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FADE IN:
TITLE: BASED ON A TRUE STORY.
EXT. MISKES' APARTMENT HOUSE, ONEDA STREET - DAY
1912 Minnesota. BILLY MISKE, a strong-looking, blond eighteen
year-old, hoists his bicycle and some fishing gear down the
apartment stairwell. He follows his father, WILLIAM MISKE.
From an upper window, Billy's mother ANNA leans out. She
and William both have unfaded German accents.
ANNA
Billy?
Billy looks up.
ANNA (CONT'D)
Pick me some nice flowers; I'll put
them on the table.
BILLY
I'll remember.
WILLIAM
We'll be back, Mother!
The two men peddle off on their bikes, fishing poles and
baskets strapped to their bike frames.
EXT. BEAVER LAKE -- DAY
TITLE: ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, 1912
A fine spring day. Billy casts a line into the water. He
and William fish, an easy silence between them. The lake is
situated beside a wooded area.
They play their lines, each in his rhythm. Billy is scouting
a bend down the shore.
BILLY
What about further down?
William sees the area -- a channel tucked back into the woods.
WILLIAM
Give it a try. Take your fish, Billy.
Billy pulls in his line altogether and picks up the woven
straw basket which carries the fish he caught.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
CONTINUED:
WILLIAM (CONT'D)
I’ll be there in a bit.
Billy moves on.
EXT. THE COVE
Billy pulls a different lure from his hat, ties it onto the
end of his line.
He hears something, distant: the occasional but rising
APPROVING ROAR of men shouting, encouraging. Billy looks
toward the forest.
Now he hears a BELL.
Billy pauses, listening, and hears nothing. He resumes tying
the lure.
Another BELL. The ROAR OF MEN strikes up again from behind
the trees. Curious, Billy sets the gear aside and walks
into the woods.
He is sure-footed, stepping through the growth. The SHOUTING
grows louder.
Moving closer, Billy sees what is going on. Two men fight
while perhaps seventy others look on. A REFEREE presides.
Billy watches, enthralled, as the men box. This is boxing
very much of its day, resembling an agreed-upon brawl more
than the sweet science. Swinging is rather wild, and the
men battle standing tall rather than bobbing and weaving.
One boxer seems to have the best of the other, and the crowd
CHEERS.
William appears behind his son and calls to him.
WILLIAM
Billy!
Billy turns, a little startled. He motions for his father
to come over.
BILLY
(hushed, conspiratorial)
Sneak fight!
William joins his son. They watch for a moment.
One fighter clubs the other, tired. The men cheer.
The BELL rings. The men part.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
CONTINUED:
REFEREE
Round eighteen coming up! A fight
to the finish!
William puts his hand on his son’s shoulder.
WILLIAM
Come away.
William hands the boy his fishing pole and the basket, and
they walk away from the illegal contest.
INT. CHURCH -- DAY
Billy sits with his mother and father. MARIE, a striking
eighteen-year old, sings a solo, "What a Friend We Have in
Jesus," quite prettily. In the congregation, there is an
air of appreciative reverence --not least in Billy, who
watches her happily.
--As does TOM KERNS, who notices Billy’s rapt attention and
is displeased.
Marie finishes to the sound of murmured AMENS.
INT. SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM
A small gathering of young adults is underway, including
Billy, Marie, and Tom.
MRS. PIERCE leads the discussion.
MRS. PIERCE
-- and Jesus, Who was the spotless
Lamb Himself, was actually born in a
stable of lambs. God was already
showing the Savior’s place in history.
Any comments?
Marie raises her hand.
MRS. PIERCE (CONT'D)
Marie?
MARIE
My mother and I were talking about
this. God is the only person Who
could decide where, and into what
situation, He was born. And it’s
interesting that He chose to be born
into poverty and scandal -- Mary was
pregnant and unmarried, so she should
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
CONTINUED:
MARIE (CONT'D)
have been stoned to death. And then
they had to flee into exile for their
lives. And I’ve always thought that
those were horrible circumstances.
MRS. PIERCE
Yes.
MARIE
And then I think of the Sermon on
the Mount, and how Jesus says,
"Blessed are the meek, the poor, the
persecuted." And I wonder -- if you
look at it through God’s eyes, He
was born into riches.
Billy watches her, impressed.
MRS. PIERCE
I understand what you’re asking, but
you need to remember the gravity of
the situation. Nothing was easy
about the Savior’s circumstances.
Marie nods, though the teacher has missed the point.
MRS. PIERCE (CONT'D)
Anyone else?
EXT. CHURCH GROUNDS -- DAY
A church social is taking place. People mill about, speaking
happily.
Billy and Marie speak confidentially near a tree. His
vocabulary and rhythms are different with Marie; in fact, he
functions socially by tailoring his speech for whatever
situation arises -- a bit of a chameleon.
BILLY
(referring to the
Bible teacher)
-- I don’t think she had an answer
for you.
MARIE
I really didn’t have a question.
Billy smiles at her confidence. He looks over to the table
where Tom serves lemonade to the thirsty churchgoers.
Tom glares back.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
(to Marie)
You have a beau?
MARIE
You’re very direct, Billy Miske.
(beat)
-- Which I like. No, I don’t have a
beau. You have a jo?
Billy blushes a little.
BILLY
No. I thought you and Tom Kerns..?
Marie looks over at Tom.
MARIE
So did Tom Kerns. "No, thank you,"
I replied, but I don’t think he heard
it. Oh -- I do feel for him, though.
He’s a very handsome boy who thinks
that’s all a girl wants.
Billy is quite taken with her.
BILLY
Can I walk you home?
MARIE
It’s rather far, Billy.
BILLY
We’re healthy.
MARIE
I’d like that. I just don’t want
Tom to make trouble, and I’m afraid
he will.
BILLY
It wouldn’t be trouble for me.
MARIE
I imagine not. But I don’t like
that sort of thing.
BILLY
Me neither. I’ll get it over with
quickly.
EXT. BEHIND A WAREHOUSE -- DAY
Wham! Tom Kerns takes Billy’s fist in his face.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
CONTINUED:
Tom, stripped to the waist, hoped to show off before Marie
and the crowd of twenty or so teenagers who followed them
from the church. It’s not working.
Billy fights, more modestly, in his undershirt. He’s not
trained, but there’s something about how he fights which
looks smart. He lets Tom make wild swings and steps from
them, watching.
The crowd is hollering. Among them is a middle-aged man,
JACK REDDY. He is not hollering, but is studying the scene
carefully.
Tom takes a swing which is wild and Billy moves inside it
and gets in fast body blows.
Tom makes the first smart move of his fighting career; he
clinches with Billy, who allows this, almost sympathetic.
BILLY
(confidentially)
You ready to stop?
Tom’s head is tucked against Billy’s chest. Now he does an
unexpected thing; he jumps up, using his head to crack Billy’s
chin.
Jack winces.
Billy now pushes Tom violently away. His lip is split and
bleeding. Oddly, he isn’t angry; his focus is clear, cool,
and determined.
Tom, breath regained, gets his fists up.
