CENTURY of LIES
© 2000 fdb@ev1.net
Screenplay
– F.D. Becker
Draft @ 9/22/2000
A century of lies has condemned citizens of America to more than 100 million man-years in prison.
· Autocrats forbid use of sacraments
·
“Social Engineers” prohibit a miraculous medicine.
·
Corporations rape and rob the planet and threaten to
starve the masses.
·
Political necessities deny the pursuit of
happiness.
·
Patriots rally 20 million outcasts to restore truth.
(Reader Advisement:
R Rating)
James Anderson, Atty.
P.O. Box 58554
77598-8554
281-335-5565
Fade In:
Ext. Mountainside — day
TITLE OVER: Southwest
U.S., 1900
An INDIAN WARRIOR sits on the edge of a cliff, looking at a beautiful valley below, meditating. He stands, pulls a pipe bowl from a pouch, the stem of the pipe comes from another pouch.
He fits them together and fills the pipe from a third pouch. The brave lifts the pipe toward the sky. He pulls a twig from a fire and lights his pipe. We note that he holds the hit for a few seconds, and then he prays.
indian WARRIOR
I dreamed that God is planting a perfect world … the leaves of the trees, like spirits, fill my nostrils.
[passes pipe under nose]
I dreamed of … dog men.
After he says his prayer, he has a look of horror. Again, he lifts the pipe toward the sky then takes another hit. He begins to dance and chant, looking toward the sky.
Ext. Street Scene: El
Paso, TX — Afternoon
The streets are not busy; a few riders pass by. FAT DRUNK, OLD DRUNK and YOUNG DRUNK are jeering at a teenage MEXICAN boy who is smoking a joint.
TITLE OVER: El Paso, 1910
FAT DRUNK
Shut the hell up! Or you’re going to jail.
OLD DRUNK
Hey! We don’t have time for this shit! Just get out’a here! … Get!
Old drunk points for the Mexican to leave. The Mexican steps up to the old drunk.
MEXICAN
The sheriff saw me working for you. I worked two full days for you!
At this point, young drunk steps up and shoves the kid back on the very muddy street. Across the street, we see two Texas rangers (GUS and CARL) come out of a bar and glance at the ruckus across the street curiously.
The Mexican starts getting up from the mud with some bluster involved. Fat drunk and old drunk shove him back down and hold him in the mud with their feet. The rangers come across the street and now approach the ruckus.
GUS
All right, all right. Just hold up there. Get your feet off the boy. Just step back … step back!
The drunks move back and Carl leans over and gives the Mexican a hand up out of the mud.
CARL
¿Habla Ingles? … Speak English?
MEXICAN
Yes sir, I speak English.
GUS
What’s this all about?
FAT DRUNK
He thinks we owe him some money.
MEXICAN
I worked 2 days … to earn a dollar!
OLD DRUNK
He didn’t do enough to earn 2 bits … he’s a liar!
YOUNG DRUNK
He’s smoking that maryhanna the mayor made ill … legal!
There’s a bit of a silence while all of them try to contemplate, look at each other in trying to understand if there was significance in what young drunk just said.
Gus has some sort of facial twitch and looks at Carl with a “who’s got time for this kind’a shit” look. Gus takes out a dollar and flips it to the Mexican kid.
GUS
Ain’t nobody got time for all this foolishness.
[speaking to the Mexican]
Let this be a lesson. Don’t work for scoundrels, like these boys.
Mexican tosses the coin back to Gus.
MEXICAN
Thank you sir. But I want the money I earned.
YOUNG DRUNK
Well, ain’t you gonna arrest him? He was smoking their herb; probably in his pocket.
CARL
Smelled it from across the street. But if we arrested every Mexican that smoked marijuana, we’d have to build jails from here to Dallas.
GUS
Besides, it’s a city law. The governor would laugh at this horse shit, Carl.
At this point, the Sheriff comes walking up, speaks to the Mexican and the drunks.
sherriff
One of you boys got a problem?
Everyone seems to back down from the situation. Nobody has a full or coherent sentence to say.
GUS
My problem? I need another drink. Can I buy you a whiskey?
Looking at the calmness of the situation, the Sheriff turns to Gus.
SHERIFF
All right Gus. And then I’ll buy a round.
MEXICAN
[Tentative]
Sheriff … they will not pay my wages.
SHERIFF
They didn’t pay you?
MEXICAN
No sir … they say they can put me in jail.
SHERIFF
If we start not paying wages, soon won’t be no Mexicans working for white folks. You want that?
YOUNG DRUNK
Truth is Sheriff, like it said in the papers, he’s a lawbreaker. Check his pockets, he’s got some
[looks at Carl]
marijuana. I don’t owe him nothing!
The Sheriff looks dejected. He lowers his head for a moment.
SHERIFF
[To Gus and Carl]
The mayor’s been after me. He says
[mimicking]
“It’ll keep the Mexicans in line.” … First time for everything. … God Damn politicians!
GUS
I don’t see any marijuana.
[sniffs]
Cain’t smell it. You gonna’ arrest him just cause they, say he’s got some?
The Sheriff turns to the Mexican.
SHERIFF
Boy, you got marijuana in your pockets?
The Mexican looks at the sheriff in disbelief. The sheriff looks back as if demanding an answer.
GUS
Reach on in his pants … feel around … careful of … his jumping bean.
[laughs]
The sheriff turns to young drunk.
SHERIFF
Make the Mayor and me proud. … You’re accusing him. You search him. Show me the loco weed.
More laughs. Young drunk walks slowly over and begins to search the Mexican. Gus and Carl go walking back toward the bar, shaking their heads.
CARL
Makes me ashamed to be a lawman.
GUS
Folks getting arrested, for the pursuit of happiness.
[spits in the street]
Civilization!
[like a cuss word]
Int. Texas Congressional
office — Night
HARRY Anslinger, Herman
Oliphant and GEORGE Hebert are sitting around a conference table discussing
the future passage of a Texas state marijuana law.
TITLE OVER: Texas, 1922
george
It’s a real honor to have you gentlemen here in Texas.
ANSLINGER
George, we need you to help us prepare the people. In a few years, they’ll forget the old ways.
george
The people of Texas haven’t seen the harm, the need for a hemp law.
Anslinger
Call it by it’s Mexican name, marijuana. It just represents the menace of this plant, spells out the Mexican type of danger for folks, a little better.
george
Isn’t it one and the same? Marijuana or hemp?
Anslinger
We use the name “marijuana” when we speak of the Mexican types. It’s more potent and therefore dangerous.
Oliphant
There are many of these backwoods farmers that think it’s a cheap way to avoid the pitfalls of alcohol.
Anslinger uses his eyes to warn Oliphant that he is treading on the wrong ground and interrupts.
ANSLINGER
’Scuse me, Mr. Oliphant. What’s really happening here, is that your constituents are making money off the other states. New Englanders can’t grow it, not without great peril.
Oliphant
I’m suggesting you set your punishments in the light range, maybe a five years maximum.
ANSLINGER
Then next year, or the year after, set the maximum to something more appropriate.
Oliphant
We feel that for multiple offenses, large offenses, that a life sentence or even the electric chair is not enough for these degenerate, communist bastards.
george
Will you send medical experts to put some fear in the rural representatives?
ANSLINGER
Of course. And nobody will want to stand up there and defend a commodity that comes from hell. Plus, there’s a great need to prohibit, in every legislator.
Oliphant
Lean on your churches for support. There’s not a preacher out there that won’t jump on this bandwagon. I’ve heard many a fine sermon, seen many folks brought to Jesus, just by hearing about this demon weed.
ANSLINGER
Do you recall the migration of Mormons in 1910? When they fled back from Mexico … they brought the Devil plant back with them.
Oliphant
Wasn’t alcohol, wasn’t tobacco, but it made the church very unhappy, to see their members imbibing and laughing, carried away by this very unholy smoke.
ANSLINGER
There’s the beauty. This
Anslinger (cont)
[stresses word to George]
“marijuana” makes people laugh; like hyenas in a pack. Not a pleasant sight to your elite families coming home from church.
Oliphant
In most of the states, they just say, “all Mexicans are crazy, and this stuff is what makes them crazy.”
ANSLINGER
“Give one of these Mexicans workers a couple of puffs on a marijuana cigarette, he thinks he’s just been elected president of Mexico, and starts out to execute all his enemies.”
george
[Chuckling]
I’m sure you gentlemen are right. Thank you for coming. This will be so good for the state, less crime to deal with.
INT. Corporate Office —
Afternoon
Title Over: Newark,
N.J., 1935
An elaborate, plush waiting room outside of Mr. DuPont’s corporate office. The secretary is typing away. In walks JACK WILLIAMS, factory supervisor for the DuPont companies, dressed in a cheap suit. The secretary recognizes him.
SECRETARY
Hello Jack. Mr. DuPont said to send you right on in.
JACK
Thank you Miss.
Jack walks on in and enters an even more fantastic office, walks across the large office to DuPont's desk, stands in front of it and waits while Mr. DuPont finishes up some paperwork. Mr. DuPont finishes, and then looks up at Jack.
DUPONT
Jack, it’s so good to see you. Please have a seat.
JACK
Thank you sir for seeing me so quickly.
Jack sits down in the beautiful guest chair.
DUPONT
No, no. I have my own motives as well. But you first.
JACK
Mr. DuPont, my son Jack Junior got himself in with a bad crowd. They got caught with a bag of marijuana.
DUPONT
In my talks with Mr. Anslinger, I hear second hand stories … about tragedies like this.
JACK
There hasn’t been a good nights sleep at my house since it happened.
DUPONT
Tell my secretary what jail he’s in. I’ll see that all charges are dropped.
JACK
Thank you Mr. DuPont. Thank you.
Jack composes himself for a moment, fighting back tears yet smiling at Mr. DuPont.
jack
You said … you said you had your own motives for seeing me today?
DUPONT
I want those pulp processors rolling off the factory floor.
JACK
You expect the pulp processors to gain favor?
DUPONT
I’m going to tell you something that cannot leave this room. I know I can trust you with what I’m about to say.
JACK
Certainly, Mr. DuPont. I am your servant.
DUPONT
Our process is a fine workable process, but it’s not as cost effective, not by a long shot, as the hemp decoriator machines. And they produce a better grade of paper.
JACK
Ahh. Therefore … hemp prohibition.
DUPONT
I knew you would grasp the situation. The chemical and oil concerns are backing me 100%. We will not lose out to a weed!
INT. House Ways and Means
Committee Meeting — day
Title Over: Wash DC,
1937
About 8 or 10 congressmen are sitting at a conference table. Noted as present McCORMACK, MUNCH, WOODWARD, VALAER, SAM RAYBURN and VINSON. We are coming in during the middle of a conversation.
McCormack
Is it a harmful drug?
Munch
Any drug that produces degeneration of the brain is harmful.
McCormack
And the continued use of it, as you have observed the reaction on dogs, does it result in the disintegration of personality?
munch
Yes, so far as I can tell, not being a dog psychologist.
McCormack
Thank you Dr. Munch. You have been very helpful.
McCormack shakes Munch’s hand, thanks him and turns back to the conference table.
McCormack
Gentlemen … gentlemen … I know it’s late, but in the little time left, I would like to get the AMA take on this marijuana bill and then we can put this day behind us … and have a drink. Bring in Dr. Woodward.
Dr. Woodward is brought in the room while a mild buzz of noise erupts from those attending the meeting. Dr. Woodward approaches the head of the table.
McCormack
Dr. Woodward, it’s been a long day. Make this brief if you would.
WOODWARD
Sir, I have been instructed by the board of trustees of the American Medical Association to protest on behalf of the association against the enactment of HR6906.
Woodward looks up to see if they are listening.
Woodward
Since the medicinal use of cannabis has not caused and is not causing addiction, the prevention of the use of the drug for medicinal purposes can accomplish no good end whatsoever.
woodward (CONT)
The American Medical Association knows of no evidence that Marijuana is a dangerous drug.
valaer
Doctor, if you can’t say anything good about what we are trying to do, why don’t you go home.
VINSON
We are sick of hearing you.
INT. House of
Representatives, Wash DC — day
It is a Friday, August 20 at 5:45 PM, before A/C and people are fanning themselves and many of the congressmen are packing up their papers, not really paying attention to the proceeding.
pan to the clock on
the wall, the time is 5:45.
DOUGHTON
I ask unanimous consent for the present consideration of the bill, HR6906, to impose a transfer tax upon certain dealings in marijuana.
CLERK
HR 6906, The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937!
SNELL
Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I do not know anything about the bill. Is this a matter we should bring up at this late hour of the afternoon?
RAYBURN
… If the gentleman will yield, I may say that the gentleman from North Carolina has stated to me that this bill has a unanimous report from the committee and that there is no controversy about it.
SNELL
What is the Bill?
RAYBURN
It has something to do with something that is called marijuana. I believe it is a narcotic of some kind.
SNELL
Mr. Speaker, does the American Medical Association support this bill?
VINSON
Their Doctor Wentworth (sic) came down here. They support this bill 100%.
SNELL
Mr. Speaker, I am not going to object but I think it is wrong to consider legislation of this character at this time of night.
pan back to the clock, time
is now 5:47, WE HEAR a gavel.
EXT. SIKES FARM — AFTERNOON
TITLE OVER: Near Lexington Kentucky, 1937
RICHARD SIKES, 58 YEARS OLD is sitting on a rocking chair on his back porch. He is braiding a lariat using hemp fiber. He looks across the yard at the field of hemp growing behind his barn.
Sikes looks toward the road and sees RAY HANES, a 13 year old kid who lives in town. Ray is carrying two paper bags. Sikes waves to Ray. Ray returns the wave and jogs up to the back porch.
ray
Good afternoon Mr. Sikes.
sikes
Master Ray Hanes … what brings you out here?
ray
I was helping Mrs. Wilson harvest. You want half of these? Ma got two bushels this morning.
sikes
Sure, I’ll give ’em to the Misses. … Come by Sunday afternoon for a slice of pie.
