"THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY" Screenplay by Arthur Mann and Lawrence Taylor DRAFT SCRIPT 1950 EFFECT In complete silence the silhouetted grey shadow of a baseball player at bat fills the screen. The background is a tone of black. The player stands motionless for a few seconds and then commences waggling his bat as if preparing to hit. Since he is a right handed hitter he stands front to audience and watching for the ball to come from his left. Slowly he ends his waggling by pulling his bat way back, stands thus posed a moment... then swings hard. Instantly we hear the familiar crack of bat against ball. Almost simultaneously there is the roar of a baseball crowd, our music comes in, and our picture title, THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY, hits the screen. Now, as subtitles appear, they show against a continuation of other baseball scenes in silhouette: a figure running, sliding, jumping for a high ball, throwing, etc. With the end of the titles we DISSOLVE: STOCK SHOTS Professional baseball scenes vintage of 1919: crowds in parks, flying pennants, action on the diamond. CLOSEUP On one of the park pennants we read the inscription: WORLD SERIES, 1919. CINCINNATI VS. CHICAGO. STOCK SHOTS We continue the stock shots now, perhaps even showing closeups of such baseball immortals as mentioned by our narrator (a phantom voice never identified) whom we now hear. NARRATOR In 1919 American professional baseball, slowed down by World War I, was picking up speed again. It had its Babe Ruth who was astounding the country by hitting 29 homers for Boston, its Ty Cobb then winding up a Hall of Fame career by leading the American League in hitting with a .384 average, Ty's great contemporary in Cleveland, Tris Speaker, its great pitchers, Walter Johnson, Burleigh Grimes, Herb Pennock... And, down in Georgia, it had something else... coming up. Name? Jackie Robinson. Race? Negro. Occupation? Infant in his mother's arms. GEORGIA 'CROPPER COUNTRY PANORAMIC (STOCK) DRAB, FLAT ROAD LONG SHOT Into the scene, far distance, moves a rude, mule-drawn wagon. THE WAGON FULL SHOT Holding the reins is an old Negro in well-worn, farmhand clothes. Beside him on the seat and holding a sleeping baby in her arms is a Negro woman, about thirty. She is dressed in the best that a poor woman of her time and place might be able to afford -- a store suit, but re-tailored to fit, and neatly pressed. Between them sits a two year old girl, also in her starched best. Behind, standing and sitting amidst some cheap suitcases, are three other children, two boys and a girl, from four to ten years of age. SAME - CLOSER The cry of a far-off train whistle comes to the group. The mother shifts about in an expression of nervousness and glances back at the children behind her. The whistle has caused excitement among them. The oldest girl leans forward to her mother eagerly, apparently wondering about the train. GIRL - MOTHER CLOSE SHOT The mind of the mother is too pre-occupied to permit her to give the girl more than a fleeting smile and then she turns back. NARRATOR In the family history of every living American, except for the American Indian, there is the story of migration and settling and re- settling. Either the American himself, or an ancestor, had to travel to get where that American is today. Jackie Robinson was raised in Pasadena, California. This is how his mother, a widow, brought him and his brothers and sisters out of Georgia. THE WAGON LONG SHOT The old man is whipping up his mules to hurry them along. DISSOLVE: DOUBLE SEAT IN DAY COACH - NIGHT MEDIUM SHOT The mother and her brood are asleep. She is against the window, the baby still in her arms, and her head fallen back against the headrest. Alongside her is curled the two-year old girl. Half-sitting, half-slumped against each other on the seat opposite are the next two youngest children, and lying on blankets on the floor between the seats is cramped the oldest child. Once, as the narrator talks, the mother opens her eyes slowly, looks her children over, makes a slight re-adjustment of position here and there among them, then lets her head fall back again. DISSOLVE: ESTABLISHING SHOT - RAILROAD STATION - PASADENA CALIFORNIA - DAY - (STOCK) A taxi in front of the station takes on Mrs. Robinson and her children. The driver helps with their luggage and then pulls away from the station. Except for music, the scene is silent. INT. TAXI - (PROCESS) Mrs. Robinson and the children in the taxi as they look out at the scene. (Stock shots of Pasadena's business sections, then of the residential area are to be inter-cut.) WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DAY MEDIUM SHOT - AS FROM TAXICAB As children leave school, trooping out noisily and happily. Among the children are several Negroes. INT. TAXI - (PROCESS) The children and the mother gaze intently as they note Negro pupils among the white children. Then they gaze at each other as if it is something hard to believe. CLOSE ON TWO OF THE CHILDREN - (PROCESS) As they turn their heads to continue looking at the school even though the taxi is now some distance past it. TAXI DRIVING INTO NEGRO DISTRICT As CAMERA FOLLOWS TAXI, we see that we are now in a low-priced area of homes, stores, etc. NARRATOR They had never seen anything like the city that was to be their new home. They looked and wondered and the mother told herself that sooner or later they would be well, if humbly, settled there... And -- in time -- they were... and very humbly... As narration fades, we DISSOLVE: STREET SCENE LONG A nine year old colored boy is running towards the Robinson home in high excitement. He is carrying a fielder's glove at which he has to glance every other second though he is in full flight. NARRATOR (talking through the following scenes as well) This isn't Jackie -- but when he was nine, and the family couldn't afford to get him a baseball glove, this is how his mother helped him make a necessary adjustment to life. Jackie had found an old, dilapidated glove... ROBINSON HOME MED. SHOT The kid leaps up the stairs and into the house. ROBINSON KITCHEN MED. SHOT The kid slides into the kitchen, holding the glove out to Mrs. Robinson who is turning around from the gas range, and talks to her eagerly. MRS. ROBINSON CLOSEUP She takes the glove, examines it, and has to smile. It is badly frayed, the side stitching burst in a number of places, and padding extruding. Nevertheless, she nods and turns away... KITCHEN MED. SHOT Mrs. Robinson taking a sewing kit out of a drawer, the kid hopping around just in back of her and getting his head in her way. She goes to table, sits down, and commences threading a needle. MRS. ROBINSON AND BOY CLOSE She starts to take the first stitch. He asks her something anxiously. She nods reassuringly and his face lights up with a heart-wide grin. DISSOLVE: STREET SCENE - DAY MED. SHOT The same boy stands at a street corner, a bunch of newspapers at his feet, a dozen or so more under his arm, selling papers, both to car patrons and to pedestrians. NARRATOR Between work and school Jackie, like this boy, didn't have all the time in the world to play... The boy turns his back to camera as he sells a newspaper and we see the glove sticking partially out of his back pocket. NARRATOR ...but he always kept his glove handy... EXT. EMPTY PLAY LOT LONG SHOT Running onto an empty lot where several other boys are playing ball in a make-shift game, is Jackie. One of the boys bats out a fly and Jackie scoots after it. FADE OUT: FADE IN: (NOTE: The following shots, illustrating narrator's talk, are quick, almost montage views, taken against any studio backgrounds already up and available. They are all angled to keep face of boy unrecognizable... and as shots progress boy gets bigger to indicate his growth.) INTERIOR Boy mopping a floor. EXTERIOR Boy delivering package to woman who opens door. EXTERIOR Boy piling up scrap lumber in corner of yard. EXTERIOR Boy pushing hand-truck loaded with sacks. EXTERIOR Boy driving small delivery truck, stopping and jumping out with parcel. NARRATOR (against above) All the things that boys find to do when they have to work through their schoolhood years, Jackie did... ESTABLISHING SHOT - ATHLETIC FIELD - DAY - (STOCK) Track events in progress. Students and fans watching. NARRATOR ...yet he managed to make time for sports as well. BROAD JUMP PIT LONG SHOT - (STOCK) We get a bare flash of a young Negro lad in track suit taking his run and launching into a broad jump. NARRATOR This still isn't Jackie, but when he attended Pasadena Junior College he led in all sports, broke the National Junior College running broad jump record with a leap of 25 feet, six inches -- a record set a few years earlier by his own brother, Mack! AERIAL SHOT - LOS ANGELES MEMORIAL COLISEUM - DAY FOOTBALL GAME IN PROGRESS - (STOCK) EXT. COLISEUM - DAY FULL SHOT - (STOCK) Football game in progress, thousands of fans watching. LONG SHOT - PLAYING FIELD THE TWO TEAMS IN POSITION TO START A PLAY - (STOCK) MED. LONG SHOT THE PLAYERS - (STOCK) As signals are called and a runner gets the ball. (From this distance we can't recognize any player or