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. H