Billy launches one fist toward Tom’s head, which the boy
blocks --
-- leaving him wide open for Billy’s powerful left hook.
Tom takes the crack across the jaw, spins a bit as his legs
give out --
-- and he goes down. The group cheers.
Jack looks at Billy, impressed.
Tom’s SECOND goes to help his friend. Billy gets under Tom’s
other arm and they hoist him to a horse-drawn ice truck.
Billy searches out Marie, who looks a little grim. It’s
obvious that neither of them takes particular pleasure in
this.
She hands him his shirt, which he slips on.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
CONTINUED:
Jack watches Billy as he buttons his shirt, looking in Marie’s
eyes. She hands him his collar.
People clap Billy on the back. He accepts their praise.
Jack slowly drifts away with the rest of the crowd.
EXT. A SMALL PARK -- DAY
Billy sits, leaning against a tree as Marie -- as ladylike
as possible -- licks her kerchief and delicately wipes the
blood away.
MARIE
That was a dirty trick. I don’t
like people deliberately hurting
other people.
BILLY
That’s an unavoidable side effect of
fighting.
MARIE
Well, they need to find some way
around it.
(beat)
I shouldn’t make jokes. When you
smile, your cut opens again.
BILLY
But it’s a nice smile.
MARIE
It is a nice smile, and it concerns
me a bit that you know it too well.
Please tell me you’re not a conceited
boy, all full of yourself.
BILLY
I excel at humility.
MARIE
Well, good.
(she regards him)
I think I like you, Mr. Miske. It
might well be a good thing that there
is a split lip between us right now.
BILLY
Wouldn’t that be awfully quick?
MARIE
A positive scandal. You’d better
get me home.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
May I call on you?
MARIE
You know you need to speak to a lady’s
father first.
BILLY
I’m asking if the lady wants me to.
MARIE
You don’t need to ask. You’re just
digging for further compliments.
BILLY
Maybe I am, a little.
MARIE
Maybe you are, a lot.
(stands)
Come on. Walk me home, healthy boy.
He stands and takes her arm.
BILLY
My pleasure, healthy girl.
MARIE
I’m not sure I want my parents to
see that split lip, though.
BILLY
Which is worse: me looking rough or
you arriving home without an escort?
MARIE
You’re complicating my life, Billy.
BILLY
-- I’m just getting started.
EXT. NEAR MARIE’S HOME -- DAY
Billy and Marie stop walking.
MARIE
Let me just walk from here.
BILLY
How much further is it?
MARIE
Just two blocks. Do you see the two-
story there? Yellow with white trim?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Very nice.
She withdraws her arm from his and their fingertips touch,
instinctively wanting to hold hands and also knowing it’s
too soon. They fumble, embarrassed with affection.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Well.
(he clears his throat)
MARIE
Well said.
They laugh. Marie pulls herself together.
MARIE (CONT'D)
I’ll go.
She abruptly breaks away. Billy watches her go.
She enters her house.
Billy, excited, turns and dashes off.
INT. HAMMOND’S DINER -- DAY
Billy enters, triumphant in life and love. He hears a chorus
of hearty calls from one corner of the smoky restaurant.
Some ACQUAINTANCES.
CALEB
Nice job, Billy!
Billy waves appreciatively as he goes to the counter. The
chef, HAMMOND, eyes him.
HAMMOND
Who split your lip, kid?
BILLY
Some fellow.
HAMMOND
Thought maybe you'd been kissing the
girls too rough.
Jack Reddy looks up from his booth, seeing that Billy has
come in. He speaks to GEORGE BARTON, who sits across the
table, nodding in Billy’s direction.
Billy speaks to the chef.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Any specials today?
HAMMOND
Got a beef sandwich plate with dipping
sauce, ‘tatos and coffee, fifteen
cents. Milk’s an extra cent.
BILLY
Have one with milk.
Hammond turns to the grill.
Jack appears at Billy’s side to introduce himself.
REDDY
How ya doin’?
BILLY
How ya doin’?
REDDY
Jack Reddy.
Billy hesitates, then shakes the man’s hand.
REDDY (CONT'D)
Name familiar?
BILLY
I may have heard it.
REDDY
I train fighters, scout for talent.
He expects Billy to take the bait. Billy waits him out.
REDDY (CONT'D)
I saw your fight today, and you got
something. You ever thought of taking
up the fight game?
BILLY
That was just a scrap.
REDDY
Over a girl, wasn’t it? I got eyes.
See, what I’m looking for -- some
man’s got to beat Jack Johnson. A
white man, specifically. What do
you think?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
I wonder what you saw in one back
alley fight that makes you think I
could beat the champion heavyweight.
REDDY
Like I said -- I got eyes. You don’t
have it yet -- no one’s trying to
sucker you -- but I watched you. I
saw you watching your man, learning
from him, and saw you looking for
your opportunity and taking it.
I’ll tell you what else: you didn’t
get mad. He did you a bum deal in
that clinch and you didn’t lose your
cool. I want to train you. Give it
a shot, why not? See if you got any
stuff. If you do, we see how far we
can go with it.
Hammond delivers Billy’s sandwich. Billy nods his thanks,
begins to eat.
BILLY
Boxing is illegal. Tell me about
that.
REDDY
It’s a dodge. Boxing’ll be hundred
percent legal any day and fifty
percent the fun. You train all you
want at the gym -- spar, work the
bag, nothing illegal there. I set
up a fight, word spreads, men come
to see you in a barn, out by the
river, wherever we set it up. Used
to have a sheriff who let us use the
courthouse basement! Anyway,
newspaper men like my friend George
Barton over there, they write it up
and people read about it the next
day. Don’t you think they’d toss
sports writers in the clink if they
were serious about it being illegal?
'Shaw, son.
BILLY
That’s George Barton?
REDDY
Oh, now you’re impressed.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
You interrupted your meal with him
to talk to me? You’re the one who’s
impressed.
REDDY
Great. You’re impressed that I’m
impressed. Now you get it, kid? No
foolin’, what I mean. You got
something.
Billy thinks things over.
BILLY
Where do I get hold of you?
Jack is quick with his business card. Billy sticks out his
hand.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Name’s Miske.
They shake.
REDDY
Good sized paw, Miske.
(stands)
I think we can get some good work
out of it. And a good payday.
INT. CAPITAL LUMBER WAREHOUSE - DAY
Billy and his father are loading a truck with long wooden
planks.
BILLY
Papa?
WILLIAM
Hmm?
BILLY
I had a fight yesterday.
WILLIAM
I saw the lip. What about?
BILLY
A girl. Marie.
WILLIAM
The singer girl? She's pretty. But
I don't want you fighting. That's
no answer.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
There's something I have to ask you
about. A man saw me, saw the fight.
He thinks I'm good.
WILLIAM
What man?
BILLY
He trains boxers. He's a friend of
George Barton. He was with him at
Hammond's.
WILLIAM
What are you saying? You want to be
a boxer?
BILLY
It's like something in me woke up.
