Copyright 1990 - 1997 by Rob Perry and NorthStarr Productions
All Rights Reserved
Pharmaceutical Salesman
Actress
EXT. MALIBU BEACH DIANE'S HOME DAY
INT. LIVING ROOM
Brian is sitting on the couch holding Diane's hand and
she's starting to cry.
BRIAN
(in shock)
I don't know what happened.
DIANE
The LEONX 85 ELIXER, it's just not fair,
you've been on it for ten years and I six
months, then something like this happens.
BRIAN
Calm down, it could be just a
drug interaction. She was
taking so many drugs, who
knows? I think were ok. You
know maybe she just committed
suicide.
DIANE
(in shock)
I wish I had never started on it, and I wish I
had never met you.
BRIAN
The LEONX 85 ELIXIR was your idea, not mine.
So don't blame me for that.
DIANE
(working up to a fit)
If I had never met you, I wouldn't
be in this mess now.
BRIAN
(can see it coming)
I refuse to be drawn into another one of your fits.
You asked to be on the program, and you went
over my head by using your parents, so you have
no one to blame but yourself.
DIANE
(coming unglued)
You're bad news, a man who is sixty and passes
himself off at thirty-five, you should be ashamed
of yourself, you big phony, Mr. CANDYMAN.
You should change your name to ASS-WIPE,
it would fit better.
BRIAN
(maintaining his composure)
You just wont take the responsibility, will you.
DIANE
(out of control)
Get the fuck out and don't come back!
BRIAN
(shaking his head)
I had second thoughts about coming over to
comfort you 1and I should have listened to
my better self!
DIANE
(in shock)
Get out, before I go get my gun!
BRIAN
(really pissed)
It will be a cold day in hell before you ever
see me again!
DIANE
(in shock)
I better get my share of the backup supply,
or your dog shit!
BRIAN
(really pissed)
You will get just what you deserve, I will
make sure of that!
CUT TO:
EXT. WESTERN PHARMACEUTICAL WEST LOS ANGELES
INT. WESTERN PHARMACEUTICAL TEST LAB
Brian is in conference with the Dr. Bostick, chief of
research for Western.
BRIAN
(looking relieved)
So what your saying, is the batch of LEONX-85
ELIXER is ok?
Brian is reading the report furnished by Dr. Bostick.
BOSTICK
(smiling)
Well Brian, it looks like Western's Dr. Magic's
Elixer is safe for awhile.
BRIAN
(recovering)
Ah, ....I will call Sebastian in France.
BOSTICK
What about miss Sterling, do you
want to call her, or do I?
BRIAN
I'll take care of it Doc.
BOSTICK
(somber expression)
I was told this morning that Stan Morrow is retiring
and moving to Golden Colorado.
BRIAN
(dazed)
Oh, my god! So, who's in charge?
BOSTICK
John Morrow, Stan's son is the new
president. And we also have a new
Vice president.
(extending his hand)
Congratulations Mr. Vice President!
CUT TO:
EXT. MALIBU BEACH DIANE'S HOME DAY
INT. LIVING ROOM
Brian is sitting on the couch talking to Diane. He hands
her a small package.
BRIAN
(cool)
Throw your old supply away. This is a fresh supply,
not that there was anything wrong with the other one,
this is just fresher.
DIANE
The LEONX 85 ELIXER, is Ok?
BRIAN
When they did the autopsy on
Stephanie, they discovered she
OD on a tranquilizer, and also
she had been drinking. The
formula is safe. And thank you
for Vice President.
.
DIANE
Your welcome.
BRIAN
I feel like celebrating tonight,
how about dinner?
DIANE
Do you think it's safe for
us to go out in public?
BRIAN
Diane, It's dinner not an engagement party.
Yes or no?
DIANE
(smiling)
Ok, let's give it a shot, I'm
too tired to fight tonight!
BRIAN
Leave the gun at home, ok?
DIANE
The gun? Oh yeah the gun.
CUT TO:
EXT. MALIBU CALIFORNIA MORNING
EXT. DIANE STERLINGS HOME
A crime scene is being covered by the media and there are
Policemen everywhere. A young newscaster from CNN is
talking into the camera.