Ray puts a bag of apples on the table.
ray
Mr. Sikes, you making that lariat for a cowboy?
sikes
[Chuckles]
Yeah Ray. It’s for Jimmy Wilkes. He ain’t won much yet, but at least he’ll have a good rope.
ray
Sure thing. That must be some extra good hemp you got.
Ray points to the huge hemp field behind the barn.
sikes
Thanks Ray. That hemp’s been in that field, long as the Sikes family’s been in Kentucky. Close to a hundred and thirty years.
ray
I’ve got to get to town. Ma says I look like Skeezix.
[rubs hand over his hair]
Got to get to Benny’s before he closes.
Sikes looks at his watch.
Sikes
Benny closes in less than an hour. You better git.
Ray
See ya!
Ray resumes jogging toward town.
Int. Benny’s Barbershop — DAy
Benny owns a one-chair barbershop in Lexington. Benny is cutting a cowboys hair.
cowboy
So this fella Munch says it makes people insane, turns ’em into criminals, makes grown men rape their own daughters.
benny
That stuff’s not the same as hemp, is it?
cowboy
The way they talked about it, seems they’re partly the same. They couldn’t tell one from the other.
The door bursts open, RAY looks up at the clock on the barbershop wall.
ray
Hi Benny, plenty of time, huh?
benny
Just have a seat son. I’ll be done shortly.
cowboy
So they can’t tell one from the other, they’re just gonna outlaw all of it, to be real careful like.
benny
Wonder if Richard Sikes has heard about this. He makes hemp goods for folks around here.
The cowboy notices the kid and puts a little teasing in his next statement.
Cowboy
I heard tell that you smoke that hemp, you grow wings and … some folks turn invisible.
Ray does not respond to the statement, but we can see by his eyes that he is thinking about what the cowboy said.
benny
Guess somebody needs to tell Richard about this.
cowboy
I was down in Mexico and there was some of them boys smoking it, cause it was free. Said it was better than whiskey. Funny, they didn’t cause any problems that I noted.
benny
[Not paying attention]
Well ain’t that something.
Benny looks at the calendar.
benny
Richard will come in this Saturday. I’ll tell him then.
EXT. Beside the SIKES BARN — Night
RAY is standing beside the barn; he looks over at the Sikes home, and then looks up at the hemp plants. He pulls out a pocketknife and slashes a plant and stuffs it in a bag.
He looks at the house again and feeling confident, he walks away.
EXT. Street Scene, Near
Benny’s Barbershop — Day
RAY looks like he is pretending to be an airplane. He is flying around on the sidewalks. Ray stops when people walk by and stands real still. Benny is cutting the SHERIFFS hair watching Ray.
benny
What the hell is that boy doing?
sherriff
Lord, Benny. I never seen the like.
Out the window, Benny and the sheriff see Ray pull out a cigarette and light it up.
Sheriff
Benny, do me a favor and call Ray in here. I want to talk to him while you finish my haircut.
Benny
Sure thing Sheriff.
Benny opens the door and calls to Ray.
BENNy
Ray! … Get on in here boy.
Sheriff
Thanks Benny. I’m gonna try to straighten him out. Don’t like to see kids that young smoking.
Ray comes in the shop, acting perfectly normal, and no cigarette in hand.
Ray
Yes sir Mr. Benny. Want me to sweep up?
Sheriff
Where you getting your tobacco Ray? I know your momma and daddy don’t smoke. Do I need to talk to them?
ray
I picked it … out in the country.
The Sheriff looks a bit puzzled.
Sheriff
Let me see that tobacco Ray.
Ray produces a small bag full of hemp, hands it to the Sheriff. The Sheriff pulls out a pinch and smells it. Turns around and looks at Benny.
sheriff
[Irritated]
Benny, you about done?
benny
I can make do, if you give me half a minute.
sheriff
Ray, this is very important. Where did you get this tobacco? Did you steal it?
ray
No sir! Yesterday, I took Mr. Sikes some apples
TITLE OVER: Fly in a LEXINGTON Newspaper, Headline: “SIKES GETS 4 YEARS HARD LABOR IN LEAVENWORTH.”
Ext. Newark NJ Bus Station —
Winter — Night
TITLE OVER: Newark,
N.J., 1939
Shirley and Elizabeth are huddled back in an alley, freezing cold. Their coats are not adequate. They are basic rummies, about 30 years of age.
Shirley and Elizabeth share a couple of swigs each from a bottle of gin. Smacking their lips first then quickly drying their lips because of the cold.
Elizabeth
They say, when you freeze to death, you don’t even feel it. You just go to sleep and … you just don’t wake up.
shirley
Don’t go talking like that. Stop thinking about it.
Shirley and Elizabeth take a couple more drinks of gin. Shirley sees the bus coming up the street. The girls run out of the alley and stand at the bus stop.
shirley
Let’s get out of the wind.
elizabeth
You know what the driver said.
The bus stops. The door opens only a little bit. The driver yells out to the girls.
driver
No money, no ride. You girls got cash?
shirley
Yeah! Plenty of cash! Now open the damn door!
The driver opens the door, slowly. Shirley and Elizabeth flop down in the seat behind the driver.
driver
So, where’s the cash? I’m not moving till I hear the cash in the till, understand?
Shirley pulls a small .22 Cal pistol and places it against the drivers’ throat. Elizabeth screams. The driver holds his hands on the wheel.
driver
I’ll take you wherever, whatever!
shirley
Lizzie, you take the man’s wallet, let’s show him what it is like to be poor and freezing.
elizabeth
I don’t know; I’m not doing this. … Can you open the door please?
The driver leans over to pull the lever and the door opens. During his reach, Shirley flinches a bit, and she blows out the driver’s jugular vein. Elizabeth runs out.
elizabeth
No, no!
Elizabeth goes running down the street. Shirley immediately sees the huge flow of blood, she takes the drivers wallet and goes following after Elizabeth.
The driver tries to stem the flow of blood and gets the bus going again. We follow the bus for a few seconds, and then we see it crash into a telephone pole.
Int. Courtroom — Day
TITLE OVER: Newark, NJ,
1940
The trial is for Elizabeth and SHIRLEY for the murder of the Driver. LAWYER WILEY represents them at trial.
Lawyer Wiley
Your honor, the defense would like to call an expert to the stand at this time, Dr. James G. Munch.
A bit of a murmur in the court. Dr. Munch walks up and takes the stand, gets sworn in.
Lawyer Wiley
Dr. Munch, you are a pharmacologist at Temple University, in Philadelphia?
munch
Yes sir, I am.
Lawyer Wiley
And according to Mr. Harry Anslinger himself, you are the Medical Expert for the Federal Bureau of Narcotics?
munch
Yes sir, that is my designation.
Lawyer Wiley
You have written medical papers and other reports for the medical establishment on the subject of marijuana and how it affects your subjects?
munch
Again sir, that is correct.
Lawyer Wiley
The reason you are here, is to explain to the jury why they did this. Dr. Munch, does your experimentation, using marijuana on dogs indicate the disintegration of the personality?
munch
Yes sir, in a way that takes from three months to perhaps over a year to take effect.
Lawyer Wiley
Can you summarize what those effects are please?
munch
To sum it up in a sentence. Marijuana addiction leads to insanity, criminality and death.
Lawyer Wiley
What have you done with the drug Dr. Munch?
munch
I’ve experimented on the dogs, I have written about it and I have used the drug experimentally myself.
Lawyer Wiley
So, Dr. Munch what happened when you used this drug.
munch
After two puffs on a marijuana cigarette, it was like I turned into a bat, flew around the room for 15 minutes or so. But, the next morning, I was fine.
Lawyer Wiley
Thank you Dr. Munch. Your insight on this problem is very beneficial.
Dr.Munch gets up and leaves the stand.
Lawyer Wiley
[To jury]
After what these girls told you about growing 6-inch fangs, I know that you weren’t very convinced. But now, we’ve heard the truth about this matter, from the top.
[turns to the judge]
Your honor, the defense rests.
NEWARD STAR NEWSPAPER, OCTOBER 12, 1940 FLYS IN WITH HEADLINE: “KILLER DRUG TURNS DOCTOR TO BAT, BUS DRIVER SLAYERS SET FREE”
EXT. Open Ocean in a RAFT —
Near Sundown,
TITLE OVER: S. Pacific,
1943
JOHN and RAY are in an Army Air Corp issue raft paddling toward the evening sun. They are very sunburned, chapped, dry, hungry, dressed in portions of aviator clothes from a downed bomber crew.
JOHN
Dammit, I am the navigator and …
[takes a deep breath]
if we keep going west we’ll hit some damn island.
RAY
Ah, yeah … sorry I said anything.
[looks 360 around the raft]
No coconuts today. At least the sun’s going down.
Ray pulls his hat down and looks to be ready for a nap. John starts paddling the boat toward the west.
EXT. On the beach — Night
JOHN and RAY are asleep in the raft. Gentle waves are washing them ashore on a small island. John wakes first and a huge smile goes across his face.
John gets out of the raft and easily walks ashore where he picks up a coconut and walks back to the raft, gets in and wakes Ray by putting the coconut in his lap.
JOHN
Ray, Ray! I found a coconut. Wake up man! Wake up!
RAY
[Kinda dopey]
I was dreaming about coconuts.
Ray notices they are scraping the sand on the beach, that they are ashore somewhere. Ray jumps up, throws the coconut at John who deflects it into the water.
RAY
You sonofabitch!
JOHN
[Laughing]
I just knew how bad you wanted a coconut.
They pull the raft ashore and hide it in the jungle.
JOHN
We sleep in the raft till sunup. Then we go find water. I’m gonna go sweep our tracks off the beach.
RAY
You bet … navigator.
John comes out of the jungle with a palm branch and sweeps their tracks from the sand.
As John comes back to the raft in the jungle, he stops; startled at seeing Ray with a javelin pressed against his neck, a huge Polynesian JUMBO is holding the spear.
JOHN
Ahh … awh we are Americans.
john (cont)
[Points to Flag patch on shoulder]
US Army Air Corps. I’m Lt. John Weiss, this is Sgt. Ray Hanes.
JUMBO
Americans? … Americans?
JOHN
Yeah, we’re Americans, you bet.
Jumbo pulls the spear away from Ray’s neck and motions for them to follow him.
JUMBO
[Island language]
Come with me to the camp.
He takes a step toward the camp, points with his spear in the direction he wants them to go. Then waits a moment for John and Ray who gather their stuff. Ray starts to strap his gun on.
JOHN
Bring the 45, but don’t wear it, carry it like … belongings.
RAY
I got ’ya. No sense playing Captain Cook … right?
JOHN
Carry it so’s you can get to it real easy, right?
RAY
Right!
Ray and John follow Jumbo deeper into the jungle.
EXT. Mountain streamside —
DAWN
JOHN is filling a canteen with water. RAY has his whole head underwater. JUMBO is standing nearby watching, curious about the man with his head underwater.
JOHN
You hear me Ray?
Ray pulls his head out of the water.
RAY
You say something?
[inhales deeply]
We’re getting close to his camp; it’s over there!
[points]
JOHN
Now you’re the navigator?
RAY
No, I’m a chowhound. Somebody’s cooking a pig, over that ridge.
John and Ray get going in a hurry. Ray forgets the 45. John picks it up.
EXT. Village “Council Fire” —
Morning
Approximately 30 villagers are preparing for a feast. As JOHN, RAY and JUMBO approach, the older men step forward to meet them. We see John take a reassuring glance down at the 45.
The CHIEF and Jumbo talk a little bit, back and forth, pointing to John and Ray. Jumbo points to the US flag on John’s shoulder and everybody smiles. John and Ray smile.
The natives escort John and Ray over to the appetizers, while they wait on the pig. Everyone begins to eat.
DIsSOLVE TO:
John and Ray have a look of utter contentment, full of food. The women of the village who are topless, wearing only grass skirts are watching them and sharing comments and smiles about them with each other.
The CHIEF leads John and Ray into the men’s hut. The rest of the male members of the tribe stand guard at the door of the hut. John, Ray and the Chief sit beside a small fire.
RAY
[Looking at his protruding
stomach]
You ever see those cartoons where they … they pretend to be the other guys friend? Feed ’em real good and then when they’re good and fat they eat them?
JOHN
Hey if that’s what they’re gonna do, at least I got to eat first.
RAY
They probably think we’re gods or something anyway.
The Chief of the tribe fills a pipe with a bit of plant matter. He lifts the pipe and says a prayer. He grabs a light from the fire and lights the pipe. He takes a deep drag and hands the pipe to John. John turns to Ray.
JOHN
Peace pipe, like the Indians. Just do what he does.
Ray nods yes in answer but with a quizzical look on his face. John takes a draw on the pipe and hands it to Ray.
John watches the Chief and notices the man does not release the smoke he inhaled so John holds the smoke as long as he can … he turns red, he needs to cough, he chokes it out after about 15 seconds.
After 5 or 6 seconds of coughing and catching his breath, John turns to the Chief.
JOHN
That’s real tasty chief.
RAY
That’s some good reefer. Thank you sir!
[hands the pipe to the Chief]
The Chief holds the pipe out in front of him, takes another hit, and hands it to John again. John holds the pipe out in front like the Chief had done. He does not look at Ray.
JOHN
Ray? Reefer?
[laughs]
John hits the pipe again but does not hand it to Ray. John is staring at the pipe and looking at the design in amazement. Ray reaches over and takes the pipe from John.
John lets the hit go slowly, with a smile, his head is slightly tilted, he looks totally enthralled.
JOHN
You know, this is a beautiful hut, just, beautiful.
