Terror
in Tick Canyon
in this food chain YOU are the
weakest link. Script pages © 1996 Wayne Bauer
|
© 1996, Wayne Bauer (818) 921-6717
WGA #628331
1 EXT: BOBRICK'S ANIMAL COMPOUND - NIGHT 1
The camera passes the sign welcoming people to the "BOBRICK
ANIMAL ACTORS COMPOUND". The trucking shot continues up the
drive past cages of assorted birds. Some sleeping and some
aware of the passing entity. Besides the rustling of animals
disturbed in the night we hear SUCKING AND MOANING SOUNDS.
As the camera rounds a bend, two figures are revealed in the
moonlight wrapped in a sensual kiss.
TIMMY, an unkept young man in his late teens breaks a kiss
with JENNIFER, a pretty girl, relatively the same age as
Timmy.
Timmy exhales but nothing comes out.
Jennifer coughs abit as she exhales smoke.
TIMMY
Cool.
Timmy prepares a pipe load of some pot in a baggie.
JENNIFER
Let's go jump on the trampoline.
TIMMY
Let's stay here.
JENNIFER
You don't have to do anything.
I'll do all the jumping.
She rubs against him.
Timmy takes a hit on his pipe and hands it to Jennifer.
TIMMY
'ere!
JENNIFER
Please.
TIMMY
That's up by the main house.
Let's stay here.
Jennifer starts to unbutton her blouse.
Timmy lights the pipe.
JENNIFER
Have you ever done it on a
trampoline?
Holding his breath.
TIMMY
Let's do it in front of the parrot.
Jennifer drop her blouse.
TIMMY
(continuing)
He won't tell anybody.
She starts to backing away from Timmy, luring him along,
dropping her clothes.
TIMMY
(continuing)
Jennifer! We can't have sex on the
trampoline!
2 EXT: MIDDLE DRIVE - NIGHT 2
Jennifer stops along a fence almost obscured by the drooping
branches of the pepper trees. She strikes a sexy pose
displaying her feminine charms.
Timmy finishes a big inhale of his pipe.
JENNIFER
Once it gets going, the trampoline
does all the work for you.
The girl is pulled visciously into the overhanging peppertree
branches. The branches shake violently.
3 EXT: TIMMY'S TRAILER - NIGHT 3
Timmy exhales his smoke and staggers up to the trees.
4 EXT: MIDDLE DRIVE - NIGHT 4
TIMMY
Jennifer, are you in there? Jennifer is thrust headfirst from the branches. She knocks
Timmy in the face with the top of her head. She is bloody and
screams right into the camera as Timmy falls out of frame.
Timmy falls on the gravel road, semiconscious and spread-
eagle.
Something behind the bushes has Jennifer by the waist.
The upper part of her body is being shaken like a rag doll.
She hits the top rail of the fence and grabs, it hanging on
for dear life. Whatever it is is pulling her again and again.
JENNIFER
Oh God, oh God it hurts! Make it
stop! Make it stop!
Timmy is on the ground semi-conscience.
Jennifer is pulled back under the canopy of the pepper trees,
snapping the fence rail. The branches shake. TEARING FLESH
and a GUTTURAL RUMBLING is heard.
Something flies from out of the branches.
Timmy is lying still in his delirium. Jennifer's arm falls
across his chest. Her leg drops on his as though she is
laying next to him with her leg across his. He pats her hand.
TIMMY
That's good, let's just lay here.
5 THE CAMERA PULLS BACK AND REVEALS JUST HER ARM AND LEG 5
LAYING ACROSS HIS BODY.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
6 EXT. MAIN HOUSE/FRONT PORCH - MORNING 6
On the steps of the facade, MATT, a tall man in his thirties.
He manages the compound and is arguing with MR. BOBRICK. The
grumpy, dirty old man in an equally dirty, rumpled suit who
actually owns the compound.
MATT
I can't keep operating this
compound like nothing's wrong. MR. BOBRICK
You work for me and will do as I
say.
MATT
At least cancel the interns.
MR. BOBRICK
When we allow those college kids
to volunteer their help, they get
college credit. I get money from
the government for the program.
MATT
You never told me that!
MR. BOBRICK
You don't need to know everything.
But now you do. So you see why I
can't suspend any activities.
MATT
You can't ignore a murder!
The Sheriff's squad car pulls up the drive and parks near Mr.
Bobrick's car.
MR. BOBRICK
Who called the sherriff?
MATT
I did.
MR. BOBRICK
Why did you do that?
MATT
The murder!
MR. BOBRICK
We don't know it was a murder. As
far as we know it could have been
an accident.
MATT
An accident?
MR. BOBRICK
Just leave it to me. SHERIFF LOAM, an early 40ish, outdoor-looking man and his
deputy RAY PHEIFF, a smaller man than the sherfiff, but a by
the book lawman.
The deputy gets out of the driver's side. He pulls a little
note book and pen from his pocket and begins taking notes as
he surveys the area.
The sheriff approaches Matt and Bobrick.
SHERIFF
Bobrick.
MR. BOBRICK
Sheriff.
SHERIFF
What's the problem?
MR. BOBRICK
A young girl was killed last night.
SHERIFF
How'd it happen?
MR. BOBRICK
We think it was a gardening
accident.
Matt reacts.
SHERIFF
Uh huh.
MR. BOBRICK
We. Well Matt here told them not
to prune the bushes at night.
SHERIFF
Can I see the body?
Matt goes up to the porch. They all follow him.
7 EXT: MAIN HOUSE/FRONT PORCH - MORNING 7
Matt shoos away some dogs sniffing at two plastic garbage
bags on a low table. She picks one up and hands it to the Sheriff. He looks
inside. Matt picks up the other one and opens it for the
Sheriff to see.
SHERIFF
Gardening accident you say? Could
I see the gardening tools?
Bobrick looks about and sees some large hedge clippers
leaning against a post. He grabs them and gives them to the
sheriff.
The sheriff takes them looking them up and down.
The deputy is on the porch, walking in the background taking
notes of antique tools and signs hanging on the walls of the
facade.
