JOB AND ANGEL SCHERMERHORN                                                                                            

BLACK SCREEN

In white letters we read; 

And the Lord said unto Satan..  Hast thou 
considered my servant Job, that there is
none like him in the earth, a perfect and
upright man, one that feareth God and 
eschews evil.
.
And answered Satan, but put forth thy hand
now, and touch all that he hath, and he will
curse thee to thy face. *

*Book of Job
.  
FADE IN

EXT. MANHATTAN - DAY

The city sparkles in the sunlight.

Men and women walk briskly in all directions.     

A middle age man walks out of a building.  He suddenly stops to catch his breath, then crashes to the ground.

Pedestrians walk over and around him.

A car drives across the street and double-parks.

SAM COHEN emerges from the car.  He is in his mid- thirties.  His shoulders are hunched, his hair sprinkled with gray.  He dashes to the stricken man. He takes off his coat, folds it and places it under the man’s head.

					SAM
			(shouting)
	Someone call 911.

He is ignored by the passing crowd.  He dashes into a nearby 

COFFEE SHOP
	
Sam inserts a coin into a pay phone and punches a number.

					SAM
		Hello?...a man fell unconscious...
		Forty second street, in front of
		Grand Central station...yes, I’ll 
		stay with him.

Sam runs out of the coffee shop and into 

THE STREET

Sam returns to the stricken man.  People still ignore the unconscious man.   
					A beat
Sirens are heard.  

An ambulance arrives at the scene.  Paramedics emerge from the ambulance.  They  examine the stricken man.  Sam looks across the street.

A policeman writes a parking ticket and attaches it to Sam’s car windshield.

Sam dashes to the policeman.

					SAM
			(pointing)
		That man fell on the ground.  I just 
		called 911.  You shouldn’t be giving
		me a ticket.

					POLICEMAN
		Don’t tell me my job.
 
The policeman takes the ticket from the windshield and hands it to Sam.

					SAM
		But officer...

The officer gets into his car and drives off.

Sam returns to the ambulance.  The stricken man on a stretcher, is hauled onto the ambulance by paramedics.

					SAM
			(to paramedic)
		Will he be all right?

					PARAMEDIC
		It looks like a heart attack.  He’ll
		be taken care of in the hospital. 

The paramedics get into the ambulance and drive off.

Sam, holding his coat and parking ticket, casts a wistful look at the ambulance, as it recedes in the distance.

EXT/INT. HERALD NEWS - DAY

Streaks of sunlight catch the pristine walls of the skyscrapers.

The area teems with activity.  Trucks are loaded with newspapers and then drive off.

Men and women pour in and out of the building.

Sam walks through a maze of offices.

Young men and women work arduously at their computers.
As Sam walks by, they smile at him.

					FIRST MAN
		How’s it going Sam?

					SAM
		The Lord is with me.

					SECOND MAN
			(smiling)
		You’ll need him today.

Sam arrives at his cubicle.  On his desk is an old typewriter, a relic of days gone by.  Books and magazines are neatly stacked on his desk.

CAROL, a young secretary approaches 

					CAROL
		Your broker called.  He said that it
		was urgent that you call him immediately.

					SAM
		Thank you.

Sam picks up his phone and punches a number.

					SAM
		Harry?...Sam Cohen...Oh no!  It can’t
		be...I know I was on margin...Everything?
		...I’m sorry too.   

Sam hangs up the phone.  He places his head in his hands and slowly weeps.  He straightens up and starts to leaf through some papers.  

Carol enters.

					CAROL
		Mr. Duncan wants to see you.

					SAM
		Thank you Carol.

Sam gets up, straightens his jacket and tie and leaves his cubicle.

INT. DUNCAN’S OFFICE

Ed Duncan, a broad shouldered man in his thirties, sits at a large desk, cluttered with stacks of paper work, documents and newspapers.  He is on the phone.

Sam enters.  Duncan motions Sam to take a seat at his desk.

Sam takes a seat.

					DUNCAN
		You’re darn right!  The union’s getting
		too strong for their own good...They think 		     they’re running the newspapers...You’ve got 
		my vote.  Give the boys my regards.

Duncan hangs up.  He lights up a cigar and turns to Sam.

					DUNCAN
		You’ve been with the paper a long time.

					SAM
		I’ve worked hard and been loyal.

					DUNCAN
		There’s no dispute there.

					SAM
		Is there anything wrong?

					DUNCAN
		With new management there’s always 
		changes.  I’ve been ordered to terminate
		your employment.

					SAM
		Don’t they like my work?

					DUNCAN
		To be truthful, you’re behind the times.
		You’re style is as old as your typewriter.

					SAM
		I can change my style.

Duncan gets up and hands him an envelope.

					DUNCAN
		We’re giving you two weeks severance
		pay and my personal reference letter.
		 
Sam gets up.  Duncan shakes his hand.

					DUNCAN
		If there’s anything else I can do
		for you, don’t hesitate to call me.

Sam stands rapt and speechless.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Sam is at a pay phone.

INTERCUT

HARRIET, a tall, strong, poised and determined woman at home.

					HARRIET
		What’s the bad news now?

					SAM
		I was fired today.

					HARRIET
		It’s no surprise to me.  Younger men are
		getting promoted, while you get fired.

					SAM
		I’m coming home.  I need you.

					HARRIET
		And I need a new life.

					SAM
		Harriet, please.

					HARRIET
		Save your wining for someone else.

Harriet slams the phone down.

Sam holds the phone for a moment, his face drooped in despair.  He hangs up.

END INTERCUT

EXT/INT. HOUSE - NIGHT

A car wheels into the driveway of the house. 

Sam emerges from the car.  He trudges up to the house, unlocks the door and enters 

The decor is modest with wall to wall carpeting.  Modern furniture and paintings are tastefully positioned in the rooms.

Sam places his briefcase on a small foyer table and walks into the living room.  He glares at a note on a table.  He picks it up and starts to read it.

INSERT

Sam,
Amy and I have taken a train to Father’s farm. He’s had another attack.  I expect we’ll be there for sometime.
I’ll call you.     Harriet

END INSERT

Sam rereads the letter, mouthing the words.

INT. SYNAGOGUE - DAY

Men wearing talases and yarmulkes pray in the small synagogue. 

Sam prays fervently, shaking his body back and forth.   
					
The service ends.  The congregation leave the synagogue.

Sam continues to pray, unaware that the service has ended.  An usher approaches.

					USHER
		Sam, we’re closing now.

					SAM
		I’ll be finished in a minute.

The usher waits patiently.  Sam finishes praying.  He  folds his talas and places it in a small velvet bag.

					USHER
		You look terrible.  What’s wrong?

					SAM
		It’s in God’s hands.

					USHER
		Maybe God wants you to find help.

					SAM
		I’ve lost hope.

					USHER
		There is a Rabbi in Borough Park who
		has helped many with their problems.  
		He may be able to help you.

					SAM
		If he only could.

EXT. BOROUGH PARK - DAY

Men, wearing long black coats and wide fur trimmed hats and their families, promenade on the avenue

INT.SYNOGOGUE

Sam sits at a desk with Rabbi Azrial.  The Rabbi is very old.  His long silver beard streams down his robe.  He listens intently to Sam.
					
					SAM
		I am a God fearing man, yet my days and
		nights are filled with pain.

					RABBI AZRIEL
		Our people are no strangers to pain.

					SAM
		That’s my story and my fate.

					RABBI AZRIEL
		Do you have dreams or visions?

					SAM
		I have the same dream every night.
		
					RABBI AZRIEL
		Tell me your dream.  Do not leave 
		anything out. 

					SAM
		I walk along the edge of a swamp and
		...

DREAM SEQUENCE

EXT. SWAMPS - DAY
                                                           It is a foggy, misty day.

Trees and the ground are barren of leaves and flowers.  The swamp water is murkey and infested with alligators and snakes.                                      

At a corner of the swamp, a man appears. He is very old,   his body bent.  He is dressed in a long black robe, his long gray hair touching the ground.

He prays, disrobes and enters the murky water.  He continues to pray.

The fog lifts and the sun shines through.  Singing birds fly above and the water becomes clear and pure.
A large multicolor rainbow arcs the area.

The old man bends down, cups his hands and drinks the water.  Suddenly the old man is transformed into a young, tall blond man.

Alligators and snakes swim to him.  He cradles and blesses them.  The young man emerges from the water and dons his robe which has turned white.

On the path that he walks on, flowers spring up.  On the trees he passes, blossoms appear.  The young man leaves the swamps.

The fog returns, as does the murky water and barren trees and ground.

Sam moves to the same spot as the old man.  He says the same prayer, disrobes and enters the water.  He keeps praying.  There is no change in the fog, the murky water and the barren land.

The alligators and snakes dash to Sam and attack him. 

Sam wakes up with a fright.

BACK TO SCENE

					SAM
		What does the dream mean Rabbi?

					RABBI AZRIEL
		The old man that immersed himself in
		the swamp waters, revered and served 
		God.  Whatever misfortunes befell him,
		he was resigned that it was God’s will.
		He never complained.

					SAM
		I have complained.

					RABBI AZRIEL
		For his faith and reverence, his reward 
		and redemption was a new and productive 
		life of many more years.

					SAM
		Why did the swamp creatures attack me?

					RABBI AZRIEL
		The time for your redemption has not
		yet arrived.

					SAM
		What shall I do Rabbi?

					RABBI AZRIEL
		Follow the tenets of God’s commandments.
		Pray and revere the Lord and in time you
		will be redeemed.

					SAM
		Thank you Rabbi.

The Rabbi gets up, blesses and embraces him.

A WEEK LATER

EXT/INT.SAM’S HOUSE - NIGHT

A taxi pulls up to the driveway.

Harriet and AMY, a little girl of seven emerge from the taxi and enter the house.

Sam sits on a couch.  He sits up with a start at the sound of the door opening.

Sam strides to the door.  He hugs and kisses Amy.  He attempts to kiss Harriet.  She evades his gesture by turning away.

					SAM
		Welcome home.  How is your father?

					HARRIET
		His days are numbered

					SAM
		What about his farm?

					HARRIET
		I may sell it or maybe we’ll live there.

					SAM
		I’m not a farmer.

					HARRIET
		You’re not a writer now either. It’s
		been a very tiring week.  I’m going 
		to bed.  We’ll talk about it tomorrow.

LATER

INT. AMY’S BEDROOM

Sam tucks Amy in bed.  He kisses her, his sad eyes start to glow with joy.

					SAM					
		Pleasant dreams Princess.

					AMY
		Are we relay going to the playground 
		tomorrow?

					SAM
		We sure are darling.  
		     
					AMY
		Yippee!

Sam kisses her and leaves.

EXT. PARK - PLAYGROUND - DAY

Children swing on swings.  Parents play ball with their children.

Sam, holding Amy, slides down a sliding pond.

Amy grabs Harriet’s hand and pulls her toward the sliding pond.

					AMY
			(to Harriet)
		It’s your turn.

Harriet reluctantly takes Leah on top of the sliding pond.  Amy screams with delight as they slide down.  Sam and Harriet hold Amy’s hands as they start to walk away from the playground.  Amy attempts to pull them back.

					AMY
		One more time?

					HARRIET
		We’ve got to go home now.

					SAM
		We’ll come back tomorrow.

Amy pouts and starts to cry.  Sam picks her up and they leave the park.

EXT. PARKWAY - DAY

Sam’s car speeds along the parkway.  The car turns off to a side road.  Sirens spank the air.

					HARRIET
		That sounds like an ambulance.

					SAM
		It must be close to where we live.

Sam’s car pulls up to a house engulfed in blazing flames.

Firemen work feverishly in an attempt to distinguish the fire.

