARK: Yeah.

HAROLD: What did you have?

MARK: God--I really don't remember. Too much stuff going on during the meal.

HAROLD: Oh.

MARK goes on some of the main roads--mainly Route 18.

HAROLD: If I see Jill at the show, I'll probably go and sit with her.

MARK: No problem. It's about time that you get a girlfriend.

HAROLD: What? First of all,, I think she has a boyfriend.

MARK: You think?

HAROLD: You know how girls are from day to day. You don't do so great yourself.

MARK: What do you mean?

HAROLD: I mean you don't have a girlfriend either.

MARK: Working on it.

HAROLD: You could have fooled me. You still hardly talk to girls. You have to be in a forced position or something.

MARK: It's like that with practically everybody. You know what I mean--there's always so much to talk about and so little to talk about.

HAROLD: Yeah?

MARK: That's right. Ask any teacher.

HAROLD: Hmm. You know, somebody should do a movie--a horror thing or something--about kids and teachers.....

MARK: What grades?

HAROLD: Like a high school. Tenth, eleventh, twelfth graders. So the thing is, the kids are going to classes and stuff, right? Everything seems ok, but there's weird shit going on. Like one day, no teachers show up or something.

MARK: None at all?

HAROLD: Yeah, that's what you think. But actually, the classrooms are filled. Overfilled. There's more kids in the classrooms than ever before. Nobody knows where all these students are coming from.

MARK: Who are the main characters?

HAROLD: There aren't any. Now..... the classrooms are just getting more and more crowded. Everybody starts wondering what happened to all the teachers. Then one day a kid finds out what's going on. He accidentally wanders into the faculty room, where no student was ever allowed before. And he sees all these crazy pod things. And he figures out that one by one, the teachers are going into the faculty room and are getting attacked by these pod things.

MARK: What?

HAROLD: The pods attack them, and they devour the teachers. So the teachers turn into more pods, and then the pods hatch, and more students come out. You know, the teachers turn into students.

MARK: For how long?

HAROLD: I don't know. I haven't figured that out yet. Anyway, the school just gets packed up with all these kids and no teachers in front of the classrooms.

MARK: And the pods keep multiplying in the faculty room?

HAROLD: Yeah.

MARK: Ok, Harold.

HAROLD: Scary, isn't it?

MARK: Yeah, I guess. Sounds a little too much like that "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" thing.

HAROLD: It doesn't matter.

MARK and HAROLD keep driving down Route 18. MARK stops on the highway at a red light in front of the Implie Square Mall. MARK turns to HAROLD.

MARK: So anyway, do you think you'll have a girlfriend in time for my graduation party?

HAROLD looks at MARK curiously and suddenly gets out of the car before MARK can say anything. HAROLD walks up to the car in front of them, which has four young girls in it. The girl in the front passenger seat reluctantly rolls down her window.

HAROLD: Excuse me, but I'm a pretty nice guy and I was wondering if any of you girls would like to go out with me sometime?

The light changes on cue, and the girls speed off. HAROLD gets back to MARK'S car, and they drive on. HAROLD looks at MARK.

HAROLD: Probably not.

MARK is amazed at what HAROLD did, and he reaches to his back seat and pulls out his new yearbook.

MARK: Can I have your autograph?

49. EXTERIOR / OUTSIDE IMPLIE HIGH SCHOOL / EARLY EVENING

Cut to a shot of Implie High. Numerous cars are pulling into the various parking lots, and people can be seen forming a line, waiting to be let into the auditorium, where the Follies take place. MARK and HAROLD pull into a space and walk to the side of the auditorium section. Numerous kids are outside listening to their radios.

HAROLD: Which way are we going in?

MARK: The side entrance, here. (He pins a small button which says "Backstage Pass" onto HAROLD.) Remember, you're in the audio-visual club.

50. INTERIOR / BACKSTAGE AREA / EARLY EVENING

MARK and HAROLD walk into the school, near the cafeteria. The hall is crowded with students rehearsing and getting ready for the various acts. They look at everyone as they walk by.

HAROLD (referring to JENNIFER): See her?

MARK: No. Maybe she's practicing.

They reach the backstage area. MARK walks over to the other audio-visual guys, who are checking microphones and cables. In the meantime, HAROLD mingles in with the students who are practicing their acts. MR. PINDON notices MARK.