Ray is coughing out his last hit. He starts to look around and manages to respond.
RAY
[Late to answer]
Man, it sure is! It’s like a palace, made of straw!
John and Ray both start laughing at this bit of humor, then stop and look at the Chief. The Chief is looking at them with a strange sort of smile, which cracks John and Ray up even more.
RAY
Yeah, that was marijuana. Damn that cowboy.
JOHN
Cowboy?
[pause]
We’re addicts.
[laughs]
Feels damn good!
The Chief gets up and urges John and Ray to follow him outside the hut. John leaves the 45 and all the other gear sitting in the hut.
The Chief calls over the two most beautiful girls, tells them something and then encourages John and Ray to go with the girls. They go strolling off with the girls in wide-eyed wonder.
RAY
So, we died at sea, and, this is heaven.
JOHN
I don’t know what god the Chief was praying to, but I’m a believer.
Big smiles as the four of them walk into the jungle.
Int. lawyers office
— night
Title Over: New
York, 1943
DOCTOR MUNCH and defense attorney SAM BROADCLOTH are in Sam’s office, discussing an upcoming murder trial.
MUNCH
Even if they never touched marijuana, with my testimony, they’re innocent.
broadcloth
For two thousand dollars? Lord I hope so.
munch
It worked in New Jersey and a dozen times since. It’ll work this time. The law’s based on my analysis.
Broadcloth signs a check and gives it to Munch.
broadcloth
Here’s the check. See you in the morning.
Secretary knocks, comes in the office.
secretary
Mr. Broadcloth, Mr. Anslinger is calling, for Doctor Munch.
broadcloth
Take the call here. I’ll step outside.
Secretary and Broadcloth step out of the room. Munch picks up the phone.
munch
Harry? … Yes … the cop killers … of course I do … Yes Mr. Anslinger … yes sir! … your office, tomorrow morning.
TITLE OVER: NY TIMES “INSANITY DOC QUITS, COP KILLERS TO FRY”
ext. mexican side of border —
dusk
Title Over: Mexican
Border, 1946
JUAN MORALES (10 years old) is hanging on the street corner, by the Mexican side of the bridge. He is selling matchboxes of marijuana. Americans pass by, going on into Mexico. Juan speaks to each group that passes by.
juan
Acapulco gold, one dollar.
The tourists ignore him for the most part; some smile at the boy, because with his accent, they are not sure what he says. Three carnival workers: Dirty CARNEY, ugly carney and skinny carney are coming across the bridge.
juan
Acapulco gold, one dollar.
DIRTY CARNEY
Can we get a matchbox?
juan
Matchbox? One dollar.
skinny CARNEY
Let me see the matchbox.
juan
Let me see your dollar.
Skinny Carney and Juan exchange the cash for the matchbox. Skinny Carney opens, then sniffs the matchbox and nods his head in approval. The carneys turn to go back to the US. Juan yells to them.
juan
When you come back, ask for me, Juan Morales!
We walk with the 3 carneys as they start back over the bridge.
SKINNY CARNEY
That kid, getting his hands on Acapulco gold. But you can tell it’s the real thing.
[sniffs the matchbox.]
DIRTY CARNEY
He probably made more today with that dollar, than most Mexican men.
Skinny Carney offers the matchbox to Ugly Carney to sniff. Ugly Carney nods his head in approval and hands it back to Skinny Carney.
UGLY CARNEY
You bought it, you hold it.
Ext. alleyway behind juans
house — dusk
JUAN MORALES is running home from his days work on the bridge. He stops behind his very modest house to count his money. He pulls out perhaps 10 or 12 dollar bills and smiles.
He arranges the money, puts it back into his pocket and runs to his marijuana garden at the back of his small yard. At the Marijuana garden, he clips a few buds of pot, enough to make an ounce or so.
He carries the buds in his hat over to a chipped bowl lying on the ground. He throws the fresh buds in the bowl. Juan picks up another bowl of pot which dried in today’s sunshine, pours the dry pot in his hat, smiles and runs in the house.
Ext. ray and johns island —
day
TITLE OVER: S. Pacific,
1950
RAY and JOHN are in a pot field, culling the male plants. They are dressed as the natives dress; they look fit, tan and happy.
ray
You think we won the war?
john
Pschaeh. If the US won, they’d have found us. So the Japs run Asia and Hitler’s in charge of everything else.
ray
Yeah. Well I’m not leaving here, no matter who finds us.
john
If they find us.
Ray lights a pipe and they head back to their huts.
Ext. john and rays huts — day
Sitting just outside of a hut is a US Navy Officer Ted Nidel. He is waiting for JOHN and RAY to return. As John and Ray come across the clearing, they are smoking the pipe. Nidel stands up and yells to John and Ray.
NIdel
Gentlemen, you have been rescued!
John and Ray cough out the smoke and sputter their responses.
ray
[Coughs]
Holy Shit!
john
God damn.
[chokes]
Could’a scared us to death.
nidel
We won the war! Back in 45!
ray
What year is it now?
TITLE OVER: Fly in a newspaper — WAR HEROES FOUND NEAR ATOM ISLE
Ext. flying in a “flying
boxcar” — day
RAY and JOHN are flying back to San Francisco from the islands. AIRMAN JONES is riding with them on their trip.
jones
You were stranded on an island for seven years?
ray
Sacrifice for ones country is a privilege. For the U, S of A … I would do it again. Hell, John’s staying in, going into intelligence … they made him a Major.
john
Pacific war was over six years before they started looking for us, they can use the help.
ray
I’m kinda glad we missed the rest of the war. Getting shot down once … was enough.
john
Ray and I stockpiled hemp supplies for the war effort.
ray
The work was … excruciating!
Ext. US /MEXICan border — day
Title Over: US/MExico
border, 1951
JUAN MORALES is crossing over from Mexico to the US. He is next in line at the border. He is carrying a load of oranges in crates. In the bottom of each crate is a layer of marijuana, arranged to look like packing material.
Having a discussion next to the car at the checkpoint are agent PHIL BENZ and head of the FBN HARRY ANSLINGER.
Anslinger
You told that to the press?
benz
I said we get all the marijuana that comes thru our crossing.
Anslinger
[Angry]
If you value your job, you will re-think! Never tell the press any such thing. Tell them we get 10% sometimes 15%. You understand.
benz
I hear you sir. I just thought it made us look good.
Anslinger
Finding any amount makes us look good. But the public, needs to feel the terror … of these narco dealers
benz
I see.
anslinger
No, you don’t see. We need to increase our status, our manpower … our budget!
Anslinger waves the car through, signals Juan to pull his truck up to the checkpoint.
Anslinger
Anything to report, señor?
juan
A load of oranges.
Anslinger reaches into a crate, takes an orange and waves Juan on through.
Int. Souvenir Shop — day
RAY Hanes is unpacking a box of Mexican Sombreros and putting them on the shelf of his shop. He is busy and does not notice as JUAN MORALES sneaks quietly through the front door.
Juan looks at the cash register for a bit too long. Juan is not carrying a gun, but we cannot see that. Juan walks up and pokes his finger in Ray's back.
juan
Give me all your gold!
Ray turns, sees Juan, smiles.
Ray
Juan! Señor Morales, how are you?
Juan
Good, very good. Nobody else in the store?
ray
Hell I didn’t know you were in here. We better look.
Ray and Juan glance around the store.
ray
So you made it OK, no problems?
Juan
More than it is worth. I’m through with these small loads.
ray
For $10 a pound, I can’t blame you.
Juan
You know how to find me? You will need to visit me in Mexico.
Ray
Look for me the first of next month.
Int. US House of
Representatives — Day
Title Over: Wash DC, 1951,
Debate for the Biggs Act
SENATOR BIGGS is speaking during the debates on his drug bill. In attendance are ANSLINGER, CELLO, JENKINS and Dr. RITEL.
biggs
One out of every two hundred teenagers is now addicted to some type of narcotics.
Anslinger
Short sentences do not deter these types of crimes. There should be a minimum sentence for this type offense.
cello
Wouldn’t we subject our children, our highschoolers to prison, because there is no judicial discretion?
Jenkins
The enforcing officer will always have sympathy for the unfortunate consumer, if he is harmless.
DR.RITEL
Gentlemen, marijuana smokers are mildly intoxicated, giggle, laugh, bother no one and have a good time. It’s probably easier to stop smoking marijuana cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes.
Anslinger
Doctor, marijuana leads to other drugs, period. The danger is this, over 50% of heroin addicts started on marijuana smoking. They took the needle, when the thrill of marijuana was gone.
INT. Border Patrol Office —
day
TITLE OVER: Border
Patrol Office, 1957
We are in a small, beat up looking office. JUAN MORALES is sitting in a chair in handcuffs. AGENT GISH and AGENT FARLEY are interviewing Juan.
gish
Help us catch some of the gringos you sell to, or serve ten years, at hard labor.
farley
You help us, you’re free.
juan
I know an American … a war hero … who sells to children.
Ext. US/MEXICO BORDER, US STATION — NIGHT
RAY HANES is next in line to cross over into the U.S. Ray drives a 1957 Chevrolet Bellaire. His radio features Elvis Presley singing “Love Me Tender” he is singing along. He has the air of complete fearlessness.
He’s smuggling kilos of marijuana along with his assortment of hats, clothes, silver jewelry and other souvenir goods, something he has done a hundred times before.
Ray looks at the German Shepherd dog the NICE INSPECTOR has with him. The nice inspector signals for him to pull up to the checkpoint. Ray puts the car in gear with some difficulty, pulls up then stops next to the inspector.
The German Shepherd starts barking, pulling the inspector toward the front end of the car. We see a quick shot of Ray, his eyes are vibrating a bit, he takes a deep breath.
ray
So’d your dog see a snake?
NICE inspector
Oh, no. Got these dogs to stop some of the reefer smugglers. This is Hawkeye.
HAWKEYE is jumping up on the front quarter panel and barking like mad. INSPECTOR SNOOP, reading from a clipboard starts walking over from his empty checkpoint.
NICE inspector
I’m sorry. Don’t know what’s got him in a lather.
ray
I need to get moving. Supposed to eat dinner with the in-laws. Don’t wanta piss off the missus.
NICE inspector
All right, damn dog’s sure acting goofy.
Nice Inspector signals Ray to go through. Ray tries to put his car in gear but he’s having a rough time. Inspector Snoop is double-checking the license number and then walks up beside Ray’s door.
inspector Snoop
Mr. Hanes?
ray
Yeah, I’m Hanes.
inspector snoop
Open your hood, for inspection.
INT. ANSLINGERS OFFICE — DAY
TITLE OVER: WASHINGTON D.C., 1962
JOHN, now an FBN agent is being escorted into ANSLINGER's office by his SECRETARY.
Anslinger
I’ve been watching you. You understand the mind of these addicts.
John
I try to show compassion; that often leads to cooperation.
Anslinger
These damned Indians are having peyote parties out in the desert. They want a religious exemption for their “Native American Church.”
John
I’ve heard of their church.
Anslinger
Go to one of their services. I want you to find a way to report that they’re undeserving of an exemption.
Ext. Car in the desert — DUSK
TITLE OVER: Southwest
usa, 1962
JOHN WEISS, is in a government car driving down a dusty dirt road. Up ahead, we see a gathering of tepees and many Indians in cars and trucks are gathered around.
John pulls into the parking area and gets out of his car. He looks around the gathering. He sees a teenager walking in full Indian regalia.
john
Where can I find Red Pony?
teenager
In the smoke tent, the taller teepee.
John walks over to the smoke tent and opens the flap and walks through. He walks over to a crew that is cutting up hundreds of peyote buttons.
john
I’m John Weiss, with the DEA; looking for Red Pony.
RED PONY is one of those chopping the peyote buttons. He stands up, wipes his hands and shakes John’s hand.
red pony
I am Red Pony. How can we help you John Weiss?
john
I am here to observe your peyote ceremony.
red pony
You may join in, if you believe.
john
Thank you. I will just observe. Can I sit here … and be out of the way.
red pony
Yes. We are beginning now.
The Indians gather around the fire and smoke Bull Durham cigarettes and chant. The bowl of peyote gruel is now given to each brave, one spoon at a time. They pass around feathers and read from the Bible.
John stands and goes outside the tent. John lights a pre-rolled cigarette and stares up at the stars, so bright in the desert sky. Red Pony steps out of the tent and approaches John.
red pony
Scared of the crazy Indians?
john
No, not at all. Your people will receive my highest recommendation, to practice your religion in peace.
Ext. Car scene on city
streets — Night
Title Over: Houston,
Tx, 1969
J.D. and Donnie are in a 1948 Chevy Panel Wagon. They pull up at the local city park, kill the lights. J.D. pulls out a joint and fires it up.
J.D.
Last joint in the free world.
[Coughs]
Paraquat ultimo.
J.D. tries to hand the joint to Donnie.
donnie
Smoke that Nixon nerve gas by yourself!
J.D.
They’re just trying
[coughs]
to keep us from getting high.
[coughs]
You gonna let them win?
donnie
[Coughs]
Hey, roll the windows down!
[coughs]
J.D. rolls down the windows. Donnie digs around for a bag of pot seeds, holds them up and looks at them.
Donnie
Lets plant these … in the morning.
J.D.
Give me that soda bottle. I’ve got an idea, they’ll all sprout.
We watch J.D. pour a few ounces of water, carefully into a soda bottle about half full of pot seed. Donnie is setting up his sleeping bag. As soon as J.D. is done, Donnie reaches up and turns off the lights.
Ext. 1948 Chevy Panel Wagon
at the Park — Early AM
A uniformed cop, TIGER is leaning in through the door looking at J.D. and DONNIE.
COp
Y’all can’t sleep in the park. Against the law, pisses off the neighbors.
J.D.
Ah. We were just leaving. Sorry if we caused a problem.