distinguish actual numbers on their uniforms.) MED. SHOT The player with the ball breaks through the opposing team's line and dashes for the sidelines and toward camera. NARRATOR But this -- IS -- Jackie Robinson... As player nears camera we recognize him as Jackie. Over scene is HEARD roar of the crowd. CAMERA HOLDS as Jackie runs into a CLOSE SHOT, then past camera. NARRATOR ...playing football for the University of California at Los Angeles where he had won an athletic scholarship. STOCK SHOT LONG Any shot of a player crossing into end zone for a touchdown, as opposing players trail after him... this, apparently, being the end of Jackie's run. THE CROWD LONG They are cheering. FOOTBALL EXCERPTS - (STOCK) MONTAGE These should be actual shots of Jackie in action against various college teams during his UCLA days. (During these we should work in a studio CLOSEUP or two to let us take a good look at the man.) Each of the shots is identified by the narrator as follows: NARRATOR Against Southern California! NARRATOR Against Oregon! NARRATOR Against Stanford! Etc. COLISEUM STANDS MEDIUM We see small section of student body watching game. Seated with two white girl companions is an attractive Negro girl (Rae). After joining crowd in a cheer one of the white girls turns to Rae. WHITE GIRL Jackie sure can run! How does it feel to see your future husband going wild down there? RAE (acting taken aback) Future husband? You're faster than he is! He hasn't got that far yet. WHITE GIRL (waving hand derisively) Now don't pretend, Rae! We know. (turning to other white girl) Don't we, Claire? As other nods -- WHITE GIRL So don't pretend, Rae! Rae laughs but is a little embarrassed at being kidded about it. The white girl sees this and pats Rae's face, as you will to a child you are fond of, to indicate she meant no harm. FOOTBALL FIELD LONG SHOT Another quick shot of action on the field, with crowd roaring, as we SLOWLY DISSOLVE: EXTERIOR MED. SHOT Our shot takes in the tailgate of a furniture truck backed close to a warehouse-like entrance or loading platform. A tablet on wall of warehouse reading EMPIRE STORAGE COMPANY helps identify scene. A Negro of about fifty, strongly built, stands on truck tailgate waiting. Jackie, head hidden under huge club chair which he is carrying, walks into scene from warehouse. NARRATOR It wasn't all touchdowns and cheers, however. There was also work... Jackie swings chair to truck where older man grabs it. JACKIE (wiping perspiration) That's the last one, Jake. Jake settles chair down, leans against it. JAKE I saw you play yesterday. JACKIE (pleased) Yeah? Like the game? JAKE (judiciously) It was good. You was good. But what's the use if you got to do this kind of work? I didn't have to go to no college to get this job. JACKIE (smiling, after pause) You see, Jake, you're smarter than I am. Jake studies Jackie a moment, and then, with a slow, knowing smile, lifts chair up and disappears into truck with it. EXT. UCLA CAMPUS PANORAMIC - (STOCK) General shot campus showing college buildings b.g. and students either wandering around or lounging on ground. NARRATOR And there was always studying to be done. TREE TRUNK CLOSE Jackie sitting with back propped against tree reading book. RAE'S VOICE Oh, I'm sorry I'm late. Jackie looks up as Rae enters scene. He would get up but she slips down beside him before he can get started. RAE Stay put. I was held up by Claire King. She just wanted to talk. JACKIE (indicating his book) That's okay. I can use all the time I can get for this. RAE (pretending affront) Oh. Then I'll go. Jackie instantly tosses book over one shoulder and takes one of Rae's hands in his so she can't get away. JACKIE Did you say something? RAE (pretending alarm) Your book! What about your book? JACKIE What about you? Rae has to break down and smile and they are looking at each other as we FADE OUT: FADE IN: FOOTBALL GAME - DAY - (STOCK) PANORAMIC Another game with stands loaded. STANDS SECTION CLOSE Rae and a few people around her. FIELD - (STOCK) LONG A player, indistinguishable, goes down under tacklers. STANDS CLOSE Rae wincing as voices, o.s., yell: VOICES Jackie's down! Wow! They sure got him that time! A white girl sitting with a boy friend in front of Rae comments: GIRL (indignantly) They sure pile on to him! BOY (brutally) What do you think? Who wouldn't if they had a chance to slug... The girl pokes him and indicates with her eyes that Rae is seated right behind them. The boy looks back at Rae, then at his girl again with a non-committal shrug. LONG SHOT - THE FIELD - RAE'S ANGLE As the players finally unpile. However, the ball-carrier lies there and two or three of his own teammates rush toward him. QUICK CUT - RAE - ALARMED CLOSE SHOT - THE FIELD Jackie on ground, ball under him, two or three players trying to help him to his feet. While they do so, the trainer rushes into scene to help them. CAMERA HOLDS as the trainer and another player help Jackie off the field. Over scene comes a cheer from the crowd, glad that Jackie isn't seriously hurt. However, he does have a decided limp. CLOSEUP - RAE She looks greatly relieved. MED. SHOT - JACKIE, TRAINER AND PLAYER As they walk toward camera, then past camera, on their way to dressing room, o.s. MED. CLOSE - AT ENTRANCE TO DRESSING ROOMS As Jackie, the trainer and another player walk into scene and enter the dressing room. All are quiet, and over scene we HEAR roar of the fans again. INT. DRESSING ROOMS - DAY FULL SHOT Lights are on, there is a doctor's bag on one of the rub- down tables, a dozen or so uniforms tossed on various chairs and on the floor near the lockers. The trainer and player help Jackie up onto a table and pull his jersey off. Jackie winces. TRAINING TABLE TWO SHOT TRAINER (talking as he works) Hurt much? JACKIE Yes. TRAINER Hip's badly bruised. The player who helped Jackie off the field comes into shot. He is angry. PLAYER I don't know what's wrong with those guys giving it to Jackie like that. Just because he's... TRAINER (curtly) Hold it! I knew before the game they were out to watch Jackie close. The trainer on their team told me. But it was because of his playing ability and nothing else. PLAYER Oh. TRAINER You better get back to the bench. (to Jackie) I wasn't kidding about that either, Jackie. They had respect for you out there. Plenty. JACKIE CLOSEUP Jackie mulls over the trainer's words. JACKIE Thanks, Dick. It's nice to know. TRAINER (pleasantly) Say, Jackie. How's your brother Mack? I remember him when he went to the University of Oregon... and when he ran in the Olympics overseas. One of the finest athletes I ever met. JACKIE (after pause) Oh, Mack? He's fine. Fine, thank you. FRONT STEPS ROBINSON HOME MEDIUM Jackie and Rae are sitting quietly on the steps. Mrs. Robinson comes out door just as Jackie slips his body down one step and lays his head against Rae's shoulder. Mrs. Robinson, who has some knitting in her hand, goes to a chair in a dark corner of the porch. JACKIE - RAE CLOSE RAE Still in some pain, aren't you? I think football is a wild game. I don't think I like it. JACKIE (shifting in discomfort) I don't myself right now. MRS. ROBINSON'S VOICE I think it's disgusting... young men battering each other... no better than just plain old bulls. Jackie gives Rae an amused side glance at this, then shrugs. JACKIE Well, it won't last much longer. RAE Why? What are you going to do? JACKIE Oh... something. This isn't getting me anywhere. I mean... this isn't getting us anywhere. He shifts about to look directly at Rae with a smile. JACKIE And that's serious! RAE (embarrassed) Oh-h! She pushes his head around and away from her. MRS. ROBINSON CLOSE She sees this byplay and her face softens in a smile. Quietly she gathers up her knitting and gets up. FRONT STEPS MEDIUM Mrs. Robinson enters house. Jackie hears the door closing and looks around. Then he smiles down at Rae who smiles back in understanding. JACKIE - RAE CLOSE RAE She's cute. JACKIE Yeah... RAE What did you mean, Jackie? About your going to do something? JACKIE CLOSEUP JACKIE (his face serious) Oh... I mean I'm too big to be just ornamental... Keeps Mom and Mack hustling to pay my way... I've got to start in being real useful... DISSOLVE: INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT MED. SHOT - JACKIE He is in bed, unable to sleep. He has a school book on a table beside the bed; a small lamp is burning. He picks up the book and studies it for a few moments, but his heart isn't in it. A clock on the table shows that it is three o'clock in the morning. Jackie sighs deeply, then slowly starts climbing out of bed, still careful of his hip. INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT MEDIUM - JACKIE Standing by the gas range Jackie pours hot coffee into a vacuum lunch bottle. Two sandwiches are on a piece of paper. He corks the bottle and is wrapping up the sandwiches when we hear Mrs. Robinson's voice. MRS. ROBINSON'S VOICE Who is that? You, Jackie? JACKIE Yes, mom. MRS. ROBINSON'S VOICE (alarmed) You sick? JACKIE No. Just couldn't sleep. I'm going out to see Mack. Want to talk to him anyway. MRS. ROBINSON'S VOICE Can't it wait till morning? It's three o'clock. JACKIE