CHAPTER ONE - EARLY HISTORY
1 INT. KENNEDY AIRPORT, PAN AM TERMINAL - NIGHT
SUPER: AUTUMN, 1987
A line of PASSENGERS about to board a Pan Am flight to
London.
JACK CAMPBELL, 22, head full of long unkempt hair, Tom
Selleck mustache, the hopeful look of youth in his
eyes... sitting next to...
KATE REYNOLDS, 21, pretty, Dorothy Hamill haircut...
rubbing the tears from her swollen red eyes...
KATE
I got you a few necessities...
Kate hands Jack a new copy of Vonnegut’s “Cat’s
Cradle.”
KATE (CONT’D)
Your copy was a mess...
Jack accepts the book but he’s unable to take his eyes
off Kate. She hands him a cassette.
KATE (CONT’D)
Every one of these songs will
remind you of me in a slightly
different way...
JACK
All in one tape?
KATE
I also put side two of London
Calling on there...
Kate leans over and kisses him passionately on the
lips.
KATE (CONT’D)
That was not officially the
goodbye kiss. It was just an
interim kiss...
He looks at her, his eyes welling up. He pulls her
close, kissing her deeply. Then...
ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
This will be the final boarding
call for Pan Am flight 4 to
London, Heathrow.
Jack takes Kate’s hand, getting up, turning sadly to
the gate.
KATE
You have your ticket?
Jack pulls out a BLUE PAN AM TICKET ENVELOPE. Kate
nods. They embrace and kiss again. As they separate.
JACK
I’m not even gonna say it,
Kate. Maybe it’ll be like
I never left...
Jack takes one lastlook at her, then heads for the
gate.
Kate stands there, watching him go. Then...
...a moment of intuition. Something isn’t right. She
looks at Jack, about to disappear into the jetway,
trying to decide...
KATE
Wait.
Jack turns. Kate approaches him.
KATE (CONT’D)
I have a bad feeling about
this.
JACK
About the plane? What do you
think it’s gonna crash? Don’t
say that...
KATE
(shaking her head)
I know we’ve talked about this a
thousand times and we both agree
that going to London is the
right thing to do. But in my
heart... this feels wrong.
She looks at the gate...the last few passengers are boarding,
then back into Jack’s eyes.
KATE (CONT’D)
Don’t go, Jack...
JACK
You mean don’t go at all?
What about my internship?
KATE
Believe me I know what an
incredible opportunity this
is for you...
JACK
For us, Kate.
KATE
Right, for us. But...I’m
afraid that if you get on
that plane...
JACK
What?
Kate looks at him, pleading with her eyes, but she can’t
say...
KATE
(torn)
Go. I’m sorry, you should just
go...
JACK
(thinking, then...)
No, you’re right. What are we
doing?
KATE
We're being responsible. Go.
Get on the plane.
His eyes narrow as he measures her determination...
KATE (CONT'D)
(a smile)
Get the hell outta my sight.
You bother me.
A laugh from Jack. Kate gives him a calm smile and a
nod - it's not entirely convincing but it's enough for
Jack.
JACK
(resolute)
Okay, I'm going...
He takes her in his arms one last time and hugs her
tight. Jack looks toward the gate, the line
disappearing...Kate grasps his shirt tightly.
KATE
I can't seem to let go of
you...
JACK
You hear me complaining about
that?
A sober look in Jack's eyes.
JACK (CONT'D)
Look, we're at the airport and
no one ever thinks clearly at
the airport so we should just
trust the decision we already
made. You've been accepted to
one of the best law schools in
the country, I've got this
internship at Barclay's Bank.
We have a great plan, honey...
Kate nods, then, with resolve...
KATE
You want to do something
great, Jack? Let's flush the
plan...start our lives right
now, today...I don't know what
that life's gonna look like
but I do know it has both of
us in it. And I choose us...
Jack is jolted by her words.
KATE (CONT'D)
The plan doesn't make us
great, Jack. What we have
together, that's what makes us
great.
Her words sink in...A long moment of decision...He
looks toward the gate, only one person left in
line...back to Kate...imploring him with her eyes.
Finally...He kisses her deeply on the lips...
JACK
I love you, Kate...
...a smile from Kate...relief...then...
JACK (CONT'D)
(taking her face in
his hands)
...and a year in London's not
gonna change that. A hundred
years couldn't change that...
Jack gives her one final kiss then walks pensively to
the gate, handing the attendant his ticket, not able to
look back.
Kate watches him go, tears streaming down her face, as
the gate door closes behind him. She waits, almost
willing it to open again...waiting...waiting...but it
doesn't...
DISSOLVE TO:
1A EXT. MANHATTAN - ESTABLISHING - DAY
The skating rink at Central Park...Christmas tree at
Rockefeller Center...the view down Fifth Avenue with
Christmas decorations...Park Avenue.
2 EXT. MANHATTAN - EARLY MORNING
We close in on a spectacular pre-war doorman
building...
3 INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
A huge space with gleaming hardwood floors, ornate
moldings, and a great view of the Hudson and Jersey
behind it...
The place looks like a museum display...everything is
of the highest quality and meticulously maintained.
A wall of photos - Jack and Clinton, Jack with Patrick
Ewing, Jack between Alan Greenspan and Henry Kravis.
And a "Willie Mays" baseball bat encased in glass...
4 INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
...impeccably decorated and obsessively neat.
Close in on the bed where JACK CAMPBELL, now 35, sans
mustache and long hair, opens his eyes.
A FLASH of bright morning light from the window. Jack
shields his eyes, turning his head toward the bathroom
where he sees...
A WOMAN'S BACK...draped in a towel...an incredible
back, neither flabby nor overly toned, beautifully
curved...Jack focuses on it a moment. As the woman
turns to him...
PAULA. Beautiful, late 20s, a toothbrush in her
mouth...
PAULA
(holding up toothbrush)
I hope you don't mind. There
were like ten new ones in the
cabinet.
A playful smile from Paula.
JACK
It's not what you think. I
took Mentadent public...
Paula smiles, moves over to a chair and grabs a little
black dress hanging neatly over it.
PAULA
Did you really mean what you
said about Tuscany?
JACK
Of course I did.
PAULA
Last night was great...
JACK
You are an amazing lover. You
should be giving motivational
seminars.
PAULA
Thanks. You're not bad
yourself...
Jack grabs his Frank Mueller watch from the night
stand, puts it on his wrist. He looks at Paula as she
slips the dress on.
JACK
I want to see you again.
PAULA
I'd like that, too.
JACK
Tonight.
She turns to him.
PAULA
It's Christmas Eve, Jack.
JACK
So we'll get egg nog.
Paula laughs.
PAULA
(putting on her shoes)
I have to go to my parents'
house out in Jersey. Would
you like to come?
JACK
Jersey? You know what the
traffic's gonna be like?
PAULA
I'm taking the train...
Paula approaches Jack, leaning over him, her long hair
dangling on his chest.
PAULA (CONT'D)
Don't you have anywhere to go?
JACK
I've got plenty of places to
go.
He stays there, confident, sexy, waiting for an
answer...
PAULA
(a sexy laugh, then...)
Maybe I can try and sneak away
some time tomorrow morning...
(kissing him on
the lips)
Okay?
JACK
(coy)
If it's something you feel
strongly about.
Paula walks to the door, then turns back to Jack.
PAULA
It was nice meeting you, Jack...
CHAPTER TWO - MAIN TITLES
4A INT. JACK’S APARTMENT - MORNING
Jack saunters over to a Yamaha Grand Disclavier in the
living room. He puts a disk into the piano and...
...the keys come alive with the music of BACH. Jack
hits a switch and suddenly the entire apartment is
enveloped in music...
4B INT. JACK’S BUILDING, CORRIDOR - SAME TIME
Paula, waiting for the elevator, hears the MUSIC
emanating from Jack’s apartment...an intrigued glance
back at the apartment door as the elevator arrives...
5 INT. JACK’S BATHROOM - MORNING
Back’s “Passion According to St. Matthew” is blaring
through the speakers, the music is swelling to full
orchestra...
Jack’s at the mirror in this incredibly neat marble-
tiled bathroom, shaving with a silver-plated Hammacher
Schlemmer razor, HUMMING with the orchestra...
6 INT. JACK’S CLOSET - MORNING
...the size of a small house, a long row of Zegna
suits, shoe trees stacked with Italian shoes, tailored
shirts everywhere.
Jack’s still HUMMING to the music as he dresses in
front of a mirror.
7 INT. ELEVATOR - MORNING
Jack, wearing an elegant camel’s hair overcoat and
carrying a leather briefcase, a “Master of the
Universe” smile on his face, now HUMMING the Bach piece
from memory...
The doors open at 6. Jack self-consciously stops
singing as ELIZABETH PETERSON, 60s, wearing a mink
coat, gets on the elevator carrying a yappy little dog.
JACK
(a charming smile)
Mrs. Peterson.
MRS. PETERSON
Hello Jack. You don’t
have to stop singing on
my account...
JACK
It’s because I’m shy,
Betty. So, when are you
going to leave that old
corpse Mr. Peterson and
run away with me?
MRS. PETERSON
You know you could never
satisfy me the way he
does...
The doors open to the lobby. Mrs. Peterson walks out
ahead.
8 INT. JACK’S BUILDING, LOBBY - MORNING
TONY THE DOORMAN holds the door open for Jack and Mrs.
Peterson...
TONY THE DOORMAN
Merry Christmas, Mr.
Campbell.
JACK
How’d you do this year,
Tony?
TONY THE DOORMAN
About four grand. And a
bottle of twenty five
year old scotch from Mrs.
Johnson in 9D. I’m
putting it all in
commercial paper like you
said.
JACK
Just until the Deutsche
Mark turns...
Jack exits the building...
9 OMITTED
9A EXT. CENTRAL PARK - MORNING
Jack’s Ferrari racing through the park...
10 EXT. LASSITER BUILDING - MORNING
A modern Wall Street building. The sign above the
glass doors reads, “P.K. Lassiter and Associates,
Investment House.”
The Ferrari SCREECHES to a halt. Jack gets out, heads
into the building...
10A INT. LASSITER BUILDING - CONTINUOUS
...Jack throws his keys to a nearby SECURITY GUARD with a
smile on his way to the elevators...
CHAPTER THREE - JACK THE BUSINESSMAN
DISSOLVE TO:
11 INT. LASSITER BUILDING, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
The Manhattan skyline shines through the windows of
this beautiful conference room.
SIX EXECUTIVES are seated at a huge oak table littered
with coffee cups and lunch waste. At the end of the
table, ALAN MINTZ, 30s, balding, sits with a faraway
look in his eyes, three empty Diet Coke cans in front
of him.
Mintz is poking at a shiny gold cherub dangling from a
small, plastic Christmas tree, sitting in the middle of
the table.
Jack is addressing the group from the front of the
room, standing in front of a computer with a huge flat
screen monitor, covered with stock charts and tables...
JACK
...if MedTech's shares sink
any lower than...
(casually executing
a keystroke)
...forty three, we're in
trouble with the stock
valuation. So for god's sake
watch what you say to your
institutional customers...
Jack notices Alan Mintz playing with the cherub.
JACK (CONT'D)
...we still have almost a full
day of trading before zero
hour and I don't want any
trouble...
(distracted by Mintz)
...penny for your thoughts,
Alan...
Alan looks up.
ALAN
Sorry, Jack. I told Dee and
the kids I'd be home by
dinner. You know, it being
Christmas Eve and all.
JACK
Is that tonight?
A LAUGH from the group. Jack approaches Alan.
JACK (CONT'D)
You think I like being here on
Christmas Eve, Alan?
ALAN
I don't know. Maybe...
Another LAUGH. Even Jack lets out a good-natured
chuckle.
JACK
Okay, maybe I do have a touch
of tunnel vision this holiday
season. But in two days we're
going to announce one of the
largest mergers in U.S.
corporate history. Thirty
billion dollars...
(basking in the glory)
When this kind of deal turns
up you get on and you ride it
`till it's over. You don't
ask it for a vacation...
A chuckle from the group...the esprit de corps seems to
energize Jack.
JACK (CONT'D)
(to the group)
December 26th. After that
there'll be so much money
floating around here it'll be
like Christmas every day...
(smiling)
December 26th, people. If
you'd like to celebrate that
day, you all have my
blessing...
Enthusiastic nods and words of agreement from the suits
around the table...
ALAN
You're right, Jack. Sorry...
Jack approaches Alan.
JACK
I don't want you to be sorry,
Alan, I want you to be
excited. I want my gift to be
the first one you open this
year. You know why?
ALAN
Why Jack?
JACK
Because my gift comes with ten
zeroes at the end...
A MURMUR of excitement in the room, even Alan cracks a
smile. Jack puts a hand on Alan's shoulder.
JACK (CONT'D)
Good man...
12 INT. LASSITER BUILDING CORRIDOR - NIGHT
The conference room door opens and the SIX ENERGIZED
SUITS emerge, each met by an ASSISTANT handing them
messages.
Jack is the last one out. He's met in stride by
ADELLE, 50s, carrying a Filofax and a pile of phone
messages.
ADELLE
Only eight thirty? What's the
matter, had some last minute
shopping to do?
Jack pops a peppermint Lifesaver in his mouth as Adelle
hands him his messages.
JACK
You too? This holiday's about
giving, Adelle. And I'm
giving everything I've got to
this deal, so in a way, I'm
more Christmassy than
anyone...
(holding out the candy)
Lifesaver?
ADELLE
(ignoring the candy)
You're a ray of sunshine,
Jack.
They approach an office, the words, "Jack Campbell -
President" stenciled on the glass...
13 INT. JACK'S OUTER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
...continuing past Adelle's desk, Jack looking at his
messages, and into Jack's office...
14 INT. JACK'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
A cavernous office, you could land a helicopter in it -
high tech fixtures, full bar, leather sofa, $3,000
Stairmaster...
Jack walks to an enormous, bare mahogany desk, and sits
down in a high tech ergonomic leather chair.
ADELLE
Oh, and Oxxford called...
JACK
Ooh, my suits are ready...
He gets to the last message, sees the name on it, and
reels back.
JACK (CONT'D)
Kate Reynolds...
ADELLE
Her assistant said you could
call her at home after eight.
Jack stares at the message like he's looking at a
ghost.
JACK
Her assistant?
ADELLE
Yeah Jack, her assistant...
JACK
(lost in the message)
Kate Reynolds was my
girlfriend in college. I
almost married her...
ADELLE
(a hearty LAUGH)
You? Married?
JACK
(snapping out of it)
Almost married. And almost a
junior broker at E.F.
Hutton...
ADELLE
Excuse me?
JACK
She didn't want me to go to
London. We're standing at the
airport saying goodbye and she
asks me to stay.
ADELLE
So you left her? Just like
that?
JACK
God, no. I thought about it
for practically the entire
flight...
ADELLE
Stop Jack, I'm getting all
weepy.
JACK
I took the road less traveled,
Adelle.
ADELLE
And look where it's led you...
(picking up the phone)
I'm gonna get her on the
phone...
Jack pauses, focused on the message, his mind drifting
back...
Adelle begins dialing the number. Finally, Jack
reaches out and hangs up the phone.
JACK
No...
ADELLE
No?! You almost married this
woman. Aren't you even
curious what she wants?
JACK
She's probably just having a
fit of nostalgia. You know,
lonely Christmas Eve, call the
one that got away, that kind
of thing.
Adelle rolls her eyes at him.
JACK (CONT'D)
I'm telling you, it's ancient
history...
Jack looks up as PETER LASSITER, 60s, founder and
chairman of P.K. Lassiter and Associates, saunters into
the room.
LASSITER
Eight forty-five on Christmas
Eve and Jack Campbell is still
at his desk. There's a
Hallmark moment for you...
Lassiter heads to the bar like he's done it a million
times.
JACK
Peter. I don't see you
rushing home to trim the tree.
LASSITER
(pouring himself
a scotch)
That's because I'm a heartless
bastard who only cares about
money.
JACK
And God love you for it.
Lassiter drops down in a soft leather chair opposite
Jack.
LASSITER
(sipping the scotch)
I just got a call from Terry
Haight. Bob Thomas is
nervous...
JACK
That'll happen when you're
about to spend thirty billion
dollars on some aspirin...
LASSITER
Someone's gonna have to nurse
him through this.
JACK
Why are you staring at my
breasts, Peter?
LASSITER
I need you, tiger..
JACK
Where is he?
LASSITER
Aspen.
Jack pauses for a beat.
JACK
(to Adelle)
Call Aunt Irma. Tell her I
won't be able to make it
tomorrow...
Adelle rolls her eyes at him...
LASSITER
You're a credit to capitalism,
Jack.
Jack glances at Adelle, then looks back at Lassiter.
JACK
Hey Peter, lemme ask you a
question. An old girlfriend
calls you out of the blue on
Christmas Eve...
LASSITER
You suddenly having trouble
getting dates?
JACK
Not by a long shot.
LASSITER
Then leave it in the past.
Old flames are like old tax
returns. You keep `em in the
file cabinet for three years
and then you cut `em loose.
Jack shoots Adelle a satisfied smile, crumpling up
Kate's message and tossing a perfect hook into a N.Y.
Knicks hoop.
JACK
(to Adelle)
I'll leave from the office
tomorrow afternoon. Call the
group. Schedule an emergency
strategy session for noon.
ADELLE
That'll be a nice little
holiday treat.
15 EXT. LASSITER BUILDING - NIGHT
A single light remains on in the building.
16 INT. JACK'S OFFICE - SAME TIME
Jack is alone in the office working on his computer,
checking spreadsheets on a large flat screen monitor.
Jack leans back in his chair rubbing his eyes. He
checks his watch. It's past eleven. He gets up, goes
to the window, sees the city in all its Christmas
glory, then he see it...
...the message from Kate, crumpled in the
trashcan...then turns back to the window, gazing out at
the night...
17 INT. LASSITER BUILDING - NIGHT
Jack comes out of the elevator, walking past the lobby
desk where FRANK, a security guard, sits watching the
monitors.
FRANK
Mr. Campbell. Why didn't you
call down, I would've had Joe
get your ride.
Jack looks outside the front door to the snowy, quiet
street.
JACK
I'm thinking I might walk
tonight, Frank.
FRANK
Nice night for it. I'll have
Louis send your car home.
A nod from Jack.
FRANK (CONT'D)
Merry Christmas to you, sir...
JACK
Thanks. To you too...
Jack puts on a pair of soft leather gloves and heads
out into the crisp night air...
18 EXT. LASSITER BUILDING - CONTINOUS
Jack emerges from the building, walking across the
large plaza, past the fountain...snow begins to fall...
19 EXT. MANHATTAN STREET - A LITTLE LATER
Jack's walking down the nearly empty street, snow
falling down on him, a bounce in his step, looking at
the windows of the closed shops along the way.
He gets to the end of the block spots the Wong
Brothers' 24 Hour Deli across the street...
He heads toward it...
20 INT. WONG BROTHERS' DELI - SECONDS LATER
Jack walks into the brightly lit deli...
SAM WONG, 20s, is with his 80-year-old GRANDFATHER
behind the counter. There's a NERDY COLLEGE KID at the
salad bar, a drunken DEPARTMENT STORE SANTA at the
liquor display, a WOMAN with a BABY in an aisle and...
...a BLACK MAN, 30s, with a dollar sign and the name
"CASH" tattooed on his arm, stands in front of the
coffee machine...
CASH
Oh yeah...yeah, yee-ah! She's
a certified winner...paper-
thin but good as gold...
Jack notices Cash talking to himself, seemingly crazy.
Jack approaches Sam Wong at the counter.
JACK
Egg nog?
SAM WONG
(pointing)
Dairy case. Five dollar.
CASH
(in the b.g., to
Sam Wong)
Y'all do the lotto here...?
`Cause I got me a winner...I
know, I know, Lotto keeps the
black man down... but not
me...
Jack grabs a carton of egg nog, then notices Cash
handing Sam Wong his ticket. Jack heads back toward
the counter...
CASH (CONT'D)
...06...14...18...48...right
there. Four numbers...that's
two hundred and thirty eight
dollar...
(a smile)
Merry Christmas and shit...
SAM WONG
(barely looking
at ticket)
Ticket bad. You draw in lines
with pencil.
CASH
What're you talkin' about?
SAM WONG
(throwing the ticket
back)
You draw lines with pencil! I
know about this!
The woman with the baby looks over...the college kid
looks up, nervous...the drunken Santa, bottle of
bourbon in hand, starts to walk by Jack...Jack
instinctively puts an arm out, holding the Santa
back...
