Song for the Soul

 

Thanks to R. Joy Helvie & TVNewsCam

 


Teaser

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

 


 

QUANTUM LEAP

A Song For The Soul

April 7, 1963

 

 

 

TEASER

FADE IN

 

 INT. BACKSTAGE - NIGHT - ON SAM

 

An explosion of azure and white subsides into sam as he is

being hustled off stage. He slams his head into a low

overhang while screams and applause wash in from the wings.

"My Boyfriends Back" vamps from the house band on stage.

 

WIDER ANGLE

 

Sam wears a beehive wig and a black chiffon dress. He is

being pushed by two black girls in identical wigs and

dresses. The smallest is Lynell. She is all of fifteen and a

bundle of adorable energy. Next to her is Paula, seventeen,

lanky and all attitude.

 

PAULA

(To sam)

Are you all right?

 

LYNELL

(Thrilled)

Listen, God listen, they love us!

 

PAULA

Girlfriend, we were bad!

 

They slide some skin and squeal with delight. The announcer

yells to the audience from the stage.

 

BOBBY LEE'S VOICE

Y'all want more?

 

Screams and cheers from the crowd.

 

BOBBY LEE'S VOICE

(continuing)

Let's bring 'em back one more time!

(Beat)

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Lovettes.

 

 

 

They both turn wide-eyed to Sam; a mix of panic and delight

flushes their faces.

 

LYNELL

They want an encore!

(beat)

Cheree, what do we do!

 

SAM

What?

 

NEW ANGLE - INCLUDING BOBBY LEE

 

He's slick and handsome and is all style with his conk and

shiny sharkskin suit. He anxiously rushes up to the girls and

Sam.

 

BOBBY LEE

Ladies, ladies, get to it!

 

PAULA

We don't have any more songs.

 

BOBBY LEE

(to Sam)

Just do a reprise. Cheree?

 

SAM

Oh, no I...I don't think I...

 

Sam catches his reflection in a full length mirror.

 

SAM'S POV - INTO MIRROR

 

A healthy black girl, stuffed into the chiffon dress, stares

back at him. Her eyes widen as she looks from the beehive wig

and down to the dress. Then settling on Cheree's face, we

hear...

 

LYNELL'S VOICE

Come on Cheree.

 

FEATURING SAM - INCLUDING MIRROR IMAGE

 

His expression is one of total stun as he mouths...

 

SAM

Oh, boy.

 

PAULA

(calls out to the

band leader)

From the bridge!

 

They shove a reluctant Sam back on stage as we...

 

FADE OUT:

 

END OF TEASER

 

 


 

   FADE IN

 

INT. BOBBY'S BLUE NOTE NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT - FEATURING SAM

 

He is hopelessly trying to get through the lyrics, not to

mention the choreography of "My Boy Friend's Back."

 

PAULA/LYNELL/SAM

'And he knows that you've been

tryin', and he knows that you've

been lyin'. What made you think he

believes all your lies. My Boy

Friend's back and there's gonna be

trouble.'

 

SAM AND PAULA

'Hey la de la, My Boy Friend's

back. Hey la del la My Boy

Friend's Back.'

 

Lynell wails on top, trying to hold onto the crowd all the

while looking from Paula to Sam, as if he's lost his mind.

 

WIDER SHOT

 

The audience is with them for awhile, but even they are

having trouble figuring out what the hell is going on. The

handclaps dissipate from a rockin' full house to a measly few.

 

CLOSE ON SAM

 

He's dying. As he smiles and fakes his way through the end of

the number, you have to feel for the way he's suffering.

 

ON GIRLS AND SAM

 

They can't believe what's happening. They hit their final

pose and Sam scrambles to match the picture. We hold an

anguished beat, and we hang on to the sound of one hand

clapping, as we...

 

CUT TO:

 

EXT. CHICAGO STREET - NIGHT - ON SAM AND GIRLS

 

They talk and walk down a southside neighborhood street,

carrying their bundles of costumes and wigs. Their makeup has

been washed away and they are dressed in cotton dresses of

the period. For the first time you can see how young these

girls are. In the distance a street gang harmonizes a "Do

Wop".

 

LYNELL'S VOICE

You must have hit your head a lot

harder than you thought.

 

CUT TO:

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Sam looks around him, a little uncomfortable about the area

they are walking in. They pass an occasional wino.

 

SAM

Uh...yeah. I guess I did.

 

PAULA

(angry)

We could have won.

(beat)

That would have been a hundred

dollars, new costumes and a shot

at the finals.

 

LYNELL

Bobby Lee said we could come back

and try again.

 

PAULA

He was scopin' you so hard, he

would have said anything.

 

LYNELL

That's not true. He just saw that

Cheree hurt herself and wanted to

give us another chance.

 

PAULA

We should have won.

 

Paula notices Sam checking out the street.

 

PAULA

(continuing; to Sam)

Now, what's your problem?

 

SAM

Well, I was just thinking that it

was kind of late for you...us...to

be out walking around by ourselves.

 

LYNELL

My daddy would kill me if he knew

I was her and so would yours.

 

PAULA

Cheree's old man doesn't stay home

long enough to know when she's

gone.

 

RAG HEAD TEEN'S VOICE

Hey baby, come on over here and

talk to me.

 

The "Do Wop" dissipates into cat calls and whistles.

 

NEW ANGLE - INCLUDING THREE HARD-LOOKING BLACKS

 

They lounge all over the stoop of a run-down Brownstone.

Garbage is strewn around them.

 

PAULA

Now, who the hell would want to

talk to your ugly ass?

 

SAM

Paula...

 

RAG HEAD TEEN

You're talkin' to me, Paula. Come

on, bring your fine brown body

over here...

 

PAULA

I said I don't talk to night

crawlers. So why don't you just

crawl back into whatever hole you

crawled out of.

 

The boys start to get up and Paula stops defiantly and puts

her hands on her hips. Sam grabs Paula by the arm and pulls

her along.

 

LYNELL

Damn, Paula!

 

SAM

(to girls)

Just keep walking.

 

The boys circle around in front of them. The Rag Head stops

Sam.

 

RAG HEAD TEEN

What about you darlin'? 'Cause you

know I like me some tall, healthy

woman.

 

SAM

Why don't you and your friends

just go on back and sit down.

 

RAG HEAD TEEN

Why don't you just sit down with

me?

 

LYNELL

Well, actually we were supposed to

be home hours ago, and my father's

gonna be real upset if...

 

RAG HEAD TEEN

(grabbing Lynell)

Well, let's give him somethin' to

be real upset about.

 

NEW ANGLE - FEATURING SAM

 

Sam's moves are so fast that the youth never knew what hit

him. A roundhouse kick, followed through with a straight

kick, sends the boy into a mound of trash cans. The little

group stands frozen in shock for a beat and then Sam takes a

stance to face off the other two youths. They scramble and

vanish into the night, with the Rag Head a few steps behind.

 

ON SAM, PAULA AND LYNELL

 

They are staring at Sam with their mouths hanging wide open.

Sam shuffles, trying to cover and starts walking, dragging

the two stunned girls with him.

 

PAULA

How did you do that?

 

SAM

I think we better get home.

 

LYNELL

We live this way.

(turning the corner)

Cheree, I think we better get you

to the hospital. I mean, somethin'

must of really happened when you

hit your head.

 

PAULA

Are you crazy? That bump turned

this child into some kind of

supergirl.

 

Paula mimics one of Sam's moves like a dance step.

 

PAULA

(continuing)

Maybe we can put some of it in the

act.

(beat)

I love this move.

 

SAM

I...really don't know what

happened back there. But I do know

young girls shouldn't be walking

the streets at two in the morning.

 

LYNELL

Especially one with a mouth like

Paula.

 

PAULA

I can take care of myself!

 

LYNELL

Yeah, right.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

They turn the corner and head past a row of old Brownstone

houses. They stop and head down some steep steps to a

basement door. Lynell hands her bundle to Sam. Her voice

drops to a whisper and she begins to work the lock with a

hidden key.

