A FEDERAL CASE

During the credits, a young girl is rushing around getting ready for school.  She is blow drying her hair and putting on makeup.  Song in the background - GALLERY.  She tries on one outfit, then another, then another until her closet is strewn with clothes.  The room has gone from being in a disarray.  Just as she is finishing her final touches with hairspray, her mom walks in.

MOTHER:Stephanie, this room was impeccable last night.  For God's sake, how can you find anything?

STEPHANIE:I just decided to wear something else, Mom.

MOTHER:Wear?  That skirt looks like it's been painted on you.

STEPHANIE:It's what everyone that's hip is wearing.  Can I get a twenty from you?  I'm spending the night at Julie's and I might go out to eat with Jimmy after the game.

MOTHER:Whatever happened to boys paying for girls?

STEPHANIE:Mother, please, no more about how it was in the old days.  This is the nineties.  Sometimes girls do pay.  Besides, Jimmy doesn't live with his dad.

MOTHER:You mean parents pay.  Your dad and I will be in Palm Springs.  There is another mayor's conference.  Don't have anyone over.  (She grabs her cheek.)  Do you understand, Stephanie?

STEPHANIE:I won't, Mom.  (Takes the money.)  Thanks, love you.  (Exits.)

(Exterior-Automobile-Day)

The car pulls away from a large, expensive home.  Two beautiful girls are in the car with her.

JULIE:(Shouts.)  Let's party.  (She cranks up the radio.)

ALISHA:So Stephanie, you staying out all night with Jimmy?  What does your mom think?

STEPHANIE:She thinks I'm spending the night at Julie's.

JULIE:(Laughs.)  My mom thinks I'm spending the night at your house.  I'm going with Todd to his parents' cabin in Payson.  Why don't you and Jimmy come with us?  There's plenty of room.

STEPHANIE:What about you, Alisha?  Where are you going with Joey?

ALISHA:His folks are out of town.  A bunch of the other cheerleaders are coming over for a party after the game.  I could never get away with staying out all fuckin' night.  My parents are too hip to what's happening.  My mom was only eighteen when she had me.  Like I wasn't exactly planned.

They all break out into the song - LOVE CHILD.  They burst out laughing as they pull into the school parking lot.

(Interior-Locker Room-Night)

Todd and Joey walk up to Jimmy who is changing into his football jersey.

TODD:Julie says you and Stephanie are coming to the cabin in Payson with us.  When are you gonna nail this babe?  You can't be cherry forever.  You're almost eighteen.

JIMMY:What am I supposed to do?  Just throw her down and have my way with her?  She doesn't wan to do it.

JOEY:None of them want to do it.  You just got to sort of coax them along.

TODD:Shit, Joey, what you mean is get them a little high and nail them and worry about your conscience in the morning.

JIMMY:Joey doesn't have a conscience.  He's like Spock--no human emotions.  Joey, why don't you just erect a shrine to your dick?  That is, if you can ever get your hand off of it long enough to see it.

TODD:Yes, Joey, you're gonna wear that baby out by the time you're out of school.  Remember, you only get one issued to you.

JOEY:Well, shit, Todd ain't that bad.  If I were you I would have just put in for a bigger one.

TODD:Mine is plenty big enough to keep Julie really happy.

JOEY:Well, just keep her away from me, as long as she don't know what's really available.  I don't suppose it's gonna matter.

Coach walks into the locker.

COACH:Gallo, Petrie and Sullivan.  Get your butts out on the field.  Save your tales of glory till after the game.  Practice started three minutes ago.

They slam their lockers shut and walk out.

(Exterior-Football Field-Day)

While the high school team practices, Alisha practices the cheering with the cheerleaders.  They go through two routines and stops when she spots Julie and Stephanie.

JULIE:You guys are looking real good.

ALISHA:(Grins.)  I'm a harsh taskmaster.  Did you see Joey out there?  He's been kicking in field goals from 45 yards out.  It's the state record for the longest field goal.

STEPHANIE:Yea, he looks really good.  It's too bad Jimmy is such a great quarterback and Joey doesn't get more opportunities to kick field goals.  You know he got a full scholarship offer from Penn State and from USC.

JULIE:Well, Todd told me he doesn't want to play college ball.  He wants to concentrate on premed.  He can't get into medical school unless he has at least a 3.8 and there's no way with college ball he can get that kind of studying in.

ALISHA:Why don't you all drop over at Joey's for a while before you head out to Payson?  It's gonna be a great party.  He's got Michael B and Rap Force to play.

JULIE:A live band.  (She twists her shoulders like she's getting down.)  All right, party time.  Yea, we'll drop by.  Why not?

ALISHA:I'd better get back to my squad.

Her squad has spread out and is talking to the ball players on the sidelines.
ALISHA:Alright, everybody, let's get back to practicing.

She notices a cute blonde talking to Joey.

ALISHA:(Walks up to Gwen.)  Gwen, why don't you stay the hell away from Joey?

JOEY:We were just having a friendly little chat.  Cool it, Alisha, no problems.

Gwen walks away.

ALISHA:I thought you had a little more class.  Don't bullshit me, Joey.  I'm impervious to bullshit.  We're supposed to have something special between us.  Why don't you must keep your dick in your pocket?  (She says it loud enough that Jimmy overhears her.  He walks over as she walks away.)

JIMMY:She really laid into Jimmy.  You'd better stay away from Gwen.  Otherwise, that girl's gonna cut you off cold.

JOEY:(Walks up.)  Gallo, you were kicking real good in practice, and Sullivan, that was a hell of a pass you threw to Betz.  Remember, no man's an island.  We're a team.  Now go home, get some chow and be back at 6:15 sharp.  And look, I know the only reason you guys are playing ball is to impress your girlfriends, but try and forget about them after the game.  McClintock took all-state last year and we're gonna have our hands full beating them.

JIMMY:We've got confidence in you, coach.  (Laughs.)  You taught us really good, sir.

Coach blows his whistle.

COACH:Listen up, everybody be back at 6:15 sharp.  Now hit the showers.

The team rumbles off the field.

(Interior-Kitchen-Night)

Jimmy is eating dinner with his mom.  They are sitting at a modest oak table with antique pressback chairs.  The room is decorated in the nouveau country look.

JIMMY:Mom, are you still going with Uncle Isaac and the rest of the church to protest in front of the abortion clinic tomorrow?

MRS. SULLIVAN:  Yes, did you want to come along?  You know, Jimmy, 60% of unwanted pregnancies are from teenage girls.  I just hope you haven't been fooling around.

JIMMY:Mom, don't worry.  I'm not fooling around.  Besides, I'm smart enough not to get somebody pregnant.  Did dad send that money for the car he told me I could get?

MRS. SULLIVAN:  Well, I was sort of saving it for a surprise, but the check from your father came today.  I just wish he had kept his word to me while we were still married.

JIMMY:No shit.  (Looks self-conscious.)  Sorry, Ma.  My own four wheel drive.  It's unbelievable.

MRS. SULLIVAN:  Jimmy, your father really loves you.  I know you don't always sense that.  He just has a hard time expressing it.  Why don't you give him a call and thank him?  I know it's not much for him to send you a check, but I know he's really proud of you and all.

JIMMY:Mom, we're halfway through the season and he hasn't even made one of my games.  I'm glad he sent me the money and everything, but I'd rather have him.

Jimmy gets up and dials the phone.  His mom keeps eating.  The phone rings five times.

AUTOMATIC ANSWERING MACHINE:  This is an answering machine, no one . . .

Jimmy hangs up.

JIMMY:His damn machine again.  He's probably off to Barbados.  Mom, why are you so much against abortion?  Doesn't every woman have the right to do what she wants with her own body?

MRS. SULLIVAN:  Jimmy, yes, with her body.  But abortion decides the fate of someone else.  It's a permanent solution to a temporary problem.  We have a waiting list three years long in this country for people that are married and want children but can't conceive them.  Yet every year thousands are aborted.  Two wrongs never make a right, Jimmy.

JIMMY:In sociology Dr. Edwards said that before abortion was legal, women would die horrible deaths from dirty scalpels and quack doctors . . .

MRS. SULLIVAN:  That's right, but now it's not uncommon for a woman to have three and up to five abortions.  It's wrong.  The womb is supposed to be the most sacred place and yet innocent children are drug out of it and thrown into garbage cans and then incinerated.

JIMMY:Stephanie told me Dr. Jacobs at the clinic approached her dad to make sure the police showed up in force to physically remove everyone.  Do you really want to be arrested, Mom?  Locked into jail?

MRS. SULLIVAN:  Jimmy, doing what is right is not always convenient or easy.  We each have to follow the dictates of our own consciences.  That's how God judges us by how true we are to our own convictions.

JIMMY:You coming to the game tonight?  It's the big one.

MRS. SULLIVAN:  I'd love to, but we have an organizational meeting at the church.  I'm sorry I won't be there to see you play.  You do your best for the Lord, son.  He has his hands on you.  Even though I won't be there with you, my prayers will be there for you.

She gets up from eating and kisses him on the cheek.

JIMMY:Don't wait up for me, Mom.  We're all going to a party afterwards at Joey's.  I'll be home late.

MRS. SULLIVAN:  Jimmy, I don't mean to get so preachy with you.  It's just that sin is not sin because it's not fun.  It's sin because it wreaks havoc in people's lives.  It's always going to be pleasurable for a season.  It's just when the crops come in that it gets tough.

JIMMY:(Shrugs his shoulders.)  It's hard to see that side of it . . .

Jimmy leaves after kissing his mom goodbye.  He hops into a VW dune buggy and peels down the street.

(Interior-Church-Night)

About seventy people are gathered around a very handsome preacher with a moustache and a husky build.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Tomorrow we will be meeting in front of the family planning clinic over on Mill Avenue in Tempe.  We are going to have a passive demonstration and block the doors so no one can get in for an abortion.  (Pulls out a chain.)  We are going to chain ourselves together, so if the police attempt to remove us, they will be delayed and we will save the lives of any children that are scheduled to be aborted, they will be delayed.

DEMONSTRATOR:  Will they resort to physical force?

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  They have in the past.  I don't know if they will tomorrow.  We've contacted all the local newspapers and let them know so they can have people on hand to photograph.  I don't think they'll risk it.  Now it's very likely that many here will be arrested for trespassing.  Don't take any I.D.s with you and just give your name as John Doe and Jane Doe.  Aborted babies never even get names and I think that we should remind them of that.

WOMAN DEMONSTRATOR:  I was at the abortion rally in Atlanta when the police went crazy.  If they start hitting with billy sticks, just curl up in the fetal position.  If they pick you up, just go totally limp and it'll take three or four of them to drag you into the police van.  Believe me, tempers do flare.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Every woman, should wear slacks and tennis shoes.  Dress warmly and casually.

MRS. SULLIVAN:  There are coffee and some desserts in the back, Isaac.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Good idea.  Let's all take a break for about fifteen minutes and get back together for prayer and reading of the word.  For most of you, this weekend will be your first time in jail.  But you'll be in good company at least half of the New Testament was written by Paul when he was in prison.

Everyone laughs.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Let's take a short break.  Anyone who doesn't have transportation, see Larry.  He can pick up in the church van in the morning.

(Interior-Lush Bedroom-Night)

A beautiful girl is sitting on a leather couch with a middle aged man, Dr. Bernard Jacobs, pot bellied, balding and obviously very wealthy.  They are drinking wine and watching television.  He begins to pull off her clothes.

JESSICA:Bernard, you'd better be careful.  I told you I'm not on the pill.

He has peeled her top off and is kissing her breasts.

JACOB:No problem.  I will.

He pushes an automatic button and a C.D. begins to play RODEO by Aaron Copeland.  He removes his robe and they start to make love on the couch.

JESSICA:Please Bernie, wear some protection.

JACOB:(Moans.)  I swear it'll be OK.  Besides, it doesn't feel the same.  He reaches up to dim the light.  The music gets more intense.

Dissolve to - (Interior-Gallo's Living Room-Night)

The living room is decorated in Southwest style.  Large Spanish armoire, territorial beams on the roof, Indian pottery and rugs.  About a hundred kids are milling about.  Smoking, drinking and hitting on one another.  Outside on the patio, a five piece band is rapping MICHAEL B AND RAP FORCE.  It is setting the mood up high.  About fifteen couples are dancing together.

JOEY:(To Todd.)  Get down, dude.  This band is happening, aren't they?

