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SCRIPT
(suitable for all audiences)
NEW SHOES
Grief stricken old lady rediscovers joy through dancing
| 18 pages | ||||
| 5 characters: | 1 old lady | |||
| 1 young woman | dance studio receptionist | |||
| 3 adult males: | old lady's doctor, old lady's stock broker, old lady's minister |
Extras:
funeral goers
hospital doctor
hospital nurse
hospital waiting room crowd
Scenes:
interior old lady's house
interior car interior
hospital waiting roomi
interior doctor's examining room
interior lobby dance studio
interior stock broker's office
exterior cemetery
exterior hospital parking lot
exterior city street at night
INT. HELEN'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON
A thin, high pitched voice HUMS a happy tune as an old lady's
hands place 48 candles on a cake lettered with Happy Birthday
Malcom.
As she steps back to appraise her handiwork, 88 year old
HELEN nods with satisfaction. She wears a crisply starched
housedress, a cardigan sweater, and a pair of cloth slippers.
Her face is alert, her eyes clear. She wipes her hands and
sets a cover over Malcom's cake.
She picks up a framed photograph from the window sill and
gazes lovingly into the eyes of a middle aged man, MALCOM.
HELEN
(talking to herself)
Happy Birthday, Sweetie.
She gives the picture a NOISY KISS.
HELEN (CONT'D)
It sure is good to have you for a
son. My partner - My buddy - My
friend.
Helen hugs the portrait to her bosom, then puts it back.
Picking up a vase of flowers, she totters out of the room.
HELEN (CONT'D)
I'll just put these next to your bed
so you can smell the roses as you
drift off to sleep.
INT. HELEN'S LIVING ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Helen is all dolled up as though going to church. HUMMING
happily, she carries a large shopping bag to her recliner
and sinks slowly into her seat. With great deliberation she
pulls a new pair of orthopedic shoes out of their box and
laces them up.
After peeling off her house slippers, she grimaces with
determination as she forces her swollen feet into the new
shoes.
With the clunky new shoes in place, her feet seem to move
with a firmer, lighter motion as she walks to the window to
look up the road to watch for Malcom. She checks the clock
and TITTERS to herself.
HELEN
Any minute now - just any minute.
The PHONE RINGS and Helen totters toward the kitchen MUTTERING
under her breath.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
HELEN (CONT'D)
Oh, that darling boy. I'll bet that's
him checking in.
She pauses in the kitchen door, squares her shoulders, takes
a deep breath, and reaches for the phone.
HELEN (CONT'D)
Hello... Yes, this is Helen
Hamilton...
A METALLIC SOUNDING VOICE comes from the phone during Helen's
pauses, but the words are completely indistinguishable.
HELEN (CONT'D)
Yes, Malcom is my son...
Helen stiffens and cocks her head to listen more closely.
HELEN (CONT'D)
Oh, my - Was anyone hurt?... Oh...
She walks across the kitchen, fumbles for a chair, and sits
down.
HELEN (CONT'D)
Is Malcom all right?... I see...
She closes her eyes and breaths with slow deliberation.
HELEN (CONT'D)
What hospital are they taking him
to?
Helen hurries to the counter beside the wall phone, grabs a
pencil and scribbles on a message pad.
HELEN (CONT'D)
Yes, I know where that is.
Moving with brisk efficiency, she pulls the note off the
pad, folds it precisely, and puts it in her pocket.
HELEN (CONT'D)
No that won't be necessary. I can
get there.
INT. HELEN'S CAR - NIGHT - MOVING
Straining forward to peer through the steering wheel, Helen
weaves through the night time traffic in her big old Buick.
TRAFFIC SOUNDS are amplified and distorted to create sense
of movement within state of confusion.
HELEN
Hang on, Sweetie. Mommie's coming.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
Traffic lights and headlights move by in a blur as though
seen through tear filled eyes.
The car hurtles toward lights that grow in size and intensity,
then whiz by with accompanying SOUND EFFECTS to emphasize
the surreal quality of hurrying toward an unreachable goal.
Helen grabs a parking place by the emergency entrance. It's
marked "reserved". She backs over the curb and into the
bushes, sets the brake, turns off the engine.
Moving hurriedly in her stark white new shoes, she scurries
into the building.
The RECEPTIONIST smiles at Helen sympathetically, checks the
computer in front of her, points down the hall.
A NURSE gestures toward the waiting area and Helen takes a
seat. She fidgets and fumbles with her purse but manages
not to cry.