 

LYNELL

(continuing)

All I know is if Cheree hadn't

done whatever it was she did,

you'd be tellin' my daddy about it

'cause I'd a made sure I was dead.

(reaching for bundle)

Are you gonna spend the night?

 

SAM

Well, no, maybe I better...

 

MAN'S VOICE

Maybe the three of you better...

 

WIDER ANGLE - INCLUDING REVEREND WALTERS

 

He's a tall, imposing man of about fifty. He stands before

them wearing a simple sweater and a stern look. Reverend

Walters voice explodes like a cannon in the night.

 

REV. WALTERS

...get your hides right through

this door and do some serious

explaining about what my daughter

is doing out until two in the

morning.

 

Paula, Sam and Lynell look like deer caught in someone's

headlights, wide-eyed and frozen.

 

REV. WALTERS

(continuing)

I said, inside!

 

SAM'S VOICE OVER

Leaping into other people's lives

has taught me never to judge a

book by its cover, as well as many

other equally cliche, but useful,

sayings.

 

Sam and the girls march sheepishly inside, as we...

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. WALTERS HOME - MIRROR SHOT

 

The girls sit quietly in a row on the living room couch

looking down at their hands while the Reverend preaches to

them about the sins of singing in nightclubs. Lynell is in

tears.

 

REV. WALTERS SAM'S VOICE OVER

...and you certainly aren't I liked this man. Even with

old enough or experienced all his blustering and

enough to understand the bravado, Reverend Walters

kind of people who frequent was actually saying

places like that. Not to everything that I had

mention the fact that three wanted to say since this

young girls have no place leap started. His concern

on the streets of Chicago for his daughter's safety

unescorted at two o'clock and well-being was as

in the morning. And since grounded in as much reality

you are foolish enough to as the walk we just took

not understand the dangers home.

of life in a big city...

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Camera pans around with the pacing Reverend to reveal Sam

sitting on the couch.

 

REV. WALTERS

So, I've taken it upon myself to

call your parents and tell them

what's going on and how you

children have lied to us.

 

LYNELL

We wouldn't have to lie if you'd

come hear us, Daddy.

 

PAULA

We're really good, Reverend.

 

REV. WALTERS

I will not support my fifteen-year-

old daughter singing in a brothel.

 

PAULA

It's not a brothel!

 

REV. WALTERS

Paula, your mother is waiting up

for you right now and Cheree,

since your parents are...not

in...you are staying with Lynell

and I, until they come back.

 

LYNELL

I...I don't think you understand

how important this is to us, Daddy.

 

REV. WALTERS

(to Lynell)

What's important is that you

understand there will be no more

nonsense about singing in

nightclubs.

 

NEW ANGLE - FEATURING LYNELL AND REVEREND WALTERS

 

Lynell stands in terrified defiance, her small frame dwarfed

under his strong angular shoulders. She unleashes a rage of

anger.

 

LYNELL

It...it's not nonsense.

 

REV. WALTERS

Not finishing school is nonsense.

Not getting your degree is

nonsense. Not becoming...

 

LYNELL

I want people to hear me sing!

 

REV. WALTERS

You can sing for God and my

congregation.

 

LYNELL

God gave me a voice to do with

whatever I want.

 

REV. WALTERS

Not as long as you are under my

roof.

 

LYNELL

Then I'll leave!

 

SAM

Lynell!

 

LYNELL

(to Sam)

I won't let him lock me away in

this miserable house. I killed

mama and I won't let it kill me

too!

 

With that Lynell runs out of the room, trying desperately to

hold onto her emotions.

 

REV. WALTERS

Lynell! Lynell Walters!

(beat)

You come back here.

 

NEW ANGLE - ON ALL

 

Sobbing, Lynell races up the stairs to her bedroom. Paula is

on her feet and about to go after her when Reverend Walters

holds her back.

 

REV. WALTERS

(continuing)

Let her go, Paula.

 

Paula turns on the Reverend. He is crestfallen by his

daughter's words. His eyes never leave the empty stairs.

 

PAULA

She didn't mean that, Reverend. I

swear she didn't.

 

REV. WALTERS

(softly)

But she did. She still misses her

mother.

(beat)

I love her and I have to do what

I believe is right. She'll

understand that when she grows up.

(to Paula)

I better walk you home. Your

mama's up waitin' for you.

 

SAM

I'll walk her home. Why don't you

go talk to your daughter.

 

The Reverend smiles.

 

REV. WALTERS

And then who's gonna walk you back

here?

 

PAULA

Cheree can take care of herself,

Reverend. You should have seen...

 

Sam clamps a hand over her mouth to shut her up. Sam looks

into the mirror.

 

SAM'S POV - MIRROR SHOT - ON CHEREE AND PAULA

 

The two girls stand there as Paula pulls her hand away and

shoots her a look.

 

SAM/CHEREE

Of course. I don't know what I was

thinking of.

 

NEW ANGLE - BACK ON SCENE

 

The Reverend Walters picks up Paula's bundle, hands it to her

and then gestures toward the door. He turns back to Sam.

 

REV. WALTERS

Tell Lynell to get you a nightgown

from her mother's chest. There's

a blue one that should fit you

just fine.

(beat)

We'll all talk after services

tomorrow.

 

With that he opens the door and gestures for Paula to exit.

Paula shoots a last look at Sam and they head out, closing

the door behind him.

 

NEW ANGLE - INCLUDING AL

 

He stands quietly in the b.g., watching. Sam startles a beat

when he sees him.

 

SAM

How long have you been here?

 

OBSERVER

Long enough to hear the fireworks

between Lynell and her father.

 

SAM

She's a very angry little girl.

 

OBSERVER

All Ziggy's come up with is that

her mother dies five years ago of

no apparent causes.

(beat)

From what little we have to put

together, she just went to her bed

one day and stayed there until she

died, six months later.

 

SAM

What did the autopsy say?

 

OBSERVER

No autopsy.

 

SAM

So Ziggy thinks I'm here to help

Lynell deal with her mother's

death.

 

OBSERVER

We don't know. We're still

assimilating the data.

 

SAM

Well, what do you know?

 

LYNELL'S VOICE

Know about what?

 

NEW ANGLE - INCLUDING LYNELL

 

She stands watching Sam with a curious look on her face. He

picks up a photo of the three girls together in the living

room.

 

SAM

That...you still have this old

picture of us.

 

OBSERVER

Good recovery, Sam.

 

LYNELL

Old? I just got that printed last

week.

 

OBSERVER

Not so good.

 

SAM

Last week! How time flies when

you're having...fun.

 

OBSERVER

Quit while you're ahead, Sam.

 

LYNELL

People are gonna think you're as

crazy as I feel.

 

SAM

You're not crazy.

 

Sam crosses next to her and the two of them sit on the sofa.

 

FEATURING SAM AND LYNELL

 

She is dressed in her babydoll PJ's and holds a folded

nightgown in her arms. There is almost a reverence in the way

she touches it before she passes it on to Sam. Al stands to

the sides. He and Sam exchange a look. The handlink beeps.

 

LYNELL

I'm going to be, if I don't get

out of this house.

 

OBSERVER

According to Ziggy, she runs away

day after tomorrow.

 

SAM

What happened?

 

OBSERVER

No data.

 

LYNELL

You heard him. He's got my life

planned for the next twenty years.

 

SAM

Your father seems to be trying to

protect you.

 

LYNELL

He wants to control me.

 

SAM

He loves you.

 

LYNELL

It's killing me, Cheree. The same

way it killed my mother.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Sam and Al exchange a look.

 

OBSERVER

Don't look at me. Ziggy's working

as fast as he can.

 

SAM

I don't think your mother's death

was your father's fault.

 

LYNELL

You weren't here, Cheree. You

didn't see what it was like.

(beat)

She had no friends. She wasn't

allowed to go out, except to

church.

 

SAM

You're just angry and...

 

LYNELL

(sadly)

No, I'm not. And I'm not going to

let him lock me in and make me

shrivel up and die so he won't be

alone!

(beat)

I'm hungry, want some chicken?

 

With that she heads into the kitchen.