I know. But I won't be long. I know where to find him. MRS. ROBINSON'S VOICE (fading off) Three o'clock! My! My! What a thing to do... what a thing to do... EXT. PASADENA STREET SCENE - NIGHT LONG Jackie walking along Colorado Avenue, or similar business street, deserted and lonely at this hour except for a street cleaner in the distance. Jackie carries the lunch package in one hand, much as he would a football. Sandwich and vacuum bottle are wrapped in the same, tight package. TRUCKING Jackie approaching street cleaner who, however, does not hear him because of the noise of his heavy broom and the fact that parked cars separate the two men. JACKIE AND CAR MEDIUM Jackie has reached car. He stops a second and we hear the street cleaner's broom being pushed over the concrete. Jackie takes a few more steps, bringing him past the car. He stops and turns in the direction of the street cleaner. JACKIE (knowing it will be a surprise) Hello, Mack. MACK MEDIUM We see that Mack, Jackie's older brother by three years, and former University of Oregon track star, is the street cleaner. He is in the loose uniform of the town's sanitation corps and is startled by Jackie's words and appearance, then grins. MACK What the... what are you doing here at this hour? Schoolboys should be in bed. JACKIE - MACK JACKIE Yeah. I couldn't sleep so I fixed you some lunch. Here...! He throws the package like a forward pass and Mack, shifting broom to crook of his elbow, snags it expertly. MACK (dropping his broom) Man oh man -- I can use some... Hope you figured I was a bit hungry... He is obviously very pleased. JACKIE (chuckling) You bet. Coffee, too. MACK (indicating curb) Now you're talking. Let's sit down and take it easy for a while... Mack opens the package, takes a sandwich and offers one to Jackie. Jackie shakes his head. MACK (takes a bite) Anything bothering you? JACKIE Yeah. I want to quit college. Right after the basketball season... when my scholarship is up. Mack almost chokes on his first bite. JACKIE (pounding Mack's back) Take it easy, boy. I don't want to lose you now. (getting serious) You know Mom. She sees me as a doctor, minister or lawyer, perhaps. I'd like to please her but it just isn't in me... MACK Yeah. I know. JACKIE (continuing his thought) It would mean years more in school -- and the way I feel, I'd rather work at getting some kind of a sport job -- an assistant coach -- or a trainer -- something like that... But I can't figure out which to aim at... Coaching jobs are darn hard to get... MACK (thoughtfully) All I can say, Jackie, is that you ought to stay in college as long as you can -- try to graduate -- and keep at sports as hard as you can. Something might turn up... and as far as education goes -- it'll do you good... Then, noticing the trash he has been sweeping, he smiles. MACK How much good -- I'm not saying. Jackie nods. Neither of them is at all bitter about it. It is just accepted. JACKIE Sure... I know... But I've got to go to work. I want to marry Rae. School's one thing -- but you and Mom can't support me in marriage. During the scene, Mack has continued to eat and now he opens the thermos of coffee. Jackie shakes his head that he doesn't want any and Mack pours himself a cup. As he starts to drink, a convertible filled with young people drives in sight, the youngsters singing a football victory song. Jackie and Mack watch it drive by. Banners and streamers hang from the car -- all showing UCLA insignia. Mack grins at Jackie. MACK Funny place for a football hero to be sitting at this time of night... Jackie grins back at him. JACKIE Funny job you've got for a university man... He kicks at the pile of debris near them. Mack grins back at him, sighs. MACK (philosophically) That's the way it is... They sit in silence for a moment and CAMERA PULLS BACK and draws away from them, their figures small against the long, lonely, dark street... FADE OUT: FADE IN: EXT. UCLA CAMPUS - NIGHT ESTABLISHING EXT. GYM - NIGHT ENTRANCE A student about to enter calls to another student passing by. STUDENT Hey, Jerry! Going to watch basketball practice? The passing student shakes his head and points to some books he is carrying to indicate he has to study. INT. GYM FULL SHOT A practice session is on, the players just passing the ball around and shooting baskets. At the sidelines stands an assistant coach. JACKIE MED. SHOT We see him run to the basket, get the ball on a pass, and shoot. Catching the ball as it comes through the net he slings it far upcourt. ASSISTANT COACH MEDIUM COACH (calling out) All right, fellows. Let's work out in teams. GYM LONG SHOT The players break up into two teams and take position for the start of a game. JACKIE AND PLAYER CLOSE Jackie and the player opposing him stand together waiting for the opening whistle to sound. PLAYER That true, Jackie, about your quitting at the end of the basketball season? As Jackie nods -- PLAYER Not even going out for baseball again? JACKIE No, I'm not. PLAYER Don't you like baseball? JACKIE Can't afford to like it! PLAYER Why not? JACKIE Ever hear of a Negro in organized ball? GAME LONG We see a few seconds of game skirmish, and follow Jackie down the court in a rush towards the basket which he ultimately shoots. JACKIE AND PLAYER CLOSE They are both panting a little now as they line up against each other again. PLAYER (smiling) Well, don't think I'll miss you. I'll make the first team after you're gone. JACKIE (with friendly dig into player's ribs) Well, I'll miss you. You kept me stepping. The other player pulls his fist back as if to sock Jackie. PLAYER Get out! Kept you stepping! I didn't have a chance! They are both grinning as the whistle sounds and they jump into play again. BASKETBALL GAMES - (STOCK) MONTAGE We see Jackie in action against other college teams during the basketball season, and over each separate game appears a title identifying the particular rival college involved in the shot. After final shot we DISSOLVE: EXT. STUDY HALL LONG A group of students on the steps of one of the campus buildings are reading the college paper which is held by one of them. GROUP MEDIUM One of the students is reading aloud. STUDENT "UCLA loses four-letter athlete. Jackie Robinson leaving school." SECOND STUDENT He wasn't kidding. THIRD STUDENT Gee, that boy's gonna leave a hole behind him hard to fill. How come? One of the other students rubs forefinger against thumb in the "money sign." STUDENT Economics, my boy. A man must live before he can play. And in order to live... He makes the money sign again as we cut go: INT. DRESSING ROOM MEDIUM Jackie is taking his stuff from his locker and packing it in a small bag. The trainer we met in the football sequences and a student are standing by. Jackie is explaining something to them. JACKIE ...Coming out of Junior College to UCLA, the way I did, I only had a two-year scholarship to fit my athletic eligibility. Well... the scholarship is over. TRAINER Isn't there any way you can stay on? JACKIE My mother is 63 years old. She's worked as housekeeper, maid, cook, laundress, janitress and selling yard goods in a store to keep us kids going. TRAINER She wanted to do it. She must not want to see you give up now. JACKIE Yes, she'd work for the next ten years if I stayed in school... TRAINER Well? JACKIE Can't take a chance. I can't expect more future than Mack... and with all his college he wasn't able to get anything worth while. That's not worth ten more years of work for my mother. His packing finished, Jackie shakes hands with both men. JACKIE Luck to you, and I'll take the same. TRAINER AND STUDENT (ad lib) All the luck in the world. You'll make out all right, Jackie. As Jackie exits the trainer turns to the student. TRAINER Somehow it doesn't make sense. The only four-letter man we've had at UCLA in ten years. High basketball scorer for us in both years he was here. On top of that he's as fine a baseball player as I have ever seen... and it don't mean a thing. He's walking out of here without anything ahead of him except a couple of games of pro-football signed up. STUDENT Maybe he can have a career in professional football. TRAINER (shaking his head) Baseball is his game. STUDENT He tells everyone he doesn't care about baseball. TRAINER (with a short smile) Yeah... I know. What else is he going to say? INT. ROBINSON HOME CLOSEUP A pair of hands counting a roll of paper money, each bill being slapped down on a table. CAMERA MOVES BACK to reveal Jackie standing up and counting the money in front of his mother who is seated at the table. She seems puzzled as she looks at the bills and then up at him. MRS. ROBINSON What's that, Jackie? JACKIE (still counting) Money. Remember, Mom? She gives him a warning glance not to joke with her. MRS. ROBINSON What is that, Jackie? JACKIE (in mollifying tone) Okay. Okay, Mom. It's an advance payment for playing professional football. I'm signed up to play for Honolulu. He tidies up the bills and leaves them in front of her as he sits down. MRS. ROBINSON But I don't like for you to play football. Is that why you quit college? JACKIE No, Mom. I'm going there just to play a few games. They came to me when they heard I was going to