LEVITZ
Good evening folks this is STAN LEVITZ
from CNN covering the gruesome slaying
of a promising young actress, Diane
Sterling, the young daughter of the
famous producer, David Sterling.
Someone attacked her on the outside
of her very exclusive home in Malibu
Village. The police have no leads,
but are now trying to locate a young
man believed to have been with her
last night. There is some speculation
the slayings were drug related because
her best friend Gina Ringwald, has been
linked to a drug ring operating in west
Los Angeles. Back to your station now, we
will break into regular programming if we
have any new developments in this very
gruesome murder. This is Alan Levitz
signing off and returning you to your
scheduled programming.
EXT. SEATTLE WASHINGTON NIGHT
INT. SPACE NEEDLE DINNING ROOM
Brian Power's is having dinner with a very beautiful young
lady in her early twenties. NANCY WEST is a producer at
CNN Seattle.
WEST
Brian, I really appreciate you
getting me a job here, but I
really miss you and I want
you to be here with me.
POWER'S
Hey, all good things come to
those who wait! Look, I was
just promoted to Vice President
and when we get married you can
stay home.
WEST
Oh honey, I'm so happy!
West reaches over and gives Power's a big kiss.
WEST
I love you so much!
She notices a man sitting three tables back is staring
at them.
WEST
Brian, there's some sinister
looking guy staring at us.
Power's wheels around and notices a man is staring at
him and Nancy, and when they make eye contact the man
looks away.
POWER'S
He's a writer who is bugging me
to let him write a book about me
and even though I said no, he's
still trying. I'll go over and
see him a minute. I'll be right
back.
Power's gets up and walks back to the man.
MYSTERY MAN
(sarcastic)
Hey Mr. Power's, fancy meeting you here.
POWER'S
Are you dogging me?
MYSTERY MAN
Oh no Brian, I'm just taking
a little vacation.
POWER'S
How's everything on the home front?
MYSTERY MAN
Oh, you didn't see the evening news?
POWER'S
No, why?
MYSTERY MAN
Somebody sliced up your Diane,
real good. Gutted her from
end to end just like a pig. They
think it's drug related.
POWER'S
Do they know who did it?
MYSTERY MAN
You know, that's what strange,
really strange, because someone
called this morning and told the
police, you did it! They're not
convinced this bullshit story
about drug connections has any
foundation. They've issued a
warrant for your arrest.
POWER'S
(looking sick)
How the hell could it be me I've
been in Seattle since Friday.
MYSTERY MAN
You better have a good alibi
because they're convinced
you did it.
POWER'S
(looking sicker)
Who convinced them?
MYSTERY MAN
A friend of Diane, Gina Ringwald
made a statement that you had
threatened Diane's life many times.
Diane was your lover, but Gina was
Dianes lover too! Oh, I see by the
look on your face, that you didn't
know she was a switch hitter. Also
they received a call from somebody
who said you had threatened Diane's
life in public.
POWER'S
That lying bitch Gina.
MYSTERY MAN
You're in deep shit, your alibi
better be tighter than a virgin.
This is a murder so you will go
to the gas chamber.
POWER'S
What can I do, your were on cases
like this, what's my best shot.
MYSTERY MAN
(looking over Power's
shoulder)
Your honey is coming up her
so we better cool the
conversation.
POWER'S
I told her you were a writer
and wanted to write my life's
story, just play it up.
Nancy walks up to their table and puts her arm around Power's.
NANCY
Did you forget about me Candyman?
POWER'S
This is a friend of mine, Arnold
Negrete. Arnold, this is my
friend Nancy West.
NEGRETE
Pleasure is all mine.
POWER'S
(somber)
Nancy, Arnold is the brother of
an old friend of mine who commited
suicide last year. He just told me
my ex-fiance Diane Sterling was
murdered this morning..
WEST
Oh, that's terrible. Just
terrible, do they know who
did it.
NEGRETE
They think some drug dealers
did it. She was at the wrong
place at the wrong time. It
happened last night around ten
thirty.
POWER'S
I'll have to go back to LA.
WEST
I understand. When are you leaving?