 

NEW ANGLE - FEATURING SAM AND AL

 

They watch her as she exits the room. Al works the handlink.

 

SAM

What happens, Al?

 

OBSERVER

She runs away and tries to make it

as a singer. Gets locked up in a

slave contract, someone named

Bobby Lee and it's pretty downhill

from there on out.

 

SAM

Downhill?

 

OBSERVER

Drugs, arrests, crummy little

clubs.

 

SAM

And her father?

 

We hear the sounds of the front door opening and they both

turn.

 

NEW ANGLE - FEATURING REVEREND WALTERS

 

tired and troubled. He locks the front door, his mind

preoccupied with the events of the evening.

 

OBSERVER

Dies in Seventy two after losing

his church to a fire.

(beat)

Ziggy says he and Lynell never

speak to each other again.

 

CLOSE ON SAM

 

He looks from Al to Reverend Walters and back again, as we...

 

FADE OUT:

 

END OF ACT ONE

 

 


  

 

FADE IN

 

EXT. CHURCH FRONT - DAY - ESTABLISHING - STOCK

 

The strains of a gospel chorus wail and fill the cloudless

sky with songs of praise. Above the chorus Lynell's voice

soars clear and free singing, "He may not come when you want

him, but he's right on time."

 

CHOIR

He may not come when you want him,

but he's right on time. Right on,

on time. He may not come when you

want him, but he's right on time,

on time.

 

INT. CHURCH FRONT - DAY - FEATURING LYNELL, SAM AND PAULA

 

She stands among the choir, her face glowing with the spirit

of God. Next to her, Sam claps to the rhythm of the music as

he watches Lynell. The organ and tambourines, as well as the

handclaps of the congregation, praise the Lord.

 

CHOIR

Same today and forever more, He'll

be there, don't you worry. He will

open every door. He may not come

when you want him, but he on time.

(Repeat)

Right on, right on, Right on time,

he's on time. Right on. Right on

Right on. Right on.

 

WIDER ANGLE - ON ALL

 

The song ends on a sustain that's so powerful it sends

shivers up your spine and then falls into the revel of

praises and amens.

 

CONGREGATION

Amen! Praise the Lord! God

Almighty!

 

NEW ANGLE - FEATURING REVEREND WALTERS

 

He stands and crosses to the podium, his face reflecting

power and reverence. He stops and studies his congregation.

They respond to his sermon as the spirit moves them.

 

REV. WALTERS

The voices of children.

(beat)

The voices of children raised in

praise to the Lord God Almighty.

You know what that means, brothers

and sisters? It means...we are

blessed.

 

 

 

CONGREGATION

Yes, Lord. Bless the children.

 

REV. WALTERS

Blessed are those who walk in the

name of the Lord.

(beat)

We are blessed. But with each

blessing comes the dangers of

temptation. Sinful temptation that

often leads those pure, sweet

young spirits to stand in the

fiery light of Satan himself.

 

CONGREGATION

Save us Father! Sweet Jesus!

 

NEW ANGLE - FEATURING LYNELL

 

It's obvious by the expression on her face that she's angry

at the intimation her father is preaching. She exchanges

looks with Sam.

 

REV. WALTERS

And in that burning light those

innocent children lose their way

to God's light. And fall by the

wayside...like the seeds of the

farmer that fall upon the barren

rock never to take root and bear

fruit.

(beat)

God help us save the children from

damnation.

 

CONGREGATION

Save the children.

 

OBSERVER'S VOICE

Amen. Hallelujah!

 

 

 

NEW ANGLE - SAM AND AL

 

He stands next to Sam obviously caught up in the passion of

the sermon. Sam just looks at him.

 

OBSERVER

There's nothing like a good

preacher to make you remember the

devil's out there waiting to try

and getcha.

 

SAM

(whispered aside)

Does that mean he got you and

forgot to let go?

 

LYNELL

(whispered aside)

What?

 

SAM

(whispered)

I...uh...have to go to the ladies

room.

 

Lynell nods and turns back as the choir stands to sing. Sam

rises and crosses in front of Al, gesticulating for him to

follow.

 

OBSERVER

Got me and forgot to let go.

 

Al feigns mock hurt and exits. Sam makes faces of "I have to

go to the bathroom" as he passes the pianist.

 

INT. SIDE CORRIDOR OF CHURCH - ON SAM AND AL

 

They slip out the door and into a narrow corridor. The choir

goes into a rich spiritual. "Walk in the light of the Lord."

 

OBSERVER

I resent your insinuations.

(beat)

I'll have you know that I went to

Catholic schools my whole life.

 

SAM

That was at the orphanage and only

until you ran away.

 

OBSERVER

It always amazes me what your

Swiss-cheesed brain chooses to

remember.

 

SAM

I think I figured out why I'm here.

 

OBSERVER

Ziggy says there's a ninety

percent chance you're here to keep

Lynell out of show business.

 

SAM

Wrong.

 

OBSERVER

Wrong?

 

SAM

Wrong.

(beat)

I'm here to make sure her father

supports her and therefore keeps

their relationship intact.

 

OBSERVER

No, no, no, Ziggy says...

 

SAM

Ziggy has been known to be wrong.

 

OBSERVER

So, you and I have to trust her

statistics over yours.

 

SAM

Why?

 

OBSERVER

She keeps better records.

(reading handlink)

Besides, Ziggy says the day after

tomorrow, you're supposed to sing

in some local contest. The winner

gets a hundred bucks and a guest

spot at the Regal Theater.

 

SAM

Regal Theater?

 

OBSERVER

It's Chicago's version of the

Apollo.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Sam walks forward and peers into a side window of the church.

 

SAM

Except Lynell didn't sing.

 

SAM'S POV - LYNELL

 

singing with the choir.

 

OBSERVER'S VOICE

She sings, alright.

 

BACK ON SAM AND AL

 

Sam turns from the window and stares at Al.

 

OBSERVER

Apparently she lies to her father.

He finds out, traces her to the

club and pulls her off stage in

the middle of the show. A fight

breaks out and...

 

SAM

Lynell never forgives him.

 

OBSERVER

Bingorooney.

 

SAM

Then I'm right.

(beat)

I'm here to help Reverend Walters

understand and accept his daughter.

 

OBSERVER

How are you supposed to do that?

 

SAM

Maybe if he saw how good we were...

(realizing)

...oh no! That means I'll have to

sing.

 

OBSERVER

So?

 

SAM

So! First of all I don't know the

songs or the routines and

secondly...I'm a man, not a

sixteen year old girl.

 

OBSERVER

That's never stopped you before.

Besides, they'll see and hear

Cheree.

 

SAM

What does Ziggy say are the

chances of winning?

 

OBSERVER

(checking the

handlink)

Fifty-fifty. But I could up the

odds with the right music and a

few choice steps.

 

SAM

I don't know a few choice steps.

 

OBSERVER

(big smile)

I do. I'll teach you some moves...

 

SAM

You'll teach me some moves?

 

Al does a step slide a la The Temptations.

 

OBSERVER

Sam, I saw the Regal in its prime.

Smokey, the Marvellettes, Martha

and the Vandellas, James Brown.

(beat)

All you've got to do is get your

harmonies tight and remember to

say...

 

THE LOVETTES VOICES

Do you love me? Do you love me?

 

 

 

EXT. WALTERS HOME - DAY - ESTABLISHING

 

The row house sits like a cookie cut out of the two that rest

on either side. In the heart of Forty-seventh street, their

home has the grace of a cared-for property. A rough piano

track with drums, plays on the Wallensack tape deck

underneath their voices.

 

THE LOVETTES VOICES

Do you love me? Do you love me? Do

you love me? Do you love me?

 

Now that I can Dance. Dance,

Dance, Dance!

 

INT. LYNELL'S BEDROOM - MIRROR SHOT

 

The three of them strike poses in the mirror to the rhythm of

the music...hands on hips and then in the air singing as they

struggle through the new positions. There is something

strange about the movements, as we pull back to reveal...