ANOTHER NURSE enters through a pair of swinging doors. She
holds a clip board, walks briskly to Helen, and takes a seat
beside her. Together they fill in some forms.
SNATCHES OF THEIR CONVERSATION can be heard over the bustling
HOSPITAL SOUNDS: sirens SCREAMING closer, intercoms PAGING,
CONVERSATIONS, phones RINGING, SOBBING, a child shrieking...
A DOCTOR emerges through the swinging doors. He walks over
to Helen sadly shaking his head.
He holds her hand in both of his as he stands before her and
tells her the sad news. It's clear that Malcom is dead.
Begin Montage:
A blur of phones, flowers, casseroles, and sympathetic faces.
A mortician, signing papers, caskets, hugging, flowers.
A funeral parlor, a hearse, a church, a ride in a funeral
procession, and a cemetery.
END MONTAGE:
EXT. CEMETERY - AFTERNOON
Helen and a small cluster of FRIENDS sit under a canopy before
an open grave. A coffin is poised to be lowered into the
grave, and a MINISTER stands at the head of the casket.
MINISTER
...And may God Almighty have mercy
on his soul and give him peace.
Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
The minister blesses the coffin, walks over to Helen, helps
her out of her seat.
As the minister escorts Helen toward the waiting limousine,
she keeps glancing over her shoulder at Malcom's coffin.
Leaving him there is very very hard for her.
INT. HELEN'S KITCHEN - ONE WEEK LATER
Helen is hunched over a cup of coffee at the kitchen table.
Before her is the cake she made Malc for his birthday. It's
frosting is cracked . The candles are all askew. She looks
at it sadly, shakes her head, and picks up a knife.
The cake is so stale it is hard to cut, but Helen perseveres.
When the wedge she has cut hits her plate, it makes a CLUNK.
Helen tries to get a bite onto her fork, but when she stabs
it, it crumbles into dry fragments.
With no expression whatever, she gathers up the cake and,
walks like a zombie to the garbage can next to the kitchen
door.
In a state of spooky calm, she lifts the lid, and drops the
cake in - plate, fork, tupperware container, and all.
BEGIN MONTAGE:
Point of View of sad observer who watches over Malcom's grave
without ever looking above the ground.
EXT. CEMETERY - AUTUMN - DAY
Autumn leaves blow over Malcom's grave. Helen's orthopedic
shoes are no longer pristine white and her gait is slower
and a bit stiff. She stands beside the mounded earth as a
tombstone is lowered into place, sets a pot of mums by the
stone, and shuffles away. Pages of a daily calendar for
September, October, and November mingle in with the leaves
blowing across the grave.
EXT. CEMETERY - WINTER - DAY
Malcom's headstone is covered with a light dusting of snow
as a blustery wind swirls around it. With an unsteady step
Helen spproaches in her scuffed and smudged white shoes. She
places a Christmas poinsettia in front of the stone, pauses
to caress the granite, and plods away. Pages of a daily
calendar mingle with the snow falling on the grave.
EXT. CEMETERY - SPRING - DAY
Malcom's tombstone has a pot of daffodils in front of it.
Helen's feet move methodically around the edge of the mound
as grass seed is scattered over the sod. She wobbles a bit
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
as she trudges away. Pages of a daily calendar mingle with
gentle spring showers falling on the grave.
EXT. CEMETERY - SUMMER- DAY
Malcom's gravestone is surrounded by a rich growth of new
grass. Helen moves toward the marker, stumbles, catches
herself on the stone. After setting a pot of daisies in place,
she brushes clumps of grass clippings off the granite,
straightens up slowly, and limps away. Pages of a daily
calendar mingle with the daisy petals falling on the grave.
EXT. CEMETERY - AUTUMN - DAY
Autumn leaves blow over Malcom's grave. Helen's orthopedic
shoes are dirty and worn and she walks with a cane. She places
a pot of mums by the stone and hobbles away. Pages of a daily
calendar mingle in with the leaves blowing across the grave.
EXT. CEMETERY - WINTER - DAY
A pair of insulated work boots approach Malcom's tombstone.
A CEMETERY WORKER in thick coveralls uses his thermal gloves
to brush the snow away from the base of the stone and sets a
poinsettia in place. He strides back to the sidewalk where
Helen is standing. Her orthopedic shoes are protected by
clear plastic overshoes. She takes tiny mincing steps as she
walks away. Pages of a daily calendar mingle in with the
howling blizzard burying Malcom's grave.
