Parts and Labor by Kevin Rosenquist - Drama, Dramedy - A Chicago auto shop owner copes with the loss of his brother through memories of their lives together and the antics of the people around him. 95 pages - pdf, format

some notes, with spoilers

I think you've written Al to be a strong enough character to hold this story together.  And grief as a catalyst for personal growth, that works well, here.
What I miss is some dimension to the men's lives -- the comic bits give some color to their personalities, but not enough.  

I recognize that the use of "guy writing a screenplay" propels the story, but it made me uncomfortable, the scene at the end where we hear those jokes again might be made poignant on screen but in printed form, it was depressing, for me.  

Well, I used a similar device in my first screenplay and I didn't like that either.  
Anyway, if you submit a revision, I'll read it.  

I appreciate the posting by Don and also appreciate anyone who has read any or all of my screenplay. This is my first posting here and my second feature. Seem like a great resource for new screenwriters.

CM, Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on the story. Very cool of you. Once question though...the idea of the screenwriter wanting to tell the story made you uncomfortable. What was the reason for that? Was it because you are a screenwriter? It also made Eddie uncomfortable so it's not supposed to be an easy to accept part of the story the same way it isn't easy for him to accept. The ending certainly isn't meant to depress either. so I'd be curious as to why you felt that way. If you have time to elaborate great. If not no sweat...I still really appreciate the feedback.

Kevin, as I understood it, the screenwriter Jeremy's interest is based on stories he's heard others casually talk about (regarding Al) -- I think that's too easy.
But that's just my opinion, of course.

However, if Jeremy was working on some sort of sensational crime story, trying to get background etc. (say, on some international brake shoe scandal) and (let's say) anytime he hears about problems that might have destroyed businesses he also hears about help that was given, quietly, generously, heroically, and that Al's name is mentioned frequently as being a good guy...

Then he finally gets the idea that Al is worth telling the world about.  

Maybe Jeremy washes his hands after a day of hanging around the repair shop and realizes the grease and grime are hard to wash off, and that under the grime there are cuts and scrapes all over his hands and he realizes that that's just built into the job and that these garage guys' work is dangerous.  

About the ending and the beginning, the men's casual conversation seemed authentic but "weary, stale and flat", and I don't think it's the right note to end on.  Just my opinion, of course.

Ah, ok. That detail helps. Thanks again for the feedback, CM. Much appreciated.