(urgent)
You know how St. Paul is: unless you
have old East money or come from
this family or that, you're never
gonna be anybody. Yesterday I got
two chances handed to me, and I want
to grab 'em both. I can be a champion
in the fight game and have the best
girl I ever set my eyes on right
with me. I'm asking for your
blessing, Papa.
William considers all this.
WILLIAM
You're my son, Billy. I bless you,
I'm proud of you. But you are asking
your father to bless crime. I can't
do that. I won't put your mother
through that. You're a man, you
make your own decisions. But you
will not be a fighter and live in
our house.
BILLY
It's going to be legal soon.
WILLIAM
Soon is not today, Billy. I did not
raise you to be a criminal.
BILLY
Yes, Sir.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
CONTINUED:
INT. HAMMOND'S DINER - DAY
Billy sits at the counter folding and refolding Jack Reddy's
business card, considering things.
He tosses coins on the counter and exits.
INT. YMCA GYM - DAY
Jack gives Billy a tour of sorts, guiding him along as they
walk among training fighters and weight lifters. Some skip
rope, two spar in a ring, one fellow punches a bag, another
performs biceps curls.
BILLY
I'm not committing to anything yet.
REDDY
Right, right. We're just going to
see how you do, be smart about this.
They reach the ring, and Jack points.
REDDY (CONT'D)
Okay. Watch this guy. Black shorts.
Roger Collins. Tell me what you
see.
ROGER fights. Jack watches Billy watching the fight.
REDDY (CONT'D)
See anything?
BILLY
Hold tight.
(watching)
Yeah. Yeah, okay. He's got a left
he's itching to use; must be a good
surprise hook. He doesn't recover
fast.
REDDY
Go on.
BILLY
He leaves his right a little open,
too. I think I'd get in on that,
rock him with a good left -- body,
head, whatever I got -- and then a
right ought to put him down.
REDDY
Let's get you in gear.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
CONTINUED:
INT. YMCA BOXING RING -- DAY
Billy fights another OPPONENT, moving in, crowding him. The
opponent is backing away; he's already taken punishment.
Billy gets in a good lick. The opponent swings and misses.
Billy steps into the opening and begins punching quickly and
repeatedly.
His punches grow less forceful as the opponent sinks to the
mat.
Billy turns to Jack.
BILLY
Should I have not done that?
Jack speaks to BRADY, a trainer, who stands beside him.
REDDY
Get me someone who can get my boy a
little tired.
INT. YMCA BOXING RING - DAY
Billy circles THOMAS, a large black man who outweighs him by
fifty pounds and is probably five inches taller.
Thomas throws experimental punches which Billy largely ducks.
One gets inside Billy’s defense and lands smartly across his
cheek. Billy takes it, continues circling.
Thomas takes a couple more jabs, growing confident, and Billy
absorbs a blow to his midsection.
Jack watches, wondering what’s going on.
Billy circles a little wider, and Thomas senses he is running.
Billy jabs twice and fast; Thomas deflects them and gets in
a cross to Billy’s jaw.
Billy’s taking the punishment. Jack sees he is weakening.
Thomas corners Billy and is ready to knock him down. He
takes a swing with increased force and confidence.
Billy ducks under it and Thomas’s balance is thrown.
Billy launches a full assault on Thomas, his body blows slowly
doubling the big man over.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
CONTINUED:
As Thomas retreats, Billy continues the pummeling, and it’s
obvious that he had this planned.
When Thomas can no longer bear himself fully, Billy crashes
his mitt against the man’s jaw.
Thomas goes down to one knee. The BELL sounds.
REDDY
(shouts)
Okay! That’s it!
Billy helps Thomas up, who is dazed.
BILLY
(to THOMAS)
You all right?
THOMAS
Thought I had you.
BILLY
Good fight.
THOMAS
Good fight.
Thomas moves off, stepping out of the ring as Billy walks
over to Jack.
REDDY
You an actor?
BILLY
(laughs)
Guess I am.
REDDY
Well, I saw a performance. Walk it
off for ten minutes and meet me in
the lockers.
Billy nods and steps out of the ring.
INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY
Billy enters and finds Jack seated on a bench reading the
paper. Billy uses his teeth to untie the gloves from his
hands. Jack folds the paper away and looks at the young man
squarely.
REDDY
Do you drink?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
No thanks.
REDDY
It’s not an offer. You’ve ever had
liquor?
BILLY
Didn’t care for it much.
REDDY
Smoke?
Billy shakes his head.
REDDY (CONT'D)
What do you like about fighting?
BILLY
I don’t have it figured out.
REDDY
You were hard on that nigger.
BILLY
Not to cause trouble, Sir, but I’ve
got nothing against anyone about
their color. More trouble with people
who do, I suppose. I was just
fighting smart, I’d say.
REDDY
I’d say. So you got no problem with
a darkie being champion of the world?
BILLY
Not if he’s a better fight than me.
Jack considers him.
REDDY
Well, son, I’ll tell you straight.
What I seen today tells me you got a
real live boxer in you. I ain’t
seen all your juice, but you -- you're
good clay. I’d like to train you,
point your nose toward champion.
What do you think of that? You're
looking at twelve to fifteen hours a
day. Fourteen rounds of boxing --
sparring, working the bag, shadow
work -- and you'll get up to five,
six mile running. Eat right, sleep
right; I tell you what to do.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.
CONTINUED:
REDDY (CONT'D)
You do what I tell you to do, you
can be champion. You have a good
run as champion, and between the
fight purse and the vaudeville game?
Half a million to two million dollars.
You got another way in this life to
see that kind of money? Then tell
me no. But I got a feeling about
you, kid. No foolin'.
BILLY
What do you get?
REDDY
Twenty percent. You get good enough
to renegotiate and we will.
Billy thinks it over.
BILLY
You willing to stake me?
REDDY
How so?
BILLY
If I take the sport, my father won't
let me keep living at home.
REDDY
One of those, huh?
BILLY
Yes, it is. Don't say anything
against him.
REDDY
Okay. You’re touchy about some
things, aren’t you?
BILLY
Reasonable, to my mind.
REDDY
I'll talk to my wife.
INT. BILLY'S BEDROOM - DAY
Billy finishes packing in the Miske's humble apartment. His
mother and father are in the room. The moment is emotional
for them; Anna is holding back tears.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
I hope you’ll still let me visit.
WILLIAM
Of course.
BILLY
Will you be ashamed if I sit with
you in church?
WILLIAM
Of course not, if they'll let you
come.
BILLY
I can still help out with the chores.
And when I make some money...
WILLIAM
No fight money, Billy.
BILLY
Okay.
Billy closes his trunk and latches it.
BILLY (CONT'D)
It may not work out.
ANNA
Yes. You come back.
BILLY
It’ll be legal soon.
ANNA
You come back.
BILLY
Yes, Mama.
He goes to kiss her. She embraces him too hard, and his
eyes water. He breaks away and looks at his father.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Papa.
(shakes his father’s
hand)
WILLIAM
You’re a good boy.
BILLY
Thank you. Thank you Mama. Papa.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
CONTINUED:
Billy indicates his trunk.