MR. PINDON: Kind of late, aren't you, Mark?

MARK: Yeah, I'm running a little late tonight. We'll be all set.

GEORGE walks over to MARK.

GEORGE: There shouldn't be any problem. Everything worked out the past two rehearsal nights, and everything should work out tonight.

MARK: You'll be handling the mikes, right?

GEORGE: Yeah.

MARK: Ok. I'll be over at the light cage.

51. INTERIOR / VARIOUS SCENES OF THE AUDITORIUM / EARLY EVENING

Cut to the inside of the auditorium itself. It is about three quarters full, and many parents are sitting with their kids. Many are there to watch their older kid perform. Many have cameras. Girls are giving out programs, and more audio-visual guys can be seen preparing a spotlight up in a small projection booth. Up toward the stage, several microphones are set-up, ready to be brought on. There are also several reel to reel audio tape decks in place on a table beneath the level of the stage. MR. PINDON and several members of the audio crew sit there. We see MARK and the rest of the backstage crew setting up last minute lights and microphones.

52. INTERIOR / AUDITORIUM / EVENING

The lights in the auditorium dim. Three students--two guys and a girl--walk up onto the stage and a spotlight comes up on them. There is much applause, particularly by the younger people in the audience. The girl wears a nice dress and the guys are wearing white tuxedos.

JACK: Hi, my name is Jack Glemsy.

CAROL: I'm Carol Beckman.

REGGIE: I'm Reggie Gist.

JACK: We're the M.C.s for this year's Student-Faculty Follies.

There is more applause and a few loud boos.

Carol: We really have quite a show ahead of us this year. This is the eighteenth show of its kind since Implie High opened. Many of the acts you'll see tonight have taken months of practicing and rehearsing.

53. INTERIOR / BACKSTAGE / EVENING

As CAROL goes on talking, we see MARK in the "light cage." The first act is preparing to go on. It consists of a teacher (MR. BREND) and about a dozen students in cardboard cars. Everyone "carries" their car at waist level by the use of shoulder straps. Their legs are the wheels of the car. We see MARK turning off the lights at the head of the stage by clicking off a particular switch at the controlling light board. A different kid is cued, and the curtains are raised. The students walk out onto the stage with the teacher. We see MARK and HAROLD watching this act, and in this sequence dissolves are used to show a number of the various acts in the show. We also see JENNIFER preparing to dance.

54. INTERIOR / STAGE AREA / EVENING

The students with their cars go to a far side of the stage. The teacher goes center-stage. MARK has a light come up, and we see that one side of the stage is set up like a classroom. Empty chairs and a portable blackboard are set up. A light dims on the car section and another comes up on the classroom section. The teacher has already walked by his desk. He paces around and looks at his watch.

MR. BREND: Hey, where is everybody?

A group of six muscular guys come jogging and cheering into class. Two are in football outfits; the others are in sweatpants and weight-lifting outfits. They're big and seem almost completely ignorant of anything but sports. They sit down loudly and continue to talk and cheer.

MR. BREND: All right, all right, quiet down! This isn't a playing field, this is a schoolroom!

ATHLETES: (chanting) School-room! School-room! School-room!

MR. BREND: Shut-up! All right. This..... is driver education, and today we're going to continue our lesson on traffic lights and braking. This will be our last lesson, and then we'll go on the driving range!

One of the athletes raises his hand.

ATHLETE: Today? Can we go today?

MR. BREND: Yes. If we get through our lesson today, we'll go out on the range right today.

ATHLETES (cheering): Drive-ing range! Drive-ing range! Drive-ing range!

MR. BREND: Ok, quiet down. Let's get to the lesson. (He starts writing on the blackboard.) Now, when we're driving on the road, there are a lot of signs and things that we have to understand. One of the most important signs that we have to know is the stop sign. (He draws one.) This is a stop sign. The stop sign is red. I think you can remember that. The stop sign tells you to stop--to step on the brake. Is that understood? Johnny?

JOHNNY (slowly): Um, stop is red. Red means brake. R for red. Red for stop.

The other athletes pick it up and join in.

ATHLETES (chanting): R for red! Red for stop! R for red! Red for stop! R for red! Red for stop! R for red! Red for stop!