TODD:Totally rad.  Where's Alisha?

JOEY:Powdering her nose, if you know what I mean?  We got some good blow.

TODD:Shit Joey, stay off that stuff.  You'll end up dead.

JOEY:It's good for the pole.  Helps me keep it up longer.  Hey, Jimmy played one hell of a game, didn't he?  He keeps it up, he's gonna end up in the pros.  Where are he and Stephanie?

TODD:They are downstairs playing pool.  (Laughs.)  I 

think he's serious considering getting it on with her.

JOEY:Great, the boy can't be a cherry forever.  (Looks at Alisha strutting across the floor with a sequined top and a tight leather mini.)

ALISHA:Hi Todd.  Wasn't Joey's field goal great?

TODD:Yea.  He can really bust the move.  Look, you home boys party down.  I'm gonna do some socializing with Julie.

Dissolve to - (Interior-Basement-Night)

Jimmy and Stephanie are playing pool.  Rock music is playing in the background.  I WANT YOUR SEX.  Jimmy puts in a couple of fancy shots.  He leans with his back against the table and shoots one behind his back.  Stephanie leans into him and unbuttons his pants.

STEPHANIE:You got a surprise for me in here?

JIMMY:(Nervously.)  Steph, cut it out.

STEPHANIE:I don't want to cut it out.  I'm hot, Jimmy, real hot.  You can have your way with me right now.

JIMMY:I thought we both said we'd wait.

STEPHANIE:I don't want to wait.  Look, I can't get pregnant the first time.  Think of it as a freebie.

JIMMY:Who told you that?

She has unbuttoned her blouse.

STEPHANIE:Aren't you hot too?  (She begins to kiss his chest and then sheds her clothing.)

They passionately kiss.  She wraps her legs around his waist and they roll onto the pool table.  Volume of the song goes up.

Dissolve to - (Interior-Basement-Night)

With loud music playing and voices heard moaning, the basement door opens, sending some light into the pool room.  Joey, carrying a bottle of beer, turns on the side light.  Stephanie is perched on top of Jimmy making love.  She looks over.

STEPHANIE:Joey, leave us alone.  Can't you see we're busy?

JOEY:(Partly drunk.)  I'll say.  Have you seen Alisha?  Man, I'm so fuckin high.  I don't even know where I am.

JIMMY:Joey, give us a break.  Will you turn off the light and leave?  We don't need an audience.

JOEY:Alright, don't bitch at me.  He walks back up the stairs nearly stumbling.  He leaves the light on.

STEPHANIE:What's wrong?

JIMMY:I lost my hard on.  Shit, Stephanie.  This isn't cool, not down here anyway.  It's the first time I've ever done it and we're on a fuckin pool table with no privacy.

Stephanie gets off and begins to put on her clothes.  She begins to tear up.  Jimmy puts his jersey on and pulls up his pants.  He notices her crying.

JIMMY:What's wrong?

STEPHANIE:You just sleep with me.  I mean like it's not something I do with everybody.  And you don't even act like it's special.  Why are men so fucking cold?  I really thought you were different, Jimmy.

JIMMY:It wasn't you, Steph.  It's just that it would have been nice to have done it in a bed . . .

STEPHANIE:With your wife? . . . Damn it, Jimmy, I'm not your wife.  God really doesn't care whether I am or not. . . . That's what this is all about, isn't it?  What we did really doesn't fit in with your religion does it.    Marry somebody and then screw them for life?  Jimmy, we're not married.  Maybe what we did (she gets right up to his face) you consider sin.  But I did it because I love you, Jimmy.  I wanted to do it.  It's not because I needed it or even that I was horny.  I wanted to give myself to you and if you can't fucking see that, then you're a cold hearted bastard.

She finishes putting on her shoes and begins to head up the stairs.  He hasn't even fully dressed.

JIMMY:Wait Steph, it's not what I meant . . .

By the time he can get the rest of his scattered clothes together she is up the stairs.

(Interior-Living Room-Night)

Stephanie walks up past Todd and Julie who are hanging out in the kitchen making out.

JULIE:Stephanie, what's wrong?  (She pushes Todd who keeps kissing her.)  Todd, let me go.  

She gets away and runs over to hold Stephanie who is crying.  Just then Jimmy comes up the stairs, pants on, shirt unbuttoned and holding his jacket and boots.

JULIE:You just had to fuck things up, didn't you?

JIMMY:Julie, this doesn't even concern you, so save your lectures for somebody more deserving.  It's just a misunderstanding.

Todd is drunk and saunters over.

TODD:Where you been, man?  Man am I stoned.  Wasted, man.  Julie, come on.  (He grabs her.)

JULIE:Let me talk to her, Jimmy.

TODD:Yea, come on, Jimmy.  Joey's got some great stuff.
Todd drags Joey out of the room.

JULIE:Steph, what's wrong?  Joey told us you guys were making love.  Did he hurt you?  Did he rape you?

STEPHANIE:No, I'm the one that wanted to do it.  I practically had to rape him.

JULIE:Was it bad?

STEPHANIE:No, it's just that when we were done he told me it felt all wrong to him.  He didn't say it, but I know it's his religion.

JULIE:What did he tell you?  He looked concerned . . .

STEPHANIE:It's not what he said, it's when he said it--right after I gave myself completely to him.  He said the timing wasn't right, the place wasn't right.  It's not just what he said.  Why did he have to say anything at all?

JULIE:Didn't you know, Stephanie, Jimmy was a virgin before tonight?

STEPHANIE:Come on, he's a senior in high school.  Who told you that?  You believe that?

JULIE:Todd.  Joey and Todd kid him all the time about it.  Didn't you guys ever talk about it?

STEPHANIE:No, he never liked to talk about sex.  I now know he doesn't like to do it either, at least with me.

She starts crying.

Cut to - (Exterior-Poolside-Night)

The group is rapping and about twenty kids are milling about a beautiful outdoor area with a lighted pool and palm trees.  Jimmy walks over to Joey who is taking a hit off a crack pipe.

JIMMY:Shit, Joey, when did you get into that stuff?

JOEY:(Thrusts it into his face.)  Here, man, relax, take a hit, forget all about your problems.  (He weaves back and forth.)  I'm so fucking high . . .

Jimmy takes the pipe away from him and grabs him and leads him away from the group doing the crack.

JIMMY:You're way out of control, man.  Where did you leave your brain?  You want to throw your life down the drain for a momentary high.

JOEY:Yea, it sure beats this bullshit grades and school and sports, man, it's just a constant hassle.  Like man, I'm at peace.  It even beats getting laid.

Jimmy spots Todd walking over.

JIMMY:Todd, give me a hand.  Joey's really wacked.

Joey is leaning over like he's going to be sick and starts to heave.

JIMMY:He's been smokin crack and who knows what else they mixed in.  He's totally polluted, man.

TODD:Yea, let's get him to his room and have everyone clear out before they wreck his house.

The people outside are throwing patio furniture into the pool.  The group in the background is getting real rowdy.  Two girls take off their tops and dance on top of a patio table.

JIMMY:I'll get him to his room.  You get everyone out of here.

When he goes into the house, he passes Stephanie.  She looks at him with a hurt expression.

JIMMY:Steph, I really am sorry . . .

She turns and walks away.

(Interior-Living Room-Day)

An alarm goes off and Jimmy wakes up.  He is still dressed and he goes to the mirror and straightens his hair.  He climbs over a sprawled body.  The house is a mess: beer bottles, cigarette butts, overflowing ashtrays, a few lamps overturned.

JIMMY:(To Todd.)  Todd, wake up, where's Stephanie?

TODD:She left last night with Julie.  She's still mad at you.

Jimmy runs out of the room.

JIMMY:Todd, I'll call you later man.

TODD:(Calls out.)  Wait . . . .

(Exterior-Suburban House-Day)

Jimmy pulls up in front of the Anderson gated estate.  There is a big political sign in the front yard that reads ANDERSON FOR MAYOR - Re-elect the Best.  There is a big picture of the man on the front.  Jimmy runs past it and knocks on the door.

JIMMY:(When door opens.)  Mr. Anderson, is Stephanie home?

MR. ANDERSON:  I'm afraid not.  Her mother said she spent the night at Julie's.  We were supposed to go out of town, but I had to stay because of the commotion over at the clinic.

JIMMY:The clinic, I forgot my uncle's leading the sit-in.

MR. ANDERSON:  Well, it's caused us nothing but grief.  I had 

to put fifteen police on overtime just to arrest the protestors.

JIMMY:You had my mom and uncle arrested for having a sit-in.

MR. ANDERSON:  They were blocking a business and Dr. Jacobs requested that they all be removed.

JIMMY:Later, I'm gonna go see if my mom is alright.

He runs to his car, revs up the engine and takes off down the street.  He pulls a couple of quick turns through shopping plazas and drives on the right past a couple of slow moving cars.  From 1/4 mile out he can see all the police vehicles.

(Exterior-Sidewalk-Day)

Jimmy jumps out of his car and runs over.  There is a confrontation between Dr. Jacob and the demonstrators.

DR. JACOBS:Get out of her, you fanatics.  What right do you have blocking my business?

DEMONSTRATOR:  Plenty when you make it your business to slaughter babies.

A large group link together blocking the entrance to his ARIZONA WOMAN'S CARE CENTER.  The demonstrators start chanting:

NO MORE DEATH, NO MORE DEATH, NO MORE DEATH, NO MORE DEATH.

The police captain takes the megaphone.

POLICE CAPTAIN:  I am asking all the protestors for the last time to peacefully leave, or you will be arrested for criminal trespassing.  Officers and police vans are standing by to take you in.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Everyone stay calm.  Just remember, we are here to save lives.

As he is standing close to where Dr. Jacobs is, suddenly Dr. Jacobs rushes over to him and slugs him.  He knocks him down drawing blood.

DR. JACOBS:You're the fanatic that started this whole thing.

The police come over and restrain Dr. Jacobs while Isaac Thomas struggles to his feet.

POLICE CAPTAIN:  Would you like to press assault charges?

DR. JACOBS:This son of a bitch is ruining my business.  I have a right to protect what is mine.  This is not Nazi Germany.

POLICE CAPTAIN:  (Points to him.)  SHUT YOUR MOUTH!  (He motions his men to have Jacobs removed.)

Jimmy comes closer in to see what is going to happen.  Isaac Thomas wipes the blood from his nose and mouth.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  No, his works have already been judged, Captain.  You just do what you have to do.  My conscience dictates that I do something to stop this senseless slaughter.

POLICE CAPTAIN:  Look reverend, my wife and I have visited your church.  We're Baptists.  I really don't want to have you arrested, but the Major has ordered the entrance to this clinic cleared.

DEMONSTRATORS:  NO MORE DEATH, NO MORE DEATH, NO MORE DEATH.

POLICE CAPTAIN:  Alright, you leave me no other choice.  (Through the megaphone.)  Alright officers, remove these people.

Two officers converge on Jimmy's mom while he is watching.  She screams out in pain as her head hits the cement.  Jimmy pushes his way over to them.

JIMMY:Hey!

He tries to get her away and in the process, one of the police puts a choke hold on him.  He is lifted off the ground.  There is a lot of commotion and Jimmy struggles, and they bring him to the ground and put cuffs on him.  Photographers are taking photos.

(Interior-Police Van-Day)

Jimmy is sitting on a bench with cuffs on him and a gash on his forehead.  Rev. Thomas is drug in and laid into the van.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  You put up a hell of a fight, Jimmy.  This was supposed to be a peaceful protest.  I'm proud of you, Jimmy, for coming down.  This here, this is the battle line of survival for civilization as we know it.  Your head alright?

JIMMY:(Head jerks as the vehicle moves.)  Yea, I'm O.K.  I think they took Mom to the hospital.  She hit her head really hard.  It's hard to believe I'm going to jail, Uncle Thomas. 

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  It's nothing to be ashamed of, Jimmy.  Sometimes we have to pay for what is right.  Jesus said, "I lay down my life, no one takes it from me."

JIMMY:I'm gonna have a record.  I won't even be able to get a scholarship now.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  You're still seventeen, Jimmy.  It won't go on your adult record.

An old man begins to clap his hands.

OLD MAN:(Sings.)  Do Lord, oh do Lord.  (Everyone joins in.)  Do remember me.