BILLY (CONT'D)
(To William)
Help me so I don’t scratch the walls?
The two men ease the trunk out of the room.
INT. YMCA GYM - DAY
Billy is skipping rope. Jack comes over to appraise his
diligence.
REDDY
How’s it feel?
BILLY
Okay... When do I spar?
REDDY
Later. I want to build up your
breath.
(checks his watch)
Fifteen minutes more.
Billy doesn’t like it, but keeps going.
EXT. MARIE'S HOME - DAY
Billy, dressed nicely, walks to Marie's house. As he
approaches, he hears a woman singing very well. Its beauty
slows him a little.
After listening a moment, he knocks on the front door.
Marie's mother, MARTHA, answers. The singing stops, then
resumes: someone is practicing.
MARTHA
Good day.
BILLY
Good day, ma'am. I'm William --
Billy Miske, an acquaintance of
Marie's. I wondered if I could pay
a call?
Martha sees that formality is a stretch for Billy, and she
cheerfully follows his lead.
MARTHA
I'm sorry, Mr. Miske. Her father
isn't home just now. I'm her mother.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Bennett.
MARTHA
Perhaps you could return tomorrow
evening?
BILLY
Well, that's fine! I'd like that.
MARTHA
Fine! Would eight o'clock be all
right?
BILLY
Thank you, Mrs. Bennett.
MARTHA
Mr. Bennett will look forward to
seeing you. And Marie, of course.
BILLY
Thank you.
(He almost turns away)
Mrs. Bennett?
(Hushed, indicates
the singing)
Is that her?
Martha smiles, pleased that this young man is enamored of
her daughter and struck by her talent. He smiles back,
pleased at his fortune.
BILLY (CONT'D)
I'll be back tomorrow. Pleased to
make your acquaintance, Mrs. Bennett.
(He bows)
MARTHA
Pleased to be acquainted, Mr. Miske.
(A dignified curtsey)
Billy walks away.
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - EVENING
A boxing ring has been set up, and perhaps two hundred men
attend. Jack pulls through the crowd with Billy.
REDDY
Mike Gibbons, the St. Paul Phantom.
You're gonna fight this kid, I'm
sure, so you might as well see his
stuff.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.
CONTINUED:
They arrive near ringside.
George Barton, referee, climbs into the ring with a megaphone.
GEORGE
Gentlemen! This will be a ten round
fight, after which I will give my
decision. Will the fighters please
enter the ring?
Men enter from opposite sides as the crowd cheers.
VOICE (O.S.)
(repeating, making
himself heard)
Stay where you are! This is the
Deputy Sheriff! Everyone stay where
you are!
Suddenly, people realize the fight is being broken up by the
police. A mad dash begins for whatever exits people can
find.
George and one of the fighters dive out of the ring.
REDDY
Barton!
George gives Jack and Billy the high sign and they follow
him.
He leads them under the bleachers.
GEORGE
I knew the high school was a bum
idea.
They duck through a door indicating the ladies' changing
room.
REDDY
Cover your eyes, Billy.
George heads straight toward a set of windows seated about
five feet from the floor. He gestures to Jack and Billy.
GEORGE
Always map out your escape route....
Bring that bench over here.
Jack and Billy go to the bench and tug on it. It is bolted
down.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.
CONTINUED:
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Oops.
(opens a window)
Gimme a boost, you two.
Billy is concerned; there is a great commotion in the gym
which is audible. Jack is giggling, enjoying this. They
make bridges with their hands and George steps into them.
They boost him out the window. He goes out and, a moment
later, lands with a thud.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Bit of a drop!
REDDY
(to BILLY)
Athletes last.
BILLY
My hero.
Billy clasps his hands together and boosts Jack up and out.
He smoothly grabs the window sill, pulls himself up with a
reverse curl, and is out the window. Graceful.
INT. MARIE'S PARLOR - NIGHT
In great contrast to the previous scene: The wealthy Bennett
family (Marie, Martha, father JOHN, his sister BERNICE) sit
politely as Billy visits with them.
BERNICE
(to BILLY)
Tea?
BILLY
No, thank you.
JOHN
Well, Mr. Miske, we've been now
properly introduced. Speak to us a
bit.
BILLY
On what subject, sir?
JOHN
Whatever pleases you.
MARIE
Father loves to test a person's
extemporaneous abilities.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.
CONTINUED:
JOHN
Don't give away the game too quickly,
dear.
BILLY
Extemp -- what is it? If I'm fast
on my feet?
JOHN
Apparently you are!
BILLY
What game do you mean, Mr. Bennett?
I don’t share your advantage of
knowing its rules even as I don't
share your advantage of personage.
JOHN
It interests me to know the pastimes
and preoccupations of others;
particularly so when, as you note,
the person does not share my
advantages.
Billy voices his thoughts carefully.
BILLY
Well, I’m a fairly simple man, I’d
say, and I’m still learning new words,
like anthropology. I hope that,
whatever my shortcomings may be,
your courtesy will allow me to be
good company during my visit rather
than an entertainment.
The room is charged for a moment as John considers this.
JOHN
I’m fond of cigars, Mr. Miske. Do
you mind if I enjoy one in your
company?
BILLY
Not at all, sir.
John prepares a cigar, clipping its end.
JOHN
Your point hits home, sir, as it is
carefully aimed and somewhat
sharpened. I apologize for causing
you discomfort.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
(letting him off the
hook)
I enjoy a bit of sparring, Mr.
Bennett, and I know yours is well-
intentioned. I’m happy to discuss
myself or any other subject I can
contribute to. And I will listen to
other subjects, hopefully to learn.
John lights his cigar, puffing it to life.
JOHN
That’s a fine axiom, Mr. Miske; keep
it. It is a rare thing to remain
open, modest, and flexible.
(beat)
Do you care for musical arts?
BILLY
I’m not educated, but do appreciate
them. I heard fine singing coming
from these rooms yesterday.
JOHN
That is Marie. Her aunt provides
accompaniment. Shall we persuade
them to song?
BERNICE
We were broaching a new song, brother.
MARTHA
Perhaps something familiar?
INT. MUSIC ROOM - EVENING
Bernice accompanies as Marie sings Grieg’s "Solvejg’s Song"
in its native tongue.
MARIE
(singing)
"The winter wane And the springtime
go by/The springtime go by/The summer
too may vanish/The year may die/The
year may die/But one day you’ll
return/That in truth I know/And here
I’ll await you/As I promised ago/As
I promised ago/May God guide your
feet/If on earth you still rove/On
earth you still rove/His blessed
peace be yours/If in realms above/In
realms above/Faithfully I’ll abide/
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
CONTINUED:
MARIE (CONT'D)
‘Til again you draw near/Again you
draw near/But if you wait in heaven/At
last I’ll meet you there/At last
I’ll meet you there."
Her voice is lovely. Bernice finishes nicely.
Billy and the Bennett family applaud. Billy and Marie
exchange looks; she is a little reserved but enjoys being on
display for him, and he is obviously smitten.
JOHN
Very nice. Very nice.
MARTHA
Did you like it, Billy?