 

PULL BACK - INCLUDING SAM AND AL

 

Al(who doesn't reflect in the mirror) stands in front of the

group and strikes a pose. Sam follows and Paula and Lynell

copy him.

 

LYNELL

I can mash potatoes.

 

SAM/PAULA/AL

I can really groove.

 

LYNELL

I can do the twist.

 

Paula is getting frustrated. Lynell is doing the best she can.

 

PAULA SAM/AL

I don't get these steps. I can really move.

 

OBSERVER LYNELL

Trust me, Sam. These moves Won't you tell me baby.

made The Temptations famous.

PAULA/AL

SAM Tell me baby.

These steps are ahead of

their time. LYNELL

Are you in the mood?

PAULA

These steps are out of time. ALL

(beat) Are you in the mood. Tell

Damn, Cheree, you're movin' me! Tell me! Tell me!

like a white girl.

 

OBSERVER

Stay with me, Sam.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Sam rolls his eyes to heaven as they start to fall into a

groove. The song lays into the ending vamp and even Sam looks

like he's starting to have fun.

 

LYNELL

I can mash potatoes.

 

SAM/PAULA/AL

I can really groove.

 

LYNELL

I can do the twist.

 

SAM/PAULA/AL

I can really move.

 

LYNELL

Won't you tell me baby.

 

SAM/PAULA/AL

Tell me baby.

 

LYNELL

Are you in the mood.

 

ALL

Are you in the mood. Tell me! Tell

me! Tell me!

(beat)

Hey push push. Aw shake it shake

it baby. I can really move. Push

push. Aw shake it shake it baby.

(beat)

Now that I can

dance...dance...dance. Watch me

now. Hey, push.

 

They punch the ending and freeze for a beat in a "Supremes"

type pose. Then break and squeal with delight, applauding

themselves.

 

OBSERVER

Don't be too thrilled. You guys

still need a lot of work.

 

SAM

We still need a lot of work.

 

PAULA

We'll be terrific!

 

LYNELL

Yeah, but we're doing the wrong

song.

 

PAULA

'Dance' was a number-one hit.

 

LYNELL

But that's just it, it was...we

need something hot.

 

Sam looks to Al. Al dives on the handlink.

 

SAM

Lynell is right. We need something

with some real fire.

 

PAULA

What?

 

OBSERVER

'Mickey's Monkey?'

 

SAM

Mickey's Monkey!

 

LYNELL

What?

 

OBSERVER

Oh. No. It won't be out for

another month. 'Can I Get A

Witness'?

 

Sam starts to speak, but Al cuts him off.

 

SAM

Uh...

 

OBSERVER

Never mind. Not out.

 

PAULA

What? What!

 

BOBBY LEE'S VOICE

How about 'Heat Wave'?

 

NEW ANGLE - FEATURING BOBBY LEE

 

He stands in the bedroom doorway looking wickedly handsome

and holding a slip covered forty-five. The girls are stunned

and Sam and Al are suspicious.

 

BOBBY LEE

It's by Martha and the Vandellas

and I just so happen to have a pre-

release on it.

 

OBSERVER

Who's this jabon?

 

SAM

How'd you get in here, Mister Lee?

 

BOBBY LEE

(piano smile)

I told you to call me Bobby.

 

Al starts a rundown on Bobby. It's obvious that Lynell has a

crush on him. But she's more afraid of her father than of her

emotional attraction.

 

LYNELL

My father will get upset if he

finds you here, Bobby.

 

PAULA

He'll be more than upset, honey.

We're talking murder in the first

degree.

 

CLOSE ON LYNELL AND BOBBY LEE

 

He crosses uncomfortably close and stands next to Lynell. He

strokes her cheek as he talks to her, his eyes locked into

her eyes. There is some definite heat between them and Lynell

is totally overwhelmed.

 

BOBBY LEE

Well, that's because a lady would

never entertain a gentleman in her

bedroom.

 

SAM

Well, since you understand that,

why don't we go downstairs.

 

BOBBY LEE

It's not my fault, you see. There

I was, walking down the street,

and I heard that sweet, sensual

voice of yours riding on a cool

breeze. So I walked up to the door

and knocked. But nobody came. So

I knocked a little harder and...

(gesturing the door)

...it opened.

 

Al steps into the shot.

 

OBSERVER

Watch him, Sam. This guy's slicker

than spit on a pair of patent

leather shoes.

 

WIDER ANGLE - INCLUDING AL

 

Sam steps in between Bobby and Lynell and breaks the moment.

 

SAM

You shouldn't be here.

 

BOBBY LEE

Lynell knows I mean no disrespect.

 

OBSERVER

Trust me, Sam. This is a snake.

 

SAM

I'm sure you didn't. So why don't

you leave.

 

He kisses Lynell's hand and steps back near Paula, handing

her the record.

 

BOBBY LEE

I still meant what I said about

this song.

(beat)

You girls sing this tomorrow night

and you are a cinch for first

place and a shot at the Regal.

(beat)

Especially with a voice like

Lynell's.

 

LYNELL

We don't have charts for the band

or...

 

BOBBY LEE

Can you learn the song?

 

PAULA/LYNELL

Well, yeah.

 

BOBBY LEE

Then I'll get Rainy to do up some

charts. He knows your keys.

 

SAM

Why?

 

Bobby Lee cuts Sam a look. The handlink goes wild.

 

BOBBY LEE

'Cause I believe in talent. And if

you win, you sign an exclusive

contract with Bobby Lee and I take

you all the way to the top.

 

The handlink starts to beep in Al's hand.

 

OBSERVER

More like the bottom. Get this

Sam. Robert Z. Lee. Small time

business man. Part-time pimp.

 

BOBBY LEE

Well? What do you say?

 

OBSERVER

Owner of the Blue Note Nightclub,

ended up doing twenty in the big

house for statutory rape.

 

SAM

Lynell?

 

LYNELL

(in response to Sam)

I...I don't know if we can get it

together that fast.

 

OBSERVER

No data.

 

Sam takes Bobby's arm and directs him out the door. Bobby's

surprised by the brute force.

 

SAM

Well, Mister Lee Lynell, Paula and

I need to talk about this

and...listen to the song...

 

INT. WALTERS LIVING ROOM - DAY - FEATURING SAM AND BOBBY

LEE

 

Sam is escorting him down the stairs and toward the front

door.

 

SAM

...before we can make a final

decision.

 

BOBBY LEE

That's a hellified grip you've got

there darlin'.

 

SAM

You don't know the half of it.

 

WIDER ANGLE - TO REVEAL REVEREND WALTERS

 

Paula and Lynell are close behind. Sam reaches the door and

runs smack dab into the Reverend who's standing in the

doorway watching everything. Al pops in just in time to know

there's big trouble. Everyone else freezes. Like a bolt of

lightening he's got Bobby by the collar, dragging him toward

the door.

 

LYNELL

Daddy!

 

REV. WALTERS

Get out of my house!

 

SAM

He came by to bring us a new

record.

 

PAULA

That's the God's truth, Reverend

Walters. It's so new it hasn't

even been played on the radio yet.

 

Reverend Walters slams Bobby into the door frame and then

looks at Sam and the girls.

 

REV. WALTERS

Then you better tell me why this

sinner has to deliver his record

to my daughter's bedroom?

 

LYNELL

Daddy!

 

REV. WALTERS

(flaring)

I asked a question.

 

BOBBY LEE

The fact that I don't attend your

church doesn't make me a sinner,

Reverend.

 

REV. WALTERS

Even the fact that you don't

attend any church doesn't make you

a sinner.

 

(beat)

But what you said to Leda Brown's

little girl, that makes you a

sinner.

 

BOBBY LEE

(controlled smile)

That's her word against mine. Now

if you don't mind.

 

Bobby pries the Reverend's hands off his jacket lapels. Again

Sam looks to Al. Al punches the handlink.

 

OBSERVER

I got nothing, Sam. Whatever

happened, the charges were never

pressed or else they didn't stick.

 

REV. WALTERS

Well, in my home your word has as

much truth as the devil hisself.

 

LYNELL

(exploding)

Stop it!