J.D. and Donnie begin to get up; Tiger stops them.
Cop
Just sit still boys. What’s this?
The cop has picked up the bottle of wet seeds and is looking at it strangely. The water has soaked into the seeds and it is now a mass of wet, brown gobs. The cop is looking at it closely.
J.D.
Officer, it’s, it’s crap, just regular crap.
The cop looks at it for about 1 more second, puts it down hastily and then turns back toward the boys.
Cop
The neighbors see you boys out here, they call me, it happens every time, so just find another place.
donnie
You won’t see us again.
Int. “the Sadhouse” hippie
house — Night
Title Over: “The
Sadhouse”, TEXAS, 1971
We are in an old “rent house” with creaky wood floors, weird rooms and 3rd hand furniture. 15 young men are “members” of the “tribe” that lives there.
The trees are hand painted, the house is a bad half painted mess and SADHOUSE is written on the garage door in letters 5 feet high. Tonight, the Sadhouse band is playing some music. They are having a hell of a time.
J.D.
Hold it down! It’s after 10. I know there’s no pot in the house, but silence, may keep the tigers away.
A general murmur of “fuck it, let’s keep going”. Then an “aw shit, I guess we better.”
chris
OK. Billy turn off the amps. I’ll get the acoustics.
Gary Grey
I got to be at work at 7. I’ll see y'all Friday.
At this point about 15 of the 25 or so that were gathered around say their goodbyes and throw work excuses around and then leave the Sadhouse.
chris
Been practicing that new blues song?
ed
Sure, let me warm up.
Ed pulls a CHROMATIC HARMONICA out of his pocket and begins to warm up. NOTE: ED is 17, thin, good looking, with long blonde hair.
J.D.
Ed, your trial’s day after tomorrow?
ed
I should have taken the probation they offered. The DA’s pissed and wants to give me some real time.
J.D.
For one joint, actually 1/3 of a joint?
Chris
You gonna get a haircut?
Ed
Yeah, tomorrow afternoon.
J.D.
That’s not gonna make any difference Ed. I’ve been in county and you’ll have to fight like hell. Really, they’ll fight each other first, to see who gets you.
chris
It’s OK Ed. Your attorney will get you off. They did for Ricky and Scar.
ed
Yeah right! Ricky got 3 years probation. Scar got time served in county … I was driving. I paid for the pot
J.D.
[Yells]
Hey Tiger! Eat shit and die!
chris
Fuck all that; let’s play some music.
Chris is on guitar, J.D. on drums, Ed on harmonica, Billy plays tambourine and Stevie is on bass. They play “If I Had a Stash of Bags”.
We pull back from the house, down the street where we see a cop/van, with TWO COPS, one with headphones on, taking notes. Gary Grey is in the back seat talking to TIGER.
Int. The Sadhouse — AM
We are in the hallway looking at the front door moving from the impact of the hard door knocking that someone is doing. Stevie is shown waking up first and sliding thru the hallway to the door.
stevie
So who is it?
Tiger
[Yells]
It’s the police, open the door!
Stevie goes running into J.D.’s room, to wake him.
Stevie
I think it’s Tiger at the door.
J.D.
Yeah, I heard. Ask him to wait.
Stevie goes back towards the front door. Billie is already there talking to Tiger through the door.
stevie
J.D. said to ask him to wait a minute; he’s getting his pants on.
Billie
Tiger said he was going to give us 10 seconds, it’s been about 15.
Just then, the cops start trying to crash the door. It does not give on the first try. J.D. shows up and leans on the door so do Billie and Stevie, to try to keep it from coming off the hinges.
As the door starts to lose its reason for being, J.D. calls out.
J.D.
[Yells to Tiger]
Can’t we talk it over for once. We have no drugs, no pot, nothing.
tiger
[Yells back]
We had a complaint and we will investigate!
J.D.
This is the twelfth time; I know that’s right.
tiger
All right, we’ll just take a quick look and be on our way.
As they let the pressure off the door and turn the lock, four plain-clothes, two uniformed cops and detective TIGER bust in like a SWAT raid and knock Billie and Stevie down on the ground.
The cops all have guns drawn and point them at the hippies while they search the rooms. Tiger takes J.D. into the living room where Ed is already sitting on the couch with a cop guarding Ed, chris, and a couple of other hippies.
Tiger tries to shove J.D. down onto the couch. J.D. retains his footing and glares back at Tiger. The cops are whiskey drunk at 7:30 a.m., very loose cannons! They throw clothes and pictures on the floor as they “search” very thoroughly.
On top of these valuable items they throw the garbage.
Tiger
Sit down! Nobody asks me about these busts. How I conduct them is my business. Understand?
J.D.
I’m so sick of this shit! From Nixon all the way down to you pigs! This is my house! Do you have a warrant?
Tiger pulls his 45 and sticks the barrel partly into J.D.’s nose.
tiger
This is my warrant! Works real good too! Sit down?
A uniformed cop comes up and puts J.D.’s hands behind him, cuffs him.
J.D.
Just do it! There’s too many witnesses. You can’t kill us all, you liquored up morons.
tiger
That’ll be a great day, when I can.
Billie
Hey J.D! Sit down! We’re freaks! We can’t go to court against their precious Tiger. Sit down!
Tiger shoves J.D. onto the couch. detective ONO comes around the corner, looks at Tiger and shakes his head no. Tiger, reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a pill bottle full of marijuana.
detective
Looky here what I found. Y'all going to jail!
The Sadhouse crew is rounded up and herded to several police cars for a trip to jail. J.D. is kept back in the house.
Tiger and 3 other Detectives stay in the house until the rest of the hippies are in the police cars. J.D.’s face shows he is in a bad situation.
tiger
This is not a good day for you, huh?
J.D.
It’s fine, except for the pigs smelling up the place.
tiger
On the floor!
The other three DETECTIVES grab J.D. and throw him on the floor, face first and start kicking him in the ribs, side and top of his head with steel-toed boots.
Tiger comes over and gets in a good kick to J.D.'s cheek. Tiger motions the detectives to stop.
tiger
If you would have just been polite, this didn’t have to happen.
J.D.
Fuck you pig!
Tiger gives J.D. another kick to the head. Motions for the other cops to pick J.D. up. They roughly grab him; pull him up by his handcuffed wrists, very painful to J.D.
tiger
Fact is, drugs or no drugs, music or no music, you guys are moving. The good people of this neighborhood want you guys out! If you’re still living here in a week, somebody will carry you out!
Tiger punches J.D. in the solar plexus and they haul J.D. out to the waiting police cars. They throw J.D. in the car with Ed. Tiger leans in to tell Ed something.
tiger
Ed! Huntsville should be a pleasant stay, for such a pretty boy.
Ext. Police Station — Night
The Sadhouse crew is leaving the police station, gathering outside the door. J.D. has a couple of patches of matted blood in his hair and a lifelong scar on his cheek.
J.D.
They simply want us to move!
chris
I’m moving now. They’ll probably be back tonight.
ed
Man, I’m screwed.
J.D.
Damn Ed. Go to trial and plead guilty, ask for mercy.
ed
With all the maximum sentences and all the lies, you think I’ll receive mercy?
Ext. Ed’s treehouse — Sun Up
We are in Ed’s tree house, which has a floor, 3 ½ walls, a roof, and a couple of windows. We are looking off into the distance, at the sun coming up. We hear Ed’s footsteps as he climbs up the ladder.
We hear a CLUNK (.22 rifle on floor of tree house) and then we see Ed rise up into the scene (no haircut) and look out at the sunrise. We circle around him and see him light a joint.
He takes two hits then stares out at the sun for a few more seconds. Ed step back in the tree house, out of the scene. We now can see a bird on a tree branch.
We hear a SHOT. The bird flies away. We hear a louder CLUNK and a double thud as Ed falls to the floor.
Ext. Marion Federal Prison — Afternoon
TITLE OVER: MARION FEDERAL PRISON, 1977
RAY “JUNIOR” is in the same 1957 Chevrolet Ray had in Border Scene. Junior is watching for his father RAY to come walking out the door of the prison. He is listening to the radio.
After a few seconds, Ray comes walking out the door. Ray turns around to shoot the bird at the prison with both hands. Ray shouts with joy and runs to the car.
Junior opens the door and gets out to greet Ray, to hug him as he arrives at the car.
junior
You made it! You look great Dad!
ray
Right now, I feel great! This old beast still burn rubber?
Junior
Oh hell yeah!
ray
Then let’s get out of here.
Ray and Junior quickly load into the car and burn rubber as they leave.
EXT. INTERSTATE HIGHWAY REST STOP — NIGHT
TITLE OVER: ARIZONA, 1979
A brand new garbage truck is sitting in the parking lot of a highway rest stop. Inside are J.D. and DENNIS, the driver. Dennis has a broken jaw, he is tired, on pain pills and drooping.
J.D.
I’m gonna sit out here and read a while. You just rest.
DENNIS
Yeah, I’m gonna take a little nap.
J.D.
Don’t go off with my stuff.
J.D. sits down under the lights on one of the park bench seats near the garbage truck. He opens a King James Version of the Bible and starts to pray.
J.D.
Lord, I’m running from the California pot laws, but it feels like they’re breaking the law. Can you give me a sign, so I can know my beliefs are right?
J.D. thumbs through the Bible for a few seconds, then the wind whips in furiously, turning pages of the Bible then stopping, and then, not another gust of wind. J.D. looks down at the bible and reads aloud.
J.D.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat … Whoa. That’s spooky.
The wind whips in again, real strong and moves many pages to stop at another passage. J.D. looks down at the Bible and reads aloud.
J.D.
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils … OK, I see Lord.
The wind whips stronger and moves many pages again. Then the wind stops.
J.D.
In later times, some shall speak lies in hypocrisy, commanding to abstain from that which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them, which believe and know the truth …
[pause]
Waiting a few seconds, J.D. gets up and walks away from the rest-stop, away from the lights and into the darkness
EXT. DARK CLIFFSIDE — NIGHT
J.D. is walking along in near complete darkness. There is a full moon but we do not have it’s light, it is very cloudy. The wind blows like a hurricane in J.D.’s face, he stops walking and begins to pray.
J.D.
Lord, I am not a leader, not the one to change things for you. There are other people, better people to take on … the lies … the whole US government.
Suddenly a myriad of lights go fleeting up, down and across in front of J.D.’s eyes. The lights are caused by the edge of the heavy cloud cover moving and allowing the moonlight to shine in.
The myriad of lights is caused by hundreds of smaller clouds moving rapidly across the sky. The light is dancing across a plateau and then down into, across and back up out of a very deep and wide canyon.
J.D. marvels at the beauty for a moment. Then he looks down to see that he is standing on a projection of land that sticks out into the canyon and that he is inches from death on his right, his left side and in front of him.
J.D. kneels down and crawls away from this perilous position.
J.D.
What can I do Lord? What can I do?
Ext. A beautiful MARIJUANA
PATCH — Afternoon
RAY and JUNIOR are out harvesting their plants.
RAy
Told you island seeds would do well here.
junior
I believed you … that they would do well, but, who imagined this!
[holds out a prime bud]
ray
It’ll be so easy to sell, no need to take any chances.
junior
Never have to cross any borders. Dad, this is your last trip out here! The family’s all right now, no more food stamps.
ray
I can go fishing whenever I want. You’re the one who needs to watch his ass. Do this for a year or two and … we both go fishing. All right?
junior
That’s my plan.
They both harvest in quiet for a few seconds.
Junior
Trey Ray already knows what we’re doing. He wanted to bring a machete, help in our “garden”.
RAY
Lord, if you quit this shit. He’s young enough, he’ll forget about it.
JUNIOr
I hope you’re right.
Ray and Junior finish bundling of the harvested plants. They start stacking the bundles in the back of a cargo van.
Int. juan morales club in
mexico — NIGHT
JUAN is at his desk in his disco club, he has a 9MM pistol within reach. From his office, he can look through a one-way mirror out onto the dance floor and the bar.
Juan is studying the books for the club when PEPE knocks on the door. Juan turns and speaks.
juan
Come in … the door is open.
pepe
Mr. Morales, there are some people here to meet you. They are Columbians.
juan
I’ve been expecting them. Bring them in here, but you and Raul wait just outside the door.
pepe
Yes Mr. Morales
Pepe closes the office door. Juan looks out the window and sees Pepe talk briefly to RAUL, then Pepe talks to CARLOS and REMULDO, the Columbians that are watching a stripper disrobe.
The two men finish their drinks, grab a briefcase and follow Pepe towards Juan’s office. Juan swallows his own drink, and runs his fingers through his hair. There is a knock on the door.
juan
Please, come in.
pepe
Mr. Morales, these are the men who wanted to see you.
juan
Gentlemen, come in. Pepe, you will please wait outside.
Juan stands up and shakes hands with the Colombians.
juan
Welcome to my disco. I hope you are enjoying yourselves.
carlos
Yes, thank you. I am Carlos and this is Remuldo.
remuldo
The dancer, she is available?
[points at the stripper]
juan
Oh yes, I have some nice rooms in the back, and for you, it is on the house.
remuldo
We have heard many good things about you and your organization.
carlos
Our friends tell us how you maintain a bit of balance.
remuldo
We have many tons of very potent heroin and cocaine.
carlos
… We have no trouble getting it from Columbia to Mexico.
remuldo
And you know when, where and how to move things to the U.S.
juan
You are able to produce many of the goods that bring high prices in the US. But, I am already doing very well, as you can see.
carlos
Well, yes you are.
remuldo
And that is why we need you. We need you to earn fifty million dollars a year. We need you to retire with many ranches, herds of horses … and señoritas, ahh … I want all of them.
They all laugh.