NEGRETE
I'm going back on the last flight
tonight, why don't you go with me.
WEST
He's right this is not a time to
be alone. Do you want me to
come back too?
POWER'S
No, that's ok. I'll be all right.
NEGRETE
What time did you get into Seattle?
WEST
He got in at eleven thirty, because
I picked him up at the airport.
NEGRETE
Remember that time, because you
may be his only alibi.
WEST
Alibi?
EXT. LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA DAY
EXT. PARKER CENTER LOS ANGLES POLICE DEPARTMENT
INT. HOMICIDE DIVISION OFFICE OF CAPTAIN BALDWIN
Brian Power's is having a conference with Captain of
Detectives SAM BALDWIN a tall good looking man in his
late fifties.
BALDWIN
Thanks for coming down here to
talk to me. The media is now
tearing this case apart and for
your own protection we need a
statement from you as to where
you were on Friday night between
the hours of nine and midnight.
POWER'S
Do you think I did this Sam. I
mean you know me better than my
own mother, Sam, we used to play
football on the same squad back
at Hollywood High.
BALDWIN
Look Brian, I don't think you
had anything to do with it
but it's my job to go through
all the motions.
POWER'S
I understand. I just feel like
someone is trying to set me up.
BALDWIN
Who is trying to set you up?
POWER'S
I think Negrete is trying to set
me up.
BALDWIN
What is the motive? Is there
something your not telling me?
POWER'S
(worried)
Will this go on the police blotter.
It's personal?
BALDWIN
(searching)
If not evidential.
POWER'S
Gina was my mistress, and Diane's
lover. Gina was Negrete's mistress
before I met her, now of course
she was my mistress. Gina was
a coke freak and negrete was still
in love with her and wanted her back.
Diane and I were both using Negrete
to keep an eye on Gina. When I found
out Diane and Gina were having an affair
I decided to drop Gina.
BALDWIN
Your life is more complex than Hitler's!
POWER'S
It never used to be.
BALDWIN
Just couldn't keep it in your
pants could you Candyman.
POWER'S
Lighten up Sam, when you have
girls hanging on you and making
propositions hourly it's hard
to fight it off.
BALDWIN
Who is Nancy?
POWER'S
Nancy who?
BALDWIN
Don't bullshit me Power's.
Who is Nancy West?
POWER'S
Who you been talking to?
BALDWIN
Never mind, now how does she
fit into all this.
POWER'S
Nancy West was my lover and
when I fell in love with her
I sent her up to Seattle so
she wouldn't get involved. She's
waiting for me to get back so we
can get married.
BALDWIN
When was the last time you saw
her?
POWER'S
Over the weekend.
BALDWIN
She's your alibi, right?
POWER'S
No, she's is my girlfriend and
I love her very much.
BALDWIN
Yeah right, how many girls
have you fallen in love
with this year Brian?
POWER'S
Stop beating me up Sam, I
didn't do anything.
BALDWIN
Ok, that's enough for now, I
want you to get Nancy West
down here from Seattle. We
need a statement from her.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA AFTERNOON
EXT. PARKER CENTER LOS ANGLES POLICE DEPARTMENT
INT. HOMICIDE DIVISION OFFICE OF CAPTAIN BALDWIN
Arnold Negrete is having a conference with Captain of
Detectives Sam Baldwin. Both are laughing and have
their feet on the table.
BALDWIN
Thanks for coming down here to
talk to me home-boy. All I want
to know is, did you cap Diane
Sterling. Oh excuse me, did
you have it done by one of your
friends?
NEGRETE
Somebody has been telling you
stories my friend. I'm a retired
LAPD Detective with commendations
up the kazoo, and you say something
like that to me, I think I'll call
the ACLU and report you.
BALDWIN
You want to use my phone?
NEGRETE
Yes, may I......do you spell
Baldwin with a "B" or a "Z"?
BALDWIN
With a "Z" of course.
Both men start laughing and Baldwin throws a gum wrapper
at Negrete.
NEGRETE
Now your adding injury to defamation
of character. My friend Captain
Zaldwin, you're going to do time.