(Exterior-Police Van-Day)

The van is stopped at a traffic light with singing blaring out.  The other vehicles look on in amazement.  The protestors look down and smile at the passengers in the cars.  One passenger holds his button to the window.  (Close up button.)  STOP ABORTION.  (Red letters on a white background.)

The prisoners are lined up and marched into the station.

(Interior-Cellblock-Day)

A policeman approaches Isaac Thomas and pulls him out of the line.

POLICEMAN:This way.  You are to be booked.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  (To Jimmy.)  Don't tell them anything.  (To the policeman.)  You're not going to book this kid as an adult, are you?

POLICEMAN:(Takes his prodding stick and pokes at Rev. Thomas.)  Don't worry about him.  Just get in there.

They enter the booking office.  It has a plain metal desk and a stern faced fifty year old sergeant sitting behind it.

SERGEANT:(Pen in hand.)  Your name, please?

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Baby John Doe.

SERGEANT:Look, I know that's not your name.  Just give me your name and you'll be out of here in about three hours.  Don't make it hard on yourself.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Look, Sergeant, I respect that you have your job to do.  Unfortunately, I have mine as well.  You arrested some two hundred protestors, none of which are going to give you their names or any other information other than what I've just told you.  Man has their laws and God has his laws.  He says, "Rescue those who are perishing."  That is what this movement is all about.  We are not going to cave into your threats of imprisonment.  You can throw me in jail and throw away the key if you wish.  The real person that you should have arrested is the abortionist that destroys the lives of thousands of babies, but while we are in here he is freely practicing and profiting from the destruction of others.

SERGEANT:Officer, would you please take him outside?

They are both taken outside the room.  He picks up the phone.

SERGEANT:Captain, none of them are going to give us their names.  We can't hold two hundred people for trespassing.  We don't have the facilities.  They need to be fed, to sleep, go to the bathroom.  Getting the guy to drop the charges would make our lives a lot easier.

(Interior-Captain's Office-Day)

Captain pushes his intercom.

CAPTAIN:Mary, is Dr. Jacobs still here?

MARY:I believe he is meeting with Mayor Anderson.

CAPTAIN:Get him down here, for God's sake.  Otherwise, we are going to have a fiasco on our hands.

Captain stands up and goes over and looks out the window.  Busses are still unloading the prisoners.  Two attendants take away a woman on a stretcher.

Mary knocks on the door.

MARY:Captain?  Dr. Jacobs here to see you.

The doctor walks in still dressed in his street clothes.

CAPTAIN:Dr. Jacobs, I'm going to come right to the point.  I'd like you to drop your trespassing complaint.  We simply don't have the facilities to handle this many prisoners.

DR. JACOBS:Can't you just book them and release them?  I don't understand why you have to detain them.

CAPTAIN:It's not that simple.  None of them are carrying any form of identification and none of them will even give us their names.  We can run fingerprint checks but only a handful will have their prints on file.  And probably none of those in the national crime lab.  We are simply in a shithole here and I'm asking you to help us avert a legal nightmare.

DR. JACOBS:  And my clinic, what about my rights?

CAPTAIN:We'll put an infiltrator in the group and try to anticipate the next time they single out your clinic.  I'll call the governor and arrange for National Guard help to remove the protestors.  Look, even if we booked them, it's only a misdemeanor.

DR. JACOBS: Look Captain, I had eight abortions scheduled today alone.  I probably lost about $4,000.  I have mortgage payments, insurance payments, nurses to pay.  I'll drop the charges today, but the next time I swear it's gonna get ugly, got me?

CAPTAIN:Thank you.  (Pushes the intercom.)  Mary, tell Sergeant Drakes to begin processing the releases.  There will be no charges pressed.

(Interior-Cellblock-Day)

SERGEANT:Attention everyone.  Dr. Jacobs has declined to press charges.  You will all be released in an orderly fashion.

Everyone in the room shouts and begins to sing.  
AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN
See the little baby
AMEN
Born on Christmas morning
AMEN
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN

(Exterior-Police Station City Hall-Day)

Overhead shot of the group of people walking in triple file singing.

Fade to black.

(Interior-High School Cafeteria-Day)

Jimmy's head is still bandaged.  He is sitting eating his lunch and Stephanie walks over.  Jimmy looks up not knowing what to expect.

JIMMY:Hi, Steph, want to sit down?  Look, about the other night . . .

STEPHANIE:Let's not even talk about it.  My dad said you were arrested with your mom and uncle Saturday.  Since when did you become an abortion activist?

JIMMY:Well, I really wasn't much of one.  Two cops were dragging off my mom and banged her head.  I just went off, that's all.  I snapped.

STEPHANIE:Look, maybe I can go to one of the meetings.  Maybe write my essay about it fur Current Affairs class?

JIMMY:Sure, there is one Wednesday over at Mission Palms Church on Hardy.  I can pick you up?

Stephanie clutches her books.  She glances over at Julie motioning her.

STEPHANIE:No, I'll drive myself.  I'm not sure anymore of how I feel about you.  I'm a little freaked out too.  Here I was doing something I thought would be wonderful and I guess I feel used.  I'm going to Carl's Junior with Julie . . . gotta run.

Jimmy watches her run off and takes big bite out of his hamburger.  Todd walks up.

TODD:Cold hearted hugh.

JIMMY:No, she's just confused.  So am I.  (Laughs)  What the hell am I supposed to know about love at seventeen?

TODD:Look, I know you've been getting ribbed about the abortion arrest but I'm proud of you.  Last year I was looking over my parents' wedding pictures and I found out that I was born three months after they were married.  I confronted my mom about it and she said I was a love child.  She had thought of having an abortion but didn't think she could live with herself.  So here I am!

JIMMY:(Slaps his outstretched hand.)  Awesome.  Todd, I don't think I can just step back and let them keep slaughtering babies.

TODD:You're really going to get into this thing.

JIMMY:Yea, I'm not going out for baseball.  I'm gonna work with my uncle.

TODD:My dad's on the board of Lutheran General.  They won't even do abortions.

JIMMY:(Pulls out a package.)  Just read through these.  It's really fucked what we're doing to all these babies.  Shit, they are killing them even when they are born alive.

TODD:No way, that's murder.

JIMMY:Yea.  Abortion is murder, and I'm gonna fuckin do something about it.

TODD:Maybe I will too.  How's everything going with Steph?

JIMMY:Still a little rough.  I think she'll come around, though.  Her folks sure aren't going to be on my side.  I know her dad is real tight with Dr. Jacobs.  Steph told me he plays golf with him almost every week.  They have some investment properties together too.

TODD:That sounds like it is going to be hard.

JIMMY:Yea, how's Joey.

TODD:His parents just about killed him when they got back.  He's lucky to ever get out again.  I'm going to get some answers ready for algebra.  See you at practice.

(Interior-Bedroom-Night)

Stephanie and Julie are trying on different clothes.  Julie pulls a sweater over her head.

JULIE:So are you going to be seeing him anymore?

STEPHANIE:He came up and apologized today.  I guess I sort of blew him off.  I'm sorry, I just felt used.  He's only the second guy I slept . . .

In the middle of the sentence, Stephanie's mom comes in carrying laundry. . . . She hears and looks and puts down the clothes and runs out of the room.

STEPHANIE:Shit . . . do I have great timing.

JULIE:I just hope she doesn't tell your dad.

STEPHANIE:He'd die if he knew I did it.

JULIE:(Laughs.)  Does he expect you to wait until you're married?

STEPHANIE:That's what Jimmy sort of wanted to do.  But it's too late now.

JULIE:Yea, but what if you didn't like the way your husband made love?

STEPHANIE:I guess we'd just have to practice a lot?

They look at each other and burst out laughing.

(Exterior-Country Club-Day)

Dr. Jacobs and Stephanie's dad come over a bunker on a beautiful golf course.

DR. JACOBS:(Points to a ball lying behind a tree.)  Bad lie, you gonna go for it.

MR. ANDERSON: Yea.

He grabs a club out of the bag, walks over, studies the shot and takes a swing, the ball lands on the backside of the green, and rolls down pin high about fifteen feet out.

DR. JACOBS:What do you have, Anderson, a homing device on the ball?

Dr. Jacobs walks over to his ball on the fairway and places a shot that is about thirty feet out from the pin.

MR. ANDERSON:  Nice shot.  So what was it you wanted to really talk about?  Something important is up.  Is it about the clinic?

DR. JACOBS:Yea, you know it's your daughter's boyfriend's uncle that's causing all the trouble.  I need some information, like when they are going to hit my place again.  It cost me about $4,000 last Saturday, Dave.  Too many weeks like that, I'll be hurting.  Just have your daughter hang out and relay to me when they are going to hit my place.  I'll make it up to you.

MR. ANDERSON:  (They get off the cart and pick up their putters.)  I'll ask her as a favor.  I'm not too crazy about the idea.  Can't you just plant one of your own people?

DR. JACOBS:The Captain tried to get somebody planted.  Nobody will have the credibility like she does.  Look, they keep these things really secret.  No one 

knows till the day of the protest where they are even going.

Mr. Anderson walks over and taps his ball in.

MR. ANDERSON:  (When the ball sinks.)  I'll get her to do it.  Don't worry about it.

DR. JACOBS:I'll tell you, Dave, if the money wasn't so good, I'd never do another abortion.  Sometimes it gives me nightmares.  Most of these girls that come in really would have no business raising a baby.

MR. ANDERSON:  It's one hell of a mess.  (A young girl in a cart approaches them.)  Let me buy you a beer.

He walks over to the cart.

Scene dissolves.

Jimmy is knocking on Isaac Thomas's door at the church.

VOICE:COME IN.  IT'S OPEN.

Jimmy turns the handle and walks in.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  What's on your mind, Jimmy?

JIMMY:God's been really dealing with me lately.  I mean like inside I know what's right but I just can't get a handle on it all the time.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  (Closes his study book and takes off his reading glasses.)  Jimmy, you can come right to the point.  What's eating you?

JIMMY:Well, I've been trying to maintain my distance from Stephanie, you know, wait until we were married maybe. . . . The other night we made love. . . . It really wasn't even like making love.  I felt bad afterward and she was hurt because I felt bad.  It was bad all the way around, you know . . .

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Jimmy, that's exactly why God even gave us rules, not to ruin our ability to have fun.  Who do you think made sex so enjoyable to begin with?  Our creator.  He didn't want us hurting ourselves or others.  Have you prayed about it?

JIMMY:Yea, and I apologized to Stephanie but she is still hurt.  She said maybe she'd come to church to the pro-life meeting Wednesday and she wants to do a Current Affairs paper on it.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Jimmy, you don't have to worry about my telling your mom.  But I'll tell you what, I'd like you to take a more active role in this pro-life movement.  You've got natural leadership and the kids look up to you.  The battle is at the high school level, Jimmy, that's where the abortions are and where the premarital sex is.  Do you think you'd be interested in helping us set up a group at the high school?

JIMMY:What about separation of church and state?  Won't I get in some kind of trouble?

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  No, I don't believe saving lives would fall under that amendment.  Right to life is the most fundamental of all rights.  Whatever flack you get, we'll be right behind you with some of the best legal talent in the country.  This issue is to this century what slavery was to the 19th century.  It's the battleground.

JIMMY:(Gets up.)  It sure feels better to talk about it.  You don't think God's still disappointed in me, do you?

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  (Smiles.)  Let me tell you a little story.  There was a carpenter working on a roof.  He was pounding away and he hit his thumb with his hammer.  He swore taking God's name in vain.  He said a quick prayer asking God to forgive him, and immediately after praying, pounded his thumb and swore again.  He played "God, I'm sorry I did it again."  A voice out of heaven came down and said "Did what?"

JIMMY:(Laughs.)  How come?

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  When you tell God you're sorry, he not only forgives, he forgets.  Jesus said "Go and sin no more."

Rev. Thomas gets up and walks over to him.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  (Hugs him.)  I love you, Jimmy.  You're like my own son.  God's got some neat things in store for you.  He won't give up on you either.

JIMMY:I got to get over to practice.  Thanks for talking to me, Uncle Isaac.  You are like my dad.

Jimmy leaves.

(Interior-Dining Room-Night)

Mr. Anderson is sitting down with his wife and daughter eating dinner.

MR. ANDERSON:  Stephanie, your mother tells me you're going to be going to the pro-life meeting tonight.  Why the sudden interest?

STEPHANIE:Dad, I've only grown up around politics.  I want to do a paper on it for current affairs.