The area is cordoned off by the police.

					SAM
		Oh my God!  It’s our house.

Sam, Harriet and Amy emerge from the car.  Sam rushes toward the house and is stopped by a fireman.

					FIREMAN
		You can’t go in there.

					SAM
		It’s my house.  Everything we own is
		in that house.

Sam is restrained by two firemen.

Harriet holds Amy tightly, shaking her head in disbelief.

					HARRIET
		What next!

Tears flow down Sam's cheek, as he stares at the house being demolished in flames.  He raises his hands to the sky.

					SAM
		God! Why?

The house burns to the ground.

The police and a Fire Chief confer with Sam and Harriet.  They write their reports and exit the scene.

					SAM
			(to Harriet)
		We’re homeless.

					HARRIET
		We’ll move to the farm.

					SAM
		I guess there’s nothing else we can do.

THIRTEEN YEARS LATER

EXT. FARM - DAY

The sun glowing red and large, looms over the farm.

Cattle caw as they graze on the grass.

Farm hands stack bales of hay and load them onto trucks.

A colonial style farm house stands in the middle of the
area.

INT. FARM HOUSE

Sam, his body erect, his hair sprinkled with gray, places two bags at the door.

Harriet, her body thin and her hair gray, glares at Sam.  Her face is red with rage.

					HARRIET
		In all these years, you’ve never gone
		to one convention.  I don’t know why in
		God’s name you’re going to this one.

					SAM
		I'm told that I'll meet some very important
		people there and learn quite a bit.

					HARRIET
		I don’t see any sense in it.

					SAM
		Are you taking me to the airport?

					HARRIET
		You can take a taxi.

EXT. AIRPORT - DAY

Planes take off and land on runways.

Sam emerges from a airport gate.  He slings his carryon bag over his shoulder and exits the airport.

EXT/INT. WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL - DAY

A taxi glides up to the hotel driveway.  Sam emerges from the taxi.  The doorman takes the bags and enters the hotel. 
 
The doorman drops off the bags at the registration desk.  Sam tips him.

					DOORMAN
		Thank you Sir.

Harp music is heard.  Sam looks up at 

THE MEZZANINE

The back of a young blond woman is seen.  She plucks the strings of a harp, playing a tantalizing song.

Sam smiles, as he registers at the desk.

					REGISTRATION CLERK
		Enjoy your stay with us Mr. Cohen.

The clerk hits a bell.  A bellhop appears.

					REGISTRATION CLERK
			(handing him room key)
		Room 303.

The bellhop picks up the bags.  He and Sam proceed to the elevator.

EXT. OUTDOOR CAFE - DAY

On the street, cars and busses lumber along bumper to bumper.

The luncheon crowd move in herds among the parked cars.

Sam sits at a table with Mark Klein, a dapper looking man in his forties.  He emanates calmness and an air of sophistication.

					SAM
		I miss the city.  I wish I didn’t have
		to leave.  
	
					MARK
		What’s doing with your farm?

					SAM
		We’re operating with a reasonable
		profit.

					MARK
		It’s good seeing you after all these
		years, but I know there’s something else
		you want to talk to me about.

					SAM
		It looks as if you’ve made a success with
		your life.  You have a good law practice and a 			good marriage.

					MARK
		I’m divorced.

					SAM
		I’m so sorry.

					MARK
		I’m not.  So what’s you problem?

					SAM
		Since we moved to the farm, I haven’t		
		written anything at all.  My marriage 
		has been an empty shell.

					MARK
		Marriages are not always made in heaven.

					SAM
		My only joy is Amy.  She graduates from
		Princeton next year and she’s engaged to
		be married.

					MARK
		So what do you want to do?

					SAM
		I want to get my life back.

					MARK
		Then do it.

					SAM
		How?

					MARK
		You’ll have to figure that out by
		yourself.  When you do, call me and
		I’ll try my very best to help you.
		
					SAM
		Thanks for seeing me.

					MARK
		Anytime.

Sam and mark get up and shake hands.

INT. HERALD NEWS - DAY

Sam sits in front of a desk facing Ed Duncan.  

					SAM
		I can be an asset to the paper.

Duncan gets up.  His hair is gray. His skin laps over his shirt collar and his belly hangs over his trouser belt.He puffs a cigar nervously.

					DUNCAN
		The newspaper business has changed radically
		since you worked here.  Today we’re working 
		with a skeleton crew.  We’re like an endangered 
		species.
	 
					SAM
			(getting up)
		Thanks for seeing me.

					DUNCAN
		If the situation changes, we’ll 
		call you.  

ANOTHER EDITOR’S OFFICE  

					EDITOR ONE			
			(studying resume)
		Excellent credentials.  There’s just 
		no openings.  We’ll keep your name 
		on file.

ANOTHER EDITOR’S OFFICE

					EDITOR THREE
		The way the newspaper business is heading,
		I may also be looking for a job soon.

INT. HOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sam, dressed in his  pajamas get into bed.  He appears weary and dejected.  The phone rings.  He picks up the bedside phone.

					SAM
		...I know I promised to call. I’ve been 
		busy with the convention...Yes, I’ll be 
		home in a few days.

Sam hangs up the phone.  He lays back and closes his eyes.

DREAM SEQUENCE

Sam is fast asleep.  A mystical song of a lute is heard.

A bright glow of multicolor lights radiates the room.

A golden chariot with two white horses, driven by two winged cherubs, descend to the floor of the room.  The cherubs beckon Sam to climb aboard the chariot.

Sam is transported out of himself.  He climbs onto the chariot and they fly toward an open sky.

The chariot enters a dark tunnel. 

A bright light at the end of the tunnel, sweeps them 
into a

CELESTIAL PALACE 

A huge dazzling rainbow lights up the palace.

Sam descends from the chariot.  He stands in awe at a glowing figure seated on a golden throne, surrounded by menacing looking angels.

Sam closes and opens his eyes.  He shakes his head.

					THE FIGURE
		Behold, I will pour out my spirit
		unto you.  I will make my voice known
		unto you.

Thunder and lightning ring out.

					THE FIGURE
		For the righteous shall stand firm
		against oppression and terror. Whoso-
		ever shall gather against thee, shall
		fall.  So saith I the Lord, thy redeemer. 

BACK TO PRESENT SCENE

Sam wakes with a start, his face is drenched with perspiration.  He crawls out of bed and slinks off into

THE BATHROOM

Sam washes his face with water.  He stares at the mirror, his face a mixture of fear and anguish.

INT/EXT. WALDORF ASTORIA - BALLROOM - DAY

Men and women, wearing National Dairy Convention and name tags on their suit lapels and dresses, are seated on 
crowded tables.  They listen intently to HARRY DORFMAN, a tall, confident man who speaks from a platform.   	

					DORFMAN 
		The combines have become too powerful 
		and that’s why we farmers have been at 
		their mercy.  We’ve seen our prices 
		dropping drastically.  There is power 
		in our numbers and if we ban together 
		the power will become ours.

The audience applaud and cheer.  

Some climb the podium to congratulate Dorfman. 

The audience and Sam get up and slowly exit the hall.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Sam sits at a coffee counter, sipping coffee and reading
the newspaper’s want ads.

Waitresses work arduously in serving their customers. 

A customer gets up from the counter, walks to the exit and opens the door.  As the door flies open, a gust of wind bursts into the restaurant.

Sam’s newspaper is blown away.  He hastens to retrieve the sheets of the paper, then assembles them in order.  He returns to reading the want ads.  He finds a golden ring around an ad.

INSERT

It reads; “WANTED, MEN OF PURE, NOBLE, HIGH MORALS TO EMBARK ON A JOURNEY.” Schermerhorn’s Personnel, tel# 212 547 1180 

END INSERT.

He rereads the ad. Picks up the newspaper, pays his check and strides to a pay phone.  He feeds a coin into the phone and punches a number.

EXT/INT SCHERMERHORN’S PERSONNEL - DAY

Sam stands at the door and studies the sign reading;  "ANGEL SCHERMERHORN’S PERSONNEL”

Sam enters the office.

Men and women work at their computers that are lit up by a dazzling radiance.

Sam walks up to a receptionist.

					SAM
		I’m Sam Cohen.  I have an appointment
		with Shermerhorn.

					RECEPTIONIST
		Please come with me.

She gets up from her desk and escorts Sam to an office marked; “ANGEL SCHERMERHORN”

She opens the door and ushers Sam into

THE OFFICE

It is a white, spacious office. SCHERMERHORN gets up from his desk.  He is tall and slim.  His eyes are blue.  The dark shadows beneath accentuate them.  He wears a white suit and white shoes.

					SCHERMERHORN
			(pointing to desk)
		Welcome.  Please have a seat.

Sam sits at a desk.

					SAM
		I’ve passed this area many times.
		I never knew such a place existed.
		How long have you people been here?

					SCHERMERHORN
		An eternity, but then what is an eternity?

Sam stares at Schermerhorn surreptitiously.  He hands him a document.

					SAM
		This is my resume.

Schermerhorn places the document on the desk.

					SCHERMERHORN
		Your file is in our computer. 		           
		
					SAM
		It is?

					SCHERMERHORN
		I’m happy to inform you that you’ve 
		been chosen to join our ranks.

					SAM
		What kind of work would that be?

					SCHERMERHORN
		To transform the misguided masses.  To
		have them follow the tenets of God’s 				commandments.

					SAM
		I think you’ve got the wrong man.

					SCHERMERHORN
			( handing Sam a card)
		Man doesn’t always realize his potential.
		
Sam reads the card.

INSERT

ANGEL SCHERMERHORN
ANGEL’s LAIR
333 ANGEL’S LANE
MONTAUK, N.Y. 
(561) 683 6666

END INSERT

					SAM
		Thank you for the interview.

Schermerhorn smiles and shakes Sam’s hamd.

EXT. WALDORF ASTORIA DRIVEWAY - DAY

Sam enters a taxi and they drive off.

INT. TAXI

Sam gazes sadly at the buildings and people on the streets. 

The driver starts to speed and drive recklessly.

					SAM
		Driver, slow up.  I’m not in a hurry.

					DRIVER
			(a sneer playing across 
			 his lips)
		Not to worry. I’ve been driving here
		for twenty years.

The taxi passes cars on the road, closely averting crashing into another car.

					SAM
			(hollering)
		May God forgive me!  Damn it!  Stop
		the car.

The driver laughs and continues his reckless drive.

Sam screams.

The taxi crashes into an oncoming truck, with a hideous grinding of metal and glass.  It flips over like a kicked beer can, rolling and crumpling. 

Sirens are heard, as police cars and ambulance arrive at the scene.

The police cordon off the area.

Sam, on a stretcher, is being loaded onto an ambulance.  He is unconscious and bloody. 

The truck driver lights up a cigarette by his truck.

A policeman and a fireman stand at the totaled taxi, their faces wrinkled with disbelief.

The driver’s seat is empty.

INT. HOSPITAL WARD - NIGHT

Sam is asleep in bed.  His sleep is restless, as he grimaces and groans with pain.

Sam slowly wakes.

In front of his bed, stands a tall towering figure, encircled by a dazzling golden light.  It is Angel Schermerhorn.  He raises his hands.

					SCHERMERHORN
		By the divine energy, shall you be
		healed and guarded.

Schermerhon smiles and fades away.

INT. HOSPITAL WARD - MORNING

Nurses administer medicines to patients

Sam opens his eyes.

A cloudy mist envelops a figure.

The mist clears, revealing Nurse Carey.

					NURSE CAREY
		How are you feeling this morning
		Mr. Cohen?

					SAM
		Where am I?

					NURSE CAREY
		Haverhill hospital.

					SAM
		How’d I get here?

					NURSE CAREY
		You were in a car accident.