And you know what the brothers do to
cops in the joint. A big hunk like
you is going to have his dance card
filled every night! Even the guards
might want a little, who knows?
BALDWIN
(laughing)
If that ever happened home-boy I
would blow my brains out first!
NEGRETE
(laughing)
Hey, hey .....give it a try, who
knows you may like it, homes. Just
think you will get a hemorrhoids job
free, compliments of the Los Angeles
Sheriff Department!
BALDWIN
(laughing)
You know, I really miss all your
bullshit around here Arnie, you
should come down and visit me
more.
NEGRETE
I would bro, but the brothers
tell me you white mic cops like
to beat up the bro's and the
home boys, just for fun.
BALDWIN
Tell me which one told you that
and I'll work him over, free!
Chief of Detectives SEAN O'MALLEY, a big man in his late
fifties walks in the office.
O'MALLEY
(grabbing Negrete by the arm)
Sam, your never going to make
Chief if you keep hanging with
Bean Bandit's like Negrete.
NEGRETE
(pointing to the chief)
He's the one the brothers said
beats up everyone.
BALDWIN
(laughing)
We have some complaints on
police brutality and Chief
your name is at the top!
O'MALLEY
Oh really, how many points do we
get for beaners this week Sam?
BALDWIN
(still laughing)
I think it's two points, not
much, the brothers are five
points this week.
(O'Malley steps back and
starts sparing around like
a boxer)
I think he wants to go a few
rounds with you Arnold.
NEGRETE
(SMILING)
I don't box old men, especially
Irish old men, unless they're
wearing diapers!
O'MALLEY
(breaking up)
Ok, then we'll wrestle ....
(grabbing Negrete
and hugging him)
I miss you, ... you old fart!
NEGRETE
I would have sticked around Chief,
but you said there will be no
Hispanic lieutenant's while
you were chief!
O'MALLEY
(looking at Baldwin)
He never quits does he?
NEGRETE
(puckering his lips
and throwing a kiss)
I miss you too chief, I miss
you too.
NEGRETE
(laughing)
Do you still have your rubber
hose chief?
O'MALLEY
Yes , would you like to see it?
NEGRETE
(smiling)
I think it still has my blood
on it, doesn't it.
O'MALLEY
If it's gone we can always
put fresh blood on. By the
way since we're talking about
the brothers, I had a phone
call from a preacher in Watts,
who say's four of his choir
boys are missing. You wouldn't
know anything about that would
you Arnie?
NEGRETE
How many points did you say the
brothers are worth this week?
O'MALLEY
I think the man said, five points!
NEGRETE
Oh, great if I run into them I'll
collect my points. By the way, ..
what can I get with twenty points?
O'MALLEY
You can have your own private room
at San Quentin, courtesy of the
State of California.
NEGRETE
I'll remember that chief. By the
way do we still have our golf date
on Saturday?
O'MALLEY
If your not in jail by then.
O'Malley grabs Negrete again and gives him noogies!
(quick rub on the head with his knuckles)
NEGRETE
I love you chief!
The Chief stops the noogies and hugs Negrete with great
affection.
O'MALLEY
Do you know how many times I
tried to promote you to Lieutenant,
Arnie, ......
NEGRETE
(serious)
I know Chief, I know.
O'MALLEY
(serious)
You have to have a Masters
in Criminology to be a Louie,
and a Ph.D. to be a Captain.
All you had was a High School
Diploma, and with that you
just can't go up the ladder!
BALDWIN
Will you two cut it out, your
starting to make me sick.
NEGRETE
You see what I told you chief,
this man has no love for his
fellow man, he's what everyone
calls him behind his back ....
The ICEMAN, .....BY THE BOOK!
You better look out, he's
after your job!
(Negrete pokes Baldwin
in the ribs)
He's not even ticklish!
Baldwin reaches over and grabs Negrete by the neck and
starts wrestling with him. Detective second class
GERRY BRAUN, a man in his late thirties with prematurely
gray hair barges into the room and everyone stops.
BRAUN
If you guys are done playing
grab ass, I got some news.
O'MALLEY
We were not playing grab ass, we
were beating up a local homeboy,
there's a difference.
