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EXT. GABRIEL'S MANSION - SIMPLY, MICHIGAN If the grass is always greener on the other side, then this is the other side. A beautifully manicured garden sweeps up to spectacular stone edifice. It's unbelievable that anyone could afford to live in this house.
INT. FOYER What you see when you enter the front door. Fantastic stairway and flooring. Chandelier. A display of lighting and motifs decorate the walls and ceiling,
INT. LIVING ROOM A subtle touch of grace and comfort. Several chairs and couches are placed in small conversational groups. A small, well-stocked bar sits in the back of the room.
INT. DINING ROOM Spacious seating is available for twelve at a rectangular table. Textured curtains adorn the windows.
INT. KITCHEN A culinary enthusiast’s dream. A granite topped island provides an eating space for a few people.
INT. STUDY Dusty books line the walls, giving the appearance of a room that is older than it really is. A wireless laptop computer sits upon a large desk and a huge clock "dongs" on the hour. A signed, framed photo of Robert De Niro sits on the desk. Other pictures of stars and various magazine covers dot the wall.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM Silk sheets adorn a double canopied bed. The room looks like it was decorated by a woman; no doubt he paid dearly to have it done.
INT. GUEST WING A long wide hallway provides access to the guest rooms. Ornate alcoves display artwork. Several small lounge chairs are along the wall. The guest rooms are along both sides of the hall.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY) A simple design with elegant materials. Major pieces include a bed and an armoire for clothes.
INT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY) A simple design with elegant materials. Major pieces include a bed and an armoire for clothes.
INT. GUEST ROOM (FRANCESCA) A simple design with elegant materials. Major pieces include a bed and an armoire for clothes.
EXT. POND At the bottom of the garden sits a pond filled with fish and tadpoles. A bench made out of a half a tree sits next to it, and a birdbath next to that. Trees and bushes line the pond.
INT. HOME THEATER ROOM A big screen television covers the wall. A series of black leather chairs face the TV. Many DVDs and video games are found on the sides, all neatly aligned. The cinema/sound system is clearly that of an aficionado.
INT. POOL ROOM An essential component to any mansion: A beautiful swimming pool and hot tub, complete with rock waterfall and palm trees, all incased in glass. A his and her locker room sits off to the side.
Revision History (4 edits; 1 reasons shown)
mcornetto - December 2nd, 2009, 5:24pm
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mcornetto
Posted: September 25th, 2009, 6:49pm
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EXT. GABRIEL’S MANSION Cherry pulls up the long drive, parks in the turn around in front of the massive structure. She steps out and is obviously taken aback by the beauty and immensity of the place.
INT. FOYER Gabriel greets her and they reminisce of times gone by.
Jimmy arrives moments later. Sparks are apparent between Jimmy and Cherry, and they begin to flirt. Gabriel notices and does not seem too happy. Gabriel suggests they go upstairs, find their rooms, and unpack.
INT. KITCHEN Gabriel makes pitchers of margaritas, and pulls out plate upon plate of appetizers, which he arranges on the island countertop.
INT. FOYER Gabriel greets Burner who is also impressed with the mansion. They chat as Jimmy and Cherry come down the huge staircase. Everyone appears to be quite happy.
INT. KITCHEN Gabriel offers Burner a margarita, Burner declines much to everyone’s surprise. They think he’s joking but he tells them he quit months ago. The three remaining drinkers toast to his sobriety.
INT. LIVING ROOM Cherry and Jimmy are alone and getting close on the couch. Burner pops in and the conversation ceases. OS, the doorbell rings. Burner excuses himself, awkwardly.
INT. FOYER Burner greets his old buddy, Darnell. Darnell’s eyes are merely slits already, and his smile makes it clear that he’s been partaking. Burner tells him that he stopped “burning” a few months back. Darnell thinks that won’t last long.
INT. STUDY Gabriel’s on the phone with Johnny, who is going to be late.
INT. FOYER Gabriel brings Darnell a drink and joins them in conversation.