					SAM
		I remember... I was going to the
		airport.  How long have I been here?

					NURSE CAREY
		Two days.

					SAM
		How about my driver?

					NURSE CAREY
		You were the only one that they found
		in the car.

					SAM
		How could that be?

					NURSE CAREY
			(pointing to bed switch)
		If you need us, just press this switch.

Nurse Carey leaves. 

Sam picks up the bedside phone and starts to punch a number.  He stops midway and puts the phone down.  He lays back on the bed.

DR. BERGER appears.  He is a short, middle age man.  He studies the bed chart 

					DR. BERGER
		Sam, how’s my patient today?

					SAM
		Not too bad.

Dr Berger examines him and shakes his head.  He takes the bandages from his head.

					DR. BERGER
		In all my years as a doctor, I’ve never
		seen such a remarkable recovery.
 
					DR. BERGER
		You must have a guardian angel.

					SAM
			(whispering)
		Angel Schermerhorn?

					DR. BERGER
		What was that that?

					SAM
		Nothing...How long will I be here?

					DR. BERGER
		You'll be checked out today.

					SAM
		Thank you Doctor.

The doctor leaves.

Sam gets out of bed and strides to a closet.  He takes out a wallet from his trousers, leafs through several cards and takes one out.  He reads the card and smiles.

EXT. RAILROAD STATION PLATFORM - DAY

A rumble of a train is heard and becomes louder until the train is upon us, slowing and stopping at the platform.  Passengers pour in and out of THE CANNONBALL EXPRESS train.

Sam walks to the first car of the train.  A red stripe and parlor car are painted on the side of the car.

Sam and other passengers enter 

THE PARLOR CAR

It is lavishly furnished  with red carpets and walls.   Large reclining chairs are positioned in rows of two.  

A Small bar is at one side.  A steward is dressed in a red uniform.

Sam walks down the aisle and finds his seat by a window.  He places his bags on the overhead rack and takes his seat.  He reclines in his seat and starts to read a newspaper.  The steward approaches.

					STEWARD
		Anything from the bar Sir?

					SAM
		Some club soda please.

					STEWARD
		Coming right up Sir.

Within minutes the steward returns and serves Sam his drink.  Sam leisurely sips his drink.

The remaining passengers settle into their seats. 

					MADAM SATDEM (O.S.)
			(loudly)
		Good morning.

Sam sits up with a start.

MADAM SATDEM, a large black woman, appears next to Sam.  Her hair, clothes, and fingernails are black.  She is adorned with rings, bracelets and wears a large black pearl necklace.  She places a black bag on the overhead rack and takes the seat next to Sam.

					MADAM SATDEM
		I see you have seat three.  I always
		reserve that seat, but I made my 
		reservation too late.

					SAM
		Would you like to change seats?
	
					MADAM SATDEM
		Oh no!  I never fight fate.  You were 
		meant for seat three.  Besides, you 
		were born in March, the third month of 
		the year.

					SAM
			(surprised)
		That’s extraordinary.

Sam stares quizzically at Madam.

The train wheels roll and pick up speed.  It makes its way through the city and through the countryside.

Sam looks out of the window.

The countryside is blanketed by houses, wooded areas and lakes.
					Several beats
Madam takes off her necklace.  She caresses each pearl, while chanting an incoherent chant.

Sam stares at Madam surreptitiously.

Nearby passengers look up from their reading material with annoyed stares.

Madam turns to Sam.

					MADAM
		Would you do something for me?

					SAM
		It depends.

					MADAM
		Place your left hand on my pearls.

					SAM
		Why not the right?

					MADAM
		Because your left is over your heart.

Sam reluctantly places his left hand on the pearls.

Madam slowly glides Sam’s hand over each pearl, while chanting.  She takes Sam’s hand off the pearls and places them back on her neck.  She perspires profusely.

					MADAM
			(loudly)
		Steward.

The Steward approaches.

					MADAM
		I must have a cold drink.

					STEWARD
		A Perrier?

					MADAM
		Yes, hurry.

In minutes, the Steward arrives and serves Madam her drink.  Madam gulps the drink down in record time. 

					MADAM
			(turning to Sam)
		I am Madam Satdem.

					SAM
		I’m Sam Cohen.

					MADAM
		Do you have any questions?

					SAM
		Well yes.  What is it that you do?

					MADAM	
		I am a Seer.  I see the past, present 
		and the future.

					SAM
		And what have you seen here?

					MADAM
		A vision of great magnitude.  You will
		experience an extraordinary occurrence.

					SAM
		What kind of an occurrence?

Madam hands Sam a card.  Sam reads it.

INSERT

Madam Satdem, Magna Seer
South Hampton, New York, N.Y.
516 683 2466

END INSERT

					MADAM
		You will call me in two weeks.

					SAM
		Why not before?

					MADAM
		That will be the time of the occurrence.

Madam lays back in her seat and falls asleep.  She alternately snores and chants.

Nearby passengers shake their heads, their faces twisted with annoyed expressions.

Sam stares at Madam, his face clouded by his sad eyes.

					CONDUCTER (O.S.)
			(bellowing voice)
		South Hampton next stop.

Madam wakes up, retrieves her bag from the rack and prepares to disembark.

					SAM
		It was very interesting meeting you.

					MADAM
		I will expect your call.

The train stops.  Madam with other passengers leave the train.

EXT. TRAIN PLATFORM

Passengers are met by cars and taxis.

Madam stands motionless on the platform, as she stares at the parlor car.

INT. TRAIN

Sam waves to Madam.

EXT. PLATFORM

Madam stands rapt, as the train starts to roll and pull away from the platform.

INT/EXT. TRAIN

Sam takes out the card from his pocket and studies it for a moment.  He shakes his head and places it back in his pocket.

The train speeds along the country side.
 
On a meadow, cattle graze, deer lope and farm hands work.
	
The train whistle spanks the air.

					CONDUCTOR (0.S.)
			(bellowing)
		Montauk, last stop.

The conductor walks down the aisle.  He picks up several magazines.

Sam retrieves his bags and moves with passengers to the train exit.

The train stops.

Sam and the passengers disembark the train and walk to

THE STATION PARKING LOT

Car horns honk chaotically, as people wait in their cars for family members and friends.  Taxis pick up passengers. 

A taxi pulls up to Sam,

					TAXI DRIVER
		Where to Mister?

					SAM
		Angel’s Lair.

					TAXI DRIVER		
		Are you kidding?

					SAM
		No, I’m not.

The taxi drives away.

Sam approaches several taxis, announcing his destination.  The driver’s faces become twisted with fear.  They hastily drive away and pick up other fares.

The parking lot empties rapidly.  It is completely void of cars and passengers.

Behind him, the train pulls out of the station on its return to the city.

Sam sits wearily on his bag, his face drooped in despair. A car horn honks.  Sam looks up.

A taxi glides up to him.

					YURI
			(thick Russian accent)
		Late for train.  You need taxi?

					SAM
		I sure do.

Sam quickly gets into the taxi.

					SAM (VO)
		I won’t tell him that it’s Angel’s
		Lair.
			(at Yuri)
		Three thirty three Angel’s lane.

					YURI
			(handing Sam his map and 
			 card)
		In country two months and one week
		In Montauk.  Here my card and map.  
		We find place.

Sam gets into the front passenger seat and studies the map.

					SAM
		Okay! We go out of the station 
		and head north.  That’s taking a 
		left.
		
The taxi leaves the station and takes a left.  It drives through a panorama of farm houses, wooded areas and lakes.

INT/EXT. TAXI
					YURI
		Life in Minsk hard.  My family come 
		to America for good life.  Sonia,			
		my wife not like Montauk  She want 
		to live in Coney island.

					SAM
		Huh!
 
					YURI
		Many Russians in Coney Island.  Big 
		trouble in my house.

					SAM
			(disturbed)
		We missed the turn back there.  Turn 
		around.  Let’s concentrate.

The taxi turns around and drives off.  
					A beat
The car makes a sharp turn to a side road.  I drives on a narrow road and stops at a large gate.  

A sign reads; "PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO TRESPASSING.”  

Sam gets out of the taxi.  He ambles up to a telephone attached to a wall.  He picks up the phone.

					SAM
		Hello?...I’m Sam Cohen.  I have an
		appointment with Angel Schermerhorn
		..Thank you.

The gate opens.  Sam gets into the taxi and they drive through the opened gate.  They drive through lush grassy grounds, under lines of towering trees and up a winding road to the top of a hill.

On the hill, stands an extraordinary edifice, built of Jerusalem stone.  

Tall majestic steeples jut toward the sky.

Large terraces protrude on the top levels of the building.

Singing birds fly above.

The taxi wheels into the driveway.  Sam retrieves his bags.  He pays Yuri.

					SAM
		I’ll call you when I’m ready
		to leave.
					YURI
		I never see place like this.  I 
		come for you.

Yuri drives off.

Sam walks to the front door and rings the bell.

The door is opened by ELIJAH, a tall man with silvery hair.  He is immaculately dressed in a white suit and shoes.

					SAM
		I’m Sam Cohen.

					ELIJAH
		Angel Schermerhorn will see you in
		the library.

Elijah leads him through a large hall with high cathedral ceilings.

The walls and ceilings are of pure white marble.

Elijah ushers Sam into

THE LIBRARY

It is spacious, with wall bookcases brimming with books.

Elijah leaves.

Sam picks up a book and scans several pages.

					SCHERMERHORN (O.S.)
		Good afternoon Sam.

Schermerhorn enters the library.  He shakes Sam’s hand vigorously.

					SCHERMERHORN
		I trust that you had a good journey.

					SAM
		Oh yes!  A very interesting one.

					SCHERMERHORN
		You must stay here for a few days
		and get to know us.

					SAM
		Thank you.  I appreciate that.

					SCHERMERHORN
		Within these few days, we will have 
		much to discuss.  In the meantime do 
		make yourself comfortable and enjoy 
		your stay.	

Schermerhorne pulls on a drape chord.  

Within seconds, Elijah appears.

					SCHERMERHORN
		Please show Mr. Cohen to his room.

Schermerhorn departs.

					ELIJAH
			(to Sam)
		Your bags are already in your room.

					SAM
		Thank you.

Elijah escorts Sam through a large hall and up a stairs and enter  

THE ROOM 

The walls and ceilings are white.  Drapes are embroidered with a multitude of varied birds.  At a small table next to a bed, is a large bottle labeled “HOLY WATER.”

Sam starts to unpack.  He stops and walks to the terrace.
He stares at the terrace floor.

White feathers are strewn over the floor.

He shakes his head in dismay and returns to the room.

LATER

EXT. GARDEN

A variety of exotic flowers blanket the garden.

Singing birds fly above.

In the middle of the garden, a large table is laden with food and drinks.

Schermerhorn sits at the head of the table.  ANGELICA, a young blond girl and CELESTE, a young red haired girl sit near him.

Sam approaches the table.

					SCHERMERHORN
			(getting up)
		Sam, this is Angelica and Celeste, 
		my daughters.

Angelica and Celeste get up.  They are tall, slender and statuesque.  They are dressed in long white robes, their long hair cascading over their smooth white shoulders.

					ANGELICA
		Welcome you to Angel’s lair.

					SAM
		It’s a pleasure meeting you.

					CELESTE
		Father tells us that you’ll be staying
		with us for a few days.

					SAM
		I’m grateful to your father for inviting
		me.

Everyone takes their seats.  Elijah starts to serve.  Conversations are animated and muffled.

LATER

Dessert and tea are being finished.

					SAM
		My life has been one failure after 
		another.  It’s my fate.

					SCHERMERHORN	 
		I see you in a long parade of successes.

					SAM
		Huh!  If it were only true.