BILLY
Very much.
(laughs)
Though I have no idea what I just
heard!
BERNICE
I don’t think you need to know the
language, sir, to know the emotion
of the song.
BILLY
I can’t say I know what it was about;
I enjoyed hearing Miss Bennett singing
it.
(laughs)
I wouldn’t trust my ear for an
interpretation of its meaning! But
it sounded a little sad.
BERNICE
Would you prefer something gay, Mr.
Miske?
BILLY
My preference would be for Miss
Bennett to perform what she wished.
MARIE
I enjoyed the selection very much.
BILLY
Then your guest is all the more
pleased.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
CONTINUED:
BERNICE
Do you approve in general of a woman
expressing herself in her interests
and decisions?
BILLY
I suppose that I do.
BERNICE
I am curious, Mr. Miske, as this is
a hotly debated subject -- I currently
campaign for a woman’s right to vote.
With no intention to inflame our
conversation, I solicit your opinion
on the matter.
BILLY
Of course, I’ve heard some about
this, but I haven’t given it much
thought. I don’t know that it will
happen. I suppose I would say that
I would approve, but I wish that I
were assured that each of those women
voting were educated in the matter
of politics. My discomfort is that
I suffer my own ignorance, yet am
given freely the right, so I see no
reason not to extend the same
privilege to the fair sex. It seems
correct -- even Christian.
JOHN
Well said.
BERNICE
I do believe that the future will
allow it. Even the near future.
BILLY
For your passion’s sake alone, I
could wish it.
MARTHA
May I ask, Sir, about your future?
BILLY
Of course, Mrs. Bennett.
MARTHA
You work with your father at a lumber
factory?
BILLY
Capital Lumber, yes. I did.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
CONTINUED:
BILLY (CONT'D)
Now I have a certain promise
elsewhere.
(beat)
I was just recently approached by
Mr. Jack Reddy, a friend of George
Barton’s -- to take up fistics.
There is little doubt that I have a
talent there -- you know who George
Barton is?
JOHN
The sports column writer.
BILLY
Yes. Biggest in the city. We all
think I can do quite well.
Marie’s face registers concern.
BERNICE
(changing subject)
You enjoyed Marie’s performance;
perhaps you would like another?
BILLY
Very much.
INT. PARLOR - NIGHT
Billy is taking his leave. The group is standing as he moves
toward the door.
MARTHA
Good night, Mr. Miske.
JOHN
Are you sure you have to go?
BILLY
I need rest from my training or I
would stay. I've enjoyed this evening
very much.
MARTHA
You're welcome to visit again.
BILLY
Thank you, Mrs. Bennett.
(to Marie)
Good night, Miss Bennett.
MARIE
Good night.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Mr. Bennett -- could you see me to
the door?
INT. FOYER -- NIGHT
John helps Billy into his thin coat.
BILLY
Thank you for a very pleasant evening,
Mr. Bennett.
JOHN
Our pleasure, sir.
BILLY
(summoning himself)
I wondered if I might have your
permission to call on Marie.
John pauses carefully.
JOHN
I regret that I cannot give it.
Some life goes out of Billy, who is honestly surprised.
BILLY
Sir? I -- perhaps if you became
better acquainted with me --
JOHN
From what I see, I approve of you.
It seems you're made of fine stuff.
But I think you would agree that I
would not be much of a father if I
allowed my daughter to be courted by
a man whose career was not above the
reproach of the law.
BILLY
But! I intend no disrespect, Mr.
Bennett, but it is only a sport, a
game. The newspapers are full of
it, gentlemen attend the -- I ask
you to reconsider.
JOHN
I'm sorry. I am sorry.
BILLY
Sir, please. Marie! My feelings
for her, which I believe she shares --
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
CONTINUED:
JOHN
I am firm in this, sir.
BILLY
And she agrees?
JOHN
You may ask her, but I know well
that she will not contradict her
father. Are you firm in your choice
of career, Mr. Miske?
Billy searches himself.
BILLY
I'd say I am.
(beat)
This puts me in a terrible spot.
JOHN
I'm sure Miss Bennett has her share
of the predicament, as well.
BILLY
I haven't forgotten her, Sir.
(beat)
Perhaps if you saw me fight, Mr.
Bennett, you would see what talent I
have.
John is pained by this exchange. He extends his hand.
JOHN
Good night, Mr. Miske.
Billy shakes the man's hand, a little stunned --
BILLY
Good night...
-- and leaves.
INT. YMCA - DAY
Jack holds Billy's feet as Billy pulls his way through a
series of sit ups.
Jack looks in Billy's eyes. You okay?
Billy nods slightly, lowers himself again.
REDDY
Fifty-eight...
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
CONTINUED:
Jack can see something is wrong, but doesn't press it. Billy
curls his body up, then lowers himself again.
REDDY (CONT'D)
...fifty-nine...
Billy curls his body up.
TITLE: TWO YEARS LATER
This Billy is a couple of years older and his body is thicker
with more muscle. His eyes are also more determined and
purposeful. He lowers his torso again.
REDDY (CONT'D)
..sixty. Okay.
Jack stands; Billy rests on his back just a moment, then
hops up, runs in place.
REDDY (CONT'D)
Feel good?
BILLY
Feel great. How long is the train
ride?
REDDY
St. Paul to Philly? Couple days.
BILLY
What odds are we getting?
REDDY
You're at six to one, Greb at five
to two.
Billy snorts a laugh.
REDDY (CONT'D)
He's a local boy; they pump it up.
BILLY
You betting on me? Huh?
Billy playfully begins to spar with Jack, throwing air
punches. Jack circles, giving what he gets; he's surprisingly
quick.
REDDY
Miske, you taking me on?
BILLY
C'mon, old man.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
Reddy, odds at two to one, Miske --
BILLY
--one eighth to one!
(gets in a little
slap)
One one-millionth to one!
Jack growls, and Billy allows his manager to drive him back.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Don't hurt me!
INT. CHURCH - WINTER DAY
Sunday service. The pews are nearly full. Billy sits with
his mother and father. The pump organ plays.
Billy smiles at someone and nods his head, when something
catches his attention:
The Bennett family enters, led by Marie.
She sees Billy and smiles. He smiles back. There are
obviously still sparks between them.
She is looking for a place for her family to sit; the church
is full.
Now she sees that the pew in front of the Miskes is open.
Billy sees this and blushes. He looks away.
Marie, uncomfortable, tries to find any other place for them
to sit.
Billy looks up shyly at her. Now she is flush. There is no
where else.
She turns to her family and indicates the pew. She gently
urges Bernice to enter, situating herself last -- and far
from Billy.
Bernice, being polite, insists that Marie step in first.
The music is ending. The Bennetts need to seat themselves
quickly. Marie decidedly steps in and moves down the row --
-- to be seated directly in front of Billy.
Marie meets Billy's eyes as she moves. She smiles a little
at her awkwardness. Billy smiles a little, too, taking a
deep breath to steel himself.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
CONTINUED:
Both families are now aware of the little scene unfolding;
the men seem to find it humorous and the women are alternately
considering propriety and romance. The young couple's desire
is obvious and undiminished.