MR. BREND: Good! You guys picked up on that one fast. Now, the rule is similar with traffic lights. The red light means to stop.

ATHLETES: Stop!

MR. BREND: You always wait at the light when it is red. You only wait a little because the light will change. Does anyone know which color the red changes to?

The athletes try to think.

ATHLETES: Pink?

ATHLETE: Blue?

JOHNNY: Green?

MR. BREND: Right! Green! Green is it. When you see the green light, it means go.

Johnny raises his hand.

MR. BREND: Johnny?

JOHNNY (slowly): Um, G for G. Green for go. Go for G. G for go. Green for GO.

ATHLETES (joining in--chanting): G for Green! Green for go! G for green! Green for go! G for green! Green for go! G for green! Green for go!

MR. BREND: That's it! You have it!

The athletes cheer wildly.

MR. BREND: Now we can try out the driving range!

The guys yell and chant as a light comes up in the area of the stage where the kids and the cardboard cars are. The athletes get into empty cars, carrying them like the others do. It is not long before everyone starts running around and smashing into each other. MR. BREND takes out a bullhorn and yells. Soon he and several of the kids get knocked off the front of the stage by the athletes, and they fall onto a thick gymnastics mat that has been set up. The audience and many of the backstage people, including MARK and HAROLD, laugh throughout.

55. INTERIOR / STAGE AREA / EVENING

The curtains close, and not long after, the M.C.s and several other students are seen. They all come onto the stage from the side, and are tugging on a long rope. Something at the other end is pulling them all back, but the audience cannot see what it is. The M.C.s and students keep pulling, and the other end pulls them in backstage again. From behind the stage, we see that other kids had just pulled them back. (This segment becomes a running joke.)

56. INTERIOR / STAGE AREA / EVENING

The curtains are opened again. A pretty set can he seen, decorated with flowers and light colors. Lovely classical music is turned on by the audio-visual guys, and girls in ballerina suits go out onto the stage. They dance to the music perfectly for a while, and then male ballerinas come out. They're dressed in the same nice outfits that the girls are dressed in. They dance with the girls but are completely out of sync with them and the music. Several names are heard being called out by kids in the audience--they are calling to their friends on the stage. Several parents take snapshots throughout the show. After a few minutes, the curtains close and a spotlight is thrown on the students--each around sixteen years old.

57. INTERIOR / STAGE AREA / EVENING

The two students introduce themselves as brothers and take out guitars. They sing the Beatles' "Here Comes The Sun." In the meantime, preparations for a new act are going on backstage. We also see various teachers in the audience watching the show.

Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun
and I say it's all right
Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it's been years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun
and I say It's all right
Little darling, the smiles returning to their faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it' been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say It's allright
Sun, sun, sun, Here it comes
Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun
and I say it's allright
Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun
It's all right it's all right

There is applause when the guys are done singing.

58. INTERIOR / STAGE AREA / EVENING

The curtains open and a medium sized movie screen is seen. From the projection booth in the back of the auditorium, a projector is ready to go.

JACK: Right now, you're going to see a short film made by a senior here at Implie High. The name of the film is "A School Day", and the filmmaker is Reginald Bickley.

From the audience, REGINALD stands up and waves as he is applauded. The projector is turned on. Basically, the four-minute film shows the director himself and his small blunders throughout his school day. In a series of ten second takes, we see Reginald:
1) falling out of bed in the morning, knocking down and breaking his alarm clock
2) in the shower, washing and slipping in the bathtub
3) eating burnt toast and waffles for breakfast
4) rushing to the bus stop, missing his bus
5) running all the way to school
6) arriving late, getting stopped for a hall pass
7) getting frisked because he doesn't have one
8) in the meantime, guys transporting a projector on a cart drop it downstairs
9) titled "Three hours later"
10) kids during a hall change
11) Reginald waves hello to friends and walks into lockers
12) walks into the lunchroom and gets on line
13) picks out food, pays for it
14) finds a table and starts to eat
15) collapses because of bad food
16) walks through halls
17) falls asleep in various classrooms
18) sees teachers asleep in various classrooms
19) sees guys drop another projector downstairs
20) runs outside and misses his bus.