CASH
What!? Look at the ticket...!
SAM WONG
Get out, I call 911.
The Santa looks at Jack, confused.
CASH
You're lookin' at me, you're
not even lookin' at the
ticket!
The woman with the baby puts a loaf of bread back on
the shelf, starts nervously inching toward the door.
SAM WONG
You leave now. Take ticket
somewhere else.
(calling out)
Next customer in line...!
CASH
You first generation,
xenophobic, money-theistic,
hot pastrami sandwich
making...
SAM WONG
(screaming)
Get out!
Just watching...Cash shoves the ticket in Sam Wong's
face...
CASH
LOOK AT THE GODDAMN TICKET!!
A moment of decision for Jack. Then...
JACK
(carefully)
Let me see that ticket.
Cash turns to Jack.
CASH
(menacing)
Was I talkin' to you?!
Jack looks at the woman, the college kid, the Santa,
then...
JACK
Maybe I'll buy it from you.
Now Cash walks over to Jack...
CASH
Guy in $2,000 suit gets ass
kicked tryin' to be a hero.
Film at eleven...
(then...turning to
the coffee machine)
What?! Oh no, not another
lookie-loo. You know how big
a job this is?
The patrons exchange nervous glances...Jack watches,
confused.
CASH (CONT'D)
You're double bookin' me!
You're gonna get double
billed! Shit!
Cash throws a bottle of Perrier against the wall, it
SHATTERS. The woman reels back in terror with the
baby...
JACK
Hey, c'mon...
In a flash, Cash whips a .38 from the back of his
pants, aiming it at Jack's face. The woman SCREAMS,
covers her baby.
CASH
(in Jack's face)
Do you want to die?
Jack stares at Cash, trying his best to keep his
cool...
CASH (CONT'D)
DO YOU WANNA DIE?!
JACK
No.
CASH
(a smile)
Yes you do...
JACK
Look, I'm talking about a
business deal here. I buy the
ticket for two hundred, take
it to a store where the guy
behind the counter...
(glaring at Sam Wong)
...doesn't have a death wish
(back to Cash)
...I just made myself a quick
thirty eight dollars.
Cash gets closer...
JACK (CONT'D)
Like I said, it's a business
deal...
CASH
Damn, you are the real
thing...
Cash narrows his eyes...then, a smile as he puts the
gun back into his pants...
CASH (CONT'D)
C'mon, Jack, let's get outta
here...
(to Sam Wong)
You were lookin' at me, papa,
you shoulda been lookin' at
the ticket. That ticket was
legit, B. You're fake...
Cash starts out of the deli. Jack follows...
21 EXT. MANHATTAN STREET - MINUTES LATER
Jack and Cash walking down the street...Jack, holding
his carton of egg nog under his arm, counting out two
hundred dollars...
JACK
How'd you know my name was
Jack?
CASH
I call all you white guys
"Jack."
Jack nods...
CASH (CONT'D)
You know you seem pretty
relaxed for a guy who just had
a gun pulled on him.
JACK
There's no way I was gonna die
in that deli...
(off Cash's look)
Let's just say I've been on a
lucky streak lately.
CASH
(a big LAUGH)
A lucky streak, huh?
Jack hands him the money.
CASH (CONT'D)
Sound pretty sure of yourself,
don't you?
Jack nods.
CASH (CONT'D)
So you're telling me, you've
got a gun to your head and you
don't think for one second,
what if this, what if that,
maybe I shouldn't do this, I
shoulda done that.
JACK
I don't do that. That's just
not for me...
Cash looks at him, then smiles.
CASH
Okay, Jack. Nice doing
business with you...
Cash is about to take off...
JACK
Hey...
Cash turns around.
JACK (CONT'D)
What do you want to carry that
gun around for, anyway?
You're just gonna do something
you'll regret...
CASH
You want to talk about
regrets, you're talking to the
wrong person.
Jack casually takes the egg nog out of the bag, opens
the carton...
JACK
I'm just saying that you seem
like a smart guy. At a
certain point you're gonna do
something, and then there's no
turning back...
CASH
Yeah, in most cases that'd be
true.
Jack takes a sip of the egg nog.
JACK
I mean there must be programs
out there, opportunities...
CASH
(a deep laugh)
Wait a minute, wait a
minute... you're tryin' to
save me?
A look from Jack...
CASH (CONT'D)
Oh man, you're serious...
(out to the street)
This man thinks I need to be
saved!
JACK
Everyone needs something.
Cash looks at Jack...
CASH
Yeah? What do you need?
JACK
Me?
CASH
You just said everyone needs
something.
JACK
I've got everything I need.
CASH
Wow. It must be great being
you. You got it all.
Cash looks at Jack. He smiles and shakes his head.
JACK
Look, I'm not saying you'd be
able to do it without some
hard work...
CASH
(a hearty LAUGH)
You still think this is about
me, don't you?
JACK
Sure it's about you. But it's
about society, too.
CASH
Oh man, I'm gonna enjoy this
one... Just remember, Jack,
you did this. You brought
this on yourself...
And with that, Cash turns and leaves Jack alone on the
street with his egg nog...
22 INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - LATE NIGHT
Jack walks in and throws his keys on a table. He takes
off his gloves and overcoat, glances at the mail, then
heads into the bedroom.
Through the large windows we see snow falling...
23 INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
Jack, flat on his back in bed, fast asleep...
CHAPTER FOUR - A DIFFERENT LIFE
DISSOLVE TO:
24 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - MORNING
Close in on Jack’s face, bathed in morning light...he
opens his eyes...feels something strange...
Jack looks down...there’s a woman’s head resting on his
chest.
A look of confusion crosses his face...trying to
remember... did he meet a woman last night...?
He turns his head to find a large MUTT sitting
faithfully beside the bed, wagging his tail...
...did she have a dog?
He looks down at the woman again, craning his neck to
get a look at her face. And then he sees her...
...KATE REYNOLDS...
...now 34 and even more beautiful, a look of utter
contentment on her radiant face, sleeping soundly...
His head darts around the room - it’s cramped and lived
in, clothes and toys are strewn about, family photos on
the dresser, Laura Ashley curtains, a tiny poster bed
and a charming little bay window.
He instinctively reaches for his Franck Mueller watch
on the night stand, but it’s not there. It’s a Timex
Indiglo and it reads, “7:57 A.M...”
Jack looks back at Kate...he rubs his eyes...maybe it’s
a dream...but nothing changes. Then, Kate stirs...
KATE
Mmmm...ten more minutes,
Jack... it’s Christmas...
Jack jumps as he hears Kate talk for the first time...
Suddenly, the door bursts open...A SIX YEAR OLD GIRL,
ANNIE, in a little nightgown, walks into the room
carrying an 18 MONTH OLD BOY, JOSH, SINGING at the top
of her lungs...
ANNIE
Jingle bells, Santa s
mells, Rudolph laid an
egg...la la la, la-la la
la, la la la la la...
Annie places Josh on the bed and then jumps up
herself. She gestures to the dog, patting the bed.
ANNIE (CONT’D)
You too, Luce...
The dog faithfully jumps on the tiny bed, joining
everybody else and leaving very little room. Annie
starts jumping.
ANNIE (CONT’D)
Rise...and...shine...!
KATE
(stirring)
You’re jumping,
sweetheart...
Jack looks at this activity like a man at his own
funeral.
ANNIE
Mom, don’t you think we
need to open the
presents?
KATE
(groggy)
Mommy needs five more
minutes in la la land.
That could be her
present...
Josh crawls directly up to Jack’s stomach, climbing
on.
ANNIE
C’mon, Dad. Get up!
She said “Dad.”
That’s it. Jack moves the baby gingerly over, then
gets out of bed, stumbling over a baseball bat lying
next to it.
He picks up the bat...the same Willie Mays autograph
bat that was encased in glass in his N.Y. apartment.
Frightened, Jack drops the bad, looking down at himself
for the first time...he’s naked...
...a mortified look on his face as he sees the kids on
the bed...
...he quickly grabs a pair of sweat pants and a yellow
cardigan off the chair and throws them on...
Kate, still half asleep, reaches out her hand.
KATE
Jack...?
Jack turns by instinct. Kate grabs him, drawing him
near. A look of fear on his face as Kate opens her
eyes...
Eye contact...Jack’s certain he’s about to hear her
scream...
KATE (CONT’D)
(still groggy)
Strong coffee, okay?
She lets him go as Jack backs out the door...
25 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE LIVING ROOM - SECONDS LATER
A garishly decorated Christmas tree sits in the middle
of this messy and disorganized living room, a bevy of
gifts underneath and four red stockings over the
fireplace.
Jack darts to the top of the steps...
KATE (O.S.)
(calling from
the bedroom)
Use an entire can if you
have to!
He looks back at the bedroom, then at the
stairs...quickly heading down the CREAKY steps, still
in shock.
He grabs an overcoat from a hook by the front
door...about to step out when he looks down and
realizes...
...he’s barefoot. He glances at a pair of rubber over-
boots sitting by the door, slips them on, just about to
leave when...
He hears the sound of a KEY TURNING in the door
lock...Jack looks at the door, not quite sure what to
do...
The door opens...into the house, arms laden with
wrapped gifts, walk BIG ED and LORRAINE REYNOLDS (both
60s), Kate’s parents. Big Ed’s wearing a ten gallon
hat and a suede overcoat. Lorraine has a cigarette
dangling from her mouth.
JACK
(drawing on a
memory)
Ed? Lorraine?
Big Ed hugs Jack as best he can with an armful of
gifts.
BIG ED
Jack you ol’ bird dog.
Merry Christmas to ya’...
Lorraine plants a big fat kiss on Jack’s cheek.
LORRAINE
Talk to him, Jack.
Please. One day a year
away from the Ponderosa.
I don’t think that’s too
much to ask.
BIG ED
I heard that. This is
who I am, woman!
(a wink to Jack)
Tell her, Jack! You’re
the only one who gets me,
for god’s sake!
Jack, still holding the door open, plotting his escape.
LORRAINE
I need some egg nog...
BIG ED
‘Course you do. Hell,
it’s almost 8 a.m.
(shouting upstairs)
Where are my two l’il
pardners? Annie! Josh!
Giddy up, Bid Ed’s here!
JACK
Excuse me.
Jack dashes out the door.
LORRAINE
Where are you going,
Jack?
(to Big Ed)
Where’s he going?
BIG ED
Damned if I know...
They start to remove their coats, when...
The door flies back open...
JACK
Where’s my car?! Where’s
my Ferrari!?
BIG ED
What the hell are you
talking about?
(to Lorraine)
What’s he talking about?
JACK
Look, can I just borrow
your car?! I promise
it’ll be returned!
BIG ED
The Caddy? Why don’t you
take your own damn car!
LORRAINE
Oh just let him borrow
your precious Cadillac,
for god’s sake.
Jack spots a set of keys hanging on a hook.
BIG ED
He’s got a perfectly good
mini-van sitting out
there in the driveway!
Jack grabs the keys off the hook...darts back outside...
26 EXT. CAMPBELL HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Jack emerges from this charming, suburban two-story
house, some tasteful Christmas lights decorating a tree
in the center of the snow-covered lawn...
He races to a blue Dodge mini-van sitting in the
driveway, a “My Ferrari Is In The Shop” sticker on the
rear bumper. He climbs into the mini-van and peels out
of the driveway...
27 INT. MINI-VAN - SECONDS LATER
Jack sees a sign, “George Washington Bridge - 3 miles”...
28 INT. MINI-VAN - MINUTES LATER
Jack driving over the bridge. A sigh of relief as he
passes under a sign for “Manhattan.”
29 EXT. MANHATTAN STREET - EARLY MORNING
The mini-van pulls up near Jack’s apartment building.
Jack, still wearing pajamas under the coat, leaps out,
running toward the grand entrance where Tony stands
sternly in front.
JACK
Tony, thank god...
Jack starts to walk past but Tony blocks the way.
TONY THE DOORMAN
Sorry, pal. Entrance is
for residents and guests
only...
JACK
What are you talking
about? It’s me, Jack
Campbell. Penthouse C.
I put you into commercial
paper!
TONY THE DOORMAN
(not moving)
Uh-huh...
Just then, Mrs. Peterson walks to the door with
her little DOG. Tony opens the door for her...
JACK
Elizabeth Peterson!
The little dog starts BARKING ferociously at Jack.
MRS. PETERSON
(to Tony re:
Jack, annoyed)
Who is this man?
Tony shrugs his shoulders.
JACK
You know me, Betty. You
do. Jack Campbell.
We’re on the co-op board
together. We fought side
by side for garbage
disposals. Every morning
we exchange quasi-sexual
witty banter. Think...
She looks at Jack with a raised eyebrow, the dog still
YAPPING.
TONY THE DOORMAN
(to Mrs. Peterson)
Should I call the cops?
I’m gonna call the
cops...
Jack pleads to her with his eyes.
MRS. PETERSON
(raising a hand
to Tony)
No...
JACK
(a sigh of relief)
Thank you, Betty. I know
if I can just sleep this
off, I’ll be fine...
MRS. PETERSON
And sleep you shall.
Noblesse oblige is not
dead. Not yet
anyway...Come, let’s get
you some help. Surely
there must be a shelter
somewhere in this city.
JACK
A shelter?! I’m the
richest guy in the
building...I’ve got twice
the square footage you
have!
Mrs. Peterson shakes her head at him, a look of pity on
her face.
Frustrated, Jack turns and runs back to the mini-van...
CUT TO:
30 EXT. LASSITER BUILDING - MINUTES LATER
Jack pulls up across the street and gets out of the
van. Running across the empty plaza toward the
building entrance...
31 INT. LASSITER BUILDING, LOBBY - CONTINUOUS
Jack bursts through the door, approaching the lobby
desk where FRANK the security guard sits.
Frank spots Jack and blocks his way.
FRANK
Whoa, whoa, whoa...hold
it right there...
JACK
Frank. Where’s Alan
Mintz? Is he here yet?
FRANK
Mr. Mintz?
(a knowing chuckle)
I don’t think
so...building’s closed
pal. You’ll have to come
back tomorrow.
JACK
Look, I don’t know what’s
going on here but I am
Senior Vice President of
this company.
FRANK
I don’t care who you
are. It’s Christmas and
like I told you the
building is closed.
JACK
Maybe you’re not hearing
me. I am Jack
Campbell...
(approaching the
building directory)
Right here. Jack
Campbell, President...
And then he sees it...”ALAN MINTZ - PRESIDENT,” listed
plain as day on the building director...
Jack looks at Frank, then back to the building
directory...
A pitying look from Frank...Jack stands there, in
shock...
CHAPTER FIVE - WHAT’S HAPPENING?
32 EXT. LASSITER BUILDING, PLAZA - MOMENTS LATER
...it’s desolate...
Jack walks through the plaza like a zombie, his face
registering nothing. He crosses the street, moving
toward the mini-van...oblivious...when...
SCREECH...a Ferrari 456M stops within inches of Jack’s
torso...a VOICE from the car...
VOICE (O.S.)
Hey! Watch where you’re
walking!
Jack turns...sees the DRIVER low in the seat...can’t
quite make out the face...
VOICE
You almost dented my two
hundred thousand dollar
car!
Jack...still stunned...looks at the car, very
familiar...the voice of the driver, also familiar...
VOICE (CONT’D)
That’s right! My new
car’s worth more than
your shitty house!
A look of realization on Jack’s face...
VOICE (CONT’D)
I feel like I really did
win the lottery!
...it’s Cash, and he’s in Jack’s car...
Jack moves over to the passenger window in shock...a
smile from Cash...
CASH
Miss me, Jack?
JACK
That’s my car! You stole
my car!
CASH
It’s a callable asset
seized in accordance with
the acquisition by-laws
of your alt-fate
contract...
JACK
What?!
CASH
Basically, it’s my car
now. Get in.
Cash reaches over and opens the door. Jack
hesitates...
CASH (CONT’D)
Look, I don’t make the
rules, Jack. This is how
it works. Get in.
Cash gives him a reassuring look. Jack gets in...
33 INT. FERRARI - CONTINUOUS
Jack closes the door...Cash joyfully drives off in a
burst of acceleration...Jack practically ends up in the
back seat...
CASH
Might wanna fasten your
seat belt, Jack...
JACK
(recovering)
What the hell is
happening to me?!
Jack’s freaking out and Cash is enjoying every minute
of it. Cash hands Jack a paper bag. Jack starts
breathing into the bag.
CASH
This kinda thing makes a
lotta guys throw up.
Seen it happen. So if
you get the urge, do it
out the window.
(with a taunting
laugh)
I don’t want you marring
this exquisite leather
interior...
Cash looks over at Jack...he’s really losing it,
sobbing into the bag...almost hyperventilating...Cash
smiles...
CASH (CONT’D)
Look, I don’t know what
you’re getting so worked
up about, you did
this...you brought this
on yourself.
JACK
Brought what on myself?!
I didn’t do anything!
CASH
No? C’mon, Jack...I’ve
got everything I need, I
don’t have regrets,
that’s just not for me...
sound familiar?
JACK
You mean because you
thought I was cocky I’m
now on a permanent acid
trip?!!
Cash gets a laugh out of Jack’s overreaction...
CASH
Everyone else in that
store is a statue, they
see their lives passing
in front of their eyes,
but not you. You’re
making a business deal...
JACK
(enraged)
Give me my goddamn life
back!
CASH
You? What about me? I’m
working hard for you
here, Jack. On Christmas
too! Now you did a good
thing last night,
intervening that way. I
was moved...
JACK
(interrupting)
Please. Just tell me
what’s happening to me.
In plain English. None
of that mumbo jumbo...
Cash turns to Jack.
CASH
It’s a glimpse, Jacko.
JACK
I glimpse? A glimpse of
what!? What glimpse?!
Glimpse!
CASH
Look, eventually,
everybody gets one...some
of ‘em take a couple
seconds...
(looking at Jack)
...some of ‘em take a lot
longer...
JACK
I asked you a direct
question! A glimpse of
what?!
A look from Cash.
CASH
Figure it out. You got
plenty of time.
JACK
How much time?!
CASH
As long as it takes to
figure it out. Which, in
your case, could be
considerable.
JACK
Look, I just want my life
back. Now what’s it
gonna take? You wanna
talk turkey? Let’s talk
turkey! How much
money...?
Cash looks at Jack, relishing the moment. He flashes
Jack a smile.
CASH
Do I look like I need
your money. It doesn’t
work like that and I
can’t tell you why.
JACK
Why not?
CASH
Because you got to figure
it out for yourself.
(beat)
Are you listening to me?
JACK
Figure it out? Figure
what out?!
Cash just stares at him...
JACK (CONT’D)
That’s it? That’s all I
get?! A glare?!
CASH
Look Jack, in my
experience the best way
people deal with this is
to just relax and breathe
through it...let it come
to you.
Jack faces Cash, simmering...with frustration.
JACK
Look, I don’t have time
for this right now. I’m
in the middle of a
deal...
CASH
Oh you’re working on a
new deal now...did I
mention that?
JACK
You know what? I’ve had
it with you. I’ve had it
with all of this shit...
SCREECH...Cash slams on the brakes...practically
sending Jack through the windshield.
Jack recovers, looks up...the car is parked right next
to the mini-van.
Cash pulls out a small plastic bag, holding it out to
Jack...
CASH
Here...
Jack looks inside the bag, pulls out a BARBIE BICYCLE
BELL. He looks at it curiously.
JACK
What’s this, a signal?
Will you come whenever I
ring it?
CASH
Do I look like I live in
a bottle?
Cash reaches across Jack and opens the door.
JACK
(lost)
But what do I do?
CASH
Look Jack I’m late. I’d
love to help you out some
more but I gotta go
handle my business...
(gesturing to
the mini-van)
Happy trails.
Jack looks out to the lonely street outside, then back
to Cash.
JACK
Hey, you did this to me,
you can’t just leave me
like this.
Cash looks at Jack, the desperation on his face.
CASH
Fine. You want to know
everything, I’ll tell you
everything. But not
here. Let’s get some
air...
Jack’s still a little unsure...he sees Cash open the
driver side door...
JACK
(relieved)
Thanks, man...
Jack gets out of the car...and before he can even turn
around, Cash’s door SLAMS shut and the car takes off in
a blast of horsepower...
Jack stands there gazing down the street, listening to
the sound of the Ferrari shifting gears,
disappearing...
The wind whips up...shivering, Jack looks toward the
Lassiter Building, then to the plastic bag in his hand,
and finally to the mini-van.