MR. BOBRICK
Apparently Timmy and a friend of
his tried to prune the pepper
trees last night after smoking
some kind of drug.
SHERIFF
Where was the body found?
MR. BOBRICK
No body was there.
MATT
This is all there is. Otto found
Timmy unconscious with the girl's
arm and leg across him. It
happened down the drive at the
pepper trees.
Otto walks by with a wheel barrow with rakes and hoes.
SHERIFF
Could you show me exactly where?
MATT
Otto. The sheriff wants to see
exactly where you found Timmy.
Mr. Bobrick watches the Sheriff walk down the steps with
Matt. They stop at the sheriff's squad car as he throws the
evidence in the back. Then continues with Otto down the drive.Deputy Phief steps up to Mr. Bobrick
DEPUTY
So, Mr. Bobrick, you say there was
nobody?
MR. BOBRICK
No body was there.
DEPUTY
What about Timmy?
MR. BOBRICK
What about him?
DEPUTY
You said nobody was there. He was
there.
MR. BOBRICK
He and part of the girl.
DEPUTY
That's what I thought.
MR. BOBRICK
But no body was found.
DEPUTY
Wait a minute. Timmy was there...
MR. BOBRICK
Right.
DEPUTY
The girl was there.
MR. BOBRICK
Right.
DEPUTY
So we can say there were at least
two people at the scene?
MR. BOBRICK
At least. DEPUTY
Now, is there anything else you
can tell me?
MR. BOBRICK
Well, when we looked for the girl
we found no body.
DEPUTY
Everyone had left the scene?
MR. BOBRICK
No, Timmy was there, holding the
girl's hand. But there was no body
around.
The deputy puts away his note pad and pencil. He motions for
Mr. Bobrick to "step into his office." They walk a few feet.
DEPUTY
First you tell me who was there.
Then you tell me there was nobody
around. How do you have suspects
if there's nobody involved?
MR. BOBRICK
That's it, Deputy! There was no
crime.
The Deputy digests the information.
8 EXT. PEPPER TREES - MORNING 8
The sheriff surveys the murder scene. The busted fence, the
messed up branches, splatters around pools of blood.
He steps into the canopy of branches as Matt and Otto wait.
Something catches his eye. He snaps on a rubber glove and
picks up something from the dirt. He looks at the object
closely. It's an eyeball. He pulls a plastic bag from his
shirt pocket and puts the eye in it. Then steps through the
branches.
The sheriff shows Matt the eye.
SHERIFF
You recognize this? MATT
I can honestly say I don't.
SHERIFF
I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't
let Timmy go anywhere for a while.
A silver pickup truck has come in the drive and stops by Matt
and the two men. Inside is KiKi Herrmann. Mid thirties.
Attractive woman and her boyfriend, the all unassuming Billy.
MATT
Can I do something for you?
KIKI
I'm looking for Matt Bowen. But if
the sheriff is here to take him to
jail I can come back tomorrow.
She smiles big at her whimsy.
Everyone looks at KiKi with very stoic expressions. The
sheriff still holds the eye in the plastic bag.
KIKI
(continuing)
God. What's wrong with you guys?
You act like somebody died.
SHERIFF
Are you trying to be funny ma'am?
KIKI
Yes.
She turns her head and looks at Billy who is sitting in the
passenger seat looking out the window.
KIKI
(continuing)
Tell them Billy, I was trying to
be funny. Billy! Look at me!
Billy turns his head to look at KiKi.
KIKI
(continuing)
Tell them I was trying to be
funny. Wasn't I? BILLY
Yes, KiKi.
KIKI
I was what?
BILLY
You were trying to be funny.
Kiki has an epiphany and turns her head back to the men. They
see the surprise on her face.
KIKI
Someone did die!
She turns back to Billy.
KIKI
(continuing)
Didn't I tell you I'm psychic,
Billy?
BILLY
Yes, Kiki.
KIKI
Just like when we had lunch.
Didn't I tell you I had a feeling
about the fish.
BILLY
Yes, KiKi.
KIKI
And it was what?
BILLY
It was bad, KiKi.
KIKI
That's right. Now aren't you glad
I made you eat just the bread and
water?
BILLY
Yes, KiKi.
Kiki is overcome with another "feeling". She turns back to
the group again with a look of sudden awareness. KIKI
Don't tell me Matt Bowen died! If
he's dead I drove all the way out
here to the middle of nowhere for
nothing!
MATT
I'm Matt Bowen. I don't know who
you are but...
KIKI
I'm KiKi. Your friend Rhea knows
my friend Tarpon and she told him
that you had a tiger for rent.
MATT
Not now.
KIKI
I don't want it now. I want it on
the eleventh.
Matt turns his attention back to the sheriff.
MATT
Let's go up top.
As they walk, Kiki, rolls along with them in her truck. She
casually leans on her window, fondling and smelling her hair,
oblivious to the three men.
Matt tries to ignore her but can't.
MATT
(continuing)
Do you mind?
KIKI
Not at all. I'll be here when
you're done.
The men continue to walk. Kiki stays nonchalantly even with
them.
MATT
What will you do now sheriff? SHERIFF
Fill out the reports. Run the
fingerprints. But we can't do much
till the coroner gets back. Ma'am.
Everyone stops. Kiki turns her head to the sheriff.
SHERIFF
(continuing)
Ma'am. This is official business.
KIKI
You think I drove out here for my
health? I have business too!
SHERIFF
Don't make me remove you by force.
KIKI
Oh please. Who do you think you
are? Wyatt Earp?
Matt goes up to Kiki's window.
MATT
Just tell me what you want then
get off my land.
KIKI
Do you have a tiger for rent? Yes
or no?
MATT
Yes. But you can't afford it.
KIKI
How do you know? Can I at least
see him?
MATT
He's not here.
KIKI
Where is he?
MATT
None of your business. KIKI
Why not?
MATT
What's it going to take to get rid
of you?
KIKI
Let me see your tiger.
MATT
Come back this afternoon. Just
leave now.
KIKI
If I comeback later you'll have
the tiger here?
Matt reaches in KiKi's window.