Ext. Mediteranean Zaltic Lion
Church — DAY
Exiting from two different cars and meeting up in the church parking lot are John Weiss, who is now the DEA Regional Head and his son WOODROW. They slowly walk toward the church.
john
Woodrow, do you know how many times these church elders have been busted?
woodrow
Sure dad, they tell us they can’t even remember. Too many times? We have Sunday school about this type of persecution. We don’t hate you; we just want you to understand.
john
I do understand. I’m trying my best to keep the agency out of here.
woodrow
Funny, I kept telling myself there’s no way you’d do that, no way you’d be so … unpatriotic.
john
Yeah, that’s real funny.
They arrive at the front door of the church where they meet the head of the church, BROTHER LAVA. Marijuana plants grow all around the church, up to 20 feet high.
BROTHER LAVA
Welcome Woodrow, and his famous father. Welcome Mr. Weiss.
john
Brother Lava, I’ve heard a lot about you, from the DEA and from my son.
brother Lava
I also have heard much about you, from Woodrow and from … my friends. We are pleased to have you at our service.
Int. Mediteranean Zaltic Lion
Church — Day
WOODROW and JOHN go inside the church and take a seat. BROTHER LAVA goes up the aisle to take his place in front of the church.
ELDER GARY GREY, BROTHER JAMES and ELDER RICK are preparing chillum type pipes with marijuana/tobacco mixture.
brother Lava
Good morning! It’s a beautiful day here on God’s earth. Today, we are being evaluated by the DEA. Observe our church at prayer. See how we share our sacred herbs, how we glory in all the good things God has made available to us. My hope is that you will see in us, a positive gathering, of hope, life and promise.
Brother Lava turns to the elders and they light up the pipes and begin to pass them around to the other church members, taking their sacrament.
brother Lava
God has given us the leaves of the trees, the herbs of the fields and for us it shall be for meat. It shall feed us and nourish us, keeping us holy and following in his way. We believe in the power of our sacrament, whether it is a single seed from which a powerful herb will grow or whether it is a ton or a world full of herb.
Brother Lava takes a hit from the chillum pipe, pulling the hit thru his nose.
brother lava
We grow our sacred herb outside in the open, for all to see. We bring herb to our church, we take herb from our church and it is all done before God’s eyes and when we are deep within our prayers to God, we are blessed in his eyes.
Brother Lava takes a few seconds to hit the chillum pipe. After releasing his smoke, he continues.
BRother Lava
Do the Protestant Churches go to the convenience store every Sunday and buy one bottle of grape juice to use for sacrament? No! I know they buy in quantity to save money that the church can use elsewhere. What we do is no different, only the perception is different.
Brother Lava takes another hit from the chillum pipe.
brother Lava
Normally, our services last for many hours. But today, in honor of our Governmental visitor, we will gather outside the church and tend plants, thanking Yaweh for his many blessings.
Brother Lava and the elders walk to the rear of the Church.
EXT. MZLC Church — Noon
BROTHER LAVA and THE ELDERS are outside the church to shake hands with the believers and talk to them about plant care and love of God. John and Woodrow stop to talk with Brother Lava.
brother Lava
I did not want to wear you out. I know you belong to a one hour, convenience church. Our services usually last till after dark.
john
Brother Lava, I am truly impressed with you, your church, the obvious conviction of your congregation.
brother Lava
You are always welcome at our church. You are invited to become a member. We have nothing to hide.
Woodrow
Brother Lava, I will talk to him. Anything is possible, right?
brother Lava
Woodrow you amaze even me. But yes, anything is possible.
john
Brother Lava, if it were up to me. I would remove these laws, give you a hug, and then go to my “convenience” church, but …
Brother Lava leans over and hugs John.
brother Lava
John, before you go, it’s just a few days till harvest, please see how beautiful our plants are.
john
Thank you, I will try to view them with a different perspective.
John and Woodrow walk toward the plants and begin to examine the buds. We get a glimpse of a beautiful bud, white, orange, red, crusty etc.
woodrow
The plants on this side of the church are from Hawaiian seeds. The other side has the Thai children. It’s all sinsemilla … for a special occasion.
Woodrow clips a fine bud off the plant, puts it in a baggie and sticks it in his shirt pocket, with 1/2 of the bag visible, marijuana showing. Woodrow smiles at John. John looks at the bag, smiles back but without happiness.
Ext. Coast of Texas — Evening
TITLE OVER: Coast of
Texas, 1980
BROTHER LAVA, BROTHER JAMES and ELDER RICK and ELDER GARY GREY are on a ship full of thirty tons of marijuana. They are just a mile or two off shore and they are preparing to land and offload their cargo.
brother Lava
Just a few minutes before dark so let’s ease her on in at about 1 or 2 knots.
brother james
Eye, eye captain.
We hear the sound of the motors die down real low.
brother Lava
Rick, call the shore. We’ll dock at
[looks at watch]
21 hours, 45 minutes.
rick
Yes sir!
[pushes “send” button on radio]
Return at 21:45.
RADIO:
“Return at 21:45 understood.”
Up in the rigging, Elder Gary is standing watch.
GARY
Coast Guard ship at 45 degrees off the port bow.
brother Lava
Get to work on those fish, pick up the pace, to 5 knots. Now!
Brother James engages the engine, Gary jumps down and Rick leaves the radio and joins with Gary in sorting through the pile of fish on the front of the boat. Brother Lava looks toward the heavens, looks to be mumbling a silent prayer.
Ext. Coast Guard Vessel —
Dark
JOHN WEISS, AGENT WILKES and 15 DEA AGENTS are on board to bust the marijuana-laden vessel. As they approach the Lion vessel, John picks up a BULLHORN.
john
[thru bullhorn]
This is the DEA. Cut your engines! Prepare to be boarded!
Brother Lava
[thru bullhorn]
Is that you John? Aren’t you out of your jurisdiction?
John
[thru bullhorn]
Yes, it’s me. I’m here out of respect for you. May we come aboard?
brother Lava
[to Brother James]
Cut the engines.
brother Lava
[thru bullhorn]
We have nothing to hide! Please … come aboard, pray and share sacrament with us. We have thirty tons!
Int. MZLC Church — Night
Three Elders are leading a church service; none of the crew of the ship are present. Members are smoking and praying, meditating and reading scripture.
In one second, all the doors of the church burst open with armed DEA agents rushing into the church, knocking over children, the bible off it’s stand, creating a commotion.
AGENT WILKES charges to the elders and knocks their pipes to the floor.
We see ELDER WOODROW, slowly releasing his smoke, with a contemptuous smile, staring at Wilkes.
Int. office — day
GARY GREY, the informant from the sadhouse is in JOHN WEISS’ office.
john
Gary, that was courageous work you did, bringing us the Lions.
gary
This job almost turned my stomach.
john
You feel these guys were legitimate?
gary
Yes … yes I do. They were fanatics and pretty damn weird, but legitimate.
john
Well, we all do what we have to do. You lead us to a new bust every day. How do you do it?
gary
Everybody thinks everybody else, is just like them.
john
I’ve got a meeting … here’s your check, 107,265 dollars. Damn.
gary
Just serving my country, like you.
Ext. Gravel Road in the
Country — Evening
Title Over: Near
Corcordia, Nebraska, 1984
Six high school kids, three couples actually, are gathered around the hood of a 1985 Firebird. JIMMY is rolling a joint on the hood; an ounce bag is in sight.
jimmy
I got this from my cousin for $50.
Dale
Probably not worth a shit!
Jimmy
Oh it’s decent, just a good price.
Jimmy fires up the joint and they pass it around the car. One couple does not smoke, DALE and RAINBOW.
dale
No! We still don’t smoke pot! Come on.
rainbow
It’s so juvenile! I do wish I had a drink.
Dale
I’ve got two fifths of Jack, for after graduation, but, it’s time to party!
Dale heads to the trunk. He comes back with a fifth of Jack Daniels.
Dale
Oh yeah, now, we gonna get a buzz!
Dale takes a huge drink and passes the bottle to his girlfriend Rainbow who takes a big drink. The bottle is passed around the car to all six of them; they all drink fast, drink hard.
rainbow
Graduation’s in a half hour. Ready to go?
Dale
Not till I have another drink, or two. Don’t get your panties in a wad.
Dale commandeers the bottle and takes three more huge drinks of the whiskey, hoots and hollers, finishes the fifth and then tosses the empty bottle.
Dale starts toward the trunk again and lurches sideways for a second, he is singing Alice Cooper’s “Schools Out Forever”.
rainbow
Dale, leave the other bottle in the trunk. I at least want my diploma before I die.
dale
All right, you’re right. We better go. I don’t wanna miss Mr. Feeny's face when he has to give me a diploma.
The six kids load into the car. Dale drives the car and careens as they take off, from the gravel to the highway.
Ext. Side of the Highway —
Night
A 1985 Firebird ran head-on into a bridge abutment. PATROLMAN BILL approaches the wreck. He can see that there are people and parts in and around the car.
patrolman Bill
[yelling]
We’re here to help! Anybody hear me?
There is no response. You can see the Patrolman’s heart sink. He approaches the driver’s side slowly.
He peers into the car with a sad look that only becomes more forlorn and he overflows with tears and slides down the side of the car weeping.
We hear the slamming of 2 car doors and PATROLMAN NANCY and PATROLMAN STEVE come running into scene.
Patrolman Nancy
Bill what’s going on? You OK? Bill?
patrolman bill
Nancy, they’re all dead. They’re dead!
patrolman steve
You sure? They’re all dead?
Patrolman bill
Just have a look. There’s no way!
Nancy and Steve begin checking for pulses, any sign of life. It only takes a couple of seconds before they concur with Bill’s assessment. Nancy comes back by Bill’s side.
Patrolman nancy
[Distraught]
Oh Bill, they were headed to graduation. I’m going to call this in.
Nancy sprints away to her car radio. Steve comes back around from the passenger side.
Patrolman Steve
God … dammit! … god dammit!
We see Steve is holding a one-ounce bag of marijuana.
TITLE OVER: A Concordia Nebraska newspaper dated May 29, 1984 with the headline
“POT KILLS 6 GRADs” flys in and covers up the car wreck scene.
EXT. US MEXICO BORDER — night
TITLE OVER: Mexican
border, 1990
RAUL is inching an 18-wheeler up to the border checkpoint. As the truck stops, the inspector comes out of the booth with a jacket on, even though it is summer. Raul opens the door as the HOT GUARD approaches.
HOT GUARD
Everything all right?
RAUL
Got the cash right here.
Raul reaches over and grabs an envelope through which we can see the outline of a “stack” of cash. He hands it to the hot guard who places it in a pocket of the jacket.
HOT GUARD
OK, let me take a walk around.
The hot guard takes a walk, half way to the back of the truck, seemingly to look for signs of trap doors, etc. then briskly walks back to the front of the truck and signals the driver to go on through.
Raul pulls through the checkpoint and into the US.
Ext. deserted highway — night
RAUL is rubbing his eyes. Behind him, in the rearview mirror he sees police lights flashing. Instinctively he slows down a bit, and then sees he is going the speed limit already.
The lights get closer and then start going around him. When they get next to the cab, DEA AGENT WILKES uses a bullhorn to call to Raul.
wilkes
This is the DEA! Pull over or we shoot out your tires!
The police car slows quickly just as Raul swerves the rig over to the left, nearly running the car off the road.
cop car driver
Damn, you were right! This guy plays for real!
wilkes
Been at it since he was 7 years old. He’s got nothing to lose … let’s be careful.
Raul is driving slowly so he can put his hands on his weapons: A Browning 9MM auto and a 38 revolver with a box of shells for each.
wilkes
Pull up about 50 feet behind his rear tires, easy like, and be ready to brake this thing … ease up … ease up.
cop car driver
Soon as you fire, I’m hitting the brakes.
wilkes
Ease up … OK, now just hold her steady.
We hear Wilkes fire his weapon. Raul hits his brakes hard. Tons of smoke billow up from the truck. The cop car runs into the rear of the truck.
Because the car turns to the right a little with the hard braking, the left side of the car is crushed, killing the driver. Wilkes ducks down just before impact and is now kicking on the passenger door to get it open.
The door opens, Wilkes crawls, falls out and reaches back in the car for a weapon. He manages to stand, he’s wobbly but he gets his footing and lopes toward the cab of the truck.
Wilkes bends down and looks under the truck to the other side, looking for Raul. He makes his way to the front of the truck where he sees that Raul ran directly into another 18-wheeler. It is a mangled mess.
Ext. desert airstip — night
TITLE OVER: Mexico,
1991
JUAN MORALES is sitting in his Mercedes talking on his cell phone. Outside, an airplane is taxiing to where the car is parked.
juan
I want you to bring all the men out now! Make sure they each bring at least one thousand dollars. It is getting too loud …
[shouts]
get everyone out here!
The plane stops near the car and cuts it’s engines. PEPE and CARLOS get out the passenger door. They drag out a captive (WILKES) with a hood on over his head. They throw the captive to the ground.
Pepe walks over to the Mercedes and knocks on the door. Juan gets out of the car.
juan
This is the man who killed Raul?
pepe
Much care was taken to make sure.
juan
Let me see his face!
Pepe drags the captive over by the car headlights and tears off the hood, to show AGENT WILKES face to Juan.
juan
Yes, that is the man. Take him to the fence, over there.
[points to the fence]
Agent Wilkes begins fighting and Pepe and Carlos drag him over and tie him to the fence. Headlights from several approaching cars begin to light up the desert. Pepe sees the lights and turns to Juan.
pepe
You called for target practice?
juan
Yes. Tonight is target practice, especially for the new men. I must tell Agent Wilkes the rules. Excuse me.
Juan walks over to where Wilkes is tied to the fence. We hear the sound of many car doors slamming, of men talking as they approach the Mercedes.
juan
Agent Wilkes, I want to tell you how we will repay you … for the sin of killing Raul. We will have a contest to see who can keep you alive the longest.
wilkes
Morales, you’ll regret this. The DEA will find you, cut you down like a dog.
juan
Perhaps, but not tonight. We use .22 caliber pistols to make it interesting. Understand?
