PROJECT ERNIE - INTERVIEW WITH A HERO(last 20 pages)

by

Chuck Loch

14314 Summertime LaneCulver City, CA 90230(310) 559-2331 Voice(310) 559-2332 Faxchuck9@sbcglobal.net

86.

INT. ERNIE'S ROOM DAY

Ernie paces while the Students sit and listen.

ERNIEI dare say, I don't think this isworking out. You've gotten me tospeak about things, horrible things,I've tried to forget since theyhappened. I will not be drawn furtherinto their discussion.

FRANKI thought you said you wanted totell your stories to help the youngwho could be drawn into war again.You said if only you had known whatwar was really like, you never wouldhave joined up.

ERNIEI'm sorry, my boy, but the young areno longer my problem. They rightlybelong to you. I've told the both ofyou the truth - all that my heartcan bear.

PATTYBut we don't have enough.

FRANKThis means our whole trip is afailure. We never got to your diaries,we don't even have enough to explain--

PATTY--What'll we do, Frank?

FRANKMaybe if you had been a little bitnicer--

PATTY--Maybe if you had planned this better--

FRANK--Don't you see? Ernie lied to us.He promised to give us all the helpwe needed.

ERNIEI'm sorry. I shouldn't have promised.

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PATTYWe've talked about splitting up ifthis didn't work out. Right now Idon't ever want to see him again.

ERNIEYoung lady, go ahead and leave theboy if you must. Just remember, theboth of you, you can always findanother love.

PATTYHow would you know? You haven't hada date since 1919.

FRANKPatty, that's none of our business.We're here to get his story aboutthe war.

ERNIEIt's quite all right, my boy. I willgladly talk about a woman I adored,if you'll be kind enough to listen.

PATTYGo on, please.

ERNIEI met her five years ago. FlemishIndependence Day, I believe. I hadmarched in their parade and was onPlug Street, on the other side oftown.

EXT. PLOEGSTREET/STELLA'S CAFE 1973 DAY

THE ENTRANCE GATE

An old outdoor cafe, filled with tourists. Ernie, 78, wearingthe dress uniform of the Somersets (it still fits like aglove) strolls up and stands in line for the next opening.

A 73-year-old woman, still hot for her age in a flowered sundress and a wide-brimmed hat, sits alone close to the street.

Ernie smiles at her. She smiles back then gets up and slidesbetween the tables toward him.

ERNIE (V.O.)Her name was Stella. She was a bityounger than me.

STELLAI don't remember you from when theSomersets were here in 'seventeen.

88.

ERNIEGood heavens, we were billeted righthere in the village weren't we?

STELLAIndeed you were. I only worked herethen. Saw you boys every day. Alwaysso polite. Won't you join me?

STELLA'S TABLE

Ernie and Stella sit drinking beers. They flirt as they talk.

STELLAYou boys would say to me, 'Stellawhat do you have to eat?' And I wouldsay, 'Beefsteak and chips.' Theywould all eat that, the same thing,all the time.

ERNIEIt was my distinct loss not to havetasted your beef and chips.

Stella leans back, relaxes.

STELLACan you believe I was eighteen then?

ERNIEYou're not a day over that today.

STELLAAnd I suppose you're twenty-two.

ERNIEFeel like it today. Marching andall. And meeting you.

STELLAYou boys did like to march. Justlike the London Rifles...we calledthem the Black Buttons.

She smiles at her fond memories.

ERNIEThey could never hold a tightformation.

STELLAAnd I used to dance for both of you.

Ernie perks up.

ERNIEWhere?

89.

Stella nods.

STELLAInside. At night, we had a cabaret.

She swivels sideways and kicks up one of her still glamorouslegs.

STELLAYou boys would come to see me dance.

She pushes herself up and executes a few dance steps.

ERNIEJolly good. Bravo.

When she sits down, Ernie looks into her eyes.

ERNIEThat's lovely, my dear. Would youmind showing me where the cabaretwas? I would very much like to seeit, if it's not too much trouble.

Stella stares back into his.

STELLAIt would not be too much trouble atall. We use it as a banquet room.They're setting up now for a dinner.

ERNIEThere's to be a spread, you say?

STELLAWhy yes. Tonight.

Ernie stands and holds out his elbow.

ERNIEThen lead me to the feast.

Stella rises and takes his arm.

As they step toward the building, she wobbles, catches abreath, and lays a hand on her chest.