EXT. CEMETERY - SPRING - DAY
Pouring rain beats against Malcom's tombstone. A pair of
workboots walk slowly along beside Helen's battered orthopedic
shoes. The workman bends over, places a large pot of tulips
at the base of the stone. After a pause the hands reach down
again and turn the pot around. Helen takes tiny halting steps
as the workman leads her away. Pages from a daily calendar
mingle with the flower petals beaten off by the driving rain
falling on Malcom's grave.
END MONTAGE:
INT. HELEN'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON
With a PLOP, a half eaten sandwich drops onto a plate set in
the midst of Helen's cluttered kitchen table. The plate is
pushed away by her unsteady hands. The PHONE RINGS.
Helen heaves herself up with a deep SIGH and SCUFFLES slowly
toward the wall phone. It is obviously midafternoon, but
she is dressed in her nightgown and bathrobe. Her robe is
filthy. Her soft, scuffy slippers are tattered and worn.
The sink is full of dirty dishes. A frying pan sits on the
stove with the spatula imbedded in solidified grease. The
place is a mess.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
HELEN
Hello...
Helen's voice sounds tentative and frail as though she's
afraid she's about to hear bad news.
HELEN (CONT'D)
No, I can't make the Antique Club
this month -
With the receiver's coiled cord stretching out behind her,
Helen shuffles to the table and slumps back into her seat.
HELEN (CONT'D)
Yes, I know - I appreciate the offer,
but I'm just not up to it.
Helen props her elbow on the table and rests her head in her
hand. Her expression is blank, her eyes lifeless.
HELEN (CONT'D)
I just haven't got the energy to get
dressed...
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
INT. DOCTOR'S EXAMINING ROOM - DAY
Wheezing and out of breath from the effort, Helen eases
herself down off the examining table. At 90, she is still
alert.
The doctor, a portly man in his mid-forties, perches on a
stool near the foot of the examining table and writes in his
chart. He looks up at her over his half glasses.
DOCTOR
Have you been walking?
HELEN
No. It's been too hot.
Her thin voice has a nasal quality that makes her always
sound like she's whining.
DOCTOR
Not even going to the mall?
He flips back through his chart.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
...like I suggested last month...
and the month before that...What
happened to joining the Y?
HELEN
They're all young.
DOCTOR
What's wrong with that?
Helen's eyes tear up immediately.
HELEN
They remind me of Malc.
The doctor SIGHS, draws his stool closer to her.
DOCTOR
How long has it been?
She SNIFFS, reaches under her glasses to wipe away tears.
HELEN
Two years next month.
The doctor shakes his head sympathetically.
DOCTOR
How old was he? 48? 49?
Helen nods.
The doctor jots a prescription on his pad, tears it off,
starts to hand it to her.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
This should help the swelling in
your feet.
As Helen reaches for the prescription, the doctor draws it
back and locks eyes with her.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Helen, you have got to get some
exercise.
HELEN
I'll try.
DOCTOR
Get out of the house. Move around.
Helen nods but with very little enthusiasm. The doctor takes
a step closer to her and moves authoritatively into her space.
He shakes the prescription in her face almost like a weapon.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Helen, this is your doctor talking:
Find something you like to do - and
go do it.
HELEN
I will. I really will.
EXT. CITY STREET - LATER THAT DAY
Helen walks slowly along the sidewalk toward a pharmacy. As
she passes an Arthur Murray dance studio, the silhouette of
a dancing couple painted on the window catches her attention.
Faint MUSIC wafts out from around the door. Her eyes follow
the swirl of the lady's ball gown before she peers through
the window at the glamorous receptionist, CAROL.
CUT TO:
INT. DANCE STUDIO - CONTINUOUS
With curly blond hair framing her heart shaped face, Carol
looks like a Barbie doll. She notices Helen and smiles
warmly.
BACK TO:
EXT. CITY STREET - CONTINUOUS
Embarrassed, Helen totters away. As she starts to shuffle
past the door of the dance studio, she suddenly pauses,
straightens her shoulders, takes a deep breath as though
about to plunge into cold water, and steps inside.
INT. DANCE STUDIO - CONTINUOUS
The wall beside the door is covered with photographs. Dozens
of framed pictures show happy couples dancing. Unable to
resist those smiling faces, Helen lets the door swing closed
behind her.
Carol gets to her feet immediately. The trophies on the
shelf behind her desk glitter in the background as she starts
toward the door to greet Helen.
Carol moves with the grace and style of a dancer. Her pink
knit dress has a scoop neckline that makes her look feminine
and sweet.
CAROL
Would you like a tour of our studio?