Wilkes says nothing. Juan goes back by the Mercedes and gets two .22-caliber pistols out of the back seat. Juan draws a line in the sand and throws a thousand dollars on the other side of the line.
Juan turns to face the assembly of about 30 men.
juan
Remember, if you fire and you do not hit Mr. Wilkes, it’s just more money for the next shooter. I will go first.
Juan fires the .22 quickly and we see it hit Wilkes in the left shoulder. Juan turns to the men behind him, offers the handle of the .22.
JUAN
So, who wants to bet?
Ext. desert sand — night
We see a stack of money on the sand behind the line, 6 inches high and A foot wide. another thousand hits the stack, we hear a shot.
Ext. A small Fishing BOAT
tied to the dock — Morning
TITLE OVER: San Diego, 1994
RAY, now 70 + years old, and JUNIOR, now about 40 years old are sitting in the boat, prepping their fishing gear.
junior
If they can get generation x to register and then vote, they can get licensed “medical” marijuana.
ray
Say they get it on the ballot, they get the votes and you can get a doctor to prescribe it, where you gonna buy it?
junior
At “cannabis clubs” that will fill the prescriptions at cost. Whatever that means.
ray
Sounds like a great business to get into, except the Feds will never let it be. Too many industries that lose money … big, big money.
Junior
I have no reason to doubt you. Look!
[points]
There’s Trey. What did he do to that Mustang?
We see TREY-RAY parking a 1992 Mustang in the parking lot. The mustang has extensive damage to the front end, the windshield is broken. Trey gets out and walks the short distance to where the boat is moored.
trey
Hey you old farts! Catch any fish?
Trey approaches, and then boards the boat with Ray and Junior.
ray
How’d you manage this time?
[points to Mustang]
trey
Shit Grandpa, nobody knows how to drive … I want you guys to teach me a trade, so I can fix it. I want to farm. The family tradition.
Int. juan morales bedroom —
NIGHT
TITLE OVER: Mexico,
1999
JUAN MORALES is in his bedroom, with a robe on. He is now 63 years old and he is brushing his hair and sucking in his gut in the mirror, trying to look good.
There is a knock on the door. He puts down the brush, and then snorts a couple of huge lines of cocaine. We note a VIAGRA wrapper on the counter. Juan turns to answer the door.
juan
Please, come in.
The door opens and in walks a beautiful teenage girl. ANNA about 15 years old. She is naked and somewhat embarrassed. She walks in slowly and Juan breathes deeply.
juan
So beautiful.
Juan approaches her and kisses her hard for a few seconds. He then caresses her breasts, lightly. Juan leads her toward the bed.
Anna walks over slowly and sits on the edge of the bed. Juan’s eyes brighten and he takes off his robe, dims the lights a bit and lies down next to her.
anna
What may I do Señor Morales?
Juan lays his head on a pillow and Anna kisses him. He grabs one of her breasts tightly, and uses it to pull her down to where she is “lined up” to suck his dick.
We see his face as he reaches a quick orgasm and then seems to fall off the other side of the orgasm as he dies, his eyes wide open, a trace of a smile left on his face as he dies with this eternal memory.
We can see the back of Anna’s head stop moving, she lifts her head and turns to Juan.
anna
Señor Morales?
[concerned]
Señor Morales!?
Anna feels for a pulse, puts her ear to his nose, to see if he is breathing.
anna
[softly]
Oh please God … protect my family!
Anna jumps off the bed and goes running out of the bedroom.
Ext. Rear Door of Cannabis
Cabanas — Night
Pulling up to the door in a camper/van is TREY, who is met at the door by SHAWN.
TREY
Evening, everything OK?
shawn
Never better. How much did you bring?
trey
Almost 17 pounds.
[speaks loudly, stressing the point]
All of it destined for MS, and AIDS patients and all the other poor fuckers who can’t afford two to five hundred dollars a damn ounce.
shawn
I hear you. I promise not one gram of this batch will be sold. There’s no way I’ll do it again.
trey
Ahright.
[shakes Shawn’s hand]
When you started the club you were for real, wanted to help people. So, just charge the rich motherfuckers more! Ahright?
shawn
You got it! Let’s put this herb in the “sanctuary”
[points to the club]
before some rookie cop starts hot-dogging on us.
Int. MELISSA JONES Bedroom —
MORNING
MELISSA and her medical companion LARRY MICHAELS are sitting in her room. Melissa is in her wheel chair, she is a quadriplegic and her speech is none too clear.
larry
Hon, we’ll get our hands on some pot today, and then, chow time. I can feel it.
melissa
Let’s hope so.
The phone rings. Larry gets up and answers it.
larry
Hello … you’re not shitting me? … We’ll be right down … thanks Shawn.
Larry hangs up the phone and turns to Melissa. Larry’s face is beaming.
larry
Wanna score some pot, baby?
Melissa has a spark of life in her eyes and a sweet crooked smile.
Ext. The Cannabis Cabanas —
Day
LARRY is driving a van, with handicapped facilities for MELISSA. As they pull into the parking lot, they see there are many people there to fill their prescriptions.
shawn
Melissa, I’ll be gone no more than 2 minutes. I’m gonna go find Shawn and be right back.
Melissa
I can wait. Don’t forget me.
shawn
Not in a million years. Hang tight.
Larry scats toward the Club and runs inside.
Int. Cannabis Cabanas Club —
Day
LARRY comes bolting through the door, looking for SHAWN in the crowd. Larry sees Shawn behind the counter, crowds to the front of the line to talk to Shawn.
larry
Shawn, I’ve got Melissa in the car. I’m gonna bring her in.
shawn
Bring her on in … I’ll carve out some time to talk to her.
Larry bolts out to get Melissa. Shawn is dealing with a PROGRAMMER.
Programmer
Hi Shawn, I’m looking for something good but not too good. It’s hard to program code on that equatorial shit.
Shawn
Got some good Mexican sinse, should say intermediate sinse, maybe 10 seeds per bud.
programmer
Give me the usual. VISA still work?
shawn
Yeah, VISA still works.
Shawn sees Larry wheeling Melissa into the store. Turns to Trey who is unpacking some herb.
Shawn
Trey, take over here, I see a special customer.
Trey sees Larry and Melissa coming through the door.
trey
You give her whatever she wants!
Shawn goes over and takes over from Larry and pushes Melissa back into his office.
shawn
Let’s go to my office and get your order straight.
melissa
This feels like Christmas.
shawn
You name it; it’s yours, Hawaiian, Thai, Skunk, Lights, whatever.
melissa
One ounce of each.
[that crooked smile]
Shawn tosses a leather satchel to Larry.
shawn
Tell that guy behind the counter. tell him to fill this with Maui, Thai, Skunk and Lights. And tell him I said 1/4 pound each.
Shawn Turns to Melissa. Larry exits the offices and goes to the front of the store.
shawn
Honey, you’re going to have medicine to last for a year or more.
Larry walks behind the counter and interrupts Trey in the middle of his current transaction with GARY GREY.
larry
Shawn said to give Melissa a quarter pound, each, of Lights, Maui, Thai and oh yeah, skunk, put it in his satchel.
trey
Her wish is my command.
Trey takes the satchel and starts filling it with quarter pound bags. Turns to speak to Larry looking proud, happy.
trey
I put those quarters in carefully, but it’s a tight fit. Don’t smash the buds.
Trey hands the satchel to Larry. Larry goes to get Melissa from the office; Trey goes back to waiting on Gary Grey, the customer at the counter who now has a sly smile; he knows something about Trey.
Larry walks back into the office and opens the bag to show Melissa the bags of pot (sweet smile).
EXT. MELISSA’S VAN — DAY
SHAWN is driving MELISSA home.
LARRY
Soon as we get home, I’m gonna load the bong for you and then I’m gonna roll a big fat doobie!
melissa
I already feel better, just knowing I’ve got my medicine.
We hear a quick whoop of a police siren. Larry looks in the rear view mirror.
Larry
I don’t believe it!
melissa
You have my prescription don’t you?
larry
Sure thing sweetheart. Yeah, what am I worried about? They don’t have time to fuck with us.
Larry pulls the car over. A RED FACED DEA AGENT approaches him and comes to the driver side. Larry rolls down the window. Remaining in the cop car is GARY GREY.
RED FACE AGENT
We have reason to suspect that you are carrying a quantity of marijuana that is beyond your prescribed allotment.
larry
She needs to eat, she needs to laugh … you know, feel alive again … and you want to take that away from her?
RED fACED AGENT
Sir, the DEA is the cure, not the problem.
larry
Can’t you just let her go? Take me, give her a few buds and let her go?
Gary Grey joins the conversation at the driver’s window.
gary grey
I would hate to see an obstruction of justice charge tacked onto this situation. Can we use your van to transport?
Larry glances at Melissa for a second. She seems to be falling into depression.
larry
Then let’s get going. She doesn’t need this.
Int. MELISSA JONES Bedroom —
Night
LARRY is wheeling MELISSA into her bedroom. She is gray, weak looking, sick. Larry helps her out of her wheelchair and tucks her in bed.
larry
Melissa, hon. I’m gonna call Shawn and get us some buds over here tonight. Damn DEA cretins!
Larry picks up the phone and starts dialing. Melissa looks real tired and sleepy.
melissa
I’m can’t smoke or eat tonight. I need to rest. Call Shawn tomorrow.
Larry hangs up the phone, and then tucks Melissa in even tighter. Larry starts to leave the room. Larry turns back to Melissa.
Larry
Good night Melissa.
melissa
[Croaks]
Good night Larry.
[coughs]
Tomorrow, a beggars banquet.
Larry turns out the lights.
Int. MELISSA JONES KITCHEN —
Morning
LARRY is making a quick cup of coffee. He is also talking on the phone.
larrY
Yeah … all right … you are? … well I’ll just listen for your knock …
[hangs up phone then yells]
Melissa!
Int. MELISSA JONES BEDROOM —
MORNING
LARRY taps on the door, and then opens the door. Goes in the bathroom, gathering towels.
larry
Melissa, Shawn’s already on his way with another quarter pound. I’ll get you cleaned up and ready for a sweet smoke and a nice meal … Melissa? … Melissa?
Larry leans over and feels her throat for a pulse. Larry picks up the bong from the table, looks at the bowl then smashes the bong. Larry just sits and looks at Melissa for a few seconds.
We hear a KNOCK at the front door. Larry continues to stare at Melissa. A few seconds later, SHAWN walks in the room and first notices the broken glass bong.
shawn
You broke the bong?
[reaches toward shirt pocket]
I’ve got some pape … Ah Damn! … It never stops.
Shawn goes over to put his arm around Larry.
shawn
I’m so sorry.
[tears up]
Larry seems to be “regaining consciousness”, he turns to Shawn.
larry
Shawn, don’t … don’t!
Larry puts his arms around Shawn, they hug for a second.
shawn
It’s so wrong, there’s got to be a way.
larry
It’s like we’re on the Bizarro world.
shawn
It’s starting to remind me of the dark ages. Torture and imprisonment for your beliefs.
larry
[Mimics song]
“It can’t happen here.”
Both men laugh and cry at the same time. Larry gets up and grabs the phone.
EXT. POT PATCH — DAY
TITLE OVER: N.
California — 2000
TREY is out tending his plants. It is near harvest time, the plants are full and ripe. He is harvesting a few of the dying buds, putting them into a canvas bag he has over his shoulder.
Trey is whistling a song, happy and content. We hear a voice through a bullhorn.
dea agent (bullhorn)
Trey Hanes! This is the DEA! You are under arrest!
Trey starts running away, dropping the bag. He is fast; he strides through the plants and heads toward the nearby river. He makes it to the river with the sound of DEA agents, panting for breath, on his heels.
Trey makes it into the river and is half way across when he sees the agents waiting for him on the other side of the river. He floats on his back, going downstream. An agent from each side of the river wades into the cold water.
INT. DEA OFFICE — DAY
GARY GREY, the informant is sitting in the office of JOEL WEEMS, the director for the California office of the DEA.
weems
Finally, we get another of the Hanes farming family.
grey
Only took what? 40 years?
weems
You’re amazing. You just keep going and going.
grey
Got habits like that damn bunny. I need the cash to keep it going. Speaking of which. They get it right finally? The 300 dollars for that girl in the wheelchair?
weems
Yes Gary, they did. Can I ask you a personal question?
grey
Stays in this room? All right. Go ahead.
weems
How much have you made as an informer?
grey
How much is that check you have for me?
weems
279,525 dollars
grey
Just over four million.
weems
Damn, talk about a bad career choice. What the hell am I doing behind this desk?
EXT. PRISON — DAY
TITLE OVER: MARION FEDERAL PRISON, 2001
JACKSON and WOODROW are sitting out on the prison loading dock, waiting for the next busload of prisoners.
jackson
I’ve seen some of those plants that look like, what? … a rainbow?
woodrow
You’ve got to realize the effort that goes into some of those exotics. They love their herb.
jackson
Most of these farmers are really … gentlemen. You know, what are they doing here? What they did can’t be that bad.
woodrow
When we have a National Referendum, do we have your vote?
jackson
Yeah, what’s going on makes no sense. These guys believe in what they do, it’s a calling.
woodrow
Mr. Jackson, it’s a religion.
A prison bus full of new prisoners pulls in and parks next to the loading dock. The prisoners come out; Mr. Jackson releases them from their handcuffs.
TREY is the third to get off the bus. Woodrow (now about 40 years old) is a trustee and he corrals the prisoners for orientation. Mr. Jackson watches over what Woodrow does.