ERNIETrouble, my dear?

STELLAIt's just my pacemaker workingovertime.

90.

INT. ERNIE'S ROOM 1979 DAY

Ernie searches through his treasure box and comes up with asmall envelope.

He pulls a color photo of himself and Stella, dressed to thenines, standing arm and arm, from the envelope.

ERNIEWe were together night and day forover a year. Of course, I couldn'tbring her here. The nuns, you know.

Another color photo falls out of the envelope: Ernie standsalone, looking quite sad, in a very blue suit.

PATTYWhy so sad?

ERNIEI was savaged by Stella's childrenfor walking in her funeral processionand wearing a blue suit instead of ablack one. They couldn't understandI wore it because it was her favorite.

FRANKYou lost her?

ERNIEYes, but every moment we spenttogether was worth it. How many mencan say that?

PATTYNot many men or women.

INT. PRIVATE HOSPITAL ROOM 1975 NIGHT

Stella lies propped up in bed. Ernie holds a mirror for herto see her freshly shampooed tresses flowing down the pillows.

She runs her fingers through her hair, feeling its cleanliness.

ERNIE (V.O.)The night before she died, I shampooedher hair in the hospital bathroom.

A HOSPITAL NURSE interrupts.

HOSPITAL NURSEI'm sorry, Sir. You'll have to leave,visiting hours are over.

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Ernie puts the mirror down on the bedside table, gathersStella up in his arms, and gives her a big kiss. He turns toleave but she doesn't let go. Her lips move.

Ernie leans down. Puts his ear next to her lips.

STELLA(whispering)

I'll see you later.

She lets go. Ernie sees the old twinkle back in her eyes.

ERNIEGood night, my darling.

He backs out of the room, never taking his eyes off her.

The nurse follows and switches off the lights.

Light from a window into the hallway illuminates a CLOCK onthe wall. It shows nine o'clock.

MATCH CUT TO:

INT. PRIVATE HOSPITAL ROOM 1975 NIGHT

The clock shows midnight.

Stella lies awake and uneasy, still propped up in her bed.She breathes in small gasps.

The door opens slowly.

Ernie peeps his head in and looks around. He smiles broadlyat Stella.

She turns toward him and returns his smile.

STELLAI knew you'd come back.

INT. ERNIE'S ROOM 1979 DAY

ERNIEI held her for a little while. It'snever long enough when the one youlove is slipping away.

Patty dabs at her eyes.

ERNIEWhen the nurses made their rounds, Ihid in the bathroom. But, the nursesfound me and I had to leave. Shedied later that night.

92.

PATTYOh, Frank.

Patty grabs a very surprised Frank and hugs him.

Ernie smiles at the two of them.

ERNIEI have a secret to confess.

He fluffs his pillow.

ERNIEFor months afterward, I would pat alittle bit of her perfume on my pillowso when I fell asleep it would smelllike she was here.

PATTYHow could you let her go?

ERNIEI never let her go. But, I learned along time ago that life goes on.

He picks up a pile of fresh letters from his desk.

ERNIEThese are from Dorothea, a friend ofStella's. We've been writing.

He leafs through the pastel sheets of paper.

ERNIEFinding love is easy. Making it lastis hard.

PATTYYou never gave up.

FRANKOf course he didn't.

PATTYI admire that in a man.

FRANKIn case you haven't noticed, I'venever given up on you.

PATTYIt would have made it easier.

ERNIEYou youngsters haven't yet learnedthat life gives you another chanceat most things - if you survive the

93.

ERNIEfirst. Maybe if you give each otheranother chance, it'll be the charm.

PATTYIt feels like I've given him many,many chances.

FRANKShe's never forgiven me.

ERNIEI'm talking of chances where youboth put everything behind you andstart over. Promise me you'll try?

FRANKI'll give her another chance.

PATTYI don't know if I can.

Ernie shakes his head and returns the letters to his desk.

ERNIEI'm tired. Tomorrow is a new year.Perhaps I'll find the strength tocarry on then. You may call for me.But not too early, if you please.

EXT. NAZARETH REST HOME NIGHT

The Students walk to their car.

FRANKWant to stop at the cafe for a nightcap? See how these Belgians celebrateNew Year's Eve?

PATTYI'm exhausted. Let's just go back toour room. Okay?

FRANKOkay.

INT. ERNIE'S ROOM NIGHT

Ernie's alone and in bed, propped up on pillows. He picks upthe top letter in the pile from Dorothea and reads.