MR. ANDERSON:  I have a favor to ask of you.  I played the golf with your gynecologist today . . . Dr. Jacobs.  He wanted me to ask you to let him know in advance if they were planning another protest of his clinic.

MRS. ANDERSON:  Dave?  You want your daughter to spy on her friends.
MR. ANDERSON:  They are not her friends.  The only one she knows is Jimmy.  It's not exactly spying.  Look, Jacobs lost almost $4,000.  He doesn't want to stop their protect.  He just wants to be sure that he can schedule around it.

STEPHANIE:Can't you get somebody else to do the dirty work, Dad?  It won't look so good to Jimmy when he finds out his girlfriend is an informant.

MR. ANDERSON:  Steph, this is politics.  You didn't hear me complaining when you asked for your red Pontiac Fiero, did you?  All you have to do is tell me.  I'll take full responsibility for the rest.

Mr. Anderson gives his wife a stern look to be quiet.

STEPHANIE:Alright, you're sure all he wants to do is reschedule the appointments.  Nothing else?

MR. ANDERSON:  That's it.  How it Jimmy?  Is he still going to USC?

STEPHANIE:They offered him a full four-year scholarship.

MR. ANDERSON:  That's pretty terrific.  Tell him to stay away from these anti-abortion rallies or he'll find himself with a police record.

STEPHANIE:Daddy, are you for abortion?

MR. ANDERSON:  I don't think anyone is really for abortion.  I just feel that women have a right to choose what happens to their own bodies.  I certainly feel people should not be trespassing on other people's properties . .  not while I'm in office.

STEPHANIE:What about the babies?

MR. ANDERSON:  The Supreme Court doesn't recognize them as viable people until they are able to live outside of the womb.

MRS. ANDERSON:  Must we talk about this at dinner?  Stephanie, I don't think your daddy is against or for abortion.  But, I think he is just trying to uphold the law of the land.  There are a lot of unwanted pregnancies, babies having babies.

STEPHANIE:What about adoption?

MR. ANDERSON:  Look, Steph, I think your mother is right.  We should discuss this at another time.

Stephanie gets up.

STEPHANIE:I've lost my appetite.  You'd think I was talking about AIDS or something. . . . Forgive me for asking your opinion.

She walks out of the room.

MRS. ANDERSON:  She doesn't know, Dave.

MR. ANDERSON:  I know it's a sensitive issue for you, Marianne.  It was best at the time.

They both go back to eating.

(Interior-Science Class-Day)

The woman teaching the science class is the same woman that was sleeping with Dr. Jacobs.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  Today we want to examine the topics of communicable diseases.  Can anyone name a communicable disease?  She looks and Alisha raises her hand.

ALISHA:Men . . .

She looks right at Joey.  The class burst out laughing.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  Please, Miss Newlander.

ALISHA:Excuse me, Miss Phillips.  I just meant that women get them from men.  Herpes.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  Can anyone name another one?

Jimmy raises his hand.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  Yes, Mr. Sullivan.

JIMMY:ABORTION.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  I don't think that's a disease, Mr. Sullivan.

JIMMY:Then why have twenty million people died from it?

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  This is not Current Affairs.  This is Biology.  I set the curriculum, Mr. Thomas.  If you're not happy with it, you can report here after class.  Your football team can just wait . . .

Camera pans to the rear of the classroom.  Joey nudges Todd.

JOEY:What's got into him?

TODD:It's his new crusade.  He's serious about it.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  Mr. Gallo, would you kindly give us a communicable disease?

JOEY:Give you one?  (Class laughs.)  AIDS.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  Exactly how is the AIDS virus transmitted?

JOEY:Through sex.  I guess between queers.

The class laughs.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  Not exactly.  It is passed through the blood.  It is currently just as prevalent in the heterosexual community as in the homosexual community.  Does anyone know the origin of the virus?

TODD:Yea, Liberace.

Class laughs again.

CLASSROOM CLOWN:  How about fruitflies?

Classroom breaks up again.  The bell goes off.

(Interior-Classroom-Day)

Jimmy knocks on the teacher's door and walks in.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  Have a seat.  I understand you're on this new crusade to enlist the young people in a struggle against abortion.

JIMMY:I have my rights of freedom of speech, and yes.  I guess you can say I am on a crusade.

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  I'm not going to have you using the classroom as your podium for your self-righteous views and those of your self-righteous uncle.

JIMMY:(Stands up.)  Hold on.  When did you become God?  Choosing who should live and who should die.  If he is the life force behind creation, then what right do we have to terminate life?  Miss Phillips, I know that you date Dr. Jacobs, but in cold, hard reality he is a hired murderer.  He profits off the destruction of unborn babies.  Next time his hands are touching you, try not to remember how many babies he has dismembered or injected with saline to burn them to death or drug out in pieces with his forceps.  "The love of money is the root of all evil," Miss Phillips.  How many abortions would Jacobs be doing if they were free . . .

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  I don't have to hear this from you, you man. . . . Please, just go.

JIMMY:I'm not a girl.  I can't get pregnant, but I'd hate to stand before God and have to answer for paying to have a life terminated from my very womb.  I know God forgives, but the big question is, can anyone really forgive themselves afterwards?

JESSICA PHILLIPS:  Monday, I want a written essay on the origin of AIDS.  At least three hundred words.  Mr. Sullivan, I will see you after school.  Your friends can tell your coach why you are going to be late for practice.

The classroom is getting up and leaving . . .

TODD:Tough luck, crusader . . .

JOEY:Intense, Sullivan.

JIMMY:That's what they thought about the abolitionists . . .

A young girl comes up to Jimmy.  She waits till his friends leave.

YOUNG GIRL:I think what you did was brave.  I'd like to go to one of the meetings if you have any here at school.

JIMMY:No problem.  I'll let you know when one is coming up.  (Extends his hand.)  I'm Jimmy Sullivan.

YOUNG GIRL:I know.  (She blushes.)  I see you play football.  You're terrific.  I'm Candy.  Candy Steele.  My mom's in the Catholic pro-life movement.  I'd like to get involved too.  (Looks at her watch.)  I got to get going to my next class . . . see you later.

JIMMY:(Shuffles his shoulder bag.)  Yea, thanks.

They walk down the hallway in different directions.  Jimmy leaves the office and walks down the hall.

(Interior-Living Room-Day)

It is Christmas morning at the Anderson house.  Stephanie comes down into the living room.  She is wearing a nightgown and her stomach is a little swollen.

DAD:Merry Christmas, Steph.  (Hands her a box.)

STEPHANIE:(Opens the box and takes out a lovely strand of pearls.)  It's really beautiful, Dad.  Thanks a lot.  Did you open my gift to you yet?  (She hands him a package, he takes the ribbon off.  It is a beautiful briefcase.)

DAD:Terrific, really nice.  You'd better get ready or we'll be late for church.  We've got brunch reservations at noon at the Regency.  Don't want to miss that your mom's upstairs getting ready.

He kisses Stephanie and she rushes upstairs.

(Interior-Room-Day)

Stephanie is struggling to get her dress to go up and she checks her side profile in the mirror.  Her mom comes in as she is checking.

MOM:Steph, what's wrong?

STEPHANIE:This dress doesn't fit anymore.  It used to be too big.  I'm not feeling very good either.

MOM:When is the last time you had your period?

STEPHANIE:I'm due anytime.  I sort of missed last month.  But doesn't everybody once and a while?

MOM:Tomorrow you're going in to see the doctor and get a test.

STEPHANIE:It's nothing, Mom.  I just gained a little weight.

MOM:Tomorrow, Steph.  Honest to God, I thought they actually taught you about contraceptives in these schools.

STEPHANIE:(Interrupts.)  Mom, get off it.  I'm not fucking pregnant.  Alright, let's just go to our Christmas dinner without being so upset.

Mom leaves the room.

(Interior-Restaurant-Day)

They arrive and have their car valet parked.  They get out and walk into the Ritz Carlton.

MAITRE D':Mayor Anderson, welcome.  We have your table.  Right this way.

They walk right through the restaurant and past the table where Jimmy is sitting with his mom and uncle.

JIMMY:Steph, (she turns around) Merry Christmas.  I'll call you later.  You gonna be around?

Her parents are walking ahead of her.

STEPHANIE:(Leans over his table.)  Please, don't put yourself out.  We're going to my grandmother's.

JIMMY:I got something for you.  I'd like to drop it off.

STEPHANIE:Sure, no problem.  I'll be home around eight.

MRS. SULLIVAN:  You look lovely, Stephanie.  You know my brother, Isaac Thomas.

STEPHANIE:I should get going.  Nice meeting you, Reverend.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  I hope we see you again at one of our meetings.

She walks away from the table.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  A lot of hostility in that one.

WAITER:(Walks up.)  Can I get you some more coffee?

MRS. SULLIVAN:  Yes, some decaf, though.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  I'll have some too.

Jimmy doesn't even look up.  He is visibly disappointed.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Cheer up, Jimmy.  God works everything out for good for those that put him first.  She'll come around.

JIMMY:I've got my doubts.

(Exterior-Anderson Residence-Evening)

Jimmy knocks on the door.  It is opened by the mother.  

JIMMY:Merry Christmas, Mrs. Anderson.  (He shows a gift.)  I brought something for Stephanie.

MRS. ANDERSON:  Look Jimmy, I know what you did with my daughter and tomorrow I'm taking her in for a checkup to Dr. Jacobs.  I'd prefer if you didn't see her anymore.  I'll be happy to give her your gift, but please don't call her or come around anymore.  Sorry to tell you this on Christmas.  But that's how things are gonna have to be.  (She takes the gift and closes the door.)

Jimmy leaves.  As he walks down the driveway, the camera does a closeup of Stephanie watching from her window.  He turns around and looks at her.

(Interior-Jacob's Office-Day)

Stephanie is sitting with her mom in the doctor's office.

DR. JACOBS:The tests have come back.  I did two of them.  There's no doubt, Stephanie, you're pregnant.  I'll just be a three hour check-in and you'll be out in no time.

MRS. ANDERSON:  How soon can you get her in?

DR. JACOBS:The sooner the better.  It looks like she's almost three months pregnant.  You don't want to go over six months.  I'd say we get her in this weekend.

STEPHANIE:Mom, Alisha and I've got a ski trip, remember, to Aspen.

MRS. ANDERSON:  That'll have to wait, Stephanie.  What would it do to your father's political career if everyone knew that his daughter was an unwed mother, not to mention our friends.  I'll bring her in this Saturday . . .

DR. JACOBS:Insurance won't cover this.  It's going to be $600 and we'll do it on an outpatient basis.  If there's complications, it could run more, but usually there's not.  Sometimes afterward the patient experiences a sense of shock.  It would be a good idea if you drove her, or one of her friends.  I'm sorry, I know this isn't much fun for you, but in the future, if you decide to have sexual relations, you should use a contraceptive.

STEPHANIE:It was my first time.  I didn't think . . .

MRS. ANDERSON:  (Gets up.)  We'll be here Saturday, about eleven.

STEPHANIE:Can I still go skiing afterward?  Maybe I can transfer my ticket to Sunday and move my trip?

MRS. ANDERSON:  We'll call the travel agent and see, but just in case, you'd better call Alisha and Julie.

They walk out.

(Interior-Stephanie's Bedroom-Day)

Stephanie is sitting on her bed reading Cosmo and Alisha walks in.

ALISHA:Hi, Steph, did you get that sweater for Christmas?

STEPHANIE:Yea, that a nice watch?

ALISHA:Joey gave it to me.  Ready for the ski trip Saturday?

STEPHANIE:I can't go Saturday.  My mom is seeing if the travel agent can switch to Sunday.

ALISHA:What's up?

STEPHANIE:I've got to go to the doctor's.

ALISHA:Can't you do it after the ski trip?  Why Saturday?

STEPHANIE:Look, Alisha, no, I'm pregnant.  I'm getting an abortion.  Look, my mom wants to drive me down, but can you?  This whole thing is making me chilled.

ALISHA:Shit, was it from Jimmy?

STEPHANIE:Yea, I haven't told him.

ALISHA:Your mom paying.

STEPHANIE:Yea, it's her idea.  It's not so cheap to fool around.  Let's go to the mall or something.  I don't feel too good sitting around here.

ALISHA:Sure.  (She pulls out a small package of earrings.)  Next time wear these earrings.

STEPHANIE:Why, they have rubbers inside.