59. INTERIOR / STAGE AREA / EVENING

The curtains close, a kid is cued, and the screen is pulled up. Immediately, amplifiers and instruments are set up by a group of audio-visual guys and rock band members. In the meantime, the M.C.s are cracking jokes on stage and doing magic tricks. Eventually, the rock band is ready and CAROL introduces them as Johnny and the Squad. During their number, MARK synchronizes the colored lights with the beat of the song. The singing group consists mainly of seniors. They sing "Refugee" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

We got something, we both know it, we don't talk too much about it
Ain't no big secret, all the same somehow we'll get around it
Listen, it don't really matter to me
Baby you believe what you want to believe
So you don't have to live like a refugee
Somewhere, somehow, somebody must have kicked you around some
Tell me why you lay there and revel in your abandon
Honey, it don't make no difference to me
Baby, everybody's had to fight to be free
So you don't have to live like a refugee
Now baby, you don't have to live like a refugee
Baby, we ain't the first, I'm sure a lot of loving hurts even worse
Right now this ain't really you, all those things you got to feel to be true
Somewhere, somehow, somebody must have kicked you around some
Who knows--maybe you were kidnapped, tied up, taken away and held for ransom
Honey, it don't really matter to me
Baby, everybody's had to fight to be free
So you don't have to live like a refugee
You don't have to live like a refugee
You don't have to live like a refugee

60. INTERIOR / STAGE AREA / EVENING

Almost as soon as the curtains close, the M.C.s and other students are seen pulling on the long thick rope again. It is as though they are in a tug-of-war with something else behind the stage. They keep pulling, and we see HAROLD watching as a small dog is fastened to the other end of the rope. The group pulls on the rope, and the dog is pulled out from behind the curtain and onto the stage, amidst much audience laughter.

61. INTERIOR / STAGE AREA / EVENING

JENNIFER and about ten other girls walk from the halls and to the backstage area. They are all wearing bodysuits. From the light cage, MARK can see JENNIFER preparing to go on stage. He also sees that she is looking for him. The girls are introduced as being part of a dance class in the school. JENNIFER and the group go out onto the stage as Stevie Wonder's "Masterblaster" starts up. Generally, JENNIFER hangs toward the back of the stage during the dance. As GEORGE takes over the lights, so that he can get closer to the side of the stage. After about a minute or so, JENNIFER notices him watching her. She manages to wink at him. Toward the light cage, HAROLD watches the two of them. JENNIFER mainly follows the motions of the other girls. There is a good amount of applause as the girls finish. JENNIFER trots off stage and right up to MARK.

MARK: Hi.

JENNIFER: Hi. What did you think?

MARK: I thought it was very good.

JENNIFER: How was I?

MARK: You were fine.

JENNIFER reaches for a sweater and puts it on. She sees all the backstage people doing their jobs, keeping the show moving on.

JENNIFER: You work with all these guys?

MARK: Most of them. Ever since I joined the club.

JENNIFER: Are there any girls in this club?

MARK: Um, no. Well, once. There used to be.

JENNIFER: How long do you guys stay in the club?

MARK: I guess most join midway in their sophomore year and then stay in right until they graduate. We must have around fifteen or sixteen members now. But six of us are graduating this year. They walk toward the hallway, where other acts are waiting to go on stage.

JENNIFER: I guess you have to help out right now with the rest of the show?

MARK: Well, sort of. Why?

JENNIFER: I wanted to go out and get some air.

MARK: That's ok. I'll go with you.

MARK and JENNIFER walk toward one of the stage exit doors, where HAROLD is.

MARK: By the way, this is my friend Harold.

JENNIFER: Hi.

HAROLD: Hi.

JENNIFER: Hey--look at that.

In the background, MR. TRIGGLE can be seen on-stage alone, singing "My Way."

JENNIFER: I didn't know he was in the show.

HAROLD: He gets into everything.

MARK holds the door open for JENNIFER.

JENNIFER (to HAROLD): Well, it was nice meeting you.

HAROLD: Me, too.

MARK: We'll see you in a little while.

62. EXTERIOR / OUTSIDE OF IMPLIE HIGH / EVENING

MARK and JENNIFER are at the side of the school, at the opposite end of where the show is going on in the auditorium. They slowly walk around the school, from the side to the front.

JENNIFER: So how old is your friend?

MARK: I don't know. Fifteen, I think.

JENNIFER: He seems nice.