9 INT: KIKI'S TRUCK - MORNING 9
The Sherfiff grabs the gear shift and puts the car in
reverse.
10 EXT: DRIVEWAY - MORNING 10
The truck starts backing down the drive.
MATT
Yes.
KIKI
When?
MATT
Later.
KIKI
What time?
MATT
Much later!
Kiki yells out the window.
KIKI
I'll be back around six.
Kiki's truck backs around the bend.
11 INT: KIKI'S TRUCK - MORNING 11
KIKI
Didn't I tell you I would get the
tiger, Billy?
BILLY
You don't have it yet.
12 EXT: COMPOUND ROAD - MORNING 12
The truck drives away.
KIKI (O.S.)
(stearnly)
What did you say?
BILLY (O.S.)
I love you, Kiki.
13 INT. MAIN HOUSE-LIVING ROOM - DAY 13
Sorting through the mail is LAURA, A good looking athletic
woman in her early 30's.
Matt comes in.
MATT
God, what a day.
LAURA
Here's the mail.
Laura gives Matt a hand full of mail. He riffles through it
and pulls out a plain envelope.
MATT
You're kidding me!
Matt tears it open.
LAURA
What is it?
MATT
It's from the IRS. They say we owe
twenty-six thousand dollars in
back taxes. Just when you think it
can't get any worse the IRS is on
my ass!
LAURA
Our ass.
MATT
What?
LAURA
Our ass. I'm in this with you.
Matt teases Laura.
MATT
Yeah, right. Now things are really
bad.
LAURA
What did Bobrick say about the
girl?
MATT
He lied to the sheriff. And won't
let me close the compound while we
catch whatever killed her.
LAURA
That would be the smart thing.
MATT
Damn right! He wants the money.
LAURA
What money?
MATT
Apparently he gets government
money to have those students come
here every year. LAURA
I thought they volunteer for
college credit.
MATT
They get credit. Bobrick gets
money.
LAURA
And we get nothing! That cheap
bastard!
MATT
Did you expect he would do it for
free?
LAURA
The only ones working for free is
us! What can we do about the
killer?
MATT
Let's give him Bobrick's address.
OTTO, Matt's assistant who is in his late 50's. A rustic old
bearded guy appears in the doorway.
OTTO
Matt, the new group of volunteers
is here.
14 EXT. DRIVEWAY - MORNING 14
Matt runs with Otto down the drive, grabbing Timmy along the
way, intercepting a group of students with luggage and back
packs walking up the drive.
MATT
I'm Matt Bowen, manager and head
animal trainer. This is Otto and
Timmy. They'll show you where you
sleep.
Matt speaks to Otto
MATT
(continuing)
After they put up their gear we'll
give them a tour. I'll join you in
a few minutes.
Otto and Timmy shuttle off the group. As Matt heads back up
the drive
DISSOLVE TO:
15 EXT: ANIMAL CAGES - DAY 15
The group is standing in front of Matt at the gate.
MATT
What we do here is take care of
animals. They make our living in
the film industry so the least we
can do is keep them healthy.
Matt takes his keys from his belt and unlocks the chain link
gate to the animals.
All the animals MAKE NOISE HEARING THE CHAINS CLINK.
16 EXT: KENNELS - DAY 16
Matt leads the group into the animal area.
MATT
Here are the rules. Do what you're
told when your told to do it. And
never do anything with an animal
without Otto, Timmy, Laura or me
with you. Follow rule number one
you might just make it through
this. Break rule number two you
won't. Got it?
The group nods.
Matt points to pens of dogs.
MATT
(continuing)
Those are our K-9s. We have many
different breeds.
BETTY KROCKER, a spry, full-bodied woman sixty plus, speaks
up.
BETTY
Any pure breeds in there?
MATT
The Rotwieller and the bulldog...
but we find the best dogs are
mutts. Many we rescued from the
pound. You may remember those dogs
from such films as "Lassie in the
Hood" and "Dogpound's Most Wanted.
17 EXT: KENNELS/DOG CAGES - DAY 17
In a cage are some motley looking dogs. Some are missing
limbs. One dog is wearing an eye patch. "criminal" types.
18 EXT: PIG PEN - DAY 18
MATT
Here we have pigs. Over here we
have...
Matt gestures off frame and is moving that way.
WILLIAM, a young, black man in his 20's, stops in front of
the pigs.
WILLIAM
Wait a minute. Any Oscar winning
pigs in there?
MATT
Nope. But there's a prize ham in
there somewhere. Over here are the
wolves.
Matt Exits frame. The group follows.
19 EXT: WOLF PEN - MORNING 19
Wolves in a pen.
MONA is an attractive young lady of about 30. She is tall and
beautiful. A very athletic fit woman.
MONA
What have they been in?
MATT
They've been in their cages
lately. They haven't worked in a
while.
Matt walks out of frame camera right. As Sigfried, a handsome
youth, nicely groomed, very tan, with blonde hair, steps in
camera left.
SIGFRIED
What about "Dances With Wolves?"
Matt leans back in from camera right, inches from Sigfried's
face.
MATT
My wolves won't dance. Don't ask
them. Over here is...
Matt walks through frame past Sigfried. Ziggy turns and
follows.
20 EXT: DAGNEY'S CAGE - DAY 20
Matt gets to the cage first. The others form semi-circle
around Matt. Inside is a baboon.
MATT
...Dagney. She's a baboon. Dagney
and I have been together a long
time. She's very jealous and
doesn't like other females. So, if
you girls can't restrain
yourselves and get too close to
me, she will freak out.
They all laugh at Matt's humor.
DEE DEE is a blonde young, busty woman. Very voluptuous.
DEE DEE
You mean if I get real close to
you the monkey goes ape?
Dee dee moves into Matt. Dagney yells and screams.
The group is taken back
GARY, a good ole' boy from Corpus Christi Texas, full of the
home spun, corn fed, country philosophy passed on by his
parents, pulls her from Matt.
RAJI, a young Hindu fellow, no turban but a thick accent,
takes a big step back.
RAJI
Oh my goodness. Would you please
stop trying to prove what a slut
you are. You are going to get us
all killed!