quit. We can use the money till I get what I want. So I took it. MRS. ROBINSON Honolulu's far away. JACKIE I'll be there and back inside of two months. She is troubled as she looks at the money and then up at Jackie again. He shrugs. JACKIE And then, maybe, I'll have some answers to all the letters I've been writing for a coaching job. When she still doesn't reply he smiles and reaches out to pat her folded hands reassuringly. JACKIE It'll be all right, Mom. Just give me a little time and you'll be proud of me. She looks directly at him. MRS. ROBINSON I was proud of you when you went to college. JACKIE (gravely) I know. But... I didn't feel proud of myself. DISSOLVE: EXT. ROBINSON HOME - NIGHT FULL SHOT Jackie and Rae are sitting on the front steps, apparently having reached a pause in their conversation which has left them both looking a little troubled. DOLLY SHOT CAMERA MOVES IN as we hear: JACKIE ...May take us a little longer this way but it means a better start... As she nods mechanically -- JACKIE When it does... uh... (in sudden disgust) Oh... maybe you're right. Maybe I'm just going around in circles. Rae turns to him quickly in sudden compunction. RAE Jackie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to act so cold to the idea. I'm not even listening because... because I just don't want you to go away. As he tries to talk -- RAE No. I know you have to do something like this to get a start. I know... but that doesn't make me like it. JACKIE (taking her hand) All right. And I am going around in circles. I don't know how to beat that. But Rae... there's one thing I want you to be sure of... As she nods -- JACKIE Every circle comes right back to you. As her face lights up -- JACKIE And all I'm worrying about is getting around fast enough! They smile at each other and then Rae leans her head back against Jackie's chest. They stay like this, both gazing off, when she speaks again. RAE (slowly) I have to take my post-graduate nursing course in a hospital. I think I can get in Bellevue in New York. That's where I'll be... JACKIE (frowning) But why so far... RAE (turning to face him) That's where I'll be when you're ready. It's better that way. Something for me to do. You're more free... They study each other's faces. JACKIE All right. DISSOLVE: INT. SHIPBOARD CABIN - (PROCESS) CLOSE A corner of a cabin. Jackie is typing away at a small table next to a porthole through which we can see a mid-ocean horizon rising and falling with the roll of the ship. Next to him is a small pile of letters already written. The distant clang of ship's bells is HEARD. TYPEWRITER CLOSEUP We can see that the letter is printed "S.S. LURLINE - HONOLULU BOUND." Under it he has typed the following heading and salutation: "Mr. W.J. Jeffrey Athletic Director Overton College Overton, Calif." And that he is tapping out the first few lines of his letter which begins as follows: "Dear Mr. Jeffrey: In application for an athletic coaching, or assistant coaching, appointment at Overton, I would like to submit the following qualifications..." DISSOLVE: MONTAGE - FOOTBALL SCENES Opening with STOCK of Hawaii, then into clips of several football games, ending with a SHOT of a steamship leaving Hawaii. DISSOLVE: EXT. ROBINSON HOME - DAY MED. SHOT - JACKIE He is walking up to the house, carrying a suitcase in each hand. CAMERA HOLDS as he reaches front door. EXT. FRONT DOOR CLOSE - JACKIE He lowers suitcases and knocks at the door as he finds it locked. He waits a moment, gets no answer, then finds his own key and unlocks the door. INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY MED. SHOT As Jackie enters, places his bags on the floor and closes the door behind him. He stands there for a moment, then goes toward a table where there are several pieces of mail. JACKIE AT TABLE MED. CLOSE He picks up the dozen or so letters and finds that four of them are for him. He sits down, opens and reads them, one by one. We do not see the first two which he crumples up and drops into a wastebasket. The third one he re-reads and thinks about for a moment, then places it to one side. The fourth he reads and crumples again and discards with the others. Then he rises and walks back and forth as he thinks. After a moment he stands at the living room window and stares out silently. CLOSE - JACKIE He stares out of the window, then sees something, turns and heads for the front door. EXT. HOUSE - DAY MED. SHOT Mrs. Robinson is walking up toward the house, carrying two large sacks of groceries. Jackie hurries to meet her, greeting her and taking the packages at the same time, even as they embrace. JACKIE Hello, Mom... MRS. ROBINSON (happy to see him) I was hoping you'd be here -- your telegram came just a little while ago so I went out to get some things... He knows that she intended to get some extra-special food for a homecoming dinner. CAMERA PANS them into the house. INT. LIVING ROOM FULL SHOT Jackie and his mother enter and pass through into the kitchen. MRS. ROBINSON (as they walk through) ...you didn't get hurt, did you? MED. CLOSE AT KITCHEN DOOR As they enter kitchen to put down the packages. JACKIE (as he enters) Not a scratch. Got a sore arm though -- from writing letters... MRS. ROBINSON (as she follows him in) Letters? Some letters came for you. She comes back into the living room, heads for the table where Jackie picked up his mail. As Jackie reenters: MRS. ROBINSON I put them here... JACKIE I read them... She turns to him, hoping that he will have some good news. He smiles at her, then moves over and picks up the letter he saved and hands it to her. TWO SHOT - FAVORING MRS. ROBINSON As she reads the letter. MRS. ROBINSON (thoughtfully) What's this National Youth Association...? JACKIE It's something the Government set up to help underprivileged children --- they get all sorts of training --- MRS. ROBINSON (hopefully) ...And they want you to be an athletic instructor? JACKIE Looks that way... Anyway, I'm taking it before they change their minds... Mrs. Robinson looks at the letter again, then back at Jackie. MRS. ROBINSON ...Pennsylvania... (with a smile) You'll be near Rae, anyway... She moves to the sofa and sits down as she talks. MRS. ROBINSON Maybe you can be there when she graduates -- or whatever it is -- from the hospital... JACKIE (nodding) Yeah. (joshing her) So even if we don't have a doctor in the family, we'll have a registered nurse, anyway... (reflectively) ...I hope... MRS. ROBINSON Why not write her and let her know...? JACKIE (nodding) Good idea. Soon's I put my stuff up... He turns, picks up his suitcases and starts through the hall door with them and we DISSOLVE: INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY FULL SHOT This is a room in the nurses' quarters of a large hospital. Everything white, clean, uncrowded. Rae, in graduate nurse's uniform, is seated at a desk reading a letter. On the desk is a picture of Jackie -- in civilian clothes. There is a box of stationery, ink, pen, etc., on the table in addition to several books. CLOSE - RAE READING LETTER She shakes her head, smiling a bit, but with a bit of sadness. INSERT PORTION OF LETTER "...I'm enjoying my work with the kids and the Association has been fine to me. I'll be leaving it soon, though, as the Army has called. But at least, I can stop worrying about the future for awhile..." BACK TO SCENE Rae folds the letter and smiles in sad contemplation as we hear her thinking voice paraphrase Jackie's last sentence: RAE'S VOICE He can stop worrying now that he's in the Army... We know that she will really start worrying. She glances at the framed photograph of him. As we look at it, Jackie's clothes change into the uniform of an Army Private. ARMY POST - (STOCK) MONTAGE If obtainable we will show quick scenes of Jackie's army life as he supervises various athletic activities. INT. HOSPITAL - DAY RAE'S DESK There is a picture of Jackie in the uniform of an Army private. The uniform fades and is replaced by the uniform of a first lieutenant. CAMERA PULLS BACK from photograph and we see that Rae is writing a letter. INSERT LETTER - RAE'S HAND WRITING "...so I will be finished with my course in two weeks and then go back home. When you get your Army discharge I'll be waiting for you in California..." ESTABLISHING SHOT - ARMY POST - DAY - (STOCK) This is supposed to be Ft. Breckenridge, Kentucky, although it can be any large Army installation as long as it remains unidentifiable. STOCK SHOT - SOLDIERS Marching, training, etc. STOCK SHOT - MORE SOLDIERS Entering and leaving barracks, etc. INT. BARRACKS' ROOM - DAY CLOSE SHOT - JACKIE He is packing a suitcase and an Army bag. CAMERA PULLS BACK to reveal another Negro officer with Jackie. This man sits on a bunk -- both are dressed in their uniforms. Jackie moves to a chest and takes some clothes and stuffs them into the Army bag. Then he takes a photo of Rae off the wall and packs that in the suitcase. The last thing he removes from the chest is a fielder's baseball glove. ROOMMATE What you going to do with that? JACKIE (studying glove) I don't know. Don't know if I'll ever do anything with it again... INSERT JACKIE'S HANDS stuffing glove into his bag. DISSOLVE: CLOSEUP - SAME BAG As Jackie's reaches into it and comes out with the glove. There is a burst of laughter as CAMERA PULLS BACK to show that Jackie is home and unpacking his bag in front of Rae, Mrs. Robinson and Mack, all three of whom are laughing. RAE Just like you. First thing one sees when you unpack is a baseball glove... or a pair of spiked shoes... Jackie draws himself up a little stiffish and addresses Rae in formal tones. JACKIE And when have you ever seen me unpack before, Miss Isum? RAE (embarrassed in front of Mrs. Robinson and Mack) I didn't mean that I had ever seen you... why, Jackie! What do you... (whirling about) Well, if that's to be your attitude! She flounces from room and Jackie motions to his mother and Mack as he prepares to follow. JACKIE Excuse me. I have to effect a... a... a rapprochement, I think they call it. He hurries after Rae while Mrs. Robinson looks after him and then turns to Mack to ask with suspicion edging her voice: MRS. ROBINSON What's he mean by that... that rapproche -- that stuff? MACK (shaking head) Search me. We didn't bother with that kind of stuff when I went to college. DISSOLVE: EXT. WAREHOUSE MED. SHOT Same scene as Scene 43. Jake is standing on back of truck maneuvering a settee onto its legs when Jackie walks into the scene and smiles up at him. JACKIE H'ya, Jake. JAKE You been out of the Army a long time now, Jackie. Ain't got yourself a good coaching job yet? JACKIE Not quite. JAKE (grunting) Still writing letters, eh? JACKIE Yes. But if I don't get an answer soon I'll be back here looking for my old job. JAKE I hope that don't happen, son. But if it does... I can sure use you. (changing tone) Why don't you go to them coaching places in person instead of writing them letters? JACKIE You mean why don't I spend fifty dollars train fare instead of a three cent stamp? JAKE (laughing) Yeah... I ain't got all the brains in the world. (laughing louder) I wouldn't even want to prove I got my share! The two are laughing, with Jake sounding off in wild whoops, when Mack's voice is heard, o.s. MACK'S VOICE (calling) Jackie! They stop laughing and turn around as Mack runs into scene carrying a letter which he hands to Jackie. MACK (excited) It just came. Jackie tears letter open. JACKIE CLOSEUP He is reading letter. MACK AND JAKE MEDIUM MACK (to Jake) It's from the Kansas City Monarchs. It can only be one thing... an offer. JAKE Who are they? MACK (surprised) Never heard of the Kansas City Monarchs? It's a professional baseball team. JAKE But I thought professional teams don't want us. MACK It's an all-colored team. GROUP Jackie looks up and Mack can't wait. MACK Well? JACKIE (a little dazed) A hundred dollars a week... to play shortstop. Jake jumps from truck and is so intrigued he takes letter from Jackie to puzzle over it himself. JACKIE (puzzled) And I didn't even write them. How did they know? MACK Oh, they knew about you from UCLA and some of the pro games you played at Brookside. They must have scouted you. JAKE (handing letter back to Jackie) Here. That's what it says... a hundred a week. (studying furniture on truck) Just pushing a little old baseball around. Maybe there's something to that college stuff after all. LOS ANGELES COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL - (STOCK) PANORAMIC NAME PLATE HOSPITAL CLOSEUP INT. DRUG STORE CLOSE Just a table in a corner at which sit Jackie and Rae, the latter in white uniform of a nurse, and with Coca Cola bottles and glasses before them. An air of sadness seems to have overcome both of them. RAE (thoughtfully) Well... you've got to take it. I don't see what else you can do. JACKIE (in same mood) Yeah... and if I can stay with the Monarchs a couple of years I should be able to save up a little money. (looking at her) Maybe even enough... (hopefully) Maybe when I know I'm set there, then...? She nods, but not with any particular enthusiasm. Jackie notes this and nods slowly in agreement with her reaction. JACKIE I don't blame you. Gee... a couple more years. Why don't we set a wedding date for about 1960 and have it over with? Rae doesn't think it is funny, even if it wasn't meant to be. She stands up and looks at her wristwatch. RAE I don't know about 1960, but in five minutes I'm due back in the ward. Jackie gets up and puts some coins on the table. JACKIE And tomorrow I'm due in Kansas City. They stand looking at each other, both with blank faces, unable to fathom either how to solve their problem or what lies ahead of this new development as we FADE OUT: FADE IN: ESTABLISHING SHOTS - KANSAS CITY - DAY - (STOCK) Over scenes are SUPERIMPOSED the words: KANSAS CITY. DISSOLVE: EXT. BALLPARK - DAY CLOSE SHOT - SIGN "MONARCHS vs. CLEVELAND" o.s., we HEAR crowd noises. EXT. BALLPARK - DAY FROM HIGH ANGLE The playing field. A game is in progress. WIDE ANGLE SHOT - THE STANDS A fair-sized audience, practically all colored. EXT. DUGOUT TWO SHOT Jackie, in uniform, is sitting in a corner of dugout alongside an older man, apparently the manager. MANAGER This being your first game I was going to hold you out a couple of innings but maybe you want to take a lick at bat now? (nodding to batter) Follow Joe. JACKIE (rising) Okay. As Jackie starts away -- MANAGER And look! Uh... we give them a show out there, Jackie. If you make an out, act mad. If you think you get a bad call on a ball, talk it up. They like that here. Jackie considers this, nods, and then walks away quietly. The manager shakes his head as if doubtful that Jackie can come through on this order. SIDELINES MEDIUM Jackie, bat in hand, moves "on deck" and squats, waiting his turn. BATTER A Monarch player waggling bat viciously as if daring pitcher to throw one in the groove. UMPIRE BEHIND BAT Holding a "two-three" count up with his fingers. PITCHER Gazing contemptuously towards batter, winding up and throwing. BATTER Striking out with a tremendous swing, he yells in fury and starts pounding the ground with his bat in anger. SIDELINES MEDIUM As Jackie moves to plate he passes the retired batter. The latter is still gesticulating angrily, but as he passes Jackie he winks at him and we know it is all an act for the fans. GRANDSTAND - (STOCK) As loudspeaker announcement is heard: ANNOUNCER Now batting for Kansas City Monarchs in place of Rumley -- Jackie Robinson! PLATE CLOSE Jackie takes his stance. The catcher squats and begins talking it up. CATCHER (calling to pitcher) This is a new boy, Bill. Take it real easy with him. Don't discourage the new boy. Nice and easy! Nice and easy! As the catcher is talking Jackie turns and nods to him as if grateful for the expected gentle treatment. PITCHER CLOSE He acts interested in what catcher is telling him, then nods as if in gentlemanly agreement with the policy of treating a new man with consideration. He begins his windup slowly but when he finally whips the ball it is with everything he's got. PLATE CLOSE The ball streaks past Jackie's head so closely that he has to fall to ground to avoid getting beaned. As he gets up, acting fully bewildered, the catcher runs to him and helps him dust his clothes, simulating deep concern. Jackie gazes at catcher, and then at pitcher, with great suspicion. GRANDSTAND SMALL SECTION The spectators are enjoying this byplay hugely. PLATE CLOSE Jackie waiting and showing determination to hit. He swings and hits... but doesn't run. GRANDSTAND ROOF LONG The ball going high over the stands and onto the roof. PITCHER A new ball is thrown to him. He begins his windup and throws. PLATE CLOSE Jackie swings and misses, so hard that he is carried several feet from plate and ends up facing stands. He acts angry, pulls his bat back of him with one hand and looks as if he is going to sling it into the seats. For a moment he stands thus, wrestling with himself almost, as if trying to control his temper. There is a roar of excitement from the spectators, and then Jackie lets the bat down. Lowering his head in deep dejection he starts walking back to the dugout. The crowd's yelling now turns to laughter. DUGOUT MEDIUM As Jackie steps in to resume his seat next to manager. MANAGER (enthusiastic) That was great, Jackie! Fine stuff! They loved it. As Jackie nods -- MANAGER But, of course, you know... As Jackie looks up -- MANAGER You're also supposed to get a hit once in a while JACKIE CLOSEUP He casts an amused look at manager from under his eyebrows. JACKIE Make up your mind. DISSOLVE: INFIELD LONG The Monarch batter hits a pop fly and the side is retired. The Monarch team, including Jackie who goes to shortstop, takes the field. The infielders snap up ground balls thrown by first base and we get our first glimpse of Jackie in action as a fielder. JACKIE MONTAGE Various shots of Jackie in action as a shortstop; picking up a ground ball and shooting it to first, covering second and throwing to first for a double play, backing up the third baseman on a hot grounder and recovering when the latter boots one. SCOREBOARD CLOSE A series of ciphers show three innings have been played. In the fourth inning slot the figure "1" appears for each team, and then further ciphers appear up to the beginning of the ninth inning. INFIELD LONG The Monarchs