					SCHERMERHORN
		In time you will discover yourself.

Sam sits puzzled.

The meal ends.

					SCHERMERHORN
		We shall have our first meeting 
		tomorrow morning.

					SAM
I look forward to it.

Schermerhorn and Celeste leave.

Angelica approaches Sam.

					ANGELICA
			(seductively)
		Would you like to take a walk?

					SAM
		With me?

					ANGELICA
		Of course.

Angelica takes Sam's hand and leads him through the garden.  They enter a road, leading to a wooded area.

Singing birds fly toward the curtain of the sky.

Angelica stops, looks at Sam and smiles.  Sam returns the smile.  They continue their walk and come to a lake.  They sit on the grass embankment.

					ANGELICA
		Let’s go in.

					SAM
		I don’t have a bathing suit. 

					ANGELICA
		You don’t need one.

Angelica disrobes and wades into the water.

Sam’s eyes and mouth are wide open, as he stares at Angelica. 

					ANGELICA
		Come in.  The water’s fine.

Sam shakes his head.

					ANGELICA
			(beckoning with her hands)
		Come.  You’ll love it. 

Sam meekly starts to peel off his clothes.  He enters the water.  He timidly swims to Angelica.  She presses her body against his,  She kisses him long and passionately.

					SAM
			(mesmerized)
		May God forgive me.

Angelica swims away with Sam following.  They dive and swim together under the water.

They surface and swim back to the embankment.  They dress and walk back toward the house.

INT. ROOM - NIGHT

Sam is on the phone.

INT. ROOM - NIGHT

Sam is on the phone.

INTERCUT

Harriet at home

					SAM
		I’m sorry I didn’t call.  Something 
		important has come up.

					HARRIET
		And what’s so important?

					SAM
		I can’t tell you.  It’s confidential.

					HARRIET
			(red with rage)
		I see!  Well let me tell you something.
					HARRIET (cont’d)
		If you don’t come home now, you’ll be
		locked out.  And that’s not confidential.

Harriet slams the phone down.

END INTERCUT

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

White drapes with embroidered birds cover the windows.

On top of a nearby table. Are several bottles of Holy water.

Sam and Schermerhorn sit on a couch, sipping Holy water

Angelica straddles a large harp.  Celeste holds a golden flute to her lips.  The   music is mystical and tantalizing.  

The birds on the drapes sing in counterpoint. 

Sam stares at the drapes.

The birds stop singing.
					A beat.  
Angelica and Celeste finish their duet.

A bell rings twelve.

Angelica and Celeste approach Sam and Schermerhorn.

					SAM
		The music was heavenly.

					CELESTE
		It was meant to be.

					SCHERMERHORM
		Goodnight, till tomorrow.

					CELESTE
		Goodnight.

Schermerhorn and Celeste leave.

Angelica edges close to Sam.  She twines her arms around Sam’s neck and kisses him.

					ANGELICA
		Tomorrow. 

Angelica leaves.  

Sam stands in a dazed trance.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sam twists and turns in a restless sleep.  A loud sound of a wind wakes Sam.  He ambles to the terrace.  He stares up at the sky.

Outlined by the moon, a figure flies in the sky.  It is Angelica, her large white wings fluttering in the sky.

Sam shakes his head in disbelief and slinks back to the bedroom.

EXT. LAKE - DAY

Sam sits on the grassy embankment.

A plump vivacious robin is perched on a tree above.

Sam hurls a stone in the water, creating circular waves.

The robin takes off in flight.

Angelica approaches.  She is barefoot.  She wears white shorts and a blouse, revealing the upper portion of her firm breasts.  She kisses and embraces Sam.

					SAM (V.O.)
		Is this really happening to me?

Angelica takes his hand and they walk along the lake.

Sam stops.

					SAM
		I saw you last night from my terrace.
		Where were you going?

					ANGELICA
		Someday I’ll tell you.

They continue walking and come to a grassy area.

Angelica kisses Sam passionately, as they fall on a bed of grass.

					SAM
		I’m a married man.

					ANGELICA
		And an unhappy one.

Angelica peels off her clothes and assists Sam in stripping off his.

					SAM (V.O.)
		I shall be punished for my sins.

They are completely nude.  Angelica kisses Sam's body
from head to toe.  They make love in variations of exotic positions.  Angelica swirls Sam around.  She is on top of him, heaving in ecstatic sighs,  They climax together.

					ANGELICA
		Now we are one.

Angelica kisses an exhausted Sam.

SCHERMERHORN’S STUDY - DAY

Sam enters the study.  The white walls are covered with maps of the world.  A multitude of colored pegs are imbedded in many areas of the maps.

A large computer and neatly  stacked documents are on a large white oval desk.

					SCHERMERHORN
			(to Sam)
		Have a seat.  I’ll be with you in
		a moment.

Sam takes a seat at the desk.

					SCHERMERHORN
		Yes, Gabrielle, it’s been fruitful...			
		Pax Vobiscum.

Schermerhorn hangs up the phone.  He turns to Sam.

					SCHERMERHORN
		Some years ago, a small group of us
		descended here from above.  Our purpose 
		was to enlist leaders that would be an 
		integral part of our forces.

					SAM
		What do these leaders do?

					SCHERMERHORN
		They spread our message to the misdirected
		masses of the world.  You Sam, can be a 
		part of this force.

					SAM
		I’ve never been a leader, nor do I have the
		qualifications you’re looking for. 

					SCHERMERHORN
		I see your potential and future, something 
		you have as yet not grasped.

					SAM
		I’m not free to take on such a project.
		I have a family and responsibilities.

					SCHERMERHORN
		If you wish, we can start you on a trial period.
	    
					SAM
		I’d like to think it over.

					SCHERMERHRN
		But of course.  

Schermerhorn gets up.  He leads Sam to a back wall.

He takes out a jade amulet from his pocket.  He points the amulet toward the wall, emitting brilliant multicolor lights.  The wall magically opens to a 

LARGE HALL

The hall is shrouded in a white mist.  

Men and women, dressed in white robes work on computers

Schermerhorn escorts Sam around to hall, pointing out the various features of the communication equipment.

					SCHERMERHORN
		Everything here is state of the art.

					SAM
		Remarkable!

They come to a large gold covered computer.			

Schermerhorn takes out his amulet, presses a lever and points it at the gold covered dome.  The dome opens to the computer.  He punches several keys on the keyboard.

					SCHERNERHORN
		This is our memory bank.

MONTAGE

Scenes appear of Sam as a young boy delivering newspapers, in school;, at his barmitzvah, at college while working at night, his wedding, birth of Amy, funerals. Working at the Herald news and his house on fire.

					SCHERMERHORN
		As you see we have your life on file.
		We know everything about you.

					SAM
		A life that bears no fruit.

					SCHERMERHORN
		You underestimate yourself.

Schermerhorn leads Sam to the wall.  He points the amulet to the wall.  It opens and they enter the study.

He again points the amulet to the open wall and it closes.  
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sam is at a desk writing in a diary.  He closes the diary and stares pensively at the wall

					SAM (V.O.)
		It all seems like a dream.  Could
		I make such a decision?  And what
					SAM (cont’d)
		about Harriet?  I’ll wait until I
		return home 

INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT

Candlelight shines on glittering crystal glasses, silverware and plates.

Schermerhorn sits at the head of the table and is flanked by Angelica, Celeste and Sam.

Schermerhorn gets up. 

					SCHERMERHORN
		I propose a toast to Sam.

Angelica and Celeste get up.  They lift their glasses.

					SCHERMERHORN
		We wish you success and happiness.  Your
		stay with us has enriched our lives and 
		we look forward to the day that you will 
		become one of us.  Pax Vobiscum.  Peace 
		be with you.

The Schermerhorns drink and sit down.  

Sam gets up, his eyes welling with tears

					SAM
		Thank you, thank you.  I’m at a loss
		for words.  I’ve never experienced such
		joy, enrichment and self appraisal.  I
		feel that I have become a part of you.
		I shall always cherish these precious
		moments I’ve spent with you.

Sam sits, his face a mixture sadness and joy.  A bell rings.

Elijah appears with a cake.  He places it on the table.  It reads;  TO SAM, BON VOYAGE AND GOD BE WITH YOU.

Angelica and Celeste cut the cake and dole out portions to everyone.

LATER

Elijah returns with three gift boxes.  He hands them to Sam, who opens the first box.  He reads the enclosed card.

					SAM
		Thank you Angelica.

He opens the box and takes out the contents.  His face is a mask of confusion.  

The contents are a white leather jacket with a cutaway back, goggles and white leather pants.

He opens the second box and reads the enclosed card.

					SAM
		Thank you Celeste.

The contents are white leather boots with cleats.

The third box is from Angel Schermerhorn.

					SAM
		Thank you.

The contents are maps, a compass, a first aid kit and a white zipper bag.

					SAM
			(shaking his head)
		I trust these gifts will come in
		handy someday.
		
					SCHERMERHORN
		I’m sure they will.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Angelica and Celeste play a soft melodic duet

Sam and Schermerhorn sit on a couch, drinking holy water.  After a beat, the music ends.  Sam and Schermerhorn applaud.

Angelica and Celeste take a bow and join the men.

					Sam
		It was beautiful.

					ANGELICA AND CELESTE
		Thank you.

Schermerhorn gets up.

					SCHERMERHORN
		It’s been a joyous evening.  I shall say 
		good night.
			(to Sam)
		Have a good trip home...Think about our
		offer.

					SAM
		I will.

Schermerhorn leaves.  Angelica and Celeste approach Sam.

					CELESTE
			(sadly)
		Do you have to leave?

					SAM
		If time had only stopped, I wouldn’t
		have to.	

Sam embraces Angelica and Celeste, their smiles clouded by sadness.

Sam pries himself away.

EXT. ANGEL’S LAIR DRIVEWAY - DAY

Sam stands in front of a taxi.  He stares at Angel’s Lair.  After a moment, he gets into the taxi and they drive off.			

EXT. AIRLINE ARRIVAL GATE - DAY

Passengers emerge from the gate.

Sam comes out of the gate.  He stops and scans the area.  He smiles and waves.

Harriet waves.  She is dressed in a colorful 
dress and wears make up. She approaches Sam.

					HARRIET
		Welcome home.

					SAM
			(surprised)
		Thanks for meeting me.

					HARRIET
		How was the trip?

					SAM
		Interesting.

They walk through the airport.

EXT/INT. COUNTRY ROAD

A station wagon drives along a road.

Sam stares intently on the road.

					SAM
		This isn’t the way home.

					HARRIET
		There’s a cafe down the road that
		just opened.  I thought we’d have
		lunch there and talk.

					SAM
		Can’t we do that at home?
	
				HARRIET
		Amy’s home.

					SAM
		Why isn’t she at school?

					HARRIET
		I’ll let Amy tell you.

Sam’s face is wrinkled with anxiety.

The wagon arrives at the Inn.

A sign on the building reads; “GABRIELLE'S INN.”

Sam and Harriet emerge from the wagon and enter 

GABRIELLE'S INN

Ship bells are heard.

The Inn resembles a ship’s interior.

Waitresses are dressed in sailor’s uniforms.

A maitre dais seats Sam and Harriet then leaves.

A waitress approaches.

					HARRIET
		I’ll have a scotch and soda.

					SAM
		Holy water.

					WAITRESS
		We don’t carry that brand.

					HARRIET
		What in God’s name is that?

					SAM
		I’ll just have a cup of black coffee.

The waitress leaves.

					HARRIET
		I want you to listen to me carefully.

					SAM
		All right.

					HARRIET	
		I know that you haven’t been too happy
		here.  Maybe that’s why you’re traipsing
		around in New York.