ALISHA:Let's go.  I could use some lunch.

Both of the girls giggle.

(Exterior-Football Field-Day)

The field is muddy and Jimmy, Todd and Joey are playing ball with about five other guys.  They pass and slide in the mud.  They tackle each other in the mud, they are filthy dirty.  They quit playing and walk off the field.

JIMMY:Todd, you still going to your uncle's place in Mazatlan this spring?

TODD:Yea, you want to go?

JIMMY:Maybe.  Where in Mazatlan is it?

TODD:Downtown near Senor Frogs.  It has a wicker fence around it.

JIMMY:I thought only the Mexicans could buy places in town.

TODD:My uncle used to be the ambassador.  The place was a gift from the President.

JOEY:Alisha told me Steph's going to the doctor Saturday.  She wouldn't tell me what's wrong.  Do you know?

JIMMY:No, her mom wouldn't even let me see her over Christmas.  Did she tell you what doctor?

JOEY:No, I could find out.  Alisha's driving her.  Hey, let's go shooting over at the range.  You still got your Remington?

JIMMY:Yea.

TODD:Not for me.  I'll call you guys later.

JOEY:I'll meet you over at the range at three thirty.

(Interior-Range-Day)

Jimmy is standing with ear protectors on firing his rifle.  He makes some good hits.  The noise is deafening.  Joey walks up to him.

JOEY:I went by Alisha's.  She wasn't in but her mom told me Stephanie's going to see Dr. Jacobs.

JIMMY:(Pulls off the ear protectors and unloads his gun.)  I got to try and stop this.

JOEY:Stop what?

JIMMY:She's gonna have an abortion and it's mine.  Remember the pool table, your party last September?

JOEY:Unbelievable.  You can't stop her, Jimmy.  Just let it be.

JIMMY:She wants to fucking murder my child and I'm supposed to let it lie.  Fuck that.  I'm going to talk to her.

JOEY:Wait.  (Puts his hand on his shoulder.)  Just cool off.  Plug a few more targets.  Don't go over there like some hothead.  You'll just piss her off and she'll go ahead with it for sure.  Go talk to her tonight.  Alisha told me they're all going to afterhours at the Asylum.

JIMMY:The crazy punk bar?

JOEY:Yea, we'll just meet them there.

(Interior-Nightclub-Evening)

The music is blaring and people are gathered around in a circle, as about twenty-five guys are running around pushing each other.

D.J.:Dance at your own fucking risk, everybody.  Dance at your own fucking risk.

Jimmy is looking around to see if he can spot Stephanie.  He sees Alisha and then sees the back of Stephanie's head.  He pushes his way over to her.  He grabs her arm.

JIMMY:Stephanie, can I talk to you?

STEPHANIE:No, haven't you done enough to me, Mr. Holy Man?

JIMMY:Shit, Stephy, cut it out.  Look, I just want to talk with you.

Joey walks over with Todd.  They both go to their girlfriends.

JOEY:We're gonna go dance in the other room where people aren't killing each other.

Jimmy leads Stephanie over to the table.  They sit down.

JIMMY:I'd like you to keep the baby.

STEPHANIE:What baby?

JIMMY:Steph, I know you're gonna have an abortion!

STEPHANIE:(Interrupts.)  That's all you care about now, the baby.  Well, you sure didn't care about my feelings after we did it, did you?  Now it's your fuckin baby.  Jimmy, you don't have to walk around pregnant with everyone looking at you for nine months, do you?  And you don't have to have your parents reminding of what a terrible slut you are, do you?  All you have to do is roll over and it's somebody else's fuckin problem.  I'm not keeping it, Jimmy.  At first I had my doubts but it's best that my pregnancy is terminated . . .  

Waitress walks up.

WAITRESS:Can I get you anything?

JIMMY:No.  (Motions her away.)  Maybe later.  Look, Steph.  It's not just your decision.  It's my baby too.  Remember, I'm the father.  And what about the baby?  Doesn't it have any fuckin rights?  You can't be inconvenienced for a few more months so this child can live.  I think that's damn selfish.

STEPHANIE:(Gets up.)  Don't talk to me again about this.  It's not exactly easy for me.  Nothing you've got to say is going to change my mind.

She goes into the room where Joey, Alisha, Todd and Julie are dancing.  She walks over and talks to Julie.  Jimmy walks in and Alisha and Stephanie pushes past him.

ALISHA:(Turns to Jimmy.)  Just leave her alone.  We all know how you feel about abortion.  Don't lay your guilt trips on Stephanie.  She has enough problems without feeling guilty too.

JIMMY:You don't think I'm trying to help her?  Look, Alisha, the problem isn't just hers.  I'm the father.

ALISHA:You were the father.  But you're not going to be a father.  So back off.  (Joey and Todd walk up.)

TODD:Let's go back to my place.  Talk to my dad.  He's a lawyer.

(Interior-Todd's House-Night)

The house is spacious with cathedral ceiling decorated in Italian Rococco style.  They all walk into the family room and pop on the television.

MR. PETRIE:I thought you had all gone out for the evening.  Change of plans?

TODD:Yea, Dad, Jimmy has a problem.  Can he talk to you about it?

MR. PETRIE:Sure, let's go into the library.

They walk into the library.

(Interior-Library-Night)

The library is trimmed with rich walnut shelving and furnished in dark red leather.  It's quite a place.  Mr. Petrie sits.

MR. PETRIE:How can I be of help?

JIMMY:I got my girlfriend pregnant and now she wants to have an abortion, day after tomorrow.  I want her to keep the baby.  She can adopt it out, or if she wants to keep it, I'll pay and support it.  I'll give up my college scholarship if I have to.

MR. PETRIE:Is your girlfriend a minor?

JIMMY:Yes, she is still seventeen.  Her birthday's in May.

MR. PETRIE:There is really nothing you can do about it.  Ordinarily you could get a court injunction if the abortion was being done without the parents' permission.  But I doubt if that's the case.  I'm Catholic, Jimmy.  My wife and I are fundamentally against abortion.  I'm afraid the laws of our land render us powerless to stop this one.  You can pray that God will change her mind, but like most girls in her situation, she's probably confused, angry.  You can't legally stop her, Jimmy.  I wish you could.  I've had some run-in with her dad.  He's tough and ruthless.  He's not going to want a pregnant daughter in school, especially with the primaries for Congress coming up.  He's got his sights set too high to let this get in his way.

JIMMY:So sacrifices have to be made.  Thank you, sir.

He gets up and walks out of the office, goes back in the family room.

JIMMY:I'm gonna split.  Your dad said there was nothing I can do.  I'm gonna go talk to my uncle, see what he says.

(Interior-Operating Room-Day)

Stephanie is sitting up on the operating table.

STEPHANIE:Doc, I'm really nervous about having this abortion.

DOC:Stephanie, it's really nothing to be anxious about.  Would you like a sedative to calm your nerves?

STEPHANIE:Can't you just put me out?  I don't even want to be here for this . . .

DOC:It's not the ordinary procedure, but I suppose in your case I could make an exception.

Doc fills a syringe.  Muzak is playing in the background.

DOC:Roll over.  (She rolls over and he sticks her in the bottom.)  There, by the time you wake up, Stephanie, it'll be all over.

(Interior-Rev. Isaac's House-Night)

Isaac walks in with a cup of coffee for Jimmy.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  So what's bothering you, Jimmy?

JIMMY:You said that most of the Bible was written from prison.  Do you really think some of us should go to jail for what we believe?

REV. ISAAC THOMAS: Yes, Jimmy, there is one woman in Florida who is serving five years for protesting abortion.  "When the righteous do nothing, the people perish.  If the salt has lost its flavor, it is good for nothing."

JIMMY:(Takes a sip of his coffee.)  Thanks.  (He gets up.)  I'm gonna go, Uncle Isaac.  I just want you to know I love you.  (He gives him a hug.)  You're more a dad to me than my real father.

(Interior-Operating Room-Day)

DR. JACOBS:She should be fully sedated now.

Dr. Jacobs is filling a needle with saline solution.  Stephanie is strapped in stirrups.

DR. JACOBS:Is there any eye movement?

NURSE:No, she's out.  (Nurse checks her pulse.)

(Exterior-Parking Lot-Day)

Jimmy pulls up in his four wheel drive.  He slams the brakes on and grabs his rifle out and rushes into the building.  He runs into the front office.  Alisha sees him and stands up.

ALISHA:What the hell are you doing here with a gun?

JIMMY:Where is she?

ALISHA:She's in the operating room.  They should be almost done.

Jimmy bursts behind the doors and comes into the operating room.

(Interior-Operating Room-Day)

The doctor is leaning over her about to inject her fetus with saline solution.

JIMMY:Don't move an inch, Doc, or I swear I'll blow you away.  You're not getting away with murdering my kid.

The doctor rushes at him with the needle.  Jimmy sidesteps and whacks him on the head with the rifle butt.  He goes to the floor.

JIMMY:Untie her from those stirrups.  And get her clothes.

ALISHA:(Walks in.)  Jimmy, you're crazy, you can't do this.

JIMMY:Alisha, shut up.  Help the nurse get Stephanie dressed.

They dress her.  The doctor is still out cold.

JIMMY:Come on, hurry up.

ALISHA:This is mad, Jimmy.  You're crazy.

JIMMY:No, this is probably the first thing I've done that's really sane.  This world is crazy, not me.

Stephanie is still out cold.  He picks her up and puts her over his shoulder.

JIMMY:See you after the baby's born.

ALISHA:Son of a bitch.  (She runs to the phone.  As she picks up the phone, she gets his license plate number down.  She dials the phone just as Jimmy speeds off.)

(Interior-Four Wheel Drive-Day)

Stephanie is still out cold and is bouncing around.  Jimmy pulls over and straps her in the seat belt.  He puts a pair of sunglasses on her and heads onto the highway . . .

(Interior-Doctor's Office-Day)

Mr. Anderson, the Police Chief, Alisha, the nurse and a host of other people are milling around.  Dr. Jacobs has a bandage over his left eye.

DR. JACOBS:Son of a bitch assaulted me with a rifle and kidnapped my patient.

MR. ANDERSON:  Was the operation completed?

DR. JACOBS:No, another five minutes.

POLICE CAPTAIN:  Look, chances are he's taken her out of town.  Let's put out an APB on the vehicle.  Jack, you got recent photos?

OFFICER JACK:  Yea, the kid's been in the newspaper more times than the governor.

POLICE CAPTAIN:  Wire it to the border and to every Highway Patrol office here, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and California.

(Exterior-Rest Stop-Day)

Jimmy is in the bathroom putting on a fake beard.  He comes out, looks around and takes another plate out of his bag.  He puts it on the four wheel drive.  He takes off again.

(Exterior-Police Check-Day)

Highway Patrol officers are stopping everybody and asking questions.  Jimmy sees but it's too late.  He pulls up.

JIMMY:(Deeper voice.)  Good afternoon, officer.

OFFICER:Got anyone else in the vehicle?  (Stephanie has been moved to the back seat.)

JIMMY:Just my daughter, and I thought I'd go to my weekend place.  What are you looking for?

OFFICER:(Studies a photo.)  Not you, oldtimer.  Go ahead.

Jimmy pulls ahead and goes further down the road.

(Interior-Four Wheel Drive-Evening)

It is turning dusk outside when Jimmy hears some noise coming from the back seat.  Stephanie finds herself tied up.

STEPHANIE:Son of a bitch.  Who's got me tied up . . . (She sees the back of Jimmy's head.)  Jimmy.

JIMMY:You wouldn't listen to reason.

STEPHANIE:Where are you taking me?

JIMMY:We're going to Mexico.

STEPHANIE:You think you're gonna get away with this?  Come on, what about my operation?

JIMMY:You're still carrying our baby, Stephanie.  I got there just as the bastard was going to stick our baby full of saline and burn it to death.

STEPHANIE:How long have I been out . . .

JIMMY:About three and a half hours.  We're almost to the border crossing to Agua Prieta.

STEPHANIE:You just gonna keep me tied up until I deliver the baby?  Then what?  Feed me to the sharks?  Come on, be serious, Jimmy.  They'll charge you with kidnapping.

As they are talking, Jimmy notices a border patrol four wheel drive pass him going the other way.  Jimmy checks his rear view mirror and sees it coming towards him.  The lights start flashing.  Jimmy slows down and pulls over.

JIMMY:Steph, don't say a word.