34 EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - LATE MORNING
The blue mini-van snakes through the curved streets of
the neighborhood, almost all the houses decorated for
Christmas.
35 INT. MINI-VAN - SAME TIME
Jack’s trying to find the house, a map unfolded on the
steering wheel and the car’s registration in his
hand...
He spots ARNIE BENDER, late 30s, carrying an empty
science kit box to the trash. His wife, JEANNIE, also
late 30s, is getting in a Ford Taurus wagon, a bowl of
fruit in hand...
Jack pulls up to the curb near Arnie, rolling down the
window.
JACK
Excuse me. Do you know
where Merrison Street is?
Arnie looks up and sees Jack in the van.
ARNIE
(turning to his wife)
Jeannie! I found Jack!
36 INT. BENDER HOUSE, DEN - A LITTLE LATER
Jack follows Arnie into the den of this garishly
decorated suburban home, Arnie’s arm around his
shoulder.
ARNIE
You look terrible...
Jack takes in the decor – it’s a male leisure time
fantasy – old pinball machine, wide screen TV, dart
board, and kitschy ‘50s style bamboo bar...
ARNIE (CONT’D)
Truth is I expected you.
Kate called before and
asked if I knew where you
were.
Arnie notices Jack’s fascination with the room...
ARNIE (CONT’D)
I know, I moved the
Barca-lounger into the
corner. It’s throwin’
everybody off. What do
you think?
JACK
(with a nod)
Great room...
A satisfied smile from Arnie, Jack’s approval means
something to him.
ARNIE
You and me, buddy. We
know how to live...
Arnie shepherds Jack onto a bar stool and pours a drink
out of a bamboo bottle holder.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
So Jack, you okay?
Jack doesn’t respond, his eyes drawn to a softball team
photo on the bar...Jack and Arnie kissing a huge trophy
with the caption, “Plainfield, N.J. Softball League
Champs, 1994.”
ARNIE (CONT’D)
I mean you leave the
house on Christmas
morning, you don’t tell
anyone where you’re
going...
Jack looks over from the photo to Arnie...
JACK
We’re friends, aren’t we?
ARNIE
Maybe I don’t say it
enough but you moving in
next door to me...
Arnie makes a fist and gestures to his heart. Jack
nods.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
Talk to me...
A moment of decision for Jack as Arnie stands there,
open eyed, ready to listen.
JACK
I’m having kind of a bad
day.
ARNIE
(nodding)
I read somewhere that the
suicide rate doubles
during the holidays...
A raised eyebrow from Jack.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
(to himself)
What am I saying? You
don’t need to hear
that...
(back to Jack)
All I meant was a lot of
people have a hard time
dealing with all the
forced reverie, that’s
all. Is that you?
JACK
Is it...?
ARNIE
Trouble at work?
JACK
I don’t think so.
ARNIE
It’s not Kate, is it?
Jack pauses at the mention of Kate. Arnie’s eyes
widen...
ARNIE (CONT’D)
(proudly)
You see, it’s like we’re
in each other’s heads...
JACK
Kate’s my wife...
Jack looks at Arnie as if he’s seeking confirmation.
ARNIE
(a playful smile)
Just keep saying it,
Jack, like a mantra.
Arnie comes out from behind the bar, taking Jack by the
arm.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
C’mon, I better walk ya
home. She’s mad enough
as it is, right...?
37 EXT. ARNIE’S YARD - SECONDS LATER
Arnie walks Jack through his backyard...
ARNIE
Look, you fit the profile
exactly. Thirties,
house, kids, financial
responsibilities. You
start thinking...this
isn’t the life I dreamt
about. Where’s the
romance, where’s the joie
de vivre? Suddenly,
every lingerie ad in the
Newark Star Ledger
represents a life you
can’t have...
JACK
(thinking, then...)
It’s just two kids,
right?
A chuckle from Arnie.
ARNIE
You made a choice, Jack,
a promise to your wife.
Maybe sometimes it seems
like you gave up the
world, but look what you
got...
They arrive at...the backyard of the Campbell house...
cluttered with a swing set, a dog run with chewed up
lawn, and a wooden sun deck in the process of being
built...
ARNIE (CONT’D)
Four bedrooms, two and a
half baths, and a
partially finished
basement...
Jack trips over a wayward BIG WHEEL.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
(shaking his head)
Kids...
Arnie leads Jack toward the house.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
Okay look, you probably
don’t want to hear this
right now but remember
what you told me last
summer when I almost had
that thing with Arnie
Jr.’s speech therapist.
A blank stare from Jack as they arrive at the sliding
glass door...Arnie faces Jack squarely, grabbing his
shoulders and looking him in the eye.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
Don’t screw up the best
thing in your life just
because you’re a little
unsure about who you
are. Okay?
Arnie gives Jack a comforting smie...
ARNIE (CONT’D)
God, it feels so good to
finally give something
back to you...
Arnie turns Jack toward the door and slides it open.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
I’m gonna hug you now...
Arnie gives Jack a gentle hug...then gives him a little
push toward the door...
38 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, DEN - CONTINUOUS
Jack steps inside. He turns back to the door but
Arnie’s gone.
Then, Kate enters the room, holding a portable phone...
KATE
(into phone)
Hold on a second...
She cups the receiver. Jack looks at her, she’s
dressed now, nothing fancy but she looks great.
JACK
You cut your hair...
A curious look from Kate.
KATE
Ten years ago...
Kate just stands there looking at Jack, giving away
nothing.
KATE (CONT’D)
Are you okay?
JACK
Yeah...fine.
She gives him a resolute nod, then...
KATE
(into phone)
Never mind, he just
walked in...
Jack grimaces as she resolutely hangs up the phone then
stares him down angrily.
KATE (CONT’D)
Do you have any idea what
you put us through
today?! You walk out of
here at 7:30 in the
morning, don’t tell me
where you’re going, or
even that you’re going,
and I don’t see you ‘til
hours later. I had state
troopers looking for
you! I called
hospitals...
(pointing at
the phone)
...I was just on the
phone with the morgue
for god’s sake!
Jack watches her vent, the frustration on his face
building.
KATE (CONT’D)
What kind of man leaves
his family on Christmas
morning without a word
about where he’s going?
Jack’s almost to a breaking po INT.
KATE (CONT’D)
What kind of man does
that!?
JACK
(jumping in)
I don’t know! Please
stop yelling at me!
She looks at him curiously.
KATE
Where were you?
JACK
I was in the city.
KATE
The city? New York
City? Why?
JACK
Because that’s where I
live.
KATE
Jack...don’t even
start...
JACK
Look, you don’t
understand. I woke up
here...and this is very
strange ...this is not my
house...
A raised eyebrow from Kate. Jack moves around the
room...
JACK (CONT’D)
(pointing upstairs)
I’m not “Dad...”. Kate,
you’re not my wife...
Kate looks him over, assessing, then...
KATE
You know what, Jack?
It’s not funny this
time. I’m really angry.
She stares him down, expecting an answer. But he has
no answer.
KATE (CONT’D)
(loudly)
Jack!
Jack takes the bell out of the plastic bag that Cash
gave him, holds it up in front of her and starts
RINGING it furiously.
Then...Annie rides into the room on her new bike.
ANNIE
(re: bell)
What’s that?
Jack watches as she pedals over, reaches into his hand
and takes the bicycle bell...
ANNIE (CONT’D)
(examining the bell)
I like this...
(jumping up and
giving hima peck
on the cheek)
...thanks, Dad!
Annie rides excitedly out of the room on her bike.
Leaving Jack and Kate alone again...
KATE
You missed the whole
thing, Jack. The
pancakes, the
presents...you spent six
hours putting that bike
together and you didn’t
even get to see the look
on Annie’s face when she
opened it...
Jack sees the disappointment on her face...
KATE (CONT’D)
You missed Christmas,
Jack.
Jack looks down, almost ashamed...he relents, giving in
to the moment...
JACK
I’m...I’m sorry.
Kate looks at him. He seems sincere enough...
KATE
Look, we don’t have time
for this right now, we’ll
talk about it later. Now
get dressed...
(pointing to his
outfit)
You’re not wearing that
to the Thompsons’ party.
I don’t care how
hilarious you think it
is...
JACK
Party? Oh no, I can’t go
to a party...
KATE
You look forward to this
party all year. What’s
with you today?
JACK
Trust me on this Kate. I
really don’t think going
to a party is the right
move for me at the
present time.
Kate looks at him a moment, then shakes her head.
KATE
Fine. Do whatever you
want.
She picks up the phone, starts dialing...
JACK
What are you doing?
KATE
Telling my mother she
doesn’t have to stay with
the kids.
JACK
Why not?
KATE
Because you’ll be here.
Kate just looks at him.
JACK
I’ll be ready in ten
minutes.
He walks past her...toward a hallway door, Kate
watching him...
He opens the door...it’s a closet.
JACK (CONT’D)
Christ...
(turning around)
Where the hell is the
bathroom?
KATE
Funny, Jack. I’m
laughing on the inside.
39 INT. BATHROOM - MINUTES LATER
The light comes on...
Jack walks in, looks in the mirror, determined to
collect himself...but something’s not right...
He glances around...the bathroom is small and it’s
cluttered with Kate’s razors, loofah, skin creams...
...none of this stuff is his...
...he looks in the mirror again, his face revealing a
forlorn sense of displacement...
...he stares at himself until...he starts to lose it...
anger, confusion...sadness...finally, he begins breaking down...
After a moment, he turns on the water, rinsing his
face...
40 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, BEDROOM CLOSET - MINUTES LATER
Jack at the closet door, looking at a row of Hagar
slacks, Docker sport coats and imitation leather
shoes...
He reaches in and touches the fabric on one of the
sport coats.
JACK
This is just...
(searching for
the words)
...this is sub-par...
Annie appears at the bedroom door, watching Jack at the
closet.
He turns...sees Annie watching him...a look
exchanged... then, Annie runs away...
Jack turns back to the closet and mournfully takes a
pair of the slacks...
41 EXT. THOMPSON HOUSE - NIGHT
Jack and Kate, a casserole dish in her hand, walk up
the path to this tacky but large house, its outside
decorated with the most garish display of Christmas
decorations this side of Pasaic.
Kate RINGS the doorbell...
EVELYN THOMPSON, 30s, wearing a dress that’s a bit too
tight and a bit too low cut, opens the door...
EVELYN
Kate! Jack!
(turning around,
to guests)
Everybody, Jack and Kate
are here!
Jack looks right past her...to the house filled with 50
GUESTS.
A loud WHOOP from the guests...Jack has the look of a
condemned man on his face as he follows Kate inside...
41A INT. THOMPSON HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
As Kate heads into the living room, Evelyn takes Jack’s
arm...
EVELYN
(suggestively)
Like the dress...?
JACK
(glancing at it)
It’s lovely...
EVELYN
(a satisfied smile)
I thought I saw you
notice it at the kids’
recital.
Jack shoots her a confused look...then walks in, trying
to catch up with Kate...
42 INT. THOMPSON HOUSE - A LITTLE LATER
The party is in full swing, Christmas music in the
b.g., GUESTS talking, laughing, drinking egg nog...
Jack’s eyes dart around the room...it’s large, neater
than his and Kate’s house but still very lived in...The
Thompson KIDS run in and out of the room, playing with
new toys... nobody is wearing or eating anything
imported from Europe, but everyone’s having a good
time...
...everyone except for Jack, standing with Arnie and
THE GUYS, having his ear chewed off by NICK CARELLI, a
walking advertisement for Levi’s Cotton Dockers...
NICK
Did you see Van Horn last
night? This kid’s gonna
single-handedly save
basketball in the state
of New Jersey...
JACK
The Nets? You’re kidding,
right...?
Nick looks at him in disbelief.
JACK (CONT’D)
(recovering)
Well...they’re certainly
due.
BILL KRAMER, a huge pile of fried chicken wings on his
plate, tugs at Jack’s shirt.
BILL KRAMER
So tomorrow’s the big
day, Jackie...
JACK
Okay...why?
BILL KRAMER
Triple bypass. I’m going
under the knife. I told
you, didn’t I?
JACK
Triple bypass?
(pointing to his
plate)
You really think you
should be eating all
that?
BILL KRAMER
Why not? I figure I’m
going in for a cleaning
tomorrow, I might as well
load up on the fried
stuff tonight...
ARNIE
Good thinking, Bill.
Have another drink.
(whispering to Jack)
He’ll be lucky if he
lives through the
night...
Nick reaches into his pocket and pulls out a packet of
Dutch Masters cigars. He shows them to Jack, Jack nods
politely. Nick eagerly hands him one...
Nick lights Jack’s cigar, then his own...enjoying that
first puff...smiling at Jack...Jack dutifully takes a
puff of the cigar...nods back at Nick...but it’s an
effort...
Evelyn Thompson approaches, a tray of MUSHROOM PUFFS in
hand...
EVELYN
(holding out a
puff to Jack)
Finger food...?
JACK
I don’t think so, thank
you...
EVELYN
(suggestively)
C’mon, as soon as I put
them down, you’re gonna
grab a couple...you
always do...
Kate sees Evelyn and Jack from her position on the
other side of the room...Kate watches as...
Evelyn holds the puff up to Jack’s mouth, slowly
putting it near his lips...
EVELYN (CONT’D)
Let me. They’ll melt in
your mouth...
He instinctively opens his mouth as Evelyn pushes the
treat inside...
EVELYN (CONT’D)
Good?
On Jack’s face...if freezer burn were a facial
expression, this would be it...
JACK
(forcing a smile)
They’re great! Thank
you!
...Evelyn licks her fingers suggestively then hands
Jack the entire tray with a sexy smile...
A raised eyebrow from Kate, still watching...
EVELYN
Mushroom puffs aren’t the
only thing I do well...
JACK
Well do whatever it is
you do well, and
just...just do it.
Excuse me...
Evelyn nods as Jack walks toward the staircase...
Kate follows Jack with her eyes as he climbs the
stairs...
43 INT. THOMPSON HOUSE, DEN - NIGHT
Jack is sitting on the arm of a couch filled with
guests’ coats, talking on a FOOTBALL SHAPED
telephone...the tray of mushroom puffs on the table...
JACK
(loudly, into phone)
...what do you mean he
won’t come to the phone?!
(standing, indignant)
Do you realize how much
money I’ve made for that
sonuvabitch in the last
eight years?!
Click. A dial tone. Jack slams the phone down...
JACK (CONT’D)
Damnit!
He slams the phone again...and again...and again...
KATE (O.S.)
Jack...?
Jack turns, sees Kate standing in the doorway, watching
him take his frustrations out on the phone, concern on
her face.
KATE
Are you sure you’re
okay...?
A forced smile from Jack.
JACK
Yes, I’m fine. It’s just
this god awful football
phone! Who has a phone
like this anyway?!
KATE
(doubtful)
Uh huh...
Kate notices the tray of mushroom puffs on the table.
KATE (CONT’D)
You must really love
Evelyn’s mushroom puffs,
huh?
(with a wink)
You know they’re not
real...
She turns and leaves...Jack looks at her, confused...
44 INT. THOMPSON HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - A LITTLE LATER
Jack comes down the stairs, a lost look in his eyes.
He looks across the room and sees...
Kate, with a group of GUESTS, looking great in her
jeans and white blouse, the center of attention.
Jack passes through the guests, people waving to him,
slapping him on the back as he approaches Kate...
He catches Kate’s eye...she gives him a subtle smile.
KATE
(to guests)
...then she asks me to
put this sweater on.
What choice do I have,
right?
Jack watches as Kate charms the crowd...
KATE (CONT’D)
But as I’m slipping it on
I notice she’s misspelled
the word “lawyers.”
(laughing)
I had to go through the
entire day wearing a hand
embroidered sweater that
said, “Non-Profit Layers
Do It For Free.”
The guests laugh again. Even Jack finds himself
laughing, until...
JACK
(to Kate, off-hand)
So you’re a lawyer...?
A chuckle from the group. Kate’s confused.
JACK (CONT’D)
A non-profit lawyer...
People are starting to LAUGH.
KATE
(a little embarrassed)
Jack...
JACK
Pro bono. You don’t get
paid at all. Nobody
makes a dime. Well,
bravo...
Blank stares from everyone, including Kate...
CUT TO:
45 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, FOYER - LATE NIGHT
Kate and Jack walk in the front door...the dog greets
them happily, jumping up on Jack, a weary look on his
face.
KATE
I better go wake my
mother...
Kate grabs a leash off a hook and hands it to Jack.
KATE (CONT’D)
Here you go...
JACK
You’re kidding me...
KATE
She’s your dog, Jack.
JACK
No, she’s not.
KATE
Fine, she’s the kid’s
dog. Let’s go wake Josh,
see if he wants to walk
her.
JACK
But it’s twenty degrees
outside...
KATE
(sympathetic)
You’re having a bad day,
I’ll go with
you...actually, there’s
no way in hell you’re
gettin’ me back out
there...
Jack looks at the dog’s face. Lucy couldn’t be more
excited. Finally, Jack shakes his head and takes the
leash.
KATE (CONT’D)
(heading up the
stairs)
Make sure you reward her
verbally when she does a
number two...
CUT TO:
46 EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - LATE NIGHT
The sound of CRICKETS.
Jack, wearing a down jacket, is being dragged down the
street by Lucy, his breath condensing in the cold
winter air. The dog sniffs at a hydrant and a couple
of garbage cans, but isn’t doing her business.
JACK
Figure it out...I’m s
crewed...don’t have to
be a genius to figure
that out...
The dog stops, sniffing at a manicured lawn...
JACK (CONT’D)
(to Lucy)
It’s as good a place as
any...
But the dog keeps moving, pulling Jack with her.
JACK (CONT’D)
...but obviously not up
to your high standards...
(to himself)
Okay...he said you’re
working on a new deal
now...fine, you’ve done a
thousand deals, what’s
the first thing you do?
Lucy’s sniffing around someone’s Christmas display but
Jack’s too wrapped up in his thought process to notice.
JACK (CONT’D)
Triage. It’s your
signature. You survey
the damage, find out
everything you can, you
probe, leave nothing to
chance. I’m just gonna
have to go detective.
How did you get
Mentadent? You learned
everything there was to
know about toothpaste and
then you pounced...
Jack narrows his eyes, thinking about that deal...
JACK (CONT’D)
That’s our play here...
Resolute, Jack turns to the dog.
JACK (CONT’D)
If you could take a dump
some time in this
century, then we could go
home where it’s warm...
Jack looks around at the unfamiliar houses...
JACK (CONT’D)
That is if I can even
remember how to get
home...
(to Lucy)
You remember, don’t you
girl?
But the dog ignores him, dragging Jack along...
47 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
Kate is in bed, fast asleep.
Jack walks into the room, his face still red from the
cold outside. He looks over at Kate, sleeping happily.
He takes off his shirt and khakis, laying them neatly
on the chair. He looks over at the pair of flannel
pajamas folded on the dresser. He shakes his head,
resigned, then dons the pajamas and climbs into bed...
CHAPTER SIX - BEING A PARENT
48 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE BEDROOM - MORNING
Morning light streams into the room. The clock reads,
“7:14.”
Jack opens his eyes – a burst of light hitting them
from the window...like the morning light in his
Manhattan loft...
He reaches across the bed...it’s empty...
A smile of hope from Jack as he puts his head back on
the pillow...maybe it was only a day...Then...
The sound of a baby CRYING from the next room...A
pained look on Jack’s face as he realizes he’s still in
Jersey.
Now the baby is WAILING...Jack lies still a moment,
hoping it’ll stop...it doesn’t. Then, he hears the
sound of the SHOWER TURN ON in the bathroom.
He gets out of bed and walks to the bathroom...
49 INT. BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
The shower is running, a tape player is BLASTING “Beast
of Burden.” Kate is in the shower SINGING LOUDLY with
the song...
JACK
Hello?
No answer...
JACK (CONT’D)
(louder, over music)
Hello!
KATE
(singing)
...my feet are hurtin’...
JACK
(yelling)
HEY!
Finally, the music is turned down and Kate pulls the
shower curtain open...
Jack sees her naked body...raises an eyebrow...that’s
something he’s missed...then...
JACK (CONT’D)
Uh...that baby’s crying...
KATE
(unimpressed)
And...?
...her expression makes Jack turn his gaze from her
naked body.
KATE (CONT’D)
Don’t give me that look,
Jack, Tuesday’s your day
and you know it. And try
to get Josh to day care
on time, okay? He missed
the macaroni painting
last week...
She closes the curtain and turns the radio back up.