come running in, including Jackie who goes to the bat rack. JACKIE CLOSE He selects a bat and heads for the plate. SAME - CLOSER JACKIE AT PLATE Jackie first takes a strike, then cuts at the next pitch and lines a double into the field. The crowd yells. FULL SHOT - THE FIELD As Jackie runs, then slides into second just in time to beat the pitch from the outfield. He gets up and dusts himself off as the second baseman, ball in hand, grins at him. SECOND BASEMAN About time you started hitting, boy. Jackie grins and the second baseman returns the ball to the pitcher. As he throws, Jackie suddenly lights out for third and catches the pitcher flatfooted, not expecting such a daring play. The crowd roars as Jackie slides safely into third. CLOSEUP - PITCHER Looking disgusted with himself. CLOSE SHOT - JACKIE ON THIRD Grinning to himself. He obviously loves the sport and enjoys a spectacular play. He takes a long lead, teasing the pitcher. FULL SHOT - THE FIELD The next batter flies to the infield and Jackie gets back to base in time. The shortstop holds the ball for a moment, then satisfied that Jackie is holding the bag, tosses to the pitcher. The moment the ball leaves his hand, Jackie has started for home. By the time the pitcher catches the ball and relays it to the catcher, Jackie is sliding in safe at home plate. The crowd roars approval of his daring base- running. MED. SHOT - AT DUGOUT As Jackie returns. Several players grin and ad lib their approval of the way he has handled himself. As the game continues, one of the players, Slim, moves close to Jackie and starts a conversation. SLIM Good going. You ought to sleep well tonight. JACKIE I generally sleep pretty good. SLIM On a bus? JACKIE (thoughtfully) That's right. I forgot we travel by bus. SLIM Make four hundred mile jumps between games. Only chance we ever get to hit a bed is in a two or three game series. JACKIE Not so good. SLIM It ain't de luxe, brother! MONTAGE This is designed to show the nomadic life of these ballplayers. A. Players piling into their own bus at night. B. Players inside bus, half asleep as they travel. C. Shots of game, including Jackie getting a hit. D. Bus traveling again. E. Players dressing on bus, getting into their uniforms. F. Players emerging from bus at ballpark, going right onto field as if they've delayed game by late arrival. G. Inside bus again; night, players asleep, some still in uniform. H. Game in progress. Jackie in good fielding play. I. Shot of fans showing their appreciation of game. EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT MED. SHOT The Monarch bus drives down highway, toward camera, which PULLS BACK and PANS as it disappears down highway, L. to R. EXT. HIGHWAY LONG SHOT - MONARCH BUS As it drives past. Through the windows we get a glimpse of the players. INT. BUS FULL In the dim illumination we can see the players, a few asleep, most sprawled out and listening to a major league night game broadcast. BUS SECTION CLOSE Slim has a portable radio on his lap. Jackie is in seat behind him. RADIO ANNOUNCER It's two and two on Greenberg as Feller winds up... and it's ball three... HIGH-PITCHED WAIL FROM REAR OF BUS Shut off that radio! I want to sleep. SLIM Quiet, Leander! That's Hank Greenberg at bat. (to Jackie) That Leander! He sleeps all day out in right field. LEANDER I don't care if it's Duke Ellington! I want to sleep. SLIM (to radio) Come on, Hank. Wait it out... 'less it's good. RADIO ANNOUNCER There's the windup again... and Greenberg SWINGS at a high one and he's out! There is a general murmur of disgust from all in the bus. SLIM (provoked) What he bite on that for? (snapping off radio) Ah-h... that's the game! There is a lull as everyone settles back with closed eyes. Then the plaintive voice of Leander is heard again. LEANDER Hey-y-y! SLIM (angrily) What you want now, Leander? I turned the radio off. Go to sleep. LEANDER I ain't sleepy no more. I'm hungry. ANOTHER BUS SECTION CLOSE Several players open up their eyes and consider this. They look at each other and seem to indicate Leander has something. DRIVER The bus driver looks back and then at the manager who occupies a front seat. SLIM CLOSE SLIM Hungry? Why you... (on second thought) Hungry... (looking back at Jackie) How about you? Jackie compresses his lips and nods as if it isn't a bad idea at all. Almost immediately other players pick up Leander's word and we hear them. PLAYERS (ad lib) Yeah... hungry. I can eat. About time... gotta get out of here anyway. I'm for it! DRIVER CLOSE He checks manager who nods in agreement. Driver nods back and peers ahead. EXT. ROADSIDE CAFE - OVER DRIVER'S SHOULDER AND THROUGH BUS WINDSHIELD We see a forlorn-looking combination filling station and lunch room, with several cars parked around. DRIVER (over shoulder) Don't look too bad... INT. BUS FULL SHOT As the players, full of good humor, move around in their seats, trying to see the lunch room. EXT. ROADSIDE CAFE MED. SHOT As the bus pulls in and to a stop. FULL SHOT - IN BUS The players, Jackie included, peering through the bus windows, studying the almost deserted roadside cafe. DRIVER (at them all) Whose turn? Let's not waste time... The players look at each other and finally Slim gets to his feet. He combs his hair and brushes at his clothes, trying to look as presentable as possible. The others watch him as he leaves the bus. EXT. CAFE AND BUS FULL SHOT Slim starts toward the cafe. He hesitates at the door for a moment, then enters. INT. ROADSIDE CAFE FULL SHOT A plain eating spot with one long counter, usual coffee urns, and wall aperture through which the chef can be seen in the kitchen. Three male patrons are seated together halfway down from the door, and the counterman, about thirty, is leaning against the wall talking to them as Slim enters. The four look towards Slim without any welcome and wait till he approaches. SLIM (nodding) Sixteen of us... in the bus outside. How's chances of getting a late dinner? COUNTERMAN - PATRONS MED. CLOSE The patrons look to the counterman to see what his reply will be. He notes their stare and then folds his arms. COUNTERMAN I'm all alone here. Afraid I couldn't handle you. The three patrons now swing their stare on Slim. SLIM CLOSE He seems not surprised and is ready with his next question. SLIM How about sandwiches? Could you have the chef make some up for us? COUNTERMAN CLOSE He seems to be considering this but before he can answer an offstage voice is heard: VOICE How many of you? KITCHEN WINDOW CLOSE The chef, a rugged, elderly fellow is looking through the window. SLIM MEDIUM SLIM Sixteen. CHEF CLOSE CHEF Make you about sixteen beefs, sixteen ham and eggs. That be all right? CHEF - SLIM MEDIUM Slim walks to chef as he replies. SLIM Swell. Some fried potatoes on the side, chef? CHEF (disappearing) Yup. (o.s.) Take about twenty minutes. The counterman walks into scene and stoops under counter to get a roll of paper containers. COUNTERMAN (a bit sulky) Coffee for everybody? SLIM Yeah... but don't pour it until the sandwiches are ready, please... so the coffee will be hot. COUNTERMAN Just getting it ready, Bud. Just getting it ready. SLIM Thanks. He indicates outside with his thumb. SLIM You suppose we could wash up a bit? The counterman sneaks a quick look towards window but the chef is apparently too busy to hear this. He turns back to Slim. COUNTERMAN Sorry. It's out of order. SLIM MEDIUM His face is expressionless. SLIM Oh... Thanks. Then we'll go up the road and be back in fifteen minutes. SLIM - COUNTERMAN MEDIUM COUNTERMAN Have to leave a deposit on the sandwiches in that case. SLIM (reaching into pocket) Sure. EXT. BUS - LUNCH ROOM LONG Slim leaves lunch room and walks slowly to bus. INT. BUS MEDIUM Shooting towards front entrance as Slim climbs aboard. SLIM They're feeding us. That's all. I told them we're goin' up the line a bit. Without another word the driver starts the motor up. EXT. BUS - ROAD FULL The bus starts up the highway. EXT. BUS - HIGHWAY LONG We see the bus coming to a stop alongside a wooded section. The door opens and the players straggle out. One by one they disappear from sight as they walk into the woods and bushes -- as we DISSOLVE: EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT MEDIUM The bus speeding along. INT. BUS - NIGHT FULL Now everyone but the driver is asleep, stretched out in the various and often grotesque postures typical of bus slumber. INT. CORRIDOR MEDIUM Any sort of corridor in which Rae, in hospital uniform, meets another colored nurse. Rae carries medical tray. OTHER NURSE 'Morning, Rae. I read about your Jackie last night. He's been going great for months. He write you? RAE Yes. He's doing well. Except he doesn't like the traveling. OTHER NURSE Well, tell him to give it up and come back here and get a job. RAE (with slight smile) I sure feel like it. OTHER NURSE That's the time to write. RAE (shaking head) I'll wait. Waited this long. They smile and pass on. ESTABLISHING SHOT - CHICAGO SKYLINE - DAY - (STOCK) EXT. COMISKY BALL PARK - DAY - (STOCK) LONG SHOT EXT. BALL PARK ENTRANCE - DAY MED. SHOT TOWARD BOX OFFICE. A sign visible: "MONARCHS vs. CHICAGO" DISSOLVE THROUGH: INT. BALL PARK - DAY