Marie sits. Billy sees the back of her neck, her hair swept
up beneath her tasteful hat.
Marie's neck is tense; she wants so much to turn around.
Perhaps she can also feel Billy's gaze.
Billy looks. Her neck is beautiful.
The organ playing stops, bringing Billy to attention.
INT. SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM - DAY
Billy and Marie are now in a room of adults. Their minister,
REV. KEYES, teaches the class.
KEYES
(reading the Bible)
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your
own husbands, as it is fit in the
Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and
be not bitter against them. Children,
obey your parents in all things: for
this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Fathers, provoke not your children
to anger, lest they be discouraged."
(addresses the class)
I have seen this passage abused by
husbands who want to control wives
and wives who want to fleece servants.
Colossians does not encourage us to
tyranny, but to love. We are to
behave toward spouses and parents
and masters as we would behave toward
God Himself.
JOSIAH PABST, a man in his early thirties, raises his hand.
KEYES (CONT'D)
Mr. Pabst?
JOSIAH
It's interesting that responsibility
falls on those in superior position.
KEYES
Indeed.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
CONTINUED:
JOSIAH
So, as I manage the men at my shop,
they have a duty to serve me and I
have a duty to not burden them. And
with my boy; he needs to obey his
father while I need to help him feel
well toward me. It gives me pause
when I think of training and
discipline. Surely I do not abandon
those things.
Marie raises her hand.
KEYES
Miss Bennett?
MARIE
Proverbs says, "Train up a child in
the way he should go: and when he is
old, he will not depart from it."
Children must be reared, disciplined,
and guided.
BILLY
But if --
(he raises his hand)
KEYES
Mr. Miske?
BILLY
But if we are to treat others the
way we would treat God... how would
you discipline God?
KEYES
Take care, sir.
BILLY
That's not exactly what I mean to
say. If you have a child, and the
child reaches adulthood... if you
are treating that child with all
respect and love, isn't there a day
that comes when you allow that child
her own life and choices?
KEYES
That is a matter of discretion, of
course, but I would likely agree.
Marie's hand goes up.
KEYES (CONT'D)
Miss Bennett?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
Yet, if the parent has firm wishes
in certain matters, that child should
still submit, however firm the child's
wishes. I think of the first of
Jesus' miracles -- turning water
into wine. He was an adult and firmly
did not want to do that. But it was
His mother who asked, and though He
said, "Mine hour hath not yet come,"
He did it anyway, because His parent
had asked.
KEYES
You make an excellent point.
MARIE
To His Father, He submitted unto
death. To be obedient, He took no
spouse and had no children, though
obviously He thought very much of
women and families... It is very
hard to submit when so much of you
is crying out against it... and you
feel perhaps you are giving up
happiness itself...
(Marie's eyes are
beginning to tear up)
I'm sorry...
(stands to leave)
Will you excuse me?
Marie exits. Billy watches her go, pained.
INT. TRAIN - DAY
Billy sits at a table with Reddy, George Barton, and RING
LARDNER. They play cards as the train rolls along.
GEORGE
Just wait 'till your first legal
gate, Billy.
REDDY
(half-kidding Billy)
My dream is that he'll win the purse,
find his own place and give my wife
and me our privacy back.
BILLY
Then I lose the musical pleasure of
your snore.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
Listen to him -- !
BILLY
I'll move; I can afford it.
REDDY
(overlapping)
-- "musical pleasure!" I think he's
trying to impress you, Ring!
GEORGE
He's already impressed; that's why
he's making this trip. Who dealt?
Ring lifts a finger.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Well, boys, the boys in the
legislature have a proposal to make
fights legal in Minnesota. They're
wising up; they know they're losing
revenue.
REDDY
We keep hearing that. Believe it
when we see it. All the hacks in
bookies' pockets will keep it low;
more exciting that way, more money.
GEORGE
There's more money when it comes out --
REDDY
Not gambling money!
GEORGE
Think of the gate! A legal gate!
REDDY
Believe it when we see it.
A PORTER comes by; Billy signals him.
BILLY
(to Porter)
Get me some seltzer, and drop a little
baking soda in it, please.
PORTER
Yes, sir. Anyone else?
RING
Another rye.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
CONTINUED:
GEORGE
Beer.
REDDY
Beer. And some more nuts.
PORTER
Coming up.
(exits)
GEORGE
What do you think Billy? Do you
want boxing to be legalized?
BILLY
Yes, I do. About as much as I want
anything in the world.
REDDY
(to Ring)
Billy's stuck on a girl; father won't
let her see Billy because the fight
game isn't legal.
RING
My sympathies, son. And have you
shopped elsewhere?
BILLY
She's who I want.
REDDY
He's stubborn for her --
BILLY
You'd have to meet her. She's
everything.
RING
I imagine she is. And so how long
have you been not courting her?
BILLY
Two years.
Barton gives a low whistle.
GEORGE
That's a while. Spunky young man
like you? How do you manage it?
BILLY
Love.
Jack laughs.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.
CONTINUED:
BILLY (CONT'D)
What? I'll say it.
RING
If you feel like it's right, you
hang in, Billy. I courted my wife
for four years through letters.
GEORGE
This is true.
RING
We didn't live in the same city;
usually not in the same state.
GEORGE
'Course, much of that time was finding
an apartment she'd agree to live in.
(laughs)
RING
That's true. Finicky as a cat.
INT. PHILADELPHIA BOXING ARENA - NIGHT
The gong sounds. Billy and Harry Greb come out of their
corners. The narration from the next day's newspaper
describes the fight:
REDDY (V.O.)
(reading newspaper)
"Billy Miske, St. Paul light
heavyweight, won a decision last
night in his fight against Pittsburgh
favorite Harry Greb."
Billy holds his chin low, bobbing and weaving. Billy takes
a swing which Harry avoids, allowing Harry a solid blow to
Billy's midsection.
REDDY (CONT'D)
(reading)
"The Fairmount Activity Center crowd
was treated by the expert display of
boxing from both men. After an evenly-
scored first round, Miske began to
take charge, evading most of his
opponent's blows and landing effective
left hooks and right jabs."
Later in the match: Billy punishing Greb with a series of
jabs.
A gong sounds.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.
CONTINUED:
Later: Billy absorbs a hard punch to the face. Now another.
Another. Greb is about to strike again --
-- when Billy, from nowhere, crashes his jaw with a powerful
right hook.
Greb goes down to one knee, tries to get up, and slumps to
the mat.
The referee begins to count.
REDDY (CONT'D)
(reading)
"In the fifth round, Greb took a
smashing blow to the jaw which dropped
him to the mat for one of the few
times in his career, but he returned
to the fight at the count of five."
INT. TRAIN - DAY
Headed home, Jack, Billy, Ring, and George eat a hearty brunch
as Jack continues reading aloud from the morning paper.