CUT TO:
50 INT. JOSH’S ROOM - MORNING
Annie’s watching from a baby-size Laz-E-Boy lounger
as...
Jack, in a robe, stands in front of a changing table,
Josh laying happily on his back, playing with a set of
plastic keys.
Jack takes a fresh Huggies diaper and puts it next to
the baby. He surveys Josh, scratching his chin and
rubbing his hands like Indiana Jones. Josh playfully
grabs at Jack’s nose.
He looks over to Annie. She’s still staring at him
like he’s a Martian. He looks at the instructions on
the box of Huggies.
JACK
Pull tape...
Jack searches the diaper for the tabs of tape, then
gingerly pulls them apart, releasing the diaper from
the baby’s bottom, and seeing what’s inside.
JACK (CONT’D)
Holy mother of god!
Jack holds the diaper out away from him, searching for
a place to put it. Annie points to a Diaper Genie by
the dresser.
Jack throws the diaper in, then quickly replaces the
lid. Annie points to the container of Baby Wipes.
JACK (CONT’D)
You must be kidding...
Annie stares at him a beat. Then...
ANNIE
You’re not really our
dad, are you?
Jack turns to her. She’s looking back at him with
complete earnestness. They stare at each other another
moment. Then...
JACK
No, I’m not.
A look of curiosity from Annie.
JACK (CONT’D)
I work on Wall Street,
you know with the big
buildings...?
No response from Annie...
JACK (CONT’D)
I live in an apartment
house with a doorman, I
can buy just about
anything I want...
Annie nods at Jack, still suspicious.
JACK (CONT’D)
This isn’t my real life.
It’s just a glimpse...
ANNIE
Where’s my real dad?
JACK
I don’t know...
A concerned look on Annie’s face, Jack’s petrified that
she’s about to cry.
JACK (CONT’D)
But don’t worry, he loves
you and I’m sure he’ll be
back very soon...
(to himself)
...very, very soon...
Annie approaches Jack, climbing up on a little chair
and tugging firmly at his hair.
ANNIE
They did a pretty good
job.
JACK
Who did?
ANNIE
The aliens...In the
mother ship. You look
just like him.
JACK
Uhh...thanks...slightly
better looking though,
right?
Annie’s now stone faced, trying to decide about Jack.
JACK (CONT’D)
You’re not going to start
crying, are you? Because
I’m not really sure I
could deal with that
right now.
She thinks about it for a moment.
ANNIE
Do you like kids?
JACK
On a case by case
basis...
ANNIE
You know how to make
chocolate milk?
JACK
I think I could figure it
out.
ANNIE
You promise not to kidnap
me and my brother and
implant stuff in our brains?
JACK
Sure.
Beat. Then...a smile from Annie.
ANNIE
Welcome to earth.
51 INT. MINI-VAN - MORNING
Jack’s driving, Annie buckled in the front seat...
Josh, in the baby seat, looks like he was dressed by
monkeys – his shirt buttons are off by one, and they’re
clearly supposed to be in the back.
ANNIE
Stop here...
Jack stops the van outside the Playland Day Care
Center.
ANNIE (CONT’D)
This is day care. It’s
where babies go when
their parents are at
work.
JACK
Check...
He gets out of the van...
52 EXT. MINI-VAN - CONTINUOUS
...he pulls Josh out and walks quickly toward the
building, holding the baby away from his body.
He gets to the door and holds Josh out to the DAY CARE
LADY. She stares at Josh’s outfit...
JACK
Do I get a receipt or
something...?
The woman looks at Jack like he’s crazy.
53 EXT. YMCA - A FEW MINUTES LATER
The mini-van pulls up to the drop-off point at this
suburban New Jersey Y. Annie opens the door.
ANNIE
I have winter camp until
four, then ballet until
five thirty.
JACK
Five thirty. Okay.
ANNIE
Try not to be late
because kids don’t like
to be the last one picked
up.
JACK
Got it. Good tip.
ANNIE
Bye...
CHAPTER SEVEN - A TIRE SALESMAN
Jack watches her as she runs toward the building.
Then...
JACK
(calling out window)
Hey! Annie!
Annie turns back toward him.
JACK (CONT’D)
Where do I go now?
ANNIE
Big Ed’s.
JACK
Big Ed’s? Big Ed’s
Tires?
(suspicious)
Why...?
ANNIE
That’s where you work.
A beat. Then...
JACK
You mean I sell tires...
She shrugs her shoulders and walks off.
JACK (CONT’D)
That’s what I do. I’m a
tire salesman...
CUT TO:
54 INT. MINI-VAN - A LITTLE LATER
Jack’s driving down a busy commercial street when he
spots something a hundred yards down the road...
JACK
Good Lord...
...a huge, three-story-tall plastic likeness of Big Ed
Reynolds, ten gallon hat, lassoing a tire...
55 EXT. BIG ED’S TIRES - MOMENTS LATER
Jack approaches Big Ed’s from the parking lot...slowly,
taking it all in...
It’s like a Pep Boys with a Texas theme. A big retail
store for tires and auto parts, and a repair bay for
everything from alignments to brake jobs...
Jack walks to the tire bay where HECTOR, 40s, a
Guatemalan mechanic in grease-stained coveralls, stands
with TOMMY the salesman.
TOMMY
Hey Jack, you happen to
know the stock number on
those new Michelin X1's?
JACK
Uh...lemme get back to
you on that one...
(looking at his
name tag)
Tommy...
HECTOR
(to Tommy)
Thomas, why you bother
Jack about that. Look it
up yourself...
(to Jack)
Okay Jack, we talk
later...
Jack nods amiably then continues into the store...
56 INT. BIG ED’S TIRES - CONTINUOUS
Jack walks in...looks around...the store is teeming
with activity, a post-holiday sale in progress...
Big Ed, in his signature ten gallon hat, sees Jack from
behind the counter...
BIG ED
Jack my boy! You are
looking mighty worse for
the wear...Hey, guess who
I played bridge with two
nights ago...?
Jack stares blankly at Big Ed...
BIG ED (CONT’D)
Hell, you’ll never
guess. One Sydney
Potter. That’s Sydney
Potter, Chief Executive
Officer of BuyRite
Transport. Only the
third largest trucking
company in the state. I
even let the sonuvabitch
win, which wasn’t easy
because the guy’s been
bashed in the head by
Teamsters so many times
his brain’s like
porridge. Anyhoo, he’s
looking for a new parts
supplier... we can handle
that kind of volume,
right?
Jack considers this briefly.
JACK
I’m gonna have to get
back to you on that...Ed.
Big Ed makes a gun gesture with his forefinger, winking
at Jack, then turns back to the activity at the counter
as...
Jack spots KENNY, a very young sales associate, walking
by. He reaches out and taps Kenny on the shoulder.
JACK (CONT’D)
Do I have a private
office somewhere in the
building?
KENNY
Uh...sure Jack...
(nervously pointing)
Right back there...
JACK
Thank you.
Jack walks into the office with his name on the door...
57 INT. JACK’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
There’s no Stairmaster here, no leather sofa or
bar...it’s small, cramped and cluttered, the walls
littered with tire inventory and price lists...
Jack takes a slow, sad lap around the office.
He makes it to the small wooden desk at the far end of
the room and sits down behind it...
On the desk are photos of Jack, Kate and the kids, a
plastic Michelin Man model, a tire-themed day calendar
and a small plastic figurine of a BOWLER, the word,
“Bowlers Do It In An Alley” embossed on its base...
He surveys the desktop briefly, then opens the top
drawer, finding a personal checkbook and looking
inside...
He sees the bottom line and winces, then puts it
back...
Jack picks up the “Bowlers Do It In An Alley” figurine
and gives it a good look...
JACK
Bowlers do it in an
alley?...Non profit
lawyers do it for free...
what is it with these
people? Don’t they
realize this refers to
sex?
He replaces the figurine then opens the bottom drawer
where he spots a bottle of Glenfiddich. He lifts it
out...
JACK (CONT’D)
At least you splurged on
some decent scotch...
He takes a paper cup and pours himself a shot. He
drinks it down in one gulp and then crumples up the
cup, throwing it toward the NET’S basketball
hoop/garbage can near the door.
He misses...
He looks more closely at the photographs...most are
family photos, a happy Jack with Kate, with Annie at
the pony rides, at Josh’s birth...in every one of them,
Jack is smiling...
JACK (CONT’D)
(to Jack in
the photo)
What are you smiling
about...?
He turns his head...spots a small plaque on the wall
behind him. It reads, “Jack Campbell - E.F. Hutton #1
Junior Sales Associate, 1988.” Jack raises an
eyebrow...
JACK (CONT’D)
Number one...not bad.
He grabs it off the wall and looks at it more
carefully...
JACK (CONT’D)
1988...? I was in London
in 1988...
Jack’s jarred into reality...
JACK (CONT’D)
(to Jack in the photo)
You never went to London...
(picking up the photo)
...you never got on that
plane...
He stays there a moment...in shock. Then...
The P.A. system comes to life...
ESTELLE
(over P.A.)
Jack to mag
wheels...Jack, you’re
needed in mag wheels,
customer waiting!
CUT TO:
58 INT. BIG ED’S TIRES, MAIN FLOOR - MINUTES LATER
Kenny leading Jack toward the “Mag Wheels” section.
JACK
...I was the number one
junior sales associate at
E.F. Hutton in 1988. Did
you know that?
KENNY
No, I didn’t...that’s
great.
JACK
That’s the kind of thing
you can really build
on...
KENNY
Uh huh...
JACK
I mean sales has always
been a feeder for M and
A, always...
They approach “Mag Wheels” where TOMMY, a slick sales
associate, stands with a CUSTOMER looking at the
displays...
KENNY
Here we are, mag wheels...
(a little concerned)
Hey Jack, are you sure
you’re okay?
JACK
Well, I’m just a little
confused right now about
why I work here...
Kenny looks at him nervously.
KENNY
Uh...I just started here
last Tuesday.
Jack nods compassionately. Kenny takes off leaving
Jack alone with his thoughts as Tommy approaches with
the customer.
TOMMY
(to the customer)
So you’re all set on the
Skip Shift eliminator and
the Brembo rotors.
Jack’s our point man on
alloy wheels...
JACK
(turning to Tommy)
Do you know why do I work
here...?
TOMMY
Because you’re the best
damn tire guy in the
state of New Jersey...
(proudly, to the
customer)
Jack taught me everything
I know about the
business...
The customer nods, impressed.
JACK
I taught you the business?
Another nod to the customer.
TOMMY
And he’s a crack-up.
JACK
Everything I taught you.
I want to hear it all,
right now.
Tommy’s confused.
CUSTOMER
Hey, I’m ready to buy
here...
JACK
(to the customer)
What do you want?
CUSTOMER
I want some alloy wheels.
Jack grabs one of the alloy rims off the shelf, holding
it out to the customer.
JACK
Here. These are great.
You’ll need four.
The customer takes the wheel from Jack, looks at it
confused...
CUSTOMER
But I don’t like these...
JACK
Hey, you heard the guy,
I’m the best damn tire
guy in the state of New
Jersey.
(turning to Tommy)
Everything.
TOMMY
Okay...
(hesitating)
Rule number one, the
customer is always
right...
A satisfied smirk from the customer.
59 INT. BIG ED’S TIRES, JACK’S OFFICE - LATE AFTERNOON
Jack is behind his desk, his tie loosened, on the
phone...
JACK
(into phone)
...I have no idea what
our inventory level is,
that’s why I’m asking
you...
A KNOCK at the door...
JACK (CONT’D)
Look, just send us what
you sent us last month,
okay...? And keep doing
that until further
notice...
He hangs up the phone as the door opens. Big Ed sticks
his head in...
BIG ED
Got a minute, Jack?
JACK
I’ve got all the time in
the world...
Big Ed walks in, followed by SYDNEY POTTER, 60s, a
tough looking man...
BIG ED
Jack, meet Sydney Potter,
BuyRite Transport, one of
Jersey’s top
businessmen...
Potter extends a hand, Jack rises from his chair,
trying to place the name. Then...
JACK
...and a helluva bridge
player. Ed’s told me a
lot about you...
They shake hands. Potter nods his head at Jack,
immediately impressed. Big Ed is beaming.
POTTER
(in a heavy Jersey
accent)
Lucky in cards, lucky in
business, lucky in love.
My cup runneth over...
(to Big Ed)
He’s a nice looking
boy...
BIG ED
My daughter’s no slouch
either...
A smile from Potter, then a serious look.
POTTER
Let’s cut to the chase,
Jack. Big Ed tells me
you’re the grease that
makes the wheels turn
around here. I need a
new parts supplier for my
fleet. You seem to have
the parts. That we
know. What we don’t know
is why the hell I should
buy them from you.
Potter stares Jack down. But Jack’s not about to be
intimidated by him. He pauses, matching Potter’s
stare. Then...
JACK
I have no idea...
A surprised look from Potter. An anxious laugh from
Big Ed.
BIG ED
(nervous)
C’mon Jack...
JACK
(to Potter)
I mean it. From what I
can tell, we’re a mom and
pop operation, we’re
already over-extended in
sales, and any price
advantage we could offer
would easily be matched
by a larger supplier...
Jack continues to stare down Potter.
JACK (CONT’D)
So like I said, I don’t
have any idea why you
should buy your parts
from us...
The staring match continues. Big Ed’s getting more
nervous. Potter’s the first to blink.
POTTER
Okay, you got my
attention...
JACK
Except for rule number
one...
Jack smiles.
JACK (CONT’D)
The customer is always
right. A cliché? Sure.
The difference is, we
mean it. We’re small, we
need our customers. We
can’t afford to
disappoint them, ever.
Yeah, you could go to
some leviathan supplier,
probably save a few
pennies on the price of
oil filters, but with us
you get more than a
supplier, you get a
bridge partner...
A smile from Potter. Jack gives Ed a wink. Ed
watches, thrilled...
JACK (CONT’D)
You want to bid hearts,
we’re right there with
you. You feel the need
to redouble, you’re not
going to get any argument
from us...
Potter nods at Jack. Jack moves in for the kill.
JACK (CONT’D)
The big guys may have the
high cards, but you know
as well as I do, Sydney,
high cards don’t always
take the trick.
Potter pauses a minute, then...
POTTER
(to Big Ed,
re: Jack)
I like him...
Big Ed smiles, letting out a relieved sigh.
BIG ED
(a wink to Jack)
That’s my boy...
(an arm around Potter)
C’mon, lemme show you the
rest of the ranch...
Big Ed and Potter exit the office...
BIG ED (CONT’D)
(turning back to Jack)
Nice shootin’, Jack...
...leaving Jack there with a satisfied smile on his
face.
60 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jack is in bed watching CNBC...On the TV a young woman
REPORTER at the anchor’s desk...
CNBC REPORTER (ON T.V.)
...advancers led
decliners by a nine to
four ratio and the
closing tick was a mildly
bullish plus seventy
six. Much of the
market’s action today was
fueled by the latest
round of merger mania to
hit Wall Street...
The Global Health Systems and MedTech logos appear on a
graphic in the corner of the screen...
CNBC REPORTER (CONT’D, ON T.V.)
...when Global Health
Systems and MedTech
Pharmaceutical announced
their intentions to join
forces in a massive one
hundred and twenty two
billion dollar stock swap
deal. Though neither
side expressed
significant regulatory
concerns at the
announcement press
conference, it is
believed that both the
FDA and the FTC will be
closely scrutinizing the
marriage, the largest
ever in the health care
industry. When asked
about possible anti-
competitive implications,
Global Chairman Bob
Thomas referred reporters
to P.K. Lassiter and
Company President Alan
Mintz, the original
architect behind the
deal...
Jack stares in shock as the image changes to a super
confident looking Mintz shaking Bob Thomas’ hand at the
press conference.
CNBC REPORTER (CONT’D, ON T.V.)
Ironically, Mintz first
met Thomas at a Lamaze
class...
JACK
A Lamaze class...!?
CNBC REPORTER (ON T.V.)
...while coaching their
pregnant wives, Mintz and T
homas struck up a
dialogue about the need
for consolidation in the
rapidly growing health
care industry and two
months later, the deal
with MedTech was born...
JACK
What?! That’s my deal?
CNBC REPORTER (ON T.V.)
In other business news,
U.S. Labor Department
officials announced today
that two hundred and
seventy-five thousand new
jobs were created last
month, twenty-five
thousand less than
economists were
predicting, leading to a
mild rally in the bond
markets before midday.
But as the trading
session drew to a close,
the profit takers stepped
in and the long bond
closed at ninety seven
even, up only two ticks,
the yield inching down to
six point zero seven
percent...
Kate comes into the room from the hallway wearing only
Jack’s NYU sweatshirt...
KATE
The kids are asleep...
She goes over to the window and draws the blinds. Jack
looks up at her, nods, then goes back to the TV.
KATE (CONT’D)
Jack. I said the kids
are asleep...
JACK
(distracted)
Well that’s just
great...those little
monkeys can be a real
handful...
Kate shuts off the TV.
JACK (CONT’D)
Hey! I was watching
that!
KATE
I thought we had a deal
about you watching CNBC
in bed.
JACK
I’m working on a new deal
now...
Kate throws a Kate Bush’s “The Sensual World” into the
CD player.
KATE
Fine, but not tonight...
She climbs onto the bed, a seductive look on her face.
JACK
Wait a second. You want
me, don’t you?
KATE
That is the general idea,
yes...
Kate starts kissing him...but Jack’s a little
uncomfortable with the sudden intimacy...he pulls back,
a little nervous.
JACK
Shouldn’t we grab some
dinner first? Maybe a
bottle of wine...?
KATE
It’s ten thirty, Jack.
By eleven you’re gonna be
sprawled out on the bed
snoring your head off.
We don’t have time for
wining and dining.
JACK
Whatever you say...honey.
She starts kissing him again...but this time he just
goes with it, and as her hands run through his hair
he’s brought back to a different time and place...
Jack momentarily pulls back and looks at her...it’s
like the first time he’s really looked at her in eleven
years...
JACK (CONT’D)
God...you’re beautiful...
She smiles at him, almost uncomfortable with the
compliment...
KATE
Thanks, Jack...
JACK
No, I’m serious...you’re
really stunning...
KATE
This is good stuff, Jack,
keep it coming...
JACK
I mean back in college,
you were a very pretty
girl, there’s no question
about that. But this...
(lost in her)
...you’ve really grown
into a beautiful woman...
Jack stares at her, entranced...Kate pulls back,
reacting to the intensity in his stare...
KATE
How can you do that?
JACK
(nervous)
Do what?
KATE
Look at me like you
haven’t seen me every day
for the last twelve
years...
Jack freezes. There’s love in her eyes but it’s not
meant for him...
She kisses him...
KATE (CONT’D)
Don’t move.
She gets up off the bed and heads for the bathroom...
He looks around...not sure what to do...Finally...
He turns onto his side and closes his eyes...
Kate emerges from the bathroom, she sees Jack on the
bed, hears his breathing heavy with sleep...
At once charmed and disappointed, Kate sighs. She
turns off the CD player and heads into bed.
She pulls the covers up over Jack, shutting off the
light... She puts an arm around him, kissing him
sweetly on the neck...
KATE (CONT’D)
‘night, honey...
Close in on Jack’s face...turned away from Kate...he
opens his eyes...looks down at her arm...loneliness on
his face...
CHAPTER EIGHT - THE MEN’S DEPARTMENT
DISSOLVE TO:
61 EXT. MALL - DAY
It’s mid-January and all signs of the Christmas season are
gone except for the snow on the ground in the busy parking
lot.
62 INT. MACY’S, MEN’S DEPT. - DAY
Kate, pushing Josh in the stroller and holding Annie’s
hand, passing through the Men’s Dept., Jack lagging
behind, a bevy of shopping bags in hand and a
beleaguered look on his face.
KATE
(back to Jack)
We’re almost done here...
ANNIE
Mary Janes, Mom. You
promised.
KATE
That’s right. Okay,
let’s make a quick stop
at the kids’ shoe
department, pick up my
watch from the battery
place, then I’ll run into
the linen store...
An unhappy look on Jack’s face.
JACK
Why don’t we just go to
all the stores?!
Kate looks back at Jack.
JACK (CONT’D)
Every single store in
this godforsaken shopping
mall. We can go to them
all.
Kate gives him a look. Then...
KATE
You know what, Jack?!
I’ll go with the kids.
Why don’t you just hang
out here in the men’s
department... okay?
Jack glances at the Men’s Dept., sighs and gives Kate a
nod. She takes off with the kids...and then he sees
it...