(beat)

Mister Lee was trying to be nice

to me, not commit a crime.

 

REV. WALTERS

This man will only hurt you,

Lynell.

 

LYNELL

Does that privilege only belong to

you?

 

Reverend Walters raises his hand to slap Lynell's face. He

freezes as she cowers, covering her face. The group is

stunned.

 

FEATURING LYNELL

 

Her eyes widen. Shock is the only emotion. He trembles,

trying to control himself.

 

REV. WALTERS

Go to your room!

 

LYNELL

No.

 

REV. WALTERS

You will not defy me!

(to Bobby)

And you stay away from my daughter

or as God is my witness, I'll rip

that brothel down with my bare

hands.

 

BOBBY LEE

If you step one foot into my club

I'll tear you apart old man.

 

OBSERVER

Do something, Sam. This must be

where it started.

 

LYNELL

Stop it!

 

SAM

You better leave, Mister Lee.

 

Reverend Walters and Bobby are nose to nose. Sam steps in the

middle and pushes the Reverend gently back toward the stairs.

 

SAM

(continuing)

Please.

 

BOBBY LEE

I'm leaving.

 

Even Bobby Lee knows when it's time to go and exits out the

door. Lynell moves to follow.

 

LYNELL

Daddy, don't do this.

 

REV. WALTERS

I'm doing this for your own good.

(beat)

Now come in and close the door.

 

Reverend Walters goes back into the kitchen as Lynell glances

from Bobby to her father. As soon as the Reverend disappears,

Lynell is out the door.

 

EXT. WALTERS PORCH - ON SAM AND LYNELL

 

She exits out onto the street, Sam is close behind. He grabs

her arm and turns her.

 

SAM

Lynell.

 

She turns and looks at Sam and then after Bobby Lee, who

disappears down the street.

 

LYNELL

He's my chance to get out of here.

 

SAM

Maybe there's another way.

 

LYNELL

What?

 

SAM

I don't know.

 

LYNELL

Then let me talk to him.

 

SAM

Not until you give me a chance to

figure out another way.

 

She looks after Bobby then back to Sam. Flustered, she gives

Sam a look and turns going back into the house. Al pops next

to Sam.

 

OBSERVER

You better think of something, Sam.

 

SAM

I have.

(beat)

I want you to get me the names of

all the local record companies in

Chicago.

(beat)

I'm going to call every one of

them until I get somebody to come

here The Lovettes. Maybe I can

make Lynell understand there's

better people out there than Bobby

Lee.

 

CLOSE ON SAM

 

His eyes shift from Al to Lynell. His face is filled with

concern, as we...

 

FADE OUT:

 

END OF ACT TWO

 


 

ACT THREE

 

 FADE IN

 

EXT. CHICAGO SOUTHSIDE ELL TRACKS -

NIGHT -ESTABLISHING - STOCK

 

The city stretches out before us filled with a million faces.

As they pass, each face keeps its secrets.

 

INT. WALTERS LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - FEATURING LYNELL

 

Lynell sits on the steps, staring down at her shoes and

humming. After a beat, Sam comes in and crosses to sit beside

her.

 

SAM

What are you doing?

 

LYNELL

Lookin' at my feet.

 

SAM

(looking down)

Nice feet.

 

LYNELL

(sigh)

Yep, and they're nailed down right

here at forty-seventh and Ellis.

Nailed down tighter than pine

coffin...

(looking to Sam)

...and I'm running out of air,

Cheree.

 

Sam puts a comforting arm around her slumped shoulders.

 

SAM

You're going to be fine.

 

LYNELL

(funny smile)

That's what my momma used to say.

She'd say, you'll make it just

fine Lynell. Just fine.

 

SAM

I'm sure she meant it.

 

 

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Lynell gets up and crosses to the upright piano that sits in

the corner of the room. She picks up a photo of her mother.

 

CLOSE ON PHOTO

 

She is a beautiful woman in her thirties. Alive and vibrant.

 

LYNELL'S VOICE

She meant it until the day she

decided to die.

 

ON LYNELL AND SAM

 

She stares sadly down at the photo.

 

SAM

People don't decide to die.

 

LYNELL

Momma did.

(beat)

And you know what? I think she was

happy. Happy to be free.

 

SAM

She couldn't have been happy,

Lynell...not to leave a daughter

she loved.

 

LYNELL

She hated him more.

 

Setting the photo down.

 

LYNELL

(continuing)

She tried to leave him once. She

took me and she tried to run away.

But he brought us back.

(beat)

You know why?

 

SAM

Because he loved you.

 

LYNELL

Because he was afraid of what

people would say about the

righteous Reverend Walters if his

wife had run off and left him.

 

(beat)

It didn't matter that she was

unhappy. Or that she had no life

of her own. The only thing that

mattered was what everybody

thought.

(beat)

That's when she decided to die.

And so will I if we don't sing in

that contest tomorrow night.

 

SAM

Singing in a talent contest isn't

going to save your life.

 

LYNELL

Bobby will give us a contract

and...

 

SAM

We don't need Bobby Lee or his

contract.

 

He holds up a piece of paper.

 

SAM

(continuing)

I called Mister Madison Simms,

he's head of Checker Records and

he's willing to hear us sing.

 

LYNELL

(excited)

When?

 

SAM

As soon as I can find a club.

 

LYNELL

(excited)

He can hear us at Bobby's club

tomorrow night.

 

SAM

No.

 

LYNELL

We don't have a choice.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Sam is up and pacing. He knows he is running out of time.

 

SAM

(reluctantly)

Okay, we sing in the club.

 

LYNELL

(thrilled)

Alright!

 

SAM

But you have to promise not to

sign with Bobby.

 

LYNELL

What?

 

SAM

And...finish high school.

 

WIDER ANGLE

 

The look of hope in her eyes changes to one of betrayal. Sam

crosses to her and turns her to him.

 

SAM

(continuing)

Trust me, Lynell. It's the only

way to get your father to let you

sing.

 

LYNELL

I can't change him, Cheree.

 

SAM

I think I'm here to try.

 

Lynell thinks about Sam's idea. Part of her wants to believe

and the other struggles with what has gone before. Finally...

 

LYNELL

How?

 

SAM

We'll invite your father down to

see us.

 

Her face falls.

 

LYNELL

Are you crazy?

 

SAM

It's the only way. He'll accept

your singing career and you accept

his love.

(beat)

It's the only way.

 

LYNELL

But if this doesn't work...

 

She turns and walks up the steps.

 

OBSERVER'S VOICE

It doesn't work.

 

WIDER ANGLE ON SAM AND AL

 

Al stands by the steps watching as Lynell disappears upstairs.

 

LYNELL

...we sign with Bobby.

 

OBSERVER

According to Ziggy, she ends up

with Bobby and a miserable life.

 

When she's out of earshot...

 

SAM

I don't think history can change

until after I talk to her father.

 

OBSERVER

And when do you plan to do that?

 

SAM

Tomorrow night right before the

show. You'll choreograph some

steps to the new song and...

 

OBSERVER

What about the sleaze with the

perfect teeth?

 

SAM

What he doesn't know won't hurt

him and keeping Lynell out of his

clutches is all that matters.

 

Al looks at Sam wondering if he's bitten off more than he can

chew. He punches up the stats on the handlink.

 

OBSERVER

Ziggy says this is still going to

be a disaster.

 

SAM

Tell Ziggy to have a little faith

in human nature.

 

OBSERVER

(the handlink squeals

at him)

She says that's the problem.

 

Sam looks at Al, whose look of concern only spurs him on

more, as we hear...

 

OBSERVER'S VOICE

Hands over your heart and pump

those hips.

 

INT. BLUE NOTE CLUB - DAY - ON SAM AND GIRLS

 

They are dressed in rehearsal clothes and standing three

across with Sam out front leading them through the moves.

 

SAM

Then on 'itchin' in my heart,

fists clenched over your heart...

 

WIDER TO REVEAL AL

 

He dances a few feet ahead of them. A waiter passes by.

 

OBSERVER

(to waiter)

Hey, watch where you're going!