Two fellows, Harold and Bob, the guys from the "audio visual"
club in high school. HAROLD has the video camera to his eye.
And BOB seems to be the director. If these guys weren't here
they would be hacking computers somewhere.
MATT
She's ok...It's ok, Dagney...
Matt opens the cage door to let her out.
RAJI
Good grief! He is taking her out!
You are on your own blondie!
Raji turns to get behind Mona.
RAJI
(continuing)
Oh Lord! Run! Save yourselves!
Harold continues to video the retreating students.
HAROLD
This is great stuff.
MATT
It's OK. No one is going to get
hurt. Matt comforts her then sets her on a bucket and lets her
groom his hand. Dagney immediately starts to pick at the hair
on it and grunts contentedly.
MATT
(continuing)
Right now, she's "grooming" my
hand. It brings her comfort and
lets me know how much she loves me.
BOB
She really seems to enjoy it.
MATT
She'd chew it off and keep it if
she could. Lets go down to the
arena and I'll introduce you to
Bubba.
Vernell, a cute African-American girl in her 20's, speaks to
Gary as the crowd shuffles away.
VERNELL
Somebody you know from back home,
cowboy?
She walks with the crowd out of frame. Gary speaks then
follows.
GARY
Don't tell me there ain't a Bubba
somewhere in your family tree.
Matt takes a little effort to wrench his hand from Dagney
before putting her in her cage.
21 EXT: ARENA - LATE AFTERNOON 21
Bubba, a 350 pound tiger, walks in the arena.
The group is gathered around the 10' high chain link fence of
the arena. Inside are platforms for the tiger. Matt is inside
the arena holding on to Bubba's chain. He is about 8-10 feet
from the crowd.
Dee dee pushes her way to the fence directly in front of Matt
and looks hungrily at Bubba. Her face is flushed, her bosom
heaves. A film of perspiration builds on her face. MATT
This is Bubba. I raised him from
a cub.
Bob directs to Harold
BOB
Get his face.
SIGFRIED
Is he trained?
MATT
He is. But he still has all the
instincts of a wild animal.
MEGAN is a pretty, sweetly, innocent "Lolita" type girl in
her early 20's.
MEGAN
You mean he could kill us?
MATT
If he wanted to.
MEGAN
Couldn't you stop her?
MATT
I could try. But when a tiger
strikes it doesn't take long.
BETTY
Teenagers are the same way.
MATT
I hope you don't mind me saying
but, you aren't the typical
student that comes through here.
BETTY
Lots of people my age are going to
college. Better late than never.
MATT
And you want to be an animal
trainer? BETTY
Sure. Why not? After eight kids I
didn't think wild animals could be
so tough.
MATT
Your kids won't eat you.
WILLIAM
Tell that to Jeffrey Dahmer's
mother, honey.
DEE DEE
When do we get to actually touch
the tiger?
RAJI
There she goes again!
MATT
Right now is good.
RAJI
Whatever happened to one step at
a time? Look today. Touch in a
week or so.
DEE DEE
Out of my way Gunga Din.
Dee dee pushes past Raji to be the first at the gate. She
tries to open the door.
Raji steps near Betty.
RAJI
If we were in my country I would
have her trampled by a cow!
Betty slides to the middle of the group.
MATT
NO. NO. No one comes in today.
RAJI
Thank Goodness. MATT
I'll walk him along the fence. You
can touch him as he rubs himself
on the chain link.
Matt stays at Bubba's head as they walk along the fence.
Dee dee is glassy-eyed. Filled with desire, she walks along
the fence focused on Bubba. Oblivious to everyone sticking
their fingers in the fence she barrels through them.
Some grumble. Some have their fingers caught. But they are
all fascinated.
It is almost orgasmic for Dee dee. When Bubba stops breifly
Dee dee stops near Betty.
DEE DEE
I am so turned on right now.
BETTY
Maybe you should be talking to one
of the young men.
Dee dee is bodily caressing the chain link.
DEE DEE
They couldn't do this to me.
Dee dee almost goes over the edge as Bubba's tail flicks
across what ever part of her is against the fence.
MATT
Laura has lunch for all of you. Go
on up top and I'll join you as
soon as I put Bubba away.
The group starts up the road to the house. Dee dee lags
behind.
DEE DEE
Maybe I could stay behind and help
you.
MATT
I think it would be a good idea if
you went to lunch and helped
yourself right now. I'll be fine. Dee dee, coquettishly walks away. Backwards at first then
turns and runs up the hill accentuating her girlish charms.
MATT
(continuing)
I'm thinking, nothing but trouble.
What do you think?
Bubba licks his chops
22 EXT: EATING AREA - DAY 22
In front of the facade across from the house, picnic tables
are set up for taking the meals. A grill is set up and tables
with drinks, condiments and silverware are nearby. A good
buffet style operation.
Laura attends to wienies sizzling on a grill. She leaves the
grill and jumps up on a bench to address the group.
LAURA
Hello everyone. I'm Laura. Help
yourselves to the salad and
veggies on this table here. The
line for the main course starts
down at that end of the grill.
The group organizes by the table with the eating utensils,
condiments, salad and beans.
GARY
Serve yourself and save! That's
what Mama used to say.
MONA
When she breast fed you?
GARY
Your kind of a funny girl, aren't
you?
MONA
I was never known for my sense of
humor.
GARY
I'm not surprised. With paper plates in hand, the students serve themselves down
the chow line.
Gary steps up to Laura.
LAURA
What's your name cowboy?
GARY
Gary.
LAURA
You look like you could use some
meat on those bones.
GARY
I eat like a horse. But nothing
ever sticks to my ribs.
LAURA
Well, don't you worry. The food
here sticks to everything. What
would you like, chicken hot dogs
or hot dog hot dogs?
GARY
What are the hot dogs made of?
LAURA
Parts.
GARY
Just like home!
He holds out his plate and Laura puts a couple of wienies on
it.
Betty steps up to be served.
LAURA
What'll it be... Uh...?
BETTY
Mrs. Krocker. Call me Betty.
LAURA
So, you're Betty Krocker? BETTY
Not the Betty Crocker. A Betty
Krocker. My husband Joe's family
spells it with a "K". Chicken
please.