REDDY
(reading)
"Miske resumed his attack and Greb
fell into a clinch as the gong
sounded. Greb held up through a
round six pummeling, and Miske was
considered the certain winner, showing
to advantage in the second, third,
fifth and sixth rounds while Greb
carried the fourth. Miske's excellent
long-range boxing, his skill and
cool head make him appear to be one
of the most intelligent fighters
this reporter has ever seen. By
match's end, this St. Paul fighter
had won the respect of anyone
unconvinced, including the Human
Windmill, Harry Greb."
Billy's grin spreads across his bruised face.
RING
I hope you'll allow me to buy your
breakfast, Mr. Miske. At six to one
odds, you certain bought mine.
BILLY
Do your eggs taste odd? Mine don't
taste right.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
You eat up, Billy. You lost eight
pounds in that fight, and I'm trying
to get you to heavyweight!
GEORGE
(to Jack)
You going to put him up against
Johnson?
REDDY
Willard.
GEORGE
(to Billy)
Assuming Willard beats Johnson. And
it might be best for Billy if he
does; Willard's big, but not like
Johnson.
(to Ring)
You saw Jack Johnson once, right?
RING
Large. A hulk. But the dope is
that the dope's hog fat out of shape,
running around the world with that
girl. But he could still win, boys.
He's got reach.
REDDY
Willard's got it. And next up is
our boy.
Billy grins proudly.
REDDY (CONT'D)
(to Billy)
If he eats his food!
Billy goes for his biscuit.
INT. ST. PAUL TRAIN DEPOT - LATE NIGHT
Passengers depart the train in the wee hours. Jack, Billy,
and George haul their bags.
George flags a DRIVER for hire.
GEORGE
(to Driver)
Hello! Do you have a carriage or an
automobile?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.
CONTINUED:
DRIVER
Fast horses, sir!
GEORGE
Fine!
(to Jack and Billy)
Horses don’t break down in cold
weather.
EXT. ST. PAUL - NIGHT
The men enter the horse-drawn carriage as the Driver puts
their luggage on top.
They drive off into the moonlit night. The street’s gas
lamps are extinguished.
INT. CARRIAGE - NIGHT
Jack, George, and Billy are tired but happy.
REDDY
Ol’ Ring gets to step off in
Chicago at a decent hour --
GEORGE
That man pocketed twelve hundred on
Billy.
REDDY
Didn’t you bet?
GEORGE
I can’t.
REDDY
I got twice what Ring got.
BILLY
When it all comes out, you got as
much as me.
REDDY
(laughs)
Sure did.
BILLY
(looking outside)
Next time I’ll send you in to box;
I’ll know exactly where to put my
money.
BILLY’S P.O.V.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.
CONTINUED:
Marie’s house. A light burns in one of the rooms on the
second floor.
BACK TO SCENE
BILLY (CONT'D)
Stop --
(tugs on the cord
which rings the
driver's bell)
Stop!
GEORGE
What’s wrong?
BILLY
(to Jack)
Take my bags on home for me. I’m
still up -- I’ll walk it off a bit.
GEORGE
From here?
REDDY
Billy, it’s one a.m.!
The carriage comes to a halt.
BILLY
I’ll be fine.
REDDY
You get pneumonia, I'll kill ya.
BILLY
If I get pneumonia, you'll have to
get in line.
GEORGE
Here -- wear my hat.
George hands Billy his hat, which Billy wears well.
REDDY
I'm surprised any hat still fits.
Billy grins and slaps the carriage, which moves along.
Billy turns toward Marie's house and draws near. He wonders
at the light and who might be awake.
He waves a little, in case it is her -- perhaps she will
raise the window and speak.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.
CONTINUED:
Suddenly the light is extinguished.
BILLY
Aw, Marie. Was that you?
He walks in the street, circling the house as if it were his
opponent.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Well, I'm back. I won. Now I'm six
for six. The whole way back I wished
I were riding back with you. I saw
some really pretty country, Marie.
Pennsylvania mountains -- I think
you would have liked it.
(beat)
Look at me. I’m talking to a house.
Marie, I’ve got to have you. I’m
spoiled for anybody else. You’ve
got dignity, and you’re funny, and
God gave you brains -- you don’t
flutter about all nervous like other
girls do. I can talk with you, and
the things you say keep me interested
and curious to know you more. I
want to know everything about you.
The more I know, the more hungry I
get. I want to take care of you.
You’re the only person I’m not always
acting with. Everybody else, I play
along with them, but I can just be
who I am when I’m with you, and you
like it. You like who I really am.
I trust you. Please, Marie. I don’t
have anywhere else to go. No one
else is you. All right. Good night,
Marie. I love you.
He pulls himself away and begins the long walk home.
EXT. BEAVER LAKE - EARLY SPRING DAY
Billy and his father, William, are fishing. They are excited
as William pulls in a good sized walleye.
BILLY
Look at that!
WILLIAM
He's a fighter!
Billy wades in a bit with a net and helps land the fish.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44.
CONTINUED:
EXT. LAKESIDE - LATER
William cooks the whole fish over a fire as Billy unpacks
biscuits and jam from a lunch basket.
WILLIAM
When summer comes, thought we might
go up to Lake Forest with Mother for
a couple days.
BILLY
That sounds fine. Maybe after a
fight; it'll be good for me to rest.
Billy is looking oddly at the fish; he's feeling nauseous.
WILLIAM
You happy with this fight game, son?
BILLY
Yes, Papa.
WILLIAM
I see you're getting big, your
muscles. How much bigger are you
going to get?
BILLY
I don't know. Another ten or fifteen
pounds.
(stands)
You know, I don't think I'm hungry.
WILLIAM
You got to eat.
Billy is getting sick.
BILLY
I'll be right back --
He lumbers toward some trees.
William watches his son, who suddenly stops, puts his hands
on his knees, and vomits.
WILLIAM
You okay, son?
Billy waves a little weakly, then straightens himself up.
William watches his son walk to the water's edge, stoop down,
wash his face, rinse his mouth.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.
CONTINUED:
INT. DR. HOPPER'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
HOPPER examines Billy, who sits on a table, stripped to his
undershirt.
HOPPER
How long ago did these pains start?
BILLY
A few months, I guess.
HOPPER
And where do you get them?
Billy indicates an area around his lower abs.
HOPPER (CONT'D)
Do certain foods or activities make
it flare up?
BILLY
It's almost always when I'm not
active. A few times, I've felt it
coming up and if I start exercising
that helps.
HOPPER
Does it relieve the pain or just get
your mind off it?
Billy shrugs.
HOPPER (CONT'D)
Well, you've got no fever, and you
say when you've gotten sick, it was
just nausea with no pain just before?
Billy nods.
HOPPER (CONT'D)
-- and the pain isn't migrating.
It's probably not appendicitis, but
let's keep an eye on it. I'd say
you might be developing an ulcer.
Try drinking an extra glass or two
of milk every day, watch putting too
much pepper on anything. Let me
know if anything else happens, okay?
You waited too long before you came
in to see me. Okay, Champ?
Hopper gestures; Billy can get off the table and dress.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
I didn't think it was anything.
HOPPER
Well, if it had been your appendix,
it might have burst by now and you
wouldn't be alive to be talking to
me. Come back in a month if it's
not better.