BRAUN
We've had another homicide in Malibu.
This time it was Gina Ringwald, Diane
Sterlings best friend.
BALDWIN
(very upset)
Someone is trying to send a
message loud and clear.
NEGRETE
(coming unglued)
I can't believe Gina is gone. What
the shit is going on in this town?
BALDWIN
Was she into drugs?
NEGRETE
Yes, I was being a nice guy and
trying to get her through a
program to dump the coke habit
but I guess she had too many
ghost's from the past.
O'MALLEY
I think captain Baldwin, you
need to go out and see the Malibu
Sheriff's and find out what clues
they have. I'll talk to you
later.
(O'Malley walks out)
Don't just stand there! Go!
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA NEXT DAY
EXT. PARKER CENTER LOS ANGLES POLICE DEPARTMENT
INT. HOMICIDE DIVISION OFFICE OF CAPTAIN BALDWIN
Brian Powers and Nancy West are in Captain Sam Baldwin's office
where she is ready to give a statement.
BALDWIN
Thanks for coming down to Los
Angeles to give your statement.
It shouldn't take more than a
half hour. Brian why don't you
go have a cold drink and I'll
call you when she's done.
POWER'S
(surprised)
Sure, I'll be right back Nancy.
Power's gets up out of his chair and leaves the room, closing
the door behind him. A young secretary walks in the room
and sits down in a chair next to Nancy.
BALDWIN
(pointing to a young lady)
Nancy, this is Kelly Wells our
secretary. She will take shorthand
and record a tape on the session. Do
we have your permission to tape
the interview?
WEST
(cooperative)
Yes, you have my permission.
BALDWIN
(turning on the
tape recorder)
Ok, last Friday night you were at
the Seattle Main Terminal for United.
Now tell me what happened then. The
times have to be exact.
WEST
(slowly at first)
I was waiting for Mr. Power's plane
and it was thirty minutes late, so
I remember, I kept looking at the
clock, you know how it is when you're
waiting for someone, it always seems
longer, so that's why I remember
repeatedly looking at the clock.
BALDWIN
(understanding)
Was there anything unusual about
Mr. Power's when he walked up to you
in the terminal area?
WEST
(worried)
Like what?
BALDWIN
(searching)
Were his clothes soiled, or did
he look unruly or anything?
WEST
No, not at all.
BALDWIN
Were you aware that Gina Ringwald
was his mistress at one time?
WEST
Hey, I used to work with Gina,
I think she was everybody's
mistress.
BALDWIN
I take it you didn't like
Gina?
WEST
Oh not at all, we were best
friends, but she was ruthless.
BALDWIN
Ruthless? Explain.
WEST
When we both heard that Power's
ex-girlfriend committed suicide,
we started to try to get closer
to Brian.
BALDWIN
Closer?
WEST
We felt sorry for him, so we
asked him to go to lunch with
us. We heard he likes Japanese.
BALDWIN
Japanese food?
WEST
Yes, not Japanese girls. Not
too many of the staff like
Japanese, so anyway, he went
to lunch with us one day.
BALDWIN
So what happened?
WEST
What happened? She all but
sat on his face! They were
like two dogs in heat.
BALDWIN
What did you do?
WEST
I was so disgusted, I got up
and left. I walked back to the
Western by myself.
BALDWIN
Did you talk to Gina, afterwards?
WEST
Yes I did, I told her she was taking
an unfair advantage of Brian because
he was very vulnerable at this time.
BALDWIN
What did she say?
WEST
She said I was just jealous, because
I didn't move in faster than she did.
BALDWIN
Did you remain friends after that?
WEST
No, I hated the bitch and I told
her so.
BALDWIN
How long did their relationship
last.
WEST
About six months.
BALDWIN
Did she comment on the relationship
at any time?
WEST
Yes she did. In the end of the
relationship I asked her how
things were going, and she said
if Brian dumps her, she will
destroy his relationship with
Diane.
BALDWIN
Did he say how?
WEST
No, but I figured she would
tell Diane about the affair
her and Brian were having the
last six months.
BALDWIN
Did she ever say anyone had
threatened her life?