INT. KITCHEN Four of the old friends eat, drink, and be merry. Burner goes for a glass of water. He sits back against the sink, sips his water and watches everyone enjoying themselves.
INT. FOYER Jeana-Marie walks straight into the house without knocking. Cherry enters the foyer and delightfully hugs her, and gives her a kiss her on the cheek. Jeana-Marie is taken aback.
INT. KITCHEN Jean-Marie and Cherry join the rest of the group, and they continue to get caught up.
Darnell makes it known that he has party favors.
Jeana-Marie makes it known that she now goes by “Jeana-Marie”, as apposed to just Jeana, in a rather odd way. Cherry and Jimmy exchange a glance.
Jeana-Marie tells everyone how beautiful the pond is. Darnell asks her to show him where it’s at.
Jeana-Marie, Darnell leave together, margaritas in hand.
Gabriel asks if the others would like a tour of the house.
INT. FOYER Jimmy and Gabriel talk a bit. Very loud music interrupts them.
INT. HOME THEATER ROOM Burner dances. The television is on with the volume full blast. Darnell laughs at Burner.
Gabriel enters, followed by Jimmy, and turns the volume down. Burner greets Gabriel and compliments Gabriel on the home theater set.
Cherry and Jeana-Marie enter. Burner greets them.
Jeana Marie and Gabriel have a uncomfortable moment, which Burner makes obviously clear with a comment.
INT. FOYER Gabriel opens the door to Frances/Francesca. Gabriel doesn't recognize him. By revealing info only Gabriel and he knows, Frances/Francesca convinces Gabriel it's him and enters.
INT. HOME THEATER ROOM Jimmy, Jeana Marie, Cherry, Darnell, Burner are in a group, talking. Gabriel enters with Francesca.
The group don't recognize her. They think she's Gabriel's friend.
Gabriel introduces Frances. That surprises everyone.
INT. FOYER Johnny arrives. No one is there to greet him. No one hears his jovial hello.
He looks down and notes a bulge in his pocket. He takes a ring box out and puts it in his duffle bag.
He hangs on to the duffle bag as he gawks at the surroundings and follows the sound of voices.
INT. HOME THEATER ROOM Johnny hesitantly walks in the room as Cherry hugs a woman that Johnny doesn’t know.
Again, no one notices his arrival. Everyone’s attention is on the attractive mystery woman.
Jimmy notices Johnny and quietly tells him that the woman is Frances.
Cherry sees Johnny and gives him a hug too.
Then she grabs Jimmy's hand and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Johnny seems saddened.
Jimmy announces the gang is all here.
Frances says hello to Johnny waking him from his funk. Johnny’s wit almost gets him in trouble.
Gabriel is interested in Frances change and tries to talk with her but realizes it will have to wait.
Gabriel asks everyone to follow him to the living room. He wants Burner away from the sound system.
Johnny hangs back curious about whether Jimmy and Cherry have something going on. The answer is maybe. Jimmy is ready to lay into him when...
Cherry interrupts and walks arm in arm with her two favorite guys.
INT. LIVING ROOM Gabriel gives a brief welcome to my home introduction stressing everyone have fun. Pick a bedroom.
Gabriel suggests everyone a take a tour just like Burner did.
The group breaks up and vows to return in an hour.
Darnell’s cell phone rings and looks at the caller ID. He lets the call go to voicemail.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY) Johnny’s duffle bag is on the bed.
Johnny is standing in is guest room. He sees the small screen TV and is satisfied.
Jimmy walks in and remarks all the rooms are the same.
Johnny insults Jimmy and they have a small argument. With some pushing.
Johnny shoves the ring in Jimmy's face. Tells him about his plans with Cherry. Wonders when Jimmy became competiton.
Jimmy almost mentions his sexual experience with her but then stops. He counters with asking why Johnny thinks Cherry would say yes.
Gabriel chats with Burner about Gabriel's latest film he is in where he plays a conman. They hear steps clicking on the hardwood floors.
It’s J-M all wound up and Gabriel sees her anxiety.