(to Sam)

Pump those hips. Then rip and open

and shoulder, shoulder.

 

SAM

Keep the hip action. 'Tearin' it

all apart'. Then tear and open

your hands like this and shoulder,

shoulder...

 

PAULA

Show me that shoulder thing again.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Sam steps back and does the whole sequence again slowly with

Lynell and Paula.

 

SAM

Then when we say, 'It's like a

heat wave', both hands go up...

 

OBSERVER

...and shimmy down your body, real

sexy and sensual...

 

Al is getting off on his choreography. Sam shoots him a look

as if to say, 'Cool off'.

 

OBSERVER

(continuing)

Okay, okay, a little sexy.

 

Sam repeats the look and they put all the moves together.

 

LYNELL

Okay, let's try it with the words.

Take it from the chorus.

 

ANOTHER ANGLE - FEATURING BOBBY LEE

 

He sits at one of the cocktail tables watching Lynell, with

a look of a cat about to pounce on a canary. Rainy Gregoir,

the musical director, comes to the table and shows Bobby the

charts. He's a fair-skinned Creole with glasses and mussed

hair.

 

RAINY

These charts are so hot I hope to

hell your girls can handle them.

 

BOBBY LEE

Lynell will do fine and that's all

that matters to me.

(calling out to Sam)

Cheree. Rainy's made a pass on the

chord sheet. You want to take a

look at it.

 

He says something to Bobby and Bobby gestures him toward the

stage.

 

WIDER ON AL

 

Sam stops the rehearsal.

 

SAM

Uh...Okay.

 

OBSERVER

Say 'Let's take five!'.

 

SAM

Take five everybody.

(aside to Al)

I forget, can I read music?

 

OBSERVER

You have a doctorate in it

 

SAM

Oh. Good.

 

Sam and Rainy meet by the first row of tables. Sam and Al

study the chart while Lynell looks on. Paula slips into the

wings and after a beat something catches Lynell's eye.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

We see Bobby crook a finger to Lynell. She smiles and looks

around then slips over to talk to him.

 

CLOSE ON BOBBY AND LYNELL

 

He leads her off into a shadowy corner of the club where they

can talk privately.

 

BOBBY LEE

You ladies are going to be

fantastic.

 

LYNELL

There's so much to do and it's

already one o'clock.

 

BOBBY LEE

You'll be perfect.

(pulling her away)

Come here, I want to show you

something.

 

INT. BACKSTAGE WINGS - ON LYNELL AND BOBBY

 

He takes her into the dimly lit corridor that leads to the

dressing rooms. Lynell is uncomfortable and hesitant.

 

LYNELL

Where are we going?

 

BOBBY LEE

I have a little surprise for you.

 

He stops at a wardrobe rack and pulls back a sheet to

reveal...

 

NEW ANGLE - FEATURING THREE SEQUIN GOWNS

 

Even in the dim light they sparkle and shine almost as much

as Lynell's eyes.

 

LYNELL

Oh Bobby, they're beautiful!

 

BOBBY LEE

I had them made for a girls group

I was puttin' together

but...things didn't work out.

(beat)

I want you girls to wear them

tonight.

 

LYNELL

(thrilled)

Oh, Bobby!

 

BOBBY LEE

Now they're just on loan until

you're under contract and start

earning some real money. Then you

can pay me back.

 

LYNELL

I...I don't know what to say.

 

CLOSE ON BOBBY AND LYNELL

 

He smiles as he runs his fingers down her neck. She is caught

in his eyes. Slowly his face moves toward hers.

 

BOBBY LEE

Darlin' you don't have to say a

thing.

 

He kisses her passionately, pulling her body into his and

taking her breath away. There is a moment of resistance but

she doesn't have a chance. As the kiss intensifies, we...

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. STAGE - ON SAM, AL AND RAINY

 

They finish up some minor changes.

 

SAM

Then vamp for twelve bars and

punch the end.

 

OBSERVER

Oh, tell him if there's a big

applause, be ready to come back in.

 

SAM

If we've got the crowd, be ready

to go back in at the coda.

 

RAINY

Smokin'.

(beat)

You ladies pull this one off,

ain't nobody to stop you.

 

SAM

That's what I'm countin' on.

 

Rainy smiles and walks off leaving Sam and Al. After a beat,

Paula walks back on from the other side of stage.

 

PAULA

Everything together?

 

SAM

I don't know about everything but

the charts are...smokin'.

 

Sam is so proud of himself for being hip. Al just rolls his

eyes.

 

PAULA

Well, we better get our chocolate

behinds in motion of we're gonna

look like a bunch of amateurs from

the boonies.

 

SAM

You got it.

 

OBSERVER

Where's Lynell?

 

SAM

Yeah, where's Lynell?

(calling out)

Lynell! Lynell!

 

There's no answer. Al punches up the computer.

 

OBSERVER

I'll center in on her and give you

a holler.

 

He pops out.

 

INT. BACKSTAGE - DAY - ON BOBBY AND LYNELL - CONTINUOUS

 

She struggles in his embrace. Her blouse pulled up, her small

arms pushed against him. Al pops in.

 

BOBBY LEE

Come on, baby. Just relax.

 

LYNELL

Bobby, please. Please, stop.

 

OBSERVER'S VOICE

Sam!

 

BOBBY LEE

I like it when you struggle.

 

OBSERVER'S VOICE

Back stage. Hurry!

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. STAGE - FEATURING BOBBY, LYNELL AND AL - SFX

 

Bobby is getting more aggressive. He pins her to the wall and

kisses her. By now she is a frightened little girl in tears.

Al grabs through them trying to defend Lynell.

 

LYNELL

You're hurting me!

 

OBSERVER

Sam!

(to Bobby)

Take your hands off of her, you

slime!

 

Sam rounds the corner and in a flash, assessing the

situation, pulling Bobby away from her. Bobby pushes Sam away

and out of reflex, Sam slugs him, knocking him to the ground

at Paula's feet. She looks from a very pissed Bobby to Sam.

 

PAULA

Damn.

 

BOBBY LEE

(getting up)

Don't you ever lay a hand on me,

bitch!

 

SAM

Then keep your hands off...

 

BOBBY LEE

I wasn't doin' nothin' she didn't

want.

 

LYNELL

You...you were hurting me.

 

OBSERVER'S VOICE

As far as I'm concerned you can

hit him again.

 

BOBBY LEE

Hurtin' you? You don't know the

meaning of the word.

 

SAM

She doesn't have to learn it from

you.

 

BOBBY LEE

(to Lynell)

You want to sing in my club, you

take whatever I dish out.

 

SAM

We don't need you or your club.

 

LYNELL

Cheree!

 

FEATURING LYNELL

 

She is torn and frightened. She looks back from Sam to Bobby

Lee. Her young life and all its dreams are falling apart in

front of her.

 

BOBBY LEE

You better apologize.

 

LYNELL

I...I...

 

OBSERVER

Don't do it!

 

SAM

We don't need him.

 

BOBBY LEE

Then leave.

(to Lynell)

You want to to perform tonight,

you be here with my apology or

forget it.

 

With that he exits rubbing his sore jaw.

 

NEW ANGLE - ON ALL

 

Lynell is freaking.

 

LYNELL

What have you done!

 

OBSERVER

He just saved your neck!

 

SAM

What have I done?

 

LYNELL

We...we have to apologize.

 

PAULA

Are you crazy?

 

SAM

You don't need him, Lynell. We'll

get the man from the record

company to...

 

LYNELL

To do what? Come see us perform in

my bedroom?

(beat)

Now either you apologize with me

or I'm going on by myself.

 

Lynell storms off. Paula looks after her and throws up her

hands.

 

PAULA

Now what?

 

OBSERVER

Lynell goes on by herself, her

father still breaks up the show

and she still ends up alone. But

this time she's completely alone.

(beat)

She never speaks to Cheree and

Paula again.

 

CLOSE ON SAM

 

Now he's ruined everything. Off of his stunned expression

we...