FULL SHOT A fair-sized crowd, players warming up on the field, but the game hasn't started. EXT. DUGOUT - PLAYERS MED. SHOT Several players stand near the dugout, throwing balls back and forth. Taking it easy as they warm up. Since most of them are watching those players on the field, we realize that the Chicago players are those practicing; the Monarchs are waiting for their turn. EXT. DUGOUT DIFFERENT ANGLE Jackie and Slim enter the dugout from clubroom runway and notice Bill Piedmont, a pitcher, sitting alone, somewhat disconsolately. Jackie and Slim settle down on each side of Bill. SLIM What's the matter with you? Didn't you pitch and win yesterday? JACKIE That's right. You were hot. BILL Yeah... but there's no future to it. SLIM What'ya mean? BILL (to Jackie) How much does a twenty game win pitcher get paid in the major league? JACKIE I don't know. Thirty thousand up, maybe. BILL That's right. And I've won thirty so far... and I'll get more. SLIM And you ain't getting any thirty thousand. BILL (staring at Slim) Funny boy. JACKIE Think you could do as well in the majors? BILL No. Not any thirty or more. But I'd sure come close to twenty... JACKIE I think so. BILL (getting up) And maybe be able to save a few dollars for when my arm goes... He walks off. Slim watches him and turns to Jackie. SLIM CLOSE SLIM He's right. We're all in the same boat. Get enough to get by -- but nothing to put by. SLIM - JACKIE TWO SHOT Slim gets up. SLIM Well... He doesn't finish but walks out on field leaving Jackie alone. Jackie sits thinking and we can hear Slim's words echoing in his mind... SLIM (echo box) ...enough to get by -- but nothing to put by... Someone calls Jackie and he snaps out of his reverie and runs onto field. EXT. FIELD FULL Centering on Jackie at shortstop as play begins. We HEAR the crack of a bat and Jackie shoots over to his left to make a pickup and throw out to first. It is a neat, fast play. DISSOLVE: PLATE CLOSE Jackie stepping up to bat. RADIO ANNOUNCER CLOSE We see him talking into his mike. ANNOUNCER Jackie Robinson up again. He got a hit once and walked once. Let's see what he does now. PLATE CLOSE The ball flashes by Jackie, low. He makes no move. ANNOUNCER CLOSE ANNOUNCER Ball one. Too low. PLATE Jackie waggling his bat, drawing it back... but failing to swing as the ball comes by low again. UMPIRE'S VOICE Ball two! PITCHER CLOSE He is plainly nettled as he receives ball, gets catcher's sign, and winds up. PLATE MEDIUM From behind catcher. We see Jackie poised to hit, the ball coming... and Jackie merely lifts his elbows to let ball come through. UMPIRE Ball! ANNOUNCER CLOSE He is laughing. ANNOUNCER Jackie is not biting. They've got the wrong man. It's ball three now and the pitcher's on the spot. PITCHER CLOSE He wipes sweat from brow. Winds up and -- PLATE MEDIUM The ball comes by and without waiting for the umpire's call Jackie tosses his bat aside and makes for first. ANNOUNCER Laughing again. ANNOUNCER Ball four and Jackie walks again. He's got eyes, that boy. INFIELD FULL With the first baseman in the act of tossing the ball back to the pitcher -- the ball still in mid-air -- Jackie is off on a dash to second. The pitcher is rattled, fumbles momentarily, and then gets off a high throw. Jackie is safe on a long, hooked slide. DISSOLVE: EXT. DUGOUT MEDIUM Monarch players are tumbling into the dugout from the field, ad libbing about winning a tough game. EXT. SIDELINES FULL We see Jackie loping along towards dugout. Suddenly his name is called and he looks towards the boxes. SUKEFORTH Oh, Robinson! Can I see you a minute? Jackie pauses, then veers toward the box seats. BOX SEAT MEDIUM Sukeforth is standing as Jackie enters the scene. Sukeforth extends his hand and Jackie takes it... wondering and perhaps a little suspicious that he may be dealing with a crank. SUKEFORTH My name is Clyde Sukeforth. I'm with Branch Rickey... of the Brooklyn Dodgers... Jackie neither changes expression nor acknowledges this in any way. Sukeforth climbs out of box onto field and takes Jackie's arm. SUKEFORTH I'll walk up to the dressing room with you. Talk to you there. They start off, Jackie still wondering. INT. DRESSING ROOM DOOR MEDIUM Stopping outside the dressing room door, Sukeforth begins talking again. Several Monarch players, including Slim, walk by and look at them curiously. SUKEFORTH Branch Rickey wants to see you. JACKIE What for? SUKEFORTH Frankly, I don't know. Can you leave for Brooklyn tonight with me? Jackie is taken aback by this, then, after studying Sukeforth, he suddenly nods his head. JACKIE Sure. SUKEFORTH (pleased) Great! I'm at the Palmer House. I'll arrange for our railroad tickets and suppose you phone me at the Palmer at seven? JACKIE I'll do that, Mr. Sukeforth. They shake hands and Sukeforth leaves. Jackie stands looking after him a moment, his head shaking in wonder. Then he enters dressing room. INT. DRESSING ROOM MEDIUM Jackie reaches his locker and starts pulling his shirt off. Slim enters scene accompanied by Bill, the pitcher. SLIM Who was that white man, Jackie? A friend of yours? JACKIE Nope. Said he was a scout for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Said Branch Rickey wants to see me. SLIM (nudging Bill) S'matter? You owe Rickey some money or something? BILL Yeah... what does Mr. Rickey want to see you about? JACKIE (smiling) He didn't say. Just wants to see me. Maybe to see if I've got two heads or something. SLIM What'd you say? JACKIE He's getting the train tickets and I'm to phone him at seven at his hotel. SLIM Better hurry up and pack. We'll miss you. JACKIE (laughing) You don't think I'm crazy, do you? Slim and Bill join in the laughter and Bill lets his hand fall on Jackie's shoulders. BILL You'll find a lot of these cranks showing up. I don't know what makes 'em do it. Last year I was signed to pitch for the Giants, Senators and Cincinnati. SLIM But none of us have ever been signed for Brooklyn yet. That's a new one. You ought to take Bill and me out and show us a good time on the strength of that. JACKIE On the strength of that I'm going to have dinner and go home to bed. It's been four days since we had a bed to sleep in and I'm going to get a nightful of it. BILL You got something there... FADE OUT: FADE IN: INT. HOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT MED. SHOT - JACKIE He is in bed, sound asleep, when a knock is heard at the door. Jackie rolls over a bit, paying no attention. CLOSER - JACKIE As he lifts his head sleepily when the knocking continues, louder this time. JACKIE Who is it? There is silence for a moment, then a dry, angry voice is heard. MAN'S VOICE Robinson? Clyde Sukeforth. CLOSE UP - JACKIE He appears stunned, is completely motionless for a moment, then snaps on the bedside lamp. The room is illuminated for the first time and we see that it is a cheap one, poorly furnished. On the dresser is a framed picture of Rae. JACKIE (fully awake) Just a second! He gets out of bed, in his pajamas, and hurries to open the door. From his expression he still isn't sure what to expect. MED. SHOT - AT DOOR As Jackie opens it and an annoyed-looking Sukeforth enters. They stare at each other for a moment. SUKEFORTH (angrily) What are you trying to pull, Robinson? He moves into the room, angrily continuing to berate Jackie. SUKEFORTH Playing hard to get or something...? Or just trying to make a fool out of me? Acting like a smart guy... making me miss my train... (disgusted) I should have taken it and not come here... TWO SHOT - FAVORING JACKIE He is growing indignant at this treatment from a man he is not sure of. He controls his temper, but nevertheless makes himself plain. JACKIE Just a minute, Mr. Sukeforth -- if that's your name... I don't know you and you don't know me... Sukeforth looks at him sharply. Jackie hesitates, then continues. JACKIE ...If Mr. Rickey did send you to see me, then I've made a big mistake -- and I'm sorry... Sukeforth doesn't understand for a moment. Then, angrily, he reaches into his pocket, brings out his wallet and gives Jackie a card. INSERT CARD IN JACKIE'S HAND BACK TO SCENE Jackie looks up from the card, puzzled. JACKIE It's still hard to believe... A lot of fellows come to the game and... you know. SUKEFORTH (getting Jackie's reasoning) Oh... You thought I was giving you the business! I should have thought of that... Jackie relaxes a bit and waits for Sukeforth to continue. SUKEFORTH (smiling) When Mr. Rickey told me to come out here and talk to you, I didn't think I was hearing right myself... but here I am... He looks around the room, then back to Jackie. JACKIE And you said you don't know why he wants to see me. SUKEFORTH (no longer angry) I don't... (thoughtfully) Unless... JACKIE (urging him on) After all, there's no chance for me in major league baseball. As Sukeforth nods in agreement -- JACKIE So... what... SUKEFORTH The only thing I can think of... and I've got no right to suggest it... just between us... JACKIE Yes? SUKEFORTH There's talk about an all-Negro football team being started by Mr. Rickey... the Brown Dodgers... JACKIE Oh... so that's it. Football. SUKEFORTH I don't know. But he wants to see you and he's paying your