					SAM
		I’m not traipsing around.

					HARRIET
		Your family and the farm are your primary
		responsibility.  There’s no room for your
		daydreams here.  You made a pledge when
		we moved here, and I expect you to live
		up to it.

					SAM
		My pledge was to work hard at the farm.  
		It was not to live out my years with 
		you in an empty shell of a marriage.  
		I think the best solution for us is to 
		get a divorce.  

					HARRIET
			(shocked)
		A divorce?...I can’t believe what I’m 
		hearing.

					SAM
		I would make provisions so that you and
		Amy would be well taken care of.

					HARRIET
		Really!  My father, may he rest in peace, 
		bought this farm and now it’s mine.  If you
		leave, I’ll cut you off without a cent.

					SAM
		You don’t worry me.

					HARRIET
		My father warned me about you.  He said 
		you’d amount to nothing.  I should have
		listened to him.

					SAM
		Too bad you didn’t.

					HARRIET
		You’ll never be the man my father was.

					SAM
		I hope so.

Sam smiles, surprised by his bold responses.  He suddenly looks to his left.

Seated at a table is GABRIELLE.  He gets up.  He is a tall gray haired man and wears a white suit.  He approaches Sam's table.

					GABRIELLE
		Good afternoon Mister Cohen.  Have a 
		good day.

Gabrielle leaves.

Sam and Harriet exchange puzzled looks.

					HARRIET
		Who was that?
					SAM
		I haven’t the foggiest idea.

					HARRIET
		But he knew your name.

					SAM
		I’m telling you that I don’t know 
		him.  Let’s go home.

EXT/INT. FARMHOUSE -DAY

The wagon wheels into the driveway.

Sam and Harriet emerge from the wagon and enter 

THE HOUSE

AMY, an attractive woman in her twenties approaches.  She hugs and kisses Sam.

					AMY
		Hi Daddy.

					SAM
		Hi sweetheart.

					AMY
		Mom tell you why I’m here?

					SAM
		No, she didn’t.  I’ll be right back.

Sam picks up his bags and scampers up the staircase.

INT. BEDROOM 

Sam unpacks his bags.  After a beat, there is a knock on the door.

					SAM
		Doors open.

Amy enters.  She sits at the edge of the bed.

					AMY
		Daddy?

					SAM
		Sweetheart?

					AMY
		I’m leaving College.

Sam stops unpacking.

					SAM
		Why? You were doing so well.

					AMY
		I’ve broken off my engagement to Alan.

					SAM
		But is that a reason to leave school?

					AMY
		I’m so ashamed.

Sam sits next to Amy.

					SAM
		Tell me...What is it?

					AMY					 
		I never dreamed something like this
		could happen to me.  I was in town
		with my girlfriend...

FLASHBACK

EXT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT

Amy and DENISE, a slender young woman emerge from the theater.

					DENISE
		It was a wonderful movie.  Wasn’t it?

					AMY
		It was so romantic.

					DENISE
		Too bad Alan couldn’t join us.

					AMY
		He’s home studying for exams.

They stroll along the street and start to pass an alley.  Amy suddenly stops.  She stands in shock at the sight of

Two young men in the Alley.  They are huddled close together.  They kiss and fondle each other.

					AMY
			(screaming)
		ALAN?

Amy grabs Denise’s hand and they run away from the alley.

Amy’s eyes well with tears.  Denise’s face is pale.

ALAN, a young man runs after Amy.

					ALAN
		Amy! Stop.

Alan runs a distance and stops.  He stares at the women as they recede in the distance.

BACK TO SCENE

					SAM
		You had no idea?

					AMY
		Funny!  I was the last to know.
		I must be the laughing stock at
		School.

					SAM
		Have you spoken to him since?

					AMY
		He told me he cold change, but I 
		know he can’t.  I don’t want to 
		see or hear from him.
 
					SAM
		I’m so sorry for you darling.  You
		can always register in another College.
		
Amy hugs Sam.

					AMY
		I’m so glad you’re home.

					SAM
		I’m always here for you.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sam and Harriet lay in single beds.

					HARRIET
		Now that Amy’s home, I hope you’ll 
		come to your sense.

					SAM	
		Let’s leave it for tomorrow.  I’m
		exhausted.

Sam starts to scratch his shoulders violently.

					HARRIET
		What’s wrong with you?

					SAM
		I’ve had this itch for the past few
		days. It comes and goes.

					HARRIET
		Make an appointment with Dr. Epstein.

					SAM
		I’ll do that first thing tomorrow.

					HARRIET
		Goodnight.

					SAM
		Goodnight.

Harriet douses out the bedside light.

DREAM SEQUENCE

Sam walks slowly through a gallery of paintings.  He studies several surrealist paintings.  He stops a distance from a large painting, then comes closer.

A painting of Angel’s Lair is exhibited.  Plump, chirping birds are perched on a tree branch.

Angelica stands in front of Angel’s lair.

The birds fly off toward the curtain of the sky.

Angelica comes closer.

					ANGELICA
		Now we are one.

A loud deafening cymbal crash is heard.

Sam holds his ringing ears with pain.

A bloodcurdling scream is heard.

BACK TO SCENE

Harriet sits upright in bed screaming, her face twisted in agonizing horror.

					HARRIET
		God in heaven!

San wakes up with a start.  He has sprouted two massive white wings. 

					SAM
		What’s wrong?

					HARRIET
		Look at yourself.

Sam feels his wings.

					ANGElICA (O.S.)
		Now we are one.

Sam springs out of bed and darts into 

THE BATHROOM	

Sam looks at himself in the long door mirror. He stands tall and erect and appears younger   

He adjusts the cabinet mirror, revealing his wings.  He lowers his hands and his wings magically retract.  He raise his hands and they sprout.  He repeats this procedure several times.  He smiles gleefully, leaves the bathroom and returns to

THE BEDROOM

He proudly caresses his wings

					HARRIET
			(impatiently)	
	What’s going on? 

Amy darts into the room.

					AMY
		I heard a scream.

					HARRIET
		Look at your father.

Sam sprouts and flutters his wings.

Amy approaches him and places her face against his wings.

					AMY
			(dazed)
		They’re gorgeous and so soft.

					HARRIET
		I’m waiting for an explanation.

					SAM
		When I was in the city, I met an Angel.
		His name was...

FADE OUT, FADE IN

					SAM
		And that’s how I probably got my wings.

					HARRIET
		I don’t believe a word of it.

					AMY
		I believe you Daddy.

					HARRIET
		What are we going to do about this?

					SAM
		Rabbi Azriel may be able to help us.

					HARRIET
		Call him.

INT. SYNAGOGUE - DAY

Sam and Harriet are at the office door.  Sam knocks on the door.

					RABBI AZRIEL (O.S.)
		Enter.

Sam and Harriet enter.

					SAM

		Thank you for seeing us.

					RABBI
		Please sit.

They sit at his desk.  

					RABBI
		Would you care for some tea?

					HARRIET
		No thank you.

					RABBI
		On the phone you told me it was an
		emergency.

					HARRIET
		Sam will tell you.

					SAM
		This morning, I sprouted wings.

					RABBI
			(disturbed)
		You have wings!  Is this some kind 
		of a joke?

Sam approaches the Rabbi and takes off his shirt.  He raises his hands, sprouting his massive wings.  The Rabbi stands rapt, as he stares at Sam.  After a moment he comes out of his trance.  He edges closer to Sam

					RABBI
			(tentatively)
		May I?

					SAM
		Be my guest.

The Rabbi inspects the wings, carefully caressing them.

He looks upward with outstretched hands.

					RABBI
		A miracle of God!

The Rabbi prays silently.  Tears run down his cheeks

Harriet raises her hands in frustration.

The Rabbi finishes his prayers.  He is pale and weary, as he sits in his chair.  He takes a large drink of water 

					RABBI
		I have been given the holy honor of
		witnessing God’s divine miracle.  

					SAM
		What does all this mean?

					RABBI
		God has chosen you as his winged messenger. 				Think of the many wonders that you could
		bestow on mankind.  You could preach God’s
		tenets to the masses.  You could capture 
		the hearts of the poor, sick and the rich.

					HARRIET
		What’s important now, is to get rid of
		these monstrous wings.

					RABBI
		I am an old man.  I don’t know how many
					RABBI AZRIEL (cont’d)
		more miracles my body could withstand. 
		My expertise has been with Exorcism.  I’ve
		purged many a Demon from man, but I’ve
		never purged wings from anyone.

					HARRIET
		Would you try?

					RABBI
		I wouldn’t, nor could I.  That would be 		     		sacrilegious and make me an adversary  
		of God.

					HARRIET
		Thank you Rabbi.  We’ll keep you informed.

Harriet grabs Sam’s hand and pulls him away.

The Rabbi prays fervently.

INT. FARM HOUSE - DAY

Harriet smokes a cigarette and drinks wine.  

Her face is wrinkled in anguish, as she stares at Sam happily preening his wings.

					HARRIET
		What are we going to do?

					SAM
		It just came to me!  Do you remember me
		telling you about a Madam Satdem that I
		met on the train to the Hamptons?

					HARRIET
		Yes, so what?

					SAM
		She told me I would experience an unusual 				occurrence in two weeks and that I should
		call her then.  It’s exactly two weeks 
		today.

Sam takes out his wallet and finds Madam’s card.  He picks up a nearby phone and punches a number. 

					SAM
		Madam may have the answer for us.

INTERCUT

Madam in her office

					SAM
		Hello?...Madam this is Sam Cohen.
		We met on a train to the Hamptons
		two weeks ago.

					MADAM
		How do you like them?

					SAM
		Like what?

					MADAM
			(disturbed)
		Your wings.
			
					SAM
		Oh yes!  Fine, but how did you know?

					MADAM
		I felt great vibrations on the train.
		The visions were not too clear.  When
		I returned home and studied my crystal,
		it became obvious.  It’s imperative that 
		I see you now.

					SAM
		Today’s Wednesday.  I can make it on
		Friday.

					MADAM
		Then our appointment will be for Friday
		at three.

					SAM
		Thank you.

Madam hangs up.

Sam holds the phone for a moment, the hangs up.

END INTECUT

					HARRIET
		I’ll go with you.

					SAM
		Madam wants me to come alone.

EXT/INT. HOUSE DRIVEWAY - DAWN

Sam carrying his white zippered bag, climbs into the station wagon and drives off.

The wagon drives along a country road.

A swarm of birds accompany the wagon for a distance, then veer off and fly away.

After several beats, the wagon turns into a side road and stops at a wooded area.

Sam gets out of the car and starts to undress.

Sam, dressed in his white flying suit, walks into the forest.  He climbs upon a small hill.  He expands his wings and tests them, as they flutter in the wind.

With a strong gust of wind, he launches himself into the air.

The same swarm of birds that accompanied him on the road, fly with him on his virgin flight.  He flies toward the curtain of the sky.  The wind fans his face and hair, as he soars above.
					After several beat 
Black clouds appear.  Thunder booms and crackles.  Lightning splits the sky.

Sam hastily descends to the ground, as torrents of rain appear.

EXT. INT HOUSE - DAY

The wagon pulls into the driveway.

Same emerges from the wagon and enters the house.

Harriet stands at the door.

					HARRIET
		Where have you been?

					SAM
		I took a drive,

					HARRIET
		Where?

					SAM
		I surveyed some new properties.

					HARRIET
		You’ve been acting very strange since
		you’re back.

EXT. HOUSE 

Sam props up a ladder to the roof of the house.

					HARRIET (O.S.)
		What are you doing now?

Sam turns around to face Harriet.

					SAM
		I’m working on the roof.

					HARRIET
		It’s not leaking.  Is it?