LAURA
Breast?
Laura holds up a wienie with her tongs and smiles.
BETTY
Sagging a bit, but not bad for a
woman my age.
Laura puts a couple wienies on her plate. Then Betty exits.
William steps up to the grill and speaks to Mona behind him.
WILLIAM
Did you hear? That woman is
married to Joe Cocker.
LAURA
Not "Cocker", "Krocker". That was
Betty Krocker.
MONA
You think she knows the Pillsbury
Dough Boy?
WILLIAM
A big wienie please!
23 EXT: EATING AREA/DRINK TABLE - DAY 23
Matt serves the drinks and writes a name tag then sticks it
to the person.
Dee dee comes up licking ketchup from her fingers.
MATT
And you are...?
DEE DEE
I'm Dee dee. Matt is aware of Dee dee's succulent bosom gently rising and
falling before her, but he maintains his staunch yet sociable
demeanor.
MATT
How do you spell that?
DEE DEE
With double D's.
Dee dee sticks out her chest.
Matt picks up his pen and writes the name on the tag. He
wants to apply it but hesitates when Dee dee seems too eager
for him to stick it to her boob. He pulls up a can of soda.
MATT
Drink?
Dee dee takes the can. Matt sticks the name tag to it.
MATT
(continuing)
Enjoy your lunch.
Raji approaches Matt.
MATT
(continuing)
What's your name?
RAJI
Raji.
MATT
You have no salad. No veggies? No
beans?
RAJI
I will definitely enjoy all of
them. Right now I would like
something to drink please.
MATT
Pick your poison?
RAJI
It is all poison to me. Matt picks up one choice of beverage after another and Raji
has a reason for not drinking it.
RAJI
(continuing)
Nothing with saccharin. I break
out from Nutrasweet. I'm staying
away from sugar. And I am,
Matt picks up a carton of milk.
RAJI
(continuing)
unfortunately, lactose intolerant.
MATT
There's a tin cup by the toilet if
you get thirsty.
RAJI
It is just like home.
MATT
I'm joking. Seltzer?
Raji takes the seltzer then steps over to the grill.
RAJI
I would like three wienies, please.
LAURA
Three?
RAJI
In my country we always make an
offering to our god. Two for me
and one for the great Goneesha.
LAURA
In this country if Goneesha eats,
Goneesha cleans cages.
Laura takes back a wienie.
RAJI
This will not set well for you in
the hereafter. LAURA
It doesn't look good for you in
the here and now.
She takes back another wienie.
Raji moves along and sits with the group seated along tables.
MATT
This might be a good time to tell
a little about yourselves. Tell us
who you are and why you're here.
You, William isn't it? Why are you
here?
Laura sits next to Matt.
WILLIAM
My name is William Ruth. My
parents do not think this will
work out for me.
MATT
Why not?
WILLIAM
Because I never had a pet. I
never cared for animal shows on
TV. But here I am. Go figure.
MATT
What'd your mom want you to be?
WILLIAM
A girl.
LAURA
What'd your dad want you to be?
WILLIAM
A boy.
MATT
Next.
Harold still has the video camera at his eye.
BOB
Hi. We're Harold and Bob. He's
Harold. I'm Bob. We're documenting
our training on video for
posterity. After college we hope
to mattet a line of "HOW TO TRAIN
YOUR ANIMAL" videos.
MATT
Really. And you hope to make a
fortune?
BOB
Are you kidding? People are
screaming to be told that their
bad dog is not their fault.
RAJI
I'm Raji Mahatmarajshahaharon. In
my country we charm snakes,
worship the cow and domesticate
the elephant. I was terrible at
all of those things. I would just
like to teach a dog to sit and
stay. I would also like another
weinie. I am still hungry.
DEE DEE
I'm Dee dee Larson. I'm here to
work with the big cats. I was born
to work them. I believe that I was
a tiger in another life. And dream
to lay naked with them. Like the
lion and the lamb.
RAJI
More like the lamb to the
slaughter.
MATT
I'm going to keep my eye on you.
DEE DEE
I hope so. BETTY
I'm Betty Krocker. I'm here
because Life doesn't end when
you're 63, all your children leave
home and your husband dies. No
sir! I decided to get on with it
because I was so damn bored.
MEGAN
I'm Megan Brooks. My parents owned
a pet shop. I grew up caring for
animals I never got to keep.
The crowd is sympathetic.
BETTY
She's so sweet.
MONA
Life is tough kid.
MEGAN
Little baby rabbits. Kittens and
puppies. Fuzzy ducklings and
chicks. I would feed them and
clean them. And just when I loved
them they would be sold away.
LAURA
You never had a pet of your own?
MEGAN
No. My parents said it would be
like bringing their work home with
them.
BETTY
Shes' so sweet.
DEE DEE
She's making my teeth rot.
VERNELL
I'm Vernell DuBois. That means
"wood" in French. First of all I
don't like spiders and snakes. And
second of all I'm not French so
don't ask me to do any disgusting
things with my tongue. MATT
What kind of pet did you have as
a kid, Vernell?
VERNELL
A Chia pet.
MATT
What inspired you to become an
animal trainer?
VERNELL
If I could get that chia animal to
grow grass on it's back I could do
anything.
(as she sits)
Thank you. I'll be here all month.
Sigfried stands.
SIGFRIED
I am Sigfried. I have a dream to
be...
MATT
Just Sigfried? No last name?
SIGFRIED
Yes, you know, like Picasso.
BETTY
Zorro!
WILLIAM
Fabio!
Sigfried rises as he gets caught up in his own fantasy.
SIGFRIED
I want to see my name in lights.
To bask in the applause of
thousands as I pose before 20
trained tigers. I will look
magnificent.
GARY
Weirdo. MATT
I like your ambition. But I think
it's been done.
SIGFRIED
(indifference)
I've got the name. And the formula
works.
GARY
Will you be doing that trick where
the tiger carries you around by
the throat?
SIGFRIED
I just pose. I don't actually
touch the animals.
Ziggy sits.
Matt casts his eyes at Gary.