Gabriel shouts so loud to get her attention (and inadvertently) everyone else in the mansion. He races to grab J-M.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY)
Both Johnny and Jimmy look up and jump to action, racing towards the sound of what is erupting as an argument.
EXT. POND
Darnell sits peacefully upon the bench smoking his doobie alone. The birds chirp. Darnell takes his shoes and socks off and dips his feet in the pond.
INT. GUEST WING
Cherry and Francesca catch up behind Johnny and Jimmy, all racing towards the stairs where the sound of the argument grows.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Jimmy, Johnny, Cherry and Francesca arrive on scene in the middle of the outrage. Roddy is just as confused as the rest.
Gabriel and J-M are in a heated argument about J-M’s stepfather. Gabriel tells her that it’s all a ploy for her attention and that he just wants her home for control just like he’s using her for sex.
J-M looks at Gabriel. She references a "secret deal" they had that she thinks he didn't live up to. Gabriel is every bit as obstinate as J-M, but finally he releases her.
J-M picks up her purse and heads for the door.
Cherry rushes toward her begging her to calm down before going.
J-M gently turns Cherry down.
J-M surveys the group as they stare at her in disbelief.
J-M pulls her purse tightly over her shoulder and stares back, unrelenting and slams the door behind her.
Gabriel faces the group. With a fake smile, he tells them that he will start lunch and leaves.
INT. THE KITCHEN
Gabriel grabs stuff from cupboards... the fridge. During his rummage, Gabriel spots Francesca at the doorway.
Francesca offers to help. Gabriel first says no, but quickly gives in and accepts.
INT. GUEST WING
Johnny, Cherry, Jimmy, and R Roddy talk about what happened.
Roddy is able to get Cherry to go with him somewhere more privately. Jimmy, seeing Johnny’s sad reaction, comforts Johnny. Johnny pushes away.
EXT. GABRIEL'S MANSION
Roddy tries to persuade Cherry to go back to him. Cherry refuses. Roddy seems like he is about to explode, but holds the anger back.
INT. THE KITCHEN
Gabriel rants about Jeanna Marie to Francesca as both cook. Francesca offers consoling advice.
Gabriel apologizes to Francesca about his rant and changes the topic to Francesca. He asks her about the sex change. Francesca informs him.
He compliments her on doing it and her appearance. Francesca blushes.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JONNY)
Jimmy still tries to consoles Johnny who is now depressed and has second thoughts on proposing (in fear that Cherry won’t accept it).
Johnny wonders why, after all doesn't Jimmy want Cherry - well he's free to have her now.
Jimmy points out the ring - How if he really wanted Cherry then he would have brought a ring too.
Johnny throws the ring across the room and tells Jimmy he can have it then.
Jimmy picks it up and brings it back to Johnny. Jimmy doesn't need the ring. Johnny does because Johnny is the one who is going to propose.
Johnny can't.
EXT. POND
Roddy finds Darnell smoking. He joins him and talks to him about what happened with Cherry when he tried to get her to go back with him.
Darnell lets Roddy know about Johnny’s engagement ring. Roddy is pissed off at Johnny. Darnell tells Roddy he wants this weekend to be fun and chilled out. And people proposing will just create conflict.
INT. GUEST WING
Cherry is walking back to her room when she hears Jimmy’s and Johnny’s back and forth banter of “I can’t” and “yes you can”.
She follows it to Johnny’s room and opens it, catching both of them surprise. She asks them what can’t Johnny do.
After an awkward silence, Johnny tells her that she can't copy Season 3 of How I Met Your Mother for Jimmy, because it's illegal.
Having no clue on what's going on, Gabe asks Johnny to repeat himself.
Johnny yells it out: SOMEONE TOOK THE RING!
Gabe tries to comfort Johnny and asks the description of the ring.
Johnny describes the ring. Cherry says it sounds like a beautiful ring.
Through his whiny fit, Johnny comes clean and explains his intentions and feelings towards her.
He even recounts their personal history like it's grocery list of love.
Roddy laughs at Johnny. Johnny shouts at him, Roddy goes quiet.
Cherry is angered! She glances at Francesca who gives her an "I told you so" look.