DOROTHEA (V.O.)September 21st. By the time you read this I shall be gone to find my peacein the sweet hereafter. Hearing your

94.

DOROTHEA (V.O.)charming voice in your letters everymonth has made my last years a joy. Iam so thankful to Stella for the chanceto know you. Goodbye, dear Ernie.

He drops the letter on his lap. His eyes close. He sleeps.

INT. ERNIE'S ROOM NIGHT (DREAM)

Stella stands in the doorway, wearing the flowered sun dressand hat from when they first met.

STELLAHappy New Year's Eve, Ernie. I thoughtI'd come and spend one more with you.

She comes over and lays beside him.

STELLAWe used to have so much fun on NewYear's Eve.

ERNIEThat we did.

He puts his arm around her.

ERNIEI'd like you to join me in the newyear, if it wouldn't be too muchtrouble

They lay so close he can feel her breath on his face.

STELLAGo to sleep, my Darling. I'll seeyou tomorrow.

Ernie closes his eyes.

END ERNIE'S DREAM

INT. ERNIE'S ROOM DAY

New Year's morning church bells awaken Ernie.

He feels the pillow next to him then opens his eyes. No one'sthere.

ERNIEStella, where did you go?

He sniffs her pillow and smiles.

95.

SUDDENLY he grabs his chest and struggleS to breathe. Hejerks a pull-cord behind his bed. A CHIME SOUNDS. He jerksit again and again and more CHIMES sound. He pulls it out ofthe wall.

EXT. NAZARETH REST HOME DAY

Fog and a cold rain drizzles down.

The Students run from their car to the front door.

Frank BANGS the heavy KNOCKER.

A SISTER answers.

PATTYWe've come for Ernie.

SISTERHe's very sick today. Had one of hisspells this morning. Sorry.

She closes the door.

PATTYCafe?

FRANKCafe.

INT. CAFE T'CANON DAY

INSIDE THE DOOR

They push their way to the bar through wall-to-wall men inWWI British and German uniforms.

AT THE BAR

FRANKDo you Belgians always dress up onNew Year's?

BARTENDERAround here we do - to celebrate theend of the 1914 Christmas Truce.

PATTYWhy not on Christmas?

BARTENDERBecause New Year's was the day thetroops on both sides were told they'dbe considered traitors and shot ifthey didn't fight again.

96.

PATTYCan you imagine what they felt? Itmust have been horrible.

BARTENDERMost of the men got drunk, sang alast song together, then stumbledout into the darkness and becameeach other's enemy again.

PATTYSick. Can you find us a table?

BARTENDERI've been saving one for Ernie. Ishe coming in?

FRANKDoubt it. The nuns said he was sick.

BARTENDERThen it's yours.

AT ERNIE'S TABLE

They drink their pints in silence, until

FRANKI was miserable last night. I feltso alone on my side of the bed. Afraidto turn over because I might bumpinto you. Afraid to talk because Imight say the wrong thing. Afraid toget up because I might wake you--

PATTYI didn't sleep--

FRANK--I wanted to yell 'What do I haveto do so we can go back to how itused to be?' But I was afraid.

PATTYIt was no way to spend a New Year'sEve.

FRANKRemember how we used to lovecelebrating? We'd go over to Maxand Irma's and dance and dance anddance? We'd get those big mugs ofchampagne and during the countdownwe'd pour them over each other?

Patty, caught up in a moment of memory, jumps in.

97.

PATTYThen when you kissed me you'd cop afeel and turn me on.

FRANKAnd then we'd go back to the apartmentand make mad passionate love?

Patty falls silent with a far-away look in her eyes. Thenshe delivers the hammer blow.

PATTYI don't know if I can ever make loveto you again.

Frank's at a loss for words. Patty caught him between the eyes. He stammers for a moment.

FRANKPatty, I...I...I...uh...

Patty gets up to go. Frank grabs her arm and pulls her down.

FRANKWhat Ernie said yesterday, about onemore chance?

She nails him again.

PATTYWhat if I want a baby?

FRANKThat's...that's...up to you. I madea mistake last year. The abortionwas wrong.

PATTYYou'll never know how wrong it wasfor me...to listen to you...to killour son. I never should have. Thatwas my mistake.

FRANKWe both made a mistake. Maybe nowthat we've admitted it, we can putit behind us and go on. Even have achild.