MATT
Who the hell are you?
Gary is seated with his back to the facade porch. He stands
to address the group.
GARY
My name is Weston. Gary Weston.
From Corpus Christie Texas
VERNELL
I knew it! You can always tell a
Texan...not much. But you can tell
them.
GARY
I'll remember you said that.
VERNELL
I hope so.
MATT
Any animal experience Gary? GARY
After I got out of the service I
trained guard dogs for junk yards
and abortion clinics. And I got a
way with horses.
MATT
What do you mean, 'gotta way
with'? Like, you "got away with
murder?"
GARY
Nope. Just got a way with horses.
Gary gestures behind everyone.
Everyone's head turns to look behind them.
Three horses are standing quietly.
MATT
Those are Cooley's horses aren't
they?
LAURA
Sure looks like them.
GARY (O.S.)
I just went down to say hi to them
earlier.
All heads turn back and look at Gary.
MATT
So you stole Cooley's horses?
GARY
They just like being around me.
JOE (O.S.)
Sorry, Matt.
All heads turn back to the horses.
Joe Cooley pushes between two of the horses.
JOE
Damndest thing. They just opened
the corral and walked up here
pretty as you please.
Matt isn't sure what to think.
MATT
Ok, Joe.
Joe takes the horses back down the driveway.
GARY (O.S.)
And...
All heads turn back to Gary
Without taking his eyes off of Gary, Matt speaks to Laura.
MATT
There's more.
GARY
I was a dance instructor.
LAURA
You taught horses to dance?
GARY
No. I taught people dancing.
Vernell jumps up.
VERNELL
Well C'mon, cowboy! Let's see you
shake your saddle bags.
Vernell snaps on a nearby boom box and turns up the music of
some snappy HIP HOP beat. The rhythm overtakes her as she
dances up and around Gary.
He isn't responding so she stops the music.
VERNELL
(continuing)
You probably do that unfunky
country western dancing. It's ok,
baby. Maybe we can find a washboard and
a gut bucket around here somewhere.
Gary walks over to the radio and changes the station to a toe-
tapping two step country number. A gutsy pelvis grinding song.
Gary moves to the music as he makes his way up the steps to
the porch. When he gets there he turns and extends his hand
to Vernell.
She runs up and lets Gary lead her through some Dirty country
touch dancing then into some gyrating line dance action.
24 EXT: MAIN HOUSE/BACKPORCH - DAY 24
Vernell is really getting into it as Gary pushes and twirls
her through the steps.
25 EXT: EATING AREA - DAY 25
At the tables everyone is feeling the beat.
The music is getting to Betty and she joins in.
26 EXT: MAIN HOUSE/BACKPORCH - DAY 26
One by one they all are up tripping the western light
fantastic lead by Gary who is quite good.
At points there is touch dancing that they all seem to
already know how to do.
The song ends and the group applauds themselves.
27 INT: SHERIFFS OFFICE - AFTERNOON 27
The deputy is dressed in rubber apron and rubber gloves. At
his desk is coverd in plastic on which he has the arm and leg
left from the girl. He is fingerprinting the hand. The
sheriff is at his desk doing paperwork.
SHERIFF
Let's see...height of the
deceased. None. Hair color? DEPUTY
None.
SHERIFF
Eyes?
DEPUTY
One.
SHERIFF
Color of eye?
DEPUTY
Blue.
SHERIFF
Weight?
DEPUTY
About twentytwo pounds.
SHERIFF
Cause of death?
DEPUTY
We don't know that she's dead. She
might just be missing an eye, an
arm and a leg.
SHERIFF
Uh huh... Then all we have to do
is put out an APB for a one eyed,
one armed, one legged woman last
seen hopping out of Tick Canyon.
DEPUTY
This was no gardening accident!
The deputy finishes fingerprinting the hand.
The sheriff talks while filing papers in a file cabinet.
The deputy does schtick with the hand. Using it as a headrest
and back scratcher, among other things. SHERIFF
As soon as I file these, we're
going back out to Bobrick's
compound. It seems that if a body
was to cut itself up there'd be
more left than an arm and a leg,
right?
DEPUTY
Right. You think that doper boy
did it?
SHERIFF
Doesn't seem likely. No blood on
him. No blood on the hedge
clippers.
DEPUTY
We never found any.
SHERIFF
I think Mr. Bobrick is hiding
something.
The deputy holds the arm toward the sheriff.
DEPUTY
The rest of this girl?
SHERIFF
I don't think he wants us to know
what really went on.
The Deputy pulls his notebook from his shirt pocket.
DEPUTY
According to my initial
questioning...
He licks the thumb of the girls hand and uses it to flip
through the pages of the notebook.
DEPUTY
(continuing)
He doesn't have a clue.
The deputy puts the notebook back in his pocket. He
interlaced his fingers with the girl's fingers and puts them
behind his head as he leans back comfortably on the desk.The sheriff turns.
SHERIFF
I think he has more than a clue.
What are you doing?
DEPUTY
I'm thinking.
The sheriff takes the arm away from the deputy.
SHERIFF
Stop playing with the evidence.
Get these things on ice before
they draw flies.
The Deputy gathers up the plastic protecting the desk. He has
trouble collecting everything.
DEPUTY
Would you give me a hand?
The girls arm flies in frame. The Deputy traps it under his
chin against his bundle.
28 EXT. MAIN HOUSE - TRAMPOLINE - AFTERNOON 28
Nothing but sky. Mona's head comes up in frame then drops
out. It happens again.
A slow pull reveals everyone on the side of the house around
the trampoline that Mona is jumping on.
In the foreground Matt hands Otto a plastic bag heavy with
something inside.
MATT
Here, feed the big cats and mix
some in with the dog's food.
OTTO
Where'd you get this?
MATT
This is why we have chicken hot
dogs instead of hamburger and hot
dogs.Otto acknowledges knowingly. He starts to his task
Matt heads to the crowd around the trampoline as the
sheriff's squad car pulls up the drive and parks.
Matt seems annoyed but puts on a more cordial face when the
sheriff gets out of the car.
SHERIFF
Hey, Matt.