Darrell lifts some cocaine and stuffs it at Johnny.
Johnny shakes his head.
Cherry STORMS out! How could he throw a tantrum?!
With that, he rolls further into self pity. Johnny sits on his bed, crying. He blurts out all the troubles in his life. He's ugly while she's good looking. He's in TV while she's in business. His only hope of having a good future walked out the door. So much effort for nothing.
Johnny rushes out to find Cherry.
Gabe goes after him. Let me give you some friendly advice.
Johnny lashes out at Gabriel. Easy for him! Gabriel backs off.
Jimmy, Roddy and Darrell can't handle it. They do the coke.
Roddy knocks on the door. He wants to see Cherry. There is no answer. He walks in anyway.
EXT. MANSION -“ FRONT
Gabriel and Darnell continue to argue. Gabriel tells Darnell to get the RV out of his driveway. Darnell insists it's not his.
INT. KITCHEN
Johnny is about to cry. So is Jeana. Frances tells them to pull themselves together. Jeana and Frances march out to find Gabriel.
Johnny stays. Weird shit's goin' on makes him hungry and he spies the pantry with a devious grin.
INT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY)
Roddy is going through Cherry's things. He finds a makeup bag. His grin also turns sinister.
EXT. MANSION - FRONT
Frances and Jeana come into view. Gabriel's in complete shock by the way she's dressed. She makes a sarcastic comment. He says something even more biting, but Jeana takes it tenderly.
Frances walks over to Gabriel and Darnell asking what they're fighting about. Gabriel responds in his point of view, but Darnell keeps fighting the issue tooth and nail.
Frances then announces that "she" thinks this has something to do with Jeana.
Thus Jeana yanks on Darnell, trying to pull him aside. Darnell resists, but Jeana's will is stronger than Darnell's intoxication.
Frances, she starts rambling, out of character for Francesca
It's like old times as though she's taken into a bit of a happy place by a memory that for she and Gabriel, becomes a flashback to:
EXT. SIMPLY HIGH SCHOOL
The Graduation scene and Gabriel and Jeana exiting the hearse as a White Bride and Black Priest.
EXT. MANSION - FRONT
The present returning in glowing eyes.
Gabriel and Frances admit "That those were good times."
Jeana reveals to Darnell the truth, pleads for him to lie that yes, he stole the RV and thus begins a tangle. Darnell agrees only after Jeana promises to do "anything" he wants.
Gabriel and Frances turn from their reverie, watching Darnell and Jeana watching them with a "something's up".
Darnell then heartily "admits" to stealing the RV. Gabriel's defeated by the craziness. Darnell explains why. And Frances announces, "Let's take it for a spin!" Darnell inflates the lie further.
Roddy appears at a window high up in the mansion. He has makeup all over his face and is laughing.
Gabriel shouts at him and storms inside.
Frances, Jeana and Darnell stand there. They break into laughter.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Very soft inside as Cherry looks through a pile of DVD's. She picks out a sitcom and puts the disk in the DVD player.
She sits back to watch. Everything's perfect except two things. One, she's missing Johnny. And Two, she's missing her cigarettes.
Frances approaches the RV she knocks on the door. There is no answer, she jangles the door handle but it's locked. She looks in the window. Inside she spots a backpack. The name Jeanna embroidered in flowery letters on the side. Frances nods.
INT. FOYER
Gabriel rolls up the stairs like a thunder cloud.
INT. GUEST WING
Gabriel strides down the hallway and arrives at Cherry’s room.
INT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY)
No Roddy.
On the mirror is a lipstick drawing of: The ring + Johnny = Loser. Gabriel cusses while he wipes the mirror off. He looks out the window and spots Frances walking away from the RV.
Gabriel cusses again and exits.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Cherry calms down while watching the sitcom. Jimmy walks in unseen and admires Cherry.
She laughs and talks to the TV like the characters could hear her. Jimmy coughs and states that Johnny was the only other person he knew that talked to the TV. An awkward moment.
Cherry’s smile fades. Jimmy asks her if she’d like to talk about Johnny and the ring. Cherry hugs Jimmy in response. Jimmy reluctantly accepts the hug.
INT. KITCHEN
Frances walks in to find Johnny and Jeana laughing at Darnell’s imitation of Gabriel yelling at him.
Jeana excuses herself to find Gabriel. Frances volunteers to go with her. They exit.
Roddy pops in the doorway with his painted face and Darnell howls with laughter. Roddy wipes his makeup off on Johnny’s shirt.
Johnny wants to fight stating he’s not backing down like he did in high school. Roddy laughs at the loser and runs off.
Darnell distracts Johnny with a question about the ring.
INT. POOL
Frances and Jeana look for Gabriel.
Frances reveals that she knows about the RV. Jeana seems defensive, wants to know what she knows. Frances says she knows it's a ploy from Jeanna to get Gabriel attention. Jeanna laughs her off, tells her she knows nothing. Frances fumes.
Jeanna walks between Frances and the pool, bad choice. Frances pushes her and she teeters on the brink of the pool. She grabs Frances' arm and they both fall into the pool together.
In the pool they start all out fighting.
Roddy pops in the room and sees Jeana and Frances having "fun" and jumps in the pool too.
Gabriel walks in. The three wet ones look to Gabriel for his reaction.
INT. POOL With a puzzled look, Gabriel stands there looking at them.
Frances and Jeanna look back at him.
Roddy's turns to each one. Roddy tries to get the fun back by splashing at Gabriel.
Gabriel smiles as he calmy wipes the water off his clothes. He makes a comment about the general maturity level in the pool. Then he asks if anyone has seen the ring. He's going to have to call the police if no one can find it and he doesn't want to do that.
He shoots a knowing look at Jeanna, which Francis spots. Then he leaves.
Jeanna better go help him look and sure as hell Frances isn't going to let her our of her sight. Both exit the pool, pushing each other to determine who gets the ladder first.
Roddy, alone now, has fun by himself.
INT. FOYER
Both Frances and Jeanna hear a door from the upper floor slam.
Johnny and Darnell enter and ask what was the sound.
Both females tell both men what happened.
Johnny eyes Frances in her wet clothes. But when Frances looks back he turns away and leaves.
Frances and Jeanna head upstairs.
But Darnell wants to talk to Jeanna about the favour she owes him.
Jeanna can't talk now. She all wet. And she rushes upstairs.
INT. POOL
Johnny spots Roddy playing. He gets close to the pool. Bad mistake. Roddy pulls Johnny in.
Gabriel pulls the black turtle neck over his head to complete his black ensemble. He looks like a mean mother.
He hears a SCREAM and loud SPLASH. Gabriel smirks.
A large black case sits on his bed. Gabriel pulls out a gun and examines it.
Roddy yells out loud "FAT BOY CAN SWIM!" It's Johnny.
He cocks the gun. Aims at the camera. Pulls the trigger. Then everything goes black.
INT. POOL
Roddy plays around Johnny for a bit. Johnny’s actually serious in hurting Roddy. Jimmy coughs, stopping both of them.
This can be construed in an unfavourable way for Johnny. Johnny gets it real quick: No, its not what you think.
Roddy interjects: We’re both gay, Jimmy.
Johnny tries to hit him but misses.
Johnny exits the water, refuting what Roddy says.
Roddy LAUGHS. He shouts out PRICELESS!
INT. MANSION – HALLWAY
Johnny storms off muttering to himself about getting revenge.
EXT. MANSION
Jimmy comments on Roddy's jerkiness. Roddy "comes back" with something about how he bets Jimmy would like to jerk him - or maybe Roddy's too old.
Jimmy's anger is evident. He turns and walks away trying to restrain himself.
INT. GABRIEL’S BEDROOM
A knock on the door. It's Jeanna and Frances. Gabriel puts the gun back in the bag.
INT. POOL
Roddy appears completely exhausted. Darnell notices and asks what the hell's been going on.
Roddy says he employed hot cold therapy. First the pool, then the hot tub and you wouldn't believe what you can do with those jets.
Darnell isn't in the mood. He's lost all his party.
He asks how much he thinks the stolen ring was worth.
Roddy doesn't have a clue, he should ask Johnny. And while he's at it he should give him a big kiss from Roddy.
Darnell looks perplexed then worried.
Roddy says he's just kidding.
Darnell has to go. He says good.
Roddy watches him leave, with concern.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Darnell SMACKS into Jimmy.
They apologise then almost as an after though Darnell asks him about the ring.
Jimmy says it's worth quite a bit. Johnny spent most of his savings on it. It was devastating for him to have it stolen.
Darnel looks even more worried.
Why?
Motive.
And Darnell leaves the room, Jimmy watches him exit.
When he's sure Darnell is gone. Jimmy looks both ways then reaches in his pocket and pulls out the ring. He smiles deviously as he stares at it. Then he looks once more in Darnell's direction.
Empty and quiet. Cherry enters. She looks around, disrobes completely.
She's come to let it happen and it's gonna happen. She starts a bit of rhythmic circles. Sings part of Wannabe as a single spice girl:
Always wanting to do this. She dives in, immersing herself into the rich cool waters.
INT. MANSION
Darnell opens the front door.
Gabriel: Where do you think you're going?
Darnell is noticably frightened.
I was going for a drive. What are you dressed for?
We're going to have some fun.
Gabriel head into the
LIVING ROOM
shouting for everyone.
Darnell spots Jimmy stashing something in his pocket.
Frances and Jeanna come in behind them.
INT. POOL ROOM
Cherry slowly starts to do laps, back and forth, back and forth. She gets faster and faster.
INT. LIVING ROOM
What's in the bag?
Gabriel won't tell until everyone has gathered.
Roddy enters and wonders what the fuck is going on.
Johnny and Cherry ar missing. Gabriel can't keep the secret anymore.
He reaches into the bag and pulls out a gun. He points it at Roddy. Everyone is taking this as a serious threat. Roddy is nearly pissing his pants. The Gabriel pulls the trigger. And a blob of paint his Roddy and he does pee his pants.
Everyone go get changed Quick it's time for paintball.
INT. POOL ROOM
Cherry slows her laps down. She's puffing. She floats on her back, closes her eyes... at peace.
Click!
Cherry opens her eyes. Everyone is dressed as bad mothers all pointing a gun at her. Cherry screams.
Johnny bursts in from outside. He's been watching.
Everyone except Cherry points their guns at Johnny. Johnny screams - it sounds like when Cherry screamed.
Gabriel shouts they should all go to the maze.
Roddy shouts at Cherry and Johnny to get their gear on and join them. Johnny shakes his head - Roddy shoots him in the foot. He yelps and rushes at Roddy, but Roddy is gone - out the door.
By this time Cherry has clothes on. Her and Johnny rush off to their rooms.
EXT. MAZE
Roddy shoots off into the maze. Gabriel goes a different way to him - as Francis, Darnell and Jimmy go different ways to the others too. Jeana follows Gabriel.
A few seconds later, all is calm. Gabriel whispers to Jeana how good this will look on camera. He points out a few cameras in the maze. Jeana agrees.
INT. CHERRY’S BEDROOM
Cherry puts on her gear, grabs the gun.
INT. JOHNNY’S BEDROOM
Johnny puts on his gear, grabs the gun.
EXT. MAZE
Jeana is still talking to Gabriel, when Frances rocks up. She heard what was said.
She is annoyed that Gabriel wants to create conflict just for some stupid TV show. This was supposed to be a fun, relaxing weekend. Gabriel denies it, but Frances doesn't cave in.
Frances says she is over it and doesn't want to play this stupid game anyway. As she walks off, Gabriel shoots her in the back. Frances turns around - she's made. She tries to shoot Gabriel as he and Jeana run off. She shrugs, "fuck it" and races after them.
In another part of the maze, Roddy slinks around a corner. He brings his wrist to his mouth, and talks into it, "Bravo bravo, charlie, roger, roger. What's your position, over, under, through and out" pretending he's got a microphone there.
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