...the Zegna section. He’s drawn to the neat rows of
beautiful suits like a moth to the light...
He approaches the rack, pulls out a dark green suit,
gently touching the soft wool.
SALESMAN (O.S.)
It’s perfect for your
frame...
Jack turns and sees a SALESMAN standing behind him.
SALESMAN
Would you like to try it
on?
CUT TO:
63 INT. MACY’S MEN’S DEPT. - A LITTLE LATER
Jack, at a mirror wearing the Zegna suit. It is
perfect for his frame. The color is spectacular, the
line is dazzling.
Jack looks in the mirror, shutting everything else
out... it’s like he’s seeing his old self...
KATE (O.S.)
You look amazing in that
suit...
Jack snaps out of his trance. He sees Kate standing
behind him, Annie and Josh happily playing a few feet
away.
KATE
I mean...wow...off the
charts great.
JACK
It’s an unbelievable
thing. Wearing this suit
actually makes me feel
like a better person.
(taking one final
look)
I’m gonna buy it...
Kate raises an eyebrow, then looks at the price tag.
KATE
$2,400?! Are you out of
your mind?
JACK
(pointing to Annie’s
new Mary Janes)
She got those shoes...
KATE
Those shoes were twenty
five dollars. C’mon,
take it off. We’ll go to
the food court and get
one of those funnel cakes
you like.
Jack looks at her...it’s a moment of decision.
JACK
No.
Kate looks at Jack, a little surprised.
KATE
No?
JACK
Do you have any idea what
my life is like?
KATE
Excuse me?
JACK
I wake up in the morning
covered in dog saliva...I
drop the kids off, spend
eight hours selling tires
retail...retail, Kate.
Kate just stands here, aghast...
JACK (CONT’D)
I pick up the kids, walk
the dog, which by the
way, carries the added
bonus of carting away her
monstrous crap...I play
with the kids, take out
the garbage, get six
hours of sleep if I’m
lucky, and then it starts
all over again...and why
is it that I always have
to drive everyone
everywhere? I spend
practically my entire day
in that slow as hell
mini-van listening to
Raffi tapes and trying to
figure out how the cup
holders work...I’m sick
of it.
KATE
Really.
JACK
What’s in it for me?
Where are my Mary Janes?
Kate stares at him, shaking her head...
KATE
It’s sad to hear your
life is such a
disappointment to you,
Jack.
JACK
I can’t believe it’s not
a disappointment to you!
(letting it all out)
Jesus, Kate, I could’ve
been a thousand times the
man I became. How could
you do this to me? How
could you let me give up
on my dreams like this?!
Kate stares at him in disbelief. Then...
KATE
Who are you?
Kate’s words pierce Jack...he has to avert his eyes.
JACK
(lowering his voice)
Look, I’m sorry. I’m
sorry I was such a saint
before and I’m such a
prick now. Maybe I’m
just not the same guy I
was when we got
married...
KATE
Maybe you’re not. The
Jack Campbell I married
wouldn’t need a $2400
suit to make himself feel
better about his life,
but if that’s what it’s
gonna take, then buy it.
Just buy the goddamn
suit ...we can take the
money out of the kids’
college fund.
They stare at each other for a moment...a stand-off...
JACK
Forget it...
(taking off the
jacket)
We’ll get a funnel cake.
It’ll be the highlight of
my week...
64 EXT. NEW JERSEY ROAD - NIGHT
The blue mini-van makes its way down this road...
65 INT. MINI-VAN - NIGHT
There’s an icy silence in the car...Jack is behind the
wheel, Kate next to him looking out the window, anger
on her face...
CHAPTER NINE - REMINISCING
Jack checks the rear-view mirror, sees Annie and Josh
in the back, both asleep...
JACK
(to Kate)
Listen, I’m sorry about
that back in the store.
I really don’t want to
fight with you...
Kate just keeps looking out the window.
JACK (CONT’D)
But you must sometimes
wonder how we ended up
here. I mean back in
college, did you see
us...
(looking around)
...here...?
She turns to him.
KATE
I’ll give you this, life
has thrown us a few
surprises...
A glimmer in Jack’s eye...
JACK
It really has, hasn’t
it? So if you had
to...what would you say
was the biggest surprise?
She glances at the kids sleeping in the back.
KATE
Well...Annie for one.
JACK
Surprise. We’re
pregnant...
(a laugh)
Yeah...that must’ve
been...I mean that was
very unexpected. But
what are you gonna do,
right?
KATE
I think it worked out
okay, don’t you?
JACK
Sure. I really like
Annie.
KATE
Good, Jack. Maybe we’ll
keep her.
JACK
No, I love Annie. We had
a lot of good times,
didn’t we?
KATE
We were young...
(a nostalgic smile)
Remember that little
place on Charles Street
we used to go to?
JACK
Charles Street? In the
Village? When we were
living in Greenwich
Village...?
(off her nod)
Great times. Why’d we
ever leave?
KATE
You can’t really raise a
kid in an apartment in
the Village...
Jack nods, starting to piece it together.
KATE (CONT’D)
The trek out to the
hospital every day didn’t
help either...
(looking at him)
You were great.
Surviving the heart
attack was one thing...
JACK
You had a heart attack?
KATE
(a laugh)
Jack, stop that. I'm
still mad at you...
(a sigh)
...who knows what
would’ve happened if you
hadn’t stepped in at the
store.
JACK
That’s why I work for Big
Ed?
A look from Kate.
JACK (CONT’D)
(recovering)
I mean, that’s why I work
for Big Ed...
Jack looks out at the road a moment, piecing it all
together in his mind.
JACK (CONT’D)
(almost to himself)
So we had a baby, Big Ed
had a heart attack, we b
ought that house, and
I’ve been working for him
ever since...Sayonara,
Wall Street.
Kate looks at him a little strangely.
JACK (CONT’D)
(turning to her)
Our life in a nutshell...
KATE
If you want to look at it
that way...
JACK
How would you look at it?
She glances again at the kids in the back seat, then at
Jack.
KATE
A great success story...
A smile from Jack. He admires her outlook even if he
can’t bring himself to share it.
DISSOLVE TO:
66 INT. BOWLING ALLEY - EVENING
A crowded suburban New Jersey bowling alley...
Jack stands at a lane holding a bowling ball, the
nickname “The Hammer” emblazoned over his bowling shirt
pocket...He approaches the line and throws the ball
down the lane...
It’s ugly...The ball caroms off the hardwood into the
gutter.
JACK
Damn...
ARNIE
(O.S., from behind)
Jesus, Jack, this is a
league match, for god’s
sake!
Jack turns. Arnie and the BOWLING TEAM are in the
scorekeeping area watching Jack make a mockery of the
sport. Jack scowls.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
Where’s your follow
through? Where’s your
stance?
JACK
Hey, I’m doing the best I
can...
(under his breath)
I’d like to see you hit a
squash ball after
seventeen beers...
ARNIE
You’re right. Why am I
so competitive!?
Compensation, I guess.
Look, just focus, Jack.
You can still pick up the
spare...
Jack retrieves his ball, sets up, genuinely
concentrating...
JACK
(quietly, to
himself)
You are Jack Campbell.
You’re better than this
sport. You shot the
rapids at Kenai. You ran
with the bulls at
Pamplona. You jumped out
of a plane over the
Mojave Desert, for
Christ’s sake. You can
do this...
Jack puts everything he has into the throw, heaving the
ball down the lane with as much grace and power as he
can muster...hitting the six pin and taking out four
others.
JACK (CONT’D)
(screaming, excited)
Yeah!!
He turns, a fist pumped...But the guys could care
less...
ARNIE
(to TEAMMATE)
Okay, Pete, you’re up.
67 INT. BOWLING ALLEY - LATE
Jack walks out of the men’s room, heading toward the
lounge. He sees a familiar face walking toward him...a
woman in a sexy little bowling outfit, carrying a
bowling ball to a far lane.
EVELYN
Hi Jack...
A moment of confusion as he tries to place the face.
Then...
JACK
Evelyn, right?
EVELYN
Very funny. I saw you
out there on lane five.
What do you have the flu
or something?
JACK
Something like that.
EVELYN
(with a wink)
Need a nurse?
JACK
You’re a nurse?
Evelyn laughs.
EVELYN
If that’s what you
want...
She brushes past Jack, continuing to her lane...Jack
follows her with his eyes a moment, then...
JACK
Wait a second...
She turns.
JACK (CONT’D)
Are we...?
EVELYN
Are we what, Jack?
JACK
Is there something going
on between us?
Evelyn’s surprised at Jack’s directness. She stands
there a beat, then walks back toward him.
EVELYN
Are we finally being
honest?
JACK
It would help me if we
were.
EVELYN
Okay, you’re right, we’ve
been dancing around this
for years...
Evelyn looks a little flush...she briefly fans her
face.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
God, my heart is racing.
Here goes...
(a smile)
When I get dressed for a
party and I know you’re
going to be there...
well, let’s just say I
don’t go strapless
because my husband likes
it...
An intrigued smile from Jack.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
I’ve got six sets of snow
tires piled up in my
garage and I won’t even
drive in the snow...And
our kids just happen to
be in the same ballet
class every year?
She picks a piece of lint off his shirt.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
So, if you’re asking me
whether I’d like it to be
more, the answer is
yes...
A look of surprise from Jack.
EVELYN (CONT’D)
...and Kate would never
have to know.
Jack considers this for a moment.
JACK
Do I have your number?
A wide smile from Evelyn.
EVELYN
Steve’s out of town with
the kids this week. Why
don’t you just stop by...
She turns, leaving Jack standing there, watching her
sashay back to her lane.
68 INT. BOWLING ALLEY, LOUNGE - SECONDS LATER
Jack walks into the lounge, a little dazed. He heads
over to Arnie who’s having a beer at the bar.
ARNIE
(looking at Jack)
Hey Jack, you’re all
flush. I guess that
seventy-one took a lot
outta you.
JACK
(sitting down)
I just saw Evelyn
Thompson.
ARNIE
She is relentless.
JACK
She wants to have an
affair with me.
ARNIE
She said that?
JACK
Pretty much.
ARNIE
Oh yeah...
(shaking his head)
What is it about you?
JACK
(pushing over a
napkin)
So could you write down
her exact address?
ARNIE
Whoa...whoa...wait a
second, Jack. You’re not
actually gonna cheat on
Kate?
JACK
It wouldn’t really be
cheating...
(off Arnie’s
doubtful look)
It’s complicated.
ARNIE
Look, maybe I’m not as
good a consigliere as you
are but you have to trust
me on this one. A little
flirtation’s harmless but
you’re playing with fire
here. The Fidelity Bank
and Trust is a tough
creditor. You make a
deposit somewhere else,
they close your account
forever.
JACK
I’m telling you, those
rules don’t apply to me,
Arn.
ARNIE
(a chuckle)
Screw the rules. I’m
talking about the choice.
Jack looks at him curiously.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
C’mon, Evelyn Thompson’s
got no class. She
doesn’t marry Dr. Steve,
the woman’s living in a
trailer.
JACK
Hey, is that really
necessary?
ARNIE
All I’m saying it there
isn’t a guy in Union
County who wouldn’t give
his left nut to be
married to Kate...
Arnie takes one last swig of his beer and gets up...
ARNIE (CONT’D)
I’ll see ya later,
Jack...
He leaves Jack alone, thinking...
CHAPTER TEN - CAKE WARS
69 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE - NIGHT
Jack walks into the house carrying his bowling bag. He
dumps the bag in the coat closet and walks into the
kitchen where...
Kate is at the counter, her back to him, poring over
some legal documents.
KATE
(not looking up)
How was the game, honey?
JACK
(opening the fridge)
Long, boring, and
generally pretty sad.
Arnie seemed to enjoy
it...
(peering inside)
Hey, where’s that chocolate
cake...?
Kate turns around, revealing a huge hunk of chocolate
cake on a plate in front of her, a bite ready to go
into her mouth.
KATE
(with a smile)
You mean this chocolate
cake?
JACK
That’s my piece. I was
saving it because I got
nauseated from that store
bought chicken.
Kate takes the bite, a little piece of icing sticks to
the side of her mouth.
KATE
It’s good...
Jack approaches the counter.
JACK
Gimme that cake.
She takes another bite.
KATE
No way.
He makes a grab for the plate but she holds it out
where he can’t reach it.
JACK
C’mon.
KATE
Sorry, Jack. It’s too
important to me.
They stare each other down a moment. Then...
He tries to swipe the plate. Kate jumps out of her
chair, running out of the kitchen with the cake,
laughing...
Jack takes off after her...chasing her through the
house... just about the catch up to her when...
She darts up the stairs, still laughing...he follows
her...
JACK
I want that cake!
...reaches up...grabs her shirt...pulls her down
playfully on top of him...
KATE
(laughing)
You want the cake!?
JACK
(out of breath)
I want it...
She looks at him, then takes the whole piece in her
hand and smooshes it right in his mouth...
Beat. Then, Jack starts laughing...
JACK (CONT’D)
Thank you...
KATE
It’s good, right?
He takes a big clump of it and smooshes it in her
mouth.
They stay there a moment, lying on the stairs, feeding
each other cake, laughing.
Jack leans back on the stairs. He looks at Kate’s
face, practically covered in cake, smiling, and
realizes...
...he hasn’t laughed like this in thirteen years.
Then...
JACK
Are the kids asleep?
A sexy smile from Kate...they start kissing
passionately right there on the steps...it’s heating
up...
KATE
(caught up in the
moment)
Say it, Jack...
JACK
What...?
KATE
C’mon, you know what I
like to hear...
JACK
(in the throes
of passion)
Yeah, baby, I know what
you like to hear...
KATE
(kissing him)
Then say it...just say it
to me...!
JACK
(swept up in the
moment)
Oh yeah, you’re a bad
girl, baby... You make me
so hot...I’m gonna take
you to that special
place...
Kate pulls away.
KATE
What...?
Jack looks up at her, he can practically see the
passion drain from her face...
JACK
Not it...?
KATE
Nice, Jack. You’re
sweeping me off my feet.
JACK
What? You make me hot...
She gets up and heads up the steps, disappearing into
the bedroom...Jack shakes his head, frustrated. Then,
he feels something licking at his hand...
He looks down and sees Lucy standing next to him,
wagging her tail, looking up at Jack with an “I’ve
gotta go” look on her face. Jack heaves a sigh,
then...
JACK (CONT’D)
C’mon, Lucy, maybe one of
us can get a little
relief tonight...
He leads the dog toward the front door...
70 EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - MINUTES LATER
Jack is walking Lucy. He passes a house that looks
familiar to him. Then he sees it...
...the name “THOMPSON” etched on the mailbox...
It’s the Thompson house, now sans the garish Christmas
decorations, a drying Christmas tree tied up on the
curb, ready to be picked up as garbage...
Jack stops, pulling the dog back, looking up at the
house...
He sees a light on in the upstairs bedroom...the faint
outline of a woman reading by the window...
EVELYN THOMPSON...
Jack looks around, sees the street is empty, then
nudges the dog, leading her up the path to the house.
He gets to the front door...moves his hand up to the
doorbell...but it’s a tentative move...he keeps it
there a moment, perched at the button...but for some
reason he can’t bring himself to push it...
He looks down the street, toward his own house, then to
the window upstairs. Finally, he turns...
JACK
(pulling the leash)
C’mon, girl, let’s go
home...
71 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE FOYER - MINUTES LATER
The front door opens and Jack walks in with Lucy on a
leash, his face red from the cold outside.
He gives the dog a pat on the rump, then takes off his
coat, hanging it and the leash on a hook by the door...
He walks through the quiet house, into the living room,
rubbing his hands together to warm them up.
CHAPTER ELEVEN – HOME MOVIES
He goes over to a glass bar stand and pours himself a
scotch, taking a sip, letting the alcohol warm him...
He strolls through the room, looking at some of the
family photos framed and hanging on the wall, focusing
on his own face in the pictures, studying the
expressions...
He moves to a pile of video tapes sitting on a shelf,
marked with titles like, “Trip to Yosemite, ‘96" and
“Josh’s 1st Birthday.” He runs his fingers along the
tapes, stopping at one marked, “Jack Singing.” His
eyes linger there a moment...
He puts his drink down and pops the tape in the VCR...
ON TV:
It’s a party for Kate’s birthday thrown at the Kramers’
house...same crowd of people as the Christmas party,
cheesy “Happy Birthday” decorations.
The image jerks up and down, surveying the crowd...
Bill Kramer at the piano, playing some light cocktail
music ...Kate talking with a group of friends...
ARNIE (O.S.)
Jesus, Bill, this thing
is an antique. Don’t you
even have image
stabilization?
Bill stops playing and looks up at Arnie.
BILL KRAMER
Four hundred bucks at Best
Buy, Arn.
Then...Jack comes into frame, a confident smile on his
face.
JACK
And everyone knows image
stabilization is for the
weak...
Jack is jarred by the image of himself on the video...
Jack on TV...he smiles as Kate walks into frame, easily
putting an arm around Jack...
ARNIE
So Jack, it’s your wife’s
birthday, got anything to
say to her?
JACK
(to Kate)
It’s your birthday?
Today? What’s your
name? Where were you
born?
KATE
Jack.
JACK
Wait a minute. You’re my
wife?
She slaps him playfully on the arm...
JACK (CONT’D)
I do have one thing I
wanna say...
Kate looks at him expectantly. Then...
JACK (CONT”D)
(singing to her)
Oh those fingers in my
hair, that sly come
hither stare, strips my
conscience bare, it’s
witchcraft...
Jack doesn’t have the greatest voice in the world but
he’s not the least bit self-conscious...and Kate seems
to like it, there’s a twinkle in her eye...some of the
guests focus their attention on Jack and Kate.
Jack winces, embarrassed, as he watches himself sing...
JACK (CONT’D)
...and I’ve got no
defense for it, that heat
is too intense for it,
what good would common
sense for it do...
Bill Kramer still at the piano, chimes in with the
basic chords for “Witchcract,” sounding it out as he
goes along...
JACK (CONT’D)
...‘Cause it’s
witchcraft, wicked
witchcraft...and although
I know it’s strictly
taboo...when you rouse
the need in me, my heart
says yes indeed in me,
proceed with what you’re
leadin’ me to...
The camera catches the reactions of guests in the
crowd... the women, smiles on their faces, wrapped up
in the romance of the moment. Envy on the men’s faces
as they watch Jack serenade his wife...
A musical interlude from Bill as Jack takes off his
jacket...some HOOTS and HOLLERS from the crowd...Arnie
captures the image of Kate whistling at her husband...
Arnie follows with the camera as Jack strolls in front
of the gathered guests...
JACK (CONT’D)
It’s such an ancient
pitch, but one that I’d
never switch, there ain’t
no nicer witch than
you...
Jack watches himself move gracefully. But it’s no
longer embarrassment on his face, it’s fascination...
Back in the video, the camera catches Evelyn Thompson
watching longingly as Jack moves back toward
Kate...Evelyn can’t take it anymore, she abruptly turns
and walks toward the kitchen...
Jack raises an eyebrow...
In the video...Jack approaches Kate, she couldn’t have
a more delighted look on her face. He picks up the
verse...
JACK (CONT’D)
‘Cause it’s witchcraft,
that koo koo
witchcraft...and although
I know it’s strictly
taboo...
The camera pans across the crowd, even the men are
getting into it, focused on Jack as he sings lovingly,
unashamed, to his wife...Nick Careli mouths the words
along with Jack, almost as if he’s studying him,
revering him...
Jack watches the TV, seeing Nick do this...maybe he
underestimated his alter ego...
On the video...Jack staring into Kate’s eyes...
JACK (CONT’D)
...when you rouse the
need in me, my heart says
yes indeed to me, proceed
with what you’re leadin’
me to...
Jack and Kate exchange a sexy smile...
JACK (CONT’D)
It’s such an ancient
pitch, but one that I’d
never switch...
Jack kisses her on the lips...HOOTS and HOLLERS from
the crowd.
JACK (CONT’D)
‘Cause there’s no nicer
witch than you...
Kate brushes a hand across Jack’s face...
Smash cut to Jack watching this...seeing the
connection, the heat between them...coveting it...
Back to the video...the music building...the crowd
completely in the palm of Jack’s hand...
JACK (CONT’D)
...than you...
The camera closes in on Jack and Kate as the music
builds to a crescendo...
JACK (CONT’D)
...than you...
A little musical flourish from Bill as the crowd breaks
out into huge CHEERS and APPLAUSE...
Jack, watching this other version of himself in the video,
the center of attention, larger than life, focused on Kate...
Back on video...
JACK (CONT’D)
(speaking quietly
to Kate)
Happy Birthday
sweetheart...I love you.
Kate leans over, giving Jack a deep kiss...OOHS and
AHHS from the crowd...but Jack and Kate are in their
own little world...
Jack continues to watch himself on the video, his smile
fading, becoming a look of realization...then loss...
A tear at the corner of his eye...
The SOUND fades in Jack’s head as the action in the
video continues...
He’s left standing there...silent, still...
DISSOLVE TO:
72 INT. CAMPBELL MASTER BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
Lucy licking Jack’s face. Jack pushes the dog
away...as...
The ALARM RINGS. Kate pushes the button to stop it.
KATE
(groggy)
Time to get up, honey...
Jack obliges without question, getting out of bed,
putting on a robe and slippers and exiting, still
practically half-asleep.
73 INT. KITCHEN - SECONDS LATER
Jack walks into the kitchen.
He turns on the Mr. Coffee, gets a bottle from the
fridge, throws it in the microwave, removes it, and
heads upstairs.
74 INT. JOSH’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
...into Josh’s room. Josh is wide awake, standing up
in his crib, like a prisoner in a cell.
Jack gives him the bottle, pats his head perfunctorily,
and then walks out of the room...
CHAPTER TWELVE - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
75 INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
...and back into the bedroom to find Kate, sitting on
the bed, a wrapped present in front of her and a wide
smile on her face.
Jack stops, raising an eyebrow at the gift. He looks
behind, as if to ask whether it’s for him, then back to
Kate.
KATE
Happy Anniversary,
honey...
Terror on Jack’s face.
KATE (CONT’D)
(pushing the gift
forward)
Before you do whatever
crazy stunt you’ve got
planned I want you to
open mine...
Jack musters up a smile, then approaches the gift.
JACK
Maybe I should wait...
KATE
No, open it...
He hesitates, then begins unwrapping the package,
revealing...
...a suit, similar in color and style to the Zegna
suit...
KATE (CONT’D)
I found it at an outlet
store. I know it’s a
knock-off, but I think
it’ll look great on
you...
JACK
(examining the label)
Zeena...
Jack is overcome with emotion...Yes, it’s a ZEENA, but
this is probably the nicest thing anyone’s ever done
for him...
JACK (CONT’D)
(tearing up)
You really are
incredible...
KATE
Enjoy it, sweetheart...
Jack looks at Kate’s expectant face, suddenly
remembering how truly screwed he is.
JACK
You’re probably expecting
something from me...
He’s sweating bullets...watching as Kate gets a quizzical
look on her face...
JACK (CONT’D)
Here’s the thing. I
really hadn’t planned on
giving you your...uh...
anniversary gift until
tonight.
(an uncomfortable
smile)
You know, anniversary’s
good all day...
KATE
What are you talking
about? You never wait
all day. You can barely
wait until it’s light
out.
JACK
I know that, but...
Beat. Kate looks at him like she’s looking into his
soul.
KATE
You forgot.
Jack stands there, silent.
KATE (CONT’D)
You actually forgot our
anniversary.
JACK
I’ll fix it. I’ll go out
right now and get you
something. I’ll make it
right.
That didn’t help.
KATE
(holding back
the tears)
Jesus, Jack...Is this
where we are now? Is
this our marriage?
Suddenly I’m the wife who
has to drop hints two
weeks before her
anniversary so her
husband doesn’t fuck it
up?
Jack sees a tear run down her face...a pang of guilt on
his...
JACK
Please don’t cry...
Kate wipes the tear away but they just keep coming.
KATE
(shaking her head,
crying)
I don’t want to be that,
Jack...
Jack approaches her, holding out a hand but Kate pushes
it away, gets up and walks toward the bathroom...
Jack is left standing alone, holding Kate’s gift...
CUT TO:
76 INT. FRONT PORCH - MINUTES LATER
Jack emerges from the house, steps out onto the porch
for some air...
He shakes his head, a mixture of frustration and self-
pity on his face.
He notices Annie’s bike leaning against the side of the
porch, and the bell that Cash gave him sitting on its
handle bar.
He takes a step toward it, and gives the bell a gentle
RING ...he looks around, as if he’s expecting someone
to appear ...but there’s no one. He RINGS the bell
again, louder this time, really trying to attract
someone’s attention.
JACK
C’mon...c’mon...
Nothing. Finally, he lifts the bike up in the air,
RINGING the bell with everything he’s got...
JACK (CONT’D)
(shouting to the
sky)
C’mon, goddamnit, how was
I supposed to know the
date of their
anniversary!? I never
married her!
Pull back...Annie in the doorway...looking at him.
ANNIE
(slowly)
Put the bicycle back on
the ground...
Jack turns and sees her, gently lowering the bicycle.
77 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE KITCHEN - MORNING
Jack is mixing a glass of chocolate milk. Annie, arms
folded, is waiting expectantly. He finishes, sliding
the glass to her.
She takes a long sip, puts the glass down, a chocolate
milk mustache on her lip.
ANNIE
Not bad...I shoulda
warned you. Dad always
does something really
special for their
anniversary.
JACK
Like what?
ANNIE
One year he had a solar
system named after her...
JACK
Don’t you think that’s a
little gimmicky?
ANNIE
Mom liked it.
Jack raises an eyebrow.
JACK
Maybe there’s a jewelry
store back at the mall.
I could get her a pair of
earrings or something.
ANNIE
That’s good but...you did
forget the anniversary.
JACK
Right. That’s a major
oversight...
(thinking aloud)
So if I’m Kate...I can’t
really afford the finer
things, my husband’s
career is a crushing
disappointment to me,
I’m trapped in suburbia...
Then...
JACK (CONT’D)
Did he ever take her to
the City?
Annie smiles, impressed.
ANNIE
You’re really gettin’ the
hang of this.
Suddenly, a look of confidence comes over Jack’s face.
For the first time, he seems like a man in control.
78 INT. BEDROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Annie is sitting on the bed watching her mother get
dressed.
Kate, wearing a silky slip, walks out of her closet
carrying two dresses on hangers, a red one and a sexy
little black one.
Kate holds out the two dresses to Annie.
KATE
Which do you think?
Annie thinks about it for a moment, taking it very
seriously...
ANNIE
The black one...
Kate nods. She’s about to put it on when she looks at
Annie...
KATE
Fighting’s a part of it,
Annie. You know that,
right?
ANNIE
I’m not worried, Mom.
He’s still learning our
ways...
Kate looks at her with a raised eyebrow, then nods.
It’s true. She puts down the dress and holds out a
hand to Annie.
KATE
C’mere.
Kate leads her to the makeup table, then opens a
lipstick...
ANNIE
(excited)
Really?
Kate nods then applies some red lipstick to Annie’s
lips.
KATE
Now go like this...
Kate rubs her lips together, showing Annie how to do
it. Annie mimics her Mom, then Kate looks at her –
Annie’s beaming.
KATE (CONT’D)
You’re gonna break a lot
of hearts, you know.
A smile from Annie...
Pull back to reveal...Jack standing at the door,
watching ...appreciating the kind of mother Kate is...
79 OMITTED
80 EXT. LOIRE - NIGHT
A small, elegant French restaurant hidden on a tree-
lined lower Manhattan street.
81 INT. LOIRE - SAME TIME
Jack is wearing the suit Kate gave him. It’s not a
Zegna, but he looks pretty damn good.
He leads Kate toward the cloak room at this intimate
restaurant...
He helps her off with her coat. Kate’s wearing the
sexy little black dress and we can immediately see its
effectiveness...
JACK
You look beautiful...
A charmed smile from Kate as she hands Jack her coat.
Jack hands the coats over to the COAT CHECK GIRL...
JACK (CONT’D)
(instinctively)
Thanks, Catherine...
Jack fakes a SNEEZE, trying to cover up...Kate gives
him a pat on the back...
KATE
You okay?
He takes Kate by the arm...
JACK
Fine...
He leads her to the main room.
She looks out at the room, elegant tables, French
country decor, a PIANIST playing Cole Porter...
KATE
(quietly to Jack)
Jack...can we afford all
this?
JACK
What’s the difference?
I’m taking my baby out
for our anniversary, damn
the costs...
KATE
How do you even know
about this place?
Jack’s caught for a moment. Then...
JACK
Arnie...
(insistent)
Arnie. He’ll throw you a
curve ball once in a
while, that’s for sure...
Jack puts his arm around her and kisses her on the
cheek...
82 INT. LOIRE - A LITTLE LATER
Jack and Kate sit at a secluded table, a WAITER
standing next to them. Jack’s not even looking at the menu.
JACK
We’ll have the tureen of
quail breast with
shiitake mushrooms to
start, then the veal
medallions in raspberry
truffle sauce and the sea
scallops with pureed
artichoke hearts...sea
scallops, North of the
Caspian...
Kate looks at Jack, a mixture of confusion and awe on
her face.
WAITER
Very good, sir. And may
I say those are all
excellent selections.
JACK
You may...
(perusing the
wine list)
Also, we’ll have a bottle
of Lafite, 1982.
Kate reaches over and pulls down the wine list, reading
it upside down.
KATE
It’s five hundred and
fifty dollars, Jack!
A wince from Jack...for a moment there it was almost
perfect.
JACK
Just a glass of red wine
for each of us...
The waiter nods, then walks toward the kitchen...
KATE
You are so not off the
hook yet, slick.
JACK
But I’m gettin’ close, right?
A noncommittal nod from Kate. Then Jack notices her
look over at the pianist, drawn in by the music.
JACK (CONT’D)
You want to dance?
A puzzled look from Kate. There’s nobody else
dancing. There isn’t even much room to dance...
KATE
I don’t think there’s
dancing here, Jack.
Jack gets up and holds out a hand.
JACK
Sure there is...
Kate looks around again, then she smiles.
Kate rises, taking his hand. Jack takes her in his
arms, swaying slowly in the limited amount of space,
confident and self-assured.
The pianist looks up, smiling, appreciating their role
in this romantic moment.
Kate moves with Jack, following his lead comfortably.
They look good together...in sync with each other...
People are watching them...some of the men are
impressed, others are scoffing, but the women are
clearly charmed...
KATE
(whispering to
Jack)
Pretty good for a tire
salesman from Jersey...
Jack flashes her his most charming smile.
JACK
I have my moments...
They continue to dance, in a world of their own...
83 INT. LOIRE - LATE
Jack and Kate at the table enjoying a gourmet meal.
Jack holds out a fork with a piece of veal for Kate.
She takes a bite.
KATE
Mmmm...
(spearing a scallop)
...here, try one of
these...
Jack takes a scallop from Kate’s fork.
JACK
(savoring the scallop)
God I missed that
taste...
Kate laughs.
JACK (CONT’D)
Why are you laughing?
Kate shoots him a look of curiosity. Jack looks back
at her, sees the trust in her face...He puts down his
fork.
JACK (CONT’D)
I need to tell you
something.
KATE
Okay...
JACK
I think it may help us
but there’s a slight
chance it could make
things worse.
She hears the seriousness in his voice.
KATE
Now I’m worried...just
say it. Whatever it is
we’ll deal with it.
JACK
Are you sure?
She nods. Jack searches his mind for the right words.
Then...
JACK (CONT’D)
I feel like I’m living
someone else’s life...
Jack looks to her, expecting the worst. But she just
nods reassuringly. He continues...
JACK (CONT’D)
I used to be so sure
about everything, you
know? I knew exactly who
I was and what I wanted.
Then one morning I woke
up and suddenly it was
all different...
KATE
Worse, you mean...
JACK
No. Well, maybe a few
things. But mostly just
different...
Jack lets out a small smile. Now he’s the one who’s
reassuring Kate.
JACK (CONT’D)
I never used to be like
this, Kate. I had it all
figured out. No doubts,
no regrets.
KATE
And now...?
JACK
Now...I don’t...
He looks at her, staring into her eyes, almost
desperate for understanding.
KATE
Me neither.
A raised eyebrow from Jack.
KATE (CONT’D)
I think it’s good to be a
little unsure about who
you are. It’s very
human.
JACK
But you always seem so
certain.
KATE
C’mon, Jack, you think
there aren’t mornings
when I wake up and wonder
what the hell I’m doing
in New Jersey...
JACK
That’s a big one for me,
too.
KATE
My office is a dump, I
answer my own phone...and
you’ve seen my pay check.
JACK
Your pay check is a
disgrace to pay checks.
KATE
I mean yes, I help people
that need it...
JACK
I guess...some of them
are probably faking.
KATE
(a laugh, then...)
God, sometimes I think it
would be so nice not to
have to stretch ground
beef or maybe drive a car
with a CD player...
He smiles, right there with her.
KATE (CONT’D)
Imagine having a life
where everything was
easy...where you asked
for things and people
just brought them to
you...
JACK
It’s wonderful...
Kate laughs, nodding.
A pause, then...
KATE
I think about it, too,
Jack. I do. I think
about the kind of person
I’d be if I hadn’t
married you...
It’s as if she’s inside his head. They stay like this
for a moment, looking into each other.
JACK
And...?
She stops a moment, considering. Then...
KATE
And I realize I’ve just
erased the things in my
life I’m most sure
about. You, the kids...
Jack nods.
JACK
Good things...
KATE
What are you sure about?
Jack looks into Kate’s eyes.
JACK
I’m sure that right now
there’s nowhere I’d
rather be than here with
you...
Kate smiles at Jack, a loving, secure smile. It’s been
a while.
CUT TO:
84 EXT. PENSION - NIGHT
The mini-van parked outside a small brownstone right on
the square. It’s like something out of a Henry James
novel... charming, meticulously maintained, elegant...
85 INT. PENSION, SUITE - A LITTLE LATER
The door opens and Jack, carrying Kate in his arms,
enters...
Jack puts Kate down and she takes in the room, antique
furniture...it’s like walking into another world...
KATE
This is so beautiful...
Jack smiles as he opens a champagne bottle sitting on a
silver ice bucket...
KATE (CONT’D)
You know champagne makes
me do crazy things.
JACK
(pouring)
I’ll just full yours up
to the top.
(handing her a
glass)
Happy anniversary,
sweetheart.
Kate smiles, clinking her glass with Jack’s.
KATE
I don’t know how you did
it, hoss, but you pulled
it off.
JACK
I’m out of the doghouse?
KATE
Way out...
Kate saunters into the bedroom, looking at the king-
size poster bed, feeling the down quilt. Jack follows
her...
KATE (CONT’D)
(turning to him)
You may even get lucky
tonight...
Kate kisses him...when their lips separate, we can see
the powerful effect it has on him.
Jack looks deep into her eyes, stroking her hair, lost
in her.
JACK
You’re so...beautiful...
KATE
I already told you you
were gonna get lucky,
Jack...
They kiss again, a long soulful kiss. Then...
Jack pulls back, a look of realization on his face...
JACK
My god, all this time...I
never stopped loving
you...
KATE
(a wide smile)
That’s all I wanted to
hear...
She kisses him, their bodies intertwined...hands
caressing ...more and more passionate...then reaches
behind her to the light. The room goes dark...
DISSOLVE TO:
86 INT. PENSION, SUITE - MORNING
Morning sun streams onto Jack and Kate in bed...
Kate, in Jack’s arms, her head on his chest, a
contented smile on her face...
Jack’s eyes open...adjust to the light. He looks over
at Kate.
There’s something different in his eyes...something
deeper. Jack smiles...a broad, “I’m in love” kind of
smile.
Kate stirs, gently stroking Jack’s chest.
KATE
Mmmm...Jack...
Kate lifts her head, turning to face Jack.
KATE (CONT’D)
I feel like I should give
you money...
Jack laughs.
KATE (CONT’D)
I mean, my god, Jack you
were always good but
this...this was... like a
porno movie.
Kate lays her head back on Jack’s chest, looking at
Washington Square through the window.
KATE (CONT’D)
I could stay here
forever...
JACK
I don’t think I’d fight
you on that one...
Kate lifts her head and looks at him expectantly. They
kiss.
87 EXT. NEW JERSEY STREET - NIGHT
The mini-van passes a sign that reads, “Welcome to
Teaneck.”
88 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, VARIOUS - MORNING
Annie walking through the downstairs of the house,
practicing her violin...it’s a noise bordering on
MUSIC, but not quite...
She walks into the kitchen where...
Jack stands at the counter in his robe, reading the
Newark Star Ledger and drinking a cup of coffee.
He lowers the paper, watches Annie with a smile as she
strolls through the room playing her violin badly...he
goes back to his paper.
89 INT. JACK’S CLOSET - MINUTES LATER
Jack, still singing, donning his Dockers and short-
sleeve oxford...
89A EXT. CAMPBELL HOUSE - MORNING
The front door of the Campbell House...
Jack emerges in his work clothes, putting his coat on,
a bagel in his mouth...
He disappears from frame, the screen door closing
slowly behind him...
In a moment...Kate appears at the door, a cup of coffee
in her hand...she follows Jack with her eyes as he
heads to the car.
Then...a smile from Kate...
In a moment...Jack returns to frame and heads straight
into Kate’s arms...
...a passionate kiss as she leans against the door
post...
KATE
Have a good day...
A smile from Jack as she pats him on the ass and sends
him on his way...
90 EXT. BIG ED’S - AFTERNOON
Jack, pointing to a stack of radials, is standing with
a MAN (40s) wearing a pale blue leisure suit and a pair
of high top Nike Air Jordans.
JACK
For the money, they’re
hands down the best
radial we carry...
MAN
(thinking, then...)
Okay, I’ll take them...
JACK
You won’t regret it...
(shouting to Tommy)
Tommy! Set Mr. Conlin up
with four B.F. Goodrich
G-Force T/A’s...
(looking the man
over)
...and give him ten
percent off for having
the best costume...
Just then, a black ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SERAPH pulls into
the lot, its front left tire riding on the rim...
ESTELLE (O.S.)
(over P.A. system)
Jack, Kate on line two!
Jack pick up two!
Jack turns toward the door, but then looks curiously
back at the Rolls...something familiar about it...
Then...Peter Lassiter gets out of the car...
KENNY
(walking out to Jack)
Kate’s on two, Jack.
(on seeing the Rolls)
Nice ride...
JACK
(staring at Lassiter)
If you’re into that kind
of conspicuous
consumption...
KENNY
You want me to handle
him? I think I’m
ready...
ESTELLE (O.S.)
(over P.A. system)
Jack! Kate still holding
on line two...
JACK
Sure...be careful, he
looks like a tough
negotiator...
Jack walks inside...
91 INT. BIG ED’S TIRES - CONTINUOUS
...but he’s still focused on Lassiter through the
window, can’t take his eyes off him...
He gets to the phone...sees the light for line two
blinking ...he looks back outside, sees Kenny approach
Lassiter...
...back to the blinking phone light...he picks up the
phone...
But can’t bring himself to hit the blinking light.
Then...
JACK
(to Estelle, into
intercom)
Tell Kate I’ll call her
back...
INTERCUT WITH ESTELLE IN HER OFFICE
ESTELLE
(into intercom)
It sounded pretty
important.
JACK
(into intercom)
I’m with a customer.
I’ll call her back.
He takes his hand away from the phone and walks back
outside the store...
CHAPTER THIRTEEN - PETER LASSITER
92 EXT. BIG ED’S TIRES - CONTINUOUS
...towards Kenny and Lassiter.
LASSITER
(to Kenny)
I seem to have had some
kind of blow out...
Jack approaches, tapping Kenny on the shoulder.
JACK
Why don’t you let me take
this one, Kenny?
KENNY
Okay, chief.
Kenny nods then heads back inside...
JACK
Peter Lassiter...
LASSITER
(surprised)
Do I know you?
JACK
Not exactly. I’ve seen you
on CNBC.
(with a smile)
You look taller in real
life...
CUT TO:
93 INT. BIG ED’S TIRED, JACK’S OFFICE - LATE
Jack leaning back in his chair, behind the desk of his
cluttered, cramped office.
JACK
...truth is, Mintz was so
busy timing his wife’s
breathing he didn’t see
that MedTech needed
Global more than the
other way around. Ten
days, two weeks tops,
they would’ve approached
you with an offer, and
I’d bet anything it
would’ve been thirty
billion, not twenty
nine...
(a knowing smile)
Problem was, Peter, you
had a pussycat running
the show. What you needed
was a rottweiler.
Lassiter, sitting on the little chair across from Jack,
an intrigued look on his face...
LASSITER
(nodding)
Well, I’m impressed.
A smile from Jack.
LASSITER (CONT’D)
I really am...
Jack savors the moment, until...
LASSITER (CONT’D)
So, about my car...
He’s jarred back to reality, a little crestfallen...
JACK
Sure. We’re going to
have to special order
that tire. It’ll be
ready in about two days.
Lassiter nods, then takes a business card out of his
wallet.
LASSITER
This has my office address
on it...
(thinking, then...)
Why don’t you drop it off
yourself?
A smile from Jack.
CUT TO:
94 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, JACK’S BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
Kate, sound asleep in bed...
Pan across to Jack, his eyes wide open, lost in
thought...
95 INT. BIG ED’S, JACK’S OFFICE - DAY
Jack wearing his Zeena suit, sitting behind his desk,
distracted, as he listens to HECTOR, 40s, the
GUATEMALEN MECHANIC.
HECTOR
...I say to her, Margarita,
we already have four kids,
why do we need more?
Jack is shaking his leg anxiously under the desk as he
eyes the door...
HECTOR (CONT’D)
But she say she want an
even number. I say four
is an even number! But
she say she want six.
Jack checks his watch...
HECTOR (CONT’D)
I tell her, Margarita, I
just got my green card,
I like to sit back and
rest a little bit...
JACK
(interrupting)
Hector...do I usually
listen to your personal
problems?
HECTOR
Sure, Jack, all the time...
Jack nods, then...
JACK
Look, I have some business
that I have to take care
of in the city so I’m
leaving early...
(getting up)
My advice to you...follow
your dreams.
CUT TO:
96 EXT. LASSITER BUILDING - AFTERNOON
Jack pulling up to the building in Lassiter’s Rolls...
He gets out of the car, walks to the building, feeling
good, confident, stopping to gaze up at the
skyscraper...he breathes in deeply, then heads
inside...
96A INT. LASSITER BUILDING - CONTINUOUS
Jack enters, instinctively tossing the car keys to the
SECURITY GUARD...the guard looks at him like he’s
crazy...
97 INT. LASSITER BUILDING CORRIDOR - MINUTES LATER
Jack and Lassiter walk together...
LASSITER
...we’re really more of a
boutique operation, as
you can see...
JACK
But you’re not interested
in boutique dollars...
(a smile)
I get it...
They walk into...
98 INT. ALAN MINTZ’S OUTER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Past the assistant’s desk...
MINTZ’S ASSISTANT
(seeing Lassiter)
He’s expecting you, Mr.
Lassiter...
Lassiter doesn’t even slow down...
99 INT. ALAN MINTZ’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
It’s Jack’s old office but you wouldn’t know it from
the decor...lots of country pine, a fabric sofa, and a
play pen where the bar used to be. Jack enters,
immediately struck by the difference...
LASSITER
(to Mintz)
Alan, this is Jack
Campbell...the one I was
telling you about...
Mintz, a confident look on his face, gets up from the
desk and goes to shake Jack’s hand.
ALAN
Jack, of course.
They shake hands.
JACK
(appropriately
deferential)
Mr. Mintz.
ALAN
Please, call me Alan. We
try to cultivate a casual
atmosphere around here...
JACK
(re: play pen)
I can see that, Alan.
A chuckle from Mintz.
ALAN
You have kids, Jack?
JACK
(hesitating, then...)
Uh...actually, yes. Two...
good ones.
Another laugh from Mintz.
ALAN
That’s great...
(gesturing to
the sofa)
Why don’t you have a seat?
Jack nods, sits down on the plush sofa, Mintz and
Lassiter take the chairs.
ALAN (CONT’D)
So, Peter mentioned that
you were an avid CNBC
watcher but didn’t say
whether you had any
actual Wall Street
experience?
Jack’s a little taken aback by the question, not
realizing he was walking into an interview...
He crosses his legs, trying to get comfortable.
JACK
I was a sales associate,
at E.F. Hutton.
ALAN
A broker? Really. And now
you’re in the tire
business?
JACK
That’s right. And auto
supply...
ALAN
Uh huh. The retail end, I
understand.
Jack nods...
JACK
Uh...we actually get about
sixty percent of our
business from automotive
service.
ALAN
Mind if I ask what kind of
sales you did last year?
Ballpark...
JACK
We did one point seven
million in total revenue...
ALAN
Uh huh...one point seven.
And what do you project for
this year?
Jack pauses, analyzing the situation...the patronizing
questions, the smirk on Mintz’s face...
ALAN (CONT’D)
Any thoughts at all on
that?
As Jack stares into their faces, he realizes the extent
of his handicap...
ALAN (CONT’D)
Jack?
He stops, takes a moment, looking at Mintz and Lassiter
then ...a confident smile.
JACK
Well, Alan, I think we’re
gonna have a banner year.
Sales are up almost
twenty percent in the
first quarter and we just
landed a major trucking
company account.
ALAN
Really. So you’re
projecting what, a tad
over two million?
A gleam in Jack’s eye.
JACK
That’s right. And that
would make us number one
in our market...
(getting up)
You mind if I stand?
A raised eyebrow from Mintz.
Mintz and Lassiter follow Jack with their eyes as he
crosses the room to the desk, pours himself a glass of
water...
JACK (CONT’D)
Look, I know our paltry
little two million in
sales is about what you
spend on office supplies
in a year. And I know
some regional trucking
company account is
nothing compared to a
sixty billion dollar
merger...
ALAN
I’m not trying to knock
the tire business, Jack.
JACK
(a confident chuckle)
It’s okay, Alan. I get it.
I’m in your shoes, I’m
thinking exactly the same
thing...but here’s the
thing. Business is
business. Wall Street,
Main Street, it’s all
just a bunch of people
getting up in the morning,
trying to figure out how
the hell they’re gonna
send their kids to
college. It’s just
people...
Jack’s confidence is throwing Mintz off, but Lassiter
appears intrigued...
JACK (CONT’D)
And I know people.
ALAN
I’m sure you do...
LASSITER
(intervening)
Let’s let the man have
his say...
Mintz covers his embarrassment with a smile...
JACK
(to Mintz)
Take you, for instance...
ALAN
(defensive)
What about me?
JACK
You drink about sixteen
Diet Cokes a day. You’re
an excellent father, but
you feel guilty about the
time you spend away from
home. You drink bourbon,
but you offer your
clients scotch...
Jack looks around the office then back to Mintz.
JACK (CONT’D)
And your wife decorated
this office...
A laugh from Lassiter as Mintz sits there stewing, a
caught look on his face.
LASSITER
He certainly has your
number, Alan.
JACK
(turning to Lassiter)
You’re a little tougher,
Peter.
A raised eyebrow from Lassiter, but he’s game...
JACK (CONT’D)
For one thing, you like
expensive things.
LASSITER
(smiling proudly)
That’s easy. You’ve seen
my car.
JACK
(a chuckle)
Okay...you smoke Hoyo de
Monterreys. You’re a
scotch man, single malt,
not because it’s trendy
but because you’ve been
doing it for forty years,
and you stay with what
works. You have two great
loves in your life, your
horses and this company.
You wept openly the day
the Dow hit ten thousand...
Lassiter’s impressed.
JACK (CONT’D)
And you’re a man who
prides himself on finding
talent in unusual
places...
LASSITER
Oh? And how would you
know that?
Jack smiles.
JACK
Because I’m here.
On Lassiter...nodding his head. Mintz, a plastered-on
smile.
JACK (CONT’D)
I’m prepared to do
anything it takes to get
this job. Start anywhere
you need me to start.
I’ll park cars if I
to...
(into Lassiter’s
eyes)
The biggest part of
judging character is
knowing yourself. And I
know this, I can do this
job. Give me a chance,
Peter, I won’t let you
down.
Lassiter returns Jack’s gaze with equal intensity. In a
moment, he turns to Mintz.
LASSITER
(to Mintz)
Alan, why don’t you show
Jack around a bit...
ALAN
I’d love to.
CUT TO:
100 INT. LASSITER BUILDING CORRIDOR - MINUTES LATER
Jack and Alan walking side by side down the hallway...
EMPLOYEES passing them by, greeting Mintz, Mintz waving
back...
ALAN
(pointing)
...that’s our war room.
We did seven major deals
last year, three of them
hostile.
JACK
(not particularly
impressed)
Seven. Really.
They turn a corner, coming into a deserted section of
the corridor.
Mintz stops, turning to Jack. Jack returns Mintz’s
gaze with a quizzical look.
ALAN
Let’s cut the shit, huh
Campbell? What, did you go
through his wallet or
something?
Jack’s a little taken aback.
ALAN (CONT’D)
No matter. That circus
act back there may have
dazzled Lassiter
momentarily but it
doesn’t do shit forme.
Even if you get this job,
which I highly doubt, let
me warn you, Lassiter
loses interest in his pet
projects very quickly.
I’m in the big office
because I’ve proved
myself to him year after
year and nobody is going
to come in here and start
turning the old man’s
head. Especially not some
tire salesman from New
Jersey. So you watch
yourself and stay away
from Lassiter, and maybe,
just maybe, I’ll keep you
on after he gets tired of
you. Do we understand
each other?
Jack stands there, staring at Mintz, silent,
expressionless.
ALAN (CONT’D)
Do we?!
Then, a broad smile from Jack.
JACK
God, you really are
different, aren’t you...
(nodding)
I mean...wow...I am
impressed.
Now it’s Mintz’s turn to look quizzical.
JACK (CONT’D)
Good for you. Why shouldn’t
you protect what’s yours.
ALAN
I don’t think you’re hearing
me.
JACK
Oh, I’m hearing you, Alan.
That’s not the problem.
The problem is that what
you think is yours, is
really mine. And I don’t
care how low on the totem
pole I start, I will get
it back...
(poking him in
the chest)
So do yourself a favor and
don’t get too attached to
that view because sometime
soon, maybe very soon, you
and your French country
antiques, your chintz sofa,
and your little play pen
are gonna be moving out of
that office.
Jack smiles at Alan one more time, then turns...
JACK (CONT’D)
Oh, and by the way, you
try selling tires for a
living. I promise you,
you’d starve.
Jack heads down the corridor, whistling a happy tune,
leaving Mintz standing there, bewildered.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN - A PERFECT LIFE?
CUT TO:
101 INT. CORPORATE APARTMENT - DAY
A double door opens and Jack leads Kate into this huge
duplex. Kate looks around, taking the place in.
JACK
Welcome to Xanadu...
The place is incredible...marble floors, architectural
lines, high tech fixtures, elegant modern furniture...
it’s striking but not at all homey like the Jersey
house.
JACK (CONT’D)
Pretty incredible, isn’t
it?
KATE
It’s like a museum.
Jack nods.
KATE (CONT’D)
(turning to Jack)
So what’s the big
surprise? You didn’t
rent this place for
the weekend, did you?
JACK
Think bigger.
KATE
For the week?
Jack chuckles.
JACK
This place is a perk,
Kate.
KATE
A perk for what?
JACK
A company called P.K.
Lassiter and Associates
Investment House uses it
to attract new
executives...
Kate’s confused.
JACK (CONT’D)
You’re talking to their
new Vice President of
Mergers and Acquisitions.
KATE
What are you talking
about, Jack?
JACK
I’m going into arbitrage,
honey. Turns out I have
a knack for it. I’ll be
making two hundred grand
a year plus a hefty bonus
and that’s just to
start. And, we can live
in this apartment
practically rent free for
as long as we want.
Jack measures her reaction. It’s not good...
JACK (CONT’D)
We can finally afford to
move back into the city.
In style.
Kate just looks at him, in shock. Then...
KATE
Are you out of your mind?
JACK
I don’t think so. This
is going to be a better
life for all of us,
honey. We’ll put Annie
and Josh in private
schools...
KATE
Annie goes to a great
school.
JACK
I’m talking about the
best schools in the
country here, Kate...
KATE
Jack, what could you
possibly be thinking?
What about my job?
JACK
This is New York City,
it’s like the needy
people capital of the
world. Those Jersey
clients of yours aren’t a
tenth as pathetic as the
ones you could get
here...
KATE
(cutting him off)
I can’t believe you want
to move back into the
city. I thought the
reason we left was
because we didn’t want to
raise the kids here?
JACK
No, this is the center of
the universe. If I were
living in Roman times, I
would live in Rome, where
else? Today, America is
the Roman Empire and New
York is Rome itself.
John Lennon.
KATE
(cutting him off)
Jack.
Jack’s starting to struggle...
JACK
Look, I’m detecting a
kind of funky tension
here...We don’t have to
live in this apartment.
I don’t need this...I’ll
commute...I’ll drive to
work...
Jack’s back on his heels...seeing his dream picked
apart...
KATE
In traffic? It’s over an
hour each way? That’s
almost three hours a
day. When are you going
to see the kids?
He’s frustrated...he pauses a moment to gather
himself. Then...
JACK
Kate. You’re not
understanding me. I’m
talking about a great
life. A perfect life.
Everything we pictured
when we were young. The
whole package. You said
it yourself, life has
thrown us surprises, and
so we made sacrifices.
But now I can finally get
us back on track...
A sad chuckle from Kate.
JACK (CONT’D)
I can do that. I want to
do that. For all of us.
I need to do that as a
man...
(imploring her)
Think about it. No more
lousy restaurants, no
more clipping coupons, no
more shoveling snow...
KATE
Then get a goddamn snow
blower!
Jack’s taken aback by the intensity of her tone.
KATE (CONT’D)
Don’t get a new career
without even telling me.
Don’t take Annie out of a
school she loves. Don’t
move us out of a house
we’ve become a family
in...
Kate stands there, wounded...
KATE (CONT’D)
(quietly)
Don’t do that...
JACK
Look, you’re making this
into something it’s not.
This isn’t a referendum
on our lives, Kate. It’s
a step forward...
(appealing to her)
Don’t you see? I’m
talking about us finally
having a life other
people envy.
Silence. Kate looks him in the eye – a deep, piercing
look...
KATE
They already do envy us,
Jack...
Kate picks up her bag and walks out of the apartment.
102 OMITTED
103 INT. ANNIE’S ROOM - NIGHT
Annie is in a nightgown, practicing her violin. Jack
walks in.
It’s all he can do to hold back cringing at the missed
notes. Annie finishes the piece, lowering the bow.
JACK
Very nice. What is it?
ANNIE
Mary Had A Little Lamb.
JACK
Ah. A classic...
Annie starts PLAYING again as Jack looks at the
dresser. She has 20 or so family photos lined up and
down its sides...
Jack studies them...in every one Jack’s face is totally
contented. Jack studies them, looking at his own face.
Annie lowers the bow, watching him...
Jack turns to her.
JACK (CONT’D)
Please don’t stop...
She smiles, then starts PLAYING again. He turns back
to the pictures...
104 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, DEN - LATE
Jack...standing in front of the desk, nursing a drink.
He looks at Lassiter’s business card, sitting on the
surface of the desk...
He gazes around the room...his eyes coming to rest on a
bookshelf...a book...
He moves toward it...looking at its spine...it’s a
tattered copy of Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle.” He pulls
it off the shelf, there’s something inside...a
bookmark...
...a PAN AM ticket jacket sleeve...
...inside...a boarding pass...”From: London/Heathrow,
To: New York/JFK, 10/4/87.”
He looks at it...something’s not right...
JACK
From London to New York...?
(looking up)
I came back...
Then...a NOISE...
Jack turns and sees Kate walking into the doorway,
standing there...She sees Jack holding the Pan Am
ticket sleeve.
KATE
Our finest moment,
right...
A quizzical look from Jack.
KATE (CONT’D)
When you got on that
plane I was sure it was
over. I left the airport
afraid I’d never see you
again. And then you
showed up the very next
day...
(a wistful smile)
That was a good
surprise...
She continues into the room, leaning against a
bookshelf.
KATE (CONT’D)
I think about you on that
plane, about what must
have been going through
your mind...you sitting
there imagining our life
together, our life
apart...I think about the
decision you made...
Jack watches her as she lets out a small sigh.
KATE (CONT’D)
Maybe I was being naive
but I believed we’d grow
old together in this
house. That we’d spend
holidays here, have g
randchildren visit us
here. I had this image
of us all grey and
wrinkly, me working in
the garden, you
repainting the deck...
Kate smiles gently as she pictures this.
KATE (CONT’D)
Things change, right?
People change...
(pausing)
If you need this, Jack, I
mean really need this, I
will take these children
from a life they love,
and take myself from the
only home we’ve ever
shared, and move wherever
you need to go. I’ll do
that because I love
you...
The words are like a warm embrace for Jack...
KATE (CONT’D)
I love you, Jack. And
that’s more important to
me than our address...
Kate smiles lovingly at Jack...she walks over to him,
kisses him gently on the forehead.
KATE (CONT’D)
I choose us.
She turns and heads out of the room, leaving him there,
the boarding pass still in hand, staring lovingly at
her as she goes...
105 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
Jack walks into the room...
The lights are off, Kate already in bed sleeping.
He undresses for bed, unable to take his eyes off Kate.
Finally, he lifts the covers and climbs into bed next
to her, moving closer to her, putting an arm around
her, drawing her in...
In her sleep, Kate nestles in Jack’s embrace. He
savors the feeling, then closes his eyes as...
They lay there...side by side...together...a single
person.
DISSOLVE TO:
106 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM - MORNING
The morning light streams into the room. Kate opens
her eyes. Jack’s not in bed. A look of curiosity.
Then, she hears LAUGHTER from outside.
She goes over to the window...opens the blinds...
revealing...
Jack in the backyard, LAUGHING with joy, playing in the
snow with Annie and Josh.
Kate watches...a satisfied smile sweeping across her
face...
107 EXT. CAMPBELL HOUSE BACKYARD - SAME TIME
...Jack reaches out and snags Annie...she CACKLES in
delight...
The three of them fall over onto the soft white snow...
The laughter from the kids is uncontrollable, Jack’s
joy is just as palpable...
Finally, Annie stops laughing and grabs Jack around the
neck, hugging his tight.
ANNIE
(whispering in
Jack’s ear)
I knew you’d come back...
DISSOLVE TO:
108 INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
Jack walks over to a utility shelf, fishing around
until he finds a bag of rock salt...he grabs it, sees
it’s empty...
And then he hears it...the sound of a BICYCLE BELL
RINGING, echoing through the room.
A shudder passes through his body...
He turns and sees Annie at the open garage door,
sitting on her bike, ringing the BELL.
It’s an eerie moment for Jack...
JACK
What are you doing?
ANNIE
(a curious look)
Ringing my bell...
On Jack’s anxious face...
109 OMITTED
CHAPTER FIFTEEN – SAYING GOODBYE
110 INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT
On Jack...crouched down in an aisle of this local
convenience store...checking out the bags of rock
salt...
He looks at the price tag on one of the bags...
JACK
Four ninety nine?! It’s just
salt for god’s sake...
On the entrance to the store...the door opens, a YOUNG
GIRL, 17, enters, an average suburban teenager...
She glances at a fashion magazine, picks up a package
of gum...
From the POV of the cashier, we see the girl approach
the counter...
On Jack, crouched down in the aisle. He grabs a bag of
salt from the shelf, when...
CASH (O.S.)
That’ll be sixty five cents,
little angel...
Jack registers the voice...he rises slowly, looking
over to the front counter...where he sees...
Cash, dressed in a typical chain convenience store
uniform, ringing up the teenager...
An excited smile from Jack at the sight of Cash...
JACK
You...!
Then...the color drains from Jack’s face...
JACK (CONT’D)
What are you doing here...
Jack moves toward Cash at the counter...
JACK (CONT’D)
You’re not sending me
back...
The girl eyes Jack curiously, then removes a dollar
bill from her pocket and slides it across the counter
to Cash...
CASH
Jack, it’s good to see
you...
Cash reaches into the register, taking out change for
ten dollars...he hands the girl $9.35...
CASH (CONT’D)
(to the girl)
Thank you darlin’...
The girl looks at the money, realizing that Cash has
given her the wrong change...
CASH (CONT’D)
(back to Jack,
seeing the
rock salt)
What do you got there,
rock salt? Look at you,
all domestic and shit...
You really figured some
things out, huh?
The girl looks at Cash talking to Jack...
JACK
I’m not going back...
The girl hesitates...Cash turns to her...
CASH
(to the girl)
Everything okay...?
She looks at him, a moment of decision, then...
TEENAGE GIRL
Yeah...fine.
JACK
(raising his voice)
Hey! Did you hear me...?!
Cash ignores Jack, watching the girl as she heads to
the door, hesitates a moment, then walks out...
A look of disappointment on Cash’s face as he reaches
into his pocket, pulling out a little notebook...
Cash looks at Jack.
CASH
(making a note
in his book)
That was a character issue...
(shaking his head)
...and for nine dollars?
That’s just sad...
JACK
Hey, I’m talking to you!
I am not going back, do you
understand...?!
Cash looks at him, compassion on his face.
JACK (CONT’D)
You can’t do this. You
can’t keep coming in and
out of people’s lives,
messing things up...
CASH
C’mon, Jack...
Jack throws six bucks on the counter...
JACK
I’ve got kids, I’m going
home...
CASH
You know what the word
glimpse means, J? It’s
by nature an impermanent
thing.
Jack walks determinedly toward the exit. He stops and
turns at the door...
JACK
(pointing at
Cash)
I’m staying.
Cash follows him with his eyes, a proud look on Cash’s
face as Jack leaves...
111 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, JOSH’S ROOM - LATE NIGHT
Jack walks to Josh. He’s sleeping soundly.
Jack gently kisses Josh on the head, careful not to
wake him.
112 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE, ANNIE’S ROOM - LATE NIGHT
Jack is standing over Annie, kissing her on the cheek.
ANNIE
(stirring, groggy)
Is it morning yet?
JACK
No, honey. Go back to
sleep.
She closes her eyes as Jack stands there for a moment
looking at her, sadness all over his face.
JACK (CONT’D)
Take care of yourself,
Annie. I’m going back to
the mother ship...
Finally, he turns to go...
113 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
The clock reads, “11:17.” Kate is already in bed as
Jack walks in.
KATE
(looking up from
her book)
Hey...
Jack approaches her, sitting on the bed...
JACK
These last weeks, Kate, I
know that I’ve done
some...some unusual
things.
Kate nods.
KATE
It’s been interesting,
that’s for sure.
JACK
But I’ve done some good
things too, haven’t I?
KATE
You’ve been Jack
Campbell. And that’s
always a good thing...
She kisses him on the cheek.
He takes her arms in his hands and looks her in the
eyes.
JACK
I need you to remember
me, Kate. How I am right
now, right this very
moment. I need you to
put that image in your
heart and keep it with
you, no matter what
happens.
KATE
Are you okay, Jack?
JACK
Please, just promise me
you’ll do that. You have
to promise, Kate.
Because if you don’t,
then it’s like it never
happened and I don’t
think I could live with
that.
She’s a bit confused but she couldn’t be more in love
with him.
KATE
I promise, Jack...
JACK
Promise me again...
KATE
I promise. Come to bed,
honey.
Jack stands up, heading toward the door.
JACK
Soon...
114 EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - LATE NIGHT
Snow begins to fall...
Jack with Lucy on a leash, walking side by side, his
mind elsewhere...
Lucy leads him around a corner...to a large open
field...
Lucy stops. She looks back at Jack, then out to the
open field.
Jack removes the leash. The dog bounds happily out
into the field, looking for just the right spot.
Jack puts his hands in his coat pocket...pulls out a
half-eaten roll of PEPPERMINT LIFESAVERS, puts one in
his mouth...
He looks up at the sky, snow gently falling onto his
face. It’s cold, but it’s beautiful...peaceful and
still...the air clean and crisp...
He breathes in the fresh air, the Lifesaver dissolving
in his mouth, watching the dog...
115 INT. CAMPBELL HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT
The room is dark...
Jack enters, sees Kate sleeping soundly in bed.
He sits down in a chair and watches Kate asleep, a sad
look in his eyes...
As he continues to watch her, to listen to her, his own
eyelids appear to grow heavy...
He tries to fight the sleep...opening his eyes...
focusing on her...but it’s no use...
Finally, he closes his eyes...falling into a deep
sleep...
CHAPTER SIXTEEN – THE OLD LIFE
DISSOLVE TO:
116 INT. JACK’S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - MORNING
A PHONE RINGING
Jack, flat on his back in bed...Light streams onto
his face ...he stirs...
THE PHONE STILL RINGING...
Jack reaches over to Kate’s side...there’s no one
there.
Pull back to reveal...his old Manhattan apartment...
his old dressy clothes strewn on the floor...
Jack, sleep still in his eyes, reaches over...he’s not
wearing any pajamas...picks up the phone...
JACK
(groggy, dazed)
Yeah...okay, send her
up...
He drops the phone...turns back over...let’s his eyes
stay closed for another moment...then...
His eyes open...
He looks around...sees his shirtless torso...then his
old apartment...tailored clothes on the floor.
JACK (CONT’D)
(sadly)
Damnit.
Jack looks at the clock, “9:23 a.m.” He gets out of
bed, throwing on pants and a pair of shoes, and leaves
the room...
117 INT. JACK’S APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
...Jack walks to the door just as...
The doorbell RINGS. He stops, then cautiously opens
the door, seeing...
PAULA, wearing a long overcoat and a wide smile on her
face.
PAULA
Waiting for me by the door,
huh?
Jack looks at her.
JACK
Paula...
Paula opens her coat – the only thing she has on
underneath is a sexy little teddy.
JACK (CONT’D)
(momentarily
distracted)
That’s totally see through...
PAULA
(smiling)
Merry Christmas...
JACK
(confused)
Christmas? It can’t be
Christmas...
Jack stares at her, totally confused...
PAULA
(lasciviously)
It’s whatever you want it
to be, Jack...
Jack grabs a leather jacket then walks right by a
shocked Paula and heads out the door, practically
running down the corridor.
PAULA (CONT’D)
Jack?...Jack!
CUT TO:
118 EXT. GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE - MORNING
Jack’s Ferrari speeds down the bridge, toward Jersey...
119 EXT. CAMPBELL HOUSE - MORNING
Jack’s Ferrari pulls up in the driveway and he hops
out. He races to the front door, POUNDING on it...
A MAN in a Van Heusen shirt and Hagar slacks answers.
Jack stares at him in shock.
MAN
Can I help you?
JACK
Is Kate here? Does Kate live
here?!
MAN
Kate? No, there’s no one here
named Kate. Is that good
enough for you?
Jack starts rapping his head against the door post,
much to the shock of the guy standing there.
JACK
Damn...damn...damn...
MAN
Hey, are you okay?
JACK
No...I’m not...
MAN
Is there anything I can do
for you?
Jack shakes his head mournfully.
MAN (CONT’D)
Hey, my wife’s in the kitchen.
You got a cigarette?
JACK
I’m sorry, no...
Jack walks off, beleaguered...
120 EXT. ARNIE’S HOUSE - MINUTES LATER
Jack’s car drives by as Arnie carries a bicycle box out
to the garbage. The car screeches to a halt in front
of the driveway.
ARNIE
(shouting at Jack)
Hey, you can’t park that
thing here.
JACK
(out the window)
It’s me, Jack...
ARNIE
I don’t care if you’re Tim
Allen with your fancy car
and all your tools, you
still can’t park here.
JACK
Tell me you recognize me,
Arnie. Please...
ARNIE
How’d you know my name?
JACK
We bowl together. We’re
bowlers ...we won a
championship...we’re winners.
ARNIE
I never won anything in
bowling.
Arnie peers at Jack through the window.
ARNIE (CONT’D)
Wait a second...
(thinking)
Jack...Jack...
JACK
Yes...Jack Campbell...
ARNIE
Of course. Jack Campbell. I
went to high school with
you...you played baseball,
right?
(at the Ferrari)
You’re doing well...
JACK
(remembering)
Yes, that’s it...yes, we
went to high school together.
ARNIE
You never really talked to
me. I wanted to talk to
you, man...
JACK
Yeah...I guess I just
wanted you to know, we
could’ve been really good
friends...
120A INT. FERRARI - DAY
Jack driving...a CELL PHONE RINGS.
A curious look on Jack’s face, it’s been a while since
he’s heard that sound.
JACK
(answering phone)
Hello?
ADELLE (O.S.)
Hey Santa, where are you?
Everybody’s here.
JACK
Adelle?
ADELLE (O.S.)
You were supposed to be here
half an hour ago...the
emergency strategy session?
Your trip to Aspen? They’re
all panicked here...
Silence from Jack...
ADELLE (CONT’D, O.S.)
Jack...? Are you going through
the tunnel?
Finally, Jack shakes his head, defeated.
JACK
I’ll be there in twenty
minutes...
CUT TO:
121 INT. LASSITER BUILDING, CONFERENCE ROOM - NOON TIME
It’s a beehive of activity...
Jack’s TEAM, anxiously going over reports and flow
charts, working the phones, drinking coffee...
Jack enters, still reeling from his experience, taking
a moment to observe the action...
Mintz spots him...
ALAN
(into phone)
Thank god, Jack’s here. I’ll
call you right back...
He hangs up the phone as all eyes in the room turn to
Jack, immediately fixating on how disheveled he looks.
ALAN (CONT’D)
(approaching)
Jack, are you okay?
JACK
(in a daze)
What’s going on here?
ALAN
It’s not good. Bob Thomas
has secretly been talking to
a European drug company.
We’re not sure which one,
Julia’s on it right now.
Word is they’re willing to
let him buy a minority stake
and keep running the entire
company. The Global people
are up in arms. They say
we should’ve been prepared
for this. We’re in trouble
here, Jack...
Jack looks at Alan for a minute.
JACK
You know something, Alan.
There’s a much more assertive
person somewhere inside of
you...
Alan looks at him, confused.
ALAN
Excuse me?
JACK
But I think I like you better
this way...
ALAN
Is this another one of those
Sun Tzu “Art of War” tricks?
A sad laugh from Jack.
JACK
No.
ALAN
So what are we gonna do,
Jack?
Jack wallows for another moment in his own sadness...
ALAN (CONT’D)
Jack...?
Jack snaps out of it, turning to Alan and the rest of
the group...
JACK
I’ll tell you exactly what
we’re going to do. You’re
going to do whatever you
have to do to find out which
European company he’s been
talking to. Then I’m going
to clean myself up, fly to
Aspen, and drink egg nog
with Bob Thomas. His wife
and kids will be playing in
the background while I spend
Christmas day convincing him
that the European company is
the devil and Global is the
answer to his prayers, after
all...
(growing wistful)
Then I’m going to spend four
hours skiing. Alone. On
Christmas day. Completely
and utterly alone. I’m going
to do that because that is
my life, that is what’s
real, and there is nothing
I can do to change that...
Jack leaves the office to the shocked stares of his
team.
122 EXT. BROADWAY - DAY
Jack’s limo makes its way downtown.
123 INT. LIMO - SAME TIME
Jack in the back seat of the limo, sadly looking out
the window, watching the buildings pass by...
He turns away, looks at the phone...haltingly picks it
up...
JACK
(dialing 411)
For Manhattan...Kate
Reynolds...I need an address
too...
Jack jots something down on a business card. Then he
hangs up the phone, thinks a moment, looks out the
window, then turns to the driver...
JACK (CONT’D)
Make a right here...
DRIVER
But the airport’s the other
way...
JACK
We’re not going to the
airport...
CUT TO:
123A EXT. KATE’S BUILDING - DAY
Jack’s limo pulls up outside this house on Washington
Mews...
Jack gets out...
124 INT. EAST SIDE APARTMENT BUILDING, HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Jack stands outside an apartment door. He hears The
Clash’s “London Calling” BLARING from inside.
He rings the bell...the volume of the music gets
lower...
Kate’s assistant, LORI, 20s, opens the door...Jack
exchanges a curious look with her.
LORI
Are you from the shipping
company?
JACK
I’m Jack Campbell...I’m an
old... friend of Kate’s.
I just called.
The woman looks at him, then walks back inside...
LORI (O.S.)
Kate! Some guy’s here!
Beat. Jack waits anxiously at the door. Then...
KATE (O.S)
(to Lori)
Did you call the airline
like I asked?!
Jack’s eyes come alive as Kate appears wearing jeans
and a white blouse...except for her hair, she looks the
same.
JACK
Kate...
KATE
Jack...God, it’s been so
long...You look...
She searches for a kind word, but he looks terrible.
JACK
You look great.
KATE
It’s good to see you...
She looks at him another moment, then turns...
KATE (CONT’D)
(yelling inside)
Lori! Where’s that box?!
Kate walks inside, Jack follows her in sheepishly.
125 INT. KATE’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
...Jack accidentally knocks into a stack of boxes,
sending a GLASS CANDY DISH CRASHING to the floor,
SHATTERING it...
JACK
(bending down)
I'm sorry...
KATE
Don’t worry about it, Jack...
Jack looks up at...a beehive of activity – Lori on the
phone, boxes stacked everywhere, TWO MOVERS packing
up...
JACK
What’s going on?
KATE
(searching around)
I’m moving to Paris...it was
right here...
(to Lori)
It’s a box marked “Jack.” I
put it in the stack for the
Salvation Army...
JACK
Paris?
LORI
(to Kate, with
attitude)
Do you want me to look for
the box or call the airline?
KATE
Hey, kind of under a little
pressure here.
LORI
Hey, kind of giving up
Christmas day for my ex-boss
here.
Jack watches this back and forth.
KATE
You didn’t seem to mind
offering to help me on
Christmas day when you were
unwrapping that Prada bag
I gave you.
LORI
Maybe it’s by the wardrobe
boxes...
Kate heads over to some tall wardrobe boxes.
JACK
You’re moving...
KATE
Uh huh. To Paris. My firm
has an office there and
I’m going to be heading
it up.
JACK
(stunned)
To Paris. Paris, France.
KATE
(searching the
boxes)
That’s the one...
JACK
So you’re not at a non-
profit firm?
KATE
(a chuckle)
Not with what they pay me...
JACK
You’re not married, are
you?
KATE
No, Jack, I never got
married. You?
JACK
Not exactly...
(looking around)
Can we just take a minute
here? Maybe get a cup of
coffee or something...?
LORI
(yelling)
I’ll go for a cup of coffee!
KATE
Yes!
A relieved smile from Jack...
KATE (CONT’D)
I found it!
LORI
Congratulations. The La
Guardia flight’s canceled
but I got you out of
Kennedy on United at nine.
Am I good or what?
Jack’s smile disappears as Kate hands him a sealed box
marked, “Jack”...
KATE
Here you go. It’s just
some old things of yours...
Jack stands here, looking at the box, then at Kate...
JACK
Do you ever think about us,
Kate? About what might
have happened...?
A bemused LAUGH from Kate. Then she sees he’s not
laughing...
KATE
You’re serious...
A nod from Jack...
KATE (CONT’D)
I’ll tell you what, Jack,
if you’re ever in Paris,
look me up. Maybe we’ll
go for that cup of coffee.
One of the movers passes by Jack carrying a box...
Jack looks at Kate, flush with the realization that
this isn’t the same woman he knew thirteen years
ago, or left yesterday.
JACK
Sure. Goodbye, Kate.
He leaves...
CUT TO:
126 INT. JACK’S APARTMENT - EVENING
A scratchy Zeppelin album, the song “All Of My Love,”
fills the room. Jack, a fifth of Bushmill’s by his
side, goes through the box Kate gave him.
He removes a worn leather jacket, feeling the soft
material, then a “Mondale for President” button, which
Jack smiles upon seeing, a couple Neil Young concert
ticket stubs...
He puts the leather jacket on, then sticks the Mondale
button on the lapel. He digs back into the box,
finding...
A messy, dog-eared copy of “Cat’s Cradle”...not the one
Kate gave him at the airport, the one she replaced...
Jack looks at it for a moment...lost in his sadness...
then...
He looks over at the clock, it reads, “8:29.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN – ONE LAST TRY
CUT TO:
127 EXT. VAN WYCK EXPRESSWAY - NIGHT
Jack in his Ferrari, racing down the highway at 120
MPH...
He looks at the clock, it reads, “8:46.” He opens up
the throttle...
128 EXT. KENNEDY AIRPORT, UNITED TERMINAL - MINUTES LATER
Snow is falling as Jack’s car races up to the terminal
then stops. He jumps out. An AIRPORT SECURITY GUARD
sees him...
AIRPORT SECURITY GUARD
Hey, you can’t leave that
there!
Jack runs into the terminal, ignoring the guard...
129 INT. UNITED TERMINAL - SECONDS LATER
Jack looking at the board. The nine o’clock to Paris -
Gate 8A. Jack sprints toward the gate...
130 INT. UNITED TERMINAL, GATE AREA - SECONDS LATER
...and gets there just as the flight is boarding.
Jack looks through the crowd, spotting Kate near the
front of the line, about to hand her ticket to the gate
attendant.
He pushes through the throng of people, drawing some
annoyed stares, finally making his way over to Kate.
JACK
(calling out)
Kate!
Kate turns and sees Jack, a look of puzzlement on her
face.
JACK (CONT’D)
You can’t go!
KATE
Jesus, Jack...
JACK
Don’t get on that plane!
KATE
Jack.
JACK
Please. Let’s just go have
a cup of coffee. That’s all
I’m asking for. I’m sure
there’s another flight to
Paris tonight.
KATE
What do you want from me?
You want me to tell you
everything that happened
was okay?
Jack just stands there, unsure...
KATE (CONT’D)
Well it is. Yes, I was
heartbroken ...But I got
over it. I moved on.
People change, Jack. I
changed. I don’t know
why you suddenly feel the
need to revisit that time
in our lives but I assure
you, it’s over...
Kate turns her back to Jack, leaving him standing
there...
He watches her walk to the podium, realizing she’s
right...
He sees Kate reach the podium...hand her ticket to the
attendant...
Finally, a look of determination crosses his face...
JACK
(at Kate)
We have a house in Jersey!
Kate turns to him with a look that could kill.
KATE
Don’t do this, Jack...
But he continues...
JACK
We have two kids, Annie and
Josh...
...Kate looks at him, half-mortified, half-
interested...
JACK (CONT’D)
...Annie’s not much of a
violin player but she
tries really hard. She’s a
little precocious but that’s
only because she says what’s
on her mind. And when she
smiles...
Jack shakes his head, remembering, fighting back the
tears...
JACK (CONT’D)
And Josh...he has your eyes.
He doesn’t say much but we
know he’s smart...
(lost in the memory)
...he’s always got his eyes
open, always watching us...
sometimes you can look at
him and just know that he’s
learning something new...
it’s like witnessing a
miracle...
Kate’s expression has sifted from annoyance to
curiosity.
JACK (CONT’D)
...the house is a mess, but
it’s ours...
(chuckling)
...well, after a hundred
twenty two more payments
it will be...
Jack begins walking slowly toward Kate...the world of
the airport going on around him, Jack not caring...
JACK (CONT’D)
And you...you’re a non-
profit lawyer. That’s right,
completely non-profit. But
that doesn’t seem to bother
you...
Kate raises an eyebrow. It’s something she’s thought
about.
JACK (CONT’D)
And we’re in love. After
thirteen years of marriage
we’re still unbelievably
in love...
(with a chuckle)
You won’t even let me touch
you until I’ve said it...
Jack gets closer and closer...Kate’s spellbound now...
imagining the picture Jack’s painting...
JACK (CONT’D)
...I sing to you...not all
the time but definitely on
special occasions...
Jack walks into a piece of carry-on luggage sitting by a
row of passengers...
JACK (CONT’D)
(off hand, to passenger)
Excuse me...
(to Kate)
We made a lot of sacrifices,
dealt with our share of
surprises, but we stayed
together...
Jack’s nearly there...
JACK (CONT’D)
You see, you’re a better
person than I am...
Not in this life, and Kate knows it...
JACK (CONT’D)
...and it made me a better
person to be around you...
Kate is perfectly still, Jack’s words echoing in her
ears.
JACK (CONT’D)
Maybe it was all a
dream. Maybe I went to
bed one lonely night in
December and imagined it
all. But I swear,
nothing’s ever felt more
real to me...
He’s right in front of her. She can’t take her eyes
off him.
JACK (CONT’D)
And if you get on that
plane right now, it’ll
disappear forever.
Silence. Jack and Kate in their own little
world...airport business going on around them...
JACK (CONT’D)
I know we can both go on
with our lives. And we’d
both be fine. But I’ve
seen what we can be like
together...And I choose
us...
Jack’s words resonate in her ears. He gently touches a
hand to her arm...
JACK (CONT’D)
Please, Kate, one cup of
coffee. You can always go
to Paris. Just please, not
tonight...
She stands there, frozen, staring into Jack’s eyes,
searching for the answer.
KATE
Okay, Jack...
DISSOLVE TO:
131 INT. AIRPORT - LATE NIGHT
Jack and Kate, framed in the window of a nearly empty
airport coffee shop...through the window, we see snow
falling outside.
From a distance we see them...TALKING and LAUGHING over
a cup of coffee...
FADE OUT.