MATT
Sheriff.
SHERIFF
I see you got another group of
students.
MATT
It's that time again.
SHERIFF
They're a fine looking bunch.
Looking at Mona on the trampoline.
SHERIFF
(continuing)
Fine looking.
MATT
What can I do for you?
SHERIFF
I was wondering if there might be
something more.
MATT
More what? More clues?
DEPUTY
More body?
SHERIFF
If this was a gardening accident,
it was the mother of all accidents. MATT
To tell you the truth, Sheriff,
this was no accident. That girl
was killed.
SHERIFF
You think that doper boy did it?
MATT
Timmy's not that stupid. It was
some sort of animal.
SHERIFF
Coyotes?
MATT
It had to have been big enough to
carry the body off.
SHERIFF
There's no bear in these canyons.
Wolves?
DEPUTY
Ticks!
Matt and the sheriff look at the deputy
DEPUTY
(continuing)
Big as beavers I hear!
Realizing he isn't being taken seriously the deputy turns and
walks out of frame.
MATT
I don't know. A pack of wolves
maybe? But where are the tracks?
SHERIFF
I'd like to take a look around.
I'll tell some of the boys to get
their dogs and search the canyons.
MATT
Sheriff, could we keep this kind
of quiet? I don't need these new
kids getting spooked. SHERIFF
I understand.
MATT
Why don't you have a cold drink
before you go?
Sheriff and Matt approach the food tables.
Ray is there filling a plate.
SHERIFF
What are you doing?
DEPUTY
Laura said it was alright.
SHERIFF
We got work to do. C'mon.
DEPUTY
Can't we stay? The blonde girl
hasn't jumped on the trampoline
yet.
SHERIFF
Let's go!
Sheriff and deputy get into the squad car.
29 INT. SHERIFF'S VEHICLE - DAY 29
DEPUTY
But Jason, when that guy gets off
the trampoline, the blonde was
going to bounce.
Through the windshield, Gary careens off the trampoline.
William and Megan run so they don't get crushed.
A large cloud of dust goes up when Gary hits the ground.
DEPUTY
(continuing)
All right! The blonde is up!
The sheriff speaks to Matt.
SHERIFF
Is that boy gonna be alright?
MATT
I hope so.
The sheriff pulls away and down the drive.
30 INT: SHERIFF'S VEHICLE - DAY 30
From inside the squad car through any window available.
Otto dashes Gary with a bucket of water to revive him. The
dialogue trails away as the car goes down the drive.
MATT
You were supposed to spot him.
WILLIAM
I did! When I spotted him, I got
out of his way.
The deputy is forlorn. His head drooping on the back of the
seat. He WHINES.
DEPUTY
But the blonde...
31 EXT. MAIN HOUSE - DAY 31
Otto is helping Gary stagger to his place around the
trampoline
Dee dee approaches Matt.
DEE DEE
It's my turn, could you help me up?
Obviously, she is being obvious.
Mona is obviously disgusted.
MONA
Oh, please. At the food tables Betty notices Laura noticing Dee dee.
Laura is controllably miffed. She has two trash bags in her
hands.
BETTY
Is there anything I can do to
help, Laura?
LAURA
No thanks, Betty.
BETTY
Never you mind about her.
At the trampoline, Dee dee is a sight in her cut off T-shirt
bouncing on the trampoline. Her eyes on Matt.
All the men are wide-eyed with gaping mouths. Except
William...he is standing next to Mona. They look on in
disapproving wonder.
MONA
You'd think that would hurt.
WILLIAM
Oh please girl, you never saw
plastic bounce?
Laura steps up and holds out the trash bags.
LAURA
Matt, could you help me?
Matt answers without taking his eyes off of Dee dee.
MATT
In a minute. Would you bring me a
beer?
Laura is incensed! She storms away.
LAURA
I'll get you a beer!
32 EXT. MAIN HOUSE - TRAMPOLINE 32
Dee dee is bouncing in slow motion, accenting every
weightless and G-pulling moment.33 EXT: MAIN HOUSE - EATING AREA - AFTERNOON 33
Laura snags a beer.
LAURA
Here's your damn beer!
She shakes the can violently.
Betty speaks to Laura sincerely concerned.
BETTY
That's going to explode in his
face, dear.
Laura looks at Betty, unconcerned, then goes to Matt.
He takes the beer from her without looking at her. Hurt and
angry, Laura storms away as Betty looks on.
34 EXT. MAIN HOUSE/TRAMPOLINE - DAY 34
Dee dee stops jumping and goes over to Matt who is about to
open his beer. Dee dee holds out her arms with a helpless
expression on her face.
Without taking his eyes off Dee dee he holds the beer out to
Mona.
MATT
Hold this.
Mona takes Matt's beer.
Matt helps Dee dee off the trampoline and she is sure to rub
as much of her ample bosom on him as possible.
Mona gives the can a few hidden shakes as well.
Matt finally gets Dee dee to the ground. She is erotically
obvious.
She pushes her way between Mona and Matt.
MONA
Here's your beer.
Mona extends her arm across Dee dee. Matt takes his beer.
MATT
Who's next?
He opens his beer. It explodes in his face. Beer foam soaking
his head and shoulders. Dee Dbee gets a good bit of it as
well. Now her shirt is wet.
Sigfried climbs up on the trampoline.
Matt staggers off for a towel.
On the trampoline, Sigfried is going for height.
From the peak of his jump, he can see in the second story
windows of the house.
Holding at the top of his jump Sigfried falls out of frame as
Laura comes into the bathroom on the second floor.
Sigfried bounces up in frame.
She sees him seeing her. He drops out of frame.
Laura grabs her shirt. Sigfried bounces back up, she pulls
off her shirt exposing her ample underwire supported bosom.
Sigfried is surprised.
RAJI
What's he looking at in that
window?
MONA
I can only guess.
At the trampoline level, we see Sigfried put some "umpf" into
this jump.
Laura is still standing in the window.
Sigfried bounces into frame.
Laura pops the catch on her bra catching it against her
breasts.
Sigfried smiles big then drops from frame.
Mona is on the edge of the trampoline.