WEST
She ran with a very tough bunch of
Brothers from South Central LA,
they were the suppliers for her
habit.
BALDWIN
What habit?
WEST
Oh, I thought you knew she was
a coke freak.
BALDWIN
Did you ever see her do coke?
WEST
She would disappear in the
ladies rest room everyday
and come out on cloud nine.
BALDWIN
Did she ever offer you any drugs?
WEST
All the time, but I don't do drugs.
I don't even smoke.
BALDWIN
Do you know who the suppliers were?
WEST
She always talked about some black
guy called "Chas".
BALDWIN
Like in Charles?
WEST
I think so. He beat her up
pretty bad one time.
BALDWIN
Did she say why?
WEST
No, she said it was about money.
BALDWIN
How did she feel when you started
an affair with Power's.
WEST
She said if I didn't leave him
alone she would have her boys
from Watts do me.
BALDWIN
What did you do?
WEST
I told Brian, and he sent me to
Seattle.
BALDWIN
Was Power's with you the entire
time after you picked him up at
the airport?
WEST
Yes he was.
BALDWIN
This part is very important.
Think carefully .....did Gina
ever tell you who else she
was a mistress to?
WEST
She had a mystery man who was
not into drugs but had a lot
of money.
BALDWIN
Did she ever mention his name?
WEST
She never mentioned his true
name, but one time on the
phone when she was talking
to him, she called him Al.
BALDWIN
Al, like in Alfred, Alan or
whatever?
WEST
I know he lived somewhere
on the west side, because
I dropped her off on Wilshire
and ..... I don't remember the
name of the cross street, oh
yeah it's near railroad tracks
and a store that sells leather
jackets. Oh yes she called
him Levi's one time.
BALDWIN
How about Levine?
WEST
No she said, Levi's.
Al Levis ...you don't
think she meant Alan
Levine, do you?
BALDWIN
Could you identify her friends
from watts, if we had them in
a line up?
WEST
No problem, this one guy Chas
had this look on his face like
he would sell his own mother.
BALDWIN
We'll look into it, thank
you very much for coming
down. If I need you for
anything else, I'll call
you.
WEST
No problem Captain, I love
this city, I only left
because of Gina.
BALDWIN
Do you think she was doing the
brothers too?
WEST
I think she was doing the whole
town!
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA DAY
EXT. SOUTHERN COMFORT COFFEE HOUSE
INT. COFFEE ROOM
CHAS WILLIAM'S a young black man in his thirties is talking
on his cellular phone while smoking and drinking expresso.
CHAS
You owe me a lot of money Jack,
and I want a payment soon, or
you will be visiting you dead
Grand-mama! I wont do her till
you pay me what you owe me.
(hits the red stop button
on the cellular phone)
Jive Mo Fo, hey BUZZ, get you
black ass over here.
(calling a friend from
another table)
I got something for you.
A big black man in his late twenties, about six-six and
weighing three hundred pounds comes up to his table and
sits down.
CHAS
(guttural English)
Yo! ... , you find the stash?
BUZZ
Ah checked everywhere, and no
stash. The only house I haven't
checked is Candymans.
CHAS
Don't bother, I just had a phone
call and the man said it's over
at Gina's house. So get your
ass over there and find it.
BUZZ
Can I eat first?
CHAS
Now, ass wipe ....now!
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA DAY
EXT. PARKER CENTER LOS ANGLES POLICE DEPARTMENT
INT. HOMICIDE DIVISION OFFICE OF CAPTAIN BALDWIN
Captain Baldwin is discussing a new lead with one of his
best detectives, SEAN BASTOW a husky man in his late thirties.
BALDWIN
So what did you find out?
BASTOW
My informant in South Central
said Chas William's is a big
dealer in Los Angeles. But
he's only a front man. There's
someone big at the top who is
pretty pissed off because he
got ripped off.
BALDWIN
What did they lose?
BASTOW
Ten "Qees" of the best coke in
the southwest. Worth about
two-hundred thousand.
BALDWIN
Do they know who ripped them off?
BASTOW
He said two Hispanic guys from the
Valley.
Go to Part 4
Back to beginning of script