fare... both ways if you come back... What do you say... yes or no? Jackie looks around the room, plainly at a loss. SUKEFORTH You'll just have to make up your mind, quick. I can't tell you any more. I don't know any more. JACKIE I... Okay. SUKEFORTH Fine. Let's pack. We leave in an hour. FADE OUT: FADE IN: ESTABLISHING SHOT - NEW YORK SKYLINE - DAY - (STOCK) EBBETTS FIELD - BROOKLYN - DAY - (STOCK) A game is on. INT. BUILDING HALLWAY - DAY MED. SHOT Jackie and Sukeforth round a corner and walk down the hall toward camera. CAMERA PULLS BACK and PANS to a doorway on which is printed: BROOKLYN BASEBALL CLUB, INC. Branch Rickey, President. CAMERA HOLDS as Jackie and Sukeforth walk up to the door. Sukeforth opens it without knocking and leads Jackie inside. INT. RECEPTION ROOM - DAY FULL SHOT An attractive secretary sits at a desk. Two doors lead into adjoining offices. On the walls are signed, framed photographs of some of the old and new Dodgers. SECRETARY Hello, Mr. Sukeforth... Mr. Rickey is expecting you. Sukeforth leads the way to a door marked "MR. RICKEY." He opens it and motions Jackie to step in first. INT. RICKEY'S OFFICE - DAY LONG On Rickey, as he looks up towards camera from his desk in a good-sized, well-furnished office, decorated with additional pictures of baseball notables -- officials as well as players. RICKEY (heartily) Hello, Clyde! Got your man, eh? He stands up, warm of face and manner, but we can tell from the look in his eyes that he is making a quick and keen study of Jackie. RICKEY Come in, Jackie. I'm very glad to see you. DESK AREA SIDE SHOT As Sukeforth and Jackie come up to desk. JACKIE How do you do, Mr. Rickey. SUKEFORTH Yes, this is Jackie Robinson... and it looked for a while as if I wasn't going to get him here. RICKEY (to Jackie) Sit down, won't you? (to Sukeforth) Oh, no? (to Jackie) How come? Don't like Brooklyn? JACKIE CLOSE As he takes a chair. JACKIE I've got nothing against Brooklyn. But... uh... on the Monarchs we get all kinds of men who show up and talk big about signing us up for this and that. It's a kind of a gag. RICKEY - JACKIE TWO SHOT RICKEY Oh, sure! Sure! Sure! But didn't Clyde show you his credentials? JACKIE Yes... we got together finally. RICKEY Well, that's the main thing... And now... JACKIE Yes, sir? RICKEY You're wondering, naturally, why I sent for you. JACKIE More than wondering, Mr. Rickey. I'm most curious. Although... I sort of figured it out for myself... RICKEY (a bit surprised) You did? JACKIE Well, I know you're starting an all- colored football team. RICKEY Oh! Yes! Yes! We are thinking about that. But... that's not what I want you for. (quietly; after pause) Jackie, I want you for baseball. JACKIE - SUKEFORTH CLOSE TWO SHOT Jackie is bewildered. He looks towards Sukeforth as if for help in understanding but Sukeforth's expression is just as puzzled. Then Jackie turns back and his face hardens a bit. JACKIE You said that as if you were talking about organized baseball, Mr. Rickey. But I'm a Negro. There are none of us in big league ball. I don't understand... DESK - THREE SHOT RICKEY Why I should want to put a Negro into baseball? JACKIE Yes. RICKEY (nodding) I'm going to tell you... (to Sukeforth) And you, Clyde. (looking off) Because I am going to have to tell many people. Jackie and Sukeforth consult each other with another glance as Rickey falls silent a moment. RICKEY CLOSEUP Leaning forward to Jackie. RICKEY I have been looking for someone like you -- an intelligent, educated, good Negro ballplayer -- for some time. I needed a man whose character was well regarded and whose background was unblemished. As far as we can find out, you are such a man. You might as well know now... we've done a lot of checking up on you. I can tell you your life story from Georgia to where you are sitting now. It may be that you will be the first Negro in organized baseball. JACKIE CLOSEUP He is flabbergasted and, at the same time, beginning to feel an excitement which he cannot well hide. But he is also puzzled, and his hand goes to his chest, indicating himself, as he manages to get out one word... JACKIE But... DESK AREA THREE SHOT As Rickey stands up and shoots a finger out at Jackie as if guessing what is on his mind. RICKEY Why you? Let's get this straight so we can all understand it. It's too important for anyone to have a false impression. People are going to shoot at us... we must know where we stand. I didn't call you here because I want to do something for you, or for your race, or for the Brooklyn Ball Club. I want to do something for all of us... All of us Americans. Rickey turns and gazes out of the window. EXT. EBBETTS FIELD - (STOCK) FROM RICKEY'S WINDOW The park is crowded with fans. (The Brooklyn Ball Club offices are not near Ebbetts Field; they are in downtown Brooklyn. But the liberty we take is not offensive and should not be objectionable to anyone.) RICKEY'S VOICE ...For years I have seen and watched Americans together in the grandstands and bleachers of our country's ball parks... Negroes, whites of all nationalities... BASEBALL CROWDS - ANY PARK - (STOCK) MONTAGE Selected to illustrate Rickey's continued speech. (Great care should be taken here as the proper scenes can lend pointed and heartwarming emphasis to this important, key scene. We see Negroes and Whites laughing together, growing tense together, gulping with relief as some emergency is met. We may have a group CLOSEUP which might include (this may have to be staged) an American executive type, a Negro and a Jew, suddenly all filled with heartbreak or dismay as a hometown hero has apparently struck out, or some other bad break has ensued. In no case need we show what they are watching. The faces of the crowds can express the typical emotional situations that come up in any game.) RICKEY'S VOICE ...Italians, Irish, Swedes, Jews, Germans, Chinese, Russians, Japanese, Czechs... and I have marveled at their fellowship, their cheers, laughter, disappointments, enthusiasm, all as one... and all made so by the magic of a sport they all loved and appreciated equally. And I couldn't help ask myself a question... a long time ago... and hundreds of times since -- If Americans can find such a common meeting ground in a game... the game of baseball... If they can play together like this... why can't they live together like this... in the game of life? OFFICE MED. Over heads of Jackie and Sukeforth towards Rickey still looking out of window. He turns back and finishes quietly. RICKEY And... I know they can... and maybe baseball can show the way... because baseball is wholly and peculiarly American. JACKIE CLOSEUP He is looking at Rickey with new eyes. RICKEY CLOSEUP RICKEY That's why I called you here, Jackie. Do you want to get in on it? Because it starts with you! JACKIE - SUKEFORTH TWO SHOT Sukeforth looks to see what Jackie's answer will be, and Jackie begins nodding slowly, and replies, not as if he is talking to Rickey, but as if he is asking questions of himself... because this is serious. JACKIE If I'm strong enough. If I should be the one on whom this all depends. When Rickey remains silent -- JACKIE I can try. For all I've got. RICKEY - JACKIE TWO SHOT RICKEY (simply) That should be enough. But I want you to know exactly what you are getting into. I'll do my part. You mustn't let me, or all of us, down. Jackie, we can't start you with Brooklyn. It wouldn't be fair to both of us. We don't know if you're major league or not. JACKIE CLOSEUP He nods. He agrees. RICKEY We'll let you try out for Montreal, one of our farm teams, and later hope you make Brooklyn. But aside from that, if and when we announce you for even Montreal... do you know what's going to happen? The papers? People? Other players? Other clubs? The reaction in the south? JACKIE CLOSEUP He nods. RICKEY CLOSEUP RICKEY And if we get over that and you actually start with Montreal -- Will you stand what you're going to have to go through? The razzing... the cruel, unfair razzing that every player gets, and the special razzing, the special name-calling you're going to get. Can you stand it? JACKIE CLOSEUP He nods. RICKEY CLOSEUP RICKEY Are you sure? Because... (face grim) You're not going to be able to fight back... no matter what the offense. (emphasis) ...No matter what the offense! Do you understand? DESK THREE SHOT Both Rickey and Sukeforth wait for Jackie's reply. Finally it comes. JACKIE Can you use a ballplayer who hasn't the spirit... to fight back? RICKEY CLOSEUP It's a poser. He rubs his face, his chin, and practically his entire head. Eventually he finds an answer. RICKEY That's what's going to make your job so tough. No! I want a fighter every time. I want a man in there for everything he's got! But... you'll have to take it... not fight back... and yet, do it so that somehow it's no discredit to you... so that somehow the crowd will sense it's not cowardice that is stopping you but something deeper. If, and when, you can put that over... your troubles are over. No player will bother you, no man will unfairly attack you by name or epithet, when you have established that with the baseball public. Because the very core of Americans is fair play... once they