The officer approaches the vehicle.

OFFICER:Please keep your hands where I can see them.  Do you have your license and registration?

JIMMY:(Old man voice.)  Certainly son.  What seems to be the problem?

OFFICER:There's an APB on a vehicle that fits this description.  Only thing different are the plates.  (Officer pokes around with the flashlight.)  What's that there?

JIMMY:I'm outta here.  He pulls in reverse and smashes the front of the border patrol vehicle, sending steam flying.

He puts it in forward gear and torques out over the hills.

(Exterior-Highway-Day)

OFFICER:I've got a disabled vehicle.  Suspect is heading south approximately three miles from the border.  Requesting air support.

(Interior-Border Patrol Headquarters-Night)

SECRETARY:Roger 281, assistance is on the way . . .

(Interior-Davis Monthan Air Base-Night)

Two airmen are watching television.

STAFF SERGEANT:  Williams Hendrick.  We have a 584 by the border . . .

They rush into their uniforms, put on their helmets and take off into the sky.

(Interior-Four Wheel Drive-Night)

Stephanie (struggles) and mumbles and starts kicking the back of Jimmy's seat.

JIMMY:(Stops, takes off her gag.)  Look, it's gonna be rough.  We're gonna have to four wheel in.

(Exterior-Davis Monthan Air Base-Night)

Jets streak past the tower.

(Interior-Cockpit-Night)

HENDRICKS:You got the co-ordinates, Scotty.

WILLIAMS:Yea, we should switch to infrared.  It's a four wheel drive, two passengers, heading for Mexico.  ETA fifteen minutes.

(Interior-Four Wheel Drive-Night)

JIMMY:That must be it . . . (Ahead looms a barbed wire fence.)  The trick is getting through it.

(Exterior-Four Wheel Drive-Night)
Four wheel drive plows its way through a wash and stops.  Jimmy gets out and looks in the back.

JIMMY:No wire cutters . .  (Just then two jets streak overhead.  He grabs Stephanie and undoes her ropes.)  We're outta here, Steph.  Do I have to carry you or are you gonna walk.

STEPHANIE:We're gonna outrun a couple of jets?  You're fast, Jimmy, but don't flatter yourself.

JIMMY:See that?  That's the border.  The Mexicans don't have any jets up here.  Come on.  (Jimmy puts on a backpack.)  Put these shoes on.

(Interior-Jet Cockpit-Night)

HENDRICKS:Commander, suspect is on foot heading for the border.  Should we fire?

COMMANDER:No, he has a civilian with him.  Maintain aerial surveillance.

(Exterior-Border Fence-Night)

Jets swoop over low.  Jimmy and Stephanie reach the border fence.  It is about six feet high with five barbed wire strands.

STEPHANIE:You're crazy if you think I'm climbing over that.

JIMMY:Alright.  (Jimmy starts climbing.)  If you don't care about mountain lions, then neither do I.  You think that jet's gonna land and save you.  It'll be hours before anyone comes and rescues you.  This is the desert, Stephy.  (He is over the other side.)  Throw me your pack.  (She does.)  Jimmy takes his boot and pushes the one wire down.  With his bare hands he pulls another wire up.  It snaps off the past clearing a big enough area for her to climb through.  She climbs through.

(Interior-Air Base Tower-Evening)

COMMANDER:(To FBI Officer.)  I understand this is now a federal matter.  (To the radio operator.)  Tell Williams and Hendricks to return to base.  I don't want them starting an international incident.

FBI OFFICER:  (Puts away his badge.)  We'll pick them up.  They're just a couple of kids.

COMMANDER:Mexico is an easy place to get lost in . . .

(Exterior-Desert-Night)

Stephanie and Jimmy walk down a wash, the full moon silhouettes them against the evening sky.

STEPHANIE:I haven't seen any mountain lions yet, Jimmy.  Sure you weren't just feeding me bull?

JIMMY:You can go back any time, Stephy.  (Coyote howls in the distance.)  You think you can do it on your own, be my guest.  (He stops and takes out his canteen.)  Here, have something to drink.

STEPHANIE:(Drinks and spits.)  Yuck.  What is this, piss water?

JIMMY:Just about, it's Gatorade.  We drink it on the field.  It helps your body replenish its salts.  I think if we head that direction we'll run into the main highway into Rocky Point.  Maybe we can catch a ride.

(Exterior-Farm House-Dawn)

Stephanie and Jimmy come up near a Mexican farmhouse, very crude structure with a cactus fence and chickens running around.

JIMMY:(Motions.)  Wait here, I know a little bit of Spanish.  I'm gonna ask them for a ride into town.  (He walks up and knocks on the door.)

A short, middle aged Mexican man answers the door. About three of his kids come to the door as well.  A dog starts barking.  You hear muffled talking in Spanish.

JIMMY:Por favor, Senor.  Donde Puerto Penasco?

MEXICAN FARMER:  (Motions.)  It is about ten miles south (in Spanish). 

JIMMY:(Motions to his pickup.)  I need a ride in town for my girl and I (broken Spanish).

MEXICAN FARMER:  You give me your shiny rifle and I'll give you a ride.  (Spanish while motioning to his gun.)

STEPHANIE:He's saying that if you give him your rifle, he'll give us a ride into town?  (To Jimmy.)

STEPHANIE:(To farmer.)  Gracias.  (She begins to give him Jimmy's gun.)

JIMMY:Wait, what are you doing?  That was a gift from my dad.

STEPHANIE:I'm not going to walk into town.  I doubt if you want to carry me.  He said it is about fifteen kilometers.  I suggest we give him your rifle and let him give us a ride.

JIMMY:(Shakes his head.)  Tell him after we get the ride he gets the gun.)

STEPHANIE:(In Spanish.)  After you give us ride, we give you gun.  We go now.

The Mexican farmer smiles.  He comes out with his dog and three of his kids and starts the truck.  It takes about five tries, the truck backfires and finally it gets going.  The kids and the dog pile in the front seat.  He motions for Stephanie and Jimmy to get in the back seat.  He points to the rifle and points to his chest indicating ownership.

STEPHANIE:This guy is really swift.  We have to sit on this steel truck bed floor . . . I should just turn you in . . .

JIMMY:Yea, I know, but tell me just a little bit.  Didn't you want to see what our baby would look like?

STEPHANIE:(Laughs self-consciously.)  Not this much.

The pickup truck leaves the farm and they start the journey down the road.

(Exterior-Border Patrol Station-Day)

Mr. Anderson, the police captain, the FBI agent and assorted other officials are gathered around a towing vehicle that has Jimmy's four wheel drive.

FBI AGENT:There is evidence in the back seat that he must have had her tied up.  We're pressing for a kidnapping charge.

POLICE CAPTAIN:  That's along with a state charge for aggravated assault, unlawful flight, resisting arrest.  The kid could do the rest of his life in jail.

MR. ANDERSON:  Do you think they could have made it through the desert?  There is nothing around here for thirty miles in either direction.  Stephanie's never even been camping.

FBI AGENT:We already have a team searching Mexico right now.  We should be able to bring them back right away.  Chuck, do you have the map?

The map is brought over.  They spread it out on the hood of a border patrol vehicle.

FBI AGENT:They were spotted by aircraft here and this is where their four wheel drive was retrieved from.  They are two white kids in Mexico . . . they stick out . . .

MR. ANDERSON:  It's holiday season.  There are about 2,000,000 tourists that go to Mexico during the holidays.  They won't stick out.  They blend in with all the rest of them.

Music sedgways mariachi rhythms with bus depot.

(Interior-Bus Depot-Day)

Stephanie and Jimmy are in a line at the bus depot.

JIMMY:(At the window.)  Mazatlan, por favor.  (He hands the lady some money, receives his tickets and some change.)  

JIMMY:(Turns around to Stephanie.)  This stuff isn't too bad.  Look at everything around here.  (He is eating a burrito.)

STEPHANIE:(Turns up her nose.)  You know they make burritos out of dogs down here.  You know, Fido, oof', oof'.

JIMMY:Stephy, lighten up.  We're going to Mazatlan.  Todd's uncle has a place down there.

STEPHANIE:I haven't had a shower since yesterday.  My hair's a mess.  My boyfriend kidnaps me in the middle of an abortion and you want me to lighten up.  (He kisses her cheek.)

JIMMY:Yea, everything with work out O.K.  You'll see.

They board the bus for Mazatlan.

(Interior-Burger Shop-Day)

Todd and Joey are talking while eating hamburgers.

TODD:Unbelievable, I didn't think Jimmy had it in him.  He eluded the border patrol, knocked a doctor cold and now he's on the run in Mexico.

JOEY:Any idea where he might be at?

TODD:Yea, sort of.  I mean, you know he could be anywhere.  Look, I shouldn't say, but I think he's going to my uncle's in Mazatlan.

JOEY:Think he's got enough money?

TODD:You don't need much there.  If he's gone long enough, she'll have to keep the baby.  It's not safe to abort after six months.  She's already going on four.

JOEY:He fucked it for himself, though.  Lost his scholarship, probably do some hard time.

TODD:Who knows, maybe he'll talk Stephanie into staying down there.  (Gets up.)  Let's go get the girls.

(Exterior-Roadside-Day)

The bus comes to a grinding halt and the transmission falls out on the road.  Jimmy and Stephanie get out with the rest of the people.  The driver looks at it hopelessly.

JIMMY:(Pulls Stephanie aside.)  Let's go.  This is hopeless.  We can hitch a ride in.

STEPHANIE:Why did I ever let you talk me into this . . .

JIMMY:You don't want to see me in prison getting my butt reamed, do you?

STEPHANIE:(Pats him on the butt.)  No, it's too cute for that.  (Sighs.)  Let's go.

They walk down the highway and stick out their thumbs.  A truck pulls up and picks them up.  They go off into the sunset with a fade to black.

(Exterior-Airport-Day)

The FBI agent gets off the plane.  The sign says, WELCOME TO MAZATLAN.  Two Mexican policemen greet him.  They guide him to a large Ford sedan.

(Interior-Automobile-Day)

FBI AGENT:You say these two were spotted in town shopping?

POLICE:Yes Senor, the girl is blonde and very (he makes a sign for pregnant).  It was just yesterday in the market over by Senor Frogs.  The boy was very big.

FBI AGENT:(Shows the picture.)  Let's go to the station.  I want to make sure your policemen can identify them from these photos.

(Interior-House-Day)

In the kitchen Stephanie is washing dishes.  She is about six months pregnant.  A large cockroach runs by.  She throws a plate at it.  The plate breaks and the cockroach stops, looks and disappears under the counter.

Jimmy comes in.

JIMMY:What was that?

STEPHANIE:I threw the plate at the bug.  Jimmy, I can't handle this much longer.  I can't have my baby down here.  I miss my mom, I miss my dad.  I don't even get to finish my senior year.

JIMMY:Just remember, you're making these sacrifices for our baby.  (He walks over, smooths her hair and kisses her.)  Besides, the baby will be fine.  Doctor Ortega is a fine physician.  He went to an American medical school.  He said there won't likely be any complications.  Come on, let's go into town again.  We can eat at that seafood restaurant.

STEPHANIE:Jimmy, we don't even have that much money left.

JIMMY:I'll call my dad.  He'll send me some more.  It's gonna be his grandchild. . . . Come on, we'll take the motorscooter.

(Exterior-Windy Street-Day)

Jimmy and Stephanie are winding down the hilly dirt road going into town.  They hit the main marketplace and begin to look around.  Jimmy sees a policeman and pays him no notice.  The policeman abruptly turns and heads for the phone.

Jimmy and Stephanie are looking at stuffed frogs playing musical instruments.

The Ford pulls up to the end of the marketplace.  Three policemen and the FBI agent get out.  They come towards Jimmy.  Stephanie spots them.

STEPHANIE:Jimmy.  (She points.)

He takes off running, hurdles over tables, knocking over merchandise.  He goes to the end of the marketplace and sees two machine gun carrying officers.  He ducks as they fire at him, breaking glass behind him.  He jumps on a table and scrambles up on a roof.

The FBI agent notices him on the roof and points to the Mexican commander.  He motions for men to surround the roof.  Jimmy jumps off and tries to run in between two police officers.  He straight arms them out of his way.  He rounds the corner of the alley and finds himself in a dead end.