PATTYIf we forgive ourselves and eachother, maybe we can start over again,a little bit wiser this time. LikeErnie.

FRANKLike the Ernie who never gave up?

98.

PATTYLike that one. I don't want to turnout like the Ernie who couldn'tforgive himself.

INT. ERNIE'S ROOM DAY

The Sister sits next to Ernie's bed and feeds him a lastspoonful of soup. Most of it dribbles down his chin. Shewipes his chin and takes his hand.

ERNIEI dislike soup immensely.

SISTERGet used to it. It's all you'll beeating for awhile.

She winks, squeezes his hand, and gets up.

SISTERI've got to be going to Mass.

She gathers up the bowl and a half empty glass of milk.

ERNIESister, don't go.

She pauses at the door.

SISTERI'll have someone look in on you.

ERNIEI have nothing to live for, you know.

SISTERSuch talk. You have me and the othersisters.

She closes his door behind her.

Alone, Ernie talks to himself.

ERNIEMy nephew Frank and his Patty, theyhave their problems and their fears.They talk and talk and talk aboutthem until they go away.

He looks to the wall on the opposite side of the room.

ERNIEI've talked to you for years and ithasn't helped even a bit. Just freeme from this fear of dying and of

99.

ERNIEthis pain of living. Haven't I doneenough for you? For all of you?

He turns his head towards his window.

ERNIEThank you, Archie. I know what todo. I'll tell them one last story,our story. Then I'll be free.

He takes the cassette recorder and microphone from his nightstand. He pushes the "ON" button and clears his throat intothe microphone. Then he speaks.

ERNIEIt was after we heard about theArmistice by telly.

EXT. TRENCH 1918 NIGHT

Ernie stands toe to toe in the drizzling rain with ColonelEdwards, staring into his face with incredulity and hate.

COLONELI don't care what you've heard overthe telly, RSM Bennett. I've receivedno official dispatch and I've givenyour unit an order to hop the bags.Either you pass the order on to yourmen or I'll charge you with treason.

Ernie salutes, does an about face, and walks over to hisMEN. He talks to them in a low voice the Colonel can't hear.

ERNIEJust try to get through the night,lads. Nothing more. Nothing less.

He glares back at the Colonel who waits expectantly. Then,Ernie blows his command whistle.

ERNIEUp and over, lads.

The Men scurry up the trench ladders and crawl off into thedarkness. The TIT-TIT-TIT of a machine gun a hundred yardsaway drifts back into the trench.

Ernie waits until his last Man's feet wiggle out of sightthen follows.

EXT. NO MAN'S LAND 1918 NIGHT

Ernie lays on his back alone in a shell hole. An occasionalflare streaks overhead lighting up the pockmarked field.

100.

A steady TIT-TIT-TIT alternates between the left and rightsides of his position.

He peeps over the edge of the hole toward the German line.

A flare

SUDDENLY ERUPTS

over the Germans.

Silhouetted by its light he catches a glimpse of a HELMETLESSMAN crawling from their line toward his hole.

He levels his rifle across the field and waits for the nextflare.

SUDDENLY ONE ERUPTS DIRECTLY OVERHEAD.

THE HELMETLESS SOLDIER IS ON TOP OF HIM.

HE FIRES POINT BLANK INTO THE HELMETLESS MAN'S CHEST.

The Helmetless Man collapses into Ernie's shell hole.

Ernie pushes the Soldier over with his boot.

IT'S ARCHIE!

ERNIEMy God. My God. My God.

He cradles Archie across himself and takes his head into hishands. Blood oozes out of him and all over Ernie.

ARCHIEI was lost - out there all alone -saw your crater - thought it wasrefuge.

ERNIEDon't talk. You'll be all right.It'll be morning soon. The medicswill take care of you.

ARCHIEIt's so cold, Ernie. Hold me.

Archie's teeth chatter and his eyes close.

ARCHIESo tired, Ernie. So tired.

Ernie takes off his jacket and shirt and holds Archie closeto him while he covers then both again with his clothes.

Ernie quietly sobs into his jacket.

101.

EXT. NO MAN'S LAND 1918 NIGHT

The Eastern horizon glows signaling dawn's coming.

Ernie, still holds Archie close. They're both soaked withblood. Ernie's teeth chatter as he softly hums, It's A longWay to Tipperary.

Archie's eyes blink open.

ARCHIEI'm going west, old chum. Ann'swaiting in Blighty for me and littleArchie's there too.