 

CUT TO:

 

 ACT FOUR

 

FADE IN

 

INT. CHURCH - EVENING - FEATURING REVEREND WALTERS

 

He moves through the front pew straightening bibles and stops

frozen in thought. He sits, tired and confused and stares up

at the stain-glass window. After a beat his eyes close in

prayer and he talks to the heavens.

 

REV. WALTERS

(sigh)

Oh, Sylvia. Some days I miss you

so much.

(beat)

The way you laughed. The sound of

your footsteps at night. The smell

of your hair on my pillow. But you

know what I miss most of

all...your wisdom.

(small smile)

You always knew just the right

thing to say to Lynell.

 

WIDER ANGLE TO INCLUDE SAM

 

He stands near the back of the church, listening. He walks

slowly toward the Reverend.

 

REV. WALTERS

(continuing)

She won't listen to me you know.

Lord help her. That child's got so

much anger locked inside her.

(beat)

See, I used to think she was mad

at you for dying and me for

letting you, but Lynell...

 

SAM

Lynell's mad at herself, Reverend.

 

Reverend Walters turns to see Sam. After a long beat he turns

back toward the window but speaks to Sam.

 

REV. WALTERS

I never should have let her take

care of her momma. She was too

young to see that kind of pain.

 

SAM

My mom used to say, God only gives

us what he knows we can handle.

 

REV. WALTERS

She blames me.

 

SAM

She's hurt and angry.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Sam sits down next to him.

 

REV. WALTERS

I've lost her.

 

SAM

Not yet.

 

REV. WALTERS

If I try to hold her she'll run

away.

 

SAM

Like your wife did?

 

REV. WALTERS

Sylvia was very sick for a long

time. She stopped seeing her

friends and locked herself away

from everybody.

(beat)

When she found out she was dying,

she tried to run away from me.

 

SAM

Lynell told me you stopped them.

 

REV. WALTERS

Them? She didn't take Lynell.

 

SAM

But Lynell said...

 

REV. WALTERS

That's what Lynell needed to

believe.

(beat)

After Sylvia left, Lynell cried

for weeks. I finally found her

mother in a hotel and brought her

home.

 

(beat)

Lynell wouldn't leave her side

until they took her away.

(beat)

She has a right to be angry. I

left them there to face death,

while I went and hid in my church.

(beat)

And now, I've lost my little girl.

 

SAM

Not if you stand by her.

(beat)

Tell her you want her to sing

tonight. And you want to be there

to hear it.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Reverend Walters looks at Sam. For a moment it looks as

though he's going to bend.

 

REV. WALTERS

I can't. I want her to finish

school. Be someone.

 

SAM

Trust her to find her own reasons

to finish school. Make her own

choices.

 

Reverend Walters stands, he is weary and adamant with his

decision.

 

REV. WALTERS

She's fifteen. She has plenty of

time to make her own choices.

Right now she has to live by mine.

 

With that he walks to the back of the church and finishes

gathering the bibles.

 

OBSERVER'S VOICE

Now what?

 

FEATURING SAM AND AL

 

Al stands next to Sam. They watch Reverend Walters.

 

OBSERVER

Ziggy says there's a seventy

percent chance that Lynell goes

back to the club and... apologizes

to the slime bucket.

 

SAM

So, she goes on tonight?

 

OBSERVER

Alone.

(beat)

But she doesn't win. That's what

really makes her desperate.

 

SAM

What about the man from Checker

Records?

 

OBSERVER

I guess he never shows up.

(beat)

Sam you've got to stop Lynell.

That pervert's gonna destroy her...

 

SAM

Not if I can help it.

 

Sam is on his feet and heading out of the church.

 

OBSERVER

She's at her house. I'm going to

check on Mr. Sleazoid.

 

Al pops out as Sam disappears out the back door of the

church, as we...

 

CUT TO:

 

EXT. WALTERS HOME - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING

 

The Chicago hawk whips at the barren branches of the front

tree.

 

PAULA

Why are you doing this?

 

INT. LYNELL'S ROOM - CLOSE ON LYNELL

 

She sits at her vanity applying makeup. The lipstick is too

red, the shadow too heavy and the dress is too revealing.

 

LYNELL

Doing what?

 

PAULA

Don't go playin' stupid with me

girl. You're gonna go give it up

to that creep, so you can sing

tonight.

 

LYNELL

I'm not gonna give up nothin'. I'm

gonna apologize so that 'we' can

sing.

 

PAULA

Don't use me as an excuse. You

want to lay down for that old man,

do it cause you want to, not for

me and Cheree.

 

Lynell stops putting on makeup and turns to Paula.

 

LYNELL

Bobby's just mad at Cheree. I'll

tell him I'm sorry and everything

will be fine.

 

PAULA

But you shouldn't be sorry. Or

have your forgotten what he tried

to do?

 

LYNELL

I just wasn't ready for what he

wanted.

 

PAULA

Are you ready now? 'Cause if you

go in there talkin' a bunch of I'm

sorry, he's gonna be all over you.

 

FEATURE LYNELL - MIRROR SHOT

 

She looks at herself and tries to be brave.

 

LYNELL

I'm only fifteen...

 

PAULA

So! To men like Bobby Lee that's

woman enough.

 

LYNELL

You're wrong.

 

Cheree steps into the mirror behind her.

 

CHEREE/SAM'S VOICE

No, she's not.

 

NEW ANGLE - INCLUDING SAM

 

He stands in the doorway. After a beat he crosses over and

sits on the edge of the bed next to Paula.

 

LYNELL

Oh, don't you start too. Bobby's

a business man who wants to help

us and y'all are talking about him

like he's dog.

 

PAULA

If the name fits...

 

SAM

Some men believe they should have

everything they want and they

don't care who they hurt to get it.

 

LYNELL

But Bobby's not like that.

 

SAM

Yes, he is.

 

LYNELL

He respects my talent.

 

SAM

I respect your talent but I'm not

going to seduce you to prove it.

 

LYNELL

(with a giggle)

You're a girl.

 

SAM

You know what I mean.

(beat)

You can't go to Bobby Lee by

yourself.

 

LYNELL

I will if I have to.

 

SAM

(getting an idea)

You can't go by yourself...but you

can go with us.

 

Lynell gets up and crosses to Sam and Paula.

 

LYNELL

You'll come with me?

 

PAULA

(after a beat)

You gonna apologize to that fool?

 

SAM

I'll do whatever Lynell needs me

to do.

 

Sam is heading out the door. A stunned Lynell and Paula look

on.

 

SAM

(continuing)

Well, don't just stand there.

We've got ourselves a contest to

win.

 

He's out the door. Paula and Lynell squeal and hug, then bolt

out the door as we...

 

CUT TO:

 

OMITTED

 

INT. ON STAGE - CLOSE ON MALE SINGER

 

A handsome black singer sings a sensual version of "Stay" to

the audience.

 

INT. CLUB - BACKSTAGE WINGS - CLOSE ON BOBBY LEE

 

He stands adjusting his tie and admiring himself in the

mirror. Al watches, disgusted. The band is cooking and the

performer is pouring his heart out to the crowd.

 

BOBBY LEE

(to his reflection)

You, my man, are fine as they come.

 

OBSERVER

You, my man, are the kind of jerk

that gives men a bad name.

 

A young man of about twenty interrupts Bobby's admiration of

himself.

 

YOUNG MAN

Mr. Lee, The Lovettes are here.

 

BOBBY LEE

(smug smile)

Well, we knew that.

 

OBSERVER

(mimicking him)

Well, we knew that.

(to himself)

Sam, I hope you know what you're

doing.

 

BOBBY LEE

Give them the pink sequins to skip

into and then bring them to me.

(back to the mirror)

I want them gorgeous when they

crawl.

 

JoJo pads off in double time. Al all but growls and Bobby

just gloats.

 

REV. WALTERS

Mr. Lee? May I have a word with

you?

 

OBSERVER

(looking up)

Uh oh. Gooshie center me on Sam.

 

With that and a punch of the handlink he pops out.

 

NEW ANGLE

 

Reverend Walters stands with his hat in his hand. If it's

possible Bobby's smug smile gets smugger.