As he tries to run out, he comes face to face with the FBI agent.  He tries to run around him and the FBI agent tackles him and they go flying into some garbage cans in the alley.  They are struggling for the upper hand.  Jimmy gets up and is hit in the back of the head with a rifle butt.  He goes out cold.

(Interior-Prison Cell-Day)

Jimmy wakes up on his face.  His hands are cuffed behind him and he has been stripped down to his undershorts.  He rolls over and sits up.

JIMMY:Hey, somebody get these cuffs off of me.

Two Mexican guards come up to the barred door.

JIMMY:Agua, agua.

The guard picks up a bucket of water and splashes it all over him.  They both laugh thinking that it's really funny.  He sits down rejected.

(Interior-Prison Cell-Night)

It is now dark outside.  Two guards come in and uncuff him.  They stand over him while he is given a plate of beans.  He sops it up with the roll they have given him.

Two U.S. Marshalls walk into the prison.

MARSHALL:Jimmy, we're going to be escorting you back to Phoenix where you'll be standing trial.

JIMMY:Is Stephanie alright?

MARSHALL:She went back yesterday.  (He unwraps a back with prison clothes.)  Put these on.  Look, you can go cuffed in full manacles or we can just cuff your hands.  Your choice.  I need your word, boy.

JIMMY:I won't make a run for it.  I didn't do anything wrong, officer.  I just tried to save a life.

MARSHALL:Better save it for the judge.  Let's go.

They watch while Jimmy puts on the overalls and shoes.

(Interior-Phoenix Airport-Night)

Jimmy steps off the plane into the terminal and is surrounded by photographers.  His mom runs up to him with his uncle.

MOM:Jimmy, you alright?  (The Marshalls push her away.)

JIMMY:(Looks over his shoulder.)  Yea, I missed you.

Protestors are carrying signs.  (Free Jimmy Sullivan.)  NO MORE DEATH.  RESCUE THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING.  In all, about thirty people have signs.  They start chanting.  Jimmy is whisked away at the curb into a government vehicle.  He is taken to the Federal Courthouse and brought into the front door.

(Interior-Courthouse-Day)

Jimmy is mug shot.

FEDERAL OFFICER:  (Takes his hands.)  O.K., I just need to get your prints.  Pretty big ruckus they're making over you.  What did you do?

JIMMY:Kidnapped my girlfriend so she wouldn't have an abortion.

FEDERAL OFFICER:  That's some pretty heavy time.  Hope you get a good lawyer.

(Interior-Chamber-Day)

Isaac Thomas, Mrs. Sullivan, Mr. Petrie and the federal prosecutor are all in a meeting room.

MR. PETRIE:You gonna try him as an adult?

BEN WINSLOW:  Adult crimes get adult trials, Mr. Petrie.  You know that.

MR. PETRIE:Any type of plea bargain, if he pleads guilty to a lesser offense?

BEN WINSLOW:  Kidnapping, and we'll let the state and federal sentences run concurrently.  No deals.  We're asking fifteen to twenty.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS: He's just a kid.  He only turned eighteen last month.

BEN WINSLOW:  As trite as it may sound, do the crime, do the time.  He knocked a doctor unconscious, kidnapped a girl and almost ran down a border patrol officer and fled into another country.  He has been the subject of an intense international manhunt.  So you see, my hands are tied.  I can't just slap him 

on the hands.  We have to make an example out of him.

MRS. SULLIVAN:  He had such a promising future.  He'll be in his thirties when he gets out.

BEN WINSLOW:  With good time, he might out by twenty-five . . .

MR. PETRIE:Let me talk to my client . . . we'll get back to you.

The federal prosecutor leaves the room and they bring Jimmy in.  He is manacled.

MR. PETRIE:The judged turned down our bail request.  You're gonna have to sit this out.  Jimmy, when you asked me what you could do, I never thought you'd go to these extremes.

JIMMY:Is Stephanie alright?

MR. PETRIE:We haven't been able to talk to her.  Her parents send her to a home for unwed mothers.  She's still a minor.  We won't even be able to get her for the trial.

JIMMY:She knows I didn't kidnap her.  She came across the border with me on her own.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  Jimmy, they are offering you fifteen to twenty.  You could be out in seven years with good time.  They have the state charges for aggravated assault and unlawful flight dropped.

JIMMY:You're saying I should roll over.  Plead guilty.  I did it to save a life.  Uncle Isaac, you taught me.

REV. ISAAC THOMAS:  I'm not saying anything of the sort.  We're behind you all the way.  We're just letting you know.  They are going for the jugular on this one.  I'd like to go for an acquittal.  Mr. Petrie thinks we have a fair chance with the judge that is assigned to this case . . .

MR. PETRIE:The judge is a marginal Catholic.  This case isn't going to be about kidnapping, Jimmy.  It's going to be about abortion - THE RIGHT TO LIFE OR DEATH.  Whether or not you had the right to commit one crime to save a life.  The precedents are unclear.  This will be a test case.  The Supreme Court still hasn't even defined the viability of life.  Stephanie was three months pregnant when you kidnapped her.  Her child could never have survived outside of the womb.  You're the guinea pig, Jimmy.  If we fail, you go down for a long stretch.  But if we win, it could change the course of this nation.

JIMMY:(Puts this thumbs up.)  Fourth down.  Let's go for it.

(Exterior-Courthouse-Day)

About five hundred protestors are carrying pro and anti abortion signs.  Television crews and photographers are all around the courthouse steps.

ANNOUNCER:Today the U.S. versus Sullivan trial begins before Honorable Byron DeFoe.  Both sides of the abortion factor have made this trial a rallying point and are out in full with their supporters.  Jimmy Sullivan, the 18 year old high school football star from Tempe High remains in custody.  He is arriving now accompanied by his attorney, Robert Petrie, his mother and his uncle, known anti-abortionist activist, Isaac Thomas.  The wealthy debutante who was allegedly kidnapped is not expected to be at the trial.  Today the court will hear the opening arguments . . .

The crowd pushes in on Jimmy and the Marshall screaming.

CROWD:Free Jimmy Sullivan.  FREE JIMMY SULLIVAN.

Dr. Jacobs walks up the stairs to the courthouse.  He is booed by the protestors.

The pro-abortionists have signs with hangers on them.

NO MORE, NO MORE, NO MORE.

OUR BODIES, OUR RIGHT.  KEEP YOUR LAWS OFF OUR BODIES.

(Interior-Courtroom-Day)

The courtroom is packed.  Dr. Jacobs is sitting at the table with the prosecutor.  Stephanie's parents are sitting behind the prosecution.  Jimmy is seated at the defense table next to Mr. Petrie and a young woman assistant.  He is sandwiched in between them.  His mom, his uncle and some people from the church are sitting behind them.

The judge enters.

BAILIFF:All rise.  His Honorable Byron DeFoe.

The judge enters in his robes trailing behind him.

JUDGE:(Sits.)  Will counsel please approach the bench?  (Petrie and Winslow both step forward.)  This trial is about kidnapping.  I am not going to permit my courtroom to become a battleground on the abortion issue.  Is that understood?

MR. PETRIE:Your Honor, the motivation behind this charge is our primary defense.  You can't deny my client the right of due process by denying him the right to testify on his own behalf.

JUDGE:Counsel, insomuch as your client wishes to take the stand and speak in his own defense.  I will allow some latitude on the abortion issue.  But I will not allow you to parade so called experts to discuss when life does or does not begin.  Have I made myself perfectly clear?

MR. PETRIE;Yes, Your Honor.

As the lawyers return to their seats, the judge pounds the gavel to silence the crowd.

JUDGE:You all stand forewarned.  I will conduct my courtroom with the highest degree of protocol.  Anyone speaking out, protesting or disturbing these proceedings, well you might as well bring your toothbrush and your checkbook.  Because if you do these things in my courtroom, you will be charged with contempt and those gentlemen over there will cuff you and book you.  Counsel, you will proceed.

Mr. Petrie steps to the front and paces back and forth.

MR. PETRIE:Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, sitting before you today charged with kidnapping, unlawful flight, is a young man who just turned eighteen.  You've seen his face.  He was in Sports Illustrated for top high school quarterback.  He led his team to the State Triple A Championship.  He had his whole life before him.  Scholarship full paid to USC or for that matter, anywhere he chose to attend.  Yet, he threw it away in what some would say was the ultimate foolhardy act.  He broke into a doctor's office after unsuccessfully persuading his girlfriend to keep the child THEY had conceived out of wedlock and at gunpoint while she was still under the influence of anesthetic.  He drove her to Mexico where he successfully eluded an international manhunt and managed to avoid capture for almost four months.  He never finished his senior year of high school.  The girl he took has been shipped out of state by her parents where because of the late stages of her pregnancy, will have the child, the child whose life he saved from the saline solution that the doctor was about to inject her with, undoubtedly we will probably never see.  Your jurors would ask: why?  Was it worth it?  My client, Jimmy Sullivan believes to this day that even if this court find him guilty of kidnapping and he spends the rest of his life in a filthy prison, that it was worth it.  He believes that saving another human being and giving someone else the same shot at life that all of us sitting here today were given by our parents is worth any personal sacrifice of his freedoms he may be required to make.  In this trial we are dealing with more than a simple kidnapping charge.  We are dealing with the rights of a human being to rescue another human being from certain death.  The prosecutor, in a moment, will tell you how the law is the law and there is no flexibility.  But does a husband get a speeding ticket when driving his pregnant wife to the delivery room or does he get a police escort?  Would a man who busts down a door to rescue a child caught in a fire be charged with destruction of private property or would he be given a citizen's medal of honor?  (He walks over to his briefcase and pulls out a stack of letters.)  These are just a few of the citations Jimmy Sullivan has gotten for his heroic act.  Mother Teresa, Pope Paul, the President of the United States.  The eyes of the world are watching today.  The decision lies in your hands, Jimmy Sullivan Hero or Felon.

He walks over and sits down.  The courtroom applauds.  The prosecutor walks to the front.

PROSECUTOR:Patriotism.  Your Honor, my esteemed colleague, Mr. Petrie, would have you believe that Jimmy Sullivan, after knocking a doctor cold with a rifle butt, destroying a border patrol vehicle and endangering the life of a young seventeen year old girl is a patriot.  After getting her pregnant in a moment of teenaged passion, he decided to amend for his act by taking her against her will or at the least, without her consent to a foreign country and thus force her to come to full term with her pregnancy.  Human rights, right to life.  These are terms, no doubt, that we will become quite sick of hearing during these proceedings.  When do one individual's right supersede the rights of another individual?  The record will show that Stephanie Anderson went voluntarily to the abortion clinic.  In fact, she was driven there by her girlfriend.  Her life has been changed too.  Whether she gives up her child or chooses to raise it, this child will change her life.  As a seventeen year old living at home, she is still under her parents' legal and moral guidance.  They thought it was best that she have an abortion.  The case is much more simple than some would have you believe.  If Jimmy Sullivan did taken Stephanie Anderson against her will to Mexico, then he is guilty of kidnapping and should be punished to the full extent of the law.  He broke the law, Your Honor, and unless we want to allow people to break the law upon every dictate of conscience, we need to send a message to America and to the whole world.  If you break the law, you go to jail.

He walks over and sits.  No one applauds.

JUDGE:We will recess fifteen minutes, then the defense may present its case.

CLOSE UP.

INGRID EVANS (Mr. Petrie's Assistant):  We're gonna need her testimony.  This guy's gonna hang Jimmy without it.

MR. PETRIE:Anderson refuses to tell anybody where he sent his daughter . . .

MS. EVANS:What about the subpoena?

MR. PETRIE:He won't even answer them, and no judge is gonna hold him in contempt.  He's too powerful and rich.  His lawyers will have him on appeal until this thing is over and Jimmy is behind bars.  Any breaks from that detective?

MS. EVANS:No.

(Interior-Courtroom-Day)

The jury is getting restless as the prosecutor paces back and forth questioning Dr. Jacobs.

PROSECUTION:  So you were about to perform the operation that Stephanie had requested and voluntarily come in for . . .

MR. PETRIE:(Stands.)  Objection, Your Honor.  Prosecution is leading his own witness.

JUDGE:Overruled.  The question stands.

DR. JACOBS:She had just been given anesthetic and he rushed in.  (Points to Jimmy.)  (Jury stares at him.)

PROSECUTION:  Carrying a rifle.

DR. JACOBS:Yes.

PROSECUTION:  Then what happened?