Ziggy drops to the trampoline. Mona jumps on and double
bounces him much higher than he was ready for.
Ziggy springs up out of frame.
SIGFRIED
Oooohhh!!!
William is watching Ziggy go way up in the air along with
everyone else.
WILLIAM
Don't worry, Ziggy!
With a shrill cry he steps back and lets Ziggy hit the ground.
DISSOLVE TO:
35 EXT: COMPOUND/ESTABLISHING - NIGHT 35
All is still for the student's first night at the compound.
36 EXT. MIDDLE DRIVEWAY - NIGHT 36
The gate is still. Then it swings open and Kiki is revealed
a bit disheveled and has her cell phone to her ear.
KIKI
Billy, get up here!
From behind Kiki, Billy walks up beside her as she begins
down the road. She hangs up her phone in disgust and throws
it in her purse.
KIKI
(continuing)
They told me this phone would work
anywhere in the world. Anywhere
but here! Whose idea was it to
kill time looking for a house out
here in hells half acre?
BILLY
It was yours, Kiki.
They walk along the road to the left of the road to the house.
KIKI
Billy! I'm in no mood. I was in no
mood when my fucking phone didn't
work when I tried to call Triple
A four hours ago! Now...who wanted
to look at houses?
BILLY
I did, KiKi.
KIKI
Right. But we don't want to live
out here.
Because when you get lost and
break down in the canyon you have
to walk fifty fucking miles to
find civilization!
BILLY
Your right, KiKi.
Kiki starts to limp and falls behind as Billy walks on.
KIKI
Billy do you see me hobbling here?
Look at me!
Billy stops and looks at KiKi walking on the toes of one foot.
KIKI
(continuing)
Is this the way I normally walk?
Is it?
Billy shrugs his shoulders.
KIKI
(continuing)
Don't shrug your shoulders at me.
If you have something to say, say
it!
BILLY
Yes, KiKi.
KIKI
Shut up! Kiki heads for the bench near some bales of hay. Billy
follows.
KIKI
(continuing)
My foot is killing me. I've got to
get this shoe off. Now stand over
there!
Billy approaches the chain link fence of a dark cage. Kiki
moans behind him on the bench.
Out of the dark from inside the cage CHUCKIE THE CHEETAH
leaps at the fence.
Billy jumps back but doesn't turn to Kiki. He stands a little
farther from the cage but she's still in the background
tending to her foot.
KIKI
(continuing)
Billy! Didn't I tell you not to
tease the animals? Get away from
there.
Billy turns to go to KIKI
KIKI
(continuing)
But don't come over here!
Billy resumes his original position facing the cage.
KIKI
(continuing)
My God. Sometimes you don't have
a brain in your head. Look at me!
Billy turns his head to look at KiKi.
KIKI
(continuing)
Its' very simple. You do what I
say when I say to do it.
Billy turns his head back to the cage.
KIKI
(continuing)
Is that so hard? Oh! I have a
blister!
She holds up her foot so he can see. But Billy doesn't turn.
KIKI
(continuing)
Billy, I might have to go to the
doctor. Billy! I'm talking to you!
BILLY
(under his breath)
Why don't you just shut up.
KIKI
I think I need a Band Aid!
Something from the shadow of tree limbs slices through Kiki's
neck. She has a puzzled look then her eyes roll back in her
head as it falls off her neck.
37 EXT: COMPOUND ROAD - NIGHT 37
Billy waits then looks skyward. He mutters something barely
audible.
BILLY
Thank you.
Billy turns around and sees Kiki.
Some gnarly hands grab Billy's face and pull him out of
frame.
DISSOLVE TO:
38 EXT: COMPOUND/ESTABLISHING - MORNING 38
39 EXT. KENNELS - MORNING 39
Laura and Otto are waiting with shovels, rakes and buckets at
the kennels. LAURA
The first step to becoming an
animal trainer starts at the
bottom. Cleaning cages. Otto has
protective gear if you need it.
You'll move in groups cleaning all
the cages on the compound.
There's only one way to get
started, and that's to just dive
in. Protective gear to the left.
Pooper scoopers to the right.
Shovels, rakes and pitchforks are handed out as Laura directs
them where to go.
40 EXT. MAIN HOUSE - DAY 40
A car drives up to the front of the house. A man gets out of
the car He is GLENN BLAKEMAN, tall, lean, lanky fellow. A
lot of character in his face. He has a mysterious demeanor
about him. He looks around and doesn't see anyone. He goes to
the front door and steps in the house. He looks back outside
to see if anyone sees him. He turns to go in the house.
MATT (O.S.)
Is there something I can do for
you?
Glenn turns and stands in the doorway.
GLENN
Yeah. You can tell me where the
owner is?
Matt is standing at the bottom of the ramp up to the porch.
MATT
He ain't in there.
GLENN
My names' Blakeman. Glenn Blakeman
I'm looking for work.
MATT
Who told you we were hiring?
GLENN
Heard it in town. MATT
I've got nothing for you.
GLENN
Who are you? Where's the owner?
MATT
I'm Matt Bowen. I run this place.
And he doesn't do the hiring. I do.
GLENN
I can do anything. Anything at all.
MATT
I told you. I'm not hiring. Now
get out of my house!
Glenn walks out of the house past Matt. Matt steps up on the
porch watching Glenn get in his car and drive away.
41 INT. RABBIT PEN - DAY 41
Megan cleans the rabbits and turtles. She is like Cinderella
in her own fairy-tale, the little animals love her.
42 INT. REPTILE HOUSE - DAY 42
Vernell is jumping around like a flea on a hot brick as she
finishes cleaning the rat cage, while trying not to let the
rats touch her.
Laura comes in.
VERNELL
When I said I didn't like spiders
and snakes...that included rats.
LAURA
We take care of them all.
Everything has a purpose here.
VERNELL
Well, if they're working animals...
LAURA
They're food for the snakes.Vernell takes a surprised pause.
VERNELL
Then why in "hailey mills" am I
cleaning their cages?FOR
A COMPLETE SCRIPT - E MAIL WAYNE@BAUERFILMS.COM