ERNIEHang on a little longer, Archie.Medics'll be here any minute.

ARCHIENo time, Ernie. I'll say 'Hi' foryou to the wife and kids.

Archie gasps for breath one last time and goes limp in Ernie'sarms. His eyes, still open, stare lifelessly toward thewestern horizon.

Ernie tenderly closes them and holds Archie all the moretightly.

EXT. NO MAN'S LAND 1918 DAY

The sun sits high overhead as Ernie sits in the same positionstill holding Archie.

A BRITISH MEDIC looks down into the hole.

MEDICAnybody alive down there?

Ernie cocks his head and stares at the Medic.

The Medic jumps down into the hole. He take hold of Archie'slimp body.

MEDICHere, let me take him.

Ernie won't let Archie go.

ERNIEHe's my Man. I'll take care of him.

102.

MEDIC(gently)

There's nothing more either of uscan do for him. You okay?

Ernie slowly releases Archie's body, letting the Medic takehim.

MEDICCongratulations, Sergeant. You'vemade it. The war is over.

EXT. NAZARETH REST HOME 1979 DAY

Ernie carries the recorder and his treasure box down thestreet through the cold rain.

INT. CAFE T'CANON DAY

Patty and Frank finish their beers.

FRANKLet's get out of here.

PATTYAnd go back to our room?

FRANKYou want to have that baby, don'tyou?

They stand and signal the Bartender.

FRANKPut it on our tab.

BARTENDERWhere you going?

FRANKTo celebrate a new year.

EXT. CAFE T'CANON DAY

Frank and Patty walk arm and arm around the corner just asErnie appears from the opposite direction.

INT. CAFE T'CANON DAY

BY THE DOOR

Ernie, dripping wet, looks around at all the men in uniform,confused. The Bartender calls to him

103.

BARTENDERErnie, your table just opened up.

ERNIEAnd what of my young friends?

BARTENDERThey've gone off to celebrate.

Ernie smiles.

AT ERNIE'S TABLE

Ernie catches the BAR MAID's attention. She comes over.

BARMAIDYou've got three beers left overfrom last night. Shall I bring themone at a time, or all at once?

ERNIENone for me today, young lady, thankyou just the same. I would, however,greatly appreciate it if you wouldbring me pencil and paper.

Ernie writes "for Patty and Frank" on a sheet of paper andplace it carefully on his treasure box.

He turns and looks at the wall.

ERNIEAll right lads, I've done it.

ARCHIE (V.O.)Good for you, old boy.

LEO (V.O.)We knew you could do it.

Ernie smiles and drops the cassette inside his treasure box.

Ernie's chums, Archie, Leo, The Kid, Jimmy, and Percy,materialize in the corner.

They wear their dingy, field-worn uniforms, which are instark contrast to all the clean and new ones worn by theothers in the cafe.

But they blend in nicely with the crowd.

Stella's with them - in her best dress.

STELLAHappy New Year, Ernie.

104.

ERNIEIt's tomorrow, isn't it?

Ernie keels over onto the table and steps out of his body infull field uniform, as dingy as theirs.

Vigorous handshakes and hugs all around.

All Ernie's chums whisper something to him as they embrace.

ARCHIEI forgive you Ernie. No hard feelings,eh?

LEOYou did your best to save us.

THE KIDIt wasn't your fault.

JIMMYYou fought for us.

PERCYYou did your duty.

When he comes to Stella, he holds her hands for a moment,and gazes into her eyes.

SUDDENLY

she throws her arms around him and gives him a big kiss.

ERNIEThank you for leaving your perfumeon my pillow.

STELLAWe didn't want you to lose hope now,did we?

Laughing, arm and arm, with his chums leading Ernie, theyall walk through the wall pointed out by the signpost labeled'West.'

EXT. TYNE COT CEMETERY DAY

Still linked arm-in-arm they march through the gates of thecemetery that now holds all their graves side-by-side.

They point to a new headstone with Ernie's name on it linedup beside theirs.

They walk on past an arrowed signpost pointing out "England -70 Miles."

105.

ARCHIEYou're finally going home, old chum.

INT. HOTEL ROOM DAY

Patty and Frank lay under the covers in each other's arms

PATTYI really missed you...and that.

FRANKDo you think we made a baby?

PATTYIf we did, I hopes he or she turnsout to be like Ernie.

FRANKDon't worry. It's a sure thing. I canfeel it.

FADE OUT:

THE END