HELEN
Oh, no. I couldn't do that.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
As Helen edges timidly along the wall of photos, her eyes
dart back and forth between Carol and the pictures of the
happy couples dancing.
CAROL
We have a special introductory offer
this month. With a free one hour
analysis of your skill level, you
get the first three lessons at half
price.
HELEN
How much is that?
CAROL
$79.99
HELEN
Oh, my. That's a lot of money.
Carol gives Helen a warm smile and hands her a brochure.
CAROL
Well, you can take this home and
think it over. In the meantime, I'd
be happy to show you around. There's
no obligation.
Helen's eyes widen as she straightens to full alert.
HELEN
Could I see in the back?
Carol swings a bright blue door open wide and beckons her
visitor to follow her.
CAROL
Just step this way.
Carol's open toed three inch spike heels CLACK out a rhythmic
welcome as she leads Helen into the studio.
Helen's ugly old orthopedic shoes SHUFFLE along as she follows
behind Carol.
CAROL (CONT'D)
The third lesson is a party.
HIGH HEELS CLICK INTO DISTANCE as DANCE MUSIC rises
BEGIN MONTAGE:
Timidly, Helen steps into the arms of a pear shaped middle
aged man, BILL. Despite her clunky orthopedic shoes and
frumpy dress, she gradually relaxes and attempts to follow
his steps.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
BILL
Lift your head - Yes, much better...
He nods with approval and encouragement.
With new lace up flat shoes and a skirt with a little flair,
Helen steps stiffly but confidently into the arms of her
teacher. Her lighter step and more enthusiastic movements
make him smile appreciatively.
BILL (CONT'D)
Relax your shoulders - Keep it fluid.
In a long skirt, sequined top, and party shoes with a small
chunky heel, Helen's dancing has verve and snap. Bill beams
and CHUCKLES with admiration. It is obvious that the two of
them are having a very good time.
BILL (CONT'D)
Put a little more fire in it...
With open-toed, low-heeled dance shoes peeking out beneath
her flowing gown, Helen laughs with delight at the compliments
Bill gives her for her light steps and fluid movements. They
are practicing a complicated routine.
BILL (CONT'D)
Cock that chin. We're going for the
big finish."
In a glamorous ball gown and high heeled dance shoes, Helen
accepts a large trophy while Bill stands beside her beaming.
BILL (CONT'D)
Flawless. Totally elegant.
END MONTAGE:
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. LOBBY OF A DANCE STUDIO - DAY
Humming lightly, 90 year old Helen draws the glass door open,
deftly catches it with a cocked hip, rebalances a large
package she's carrying, and waltzes into the dance studio.
CAROL, the glamorous receptionist, looks up from behind her
desk and gives the old lady a wink and a broad grin.
CAROL
I heard you knocked 'em dead.
HELEN
Four firsts and a second - If I'd
had Charles for a partner, that Cha
Cha would have been a first as well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
Helen proudly pulls a glittering trophy out of her package.
She hands it to the younger woman who adds it to a large
collection on the shelf behind her desk.
CAROL
So now what?... On to regionals?
HELEN
Oh, I wish I could.
Shaking her head, Helen looks like she's about to cry.
CAROL
With four firsts at the State level?
You've got more than enough points
to qualify.
Helen SNIFFLES, then replies in a throaty WHISPER.
HELEN
I can't afford it. I simply don't
have the money.
CUT TO:
INT. STOCK BROKER'S OFFICE - NEXT DAY
MR. THROCKMORTON
Helen, I thought we agreed that you
would limit your dance extravaganzas
to one a year.
The condescending broker seems to loom up over his expansive
desk. His officious tone makes Helen shrink into her chair.
HELEN
Well, yes -- But that was before I
did so well at the State ...
Helen keeps opening and closing the snap on her purse as she
struggles for words.
MR. THROCKMORTON
Helen, you are not a rich woman. I
simply cannot allow you to dip into
principle for such a frivolous
expenditure.
The old lady squirms in her seat and stares at the floor.
MR. THROCKMORTON (CONT'D)
Why don't you take up a less expensive
hobby --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
HELEN
But I'm good at this--
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. LOBBY OF DANCE STUDIO - SEVERAL DAYS LATER
CAROL
Oh, Sweetie, don't cry --
Helen takes a kleenex from Carol and dabs away her tears.
CAROL (CONT'D)
You go on in and enjoy your lesson.
You and Bill will think of something.
Cha Cha music streams in as Helen opens the blue door that
leads to the classrooms in the back.
FADE OUT:
INT. LOBBY OF DANCE STUDIO - LATER
Blue door opens as Helen returns from her lesson.