Woodrow
You men are part of the general population. That means anything can and probably will happen to you while you’re here. My name is Woodrow. This man likes to be called Mr. Jackson! Don’t yell, hey guard or even guard, he won’t answer … Mr. Jackson.
JACKSON
Thanks Woodrow. In case you’re wondering, Woodrow’s a preacher, a good man, you’d be well advised to listen to him. … all right … abandon hope and go through this door.
Woodrow walks over to Trey to introduce himself.
woodrow
You Trey Hanes?
trey
Yeah, and you’re … I remember you … from the papers my grandpa keeps … Mediterranean Church, right?
woodrow
Yeah that’s right. Do you know why your grandpa kept those papers?
trey
He’s a big fan of your sacrament.
woodrow
Yeah, but there’s an even bigger reason. Him and my dad smoked pot, back in world war two.
trey
I know my grandpa smoked back then. Who’s your dad?
woodrow
Head of the DEA. Well, he retired a few years ago, John Weiss.
trey
He let you sit here? For what? 20 years?!
woodrow
They busted me for holding Lion services here, so, no parole, nothing. I'm getting out next week.
Woodrow looks at his watch, and then up at the door the guard went through.
woodrow
Let’s go on in. There’s a lot I have to tell you and we won’t get that much time.
Ray and Woodrow go inside the door.
INT. Prison Cafeteria — Day
TREY is sitting at a nearly empty table, looking at his food suspiciously. WOODROW walks over to the table.
woodrow
Mind if I sit?
trey
No, go ahead. It would be nice to talk to somebody … sane.
woodrow
[Chuckles]
It’s pretty amazing what walls can do to a personality. Not making excuses for these guys, but most of them would probably be all right, on the outside.
Woodrow looks around the cafeteria, looks Trey in the eyes.
woodrow
I know how you wound up here, about the donations, the charity work.
trey
Is this where I am supposed rat on my buds?
woodrow
Not like that at all. I still do my Lion services,
[looks around]
and I provide for the Medicinally challenged, and I hope you’ll continue that after I leave.
trey
[Laughs]
I’m listening.
Int. Prison visitors room —
day
We are in the visitor room and because it is a minimum-security prison, visitors and prisoners mingle in a large room with a couple of bored guards. WOODROW and JOHN WEISS are sitting at a table.
Entering the room from the guards desk are TREY, RAY and JUNIOR. Woodrow motions for them to come sit at their table.
trey
Thanks for sharing your table.
woodrow
No problem. Trey, this is my dad, John.
trey
That’s my dad everybody calls him Junior and that’s my grandpa Ray.
woodrow
[Looks at Ray and John]
How long since you guys talked to each other? 40 years?
John
Hard to believe, closer to 50 years.
ray
There were some good times, right?
John
Ahh, yeah, deep down I’ve got to admit it wasn’t so bad really I’ve told the story so many times, how we endured and because we were fighting for the USA, we persevered.
[chuckles]
But you’re right
ray
I went back to the island in ’94, nobody was there … in that little paradise. Not the tribe anyway. It belongs to some sort of timeshare for movie stars. It’s a shame.
woodrow
You guys should get together on the outside. Have some kind of shootout. See who can get his hands on the best smoke.
trey
Jeez! Ray doesn’t have resources like that anymore.
John gets up to leave, puts his hand on Woodrow’s shoulder.
john
Son I thank God that this is the last time I’ll see you in this
[looks at Trey]
place
[to Ray]
I’d like to talk to you in the parking lot.
ray
OK John. I’ll be a couple of minutes.
EXT. Prison Parking Lot — DAY
JOHN and RAY are approaching John’s car.
ray
All these years, all the bullshit and lies. I never called you up. Never demanded you pull the fucking plug.
john
Ray, please, I did the same thing. I was climbing the very ladder that led us all … to this place.
ray
Can anybody change this? Isn’t this religious persecution?
John
We’ve got 20 million believers … minimum, in the US. Each one cursed and called a criminal.
ray
Are we too old to do anything about this?
Ray pulls a pipe out of his pocket, pulls out a container and drops a bud into the pipe. He pulls out a lighter.
ray
You’re retired now, just like me. You got too much to lose?
john
What the hell! I’ll talk to Senator Johnson!
Ray fires up the pipe, offers it to John.
INT. RAYS LIVING ROOM — DAY
The phone rings. RAY answers it and we are able to see and hear both sides of the conversation via split screen or via cuts. TREY is at a payphone in the prison.
trey
Hey Grandpa, it’s Trey. How you doing?
ray
Trey, it’s fixing to get nasty.
trey
Smile old man, it’ll be all right.
ray
It’s scary shit, no matter what.
trey
Hand this off to Junior; he’s still got strong contacts.
ray
Haven’t been able to reach him since we visited you.
trey
Dad is out “picking” up some cash for my lawyers.
ray
Oh.
trey
Remember where you guys trained me?
ray
Understand. Gotta go.
trey
[Quick]
Give ’em hell!
EXT. Big damn pot patch —
evening
This is a large expanse of pot, an acre or more. We focus on the foot-trail that runs through the middle. RAY is in the woods yelling.
ray
Junior! … Junior!
We see Ray come out of the woods and start through the pot patch. He stops, looks around kinda shudders, looking at the felony size plants and yells.
ray
Junior!
We hear brush rustling and then JUNORS’ head pokes through.
junior
Hi Dad, so how’s Trey?
ray
He’s fine. I hope. I’ll tell you all about it, in the car.
junior
Looks like we trained him up right.
[points at pot plants]
ray
Fucking A.
[laughs]
Ray and Junior head back down the foot-trail and into the woods.
Int. senate hearings — day
JOHN is seated at the table, ready to testify before the drug panel. Seated next to him is JUNIOR. The CHAIRMAN is looking at John very suspiciously.
CHAIRMAN
Let’s get underway. The former head of the DEA says he has a short message he would like to present at this time. The chair recognizes John Weiss.
INT. PRISON — DAY
TREY and perhaps six other inmates are sitting and watching CSPAN. They cheer when they see JOHN WEISS on screen.
john
[TV]
“Hemp is invaluable as a medicine.” That scandalous statement was made by George Washington to the congress of the United States. For the past 100 years, this country has been living a lie. I have been living a lie and I know that each one of you is living that same lie.
The prisoners erupt in jubilation at John’s words.
Int. senate hearings — day
john
You, and I are responsible for the false imprisonment of millions of people. We have forced a segment of our society to live as criminals. We tortured them for their beliefs and threw them into one of our ever-increasing number of prisons.
JOHN takes a drink of water. There is a buzz in the chamber. The Chairman calls an AIDE over and hands him a note. He sends the aide away in a hurry.
john
There already exists a growing number of public servants who believe as I do. Men and women who risk their reputations and future to battle this deception that eats away at our society. We have created a massive number of criminals whose main sin is laughter. Who are these criminals? Our own children. Our brothers and sisters. Our neighbors.
INT. TREY’s PRISON — DAY
Trey is smiling; his friends are calling over more inmates to watch CSPAN.
Int. senate hearings — day
John
Our neighbors in Canada have the nerve to say their pot laws are unconstitutional. Their Supreme Court demanded the legislature write a law, which protects the rights of medicinal users …or to simply do away with the laws altogether.
INT. TREY’S PRISON — DAY
Trey and friends cheer, then go silent as the feed for the proceedings is cut. The TV goes blank. The prisoners yell for someone to turn it back on.
Int. senate hearings — day
Lot of murmuring in the chamber. CHAIRMAN steps up to the microphone.
CHAIRMAN
We want to thank you for coming in today. Our next wit …
john
I’m not through Mr. Chairman.
The chairman sees the aide come back into the room. The Chairman sits down.
john
We export our misery to all of these drug-producing countries, worldwide. Many European countries have already seen the folly that is built into the US policy. But here in the US, we have continuous battles. Not many battles that you can see. These battles are about religious beliefs, medical needs. They are fought one house, one family at a time.
chairman
Mr. Weiss, are you aware we have only allotted 5 minutes for your presentation?
john
Yes, I am aware. Ladies and gentlemen, this marijuana is so high priced. We have created a ridiculous situation! The value of this simple plant, designed by God to just grow like a “weed”, increases to the point that ten bushels might be worth a half million dollars. The marijuana laws are a farce. Created out of ignorance and greed. I won’t spend a lot of time listing the names of the greedy … at this point in time.
John take another drink then glares back at some of the senators, the chamber is abuzz.
john
Years ago, a radical thinker once said: “Prohibition attempts to control a man’s appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. Prohibition strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded.” The radical? Abraham Lincoln.
The chairman stands up and approaches his microphone.
CHAIRMAN
Your five minutes are up.
John looks at his watch.
John
No! I’ve got another couple of minutes. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN
We have a lot of people that want to testify, so if you please.
John
All right. So, in closing, Ladies and gentlemen, what we have is a war that we cannot win, because we, the government, are the bad guys.
John looks around the room, with a happy look for a second.
john
Our citizens know that you are in bed with companies that can only thrive in a world where hemp is illegal.
The aide hands the chairman a note to read, then they both smile.
john
So, that’s it. I’m asking you ladies and gentlemen to do without the contributions of your Fortune 500 buddies. Trust in the future. Judge people by what they do, not by what someone once said they might do.
John is beaming. The gallery is exploding with applause. The chairman is standing at his microphone; waiting for things to die down before he speaks.
John starts to leave the witness stand, then leans over to his microphone.
john
Please, can I say one more thing, please, let me talk.
John looks back at the gallery and uses his arms in a “lower the curtain” motion to ask them to restrain themselves.
john
You gentlemen were not there when these laws were designed. Some of you were not there when many of these laws were ramped up to their current levels. But you gentlemen are now holding … holding a bag full of lies, greed and corruption for the men who designed these heinous laws. It’s time to call for a special investigation on this matter. If this bag of lies is in your possession, your political stance and in the way you vote. Ignorance, in this case, will not lead to bliss.
The gallery explodes again and John sits back down to enjoy the moment.
ext. us capitol building —
day
JOHN and JUNIOR are leaving, headed for their limousine. Reporters are trying to ask John questions. Junior is running interference for John.
WOODROW is their limo driver, RAY is in the car. MEG WATSON is one of the reporters wanting an interview.
MEG WATSON
How can you justify your statement? Your own son was just released from prison for marijuana?
junior
Go to this website …
[hands her a business card]
that’s how you can get your answer.
They arrive at the limousine and Junior opens the door for John, lets him get in, and then turns back to the crowd of reporters. Throws a hundred business cards out into the crowd.
junior
Contact this web site: legalize‑hemp.org. Tell us how you can help us!
Junior gets in the car with John. They drive off, leaving the reporters frothing.
Int. senate hearings — day
The CHAIRMAN is taking his place at the podium again.
chairman
Ladies and Gentlemen, please excuse the freak show we were all forced to witness. Obviously Mr. Weiss is not feeling very well … he does need help.
INT. PRISON — DAY
The feed for CSPAN comes back on. TREY and the prisoners gather near the set again.
chairman
[TV]
At this time, I would like to call to the stand, our current and focused head of the DEA, Doctor Roger Marion
The prisoners all boo for DOCTOR MARION.
roger
[TV]
I am glad to be here at this particular juncture. Not often I get the chance to refute so many lies. First off, we have worked with many of those afflicted with disease, to enable them to get their medical marijuana. We are not the criminals.
[TV] Roger takes a drink of water.
roGER
[TV]
To my knowledge, there was never any “agreement” between members of congress with a corporation or any group of corporations to criminalize hemp, marijuana or whatever you want to call it. I take great exception to his statement that we destroy families, that we torture people we arrest.
Some of the prisoners jump up and point their asses at the screen, for Dr. Marion to kiss.
roger
[TV]
My men are all highly trained, taught to honor the rights of every individual. I think we all know that without men of purpose, men and women who work together to stop this drug scourge, we would be nowhere!
Trey shoots the bird at the T.V. image. The prisoners boo and hiss.
INT. SENATE CHAMBER — DAY
roGer
Marijuana is psychologically addicting, but most importantly and the facts are very clear. Many more heroin addicts, cocaine and LSD addicts started on marijuana, than did not.
Int. rays house — night
WOODROW is alone at the computer, reading email. JUNIOR and JOHN walk in the room.
Junior
We getting any offers?
woodrow
Some fairly generic requests, nothing that I’d bet our lives on.
john
I feel I dragged you guys into this … mess.
The computer chimes to alert them to incoming email. Woodrow calls up the email.
John hands Junior a small slip of paper.
john
Remember this, if for any reason I’m not around, dig there and … you’ll know what to do with it. Understand?
Junior nods a yes.
woodrow
It’s from CNN. Junior, I think it’s the lady you were talking to outside the limousine?
junior
Meg Watson? She’s for real.
woodrow
What do you think of her Dad?
john
We could do worse than her.
woodrow
She wants to do an interview, live, no punches pulled, guarantee us three minutes of our own after the interview. Nine o’clock Monday.
JOHN
Did she send her phone number?
woodrow
Yes she did.
john
Give me the number.
woodrow
I’ll print her email.
john
[Yawns]
I’ll call tomorrow. I’m going to bed.
Int. JOHNS Bedroom — Morning
We are looking into John’s bedroom through an open window. We hear a KNOCK on the door and we go through the window. Another KNOCK, the door opens.
WOODROW has come in to wake up JOHN who is lying on his stomach with only part of the sheet over him.
WOODROW
I remember when I was a kid, you had the same trouble. Come on sleepyhead
Woodrow shakes John’s bed to rouse him.
woodrow
We’ve got a lot to do before tonight.
[a bit gruff]
Come on Dad!
Woodrow’s face turns absolutely pale. He goes to the head of the bed to wake John and then he notices a slight bloodstain on the sheet, underneath Johns arm.
woodrow
Junior! … Junior!
Woodrow bends down to John, to feel for a pulse. JUNIOR comes through the door.