					SAM
		No, but it will if it’s not taken 
		care of.

Harriet shakes her head and leaves.

Sam climbs the ladder to the roof.

EXT. ROOF - DAWN

Swirling winds surround Sam, as he finishes dressing in his flying suit.

He expands his wings, tests them and launches himself into the air.  He skims some tree tops and flies high in the sky.  He looks below.

Houses, fields, meadows, roads and cars appear as miniature toys.

LATER

Sam descends onto the roof.  He retrieves his clothes near a chimney and starts to change clothes.

INT. BEDROOM	

Sam enters the bedroom.  He is confronted by Harriet.

					HARRIET
		Where were you now?

					SAM
		A drive.

					HARRIET
		Instead of these drive, you might 
		do some work around here.

					SAM
			(defiantly)
		I’ll be the judge of where and when
		I spend my time.

Sam stares daggers at Harriet.

					HARRIET
		I don’t know what’s gotten into
		you.  You’re getting stranger by
		the day. 				

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Sam, Amy and Harriet watch TV.

BOB VINER, a newscaster appears on the screen.  He is in his thirties and dapperly dressed.

					VINER
		Good evening.  This is Bob Viner of
		DBC News.  Early this morning, a James
		Ledbetter of Ferndale, observed an
		unusual sight.  He is here in our studio
		to tell us about it.

Next to Viner, is LEDBETTER, a short cricket of a man in his twenties.  He is in a stage fright stance.

Viner pulls Ledbetter closer to him.

					VINER
		James, tell us what it was that you
		saw and what you did this morning.

					LEDBETTER
			(coming out of trance)
		About six this morning, I’m feeding
		the chickens, when they all of a sudden
		they become very nervous and start screaming.
		I hear a big wind and I go outside...

					VINER
		...And what did you see?

					LEDBETTER
		It was a big white bird, the biggest 
		I’ve ever seen.  It had large white 
		wings with arms and legs like a human.

					VINER
		And then what did you do?

					LEDBETTER
		I grabbed my video camera from my pickup
		truck and filmed what I saw.	

Sam and Amy smile excitedly.  Harriet nervously smokes a cigarette and drinks a whiskey.

					HARRIET
		What next!

The film is played on the TV, showing Sam in his flying suit, soaring, gliding and practicing aerial maneuvers in the sky. 

					SAM
			(proudly)
		Not too bad for my first flight.  I 
		see some flaws I’ll have to work on.

Amy smiles.

Harriet’s face is red with rage.

ON TV

					VINER
		We have witnessed this date, the extra-
		ordinary Ledbetter film. For an analysis
		of this phenomenon, we are pleased to 
		introduce Professor Fritz Kronomeyer.

KRONOMEYER, sits next to Viner.  He is a tall bearded man in his seventies.  He wears thick eyeglasses.

					KRONOMEYER
			(a thick German accent)
		Good evening.  I am elated to have had 
		the opportunity of viewing the Ledbetter 
		film.  It confirms my theory of this
		species.

					VINER
		What is your theory Professor?

					KRONOMEYER
		Sixty five million years ago, during the
		Cretaceous period, there was a mass cosmic
		explosion that radically impacted the
		environmental change and extinction of
		many prehistoric species.  El Aguila Umana,
		the Human Eagle, as the Mexicans named them,
		were able to escape the extinction.

					VINER
		How was that possible?

					KRONOMEYER
		There is a theory that with their speed
		and longevity of flight, they were able
		to escape the cosmic explosion.

					VINER
		Do you actually believe that this species
		is still living after so many million years?

					KRONOMEYER
		We believe that the Human Eagle is not 
		extinct and that they thrive in small
		clusters in secluded areas.

					VINER
		Thank you for your analysis Professor.
		This is Bob Viner of DBC News.

Harriet turns off the TV.

Harriet glares at Sam.

EXT. FARM HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY

A sports car pulls up to the driveway.  Amy and TED, a young man in his twenties, emerge from the car.  They are dressed in tennis clothes.

					AMY
		Thanks Ted.  I enjoyed playing 
		with you.

					TED
		Anytime.  Just call me.

Amy kisses Ted on the cheek 

Ted starts the car, waves at Amy and slowly drives away.  Amy waves back.

Sam is in the field, working with farm hands, who cut hay.  Sam stops and waves to Amy.

Amy runs to Sam and embraces him.

					SAM
		How was the tennis?

					AMY
		Wonderful.

They sit on a nearby bench.

					SAM
		And Ted?

					AMY
		He’s sweet.  He’s always been a good
		friend.

					SAM
		Have you thought about your College?

					AMY
		Any suggestions?

					SAM
		Go back to your school.
		You’ve got nothing to be ashamed
		of.  It wasn’t you that deceived 
		someone.
					
					AMY
		I will go back.  If anyone doesn’t like it, 		           	then it’s their problem.

Sam hugs Amy.

					SAM
		That’s my girl!.

					AMY
		I’m so glad that your my Dad.

LATER

INT. FARM HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

Sam, Amy and Harriet are finishing their breakfast.

					HARRIET
			(to Amy)
		Why mot stay a bit longer?

					AMY
		I’ve really got to get back.

					HARRIET
		Call us as soon as you arrive.

					AMY
		I will.

					SAM
		Do you need anything?

					AMY
		I’m okay Dad.

A car horn honks raspingly.

Amy looks through the window curtains.

					AMY
		Ted’s here.

EXT. DRIVEWAY

Ted stands by his car.

Sam, carrying bags, Amy and Harriet emerge from the house. 

Ted takes the bags from Sam and places them in the trunk of the car.  Amy hugs and kisses Sam and Harriet.

					AMY
		Thanks for everything.  Don’t worry about
		me.  I’ll be all right.

Amy and Ted get into the car.

Sam and Harriet wave, as the car drives off and recedes in the distance.

EXT. FOREST - SUNRISE

Sam flies in the sky, his face aglow with joy, as he practices several maneuvers.

After a beat, several shots ring out. 

Shotgun pellets whiz by Sam's face.  He looks below.

A man with a shotgun fires at Sam.

Sam immediately veers away from the area.  He flies a distance, then descends near the station wagon.  He quickly strips off his white flying suit.

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD

The wagon speeds through the road.  After a moment, a siren is heard.  He looks at his rearview mirror.

A state trooper flashes his red signal and is fast closing in on him.

Sam slows to a stop on a service road.

The trooper’s car pulls up behind Sam’s wagon.  He gets out of his car and approaches the wagon cautiously.

Sam opens his car window.

					SAM
		Is anything wrong officer?
					
					TROOPER
		May I see your license and registration?

Sam hands them to the trooper, who studies them and makes notations on a pad.

					TROOPER
		We’ve had reports of sightings of very
		large eagles in the area.  Farmers are
		concerned for their chickens and sheep.
		We’re checking with people in the area,
		if they’ve seen these eagles or if they
		might know where they might be found.

					SAM		
		I haven’t seen any eagles and I don’t
		know where you might find them.

					TROOPER
			(handing him a card)
		If you have any information about the
		eagles, please call this number.

					SAM
		I’ll do that.

					TROOPER
		Thank you Mr. Cohen.

The trooper returns Sam’s license and registration. He gets into his car and drives off.

Sam wipes the perspiration from his face,then starts the car.

EXT. HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

Sam has breakfast at a table.

Harriet approaches and drops a newspaper in front of him. He unfolds the newspaper and stares at the front page.

INSERT

A large photo of Sam in his flying suit in the sky is seen.  A caption below reads:  ‘ HUMAN EAGLE TRACED TO FERNDALE FARM.”

END INSERT

					HARRIET
			(scornfully)
		This is only the beginning!

EXT, SOUTH HAMPTON - BUS DEPOT - DAY

A bus wheels into the bus depot.

Sam and passengers emerge from the bus.

Sam hails a taxi, gets in and they drive off.

LATER

EXT/INT. TAXI

The taxi drives up to an old cedar house.  The cedar 
blocks are blackened with age.

					SAM
		Please wait for me.

					TAXI DRIVER
		I’ll let the meter run.

Sam emerges from the taxi and moves to the doorstep of the house.  He rings the bell.

The door is opened by a butler.  He is a robust man dressed like a Turkish Pasha.

					SAM
		I’m Sam Cohan.  I have an appointment
		with Madam.

					BUTLER
			(with thick Jersey accent)
		Madam’s wid a client.  She’ll be wid
		Yuz shortly.  Yuz can wait in de 
		waiting room.
The butler ushers Sam into a waiting room, then leaves.

The entire room is black.  Murals on the wall are painted of young nude women scattered on tree branches in a forest. 

Sam picks up a magazine and scans several pages.  Within minutes the butler appears.

					BUTLER
		Madam will see yuz now.

The room is also painted black.

Drapes are embroidered with young nude women in a forest as in the waiting room.

Madam sits behind a large black desk, where a large crystal ball sits.

					MADAM
			(pointing)
		Have a seat Mr. Cohen.

Sam sits in front of her.

					MADAM
		I’m glad that you could come on such	
		short notice.  Tell me everything.

					SAM
		It started in New York at a Personal
		Agency...

FADE OUT, FADE IN

					SAM
		And my wife is very upset.

					MADAM
		Show them to me.

Sam takes off his shirt and expands his wings.

Madam moves to him, inspects and caresses his wings.

					MADAM
				(ecstatic)
		Superb!

					SAM
		They’re beautiful.  Aren’t they?

					MADAM
		Have you made a decision about them?

					SAM
		I haven’t, but my wife wants me to 
		get rid of them.

					MADAM
		There’s a way that it can be done.

					SAM
		How?

					MADAM
		By a Satanic Demon.

					SAM
		How would he do it?

					MADAM
		He would enter your body and soul
		and purge you of your wings.

					SAM
		What assurance would I have that he
		would leave my body and soul?

					MADAM
		I can't tell you how long it would be.
		If you would like to meet the Demon,
		I can arrange it.

					SAM
		Why not!

Madan gets up.  She moves to Sam and seats him on a lounge chair.  She dims the lights and returns to the desk.

She takes off her large black pearl necklace and starts to caress each pearl, while chanting.  She repeats the chants several times without any results.

					SAM
		Maybe the Demon’s out to lunch.

					MADAM 
		This is no laughing matter.

					SAM
		I’m sorry. 

Madam continues to caress her pearls.  Her chants now are combined with high eerie notes.  Howling dogs are heard.

Madam falls unconscious.

The Demon, a horrific creature, suddenly appears.    

Its face is that of a dog, its teeth that of an alligator.  Its body is furry, and he has a long tail.  It roars and spurts fire from its slobbering mouth.

Sam sits up with a start.  The Demon approaches.

					DEMON
			(glaring)
		What do you desire of me?

The Demon roars and spurts fire toward Sam.  The fire singes off Sam’s trouser cuffs.

					SAM
			(screaming)
		Nothing!  I’m out of here.

Sam springs out of the chair and darts out of the room.

The Demon shakes his head with confusion.

Madam is still unconscious and snores loudly.

Sam dashes past the butler and out of 

THE HOUSE

Sam races to the taxi and gets into
				
THE TAXI

					DRIVER
		Where to?

					SAM
	Anywhere that’s quiet.

The taxi drives off.

EXT. HAMPTON BEACH - SUNRISE

Plump seagulls, gathered on the beach, suddenly take off in flight.

Above in the sky, Sam flies and soars,  After a beat, a scream is heard.  Sam looks below.

A figure in the water flays their arms in the water.

Sam quickly swoops down to the figure in the water.  He plucks LILITH, a young attractive woman from the water.

He flies, descends and deposits her on the beach.  She wears a black bikini and her long hair is jet black.

With mouth to mouth resuscitation, he revives her.

					LILITH
		What happened?