Poised and calm, she walks directly to Carol.
HELEN
Please put me down for an extra
session with Bill next week -- either
Wednesday or Thursday --
Carol enters the change in her big appointment book.
CAROL
So you two have come up with a plan --
HELEN
No. Nothing like that. We just
enjoy dancing.
CUT TO:
INT. STOCK BROKER'S OFFICE - A WEEK LATER
Head high and shoulders squared, Helen enters Mr.
Throckmorton's office, pulls a small straight chair up close
to his desk, and perches on the front edge of it.
HELEN
I'm sorry to inconvenience you, but
I think it's time for me to rethink
the management of my business affairs--
MR. THROCKMORTON
Helen, don't you think you're
overreacting just a bit?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
HELEN
No -- Actually, I believe this
conversation is long overdue--
Mr. Throckmorton squirms uncomfortably and stretches his
neck as though his shirt collar is too tight.
HELEN (CONT'D)
You designed an investment program
for me that would leave a modest but
tidy little estate --
MR. THROCKMORTON
And we have stuck to our plan --
HELEN
But the situation has changed.
Helen leans on the broker's desk and gazes straight at him.
HELEN (CONT'D)
I no longer have an heir. My son
died four years ago.
MR. THROCKMORTON
Yes, Helen, that was a great loss,
but prudent investment policies --
HELEN
I'm sorry to rush you, but I'm having
some shoes died to match my dress
and I need to pick them up this
afternoon. I want you to sell
something first thing Monday and cut
me a check for $10,000.
Mr. Throckmorton starts to stand up out of his chair, thinks
better of it, and settles back down. He clears his throat
and stares at Helen as though expecting her to say more.
MR. THROCKMORTON
Helen, these dance outfits are
notorious for preying off little old
ladies...
HELEN
I'm sure there are people who "prey
off little old ladies", but I don't
believe this dance studio is one of
them.
MR. THROCKMORTON
They are encouraging you to strip
your savings -
Helen rises sharply to her feet, snaps her purse and gloves
under her arm, and cuts him off curtly.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
HELEN
Mr. Throckmorton, you're fired. We
are finished. I'll be in to pick up
my portfolio first thing Monday.
Please see to it that it's ready.
With a toss of her head, Helen walks to the door. There,
she pauses and looks to her shocked broker over her shoulder.
She gives him a CLICK of the tongue and a wink and waltzes
out the door.
CUT TO:
INT. LOBBY OF DANCE STUDIO - SEVERAL DAYS LATER
Helen is modeling a new ball gown for Carol.
CAROL
Oh, Honey, that dress is absolutely
smashing. That shade of blue--
perfect with your grey hair -- and
the dropped waist makes you look so
slim--
HELEN
It's a size 12!
Helen pivots with her hands on her hips to emphasize her
newly slender waistline.
HELEN (CONT'D)
Two more pounds and I'll reach my
goal -- 135 pounds. The same thing
I weighed when I was a bride.
CAROL
No wonder you look so fabulous.
Helen shrugs her shoulders and titters shyly. As though
just remembering something, Carol puts her hand up and
WHISPERS secretively.
CAROL (CONT'D)
I thought money was a little tight
right now.
HELEN
I thought it was, too. But I got a
report from my broker and --
Helen pauses to put her hand up in front of her lips and
drop her voice to a dramatic WHISPER
HELEN (CONT'D)
Honey, this little retired school
teacher is worth more than she ever
dreamed possible!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
CAROL
That broker did good by you, huh?
HELEN
I'll say. The way I figure it, I
can dance until I'm about 102. And
then I'll go to the poor house, broke
but content.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HELEN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Helen throws the doors of her closet open wide and surveys
the array of high heel dancing shoes lined up across the top
shelf. From a bag hanging on the doorknob, she pulls out a
new pair of heels, and rearranges the shelf in order to
squeeze them in. Delving into the bag a second time, she
pulls out another pair of new dancing shoes. There really
is no room for them on the shelf. Helen carefully inspects
every pair in the row until she spies her old orthopedic
shoes tucked in at the far end. Gently she takes them down,
studies them over, and sets them aside. With a nod of
satisfaction, she slides the new sequined heels into place.
Humming a cha cha tune to herself, she picks up her old
orthopedic shoes, carries them out to the kitchen.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HELEN'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Helen walks straight to the trash can by the back door, opens
the lid, and drops her old orthopedic shoes in the trash.
CHA CHA MUSIC SWELLS IN OVER HELEN'S HUMMING AS SCREEN FADES
TO BLACK.