There are numerous pauses during their conversation.

MARK: Do you work anywhere?

JENNIFER: Not yet. There's this card shop in the mall that I applied to. Hopefully, within a couple of weeks, I'll be there at least part time.

MARK: Is this the one between the theater and the shoe store?

JENNIFER: Yeah. Schramm's.

MARK: Yeah.

JENNIFER: You have a job?

MARK: No, not right now. I was working for this friend of my father's for a few months. I just stopped the job last month. It was at the flea market--we sold magazines and things, comic books.

JENNIFER: I go to the flea market once in a while.

MARK: It's a pretty good place. I worked there for like eight months. This summer I'll be getting paid a little to repair equipment here at the school, but I'll be looking for different jobs.

JENNIFER: I figure if I get this job at the card store, I might stay with that during this next school year in September. That is, if I like what I'm doing.

MARK: I know what you mean.

They walk on, looking at the school itself.

JENNIFER: God, when I was a little kid, like in sixth grade, I was so afraid of this place. It just looked so scary. I never thought I could end up here.

MARK: I was never afraid of this place. I always thought it was just an office building, at first, where they just keep records of everything.

JENNIFER: Well, there are offices in it.....

MARK: I never thought this place could ever be funny. Then, when I was a sophomore--just this little, quiet sophomore--a bunch of seniors stole the portable classrooms. I was supposed to have a class in one of them the next day, but they weren't there.

JENNIFER (laughing): I don't remember this.

MARK: You were probably still going to the junior high. It turned out that the seniors who took them just drove them to the drive in theater somehow. This was about three 'o clock in the morning. They just left them there.

JENNIFER laughs, and the two see that they are getting back toward the auditorium door. We see a long shot of the school, which is especially lit up at the auditorium end. MARK and JENNIFER continue walking.

JENNIFER: When do you have graduation practice?

MARK: I already had it. Are you going to come to the ceremony?

JENNIFER: I don't know. I really don't know many people who are graduating this year.....

MARK: Oh.

JENNIFER: .....beside you.

MARK: I was wondering..... I know that you'll still be going to school here and I won't be..... but I thought that maybe we could keep in touch anyway.

JENNIFER: I'd like to.

MARK: Great. I really don't know.....many girls. And I like you.

She gives him a kiss.

JENNIFER: I like you, too.

They walk back to the auditorium.

MARK: I never told you about this, but I'm having a sort of small graduation party.....

JENNIFER: Yeah?

63. STAGE / AREA / EVENING

MARK and JENNIFER walk through a small school hall and into the back stage area again. Everyone in the show seems to be heading to the stage itself. MARK and JENNIFER follow. The movie screen has been lowered again; it is the last part of the show. MARK spots HAROLD by the stage.

HAROLD: You know, I think I'd like to do this kind of stuff with the lights and microphones and projectors and all that.

MARK: You should sit in with these guys. Join the audio-visual club.

HAROLD: I'm thinking that's one of the things I'm going to do in September.

MARK: Good.

The lights in the auditorium dim, and everyone quiets down.

JENNIFER: I guess it's about time for the slide show.

The M.C.s explain to the audience that they are about to see a collection of slides that have been taken by various students throughout the course of the school year. Overall, the slide show gives a broad overview of everything about Implie High. There are slides of students everywhere--outside, in classes, in clubs. Teachers and administrators are shown in unusual situations, but mainly in their classes and offices. There are shots from every season of the past year, as well as shots of recent school plays and sports events. The whole school year can be seen through these slides. Various songs, mostly recent ones are heard during the presentation. The last song that is hear is "The Logical Song" by Supertramp.

When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful
A miracle, it was beautiful, magical
And all the birds in the trees
They'd be singing so happily, joyfully, playfully watching me
But then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible, logical, responsible, practical
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable, clinical, intellectual, cynical
But at night when all the world's asleep
the questions run so deep for such a simple man
Won't you please please tell me what we've learned
Please tell me who I am
Watch what you say or they'll be calling you a radical
a liberal, fanatical, a criminal
Won't you sign up your name
We'd like you to feel you're acceptable
Respectable, presentable, a vegetable
But at night when all the world's asleep
The questions run so deep for such a simple man
Won't you please please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
Please tell me who I am
Who I am
Who I am
Who I am

THE END