INT. YMCA GYM - AFTERNOON
Jack and Billy are shut away in the basement watching a
bootleg film of Jack Johnson's fight with Jess Willard.
REDDY
Twenty-sixth round. Wait 'til you
see the end.
BILLY
Willard knocked him out, didn't he?
REDDY
Wait'll you see. Johnson went down
all right, but it sure looks like
the fix was in. Doesn't matter.
Just watch Willard.
They watch for a beat.
BILLY
He doesn't look like much.
REDDY
Just a brute. Maybe even a little
clumsy.
(beat)
Think about it. Johnson's running
all over the world avoiding the law.
Everybody hates him; championship
title is worth zilch if it's not a
white man. He's out of shape and
out of money, wants a payday and
maybe even some good will so he can
come back to the states and not get
killed off in a jail somewhere.
What's the boy to do?
Here it comes: Willard takes one last swing and Johnson goes
down. One leg remains up for a moment --
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.
CONTINUED:
REDDY (CONT'D)
(excited)
Lookit! Lookit that leg! Boy doesn't
even take a fall right!
-- the leg goes down.
REDDY (CONT'D)
Now he remembers.
The door to the basement bursts open.
Panicked, Jack scrambles to turn off the projector.
Now he sees that George Barton has entered.
GEORGE
Big news, boys!
REDDY
Barton, you mug! I thought you were
the cops.
GEORGE
You running the Willard fight? I
need that back, by the way.
REDDY
Tell me, Barton -- it was a throw,
wasn't it?
GEORGE
I got a call -- what? The Willard
fight? Sure looks like it.
REDDY
Somebody put the fear of God into
the boy.
GEORGE
I don't think it was God. Anyway:
listen up! Big news. The hacks in
the Legislature just made the fight
game legal in Minnesota.
BILLY
Serious, this time?
GEORGE
That's the dope. It's official now.
They're going to tag the purse ten
percent for the TB clinics or
research, something.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Swear to God, George.
GEORGE
(laughing)
I swear, Billy, I do. You're in a
fully legal game. I just wrote it
up for tomorrow's paper and came
down to tell you boys and see your
maps when I did.
(he slaps Billy's
happy face
affectionately)
You gonna go call your girl?
BILLY
She's not my girl yet. First thing
tomorrow.
REDDY
Why wait? Go call her now.
BILLY
(to George)
What time does the paper hit the
street in the morning?
EXT. ST. PAUL DISPATCH - EARLY MORNING
Billy paces anxiously outside the newspaper's loading docks,
bouncing on his toes, watching for the first dock to open.
Now a metal rumble as one of the doors is rolled up.
Billy quickly starts toward it.
A TRUCK DRIVER hops out of the loading bay and into the bed
of one of the Ford pickups the newspaper uses.
BILLY
Hey!
The Truck Driver turns to look at Billy.
THROWER (O.S.)
Duane!
-- Too late. The first newspaper bundle thrown to the Truck
Driver catches him off guard, knocking him to the bed of the
truck.
Billy hops into the truck and helps the man up.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49.
CONTINUED:
TRUCK DRIVER
Thanks, pal.
BILLY
Sorry. What's your name?
TRUCK DRIVER
What's your interest?
BILLY
I got a five dollar bill to pay for
that bruise and a copy of the morning
paper.
TRUCK DRIVER
You come down here at this hour for
a paper?
The Thrower appears with the next bundle of newspapers.
THROWER
You okay, Duane?
TRUCK DRIVER
Yeah, I'm being entertained.
Billy holds up the five. Duane takes it, reaches into his
pocket.
TRUCK DRIVER (CONT'D)
Forgive and forget, I always say.
He pulls out a knife, stoops over and cuts the twine which
bundles the paper.
INT. MISKES' APARTMENT HOUSE -- EARLY MORNING
Billy gingerly opens the front door, letting morning light
spill into the dark house.
He carefully enters, closing the door softly.
WILLIAM (O.S.)
Who's there! I have a gun!
BILLY
It's me, Papa!
ANNA (O.S.)
Billy? What's wrong?
BILLY
I've got good news. Can I come in?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.
CONTINUED:
ANNA (O.S.)
Come in the bedroom!
Billy moves through the hallway to his parents' bedroom.
He opens the door. Anna holds an oil lamp while William
sleepily pulls a match stick from the night stand.
WILLIAM
What news brings you at this hour,
Billy?
BILLY
Great news, Papa.
He tosses the newspaper on the bed as William gets the lamp
lit.
The light swells from dim to warm and illuminating, so today's
headline slowly becomes visible:
BOXING LEGAL IN MINNESOTA.
Anna draws in a breath and looks up at her son tearfully.
ANNA
Billy!
She holds out her arms, and he falls across their bed to hug
her.
WILLIAM
(reading)
My, my.
(beat; still reading)
This is a good day, Mother.
ANNA
(knowing)
Are you going to go see Marie?
BILLY
(grinning)
As soon as the hour's decent.
ANNA
(getting out of bed)
Well, you're not going until you've
shaved proper. I'll go heat you
some water.
William is beaming with happiness.
WILLIAM
This is a good day, Billy.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51.
CONTINUED:
EXT. MARIE'S HOUSE - MORNING
Billy, sharply-dressed, checks his pocket watch. 8:15 a.m.
He slaps the newspaper in his hand, deciding.
He walks briskly to the Bennett's front door and knocks.
After a moment, a SERVANT answers.
SERVANT
Good morning.
BILLY
Good morning. My name is Billy Miske.
I'd like to speak with Mr. Bennett,
if I may.
SERVANT
Please come in.
INT. FOYER - MORNING
Billy enters as the Servant disappears down the hallway.
Billy opens the newspaper, looking at the headline again.
He is happy but now a little nervous.
John Bennett appears, a spring in his stride. He is obviously
pleased to see Billy.
JOHN
Good morning, Mr. Miske!
Billy and Mr. Bennett shake hands.
BILLY
Good morning, Sir. I appreciate you
seeing me.
JOHN
Happy to see you.
BILLY
I wanted to show you the news.
JOHN
I heard of it. Yesterday, in fact.
Why did you delay your call?
Billy indicates the newspaper.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
I thought you might want proof.
JOHN
Your word is proof enough for me.
BILLY
Mr. Bennett. With all respect --
was my career your sole objection?
JOHN
I have no objection regarding your
career. Until yesterday, however,
it was illegal in this state. That
onus is now removed.
(beat)
Please believe that the Bennett family
thinks very well of you.
BILLY
Then, Sir... I ask you -- I ask you
for your daughter's hand.
JOHN
You've had a rather distant courtship,
haven't you?
BILLY
Not in my heart, Sir. I'll agree
with your wishes and Marie's, of
course -- I -- Sir -- I just want my
chance.
John is pleased; claps Billy's shoulder.
JOHN
I want you to promise me that you
will take care of her, be a good
husband to her and a gentleman.
Billy's eyes fill; his hope and happiness are fulfilled.
BILLY
You have my word, Mr. Bennett.
(beat)
May I see her? