mr holland's opus.scw

MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS

A screenplay

by

Patrick Sheane Duncan

UNDATED FIRST DRAFT

Converted to PDF by SCREENTALKwww.screentalk.org FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

EXT. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL, DAY - 1994

CARL HERRICK, early 50's, gets out of his piece of junk,rusted through the floorboards, ten-year-old Chevy stationwagon. He approaches the school entrance. The dull,weathered letters on the building spell out "John F. KennedyHigh School". A marquee on the grass in front of the buildingsays, "Home of the Hawkeyes", and "Good Luck! Class of "94".

There are a few cars in the parking lot, fewer people hangingaround -- school is out. The rope on the flagpole clangsagainst the pole. A lonely, desolate sound.

Herrick, battered briefcase in one hand, empty box in theother, trudges into the building.

INT. KENNEDY HIGH

Herrick walks down the hallway. At the far end of thecorridor a janitor is sweeping. All of the lockers hangopen and empty. Herrick enters a classroom.

INT. MUSIC ROOM

Herrick stands in the doorway and takes in the classroom. The piano at one end -- circling high on the wall are picturesof Stephen Foster, George Gershwin, Art Tatum, DizzyGillespie, Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, Brian Wilson and theBeach Boys, one each of the four Beatles, Stevie Wonder,Elton John, The Ramones, Chrissie Hynde, Dylan, Springsteen,and of course, Bob Seger -- this is Michigan after all.

Cluttering the classroom is the detritus of the years -- adusty, stuffed Opus figure, a .45 record player, records,sheet music, a clear plastic paperweight with a dandelionsuspended inside -- a stained glass clef note hanging in thewindow -- a bust of Beethoven, painted psychedelic.

Herrick breaks himself out of his reverie and walks over tothe desk and drops the box and his briefcase. Where to begin.

He pulls open the desk drawers and starts sorting throughthem. Some things go into the wastebasket, others into thebriefcase or the box. There is no joy in his work.

So absorbed is he in his grim sorting that he doesn't hearthe entrance of GLEN MEISTER, the boys' gym teacher. Near60, his head as bald as a baby's butt, a stomach like he wassmuggling a watermelon under his sweatshirt.

Converted to PDF by www.screentalk.org 2.

MEISTERHi, Carl... I ... I heard theycut the music program. Damnshame. Damn shame. Won't betoo long before the pennypinchingbastards start barking at myheels.

HERRICKYou don't have anything to worryabout, Glen. When they cancelthe sports program in an Americanhigh school it'll be a sign ofthe apocalypse.

MEISTERWell, it's nice to see you gota sense of humor about the wholething.

HERRICKSense of humor? Look at me,Glen. I'm fifty-five yearsold, with no job ... not muchof anything really. I've neverowned a new car. My savingscouldn't buy a week at a HolidayInn. I'm too young to retireand too old to rock and roll. I'm going to clean out my deskand walk out of here -- and ina few weeks this room will bethe home for Advanced Algebraand no one will remember I wasever here.

Meister doesn't know what to say.

MEISTERYou need any help here?

HERRICKNo. Thanks.

MEISTERWell ... hell... You'll be ...missed around here. You know...

There is an uncomfortable silence as Meister looks aroundthe room.

MEISTERI'll see you around, won't I,Carl?


HERRICKYeah, you'll see me around.

Meister pauses a moment, then leaves. Herrick finishes withthe desk drawers and goes over to the record player. Thereis a stack of .45 records on the table next to it.

Sorting through the records brings a nostalgic smile. Onerecord even prompts a laugh. He puts it on the turntable,turns on the record player and lifts the needle into thescratchy groove.

THE TRASHMENWell, everybody's heard aboutthe bird... Well, the bird, bird, bird,bird is a word... Well, the bird, bird, bird,bird is a word...

The opening lines of the stupidest rock song ever written orsort of sung -- "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen.

EXT.

KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL, DAY - 1964

Herrick parks his '62 Corvair convertible in the teacherslot. His name has been newly painted on the curb. He smiles. Other cars pull in -- teachers and students going into theirrespective lots.

Brand new briefcase in hand, Herrick approaches the schoolentrance. School buses pull up in front and dischargestudents.

Above the entrance the name of the school is being changed. "James A. Garfield" is now just a shadow on the unfaded brick. The maintenance man is on a ladder scrubbing away the dirtwith a wire brush. On the grass below, the new letters arelaid out -- "John F. Kennedy". There is no marquee on thegrass yet.

Herrick enters the school with the flood of students.

INT. KENNEDY HIGH, DAY

Herrick gets a few curious looks from the students as hewalks down the hall. PRINCIPAL WOLTERS exits a classroom,sees Herrick.

WOLTERSMr. Herrick! Morning!


HERRICKGood morning, Principal Wolters.

WOLTERSNo need to be so formal, youcan call me Mr. Wolters. Did Isee you pull up in a Corvair? A Corvair, son? Didn't youread Ralph Nader's book?

HERRICKYes, sadly. After I bought thecar. And unless Mr. Nader wantsto buy me a new one I'll haveto keep it until the wheelsfall off.

WOLTERSWhich might not be too longfrom now. Have a good firstday, Mr. Herrick.

Wolters slaps Herrick on the back and walks away. Herrickchecks the room numbers and enters one.

INT. MUSIC ROOM

The same piano, the same bust of Beethoven -- still whitefaux marble. A scale of notes above the blackboard -- therest of the room undecorated.

Students drift in. Herrick sets his briefcase on the desk,transfers some papers from it to an empty drawer. He checksthe other drawers -- empty except for a stray pencil stub orpaper clip.

He takes a music textbook from his briefcase and plops itdown on the desk. He stares at it with the same enthusiasmthe students probably will.

Turning to the blackboard he prints his name. The bell ringswhile he is still printing. He takes a breath and turns toface a classroom of kids.

HERRICKGood morning. My name is Mr.Herrick and that is what I preferto be called. Mr. Herrick. Itis a title of courtesy. I willextend that same courtesy toyou.

Now it is the kids' turn to sigh -- it's going to be a longyear.


INT. CAFETERIA, DAY

The teachers all eat at the same table. Herrick approachesand puts his tray down. A couple of the other teachers nodor smile in greeting.

Principal Wolters patrols the cafeteria, corralling a groupof teenage girls gossiping and giggling in a corner.

Glen Meister, 30 years younger, sets his tray across fromHerrick. A full head of hair, flat stomach, sportcoat overhis sweatshirt. He runs his fingers through his hair andslaps his stomach for emphasis as he talks.

MEISTERHi, we haven't met yet. I'mGlen Meister, Phys. Ed.

HERRICKThat would account for thewhistle. Carl Herrick, Music.

They shake. Meister looks down at the whistle, puzzled, heisn't very quick on the uptake.

MEISTERYeah, right. Welcome to Gar...Kennedy. Let me give you apiece of advice, this beingyour first day...

HERRICKI know, never let the studentsget the upper hand.

Herrick sees Wolters making the girls kneel on the floor.

MEISTERNah, that's a given. A word tothe wise -- keep your hands offthe girls' gym teacher.

HERRICKPardon?

MEISTERYour predecessor, Mr. Bunte,was caught giving Miss Esparzaa beef injection on the Home Ecroom sofa. They fired her cutelittle butt.

HERRICKAnd him, too, of course.


MEISTERNo, it wasn't his fault. Shewas a flirt. Bunte got areprimand, out his wife hit himwith their Buick. He's inArizona recuperating and thewife is in Chicago, auditioninglawyers I'd guess.

Wolters is measuring each of the girls' skirts. Several ofthe skirts don't touch the floor when the girls kneel. Wolters barks and the skirts are unrolled at the waist untilthey hit linoleum. The girls are released, their faces red. Wolters' dress code radar spots one of the boys.

WOLTERSMr. Postma, is that a pair ofdungarees?

Wolters takes the boy by the elbow and escorts him out ofthe cafeteria. Herrick shakes his head.

HERRICKSo, keep my hands off the girls'gym teacher, right?

MEISTERThat's the word, though it'seasier this year. That's her,there, Miss Jacobs.

MISS JACOBS, a woman in shorts and a Garfield High School T-shirt carries a tray toward their table. Squat, muscular,the shape of a fire hydrant, she looks like a bulldog withbreasts.

HERRICKI'll try to control my lust.

Meister laughs and slaps his stomach.

INT. MUSIC ROOM, DAY

Herrick writes on the blackboard -- "Lydian Model".

HERRICKThe Lydian mode is equivalentto the white keys on the piano,from F to F. From this we getthe Ambrosian and Gregorianmodes. Who can tell me wherethe term Gregorian comes from?


Herrick looks at the class -- they are in a severe trance ofboredom. So is Herrick.

HERRICKOkay... Pope Gregory the Firstwas trying to add to the varietyof church composition. Sincethe 4th Century there had onlybeen allowed...

He's not making things any better.

EXT. HERRICK HOUSE, DAY

Herrick parks the Corvair in the driveway of a small house. As he gets out of the car and enters the house his briefcaseseems to drag him down. It's been a long day.

INT. HERRICK HOUSE

IRIS HERRICK, 20's and pretty, hair always mussed, kneelsbehind a tripod-mounted camera. Low to the floor, the focusof the camera is a baby on a scrap of carpet.

The living room of the house is a photography studio, lightsset up, a large paper backdrop hanging from one wall --everything crowded among a huge record collection and a smallpiano.

The baby wails, tears streaming down it's red face. Themother waits in the doorway.

MOTHERI don't understand this at all. He's usually such a happy baby.

Iris and the mother try to amuse the baby, but to no avail.

Herrick enters, takes a look at the bawling kid

HERRICKPerfect.

He drops his briefcase. Iris gives him a peck on the cheek. The mother shakes a rattle at the baby -- the baby grabs itand throws it in her face.

IRISHow was your first day?

HERRICKAs expected.

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)I don't know what their lastteacher was doing, but he wasn'tteaching music. Well, actually,I do know what he was doing,but these kids don't know abarcarole from a barber shopquartet.

He goes into the bathroom and walks over to the sink -- thereis a pan of developer in it. There is another on the backof the toilet. The shower has a string of 8 X 10's dryingand the window has been blacked out. Herrick exits.

Iris and the mother are making faces at the baby. He screamslike a banshee.

IRISCarl, I don't know what abarcarole is. So, it wasn't agood day. How were the kids?

HERRICKDolts. A barcarole is a Venetianboating song.

He goes into the kitchen and runs water in the sink. Anenlarger occupies the kitchen table.

IRISAt least your kids don't pee onyou. Of course, it's only yourfirst day.

He washes his face, the splash of cold water is a relief.

HERRICKThanks a whole lot.

Eyes closed, he feels around for a towel -- the rack is empty.

Iris and the mother wave toys at the baby -- he tries forhigh 'C'.

Herrick, feeling blindly for a towel, a doily, anything --walks toward the living room, trips over his briefcase andtakes a header into the sofa.

The baby stops crying -- and bursts into laughter.

FLASH! Iris snaps a few pictures.

IRISThanks, hon!


She tosses her husband a clean diaper and he wipes his face.

INT. HERRICK HOUSE, NIGHT

Herrick sits at the piano, composing. His dinner, halfeaten,lays on a TV tray next to him. Totally absorbed in makingnotations on the composing paper, he doesn't hear Iris,wearing a rubber apron over her clothes, come out of the red-lit bathroom. She slips up behind him and kisses his ear.

HERRICKOooh, what is that perfume,madame? Eau de developer fluid? That always makes my blood race.

IRISI made thirty-two dollars today.

(beat)Was it really so bad at school?

HERRICKIt's a job. That's what it is,a job.

IRISWell, it's only for two years. Then you can take a year offand write your little old heartout. After that, the New YorkPhilharmonic and the world debutof Carl Herrick's "AmericanOpus". Then a commandperformance for the President,the Queen of England... The EdSullivan Show. Then, someday,after all those years ofstruggle, if you're really lucky,you'll be able to hear yourmusic on an elevator or in adentist's office.

She's teasing him -- she does it a lot. He smiles and kissesher.

HERRICKWith motivation like that howcan I fail.

IRISYou need some motivation?

HERRICKTwelve more bars and I'm yourfella.


IRISYou're my fella no matter howmany bars you hang out in.

She kisses him again and goes back to the bathroom. He turnsback to the piano.


Herrick teaches his class.

HERRICKIf you combine two or moremelodies within a compositionyou are using what is called acounterpoint. There are avariety of types ofcounterpoint...

He goes through the motions -- the students do even less.


Iris works at the kitchen table, hand tinting a black andwhite baby picture.

Herrick sits at the piano, trying to work. He stretches,goes over to his record collection and finds an album. Heputs it on the stereo and plays some early Lester Young --then a little Dave Brubeck -- tasty jazz. He listens toonly a few bars, then hurries back to the piano and plays. The few notes don't copy Young and Brubeck, but take themusic to another level. He makes notations, totally absorbed.

Iris watches him and smiles.

INT. REHEARSAL ROOM, DAY

A kid does the scales on his trombone. Herrick listens withall the patience he can muster, one eye on the clock.

HERRICKAll right, all right, Perry. Nice tones, but you need a littlework on the right hand. Practicethe right hand so it flows. You're jerking to each note --flow.

The kid packs up and leaves.

Herrick slumps, worn out.


HERRICKTwo years, two years... Onlytwo years.

There is a knock at the open door. Herrick looks up atGERTRUDE VAN LENTE, 16, thick glasses, body like a broomhandle.

HERRICKCan I help you?

GERTRUDEI'm Gertrude Van Lente. I'mgoing to learn to play theclarinet.

HERRICKDo you have a clarinet, MissVan Lente?

GERTRUDEI had my daddy buy me one.

She opens a case and shows him her clarinet.

HERRICKThis is a very beautifulinstrument. Why did you pickit? The clarinet?

GERTRUDEI saw one on Lawrence Welk. Itwas pretty -- the sound, I mean.

HERRICKThat's as good a reason as any. What instruments have you playedbefore?

GERTRUDENone, I can't even read music. But I'm determined.

Herrick sighs.


Herrick is at the stereo -- first a little of Dvorak's"American Quartet", then some "An American in Paris" byGershwin.

He goes back to his manuscript and reads. Grimacing, herolls it into a ball and throws it across the room -- hitting


Iris in the chest as she enters the room with her camera andequipment bag.

IRISNice to see you, too.

HERRICKAh... I just spent three daysripping off Dvorak and Gershwin.

IRISWell if you don't tell, I won'teither. I brought you somewedding cake.

She puts away her cameras and equipment.

HERRICKHow was it?

IRISThe groom was nervous, the bridewas scared. The mothers cried,the fathers got smashed, I tookpictures and fought off thebest man. It was fun. How wasyour day?

HERRICKI start orchestra auditionstomorrow. I have no strings orwoodwinds. I've got an accordionthat I'm sure of, if I can figureout how to fit an accordioninto an orchestra -- oh, and athird year tuba who's transferredfrom another school.

IRISWell, you could always playpolkas.

That gets a smile from him.

INT. GYMNASIUM, DAY

There is a stage at one end of the gym, a circle of aspiringmusicians in chairs on it and music stands. Herrick triesto conduct the auditions. It is a music lover's hell.

The notes are flat, discordant, downright ugly. Then aflutist plays sweetly enough to bring a smile to Herrick'sface. But right after that is a trumpet player who bleatslike an injured goat. And it goes on and on.


Gertrude tries out and fails -- she has a long way to go. The accordion player beams as he lays into "Lady of Spain". Herrick just watches, frowning. The kid stops, puzzled,then launches into a polka, grinning hugely. Herrick grabsthe accordion to stop him.


Herrick passes out graded test papers.

HERRICKI'm very disappointed in thewhole lot of you. These papersare... dismal... This is allsimple stuff, basic music historyand theory...

The kids look at their grades with the same disgust.

HERRICKWhat's going on here? Am Italking to myself? I might aswell be.

Herrick sits behind his desk and looks at the kids. A fewstare back in rebellion.

HERRICKFine, this works. Why messaround with all of that paperworkfor nothing? I'll stare at youand you stare at me and we'llaccomplish just about as muchas when I lecture. Your gradepoint might even improve.

The silence goes on for a long, uncomfortable moment. Theyare saved by the bell.

HERRICKClass dismissed. You can go,but I expect things to bedifferent tomorrow. Understandme?

It falls on deaf ears. The room is vacated instantly andHerrick packs up his briefcase and leaves.

INT. KENNEDY HIGH

The hall is emptying quickly, kids grabbing their jackets,slamming locker doors, full of energy for leaving. Hey,school's out.


Herrick passes the rehearsal rooms, two cramped, sound-proofrooms -- semi-sound-proof. He hears the pained notes of aclarinet. Herrick opens the door and sees Gertrude.

HERRICKGive it up, Miss Van Lente,school's out.

Herrick startles her. He smiles and closes the door. Theclarinet scales continue as he walks away quickly. PrincipalWolters stops him.

WOLTERSMr. Herrick, just the man I waslooking for. We are forming atextbook committee for nextyear's curriculum and I washoping for your ideas.

HERRICKIs this voluntary or required?

WOLTERSIt's totally voluntary, butmost important, Mr. Herrick.

HERRICKThen I pass, Mr. Wolters. Ihave a rule -- unless I getpaid for it I don't do it.

WOLTERSMr. Herrick, do you have anotherjob after school hours? I knowa teacher's salary isn't whatit should be, but...

HERRICKNo, I don't have a second joband I agree on the salary. CanI go now?

WOLTERSI've been watching you, Mr.Herrick. It's my job to keepan eye on my teachers. I'venever seen a teacher who ranout of here after the last periodwith the enthusiasm of one ofour students. I wish I couldobserve some of that enthusiasmin your classroom work.


HERRICKMr. Wolters, I write at night --compose. I'm writing a symphony. I'm here on time in the morningand I do my job.

WOLTERSTeaching is a twenty-four hourjob, Mr. Herrick.

HERRICKNot unless you pay me for it,Mr. Wolters. Good night.

Herrick starts to walk away.

WOLTERSMr. Herrick! You haven't beenexcused yet.

Herrick stops and looks at Wolters.

HERRICKAm I being made to stay afterschool?

WOLTERSI was wrong about this being ajob -- teaching is more. Theseyoung people, your students,are at a crossroads in theirlives. Confused, hormones goingberserk, faced with monumentaldecisions that will change theirlives forever. And we try topump them full of dates andformulas, figures and data,that have little to do withreal life -- very little of ittakes.

(beat)But it all adds up ... to ahuman being with wants, needs,ideals, and hopes. You havetwo jobs. Pump them full ofdata, music data in your case. And give them a compass. Pointthem in the right direction soit doesn't all go to waste. You manage to do that and theywill remember you for the restof their lives. I don't knowhow you're doing with the datainput, but as a compass you'reuseless.


HERRICKAm I dismissed yet?

WOLTERSDo both of your jobs, Mr.Herrick. Teaching is a calling,a...

HERRICKWell, I don't hear the call,Mr. Wolters. If I may leave...

Wolters lets Herrick pass.


Herrick makes meatloaf while Iris works with the enlarger. He massages the egg and bread crumbs into the hamburger withmore vigor than necessary.

HERRICKI hate that man and I hate hisschool. The work is boring andthe kids are ignorant anddetermined to stay that way.

IRISLet me do that, Carl.

HERRICKNo, I can't write when I feellike this. I need to decompress.

IRISWell, it's taking longer foryou to decompress every night. It's getting a little tired,hon. You don't see me grousingbecause I spend my days withbawling babies and persnicketymothers.

HERRICKThat's different, you like it.

IRISYes, because I go into it sayingI'm going to have fun. I lookat every baby as if it's thefirst one I ever saw -- as ifit were my own. And I pretendthat every mother is my own --that way I don't slap her.


Iris steps over to Herrick and puts her arms around him.

IRISCarl, you're not an old stuffedshirt, not yet anyway. Youknow more about the music thesekids listen to than they do. And we've got the recordcollection to prove it. I know,I've toted it from apartment toapartment for three years.

(beat)You're not that much older thanthem, but I've seen you in class. It's like you're some old fuddy-duddy.

HERRICKFuddy-duddy? A fine thing tocall your sex god.

IRISDon't try to change the topicto sex, not yet at least. Youknow what I'm saying -- you lovemusic. But you sure can't tellit from your classes.

Herrick is about to argue, but he stops himself.

HERRICKI know ... I don't know what todo.

IRISYou'll figure it out. You wantto talk about sex now?

HERRICKI'd rather do...

The doorbell rings. Iris and Herrick look at each other. The doorbell repeats. Herrick raises his meatloaf-coveredhands.

Iris goes to the door and returns with Gertrude Van Lente.

HERRICK(surprised)

Miss Van Lente...

GERTRUDEGood evening, Mr. Herrick. Ihope I'm not bothering you...


HERRICKNot at all. Iris, this isGertrude Van Lente. Gertrude,this is Iris, my wife.

Herrick wipes off his hands and leads Gertrude into the livingroom. Iris looks at him, questioning. He shrugs back. Gertrude walks over to the piano. She touches the keysabsently, looks at the sheet music.

GERTRUDEDid you write this?

HERRICKYes, it's a symphony I'mcomposing -- between meatloafs.

GERTRUDEOh...

HERRICKIs there something you want..

GERTRUDEYou're right, Mr. Herrick. I'mgiving up the clarinet. I'mdoing what you told me. It'sfor the best.

HERRICKWhat I told you?

GERTRUDEAfter school today. You said,"Give it up". So I am, will...

HERRICKI meant for the day.

GERTRUDEI know what you meant. I'mterrible, everybody says so. Ijust wanted you to know...

HERRICKWell, if that's what you wantto do...

Gertrude breaks into tears and walks toward the door. Herrickpulls her back and into a chair. He looks to Iris for help. She holds up her hands helplessly.

GERTRUDEOh, Mr. Herrick, what can I do? I've got to learn something.


HERRICKIt's not such a bad thing, justbecause you can't play theclarinet. Lots of people can'tplay any instrument.

Gertrude gets up and looks at him, tears in her eyes.

GERTRUDEYou don't understand, you don'tknow my family. My sisterdances, she has a balletscholarship to Juilliard. Mybrother is the top-seeded tennisplayer in the state, sixth inthe country. My mother has wonthe blue ribbon for watercolorsat the State Fair so many timesthey've retired the category. My father sings tenor in thechurch choir and has sung theNational Anthem at Tiger Stadiumfour times. And my name isGertrude.

Herrick is nonplussed for a moment.

HERRICKYou could call yourself Trudy.

GERTRUDEMr. Herrick, do I look like aTrudy?

HERRICKWell, keep at the clarinet. You'll get there.

GERTRUDEBut all I make is noise. I doray scales, I practice until mylips swell up, but it stilldoesn't sound like anything.

HERRICKI've heard you play -- you'reright, Gertrude. But ... well...one of your problems is thatyou only play the notes on thepage.

GERTRUDEWhat else am I supposed to play?


He looks at her, then goes over to his record collection. He sifts through a stack of 45's -- puts one on the turntable.

HERRICKThere's more to music than thenotes on the paper.

He lowers the needle and the unmistakable sounds of "TheKingsmen" belting out "Louie, Louie" fill the room.

Gertrude looks at the turntable, at Herrick, dumbfounded.

HERRICKListen. These fellas haveabsolutely no harmonic sense. They can't sing, the lead singeris yelling. They're playingthe same boring three chordsover and over and over. Therecording sucks. The lyricsare awful when you can understandthem, if you can hear them. This song is about a decibelaway from being noise. But welove it. I love it! Do youlove it?

Gertrude nods. Herrick is on a roll.

HERRICKWhy? I'll tell you why. Becauseit has heart. These guys areplaying with everything theyhave and they're having fun. They love it, so we love it.

He takes one of Gertrude's hands and puts it over her heart.

HERRICKGertrude, you go home and pickup your clarinet and play fromhere. And who cares if it'snot perfect? You'll movesomeone. Sometimes I play thatpiano and the only person Imove is me. And you know what... a lot of the time that'senough.

Gertrude walks toward the door.

GERTRUDEThanks, Mr. Herrick.


HERRICKHey, it's part of the job.

She leaves. Herrick turns to find Iris staring at him.

IRISYou live with someone, you sleepwith them, do neat things underthe covers ... and every oncein a while you look at them andsee why you ever went to a keggerwith them.

HERRICKIs that some kind of half-assedcompliment? If so, I need proof.

IRISProof? I'll give you proof.

She hugs him.

INT. SALVATION ARMY STORE, DAY

Herrick carries a small record player to the counter andshows it to the woman at the cash register.

HERRICKDoes this work?

WOMANSure does. Everything we sellhas been reconditioned.

HERRICKI'll take it.

He takes out his wallet and pauses.

HERRICKUh, I'm the music teacher outat Kennedy High... There isn'tsome kind of discount, is there? It is for classroom use.

WOMANGrades my grandkids get I shouldcharge you extra. Ten ... twentypercent off.

He smiles and gives her the money.



Herrick stands in front of the classroom of dull faces.

HERRICKPut your textbooks away. Okay,how many of you like music?

After a moment, a couple of hesitant hands are raised.

HERRICKHow many of you like the BeachBoys?

The kids look at each other and all the hands go up.

HERRICKHow many of you like this BeachBoys song?

He puts a .45 on the record player and "Surfin' USA" startsto play. The kids are roused from their trance.

HERRICKHow many of you knew that"Surfing, USA" was a rip-off ofa song by Chuck Berry?

He changes the record and "Sweet Little sixteen" plays. Some of the kids bounce to the music and all are payingattention.

HERRICKHow many of you like this songfrom a new English pop groupcalled "The Animals?

He plays "House of the Rising Sun".

HERRICKDid you know that this is acopy of a version by Bob Dylanthat Dylan based on a folk songby Josh White? This song maybe over a hundred years old.

(beat)Music has a history. Ours,American music, has a very proudhistory. Very little musicstands alone. Every once in awhile a musician comes alongwho is totally original, butmost are influenced by theirforebears, by every song they

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)ever heard, whether they knowit or not. They have a historyof music that they absorb andtransform and give to you. Youhave a history of music thatyou're not even aware of. Weare going to explore thathistory. You may think this isunique...

He lays the needle on "Surfin' Bird" by the Trashmen.

HERRICK... but I can show you a directlink from the jazz scat singersof the 30's to the doo-wop soundof the 50's and 60's to this.

He lets the song play for a moment.

HERRICKThis catchy but inane repetitionof "bird, bird, bird, bird is aword" disintegrates into "boppa-boppa-boppa-boppa-oo-mau-mau-mau-boppa-oo-mau-mau-mau..."

He takes the needle off.

HERRICKWell, maybe that's a biggerleap of style than we shouldattempt right now. Let's goback to the Beach Boys and ChuckBerry. Chuck Berry is one ofthe founders of rock and roll. Rock and roll has its' originsin rhythm and blues. They goback to the blues. So today wewill explore the blues.

He puts on an old Muddy Waters song.

HERRICKOne of the characteristics ofthe blues is that it uses thediatonic scale.

He starts writing on the blackboard.

HERRICKThese are any of the major orminor scales, but staying in

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)that key. The blue notes areflattened notes, usually thirdsor sevenths, but I'm gettingahead of myself. The oppositeof the diatonic scale is thechromatic scale. We've coveredthis already -- does anyoneknow what a chromatic scale is?

He turns from the board and sees several eager hands go up. He smiles -- this could be fun.

MONTAGE --

Gertrude's fingers work the valves of her clarinet, goingthrough the scales. "C" is a bit tentative and falls somewhatflat.

Herrick gets his class up to dance, chiding, begging, orderingthem to their feet as The Beach Boys' "Dance, Dance, Dance"plays. One lumbering boy attempts the Twist, all the jokesabout jockey shorts riding up apply to him.

HERRICKEverybody watch Perry! C'mon,Perry, dance! That's it. Watchhis arms. One! Two! Three! Four! Count with me. That'sthe time signature -- four-four!

Even Herrick dances a little.

Gertrude tries for "D" -- better.

Herrick in the practice room with a trumpet, a violin, drums,flute, cymbals, and so on. He coaches, cajoles, and teasesthe musicians into giving their all to every note.

Gertrude goes for an "E" -- not bad at all.

Herrick writes at home. Iris is photographing twins. Shecan't get them to look at the camera at the same time. Herrick fills the manuscript paper with note after note.

Gertrude searches for "F" -- it takes a while.

The student orchestra assembled in the gymnasium, theirinstruments poised for Herrick's direction.

HERRICKClassical music ... ugh.

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)Classical ... boring, dull,dusty... Rossini, who is f Who cares? William TellOverture, no fun there... Thinkagain -- the Lone Ranger!

And he swings the baton. The kids light into the music withenthusiasm, if not technical skill. You can almost hear"Hiyo, Silver!"

Gertrude hits a "G" -- right on the spot.

A basketball game. Herrick sits in the stands with a smallcontingent of horns. They let loose a fanfare at everyKennedy High Hawkeye basket.

Iris, a big fan, cheers the team on. The opposing side makesa basket. The trombone player gives out a lone fanfare. Iris glares at Herrick. He jams the mute into the trombone.

Gertrude hits an "A" -- clear, clean, beautiful.

Herrick works at the piano, writing, searching for the right"A" himself.

END MONTAGE.

INT. GYMNASIUM, DAY

Gertrude goes through the scales -- sitting on the stagewith the student orchestra.

A banner hangs above the stage -- "Good Luck Class of '65".

The graduating class in their caps and gowns, the parents intheir Sunday best in chairs arranged on the floor in frontof the stage. On the stage with the school orchestra, arethe teachers and speakers. Principal Wolters is at thepodium.

WOLTERSBefore the ceremony Mr. Herrickwill lead the Kennedy High Schoolorchestra in a rendition of theClass of 1965's song, "MoonRiver".

Herrick takes his position in front of the orchestra, liftshis baton, and leads the students in the song. Not bad, notbad at all.

Iris watches from the audience. Principal Wolters catchesHerrick's eye and smiles.


Gertrude Van Lente stands for the solo and plays it -- fromthe heart.

INT. MUSIC ROOM, DAY - 1994

Herrick puts "Moon River" in the box with the other records. He looks up and sees TED BOS, a man in blue twill workclothes.

BOS(uncomfortably)

Mr. Herrick, remember me? TedBos? I'm one of the bus drivers. I never took your music classes,but you taught me Drivers Ed...?

HERRICKClass of '67 ... ?

BOS'65. But I graduated in '67,so you're right there.

HERRICK'65... We wrecked three carsthat year, some kind of record.

BOSI always wondered why anyonewould teach Drivers Ed, they'dhave to be suicidal or something.

HERRICKI was probably desperate forthe money. I needed every dimeI could get back then.

BOSI know the feeling. Well... Ijust wanted to say ... I heardyou was leaving and ... well,shit... Thanks.

Bos offers his hand and they shake.

BOSMy girl took band with you. Played the viola, still does. It's ... pretty. I was hopingher daughter would take it up,too... Well, I just wanted to,you know, say thanks...


Bos leaves and Herrick looks at the empty doorway for asecond, then goes to the locker. He pulls out a weathered,beaten sign -- "Student Driver".

MONTAGE -- COUNTRY ROAD, DAY

A '65 Plymouth with a "Student Driver" sign attached to thetrunk hops down the street. Yes, hops!

Gas! Brake! Gas! Brake! We all did this.

On the side door is another sign. "This car courtesy ofNolin Chrysler/Plymouth - Haviland, Michigan."

"Drag City" by Jan and Dean plays.

Trying to parallel park, student jumps the curb. A studentpiles a line of orange cones that make an obstacle courseunder the nose of the car.

A student makes a turn -- the wrong way onto a one-way street! Herrick's foot hits the brake on his side of the car.

The car pulls out of a driveway -- right into the path of asemi. The semi driver stomps on the brakes. The huge truckslides to a stop, just kissing the fender of the Plymouth.

A student, using the rearview mirror, steps on the gas - -and lurches forward. There is a crash.

Gears grind -- first, second, third -- and reverse.

The Drivers Ed car winds up -- in a ditch -- on a lawn -- ontop of a parking meter -- against a telephone pole -- stalledon the railroad tracks (of course, a train is coming).

Parking in the school lot, a female student loses control,feet scramble for the right pedals -- crash! Herrick'sCorvair has been hit. Herrick jumps out and stands in frontof the Drivers Ed car.

HERRICKJust hit me! Just run me over! Put it in gear, step on thegas, and just now me down! What's stopping you?! The gasis the one on the right!

The female student starts to cry. Herrick feels like a shitand gets back into the car.

A student practices in an empty parking lot. Backing into aparking space, the car hits a three-foot retaining wall. Asix-foot section goes down.


Then, like dominoes, the rest of the wall falls, 120 feet ofcinderblock topples.

END MONTAGE.

INT. HERRICK HOUSE, DAY

Herrick is concentrating at the piano. Iris is trying totake pictures of a reluctant Chihuahua with a bow on itshead and another on its tail.

The door bell rings. Herrick and Iris look at each other. He looks down at the keyboard meaningfully. She gestures atthe dog. They do "paper-scissors-rock". He loses.

He sneers at the dog and goes to the door. It is the femalestudent from the parking lot. She beams as she shows himher new drivers license.

Herrick opens the screen door and the student gives him apeck on the cheek. Then she runs down to the street and hernew Volkswagon Beetle. Herrick smiles as she drives away,hears screeching tires and honking horns. He shakes hishead and goes back inside.

EXT. KENNEDY HIGH, DAY

Herrick pulls up and parks his dented Corvair. Students intheir new school clothes wave and shout greetings.


Herrick hangs the photographs of Stephen Foster, GeorgeGershwin, Art Tatum, Chuck Berry, Dizzy Gillespie, and TheBeach Boys as the students file in. The bell rings.

HERRICKMy name is Carl Herrick. Thisclass is Music Theory andHistory. If that isn't writtenon your schedule for the firstperiod you might as well leaveand miss the boring speech.

One kid gets up and slinks out. Herrick hands a sheet ofpaper to the student at the end of the first row.

HERRICKThe rest of you sign in here,first name, middle initial,last name.

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)(beat)

In this class we will study thehistory of music. Not justthat classical long-hair stuff,but American music, too. Folk,blues, rock, jazz, country, andpop. Some of these forms areuniquely American, but our studywill be unbiased. All music isgood music. Some is formal,some is complicated, some evenmore complicated, but remember... music is communication. Not necessarily communicationof information, but of emotion,feeling, mood. And if any pieceof music, any type of musicmakes you feel something -- itworks. Now, how many of youlike this new British group,the Beatles?

All the hands shoot up.

HERRICKWell, before the Beatles wrote"Yesterday", "Help", "A HardDay's Night", or any of theirother great songs, they covered --remade -- songs by other people. How many of you have heard thissong?

He puts the needle down on "Roll over Beethoven" and lets itplay for a moment.

HERRICKThis is their cover of a songby Chuck Berry.

He plays a minute of the Chuck Berry version.

HERRICKChuck Berry is one of the fathersof rock and roll. He comesfrom a background influenced bycountry and blues. Now theblues, twelvebar blues, is aform of music quite unique toAmerica. One of thecharacteristics of the blues isthe use of the diatonic scale...

He starts writing on the blackboard.


INT. CAFETERIA, DAY

The teachers' table is full.

WOLTERSMr. Herrick, there have been afew complaints about you teachingthe students this rock and rolljunk...

HERRICKComplaints, from who?

WOLTERSWhom. This is a veryconservative little town, Mr.Herrick... You! Wooley! Comehere!

One of the boys freezes in his tracks like a deer in aheadlight. He walks over to Principal Wolters, who grabs awisp of hair on the boy's neck.

WOLTERSA haircut by first periodtomorrow or you're out. Nothingover the collar or below theeyebrows. Get a haircut or adog license.

WOOLEYYes, Mr. Wolters.

The kid makes his escape and Wolters turns back to Herrick.

WOLTERSIt's not that I'm interferingin your curriculum, Mr. Herrick,but I do have to answer to theSchool Board and the parents. Give me an answer for them, Mr.Herrick.

HERRICKTell them I teach music. And Iuse any form of music that willget a student to listen. Everything from the Beatles toBeethoven.

WOLTERSThat's a good answer, Mr.Herrick. I can tell them that. Thank you. Miss Fenning!

(MORE)


WOLTERS (CONT'D)Is that lipstick or is yourmouth bleeding?! Miss Fenning!

He holds out a paper napkin to the offending teen. She wipesher mouth. Herrick starts away.

WOLTERSOne other thing, Mr. Herrick...

Herrick grimaces and stops.


Herrick bursts inside, dumps his briefcase, and hurries overto a book shelf.

Iris sits on the sofa, head in her hands. Herrick shufflesquickly through the books.

HERRICKHi, hon. That bastard Woltersdumped one on me at lunch today. He wants a Kennedy High MarchingBand! A marching band! I nevertook that course. My roommatecomped it for me 'cause I had agig at a jazz club. I've got abook here somewhere... A marchingband. I never even saw "TheMusic Man".

He finally notices Iris. She gets up from the sofa, tearsin her eyes, and runs out of the room. Baffled, Herrickfollows her.

EXT. BACK PORCH, DAY

Iris sits on the steps, crying. Herrick sits next to herand puts an arm around her shoulders.

HERRICKWhat's wrong, hon? Bad day atthe baby factory?

That makes her cry louder.

IRISI ... we ... we're ... I don'tknow what happened ... I dideverything... I'm pregnant!

Herrick is stunned.


IRISI took the pills every day. Inever missed a day. They saythey're almost one hundredpercent effective ... I neverthought... "almost" ...

HERRICKA baby ... ?

IRISI'm so sorry, Carl...

HERRICKSorry ... ? Iris, don't besorry. We're gonna have a baby --a baby.

(beat)You don't want a baby? I wanta baby. Wow ... a baby.

IRISYou don't mean that, I know. We were going to wait until youfinished the symphony.

HERRICKSo I work another year... Ababy...

IRISI don't believe you.

HERRICKIris, believe me. This is greatnews.

IRISYou're just saying that.

HERRICKIris, honey... Remember when Itold you about hearing JohnColetrane when I was fifteen... ?

IRISIt was your birthday, yeah,yeah. What's that old storygot to do with...

HERRICKJust let me finish.

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)My father, in his esteemedwisdom, got me a gift certificateat the record store. I randown there and got as many ofthe latest records as I could. One was by John Coletrane. Iplayed the others.. "HeartbreakHotel", Gogi Grant, "The WaywardWind", the new Platters song, Iloved The Platters. Then I puton the Coletrane. I wasn'tsure who he was, but the guy atthe record store said he knewI'd like it. He knew I'd likeit.

(beat)It changed my life. No offense,but not even marrying you hashad the same effect on me.

IRISI know that -- it's my cross tobear. But...

HERRICKLet me finish. Three notesfrom that horn, that goldenhorn, and I knew that I wantedto be a musician. That's whatI'd do with my life, createmusic. And that I'd be a greatmusician someday.

IRISYou are, Carl, but...

He shushes her with a finger to her lips, then cups her facein his hands and looks into her eyes.

HERRICKIris, when you just said wewere going to have a baby I gotthat same feeling -- like I washearing Coletrane's horn forthe first time again.

IRISAww, honey She bursts into tearsagain and wraps her arms aroundHerrick.

HERRICKAnd now you're crying again. What ... ?


IRISOh, shut up.

And she kisses him.

HERRICKWhat I'm trying to say...

IRISI know what you're trying tosay. Maybe it's a lie, maybenot... I'm not in the bestcondition to tell. But if itis... it's the best, sweetest,most beautiful lie you've evertold me and I love you for it.

They hold each other for a long time.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD, DAY

The potential band members, with instruments, are standingin rows at one end of the field. The football team practicesat the other end.

Herrick tries to line them up according to the book, trombonesin one row, drums at the back, etc., but the rows won't comeout even and he gives up on that.

He takes his position at the front of the band, raises thebaton, and gives the signal to march. The kids start walking,some left foot first, some right. It looks like hell.

He stops them and tries again -- a little better -- a littlebetter still -- until they finally march in unison.

Herrick orders a left turn -- immediate chaos. Kids hiteach other with their instruments, trip over their own feet,and pretty soon the whole band is down.

The football players laugh.

Herrick gets them to set their instruments aside, then backin rows. They start marching once more. He orders a rightturn -- more chaos, even without instruments.

Herrick sighs, this is going to be a long road. The footballplayers start to heckle, but Meister shuts them up and walksdown the field to Herrick.

MEISTERI was three years in the Army,marched my keester off.

(MORE)


MEISTER (CONT'D)I can get them to march, butthe rest is up to you.

Meister lines the kids up.

MEISTER(to kids)

TEN-HUT!

The kids look at him blankly.

MEISTER(to Herrick)

We got a long way to go.


Herrick is hanging pictures of the Beatles. Gertrude helps.

HERRICKI don't know. What I want towrite is a symphony that willencompass every major form ofAmerican music. Meldingclassical motifs with rock androll, jazz with tin pan alley. Five movements, some with lyrics,some without, but all celebratingthe American musical idiom. Gershwin did the same thing inhis time -- I'll do it in ours.

GERTRUDEGood for you, Mr. Herrick.

They finish and Herrick notices LOUIS RUS, a student, waitingpatiently.

RUSMr. Herrick.

GERTRUDEI gotta go, there's a studentcouncil meeting in five minutes.

HERRICK(to Rus)

What can I do for you, Mr... ?

RUSRus, Louie Rus. I gotta takesome music thing.

(MORE)


RUS (CONT'D)I'm College Prep and it's musicor another foreign language. Ialready flunked German, Spanish,and Latin, what's the point intrying French? So my counselorokayed music as a kindasubstitute for a language.

HERRICKIt's late in the term to catchup on "Theory and History".

RUSI can't do none of that, I wantto play something. That countsas music, don't it?

HERRICKYes, but ... you need to learnsome fundamentals.

RUSLook, Mr. Herrick, I'll workhard. I know how to work, I'mjust not a school kind of person. I don't learn things easy andif I get into college it'll beon a wrestling scholarship. I'm not a brain, I'm a jock,that's it. Let me learn thedrum, one of those big ones.

HERRICKA drum? A big one? Why not ahorn?

RUSNo fruity instruments.

HERRICKA tuba then.

RUSTuba's for fat guys with pimples.

HERRICKTrombone, I need anothertrombone.

RUSTwerps.

HERRICKA triangle -- ding!


Rus just glares at him.

RUSA drum, something I can justbang on. Hell ... heck, even Ican do that. Give me a chance,Mr. Herrick. My counselor, Mr.Meister's just about given up,you're my last chance. I'llwork hard.

Herrick looks at the kid.

HERRICKI could use another drummer.


Herrick is doodling at the piano. Iris enters with severalphotographs that she begins to frame and package.

IRISThere was a point there I thoughtif I never saw another babyagain I'd be a happy camper. Now... You're not writing.

HERRICKI've settled on three names. Tatum, after Art Tatum, ofcourse. Coletrane ... how'sthat sound? Coletrane Herrick.

IRISLike a wrestler.

HERRICKAnd Dizzy, after my man DizzyGillespie.

IRISI thought we settled this "Dizzy"thing. A kid has enough problemswithout a handicap like that. And if it's a girl?

HERRICKI thought of that, too! Lena,Eartha or, of course, Ella. Need I say more?

IRISI like Ella.

(MORE)


IRIS (CONT'D)If it's a boy we'll call himKodak or Minolta. I got it, Igot it -- we'll call himPolaroid, Roid for short.

HERRICKYou're not taking this seriously.

IRISI guess not. Maybe I'm Dizzy.


The school orchestra is assembled with Louie Rus on the bassdrum next to the kettle drum player. The music is Beethoven'sFirst and it's going okay -- until Rus hits the drum. BOOM! Herrick waves his baton and stops the music.

HERRICKYou're early, Mr. Rus. Again,pick it up at bar twenty-four.

He waves the baton and the next few bars go well. Herrickstops them again.

HERRICKWhere were you, Mr. Rus?

RUSSorry.

HERRICKAnd Miss Lubbers, could youfind a key closer to the onethe rest of us are using? Thankyou. People, let's try to starttogether. Again, from bar twenty-four.

He waves the baton and it goes swimmingly for a moment, MissLubbers concentrating like the dickens, Rus looking baffled.

BOOM! BOOM!

Herrick throws the baton into the air. The musicians fallapart.

HERRICKMr. Rus, if you would, please. Let's walk and talk.

Rus leaves his drum and walks over to Herrick. Herrick putsan arm around his shoulder and walks him over to the corner.


HERRICKMr. Rus, I thought you said youcould read music.

RUSI can, when it has words. Thisstuff's got no words.

Herrick looks like he just crapped a pineapple.


It's Herrick and Rus alone. Herrick points to a musicalstaff he's put on the blackboard.

HERRICKE - G - B - D - F... It's easyto remember. Every Good Boy DoesFine. F - A - C - E... Face,that's easy enough. Those arethe notes.

RUSIt's like a code.

HERRICKExactly! And you have to knowthat code because it's tellingyou where to come in.

RUSAnd bang the drum.

HERRICKExactly!


There is snow everywhere.

INT. GYMNASIUM, DAY

The band marches across the gym floor in their stocking feet,without instruments. They aren't doing too bad.

HERRICKOkay, let's try it with music.

(to himself)And let the saints preserve us.



Herrick is working with Rus.

HERRICKJust sing the notes on the page.

RUSI sing like shit ... sorry, Mr.Herrick. I sing like ... youknow.

HERRICKI'm not auditioning you for theMetropolitan opera. Just singthe notes.

RUSOkay.

HERRICKThat's a sharp. Go on.

EXT. HERRICK HOUSE, NIGHT

Carolers walk from house to house singing Christmas carols. Herrick pulls into the driveway.


Iris is curled up asleep on the sofa under a pile of blankets. She looks pale and weak. The sound of Herrick entering wakesher up. He pulls off his gloves and coat.

HERRICKGotta get the heater fixed inthat piece of junk.

IRISYou're late.

HERRICKI have this kid... He thinkshe's dumb, so he is.

IRISIs he? Dumb?

HERRICKI don't think so. Honey, areyou okay?


IRISI don't know. At first I thoughtit was just more morningsickness, but...

He puts a hand to her forehead.

HERRICKYou feel hot. You had anythingto eat?

IRISI tried to get some lunch down,but it didn't stay. I'll fixsomething.

She tries to get up, but he pushes her gently back down andlooks at her neck.

HERRICKHoney, you have little red spots.

She pulls the blankets away and looks for herself. She ishorrified.

IRISOh, my god...!

She doesn't know whether to cry or scream.

INT. HAVILAND HOSPITAL, NIGHT

Iris, wearing one of those stupid open-back gowns, sits on agurney in an examination room. Herrick holds her hand. They are both nervous, worried. DR. WEITZMAN enters,friendly.

WEITZMANI'm afraid, Mr. Herrick, Mrs.Herrick, that it is rubella.

HERRICKJesus... It's been going aroundschool, I could have brought ithome.

IRISI could have caught it from anyof the 'mothers or one of thebabies... it's... What aboutour baby, Doctor?


WEITZMANIt's ... definitely not thebest news. You, Mrs. Herrickare at very little risk. Onthe other hand, the disease isknown to cause damage to thefetus.

The news tears Herrick's heart out.

HERRICKWhat kind of damage?

The Herricks look at each other and Iris clutches his arm.

WEITZMANPossible congenital heartdisorder, or hearing loss...some are born blind... I'mtelling you the worst prospects,but... it could be minor. Itcould be nothing, but...

IRISWhatever it is, we can handleit. Can't we, Carl?

They look at each other, not so sure.


Rus is ready in front of a music stand, drumstick in hand,big bass drum waiting. He reads the sheet music.

RUSDa-da-da-da-da-de-de-dum..

Herrick isn't really listening.

RUSDa-dum-da-dum-da-da-da...

BOOM! Rus strikes the drum. Herrick is instantly payingattention.

RUSDa-da-dum-dum-de.

BOOM! BOOM!

RUSDa-da-da-daah!


BOOM! Rus laughs and beats out a celebratory riff on thebig drum.

HERRICKAll right, all right! I don'tsee any notation calling forimprovisation, Mr. Rus.

RUSI did it! Wow! Hey, Mr. HerrickI can play this shit! Sorry,play this drum.

HERRICKYes, Mr. Rus, you can. Maybeyou don't know it, but you'vealso learned a new language. Awhole new language.

RUSWow, I did. I have.

HERRICKMaybe all you wanted to do wasbang on something, but you,sir, have learned a language.

RUSYeah! Wait'll my dad hearsthis shit... sorry, stuff.

HERRICKThere's nothing to be sorryabout, Mr. Rus.

Herrick catches some of Rust enthusiasm.


It is raining outside. Herrick works at the piano, his backto Iris. She is boxing up her photography chemicals andequipment. Her pregnancy is showing.

HERRICKYou don't have to do that, Iris.

IRISThe chemicals can't be good fora growing baby. I'm just puttingthe cameras and equipment outof the way for now. Since Ihad the measles people haven'tbeen bringing me their babies.

(MORE)


IRIS (CONT'D)Not that I blame them. I don'tfeel much like taking picturesof babies any...

Herrick turns and sees her crying. He wraps Iris in hisarms.

EXT. MAIN STREET, DAY

It is May and time for a parade. The sidewalks are linedwith spectators, among them a very pregnant Iris, sitting ina lounge chair at the curb.

A band marches down the street playing "Seventy-SixTrombones". The musicians are high-stepping, great-looking,all-American kids. They pause in front of Iris and do a fewfancy steps and flourishes and move on -- very impressive. The people applaud enthusiastically.

A float is next -- a salute to sugar beets.

EXT. SIDE STREET, DAY

Herrick runs around madly, trying to get the band together.

HERRICKStrull! Where the hell isStrull?! Anybody... Doel, wheredid those brown shoes come from? The uniform is black shoes, youwere given black shoes, wheredid those brown shoes come from?! Has anyone seen Strull?! Grossman, where's your music? Pay attention to it! Everybodystay calm. It's just likerehearsal, except for thousandsof people out there.


Iris watches another band approach, playing the "ColonelBogey March". Their maneuvers are intricate, weaving in andout of each other, pauses, deep bows, twirling theirinstruments in precision. They provide an exciting show --next week they'll be on Ed Sullivan. Major applause fromthe audience.

Another float pulled by a John Deere tractor -- the NationalPickle Harvesters Association.


EXT. SIDE STREET, DAY

Herrick has the kids in formation.

HERRICKOne, two, three, four, March!

Instant chaos. A waiting band and band master start to laugh.

HERRICKHold it! Hold it! HOLD IT! All right, people, let's alltake a deep breath, get back information.

A parade official is waving them onto the parade route. Herrick turns on him.

HERRICKWE'RE DOING THE BEST WE CAN,DAMNIT!

The band stares at him in surprise. He smiles weakly.


Iris and another pregnant woman are sharing cotton candy. Down the street come a majorette and two standard-bearerscarrying a big cloth banner.

John F. Kennedy High School

Marching Band

Haviland, Michigan

The band isn't playing, they're concentrating on theirmarching. My, they do look spiffy in their new uniformsHerrick, in his matching band leader's uniform, winks atIris.

Herrick nods to the majorette. She raises her baton.

BAH! BAH! BAHMP!

BAHMP! BAHMP!

BAH! BAH! BAHMP!

It's "Louie, Louie"'.

The crowd goes nuts, applauding, cheering, yelling. And theKennedy High School Marching Band parades down the street.


Louis Rus is proud of himself, and rightly so. But Herrickis swelled up like a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon.

INT. GYMNASIUM, DAY

Graduation day -- "Good Luck to the Class of 1966".

Gertrude isn't with the orchestra, she's in cap and gownwith the other graduates. But Louis Rus is in the orchestra. They play "Yesterday".

EXT. COUNTY ROAD, DAY

A '67 Plymouth careens down the road. It's the Drivers Edcar, there's that sign on the trunk. The car speeds througha stop sign. The music -- "Baby You Can Drive My Car".

INT. PLYMOUTH, DAY

Herrick is driving, a madman behind the wheel. DARYL is thestudent in the passenger seat. Two more students are in theback, one terrified, one getting off on the trip.

DARYLThat was a stop sign you wentthrough back there, Mr. Herrick.

Herrick ignores him.

DARYLYou are definitely speeding,Mr. Herrick, definitely. Oh,that's another stop sign. Youcut that lady off back there.

The car turns off the road and into the outskirts of a town.

DARYLI don't think you can pass onthe right, Mr. Herrick. Oh, mygosh ... this is a one-waystreet, Mr. Herrick.

HERRICKMr. Hosta! Shut the hell up!

DARYLShuts up.


EXT. HAVILAND CITY HOSPITAL, DAY

Herrick pulls to a stop in front of the hospital and runsinside.

INT. MATERNITY WARD, DAY

Herrick runs into the corridor, past the nursery -- skids toa stop, backs up, looks at the babies, realizes he won't beable to recognize his -- and runs to the nurses' station.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM, DAY

Iris is propped up in bed, a baby in her arms, a nurse makinga notation on her chart.

Herrick bursts into the room, sees everything all right, andtries to calm himself.

HERRICKAre you all right?

IRISI'm fine. Come meet your son.

HERRICKA son...? I came as fast as Icould, but we were all the waythe other side of Allegan County. I called in and... A son ... ?

IRISMy water broke and Wendy broughtme to the hospital. It waseasy, everybody's been tellingme how lucky I am.

HERRICKA son... Is he...

IRISHe's fine. I counted all thetoes and fingers. The doctorsays he's perfect.

HERRICKPerfect...

He kisses her. There is a noise at the door. Daryl and theother two students.

DARYLWe can't get back to school.


HERRICKKeep the car, I'll manage.

DARYL(sarcastic)

We don't have licenses, Mr.Herrick.

HERRICKOkay, okay, give me a fewminutes. Come on in, MeetColetrane Herrick.

The kids take a look at the baby.

DARYLColetrane? What kind of nameis that?

HERRICKYou're on thin ice, Daryl.

IRISI think just Cole will be fine.

Herrick bends over to Look at his son.


A school bus pulls up to the curb and unloads students. Fallen leaves litter the grass. The marquee is being erectedon the lawn.


The bell rings and the students settle in. Herrick issmiling, full of enthusiasm.

HERRICKWelcome to Music Theory. Lookat your schedule. If Music 101isn't listed for this hour thenit's your tough luck.


Herrick and JILL LOHMAN, one of the students, are alone. The girl looks at the floor, at the walls, at her hands,never at Herrick.


HERRICKYour grades are excellent, MissLohman, excellent. But younever speak in class, not evenwhen I call on you. The girls'counselor, Mrs. Ahlberg, saysyou won't talk even to her. Asyour faculty advisor I've beenasked to help you, but I can'tif you don't tell me what theproblem is.

She is silent.

HERRICKYour grades prove you do theassignments... is there a problemat home.

She shakes her head.

HERRICKAre you afraid of something?

She nods.

HERRICKReally, what? The teachers,the other students?

She nods again.

HERRICKWhich is it, the teachers orthe students? C'mon, MissLohman. One word will make myday. Students or teachers?

LOHMAN(softly)

Both.

The word is so low it could have been a sigh instead of aword.

HERRICKBoth? Both. Now we're gettingsomewhere. You're shy, aren'tyou, Miss Lohman? Shy ... that'snot such a bad thing. Well, itcan be when you think everyoneis staring at you. I was shywhen I was your age.

She looks at him briefly.


HERRICKI was so shy I had a permanentcrick in my neck from lookingdown to see if my fly was openShe almost laughs. Here's atrick that worked for me. Everytime you have to speak justlook at the person you'readdressing and imagine themnaked.

LOHMAN(softly)

Naked... ?

HERRICKNaked. It takes all the threatright out of their presence.

LOHMANNaked...

HERRICKIt worked for me, try it.

She seems to be thinking seriously -- she finally nods.

LOHMANI will, Mr. Herrick. Thankyou.

There is a knock and Principal Wolters enters. The girlgets up.

WOLTERSGood afternoon, Miss Lohman. How are we today?

She lowers her eyes and starts to scurry past him.

HERRICKMiss Lohman...

She looks briefly at Herrick, then at the Principal. Shelooks him up and down, imagining. Wolters starts to frownunder her focused gaze. She starts giggling.

LOHMANWe are fine today, Mr. Wolters.

And she scurries past him and out the door.

Wolters looks at Herrick, who shrugs innocently.



Fallen leaves have been raked into piles.

INT. HERRICK HOUSE

Herrick composes at the piano. Iris is making a cradle froman orange crate and two wooden coat hangers.

The baby is in a floor-mounted baby swing, being rocked withHerrick's left foot. Herrick plays, slowly at first, thenfaster and faster. Preoccupied, he doesn't realize he'srocking the baby faster, too. Soon the baby is swinginglike the tail of a happy pup.

IRISCarl!

He is jerked out of his concentration. Iris points her hammerat the baby. Herrick stops the swing.

IRISWrite a waltz.

Herrick smiles and chucks the baby under the chin.

HERRICKYou kidding? This kid's got arock and roll soul and a boogiewoogie heart.

Herrick goes back to work.

EXT. TRAILER, DAY

ED CLAYPOOL, a teenage boy, shovels snow on the long pathfrom the weather-beaten trailer to the mail box on the road. Junk cars and tractors poke through the snow.

Herrick pulls up in his Corvair and parks. The boy seesHerrick and runs back to the trailer. Herrick gets out ofthe car and sees the trailer door slam closed. He checksthe mail box --"Claypool".

Herrick wraps his scarf more tightly against the cold andwalks up the driveway through the snow. He knocks on thetrailer door. No one answers.

Herrick sees the curtain at one of the windows move. Heknocks again.


HERRICKMr. Claypool, I know you're inthere. I saw you shovelingsnow.

There is a muffled, desperate conversation inside, shufflingaround. The door is opened. Seen up close, Ed Claypoolneeds a haircut, his clothes are too small, and he is mostuncomfortable to see Herrick.

EDHi, Mr. Herrick.

HERRICKMr. Claypool, are your parentshome?

EDNo, they got a couple days workin Benton Harbor.

HERRICKOh, what kind of work?

EDThey haul scrap, old cars andstuff. They got to pick it upin Benton Harbor and haul it toPennsylvania, I think. We ownour own truck.

HERRICKThat's nice. Could I come in? It's cold out here.

EDI guess so.

He opens the door for Herrick to enter.

INT. TRAILER, DAY

Ed Claypool comes from a poor family. Everything is wornand threadbare, the trailer cluttered. Ed is nervous, selfconscious.

Herrick takes off his gloves and scarf, opens his coat.

HERRICKHeater in my car's worthless.

He sits. The boy sits.


HERRICKWe've missed you in school thisweek.

EDUh, I was sick ... a cold.

Ed sniffles for effect. Herrick is doubtful.

EDMaybe the flu...

HERRICKSure. But you seem okay today.

(beat)Ed, you're a bright kid, andyour grades are pretty good. But these unexplained absenceshave a terrible effect on yourrecord. Mr. Wolters wants toexpel you unless you can comeup with a good excuse.

Ed doesn't know how to respond. He looks at the floor. Herrick waits him out, also looking at the floor.

Then he sees it -- Ed Claypool's shoes. Old, ratty tennisshoes with holes through the canvas, rubber peeling. In therelative warmth of the trailer the snow on them has meltedand water squishes out of the holes.

Ed sees Herrick staring at his shoes. He panics, embarrassed --he looks like he might cry.

Herrick looks away self-consciously -- and sees EDNA, theboy's eight-year-old sister as she steps out of a smallcloset.

EDNAI have to pee.

She points toward the bathroom. Herrick can't help lookingat her feet -- worn out tennis shoes.

Herrick looks at Ed Claypool.


The baby rocks in the completed cradle. Iris has decoratedit with daisy stickers and painted his name on the headboard. She's taking photographs of the baby while Herrick works atthe piano.


HERRICKThe bus pick-up is a quartermilefrom their house. It seemsthat the little girl gotfrostbite walking home duringthe first cold snap. So theparents told them to stay homeon real cold days.

IRISCouldn't the bus go the extraquarter-mile and pick them up?

HERRICKI told Wolters about it.

(beat)And I took them downtown andbought them each a pair of wintershoes. Okay ... ? Out of the"opus" fund.

IRISThat's real nice, Carl.

HERRICKI got them-some galoshes, too.

IRISIt's your opus.

HERRICKAnd a good winter coat.

She takes a picture of him at the piano.

HERRICKWhat was that for?

IRISPosterity. I think I'll sendit to the National Geographic. A dying species -- the lastreal mensch.

INT. GYMNASIUM, DAY

Graduation day finds Herrick at his usual post on the stagewith the orchestra. "Good Luck! Class of 1967!" Reads thebanner.

The orchestra finishes the last few strains of "To Sir, WithLove". Wolters takes the podium.

WOLTERS.


And now, our Salutatorian, Jill Lohman.

Miss Lohman takes the podium and waits for the applause todie down.

LOHMANFellow graduates, our honoredfaculty, parents, friends...

She looks into the audience -- and freezes. She sees themlooking back at her. She averts her eyes, looks around thegym, at her notes.

LOHMANPanicky, she catches Herrick'seye. He takes a deep breath --so does she.

She looks back at the audience -- and smiles. She looksback at Herrick -- and smiles. He crosses his legs and shiftsin his chair. She turns back to the audience.

LOHMANI would like to begin byparaphrasing a popular rocksong. So as not to offend themore conservative members ofour audience I would like toremind them that this song wasoriginally recorded by the folksinger, Pete Seeger. If eventhat offends you I'd like topoint out that the words weretaken from the Book ofEcclesiastes, the Old Testament. "To everything, there is aseason, turn, turn, turn. Anda time for every purpose underheaven. A time to gain, a time to lose. A time to rend, a time to sew. A time to love, a time to hate. A time for peace, I swear it'snot too late... "

She smiles at Herrick triumphantly.

LOHMANFellow graduates, it is ourtime. We live in a countrythat has traveled to the moontwice, but only sixteen percentof black children in the southattend an integrated school.

(MORE)


LOHMAN (CONT'D)We have a generation of youngpeople calling for peace whileour country is at war inSoutheast Asia...

Give 'em, hell, Miss Lohman.


Herrick, without his tie, is at the piano, working on hismusic. A girl knocks on the door and enters.

GIRLMr. Herrick, will you sign myyearbook?

She is dressed for vacation in shorts and a T-shirt.

HERRICKSure.

She opens the yearbook for him and he writes something.

GIRLOh, that's sweet. Thanks, Mr.Herrick. You have a good summervacation.

He nods, wanting to get back to his work. She leaves and heplays a couple notes on the piano. That's it. He's done!

Herrick smiles at the pages of his composition. He gathersup the notated pages and walks out of the room.

INT. HALLWAY

Herrick's walk quickens and he is almost running by the timehe reaches the Principal's Office.

INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

DONNA, a lone secretary is working at a desk.

HERRICKDonna, use the phone?

The request is perfunctory as he grabs the phone and dials.


HERRICK(into phone)

Iris! I finished it! The firstmovement! Oh, there's somenotation that needs to be cleanedup, but damn, it's really done! Sorry, Donna.

(beat)Well, I was thinking you coulddrop off Cole at the baby sitterand I'll stop downtown and pickup a bottle of wine...

Herrick is self-conscious, even though Donna is trying notto listen in.

HERRICKWhatever the sitter wants. Let's splurge a little. I'llstop by the record store andget some mood music.

(beat)No, I know I don't need anotheralbum... Hon, we're celebrating!

(beat)About an hour... see you!

He hangs up, grins at Donna, and gives her an impulsive kiss. Donna is nonplussed -- she has never been kissed at work --ever. Herrick runs out.


The marquee is being changed. Down with "CongratulationsClass of "67" and up with "Drivers Education Program startsJune 20".

Herrick drives away from the school, top down, radio blaring,singing "Seventh Son" along with Johnny Rivers.


The Corvair is parked in the driveway.. Iris pulls in behindit in her VW van. She gets out, checks her new hairdo, andenters the house.

INT. HERRICK HOUSE

Herrick sits on the sofa, his back to the doorway. On thecoffee table are a bottle of wine and two glasses and thepages of music.


IRISSorry I took so long, Carl, butI got my hair done so you canmess it up.

She is flirty and girlish. Herrick turns to face her -- hiseyes are rimmed in red, his face twisted in grief.

IRISCarl, what's wrong?!

He gathers up the pages of music.

HERRICKThis. This! It's crap...junk... It's not worth the paperit's printed on. It's shit!

IRISOh, honey, no it's not. I'veheard some of it... You'rejust...

HERRICKI know what I'm talking about. Listen... I got the new Beatlesalbum.

He goes over to the stereo, drops the needle on a record. The cover for "Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" ison the floor.

The unmistakable strains of "A Day In the Life" begin.

HERRICKListen, listen... They did it...and it's great. Nothing I'vewritten can ever come close tothis. It's... perfect... And Iwrote... crap...

He shoves the pages of sheet music into a desk drawer -- heis destroyed.

HERRICKThey did it. Better than Iever could ... ever will...

Iris puts her arms around him. They are silent. "A Day Inthe Life" plays on.


MONTAGE -- STREETS & ROADS, DAY

The music, "on the Road Again" by Canned Heat. The DriversEd car, the '67 Plymouth, frog hops along a street.

Then a '68 Plymouth.

END MONTAGE.


Iris is assembling wooden toys. No nails, no screws, justElmer's glue and well-cut pieces. A few completed, brightlypainted ones lay around the room.

Herrick doodles on the piano with young Cole on his lap. Cole, a two-year-old, wears glasses.

HERRICKI wonder if I can get the schoolboard to let the band playsomething by Jimi Hendrix orCreedence ... or maybe Santanaor Marvin Gaye. Something alittle more modern.

IRISAs long as it has no referenceto drugs, sex, or teenagerebellion I think you'll beokay.

She looks at him, a little worried.

HERRICKWell, that just about cuts outeverything but the PartridgeFamily and the Archies and Ihave my doubts about "Sugar,Sugar". What do you think,Cole, should we give them alittle Howling Wolf?

Herrick starts pounding out "Back Door Man", bouncing Coleup and down on his knee. Cole pounds on the keys with hislittle hands.

HERRICKLook, Honey, he's got the beat. The kid's a natural, he's gonnabe a musical genius.

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)It's all that music I playedfor him while you were pregnant,it's in his blood. Now appearingat Radio City Music Hall, ColeGershwin Herrick! Ta-dah!

Cole laughs. Iris walks over and lays a hand on Herrick'sshoulder and waits for him to stop playing.

IRISCarl ... he's deaf.

HERRICKWhat? That's impossible.

IRISThe doctor finished the teststoday. The measles ... he can'thear, at all -- and probablynever will.

Herrick looks at his son, disbelieving.

HERRICKThat's impossible.

He puts the boy on the floor, stands behind him and clapshis hands together sharply. Cole doesn't respond. Herricktries it again -- nothing.

Herrick stomps his feet. Cole turns around.

HERRICKThere! See, he heard me.

IRISHe felt the vibration throughthe floor, Carl. They ran allsorts of tests. He's deaf.

Herrick slumps onto the piano bench, looking at Cole. Bam! He slams the cover over the piano keys. The boy doesn'trespond. Herrick stares at the floor, destroyed.

MONTAGE -- ROAD, DAY

A '69 Plymouth -- jerking and jolting along the road withCanned Heat.

A '70 Ford. A '70 Ford? Yes and the sign on the door isnew. "This Drivers Education 1970 Ford Compliments ofAlliance Ford".


A '71 Plymouth -- Nolin Plymouth/Chrysler is back.

END MONTAGE.


The bust of Beethoven is wearing psychedelic paint. Herrickis talking to a class of new students. The class is becomingmore ethnically mixed.

HERRICKHow many of you like classicalmusic?

A few tentative hands are raised -- brown-nosers.

HERRICKWhat would you think if I toldyou that Procol Harum's "A WhiterShade of Pale" is a new versionof the Bach cantata, "SleepersAwake"? How many of you likeThe Rolling Stones?

He plays a couple bars of "Jumping Jack Flash".

HERRICKHow many of you know that thissong was based on a Chuck Berryriff?

He plays a little of Chuck Berry.

HERRICKChuck Berry is a rhythm andblues artist and the blues is atruly American form of musicbased upon the diatonic scale. The diatonic scale...

Herrick turns to the blackboard and starts writing.

YNTEMA (O.S.)How lame...

Herrick turns back to the class.

HERRICKPardon me?

YNTEMALame... I said what a lame wayto get into scales.


Herrick finds the sarcastic voice and the little snot namedYNTEMA that it belongs to. He checks the seating chart.

HERRICKMr...Yntema, I am not here tobe graded by you. You are hereto be graded by me. Keep yourcriticisms to yourself.

He goes back to the blackboard.


Herrick works at the desk. Iris enters with five-year-oldCole, cute as a bug in his little glasses, dressed up, hairslicked back.

IRISWe're all ready!

HERRICKI'm not.

IRISWe'll wait, won't we, Cole.

She chucks Cole under the chin.

HERRICKIris, you go ahead. I have totranspose all these parts forthe homecoming concert.

IRISThis is the second signing classyou've missed...

HERRICKI'll catch up.

Iris stands there a second, debating whether to push it.

IRISAll right. Cole, say good-byeto Daddy.

She signs to Cole. Cole signs to Herrick -- Herrick wavesgood-bye.

INT. HALLWAY, DAY

Herrick hurries toward the Principal's Office.


INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Donna is typing. It is raining outside. Herrick enters.

HERRICKMr. Walters wants to see me.

DONNAGo right in, Mr. Herrick.

Wolters sits at his desk writing. Yntema sits opposite him,tending a bloody nose.

WOLTERSMr. Herrick You're Mr. Yntema'scounselor, aren't you?

HERRICKI am? I, yes, I remember, heis one of mine. He never ...he and I ... haven't had manymeetings.

WOLTERSSchedule a few. Mr. Yntema hasbeen fighting again. The nextfight will involve a meetingwith his parents and somedisciplinary action. Take himout of here.

Yntema stands and leaves with Herrick.

INT. HALLWAY

HERRICKYou're supposed to meet withyour counselor once a month. You've skipped every one of oursessions.

YNTEMAI don't need any counselor,man. I know what I need and itisn't this school.

HERRICKLook, Mr. Yntema, you're notmaking any friends among theteachers or staff -- obviouslyyou're doing no better with theother students. Do you haveproblems at home?


YNTEMAI got problems here. Look,when I left Grosse Pointe Highthey'd skipped me ahead a grade. Here, at Cowflop High they putme back. What did I do todeserve that?

HERRICKI'm sorry, but Principal Woltersdoesn't believe in skippinggrades. He wants you to completefour years of high school.

YNTEMAChrist, you get time off forgood behavior even in prison.

HERRICKGood behavior has not been yourstrong suit.

YNTEMAI get all A's, don't I? That'sall you should be interestedin. The rest is my business. So leave me the hell alone.

And he walks away. Herrick, frustrated, lets him.


Iris and Cole work on the wooden toys. Herrick grades papers. He pauses a moment and watches them signing to each other,fingers flying in conversation. They say something funnyand both laugh.

Herrick frowns and goes back to his papers.


Herrick faces his class.

HERRICKSo, how can we tell what key apiece of music is written in?

Hands go up.

HERRICKMr. Tidd...


TIDDIt's written on the front page.

YNTEMA(laughing)

What a dipstick.

The rest of the class laughs and Tidd feels like shit.

HERRICKYou're so smart, Mr. Yntema, goahead and tell us.

YNTEMAYou count the number of flatsand sharps next to the timesignature.

It's the correct answer, but it doesn't please Herrick.

HERRICKFine... Are there any otherways?

Several hands go up. Yntema looks at the others smugly,inviting someone to wipe away his smirk with a fist.

INT. MUSIC ROOM, LATER

The bell rings.

HERRICKPage 280 to 314 for tomorrow. Mr. Yntema, I'd like a wordwith you.

Yntema, halfway to the door, saunters back. Herrick waitsuntil the others have left.

HERRICKMr. Yntema, I'm damn sick ofyour smart mouth. You're smart,everyone knows it, so shut thehell up unless I ask you aquestion. This is a music classand I'm the teacher. You payattention... to me.

YNTEMAWhat for? Look, I know allthis already. I know more aboutmusic than any of these pinheads. I don't need this.


HERRICKThen maybe I should turn overthe class to you,

YNTEMAI wouldn't stoop that low.

Right now Herrick would like to hit this smart ass.

HERRICKI'm about this close tosuspending you, Mr. Yntema.

YNTEMALook, Mr. Herrick, I can playmy scales backward and forward.

He demonstrates on the piano.

YNTEMAI can recite all the names anddates you want. I know theLydian mode, the Ambrosian chantmodes, the Gregorian modes. Iknow the difference betweeninvertible counterpoint, strictand free counterpoint. Justgive me the final and let meout of here.

HERRICKMusic is more than that, it's alanguage of emotion.

YNTEMABullshit.

Herrick is pissed. A student pokes her head in the door,enters and gives Herrick a note.

He glares at Yntema, fixing him on the spot, and reads thenote. The energy drains out of Herrick. He looks at thegirl who waits expectantly.

HERRICKPlease tell Mr. Wolters I'lltake care of it. I'll probablysend Bobby Tidd.

YNTEMAThe dipstick.

Herrick turns on Yntema so fast that Yntema ducks. Herrickmight hit him, wants to, but ... takes a breath. The girlleaves.


HERRICKWatch your mouth, Mr. Yntema.

YNTEMALook, I know this is a LiberalArts program, but I'm a Mathmajor. I plan to get my collegedegree in economics. I alreadyhave twelve college creditsfrom summer school.

HERRICKWe're talking about music.

YNTEMAI know, the language of emotionand that whole yawn. You knowwhat I think, Mr. Herrick,emotions are part of ourNeanderthal past. We don'tneed them. They just get inthe way of progress. We shouldget rid of them -- and wecertainly don't need a languagefor them.

Herrick is primed to argue, but looks at the note and stopshimself.

HERRICKMeet me here tomorrow at tena.m.

YNTEMABut tomorrow's Saturday.

HERRICKBe here tomorrow or you've justgotten your first "D", Mr.Yntema. For attitude.

YNTEMAYou can't do that.

HERRICKTry me.

Yntema looks at Herrick for a moment, decides not to presshis luck, and leaves.

Herrick falls into his chair and stares at the note.



It is Fall. Yntema waits by himself in front of the desertedschool. Herrick pulls up in the VW van and Yntema gets in.

EXT. HAVILAND CEMETERY, DAY

A military funeral, flag-draped coffin, color guard. Familyand friends are gathered around the grave. Herrick leadsYntema to within a few yards.

YNTEMAWhat are we doing here?

HERRICKJust be quiet and listen.

The minister speaks in a low voice, the service already inprogress. Meister, in an ill-fitting suit, walks over toHerrick. His hairline is starting to recede.

MEISTER(noting Yntema)

Damn, Carl, you are a gluttonfor punishment.

Meister and Herrick look over at the mourners.

MEISTERToo bad ... Louie Rus. He wason the wrestling team, you know. Letter man three years running. Good kid.

HERRICKI know. He sent me a letteronly ... two months ago. Hewas learning Vietnamese.

MEISTERWhat a waste. I'm thinkingMiss Wooley might be right aboutthis war. What a waste. Seeyou at the house.

Meister walks away.

YNTEMAWho was this guy? The one ...you know.

HERRICKJust some kid I taught to bangon a drum.


The minister finishes a poem, "In Flanders Fields", by JohnMcCrae.

Gunshots! The salute from the honor guard. The noisestartles everyone.

"Taps" plays. It is Bobby Tidd on a rise a short distanceaway.

Everyone cries. The stolid father, the drained mother, theyoung wife with her child in his best Sunday suit. Familyand friends -- even Yntema.

HERRICKThat's Bobby Tidd on the bugle... the dipstick. He's not assmart as you are. He's notthat good on the horn, either,he's lucky that bugle has onlyone key. But he's playing welltoday.

"Taps" dies away.

HERRICKLouie Rus was his cousin. Butthe point is ... that musicmoved everyone. You didn'teven know Louie Rus and you hada tear in your eye. Don't feelembarrassed. That music hashad that effect for many, manyyears. It expresses what weare all feeling at this moment. It spoke to us -- for us.

The flag is folded and presented to the widow.

HERRICKThe language of emotion. LouieRus worked very hard to learnthat language, very hard. Justbecause it's easy for you --don't cheapen it.

Yntema looks away.

HERRICKI think you owe Mr. Tidd anapology, maybe you don't... Dowhatever you want. Just goaway. I'd like some time alonewith one of my former students.


The family and friends are leaving the grave. Herrick walksacross the grass and stands next to it.

Yntema walks slowly over to where Bobby Tidd, in his bestsuit, sits on a headstone.

Herrick looks over and sees Yntema offer Tidd his hand. They shake. Herrick stands at the grave for a moment. Thegrave diggers are waiting with their shovels. He finallynotices them and walks away.

Herrick walks through the cemetery, a small one, looking atthe headstones. Many of them have a common thread -- ametallic American and Vietnamese flag crossed in the groundin front of the marker. The dates on the headstones showlives cut short. Young men cut down in the prime of theirlives, one after the other.

Herrick knew many of these young men. Finally, he can takeno more. He sits on the ground and cries.

INT. GYMNASIUM, DAY

"Good Luck Class of 1972". A good number of the studentswear black armbands over their graduation gowns, and buttonsthat say, "Stop the War".

The ceremony is over and everyone is milling around. Backslapping, hugs, tears, handshakes, and kisses. Flashbulbsgo off -- a Kodak contest.

Herrick is grabbed by one student after the other to posefor a photo. Yntema and Tidd and other graduate run overand lift their robes to their thighs.

YNTEMA/TIDD/GRADUATEWe don't have pants on!

And they run off looking for someone else to shock.

WOLTERSThey have their gym shorts on,I checked.

HERRICKYou're a braver man than I am,Gunga Din.

Wolters takes Herrick aside.

WOLTERSI want you to know that I won'tbe back next Fall.

(MORE)


WOLTERS (CONT'D)I've accepted the position ofSuperintendent of the ManisteeCounty School District. Goodfishing up there.

(continuing)Don't tell anyone else, you'rethe only one I want to knowright now. Let the others readit in the paper.

HERRICKWhy tell me?

WOLTERSYou're surprised?

HERRICKWell, yes, as a matter of fact.

WOLTERSI don't know why, Mr. Herrick,but -- you're my favoriteteacher.

Herrick is even more surprised.

WOLTERSYou're a hell of a teacher,Carl. That's why I gave youthe hard cases, like Louie Rus,Jill Lohman, Ed Claypool, Yntemaover there.

HERRICKWell, thanks ... Mr. Wolters. You'll be missed -- I, uh,learned a lot from you.

WOLTERSAlways remember one thing, aslong as they are dressed properlythey will behave properly.

Wolters slips a small box into Herrick's hand and melts awayinto the crowd. Herrick opens the box -- a small, goldcompass.

INT. MUSIC ROOM, DAY - 1994

Herrick looks at the scratched and battered compass on hiskey chain. One of the keys is poised at a desk drawer lock.


The janitor, MR. FEJEDELEM, enters, wielding his dust mopacross the tile floor.

FEJEDELEMMr. Herrick, you need some boxesor something?

HERRICKNo, I don't have much. Thanks,Jay.

FEJEDELEMI saw you earlier ... thoughtI'd...

Fejedelem looks around the room wistfully.

FEJEDELEMYou know, both me and my sontook music from you in thisroom. Well, I always felt badthat I was such a pain in theass when I was a kid.

HERRICKYeah, Jay, we all do things weregret later. We all wish we'ddone some things differently.

FEJEDELEMYeah, I guess so. Anyway, wewere kids then, right? Thatgives us some leeway.

HERRICKThat's right.

FEJEDELEMWell, you take care. I'm aroundfor a while if you change yourmind about the boxes.

Fejedelem dusts his way back out.

Herrick continues sorting his things. He picks up the clearplastic paperweight with the dandelion puff suspended inside. He holds it up and looks at the delicate froth sealed forever. He smiles, then his eyes become sad.

MONTAGE -- COUNTY ROAD, DAY

A succession of Plymouths frog-hops through the years, to"Bad Motor Scooter" by Montrose.


1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976.

The sign on the 1976 car reads "Nolin Chrysler/Toyota"

END MONTAGE.


The living room is clattered with Iris' latest businessventure. There are jugs of liquid plastic resin, cans ofacetone, and stacks of molds spread out on a table. Flowersdry suspended by their stems from a clothesline.

Flowers are also being placed in flat tubs of silica gel andborax to dry. That's where Iris, Herrick, and ten-year-oldCole are working right now.

IRISYou should have been there. The field was full of QueenAnne's lace and brown-eyedsusans. Right in the middlewas this purple thistle andCole goes to get that when apartridge just bursts out ofnowhere and scares the dickensout of both of us. You shouldhave been there.

HERRICKI told you we had a curriculumcommittee meeting.

IRISI know, I'm not trying to startan argument. I was just...I'll do the zinnias...

Iris reaches over to take several of the flowers from Herrick.

HERRICKNo, I've got them. I need somemore borax, ask Cole to get it.

Herrick touches Cole on the shoulder and points to Iris. Iris signs to Cole, who goes into the kitchen and returnswith a box of borax. The interchange is routine -- Irisspeaks to Cole for both of them.



Students are gathered on folding chairs, a girl is at thepiano, and MRS. OLMSTEAD, the theater advisor, is runningthe try-outs. Herrick watches from the sidelines.

MRS. OLMSTEADSince we've all decided to do amusical for the Senior Playthis year, and because I can'tcarry a tune in a bushel basket,I've asked Mr. Herrick to helpus out. We will begin the try-outs with the role of Maria. Oh, we're putting on "West SideStory", but you all know that,don't you? So let's see, we'llstart with Ardeth Huizenga.

Ardeth gives her music to the pianist -- and sings -- sortof. You could get a prettier sound from a cat in a Cuisinart.

Next

-- a 'Maria' from hell, she yells the lyrics.

-- flat, off-key, and can't remember the lyrics to a BeeGees song.

-- a pretty face, but a voice like Ernest Borgnine.

-- too shy to sing loud enough to be heard.

-- breaks into giggles every other line.

-- Grace Slick doing "West Side Story".

-- too many opera lessons.

And then -- ROWENA DENEVE sings the hell out of "Somewhere".

Herrick, nodding off in boredom, is suddenly awake. And shelooks as pretty as her voice -- young, confident, the soundof an angel. She finishes.

HERRICKThat was very nice Miss...DeNeve. Very nice. DeNeve...? Did I have your younger sisterin Music 101 a couple of yearsago?

ROWENAThat was me. I ... blossomed.


HERRICKI guess you did.

(beat)Let's go on to the male lead,that's, uh...


Herrick is watching "Tony Orlando and Dawn". Iris and Coleare cutting self-stick green felt for the base of thepaperweights.

HERRICKIris, can I dip into the 'opus'fund for about a hundred dollars.

IRISSure... for one of your OliverTwists?

HERRICKYeah. He has a chance for ascholarship at Western and I'dlike to give him the bus fareand a decent set of clothes.

IRISSure. Are you going to come tothe Arts and Crafts fair Thursdaynight and help Cole and me setup the booth?

HERRICKSorry, Sophie Lappingals gettinga root canal and I said I'dtake her place on the fieldtrip -- Battle Creek again.

IRISThe Kellogg factory? Maybe youcan bring back some Cocoa Puffsback for us.

Iris signs back and forth with Cole excitedly.

COLE(signing)

I like Lucky Charms better --best.

IRISMaybe Cole can go along and seethem make Lucky Charms.


HERRICKJuniors only.

IRISThat's okay, Cole and I will goout to Meijer Market and buysix tons of Lucky Charms andthat's all we'll eat from nowon.

She and Cole sign back and forth and laugh. Herrick, leftout, goes back to Tony Orlando and the canned laughter.

INT. REHEARSAL ROOM, NIGHT

Herrick directs the boys as they mutilate "Gee, OfficerKrupke!". Rowena and some of the other students watch fromthe audience.

Every time Herrick looks in Rowena's direction he finds herstaring at him. It distracts the hell out of him.

EXT. KENNEDY HIGH, NIGHT

Herrick walks across the nearly empty parking lot. HisCorvair, newly painted, badly painted, sits alone in theteachers' section. Rowena is waiting there.

ROWENAClassic car, Mr. Herrick.

HERRICKReally? I never thought of itthat way. I suppose it will bea classic if it holds togetherfor a few more years. That'sbetter than calling it a pieceof worn-out junk. Classic... Ilike that.

ROWENANo, classic like, genius, likeperfect. It's perfect for you,it's cute.

HERRICKReally..

ROWENALook, Mr. Herrick, I was supposedto catch a ride with Toby Klein,but I think he wants to rehearse

(MORE)


ROWENA (CONT'D)the love scenes -- for real. So I told him I'd catch a ridewith someone else ... couldyou... ?

HERRICKOf course.

He opens the door for her and she jumps inside.

INT. CORVAIR

He gets behind the wheel, pumps the gas pedal. Rowena looksaround the car and at Herrick.

ROWENAClassic... Just drop me by myparents' restaurant. You'vebeen there, right?

HERRICKYeah, the pizza place.

He drives away.

EXT. BOWSER'S PIZZA, NIGHT

A mom and pop pizza parlor. Herrick pulls up across thestreet.

INT. CORVAIR

HERRICKThere you go.

ROWENAAre you hungry? Pizza's on me... on my folks.

HERRICKPizza sounds good. I'll haveto call home.

ROWENAGreat! I'm starving!

INT. BOWSER'S, NIGHT

Herrick and Rowena eat, though she talks more than she eats.


ROWENAI love the way you teach music. I mean, you have this ... thing,this aura that you give off...like, I don't know, like thisenergy field. You love musicand you make people love itwith you. I have differentears because of you.

HERRICKI'm not a plastic surgeon.

ROWENADon't make fun of me. I hearthings differently now, that'sspecial.

HERRICKI'm just a teacher.

ROWENANo, you're not. Mr. Prins isjust a teacher.

INT. BOWSER'S, LATER

Herrick and Rowena finished the pizza a long time ago. Thereare a number of empty Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper bottles onthe table. "Spanish Harlem", the Aretha Franklin version,is playing on the jukebox.

ROWENAHave you ever read "Even CowgirlsGet the Blues"? No? You should,you should. It's genius, really. It changed my life. How about"Ragtime"? Classic... "Strangerin a Strange Land"? Genius.

(beat, listening)I love Aretha Franklin, isn'tshe genius? I wish I couldsing like that.

HERRICKYou have the voice.

ROWENAThe voice is nothing. She has...feeling. It's pure, raw sexand pain and heart and souland... life. There's livingbehind that voice. I haven'tlived yet.


HERRICKI think I know what you mean. I felt that way the first timeI heard John Coletrane play.

ROWENAWho's that?

HERRICKWhere do I start? He was...genius, classic ... perfect.

ROWENAYou're making fun of me again.

HERRICKNo, no, never. John Coletranewas all those things and more... he was...

INT. BOWSER'S, LATER

The place is empty except for Herrick and Rowena in a boothand one guy mopping out the kitchen.

HERRICK...a symphony that took whatGeorge Gershwin and Aaron Coplanddid with the music of theirtime and brought it into theworld of rock and roll. TookAmerican music to the next step. A grand opus of American music.

ROWENAOpus? The only Opus I know isin that comic strip, BloomCounty. You know, with Miloand Bill the Cat. So when can. I hear this ... opus, symphonything?

HERRICKI never finished it -- I gaveit up. I worked on it for...five years and then... Otherpeople did it better than Iever could.

ROWENAOh, but not like you'd do it. You should finish it.


HERRICKI only got to the first movement.

ROWENASo... finish it. You have greatthings in you, Mr. Herrick. You're a talented man. I'vewatched you, you've got geniusin you.

She reaches over and takes his hand -- the intimacy overwhelmshim.

HERRICKGod, look at the time. Tomorrow's a school day, forboth of us.

He rises and goes for his wallet.

ROWENAI told you, my treat.

HERRICKWell, thanks... Can I give youa ride home?

ROWENANo, my dad'll be here soon tocash out. Thanks for the talk,and everything.

Herrick smiles and nods.

HERRICKSee you at rehearsal.

ROWENAYou bet!

He leaves.


Herrick enters quietly and puts down his briefcase. He standsin the dark room for a while, then walks over to the desk. He switches on the desk light, opens a drawer, and takes outhis sheet music, the opus.

Sitting down, he begins to read the pages, whispering thenotes, smiling as he does. Not bad.



Lunch in the cafeteria. Herrick is eating at the teachers'table. Across the room Rowena reads "Zen and the Art ofMotorcycle Maintenance". She looks over the top of her bookat Herrick from time to time. She gives him one of thosesmiles that drives lesser men mad.

Meister sits next to Herrick. He's beginning to show a littlepotbelly and his hairline has begun an unstoppable retreat. He sees the look between Herrick and Rowena.

MEISTERCute kid. That the DeNeve girl? She's filled out nicely.

HERRICKI guess so, they all doeventually.

MEISTERMelody Kleis never filled out. So skinny she had to tie knotsin her legs for knees.

Meister leans closer to Herrick and speaks confidentially.

MEISTERIt's just a friendly question,Carl, but does the phrase "jailbait" apply here?

Herrick gets the hint -- he stares at Meister angrily.

MEISTERIt's just, you know, putting mynose where it don't belong, Iknow. It's not like I havepretty young girls knocking onmy door asking for personalattention. I'm the boys' gymteacher. All I get are questionsabout jock itch and athletesfoot.

(continuing)Once in a while I get to seethe girls' dirty gym towels,but that's all. You don't thinkI made a bad career choice, doyou?

Meister is dissimulating like crazy, but Herrick gets up andleaves.



Herrick sits at the piano, his manuscript pages in front ofhim, going over a passage. Iris enters, surprised to hearthe music.

IRISYou're working on it again?!

HERRICKJust noodling.

IRISThat's great, hon. What startedyou again?

HERRICKDid something have to startit?! I'm just noodling.

IRISAll right, don't get your shortsin an uproar. I'll go mind myown business.

She leaves. Herrick looks guilty for a moment, then startsplaying again.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD, NIGHT

Kennedy against Hamilton High. Herrick sits in the standsnext to the band. The kids play flourishes between scoresand attempts. Rowena comes down and sits next to him.

ROWENAWe're getting creamed.

HERRICKThere's no sense in breakingwith tradition.

ROWENAI was a cheerleader last year,but I quit. It seemed so...Republican.

Herrick laughs, then looks around to see if anyone is watchingthem. He sees Meister down on the bench, but Meister isinvolved iii the game. Herrick's laugh dies.



Herrick works hard at the piano, inspired. He's having aball, finding an energy he hasn't had in years. Iris quietlybrings in a TV tray with a sandwich and a glass of iced teaover to the piano.

Herrick looks up and she smiles. He avoids meeting her eyes.


The students work on one of their songs. "America!" Likeyou've never heard it before. At least they never heardthis way on Broadway.

INT. MUSIC ROOM, NIGHT

Herrick works on his symphony, alone in the room. He eatspizza.


The Sharks and the Jets -- the most white-bread bunch you'veever seen -- try to dance "The Rumble". Try.

These clodhoppers are as graceful as a herd of cows sloggingthrough mud.


Herrick and Iris argue.

IRISYou can work at home!

HERRICKThere are too many distractions.

IRISIs that what your son and Iare, distractions?! You canwrite here. You did before.

HERRICKI can't now.

IRISWe only see you one or two daysa week as it is.

(MORE)


IRIS (CONT'D)You're volunteering for everydamn extra-curricular activityyou can think of. You don'tlike it here anymore? Is thatit?

HERRICKI'm late.

He leaves.


Herrick plays the second movement of his symphony for Rowena. She is paying rapt attention. He finishes -- and looks ather.

ROWENAIt's ... beautiful.

HERRICKNot classic? Or genius?

ROWENAIt's ... just ... plainbeautiful.

And she kisses him impulsively. She's too quick for Herrickto stop her or respond. But it was a kiss.

They look at each other -- Herrick is stunned -- will it goany further?

HERRICKI gotta go.

ROWENA(softly)

Me, too. Catch a ride home?

HERRICKAll right.

INT. CORVAIR, NIGHT

Herrick drives -- neither of them speaks. Rowena lays ahand over Herrick's -- he allows the intimacy.

EXT. ROWENA'S HOUSE, NIGHT

Herrick pulls up to the curb.


INT. CORVAIR

They sit there quietly, the engine ticking as it cools.

ROWENAI'm thinking of leaving schooland going to California. Justleave ... the town andeverything.

Herrick opens his mouth to protest.

ROWENADon't tell me to stay in schooland all that. School won'thelp me a bit with what I wantto do with my life, and I don'twant anything to "fall backon". I'm going to be a singera professional singer. I'llstay until the play is over,can't let Mrs. Olmstead down.

HERRICKBut you can go to college andsing at the same time. I workedmore as a musician in collegethan I have since. Stay...finish school.

ROWENAThat's the teacher in youtalking. The real Carl Herrickwould go with me. We can gotogether. You write the songs --I'll sing them! Come with me,Carl!

HERRICKI'm a married man.

ROWENAWe could change that, too.

Herrick looks down at his hands.

ROWENAI don't care one way or theother. I want you to come withme. I'll be your muse, I'llinspire you to create greatmusic. We can do anything wewant to if we try. That's whatyou teach in your class.


Her look is desperately sincere.

ROWENAI love you...

And she kisses him again -- a big one. Herrick responds. Rowena pulls away, jumps out of the car and runs into thehouse.

INT. GARAGE, DAY

A lazy weekend afternoon. Iris and Cole are working in thegarage, sanding the bases of the paperweights on the beltsander. Their dust masks have painted faces on them.

The piano is heard from inside the house.


Herrick is working on a slow, romantic piece of music. Thetitle on the sheet music is "Rowena's Theme".

Cole appears at Herrick's elbow and pulls on his sleeve. Herrick hardly looks at the boy.

HERRICKNot now, Cole. Go play.

Cole tugs more insistently. Herrick turns so Cole can seehim to lip-read.

HERRICKNot now! Go play!

He enunciates right in the boy's face shouting. Iris appearsin the doorway.

IRISHe's deaf, Carl, totally deaf. Shouting won't make him hear.

HERRICKI wasn't shouting, I wasemphasizing.

IRISHe just wants to give yousomething.

HERRICKLater, later...


IRISHe made it himself. He's veryproud of it.

HERRICKFine, fine.

Herrick holds out his hand without looking. Cole gives himsomething, but Herrick just puts it on the piano withoutlooking at it.

HERRICKThanks, Cole.

IRISLook at it, look at it!

Herrick looks at Iris, ready to argue, but he changes hismind and looks at his son's gift. A dandelion puff suspendedin plastic -- delicate, beautiful.

IRISIt was hard. He tried againand again, but the dandelionskept falling apart when theyhit the plastic. Some of thoselooked nice, like you'd blownon it and it was just floatingaway, but Cole wanted a perfectone. For you! Why, I'll neverknow! So take the damned thingand ... and stick it where thesun don't shine!

Herrick looks at Cole, who taps his temple with a fist, thumbextended. Iris grabs Cole and stomps out of the room. Herrick is surprised.

INT. BACKSTAGE, NIGHT

The students are making last minute, semi-hystericalpreparations. The overture starts. Rowena, in costume,peeks through the curtains. A student is conducting theband.

One of the student cast members joins Rowena and looks, too.

ALENEOh, God, there's my mom.

ROWENAWhere's Mr. Herrick?


ALENEI don't know, but Donnie'sconducting.

ROWENABut we need Mr. Herrick..

ALENEDonnie'll be okay, we had morethan enough rehearsals.

Rowena scans the audience, disappointed. Mrs. Olmstead yanksher away and into position.


Herrick is writing at the piano.

IRIS (O.S.)Who's Rowena?

Herrick jerks around, startled. Iris is right behind him.

HERRICKHuh?

IRISRowena ... who's Rowena?

HERRICKUh, from an English legend a...heroine. Mythology.

Iris nods and walks away. Herrick has trouble going back tothe piano.


The halls are flooded with kids. Herrick navigates towardthe music room when Rowena stops him.

ROWENAAre you avoiding me, Mr. Herrick?

Herrick looks around, self-conscious. He slips into themusic room. They are alone.

INT. MUSIC ROOM

HERRICKI've been writing.


ROWENAThat's good... You haven't seenme in the play yet.

HERRICKI will. I've been working on asurprise for you.

ROWENA(brightening)

Really?

HERRICKYes, but you can't run off toCalifornia until I'm done withit.

ROWENAI don't know if I can wait.

The bell rings and kids surge into the room. Herrick andRowena are parted by the wave of incoming students. Rowenaleaves.


The clock says 3:00 a.m. Herrick is working at the piano. Iris comes in, sleepy-eyed. Herrick sees her and stops.

IRISWhat? You can't work with mearound? What's the hurry anyway? You let it get dusty for yearsand now you have go get it donetomorrow?

Herrick just looks at her impatiently.

IRISSorry...

She leaves him alone.


The cast is assembled before the performance.

MRS. OLMSTEADThis is our last night, so let'sloosen up. We've got nothingto be afraid of, so give ityour best.


Rowena has a dozen roses she displays for the other girls.

GIRL #1No card? I'll bet they're fromHank Dykhuis.

GIRL #2Probably your parents.

Rowena peeks through the curtains. Herrick is in the front.

INT. STAGE, NIGHT

"West Side Story" is unfolding without a hitch -- well, itis a High School production.

Rowena plays to Herrick, singing her heart out, showing off.


Intermission.

Herrick comes backstage and congratulates the kids -- hugsand attaboys all around. When he reaches Rowena they stepaway from the others and speak quietly.

ROWENAHow am I ... the truth.

HERRICKTranscendent. I finished thesecond movement and... I, uh...named it after you.

ROWENAThat's sweet, really, reallysweet.

(whispering)I wish we were alone.

HERRICKI'd like to play it for youtomorrow.

ROWENATomorrow? But... I'm leavingtonight.

HERRICKTonight?


ROWENAI told you, I'm leaving as soonas the play is over. Will youcome with me? Please come withme.

HERRICKI... Don't you want to hearyour music?

ROWENAI Will, in California. Comewith me!

HERRICKI can't... Wait a while. Ijust ... can't right now.

ROWENAIf I don't leave tonight I neverwill. I'm all packed. I've...I'm going. I want you to comewith me, but... I'm going eitherway.

Herrick is speechless.

ROWENAThere's a party at Mrs.Olmstead's after the play. I'mgoing. Sort of say good-bye toall my friends. They don'tknow that, but... There's a busat four in the morning. Comewith me.

Herrick can't look at her. Mrs. Olmstead comes around,herding the students back to the stage.

MRS. OLMSTEADEveryone in their places, c'mon.

ROWENAYou're wasting your talent here. You were meant for great things... Carl. Great things.

HERRICKI can't just run away.

ROWENAYou're not running away, you'rerunning to something new.

The music begins to play, that's her cue.


ROWENAFour o'clock, the bus stop atKing's Drugstore.

She squeezes his hand and runs off. Herrick stands there.

INT. STAGE

Herrick watches the last act from the audience. Rowena seemsto be singing "Someday, Somewhere" to him alone.

EXT. MRS. OLMSTEAD'S, NIGHT

Herrick pulls up outside the house. The street is full ofparked cars, the house lit up with music and chatter flowinginto the street. Kids are dancing and laughing.

Herrick sits in his car. He can't summon up the courage toget out.


Herrick walks through the house. Iris is reading in bed.

IRISHow'd it go?

HERRICKMrs. Olmstead outdid herself,tin ear and all. Think I'llwork for a while.

He walks through the house, not turning on the lights.

He sits at the piano.

He picks up the dandelion paperweight and holds it in hishand.

EXT. KING'S DRUGSTORE, NIGHT

A corner drugstore, a sign and bench in the parking lot arethe bus stop. The store is closed.

Rowena sits on the bench, her suitcase at her feet and thewilting roses in her hands.

There is no traffic, nothing. She could be alone on theplanet.

A bus pulls into the parking lot and stops.


Rowena stands and looks around.

INT. CORVAIR

Parked in the deep shadows, Herrick watches Rowena. Hisheart is breaking.

EXT. KING'S DRUGSTORE

Rowena can't see the Corvair in the darkness. She picks upher suitcase and boards the bus. The bus hisses and sighsas the door closes and it glides out of the parking lot andout of town.

INT. CORVAIR

Herrick almost cries.

HERRICK(softly)

Break a leg, Rowena...


Herrick walks quietly into the dark house. He puts his sheetmusic into the desk drawer and closes it.

He undresses automatically in the darkness as he walks towardthe bedroom. In the dark he climbs quietly into bed.

Iris is awake. She looks over at him. He stares at theceiling. Iris rolls away from him.

HERRICK(softly)

I do love you, you know.

IRISI know.

She offers him her hand -- he takes it.


Herrick enters. On his desk is a stuffed Opus penguin doll,with a note -- "To Mr. Herrick. Before I met you this wasthe only Opus I'd ever heard of. Thank you for all you'vetaught me. Rowena".

He puts the stuffed penguin on a file cabinet.


INT. MUSIC ROOM, 1994

Herrick picks up the now-motley Opus doll. Dust puffs up ashe taps it against the cabinet. He drops it into his boxand looks around.

That's almost it. The stained glass treble clef in the windowand the photographs of musicians on the walls. He startstaking them down -- Tatum, Coletrane, Chuck Berry, The BeachBoys, The Beatles -- Paul, Ringo, John... John Lennon ...Herrick looks at the photograph of John Lennon ... kindJohn...

MONTAGE -- COUNTY ROAD, DAY

Student drivers through the years. Eddie Rabbitt is "DrivingMy Life Away". 1977 - 1978 --

-- and for '79 and '80 the cars are Toyotas.

END MONTAGE.


Outside it's the beginning of winter. There isn't snow yet,but the ground has been frozen and the trees are bare ofleaves.

Herrick unbundles as he enters the building and walks downthe hall to his room.

Christmas decorations are up -- a basketball game is announcedwith a banner. One of the students runs over to Herrick.

STUDENTMr. Herrick! Did you hear? John Lennon was shot last night. Killed ... by some nut!

Herrick stops in his tracks, like he was hit.

The kids flow around him, snatches of conversation andsurprise confirm the news.

Herrick goes with the flow into his room.

INT. MUSIC ROOM

Herrick goes to the front of the class, trying to shakehimself out of his trance. The bell rings. The kids settlein.


HERRICKWe were ... where were we ...time signature. Beginning everypiece of music is a notationthat indicates the number ofbeats to the bar...

(beat)There are a variety ... of commontime signatures...

(beat)Those we are familiar with arethe waltz, at 3/4 time, 4/4common time, a march at 4/4 or6/8 ...

Herrick stops as he focuses on the photograph of John Lennon.

HERRICKWho can name me a song that isan example of...

Herrick stops again, unable to concentrate.

HERRICK... Of... I'm sorry...uh, classdismissed ... uh, no. Use therest of the hour for study. Excuse me.

And he walks out, to the bafflement of the students.


Herrick walks around the grounds aimlessly, then sits in thefootball bleachers. They are empty except for him. Soon,without his coat, he is too cold and he leaves. A medley ofLennon/McCartney songs plays in his head. He returns to theschool buildings.


It is lunch time. Noisy kids mill around, grabbing theirlunches from their lockers.

Herrick, not ready to face anyone yet, ducks into thegymnasium.

INT. GYMNASIUM

The piano is up on the stage -- the gym is empty.


Herrick walks up onto the stage and sits at the piano. Hesits there for a while, looking at his hands. Then he beginsto play...

"A Day In the Life" ... that masterpiece.

The melancholy intro, then, "I read the news today... "

Herrick plays with all the heart he has in him. Tears wellin his eyes and fall down his cheeks.

He finishes the song and turns around.

The gym has filled, kids in the bleachers, sitting on thefloor. Silent, sad, some crying. Herrick stares at them.

MARTYPlay something else, Mr. Herrick!

He turns back to the piano and plays, "Give Peace A Chance"

Someone begins singing. Other voices join in and the songfills the gym. Teachers and more students look into the gymcuriously, then join in.

"All we are saying, Is give peace a chance...


Herrick enters. Iris has expanded into stained glass. Suncatchers crowd the windows. Colored glass and lead channellitter the work table. She's soldering.

HERRICKDid you hear? About John Lennon?

IRISYes, the world's gone crazy.

(beat)Cole got into another fighttoday.

(beat)Dinner will be in an hour orso. Tuna and rice casserole.

HERRICKI'm not real hungry...

(beat)I'm thinking about trying tofinish my opus again.


IRIS(smiling)

That's great, Carl. That'sreally nice.

HERRICKI'm... I'm gonna go rake theleaves or something.

IRISThey're all ... put on yourgloves.

HERRICKHe left us a lot. All thatmusic, it will live forever,won't it.

He is not looking for an answer and goes outside.

EXT. HERRICK HOUSE

Cole, now fourteen, works on a go-cart, installing the lawnmower engine. He's good at tinkering and he likes it. Helooks up as Herrick enters the garage. Cole has a bruiseunder one eye.

Herrick takes a rake from the hook on the wall. He walksacross the yard. Cole runs after him and signs to him.

COLE(signing)

Come look at what I'm building.

HERRICKWhat? I don't... later, Cole. I'm not in the mood.

Cole taps his temple with a closed fist, thumb extended. Herrick notices it and Cole tries again.

COLE(signing)

You have to look. Please

HERRICKWrite it down, Cole. Someonedied yesterday, I ...

Cole goofs off, miming hanging himself.

HERRICKThat's not funny. A great manwas killed ... murdered.


Cole mimes shooting himself in the head.

HERRICKIt's not funny. Stop it!

Cole mimes aiming at Herrick -- pow, pow! Herrick grabs hishand. Cole pulls away.

The contact quickly becomes serious and they're flailing ateach other on the ground.

Iris runs out of the house.

IRISStop it! Stop it!

She pulls them apart.

IRIS(to Herrick)

What the hell is going on, Carl?

HERRICKCole was making fun of Lennon'smurder. I was just trying tostop him.

IRISHe doesn't know Lennon fromLiberace, Carl. He was justjoking around.

HERRICKIt's not funny... it's Lennon...

IRISHe's never heard the Beatles,Carl. Or any other music. Andhe certainly has never learnedanything about it from you.

She goes back into the house. Cole returns to the garage.

Herrick picks up the rake and attacks the few leaves he canfind. He gives up on that and heads back to the garage.

Cole sits on the bench, viciously cleaning a part.

HERRICKCole, I'm...

He grabs a rag and starts wiping a sparkplug. Cole takes itaway from him.


HERRICKI want to apologize.

Cole looks at him stubbornly.

COLE(signing)

I don't understand.

Herrick mouths the words carefully.

HERRICKI want to apologize.

Cole shakes his head, shrugs, and signs again.

HERRICK(signing)

I don't understand. Payattention. You know damn wellwhat I'm saying.

Cole shakes his head stubbornly. Herrick stomps into thehouse, mad.

INT. HERRICK HOUSE

Herrick slams the door behind him. Iris is at the stove,checking the casserole.

HERRICKI can't talk to that kid.

IRISThat's because you never learnedhow.

That stops him in his tracks.

EXT. HAVILAND COUNTY HEALTH CENTER, DAY

Herrick stands in front of the building. A little snow ison the ground. He finally enters.

INT. COUNTY HEALTH CENTER

Herrick sits in an office with MRS. BOULLOSA. "Services forthe Hearing Impaired" says the sign on the door.

A maintenance man is taking down Christmas decorations.


HERRICKI need to learn sign language. My son is deaf.

MRS. BOULLOSAHow old is he?

HERRICKFourteen.

Mrs. Boullosa looks a little surprised.

MRS. BOULLOSADoes your son sign?

HERRICKYes, pretty well, I'm told.

MRS. BOULLOSAAnd how long has he been signing?

HERRICKSince he was four or five. Hismother, my wife, she can do it,too. I ... I never got aroundto it. I know that's a flimsyexcuse, but... I just need tolearn it, all right.

MRS. BOULLOSANo one's passing judgment onyou, Mr. Herrick. When wouldyou like to begin?

HERRICKImmediately.


The bell rings and the kids settle in.

HERRICKWelcome to Music 101. Look atyour schedule... if it doesn'tsay Music 101, leave now. Ihope you all had a nice Christmasand that you put the sameenthusiasm into this term thatyou put into your vacation. Now ... how many...

The door opens and MRS. KIERNAN, the principal, enters withthree Michigan punks. Black jeans, black leather jackets,bad haircuts and safety pins.


Mrs. Kiernan sits them in the back and gives their cards toHerrick.

MRS. KIERNANHere's a fine test for the"teacher of last resort". Mr.Schiff, Goodrich, and Groves. Three signs of the comingapocalypse.

HERRICKAnd they're mine? Thanks, Mrs.Kiernan.

Mrs. Kiernan leaves. Herrick looks at the three punks.

HERRICKAll right, where was I? Okay,how many of you like music?

The usual few hands.

HERRICKWho likes the Rolling Stones?

A few hands.

HERRICKElton John? Hall and Oates? Queen?

The punks keep their hands in their laps. He talks to them.

HERRICKBlondie? Mister Schiff,Goodrich, and Groves... is thereany music you do like? KennyRogers maybe? What music doyou listen to?

SCHIFFWe listen to Fear ... X ... TheClash...

GOODRICHThe Sex Pistols and TheRamones... The Cramps...

GROVESThe Dead Kennedys...

(laughing)Black Flag, Oingo Boingo...Springsteen.


SCHIFFSpringsteen sucks.

HERRICKWhat is it about this music,these artists, that you like?

SCHIFFThey're anarchists. They don'tcop out to all that corporatemusic bullshit.

GOODRICHMusic for the people, not forbucks.

GROVESAnybody can make music. Youpick up a guitar, or something,and you, you know, wham! Norules. No censorship, you playwhat you feel.

SCHIFFYeah, it comes from your guts.

HERRICKThat's a beautiful thought. All right, let's move on. Fornow, we'll talk about EltonJohn...

INT. COUNTY HEALTH CENTER, NIGHT

Herrick works with Mrs. Boullosa, trying to learn signlanguage.

HERRICKEvery letter? You're kidding. Okay, okay.

He starts going through the alphabet, but has some trouble. A lot of trouble, really, but he's trying hard.


Herrick looks out the front window at Cole in the driveway. There is snow falling, but Cole is testing his go-cart. Iris is cutting stained glass.

IRISWould you go get Cole? It'sgetting too cold outside.


HERRICKHe'll come in when he's coldenough.

He watches Cole. The engine starts.

HERRICKI wonder what it's like. Doyou think it's just silent, ora droning noise like, you know,after a loud concert? Thatkind of ringing noise... But hecan't tell me, can he? He hasno basis for comparison. Nosound, no music, ever... Nolullaby, no song of love, orsadness, or just for fun. NoMozart or Jerry Lee Lewis...

He watches as Cole puts a screwdriver to the engine block,then presses his temple against it. Cole adjusts the gasfeed as he "listens". Herrick is fascinated.

IRISCarl, bring him in.

Herrick finally goes outside.


Herrick passes out graded test papers.

HERRICKMr. Schiff, Mr. Goodrich, andMr. Groves will see me afterclass.

The three punks look at their test papers and grimace.

INT. MUSIC ROOM, LATER

The three rebels slouch in front of Herrick's desk. Herricktakes several new albums from a bag.

HERRICKAll right, here's the deal. You three seem intent onflunking...

SCHIFFIt's not a personal thing, Mr.Herrick, it's political.


GROVESWe don't believe in your kindof music.

HERRICKI understand that, so I'm goingto ask you to meet me halfway.

GOODRICHCompromise leads to cop-out.

HERRICKHear me out. Here's the deal. I went out and bought a fewalbums by some of your favoriteartists.

He hands out the albums -- Black Flag, The Dead Kennedys,etc.

GROVESThe new Plasmatics, cool.

HERRICKNow I will pick one song fromone of these albums and youthree have a choice... Learn toplay it or write down the music... and you pass.

SCHIFFPass? What grade?

HERRICKJust pass or fail. I clearedit with Principal Kiernan.

GOODRICHWrite it down or play it?

HERRICKAnd be able to read it back tome, note for note, or chord.

SCHIFFHow good we gotta play it.

HERRICKThat's my judgment call. Iwill use the standards of theoriginal group performance. Iwill even provide theinstruments.


SCHIFFDeal.

The other two nod their agreement.

HERRICKWould you say Black Flag bestrepresents your particularphilosophy of music?

Herrick slits open the album and puts it on the turntable.

The three punks nod again.

Herrick lowers the needle -- "Louie, Louie" plays -- a nasty,crude, ugly version, but it's recognizable.

SCHIFFHey, we can do that. Anybodycan do that.

INT. MUSIC STORE, DAY

One side of the music store is dedicated to classicalinstruments, horns, violins, sheet music, pianos, etc. Theother side is rock and roll heaven -- guitars, amps, drumsand a sign -- Any playing of "Stairway to Heaven" isForbidden.

Herrick enters and walks over to the rock and roll sectionBUDDY MEDILL, the owner, sees Herrick.

MEDILLCarl, when is that damnbasketball team of ours goingto do some scoring?

HERRICKThat's not my area, take it upwith Meister. Buddy, I've beena faithful customer of yoursfor, what ... how long now?

MEDILL(suspiciously)

Fifteen years or more. I hateit when customers quiz me ontheir buying history, it alwayswinds up costing me.

HERRICKWell, I figure my students andI have been responsible for

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)nearly half of your profitmargin...

MEDILLHere it comes. Should I justbend down and grab my ankles?

HERRICKI need a favor ... two favors,actually.

Medill starts toward the classical section.

MEDILLWhat is it this time? I cangive you a hell of a deal on aglockenspiel.

HERRICKNo, what I need is in here.

Medill is surprised as Herrick goes into the rock section.

INT. COUNTY HEALTH CENTER, NIGHT

Herrick is working with Mrs. Boullosa.

MRS. BOULLOSAYou can't learn all this in acouple of weeks, Mr. Herrick. This is a six-month course.

HERRICKYeah, yeah, yeah...

MRS. BOULLOSAFor a teacher, you're one lousystudent.

HERRICKSorry. Let's try it again.


Herrick is sitting on the toilet, working from his signlanguage book. There is a knock at the door.

IRIS (O.S.)Carl, you okay in there? Youfall in or something?


HERRICKYeah, just a minute.

He hides the book in his shirt and flushes the toilet.


The three punks are standing there with their guitars andamps. Herrick enters.

HERRICKSo, what's the problem?

SCHIFFWe can't quite figure this onepart out...

HERRICKWhich part?

The three punks look at each other.

GROVESThe whole damn thing. All wemake is noise.

GOODRICHYeah, you tricked us. Thissong's hard, man.

HERRICKIt's only got three chords, Mr.Goodrich. You find a song withless and I'll give you an 'A'.

SCHIFFWhat's a chord, man?

HERRICK(smiling)

What is a chord? Sit down,gentlemen.

They sit.


Cole is working on a car model. Iris is tracing a patternonto glass.

Herrick enters, dumps his overcoat and briefcase. He walksover to Cole and hands him a small envelope. Cole opens it,looks at the tickets inside, scowls and throws them aside.


Herrick touches Cole's shoulder.

HERRICKPlease...

Iris picks up the tickets.

IRISIs this a joke, Carl? If itis, it's an exceedingly cruelone.

HERRICKNo, I'm serious.

Cole looks to Iris -- she nods. Cole looks at Herrick andnods.


"Concert - 8:00 p.m." says the marquee. Iris pulls intothe parking lot in the VW van, with Herrick and Cole. Theyget out and walk toward the gymnasium with other adults andstudents.

HERRICKI could have driven.

IRISI'm not riding in that deathtrap. One of these days you'llhit an ant and the whole carwill disintegrate.

Cole sees a friend and runs ahead. The two kids talkanimatedly in sign language.

IRISCarl, if this hurts him I willnever forgive you.

HERRICKNeither will I. I've got to getready.

INT. GYMNASIUM, NIGHT

A banner is hung over the stage -- "Concert for the HearingImpaired".

The orchestra is setting up on the stage. Microphones havebeen placed in front of each section.


The usual folding chairs have been moved back from the stage,leaving room for two rows of huge Marshall speakers. On topof each speaker is a plywood platform with a chair.

Cole and other deaf children are shown to the chairs on thespeakers. The rest of the audience take their places towardthe back.

The orchestra is soon ready and Herrick steps to the podium. A sign language interpreter stands to one side of the stage.

HERRICKThank you all for coming. Tonight is an experiment... Ihope it works. I had prepareda big speech about the importanceof music in our world, but itwent on for pages and pages. So, I decided the best way toexplain music to the hearingimpaired is to give it to youand let you make of it what youwill.

(beat)Our first selection this eveningis by George Gershwin, "Rhapsodyin Blue". In this music Gershwinwas trying to give us hisimpression of the city of NewYork. Here we go.

He faces the orchestra and raises his baton. And the musicbegins. From the instruments, into the microphones, throughthe amplifiers, and out of the Marshall speakers. The chairson top of the speakers vibrate with the music.

The gorgeous Gershwin sound fills the room.

Cole holds onto his chair and his eyes widen. He and theother kids look at each other. And each one begins to smile. They can feel the music! It courses through their bodies!

Herrick looks over his shoulder at Cole -- it's working! The deaf children begin to sway to the music.

INT. GYMNASIUM, LATER

Herrick stands at the podium.

HERRICKI find it hard to believe thatthere is anyone alive today whohas never heard the words of

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)Lennon and McCartney, with orwithout the Beatles. So, forour final selection tonight, wewould like to perform a song byJohn Lennon...

Herrick hands the baton to the student conductor.

HERRICKAnd, uh, for the hearing impairedin our audience, this may bethe one time you are gratefulfor your hearing difficulties --I am going to sing. To thehearing portion of our audience,my profound apologies.

A ripple of laughter runs through the audience. Iris isstunned.

HERRICKAnd ... on a personal note...I'd like to dedicate this to myson, Cole.

Herrick nods to the student conductor. The music begins. Herrick begins to sing -- not a good voice, but sincere.

HERRICK(singing)

Close your eyes, Have no fear,The monster's gone. He's onthe run and your daddy's here. Beautiful, Beautiful, beautiful, Beautiful boy.

As Herrick sings, he signs the words! He sings to Cole,whose eyes well with tears. Iris is crying.

Herrick stumbles here and there, but he manages to sing andsign the words of this touching tribute by John Lennon tohis son.

HERRICKBefore you cross the streetTake my hand.Life is what happens to youWhile you're busy Making other plans.Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful boy.

(MORE)


HERRICK (CONT'D)Darling, Darling, Darling, Cole.

The audience breaks into applause. But Cole and Herrickjust look at each other, oblivious to the others. They justlook at each other, both in tears.


Herrick shakes hands with people as they leave the concert. A lot of thanks and congratulations. Medill, the owner ofthe music store, slaps Herrick on the back.

MEDILLChairs an top of speakers,Herrick. One chair fallsthrough, that's a couple ofgrand down the toilet. Greatshow.

Herrick watches Iris and Cole talking animatedly next to theVW van.

Medill shakes Herrick's hand and he's the last person out. Herrick, rather full of himself, walks over to the parkinglot.

Iris and Cole are already inside when Herrick opens the doorand gets in.

INT. VW VAN, NIGHT

Iris drives. Herrick leans back to talk and sign to Cole.

HERRICKWhat say we to the drag racesthis season, huh, Cole? ChaCha Muldowney! Cha ... Cha...

Herrick has trouble signing "Cha Cha"

COLE(signing)

I can read your lips.

HERRICKRight.

So what about it?


COLEMaybe.

HERRICKMaybe? You love the drags.

IRISDon't push it, Carl.

HERRICKDon't push it? What's wronghere?

IRISWhat you did tonight was verynice... it was beautiful, Carl,really.

COLEBut it doesn't make up foreverything else.

HERRICKI ... I know that. I don'texpect to clean the slate inone night. But it's a start,isn't it? I mean ... a personshould get a second chance,shouldn't they? We all screwup. We should get anotherchance, a chance to change.

Herrick's appeal is heartfelt.

HERRICKA second chance. Then if theyblow it -- shut them out. Buta person should get a chance.

(beat)I'd give it to you. Iris?

IRISCarl, I'm not the one you shouldask.

HERRICKCole? Please. I can't makeeverything up to you, but Ican...

COLEWe will go to the drag races.

HERRICKAnd more.


COLEAnd more.


The van pulls up. Cole is out first. He goes into the house. Herrick and Iris follow slowly.

IRISHe's a good kid.

HERRICKYes, he is. Thanks to you. Bythe way, what's this mean? Ican't find it in any of thebooks.

He taps his temple with his fist, thumb extended.

IRISUh... it means ... asshole.

Herrick laughs.

HERRICKAsshole! Hah! I can use that.


A Spring weekend. The garage door is open to the fresh air. The Corvair is inside with the hood up. Herrick and Coleare working with the engine. They argue in sign language.

HERRICKJunk, my rosy red butt. It's aclassic.

COLEIt should be shot and put outof it's misery. You're luckyit hasn't blown up in your face.

Herrick signs "asshole". Cole does the same. They laughand go back to work.

INT. HERRICK HOUSE

Iris is hanging a sun catcher in the window. She sees Herrickand Cole arguing about the car -- she smiles.


INT. GYMNASIUM, NIGHT

The Senior Prom is in progress. A student disk jockey playsthe latest hits of 1981. Kids dance in their formals andtuxes.

The song ends and Herrick takes the stage.

HERRICKWe have a special treat for youSeniors tonight. A group ofour own students has beenpersuaded to make theirprofessional debut right hereat Kennedy High. Ladies andgentlemen, the Sex Dwarfs!

And the curtain parts to show Schiff, Goodrich, and Grovesin their leather best. Guitar, bass, and drums.

They launch into "Louie, Louie" -- particularly raucous andobnoxious, but faithful somehow to both Black Flag and theKingsmen.

Principal Kiernan and Coach Meister both turn on Herrick,who beams proudly.


Herrick is reading the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, newlyrevised for 1981.

Cole walks in and out, humming something that sounds barelylike Gershwin, out of key, preoccupied.

Herrick winces at the whistling. Iris is soldering, but shenotices Herrick's reaction.

IRISYou started it.

Herrick can only shrug.

Cole walks back through again. Herrick stops him this time,signing.

HERRICKIs something wrong, Cole?

COLEDad, will you teach me how todrive?

Herrick's chest swells with fatherly pride.


HERRICKI'll be glad to.

EXT. ROAD, DAY

The Corvair jerks along the road, Cole at the wheel.

INT. MUSIC ROOM, 1994

Herrick takes the glass treble clef off the window, deep inthought. He is jerked back to the present by the Corvairpulling up outside.

The Corvair has been restored beautifully, perfectly. Atwenty-eight year-old Cole gets out of it. He sees Herrickat the window.

He bows and waves his hand at the Corvair -- Ta Dah!

Herrick claps his hands so Cole can see. He puts the trebleclef in the box and looks around the room.

Iris is sitting in the back working on a needlepoint project.

HERRICKIris ... how long have you beenhere?

IRISA while.

Are you ready to go?

HERRICKYes, I guess so. What are youworking on?

IRISSomething for you. It's asurprise.

She rolls it up so he can't see it. Cole enters. He'swearing mechanic's overalls, spotless, with a patch over onepocket -- "Herrick Body and Engine".

HERRICK(signing)

The car looks good.

COLEIt's a classic. And you can'thave it back. We made a deal,fair and square.


HERRICK(signing)

Did I say I wanted it back?

COLEAll right, you can drive it onweekends, but you have to haveit back by eleven. Need helpwith the box?

HERRICK(signing)

No, I can manage. You didn'thave to come.

COLEDidn't want an old fart likeyou to strain himself.

Cole picks up a box, Herrick the briefcase, and they headout.

HERRICKOh, my keys!

He goes back and gets his keys off the desk. Herrick pausesand looks over the room that was his for thirty years.

He sees faces at the desks, young faces. Gertrude Van Lente,Louis Rus, Jill Lohman, Ed Claypool, Yntema, Tidd, Rowena,Schiff, Goodrich, Groves, and many more. Ghostly faces, hisformer students. His memories. He leaves.

INT. HALLWAY

Their footsteps echo in the empty hall.

Herrick hears something.

HERRICKWhat was that?

BOOMP! BOOMP! BOOMP! Somebody is pounding on a piano.

HERRICKSomebody's fooling around inthe gymnasium.

IRISLeave it be, Carl.

BOMP! BOMP!


HERRICKNo one should be in there.

BOMP! BOMP! Herrick walks toward the gymnasium.

HERRICKBesides, that piano is just onestep away from firewood as itis.

Cole and Iris follow Herrick to the gym. He enters.

INT. GYMNASIUM

BOMP! BOMP! BOMP!

BOMP! BOMP!

BOMP! BOMP! BOMP!

"Louie, Louie" fills the air, played by the school band. The gymnasium is full, crammed to the rafters with studentsand townsfolk.

There is a banner over the stage -- "Good-bye, Mr. Herrick".

Herrick is overwhelmed. Meister takes his briefcase andPrincipal Kiernan escorts him toward the stage.

People reach out of the audience to shake his hand. Soon werecognize older versions of Schiff, Goodrich, Groves --Lohman, Ed Claypool, Yntema, then Tidd -- maybe a very womanlyRowena near the back.

Mrs. Kiernan leads Herrick up the steps to the stage, to thepodium in front of the band.

A stunned Herrick looks for Iris. She and Cole wink at him.

The applause finally dies down and Mrs. Kiernan addressesthe crowd.

MRS. KIERNANI've only been here, what,thirteen years already? Butwhen the word got out that theMusic Program was cut, and aboutthe subsequent retirement ofour Mr. Herrick ... well, Ihave never seen such a responsefrom this community -- never. So we put together a littlesend-off.

(MORE)


MRS. KIERNAN (CONT'D)We were going to buy yousomething, Carl, a watch, orwhatever... We asked your wifeIris what you might want orneed, she was no help at all.

(beat)The one thing she did mentionwas your writing. And I rememberall those school board meetings,faculty meetings, and so on. Ialways saw you scribbling away,what I thought were pertinentnotes, but I looked over yourshoulder once and discovered itwas quarter-notes and flats. Iwas so glad when you finishedthe damned thing so you couldconcentrate on your teachingagain.

There is good-nature laughter from the audience.

MRS. KIERNANSeriously, though, I don't thinkI have ever come across a morededicated, selfless teacher. The only way we can ever payyou back is to perform, for thefirst time, "The American Opus",by Carl Herrick.

She hands him the baton. He turns to the orchestra.

The instruments are poised and ready.

He looks down at the music stand.

The sheet music is a copy of the original, in his handwriting. "The American Opus" by Carl Herrick. He touches the sheetsof music, looks at Iris. His Iris. He loves this woman. She motions him to get on with it.

Then raises the baton, taps it once on the music stand and... the orchestra plays. The opening strains of the musicfill the gym.

Herrick's face glows and his chest fills with pride.

There is a quiet murmur in the audience behind him. It getslouder, disrupting the music. Herrick looks over hisshoulder.

Two Highway Patrolmen can be seen in the back of thegymnasium.


The murmur in the audience increases. A few words areaudible. "The Governor ... "It's the Governor!" "Here!" "Where?" "I can't see ... " "Look, over there!"

Herrick drops his baton and the music peters out.

The two Highway Patrolmen walk down the aisle ahead of amiddle-aged woman in glasses. She is followed by two moreHighway Patrolmen and a couple of staff members.

She strides up the stage. Principal Kiernan takes the podium,startled.

MRS. KIERNANLadies and gentlemen, may Ipresent our Governor ... andformer Kennedy High Schoolalumna, the Most HonorableGertrude Van Lente.

By God, it is Gertrude. She takes the microphone, waits forthe applause to die down.

GERTRUDEThank you, Principal Kiernan. I'm sorry I arrived late andspoiled the music, but we'llget right back to it. I camehere today to say my thanks toMr. Carl Herrick. I rememberhim well... He had a greatinfluence on my life. On a lotof lives, I know. And I havethe feeling that Mr. Herrickconsiders a great part of hislife was misspent. He wrotethis symphony of his to beperformed, possibly to make himfamous or rich, probably both. That is the American dream...that is how we measure success,by being rich and famous. Onthat scale, Mr. Herrick is afailure -- but I think he hasachieved a success beyond richesand fame. Look around you, Mr.Herrick. There is not a lifein this room that you have nottouched. And each one is abetter person for meeting you,or being your student. This isyour symphony, Mr. Herrick. These people are the notes andmelodies of your opus. Andthis is the music of your life.


The audience gives Herrick a standing ovation. He looks outat the audience, each face a memory, a moment of his life.

GERTRUDEOne last thing, Mr. Herrick. As long as I am Governor ofthis State there will always bea Music Program in the HighSchools. Let's get back to themusic. Mr. Herrick...

Herrick steadies himself and goes back to the orchestra. Heraises the baton. The music begins again.

It is a great symphony with elements of jazz, rock, country,tin pan alley, and classical. Gertrude goes over to one ofthe girls playing the clarinet and whispers in her ear.

And she takes the clarinet, takes the student's seat, andplays.

Then, out of the audience, one or two at a time, other adultsapproach the stage and -- one by one -- replace the studentsin the orchestra.

Eventually the orchestra is composed completely of adults.

Herrick cries openly as he leads them.

And in the audience, resting in Iris, lap, is the needlepoint --words encircled by twining ivy --

"Life Is What Happens While You Are Making Other Plans"

THE END

mr holland's opus.scw

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