 

BOBBY LEE

Well, well, well.

(beat)

You know Reverend, you said some

pretty harsh words to me at your

home yesterday and...

 

REV. WALTERS

(cutting him off)

What I said to you yesterday had

nothing to do with why I'm here.

 

BOBBY LEE

And why is that?

 

REV. WALTERS

My daughter wants very much to

sing in your contest.

 

BOBBY LEE

That's up to her.

 

REV. WALTERS

It's up to you too. And I want you

to tell her no.

 

BOBBY LEE

(surprised)

Now why would I do that?

 

REV. WALTERS

Because she's fifteen years old.

Let her grow up.

 

BOBBY LEE

(calmly)

No, you let her grow up.

(beat)

I see kids in and outta here, year

after year. Lynell's got the gift.

 

REV. WALTERS

She'll still have it three years

from now. But she'll be able to

handle herself.

(beat)

I'm asking you as a father to help

me.

 

BOBBY LEE

What's in it for me?

 

REV. WALTERS

I...I'll make a deal with

you...you get my daughter out of

here and I won't call the police

and tell them you've got minors in

your club

 

LYNELL'S VOICE

I don't need you to make a deal

for me.

 

NEW ANGLE - INCLUDING SAM, LYNELL, PAULA AND JOJO

 

They are visions in hot pink sequins. Bobby is pleased.

 

REV. WALTERS

Then come home.

 

LYNELL

I can't.

 

JOJO

The Lovettes are on next, Bobby.

What do you want me to do?

 

BOBBY LEE

(to Sam)

I'm waiting.

 

OBSERVER

Don't say it Sam.

 

SAM

We want to sing in your club

tonight.

 

BOBBY LEE

And when you win, you sign a seven

year contract with me.

 

SAM

If that's what Lynell wants.

 

PAULA

Cheree!

 

REV. WALTERS

I can't let you do this, Lynell.

 

SAM

It's Lynell's life. She's got to

decide what's important.

 

LYNELL

I...I want to sing. Please Daddy.

Please understand.

 

Sam crosses next to Reverend Walters.

 

SAM

(to Reverend Walters)

Tell your daughter you love her,

Reverend Walters. Tell her that

you trust her enough to stand by

her, whatever decision she makes.

 

The reprise is done and the audience is chanting for the next

act. The Reverend looks desperately to Lynell.

 

JOJO

They're going crazy out there. You

want me to get the next act?

 

LYNELL

(to her father)

Daddy, I...

 

She's a frightened little girl. The crowd chants louder.

 

NEW ANGLE - FEATURING REVEREND WALTERS AND LYNELL

 

He crosses to her and holds her face as if she's touched by

a spirit. Lynell looks at her father. He smiles.

 

REV. WALTERS

Sing Lynell. Sing with all your

soul.

(beat)

I love you.

 

She smiles and hugs her father.

 

WIDER - INCLUDING ALL

 

A triumphant Bobby turns to face him.

 

BOBBY LEE

(to Lynell)

Win this and I'll take you to the

top.

(beat)

Win for me, baby.

 

LYNELL

(with new strength)

I'll win for me, Bobby. Me.

 

ON STAGE - FEATURING BOBBY

 

He is a master MC. He has this crowd eating out of his hand.

 

BOBBY LEE

Alright! Are you feelin' good?

 

THE CROWD

Yeah!

 

BOBBY LEE

I can't hear you! I said, are you

feelin' good?

 

THE CROWD

(screaming)

YEAH!

 

BOBBY LEE

Then put your hands together and

get ready to stand up and party

with the lovely, the vivacious,

the fabulous...Lovettes!

 

The band kicks into a funky groove of "Heat Wave".

 

BACKSTAGE - ALL

 

Lynell looks to her father. His face is hard and cold and

then as if he is touched by a spirit, he crosses to Lynell

and touches her. He smiles.

 

REV. WALTERS

Sing Lynell. Sing with all your

soul.

(beat)

I love you.

 

She smiles and hugs her father, then races out on stage. Sam

and Al exchange a look of triumph.

 

OBSERVER

Alright!

 

ON STAGE

 

Sam and girls sing "Heat Wave".

 

SAM/LYNELL/PAULA

(Heat Wave Lyrics to

come)

 

 

INTERCUT WITH BACKSTAGE - REVEREND WALTERS

 

He watches his daughter with pride and love.

 

ON BOBBY LEE

 

looking like the cat that ate the canary and loving every

minute of it.

 

THE CROWD

 

totally into it and having a party.

 

ON AL

 

Mister Soul himself in a total groove.

 

ON STAGE - SAM AND THE LOVETTES

 

having a great time. They are tight and together.

 

ON BOBBY LEE

 

A man in a silk suit whispers in his ear. Bobby's smile gets

bigger. He turns back to Lynell with dollar signs in his eyes.

 

CLOSE ON LYNELL

 

She is singing her ass off.

 

WIDER ANGLE

 

The song ends to wild applause. They run off the stage.

 

BACKSTAGE - FEATURING BOBBY

 

He sweeps Lynell into his arms.

 

BOBBY LEE

Y'all did it. You are going to the

Regal.

 

Paula screams. Sam looks at Lynell who hugs Bobby. Reverend

Walters watches the excitement and then fades back, slipping

out the door. The crowd shouts for more.

 

PAULA

We did it! We did it!

 

ON SAM AND AL

 

Sam is caught up in the excitement. Al sees the Reverend

leave and nods to Sam.

 

OBSERVER

Sam.

 

ON REVEREND WALTERS

 

He slips out the side door.

 

WIDER ANGLE - ON ALL

 

Sam starts to go after him when Bobby sweeps Lynell into his

arms. She struggles to get free, looking for her father.

 

LYNELL

Where's my father?

 

BOBBY LEE

Who cares? All that matters now is

that I'm gonna make you a star.

You belong to me, baby.

 

LYNELL

I don't belong to anybody.

 

BOBBY LEE

We had a deal.

 

SAM

No deal.

 

Sam jerks him off Lynell and slams him against the wall. He's

about to punch him out when Paula grabs his arm pulling him

and Lynell back on stage for the reprise. The crowd goes

crazy and Lynell soars, giving a grateful smile to Sam.

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. CHURCH - NIGHT

 

It's dimly lit and hangs in the silence of loss. Reverend

Walters sits next to his pulpit, an empty man. Sam walks up

to him with Al close behind. Sam has changed out of his gown.

 

REV. WALTERS

I've lost her forever.

 

SAM

A profit named Gibran once said

'Hold your children with open arms

and they will always know they can

come home.'

 

REV. WALTERS

(shaking his head)

Too much sorrow has gone between

us. I don't think she can ever

forgive me for loving her the only

way I knew how.

(beat)

I'll miss her, Cheree. I'll miss

that I'll never hear her sing

again.

 

Lynell's voice fills the church and echo the strains of "Eye

on the Sparrow". Sam and the Reverend turn. Tears fill the

Reverend's eyes as he moves toward her.

 

NEW ANGLE - She stands in her gown, backlit by a wash of

light from the entry and singing with the passion of an angel.

 

LYNELL

(song to come)

 

 

NEW ANGLE - ON SAM AND AL

 

They look on like proud parents who've done a good thing. Al

reads the handlink.

 

OBSERVER

She turned down the Regal, the

contracts, the whole kit and

caboodle and stays at her father's

church.

(beat)

Get this Sam, the man from Checker

comes through. The Lovettes have

a hit that gives Lynell enough

money to get through medical

school. She becomes a doctor, Sam.

Gets married and has three kids.

 

ON LYNELL AND HER FATHER

 

She finishes her song and touches his face. Her eyes well

with tears.

 

LYNELL

I love you, Daddy.

 

REV. WALTERS

I love you too.

 

They embrace. Paula stands in the b.g. watching, happy for

her friend.

 

INCLUDING SAM AND AL

 

They smile. With a small good-bye he's enveloped by a flash

of Quantum blue, and...

 

QUANTUM LEAPS

 

FADE OUT:

 

END OF ACT FOUR