DR. JACOBS:I told him to get out and he hit with the rifle butt and knocked me out.  When I came to, Stephanie was gone and he was gone.

PROSECUTION:  No more questions.  (He walks back.)

MR. PETRIE:(Gets up.)  You said you were about to perform an operation.  Is that correct?

DR. JACOBS:Yes, an abortion.  The surgical removal of a fetus.

MR. PETRIE:Would you describe just what method you were going to use to remove the fetus?

DR. JACOBS:Saline solution.

MR. PETRIE:And just how does this bring about the death of the fetus or baby?

PROSECUTION:  Objection, Your Honor.  Defense is calling for an expert opinion on the beginning of life.

JUDGE:Mr. Petrie, please limit your questions to the witness's involvement with Mr. Sullivan and don't get into this abortion issue.

MS. EVANS:(Stands up.)  Your Honor, prosecution mentioned the operation.  We have legal right to question in detail the ramifications of that operation.  I can cite the precedents.

JUDGE:That won't be necessary Ms. Evans.  I'm going to allow the witness to answer these questions.

MR. PETRIE:How does the saline solution bring about the death of the child?

DR. JACOBS:The saline solution is injected into the fetus and burns the fetus and causes a cessation of the heartbeat.

MR. PETRIE:Is there increased activity in the womb after the injection?

DR. JACOBS:Yes, there is increased fetal movement.

MR. PETRIE:Would it be improper to call these movements death throes?

DR. JACOBS:No, I suppose not.

MR. PETRIE:Dr. Jacobs, do you know if the fetus experiences pain during these death throes?

DR. JACOBS:No, I've never given it much thought.

MR. PETRIE:How many abortions have you performed?

DR. JACOBS:About fifteen thousand.

MR. PETRIE:You have aborted fifteen thousand potentially viable human beings and you have never asked yourself whether or not during the operation they experienced pain?

DR. JACOBS:No, I guess I haven't.

MR. PETRIE:Dr. Jacobs, you mentioned that the patient, Stephanie Anderson, was under heavy sedation.  Is that true?

DR. JACOBS:Yes, many times we sedate the patient to keep them from experiencing any discomfort.

MR. PETRIE:You sedate the patient, but you never, after aborting fifteen thousand (voice raises) unborn children, ever even wondered if maybe you shouldn't have sedated the child as well before injecting it with a solution that burned it internally.

PROSECUTION:  (Stands.)  Your Honor, defense is badgering the witness.

JUDGE:Sustained.  Defense will limit his extemporaneous comment on the beginning of life and continue with his cross examination.  Counsel, one more outburst and I shall find you in contempt.  (The jurors are restless and fidgeting in their seats.)

DR. JACOBS:Do I have to answer that question?  (To the judge.)

JUDGE:Counsel for the defense shall rephrase his question.

MR. PETRIE:Did you ever sedate a fetus?

DR. JACOBS:No.

MR. PETRIE:(Turns around in disgust.)  No further questions, Your Honor.

JUDGE:Witness may step down.  Court will recess until tomorrow.

The room full of people get up.  Jimmy's friends walk over to him.

JOEY:Alisha got a call from Stephanie.  Doctor says her baby is due next week.

JIMMY:Will she come and testify?

JOEY:If she does, her parents said they'd disown her.  That's mega bucks.

Jimmy is taken away by the guards back to his cell.

(Interior-Delivery Room-Day)

Stephanie is surrounded by four doctors and nurses.

DOCTOR:Alright, breathe a little deeper.  It's almost out.

Stephanie, gasping, does some final pushes.

The camera looks down at the doctor delivering between her legs.

The baby cries.  They clip the umbilical cord.

DOCTOR:It's a girl . . . (He wraps it up and puts it next to Stephanie.)  Well, young lady, it's a girl.

(Interior-Maternity Ward-Day)

Stephanie is holding her baby and looking out the window at a beautiful rolling lawn.  It is springtime and there are blossoms on the trees.  Julie walks in.

JULIE:(Laughs.)  Hi, mom, is that your little baby?

STEPHANIE:Julie, you came all the way out to see me.

JULIE:We're on spring break and I told my mom I wanted to visit my uncle in Pittsburgh.  I talked him into driving to visit you here.

STEPHANIE:How did you know where I was?

JULIE:Your mom told me.  You know, Todd's dad is representing Jimmy in the trial.

STEPHANIE:How is it going?

JULIE:Honestly?

STEPHANIE:Yea, really, are they going to find him guilty?

JULIE:It doesn't look too good for him.  Todd told me your parents were threatening to cut you off if you testified.  I think you should anyway.  He really does love you, Steph.  I don't know whether what he did was right or wrong.  But I know he did it because he loves you.

A mean looking nurse comes in.

NURSE:It's not visiting hours.  Who let you up on this floor?

JULIE:No one.  I let myself up.

NURSE:Well, young lady, I would suggest letting yourself out the same way.  (She points to the door.)

JULIE:I'll call you.  I brought you a card.  (She takes the card and puts it on the table.)

NURSE:Time to give your baby another bath.  Her new parents are coming to get her today.

STEPHANIE:What's is like for the girls who give up their babies?  Do they ever get to see them?

NURSE:No, young lady.  Young girls are in no position to raise children.  Children need mothers and fathers.  Most of the girls send here are like yourself.  (She picks up the baby.)  Babies themselves.  (She leaves the room and closes the door.  Stephanie clicks on the television to a game show.)

Stephanie gets out of bed and opens the envelope.  She pulls out the contents and sees a plane ticket and note: "Tomorrow 8:00 we'll meet you.  Good luck, Steph."  She tucks it under her mattress.

(Interior-Room-Evening)

Stephanie is eating her dinner and sticks the knife under her butt.  The orderly comes in and takes away the tray.

(Interior-Corridor-Night)

Most of the lights in the institution are out.  Stephanie is wearing work blue jeans and has her hair up in a cap.  She is pushing a mop bucket around.  A guard comes around and doesn't even pay her any mind.  Stephanie goes on with her mopping.  Stephanie checks a door and goes in.  There are cribs with four babies in them.  She looks and finds her own baby.  She lifts her up.

STEPHANIE:Shhhh.  We're leaving this place, Renee.

She picks her up and looks out the door before she dashes outside.  She sticks to the trees and makes her way to gate.  There is a security guard at the gate who is sleeping.

Stephanie hears the phone ring and it rattles her.  The guard wakes up to answer the phone and Stephanie sneaks out under the gate.

(Interior-Airport-Day)

Stephanie sits with Julie in the airport.  These clothes you brought me are barely big enough.  Look at my figure.

JULIE:Don't worry.  You're young.  You'll get your figure back.  Did you give your baby a name.

STEPHANIE:Looks at the child sleeping in her arms.  No, did Alisha know you were coming up?

JULIE:No, she testified against Jimmy, you know.  She said he acted like a crazy man when he kidnapped you and described how he knocked the doctor out.

STEPHANIE:Do you really think it'll make a difference if I go back?

Julie hears the speaker system call out "US Air Flight 117 to Phoenix now boarding.  All passengers without confirmed seating assignment must report to the podium."

JULIE:That's you.

STEPHANIE:Todd's going to be waiting for me.

JULIE:Yes, and they've got a room all fixed up for you and the baby.

STEPHANIE:I really have given her a name - Renee.

JULIE:That's a darling name.  (Hands her a bag.)  I packed some diapers, powder and a bottle.

They walk up to the boarding gate.  Stephanie waves at Julie and walks on.

(Interior-Mayor's Office-Day)

MR. ANDERSON:  What do you mean she disappeared with her baby?  I paid you people $10,000 to watch her. . . . I know you can't hold her forever but damn it. . . . (He slams down the phone and buzzes his secretary.)  Helen, get me Senator Dunlap.

He fidgets around . . .

HELEN'S VOICE:  He's on the line, sir.

MR. ANDERSON:  (Picks up the phone.)  Harvey, you still got ins with the Federal Aviation authorities . . . I need to have you check all the flights out of Pittsburgh today for a young woman traveling with a baby to Phoenix . . . my daughter Stephanie Anderson . . . look, it's a long story.  It has to do with her kidnapper's trial . . . Can you do it?

Dissolve to - (Interior-Capitol Building-Day)

Senator Dunlap is seated at his desk.  We just got the passenger for Pittsburgh to Phoenix. . . . There is a ticket for Stephanie Anderson traveling with a newborn . . . She is due to arrive in Phoenix in fifteen minutes . . .

DUNLAP:(Picks up the phone.  He dials Anderson's number.)  Yea . . . we found what you were looking for . . .

(Exterior-Landing Strip-Day)

The plane lands.  The plane pulls up to the gate.

Stephanie gets out with the baby.  She walks off the plane.  

Two men in suits rush towards the unloading gates.  Several men pull up in an unmarked car and go to the baggage turnstiles.

Todd greets Stephanie.  Todd looks and sees men rushing towards the gate.  He hands her a bag.

TODD:I'll take the baby.  Go put these on.

They are standing right next to a woman's room.  She ducks in.

They ignore Todd with the baby and start checking all the passengers coming off the full plane.

Stephanie, wearing a red wig and sunglasses, leaves the woman's room.  She strolls to the outside curb.

A limo pulls over and picks her up.  Todd is in the back seat.

TODD:Your dad must have found out what plane you were on.  That was close . . .

STEPHANIE:How's Jimmy?  (She adjusts her baby.)

TODD:They never let him bail out.  He's lost a little weight, but they're at least letting him do his classes from jail.  The trial's almost over . . .

(Interior-Courtroom-Day)

MR. PETRIE:(Is pacing back and forth in front of the jury.)  If you find the defendant guilty, you will be sending a message to the world.  You will be no different than the people who ignored Kitty Genovese's screams for help years ago in Brooklyn, New York and closed their windows and went back to watching television while she was brutally stabbed more than twenty-five times.  This case is not about kidnapping, although that is the charge that the prosecutor has tried to emphasize.  This is about the right of one person's desire to save the life of another person.  Jimmy wanted to save the life of a child he had conceived out of wedlock.  He sought legal help.  He sought legal help.  He pleaded with the girl.  He finally, out of desperation, took matters into his own hands.  We are not denying that the methods were unorthodox and violent.  But the act he was preventing and did prevent is violent, the taking of another life.  If you find for the defense you say to the world Jimmy Sullivan is a felon.  He will never get to vote.  He'll be branded for the rest of his life.  We have paraded character witnesses up here that have told you of his exemplary scholastic record, his athletic prowess.  This is a young man of extraordinary potential.  We have never denied that he took Stephanie Anderson off that operating table and eluded a manhunt and managed to stay in Mexico for three months undetected.  The prosecution has kept you from hearing the testimony of Miss Anderson.  But I wonder what she would say if she was here right now with her child.  Would she appreciate Jimmy Sullivan saving the life of her child . . .

The rear doors open and Stephanie Anderson walks in carrying her baby.  She is accompanied by Todd.  Stephanie's mother stands up.

MRS. ANDERSON:  Stephanie.

STEPHANIE:(Walks over to her mother.)  I'm not giving up my baby, mom.  You can disown me if you like . . .

The courtroom is in an uproar.

MR. PETRIE:I call Stephanie Anderson to the stand.

PROSECUTION:  Your Honor, this is highly irregular.

JUDGE:(Pounds the gavel.)  Order in the court.

Everyone settles down.

STEPHANIE:(Walks up to the front.)  Your Honor, I had to escape from a home for unwed mothers to testify here.  Jimmy Sullivan didn't kidnap me.  I went willingly.  I walked myself into Mexico.  I wanted this baby, Your Honor.  And my parents tried to keep me from having it.  (She starts crying.)  Haven't you all done enough to us?

JUDGE:Young lady, please be seated.  Will the attorneys step forward?

Both attorneys step forward.  Stephanie walks over to where Jimmy is sitting.  He shows her the baby.  She gives him a big kiss and he holds the baby.

JUDGE:I'm going to declare this a mistrial.  (Points to the prosecutor.)  I'm going to recommend that no new charges be filed.  Case dismissed.  (Pounds the gavel.)

All of Jimmy's friends swarm around him, Stephanie and the baby.

(Exterior-Courthouse Steps-Day)

A crowd of people follow Jimmy, Stephanie, Todd, Mr. Petrie and Jimmy's mom and uncle as they get in the limo.  Jimmy picks up the baby and holds it up for all the photographers.

Final Shot - Freeze frame closeup of Renee Anderson held up in the air.