JUNIOR
Yeah Woodrow. … John?
Woodrow is aware that John is dead; he leans down to hug John and begins to sob.
junior
Woodrow? Not John … noooo!
TITLE OVER: FLY IN — WASH DC NEWSPAPER — “FORMER DRUG CZAR DEAD FROM HEROIN O.D.”
INT. Johns home office — day
WOODROW is on the phone with CNN. RAY and JUNIOR are in the room listening.
woodrow
Miss Watson? This is Woodrow Weiss, son of … yes … yes we do … I understand … we will be there.
Woodrow hangs up the phone and turns to Ray and Junior.
woodrow
She says she’ll put us on for a few minutes, near the end of the program … it’s all her agenda. The network had already promoted it, so they’ll do it but there’s not much enthusiasm.
junior
Her agenda?
RAY
DEA agenda is more like it. Let’s get ready.
Int. tv studio
WOODROW and RAY are seated on MEG Watson’s left; the drug czar ROGER MARION and his associate JAY ITO are on Meg’s right side, sitting at a huge round table.
The make up person finishes with Megs hair, walks away. The director counts down the time.
director
Three … two …
[points to MEG]
INT. TREY’S PRISON — NIGHT
TREY and 100 prisoners are watching the program. All are gathered close, keeping quiet to hear the show.
meg
[TV]
We are here with Woodrow Weiss, son of John Weiss, the recently deceased, former head of the DEA. We are privileged to also have in our studios Doctor Roger Marion, the current head of the DEA. Woodrow, first of all I want to offer you my sentiments for the recent passing of your father.
woodrow
[TV]
I want to get to the point, the reason why we’re here. Otherwise, his passing will be in vain.
meg
[TV]
Doctor Marion, what do you feel is the point?
roger
[TV]
Obviously, it’s to rectify what could become a desperate situation … the poisoning of our children’s minds.
ray
[TV]
Hate, lies and murder are all right? Hemp is the root of all evil?
Trey gives a hoot, all the prisoners are ecstatic.
trey
That’a way Grandpa!
roger
[TV]
Between these two, they have spent more than 40 years in federal prisons for importation. Rays grandson is currently incarcerated for a massive growing operation.
trey
Up yours’ pig!
INT. TV STUDIO
woodrow
100 years of reports, saying it’s not a dangerous drug, yet the DEA continues the charade. They sully the name of an herb?
roger
Woodrow, why is it you want to rush things so fast, at all costs.
woodrow
I want to prevent more jail time, more tragedy from happening to millions of cannabis users in the future.
JAY ITO
We all know the use of marijuana leads to the use of hard drugs. We have to maintain the laws to prevent that from happening to our young people.
ray
Please tell me, where will our young people be most likely to pick up a bag of heroin? In a cannabis shop? From a plant grown in his own back yard? Or, as it is now, from a dealer of unknown moral values?
jay ito
There are effective alternatives. The benefits of marijuana can be provided through injections, a rapid delivery system.
woodrow
Thus preventing the patient from regulating his dosage according to his own needs. By varying the amount he smokes, a patient can regulate, using his own perceptions just how much he needs, something your magical rapid delivery system will never be able to do!
INT. PRISON — NIGHT
The prisoners are jumping up and down, rooting for WOODROW.
roger
[TV]
By labeling marijuana as medicine, we would send the wrong message to teenagers.
woodrow
[TV]
Bullshit! … So why do you persecute the religious orders that use cannabis for a sacrament?
roger
[TV]
There are few religious sects in America that claim marijuana as their sacrament.
woodrow
[TV]
So, because there are very few that are willing to profess their beliefs publicly, it’s all right to persecute them? American Indian tribes, my church, some Buddhist sects, Hindu sects, a thousand other sects and millions of people worldwide worship the plant, the smoke or a god associated with the plant.
The prisoners are pounding on the metal tables, even more ecstatic.
INT. TV STUDIO
roger
The US government must take certain steps to ensure our country’s security, and this is just such a case. If we legalize marijuana for any reason, then what’s next? Heroin?
WOODROW looks ready to split ROGER apart. RAY places his hand on Woodrow's arm, which seems to de-fuse the “bomb”.
INT. PRISON — NIGHT
TREY
Such compassion. Lying, murdering leeches!
meg
[TV]
Just over a minute left. Woodrow anything else you want to say?
woodrow
[TV]
He was killed by someone involved in the drug business. Probably by contract killers hired by the senate or a group of rogue cops or any of the millions of people that have compelling interests in keeping our drug laws as they are. When the DNA tests are complete, we’ll have a chance to learn who did this.
ray
[TV]
We need to legalize all types of cannabis! To free it only for religious or medical purpose still leaves us with the Gestapo breathing down our necks.
The prisoners yell their agreement.
INT. TV STUDIO
meg
John Weiss will be buried tomorrow at Arlington National cemetery.
Meg turns to Woodrow.
woodrow
The service is at 1 p.m. In lieu of donations to charity, please … bring flowers.
MEG looks puzzled by WOODROW’s last comment.
meg
Hopefully this “hemp” problem can be resolved some day. Thank you, good night.
ext. lincoln memorial — night
JUNIOR and WOODROW are walking behind the Lincoln memorial and are looking around to see if they are being followed.
As they come around the corner, to where the grass starts, Junior steps off five shoe lengths and pulls a large bladed knife from his coat. Woodrow keeps watch while Junior bends down and stabs it in the ground.
We hear a CLUNK. Junior quickly digs out a small steel box. He puts in under his coat and stands up.
junior
Let’s go find a modem.
woodrow
Fight city hall … with a flower.
EXT. arlington national cemetary — DAY
WOODROW has on his Lion robes; he is joined by BROTHER LAVA, by the BISHOP and CHIEF RED PONY in conducting the services for John Weiss. There are many people here to bury John.
RAY and JUNIOR are behind the clergymen. There are plain clothes and uniformed cops around, government agents as well. Workers are lowering Johns’ coffin down into his grave.
TV trucks, crews and cameras from many of the networks are all over the place.
woodrow
My father knew that you are important, that each one of us is important. And today, what is most important to me is that we know in our hearts that the same men, who even now are trying to kill the spirit of what John Weiss was doing, murdered him. Bishop Fatagli?
bishop
I have known John Weiss for over 50 years. I know he is not an addict. He put on this respectable mantle, and tried to be there for his country. He was a wonderful man, who will be sorely missed. … Brother Lava?
brother Lava
Woodrow, I am so sorry for you. But even more, I am sorry he will not be here to lead us in the quest to free marijuana from the hands of evil. Chief Red Pony?
chief
Many years ago, John Weiss came to our Church, to see a Peyote ceremony. John reported the truth. The peyote button is not the devil, it is our sacrament, a part of nature and we are now allowed to practice our religion as we see fit, thanks to John.
INT. PRISON — DAY
Everyone in the prison is watching the proceedings. There is a complete hush over the place as they all listen in. TREY is up close to the TV.
chief
[TV]
I have observed your society. I will report to my people that we should not police the marijuana smokers, if they wish to practice their religion on our land. I pray that your government will do the same.
[TV] BROTHER LAVA pulls a pipe bowl out of a pouch, CHIEF RED PONY pulls the pipe stem out of a second pouch. They put them together.
WOODROW pulls a large bud out of a pouch, tears off a large chunk and puts it in the pipe. The cops that are gathered around get big eyes and get on their radios.
woodrow
[TV]
The lord made all living things. He said we should not condemn what goes into a man, but that we should observe that which issues forth from a man.
TREY and his friends are watching in amazement.
EXT. ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETARY — DAY
WOODROW holds the pipe out in front of the group of clergymen. The BISHOP pulls out a lighter, lights it and fires the bowl for Woodrow. Woodrow takes a Zaltic Lion type hit, hands the pipe to CHIEF RED PONY.
Woodrow walks over to look down in the grave at his father’s coffin. He releases his smoke. Cameras are catching each movement.
woodrow
In later times, some shall speak lies in hypocrisy commanding to abstain from that which God hath created.
Woodrow pulls the marijuana bud from the pouch he is carrying. He bows his head for a second, then throws the bud into John’s grave.
woodrow
That’s the service. I want to thank each of you for being here, to honor John Weiss, my father.
Woodrow turns to walk away from the ceremony. The police have instructions now and they step forward to arrest Woodrow. As they do, BROTHER LAVA steps to the graveside.
The cops grab Woodrow’s arms, but pause to watch Brother Lava.
INT. PRISON — DAY
The prisoners are booing and pissed. TREY tries to calm them down so the TV can be heard.
brother Lava
[TV]
And the Earth brought forth grass and herb yielding seed and God saw that it was good. Genesis, Chapter one.
[TV] Brother Lava now pulls a bud from his pouch and throws it into the grave. Again the police step forward to arrest Brother Lava.
Prisoners are throwing miscellaneous items at the TV set, booing.
[TV] RED PONY steps forward, looks to the sky and begins to pray.
chief
[TV]
I dreamed that God was planting a perfect world. The leaves of the trees like spirits filled my nostrils.
[TV] Red Pony pulls a bud from a pouch and throws it in the grave. Again, the cops step forward and arrest Red Pony.
Some of the prisoners are trying to tear metal chairs out of the cement floor. A riot is near at hand.
EXT. ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETARY — DAY
The BISHOP approaches the grave; the cops get on their radios again. The Bishop pulls a bud from his pouch, throws it in the grave, then the Bishop prays.
A cameraman steps in for a close up.
BISHOP (C.U.)
God makes the earth yield healing herbs, which the prudent man should not neglect.
The police begin to step forward to arrest the Bishop. JUNIOR and RAY step in front of the cops and quickly go to the gravesite.
Junior
Thanks John. Lord help us to succeed.
Junior throws a bud into the grave. Ray steps up to the gravesite. The cops are looking bewildered. We hear the sound of sirens, cops arriving.
ray
Who’s going to lead us now? … Navigator.
INT. PRISON — DAY
[TV] RAY throws his bud into the grave. Additional cops step up and arrest Ray and JUNIOR and the BISHOP. The cops take all six prisoners toward waiting police cars.
More booing from the prisoners. TREY speaks to no one in particular.
trey
Score one for the almighty dollar.
EXT. ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETARY — DAY
There is a building intensity from the mourners. J.D. is feeling apprehensive, takes a deep breath and steps forward from the mass of people and approaches the gravesite.
J.D.
Help us to forgive those who persecute us.
J.D. pulls a pound of buds from under his coat and pours it into Johns grave, smiles, turns toward the cops. J.D. puts his hands out in front of him, as if asking for the cops to cuff him.
Because of the amount of dissent that is being voiced by the crowd of mourners, the few uniformed cops left don’t immediately cuff him, but turn to talk to the Sergeant.
Whole groups of people begin to step up to the gravesite, each one repeats a small prayer.
Each then throws a bud, some throw ounces or pounds pulled from under their coats or from various bags, into the grave and walk away.
We are now able to look above the crowd, to see that there are thousands of people at this service.
INT. PRISON — DAY
[TV] The TV coverage breaks away for a quick side story. ANCHOR comes on screen.
anchor
[TV]
We want to break in for just a few seconds, to report on some stunning revelations.
[TV] We see pictures of individuals walking up to City Hall steps, saying a prayer and leaving a bud on the steps.
Groups of people with Bibles are joining hands, singing hymns and praying in front of police stations all across the country.
The people at city hall and at police stations are acting boldly, facing down the stares of police officers and sheriff deputies to place their buds and say their prayers.
anchor
[TV]
In most major cities across the nation, an outpouring of religious fervor is suddenly appearing. Perhaps millions of people are leaving marijuana buds on the steps of their local city hall. Prayer vigils are taking place in front of many police stations as well. We will have more following the services for John Weiss.
The prisoners are slapping each other on the back. TREY is leading a small circle of prisoners in prayer.
EXT. Police cars parked AT
cemetary — MORNING
As the cops approach their cars with BROTHER LAVA, WOODROW, the BISHOP, CHIEF RED PONY, RAY and JUNIOR in custody. We see the DETECTIVE get a call on his radio. He talks for a few seconds then turns to the officers.
detective
The DA says to hold up.
[listens to the radio, looks at cuffs on clergy]
Get the cuffs off NOW!
The officers look very happy and unlock the cuffs.
Brother Lava, Woodrow, the Bishop, Chief Red Pony, Ray and Junior push through the crowds to get back to the gravesite.
As they break through, they see that John’s grave is now more than full with pot buds, that a mound many feet high and several yards wide now covers that area of the cemetery.
Thousands of people are still walking past the grave, saying a prayer and tossing buds onto the pile. The clergymen, Ray and Junior gather at the head of the grave again.
BISHOP
Believers, it’s a glorious morning, a day to rejoice in God’s work.
bishop (cont)
[looks to the sky, as if reading scripture]
And the leaves of the trees … shall be for the healing … of nations.
Our shot pulls upward and away from the graveyard, showing a hundred thousand believers coming to John’s grave.
FADE OUT:
The End
(After Credits Roll this Wrap Up Scene)
FADE IN:
Ext — pot patch — day
CELEBRITY HEMP/MARIJUANA ADVOCATE is standing in the middle of the patch. Dignified smile on his face. He holds up a voter registration card.
CELEBRITY
I know sometimes there seems to be few reasons to vote. But I’m asking all of you … please register and vote for freedom.
Celebrity is holding up a bud in one hand, a voter registration card in the other.
celebrity
One hand washes the other.
Celebrity now holds up only the bud.
celebrity
Tell your parents, your grandparents … tell your children about the movement to return cannabis to the wild and to industry. Tell them how many times they had a normal conversation with you, after you enjoyed some wonderful cannabis. Then they will know the danger is in the corporations … not the people. Tell the truth … and the truth … will set you free.
FADE TO BLACK:
SUPER: legalize-hemp.org