					SAM
		You nearly drowned.

					LILITH
		How can I repay you?

					SAM
		It’s all right.  Where do you live?

					LILITH
			(pointing)
		In that cottage.

The cottage is at the edge of the beach.

Sam helps lilith get up.  She is wobbly and clings tightly to Sam, as they walk toward the cottage.

They arrive at

THE COTTAGE

Burned grass is strewn on the front lawn.  The cottage is black and there are no windows.

Lilith opens the door.

					LILITH
		I owe you my life.  Would you like 
		to come in?  I could make some tea.

					SAM
		Thank you, but I have to get back.

					LILITH
		Just for a little while.  Please.

					SAM
		All right.

They enter the cottage.

Lilith sparkles with renewed energy.

					LILTH
		Make yourself comfortable.  I’ll 
		only be a few minutes.

Lilith exits the room.

Sam sits on a sofa and scans the room.

The decor is totally black.

After a beat, lilith returns.  She wears a sheer black negligee.  She is very sensuous looking.  Her voice is  breathy and her eyelashes lower seductively.

					LILTH
		I’ll make the tea.

She exits the room and strides into

THE KITCHEN  

Lilith puts up the tea.  She pours a potion in one cup.
and pours the tea.  She returns to 

THE LIVING ROOM

On a small table near Sam, she serves the tea.

					LILITH
		It’s a special brew. I hope you’ll
		like it.

Sam takes a sip.

					SAM
		I have to go now.

					LILITH
		Drink up.  It’s good for you.

Sam finishes the cup.  He attempts to get up, but falls back on the couch.  He tries again, but is too wobbly and again slumps back on the couch.

The room becomes shrouded into a mist of clouds.  Lilith’s face is transformed to that of Angelica.

					SAM
			(dazed)
		Angelica?

					LILITH
			(laughing)
		If you like.

Lilith starts to undress Sam.  Her laugh becomes louder and sinister.  Thunder and cracks of lightning are heard.

Towering above them, is Angel Schermerhorn.  An aura of gold lights encircle him.

					SCHERMERHORN
			(bellowing)
		Be gone you devil of darkness.

A blood curdling scream is heard, as Lilth is transformed to the Demon, who spurts fire at Schermerhorn.

Schermerhorn’s who's eyes are like cold steel, douses the fire with his hands.  Through his eyes, he ejects a bolt of lightning against the Demon.

The Demon shrieks with pain.  He again spurts fire at Schermerhorn, who douses the fire with his hands.

Sam sits motionless, his face distorted in terror.

The battle continues until Schermerhorn ejects a greater bolt of lightning against the Demon.

The Demon expels a loud shriek, as he falls to the ground and turns into a smoldering pile of black dust.

Schermerhorn helps Sam out of 

THE COTTAGE

The lawn is very green and neatly trimmed.

The cottage is white with many windows.

A large plump raven, perched on a tree, launches himself into the air and flies to the curtain of the sky.

INT. ANGEL’S LAIR - BEDROOM - DAY

Sam is asleep in bed.  Angelica sits by his side.  She kisses his forehead and holds his hand.  Sam slowly wakes.

					ANGELICA
		How do you feel?

					SAM
		A bit wobbly, but I’ll be all right.

					ANGELICA
		Father is waiting to see you.

Angelica kisses him.

INT. SCHERMERHORN’S STUDY

Schermerhorn and Gabrielle are seated at the desk.

					GABRIELLE
		The heavens rejoice!  Now that the 
		Demon is no more, you will be 
		summoned by the Divine one.

					SCHERMERHORN
		I will be pleased to do so, but I 
		must hasten back.  There is much to 
		do here.

					GABRIELLE
		Have you considered a successor?

					SCHERMERHORN
		I have.

Sam approaches.

Schermerhorn and Gabrielle get up.

					SCHERMERHORN
		How are you feeling?

					SAM
		Much better, thank you.

					SCHERMERHORN
		I want you to meet Gabrielle.

					SAM
		It’s a pleasure.

They take their seats at the desk.

					GABRIELLE
		I have studied your file and concur
		with Angel Schermerhorn.  You would
		make an ideal Rank Leader.

					SAM
		I’m flattered with the offer, but as 
		yet, I haven’t made up my mind.

					SCHERMERHORN
		I see you leading our ranks in the Lord’s
		work.

EXT. GARDEN

Sam and Angelica walk hand in hand through the garden.
Exotic flowers are in full bloom.  Singing birds fly above.

The come to a little bridge.  They lean on the parapet of the  bridge and look below.

A clear stream of water runs through.

Angelica shivers.  Sam puts his arms around her.

					ANGELICA
		I’ll miss you terribly.

					SAM
		We’ll be together soon.

					ANGELICA
		Live here with us.

					SAM
		I’ll return.  I promise.

					ANGELICA
		You better.

Sam Smiles.  They kiss passionately.

They walk back over the bridge.

EXT. ANGEL’S LAIR - DRIVEWAY - DAY

Sam and Angelica hold hands next to a taxi.  Sam stares at the towering Angel’s Lair.

					ANGELICA
		When will I see you?

					SAM
		I’ve got things to finish back home.

Angelica and Sam kiss and embrace.  Sam enters the
taxi.  It starts to roll.  Angelica tearfully waves
at Sam.  He waves back, as the taxi picks up speed and drives off.

EXT. FARM HOUSE - DAY

A crowd of people mill around the house.

TV and newspaper reporters interview individuals.

Bob Viner of DBC News interviews JIM CROCKER, a burly man dressed in overalls.

					VINER
		And did you know what it was 
		that you were shooting at?

					CROCKER
		I thought it was one of them eagles
		that got my wife’s poodle.  She’s
		been darned upset about it.  I swore
		that if I saw one of them, I’d kill
		it.

					VINER
		And now that you know it was the Human 
		Eagle, how do you feel about it?

					CROCKER
		Do they eat dogs?

					VINER
			(irritated
		Thank you Mr. Crocker.

Viner moves away and interviews another individual.

A state trooper’s car pulls up to the driveway.  The trooper emerges from the car and walks up to the house.  He knocks on the door.  There is no answer.  He knocks louder.

					HARRIET (O.S.
		Who is it?

					TROOPER
		State trooper.

Harriet opens the door a crack.
					
					HARRIET
     	What do you want?

					TROOPER
		I’d like to see Mr. Cohen.

					HARRIET
		He’s out of town.

					TROOPER
		When’s he expected back?

					HARRIET
		In a few days.

The trooper hands her a card.

					TROOPER
		Have him call me at this number.
		It’s important.

The trooper leaves.

The crowd edges closer to the house.

In the midst of the crowd, Professor Kromomeyer fights his way to the front of the house.  His jacket is torn and his hair is ruffled.  He knocks on the door.

Harriet opens the door a crack.

					KRONOMEYER
		I am Professor Kronomeyer.

					HARRIET
		Mister Cohen isn’t home.

					KRONOMEYER
		Can you tell me where I might find 
		him?

					HARRIET
		I haven’t a clue.

					KRONOMEYER
		It’s a matter of life or death.

The throng of people push toward the door, knocking Kronomeyer to the ground, with his eyeglasses flying through the air.

Harriet opens the door wide and screams.

					HARRIET
		If you don’t get out of here and now,
		I’m calling the police.

Harriet slams the door shut.

Some of the crowd disperses.

A news reporter interviews Kronomeyer.

					KRONOMEYER
		It is our opinion that the Human
		Eagle is not extinct and thrives
		in seclude areas.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Sam is on the phone.

INTERCUT

Harriet at home

She wears a worn out bathrobe, her gray hair is unkempt.  She smokes a cigarette and drinks a whiskey.

					SAM
		How is everything at home?

					HARRIET
		I can’t take it anymore.

					SAM
		What’s wrong?
					HARRIET
		It’s been pure bedlam here.  Everyone 
		has been asking for you.  I’m changing 
		our phone to an unlisted number.

					SAM
		I’ll be home soon.

					HARRIET
		Rabbi Azriel called.

					SAM
		What did he want?

					HARRIET
		He’s going to give a sermon on God 
		and his winged messenger.  He says 
		that he needs your input.

					SAM
		I’ll call him back.

Harriet hangs up.

Sam appears bemused and hangs up.

END INTERCUT

INT. HERALD NEWS - EDITOR’S OFFICE - DAY

Sam enters Duncans office.

Duncan gets up from his desk, shakes Sam's hand energetically and embraces him.  Sam is taken aback at the welcome.

					DUNCAN
		It’s good to see you.  Have a seat.

They sit at the desk.

					DUNCAN
		The last time I saw you, I told you
		you that if there was an opening here,
		you’d be the first one I’d call.

					SAM
		I don't remember.	

					DUNCAN
		The newspaper business has been  
		changing more than ever.  The 
		public is constantly looking for 
		hi-concept stories.

					SAM
		Hi-concept?

					DUNCAN
		Intriguing and unique stories.  I’ve 		   		
		recommended you for the job.  

					SAM
		Thanks, but...

					DUNCAN
		The Herald is where you belong.

					SAM
		What kind of a job is it?

					DUNCAN
		It’s more than a job.  It’s an 
		opportunity of a lifetime.

					SAM
		What kind of an opportunity?

					DUNCAN
		Sam!  You’re today’s news.  We can
		capitalize on it.  To start off, you
		would write weekly installments on 
		your adventures as the Human Eagle.

					SAM
		The Human Eagle.

					DUNCAN
		Your column would be syndicated
		throughout the world.  We’d have 
		you participate in spectacular 
		events that would give you maximum 
		exposure.		 
		
					SAM
		Spectacular events?

					DUNCAN
		As a starter, we’d have you fly off
		The Empire building, an aircraft carrier
		and some tall ships at the Seaport.  We’d 
		arrange that you be the Grand Marshal in
		The forthcoming Veteran’s Day parade.

					SAM
		I’m not a veteran.

					DUNCAN
			(undaunted)
		Now get this!  When the parade reaches 
		City Hall, you can spread your wings 
		and fly up to the sky.  The Eagle, the 
		symbol of our great country.

					SAM
		You’ve put a lot of work in this project.

					DUNCAN
			(lighting up a cigar)
		And get this.  We’ve been in touch with 
		major movie producers, who are interested 
		in  casting you in your real life story.
		And we’ve got other deals in the fire 
		for you.

					SAM
		Does my job hinge on all this?

Duncan puffs hard on his cigar.

					DUNCAN
		Sam!  The board of directors are sold
		on the campaign.  And get this.  Money’s 
		no object.  You could write your own 
		ticket.

					SAM
		Thanks for the offer, but I wouldn’t
		prostitute myself with the circus you’re 
		selling.  If you want me on your staff, 
		it would have to be without my winged 
		story and the circus you propose.

					DUNCAN
		If you turn this down, you’ll miss the
		greatest opportunity of a lifetime.  
		Do you want some time to think about it?

					SAM
		No.

Sam gets up and leaves.

Duncan stands with a disappointed scowl on his face, as he chews on his cigar and glares at Sam receding in the distance.

EXT. HOTEL ROOF - SUNRISE

Sam, dressed in his flying suit. Tests the wind and launches himself into the air.  He flies and soars above the skyscrapers that jut toward the sky.

On the ground, FRED and TONY, two sanitation men haul garbage into a truck.

Fred wipes his face and looks up at the sky.  He closes and opens his eyes, his face distorted with disbelief.

Sam flies above, then veers away from sight.

					FRED
		Holy cow!  Did you see that?

					TONY
		See what?

					FRED
		There’s a guy with white wings flying 
		up there.

Fred and Tony look up.

The sky is clear.

					TONY
		There’s nothin up there.  You gota 
		lay off the booze.

					FRED
		I could have sworn...I think I’ll
		start going to church.

EXT. FARM HOUSE - NIGHT

Cars are parked on the lawn and driveway.

The Farandole High school band plays a Sousa march, loudly and out of tune.

A taxi wheels into the driveway.  Sam emerges from the taxi.  He is bewildered at the scene before him.

On a platform near the house, several dignitaries sit.  Some wear medals.

Two of these dignitaries walk up to Sam and escort him to the platform.  The music ends.

The bandmaster raises his baton and gives a downbeat.

The band plays another Sousa march louder and off key.

MAYOR HIGGONS, stands on the platform, holding a microphone.  He is short, stocky with the built of a barrel.  He wears a multitude of medals.  His bright red sash, matches his red nose.  

The Mayor raises his hands and the music stops.  Trumpets play a fanfare.

					MAYOR
		It is with great pleasure , that we 
		welcome home our own Sam Cohen.

The crowd applaud, cheer and whistle.

The Mayor raises his hands and silences the crowd.

					MAYOR
		Ferndale was built by our forefathers
		with grit and determination.  We’ve
		gone through some good and bad times,
		but now we’re looking at hard times.
		Now a new dawn has arrived with our own
		Sam Cohen who will lead us to the promised
		land.

More applause, cheers whistles and music.

					MAYOR
			(quieting crowd)
		And now, I’d like Sam to say a few 
		words.

Sam reluctantly gets up and strides to the podium.  He shakes hands with the Mayor, who the returns to his seat.

					SAM
		Thank you your honor and people of 
		Ferndale.  I am honored by the 
		tributes you’ve given me.  I trust 
		that I will be worthy of them.  It’s 
		been an exhausting day and if you’ll 
		excuse me, I shall be turning in.

More applause, cheering and music.

The Mayor dashes up to Sam.  He shakes his hand vigorously.

					MAYOR
			(winking)
		My chauffeur will pick you up tomorrow
		morning.  We’ve got lots to discuss.

Sam walks through the cheering crowd and enters 

THE HOUSE

Harriet sits on the sofa.  Her bathrobe has the look of an abandoned old rag.  Her face is wrinkled with nervous exhaustion, as she drinks whisky and smokes a cigarette.

					HARRIET
		Now that you’re here, I want you
		to know that I’m filing for a divorce.
		All I want now, is to get off this
		loony merry goround..

					SAM
			(surprised)
		I won’t stand in your way.

					HARRIET
		I’ll tell Amy.

					SAM
		Let’s hold off for now.

Harriet responds with an indifferent shrug.

EXT/INT, TOWN HALL - DAY

Men with briefcases enter and leave the building.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Men are seated around a large table.

The Mayor sits at the head of the table.

Sam enters and takes a seat opposite the Mayor.

The Mayor gets up.

					MAYOR 
		Gentlemen, the meeting will come
		to order.

The room quiets down.  All eyes are upon the Mayor.

					MAYOR
		I’d like to take this opportunity in
		welcoming Sam Cohen to these chambers
		and have him meet our board of directors.

The men applaud.

					MAYOR
			(pointing)
		This is Art Sullivan our deputy Mayor,
		John Bent, Secretary and Treasurer, 
         Harry Case, President of the Ferndale 
		Savings and Loan, Earle Williams of 
		William’s Realty and Bob Fortenback of 	  	    		     
		the Marketing and Media Corp.  Bob, if 
		you will.

Fortenback gets up and passes out literature to everyone.

					FORTENBACK 
		We have an option to buy a thousand
		acres of prime land from the adjacent
		town of Leadville.  We are also 
		preparing a bond issue reading;  
		“EAGLES WILL FLY.” 

					MAYOR
			(interrupting)
		And Sam, your picture will be engraved
		on each certificate.  Now Art Casey will
		tell us about the Ferndale bank’s help.

					CASEY 	
			(getting up)
		The Ferndale bank has agreed to make loans
		available to our group at lower than prime 	             
		rates.  All bonds will be guaranteed by the 
		Federal Reserve bank.   

					MAYOR
		Thank you Art.  Now Earle Williams has        		something to show us.

Williams brings out a miniature model of a city and lays it on the table.

					WILLIAMS
		This will be our new city.  Motels, 
		townhouses, shops, restaurants, concert 
		halls, sports arenas and a museum of 
		eagles and other species of birds...

					MAYOR
		...And you Sam, will hold the position of
		director of the museum.  With your flying
		and public relations experience, you’ll
		draw people from all parts of the world.
		And Sam we’ve cut you in as a partner.

The Mayor smiles as if he had just swallowed a plump canary.

Sam rises. 

					SAM
		Thank you your Honor and Gentlemen.
		This is another once in a lifetime
		opportunity offered to me within these
		past weeks.  I’m sure your offer could 
		make me a rich man, but I couldn't 
		accept it

					MAYOR
			(stunned)
		Why?

					SAM
		It’s a matter of ethics.

					MAYOR
		Now Sam, don’t make any hasty decisions.
		You haven’t heard all the details.

					SAM
		I’ve heard enough.

					MAYOR
		Think of what this could mean for 
		Ferndale.  Wouldn’t you want to see 
		a better life for our people?

Sam slowly walks out of the chambers.

The Mayor’s face is screwed in disbelief, as he watches Sam leave.

INT. WALDORF ASTORIA - DAY

Harp music is played.

Sam walks along the lobby.  He looks up at the mezzanine.

Waiters serve patrons drinks and Hors d’oeuvres 

The back of a woman is seen gracefully plucking the harp strings that emit spellbinding music.

Sam walks up to the mezzanine and takes a seat at a table.

The music ends.  The harpist turns around.

Sam sits rapt, his face distorted in disbelief.

Angelica smiles broadly.  She walks to Sam, kisses and embraces him.  She sits at the table.

					SAM
		What are doing here?

					ANGELICA
		I play here every Monday and 
		Wednesday.

					SAM
		Why?

					ANGELICA
		Because I love it.

					SAM
		I haven’t been able to think of
		anything but you.

					ANGELICA
		I love you.

					SAM
		I’m getting divorced.

					ANGELICA
		I get off in a half an hour.  Let’s
		go somewhere.

EXT. STATEN ISLAND FERRY

A ferry knifes its way through the water.

On the upper deck, Sam and Angelica stand at the rail of the ferry in a close embrace.  The wind fans their faces and hair.

					ANGELICA
		I missed you so much.

					SAM
		I’m moving back to the city.  I want
		you to live with me.

					ANGELICA
		I’d live anywhere with you.

LATER

INT. APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Angelica stands on a ladder, hanging up colorful curtains.  Her hair is up and she wears chinos and a T-shirt.  She hums a tune as she works.  The phone rings.  She climbs down the ladder and picks up a nearby phone.

					ANGELICA
		...Hi, Celeste...Yes, everything is
		coming along nicely...Sam took the 
		job with the Village News and Double 
		Night Publications has given him an 
		advance on his autobiography...Yes, 
		we’re very happy...Visit us soon.

Angelica hangs up the phone.  She climbs the ladder and resumes hanging the curtains.

					SAM (O.S.)
		Darling I’m home.

					ANGELICA
		I’m in the living room.

Sam enters the living room.

					ANGELICA
		You’re home early.

Angelica starts to get off the ladder.  Sam grabs her midway, kisses her and lets her down to the floor.

					SAM
		I couldn’t wait to get home and
		tell you the good news.

					ANGELICA
		Don’t keep me in suspense.

					SAM
		My lawyer just called.  My divorce 
		became final as of today.

					ANGELICA
		Oh Sam!

Angelica breaks into tears.  Sam kisses and embraces her.

					SAM
		It’s celebration time.

They walk to

THE KITCHEN

Sam takes out a bottle of champagne from the refrigerator.  He uncorks the bottle and pours two glasses.

					SAM
		Here’s to us.

They drink and are enraptured with each other.

MONTHS LATER

EXT. APARTMENT HOUSE - DAY

Angelica approaches the house.  She is fully pregnant and carries bundles of groceries.  She stops to catch her breath.  She then climbs the steps and enters the house.

INT. APARTMENT

Angelica places the groceries on the floor.  She hangs up her coat in the hall closet.  She picks up the groceries and moves to 

THE KITCHEN

She puts away the groceries.  She waddles to 

THE LIVING ROOM

She sits wearily on the sofa.  She attempts to keep her eyes open, but slowly succumbs to sleep.

LATER IN THE EVENING

San enters.  He holds a bouquet of flowers.

He approaches Angelica and kisses her.  She awakes slowly.

					SAM
			(handing her the flowers)
		Hi, Misses Cohen.

					ANGELICA 
		What time is it?

					SAM
		It’s eight.  We worked late.

					ANGELICA
		I’m so sorry.  I just couldn’t stay awake. 
		I haven’t even started cooking dinner.

					SAM
		Forget it.  We’ll send out for something.

Angelica smiles at Sam adoringly.

INT. BEDROOM - SUNRISE

Sunlight streams through the curtains.

Sam and Angelica are in bed.  Sam is fast asleep.  Angelica gets out of bed, her face grimacing with pain.  She wakes Sam.

					ANGELICA
		Darling, it’s that time.

Sam springs out of bed.

					SAM
			(panicky)
		I’ll get a taxi.  Where’s your bag?

					ANGELICA
		Where you put it, in the hall closet.

Sam rushes to a telephone and punches a number.

INT. HOSPITAL - OPERATING ROOM

Sam, in a surgical gown, mask and gloves is at Angelica’s side, as Dr. Berger and nurses work feverishly on Angelica.

A nurse approaches Sam.

					NURSE 1
		Doctor Berger would like you to
		wait outside.  He’ll see you when
		it’s all over.

Sam leaves the operating room and sits wearily on a bench.  He gets up several times and peers through the circular windows of the operating room.  He sits on the bench, his face drooped with anguish.
					(A beat) 
A nurse approaches Sam

					SAM
		How is she?

					NURSE 1
		The doctor will see you shortly.

					SAM
		What about?...

The nurse leaves.

Sam alternately sits on the bench and paces the floor.

DOCTOR BERGER approaches.  

					SAM
		How is my wife?

					DOCTOR BERGER
		She’s doing well and you are the
		father of a healthy eight pound boy.

					SAM
		Thank God!

					DOCTOR BERGER
		A very unusual birth.  I must write a
		report on this for the medical journal.
 
					SAM
		When can I see my wife?

					DOCTOR BERGER
		She’ll be out in a few minutes.

					SAM
		Thank you Doctor.

The doctor leaves.

Sam emits a big sigh of relief.

LATER

Angelica is wheeled out.  She is pale and sedated.  Sam is at her side as she is wheeled into her room.

					NURSE 2
			(to Sam)
		Please wait outside.

Sam slinks out of the room.

On the corridor, Sam paces the floor.
					(A beat) 
tthe nurse approaches Sam.

					NURSE 2
		You can go in now.

Sam enters

THE ROOM

Sam gazes at Angelica who is asleep.  He sits at her bedside and holds her hand.  
					(a beat)
He gets up and walks to the window and looks out.

On a penthouse roof, a woman waters flowers. 

He looks below.

On the streets, people walk briskly in all directions.  The city is becoming alive.  A moan is heard.

Sam returns to Angelica who slowly awakes.

					SAM
		How are you feeling darling?

					ANGELICA
		All right.

					SAM
		We have a beautiful, healthy eight
		pound boy.

					ANGELICA
		We’ll name him Samuel Junior.

A nurse enters the room.  She carries a baby wrapped in a little blanket.  She hands the baby to Angelica, whose eyes well with tears of happiness.
 
Angelica removes the blanket from the baby, exposing a full head of blond hair and little white wings that glisten in the rays of the morning sun.

FADE OUT     
                       
					THE END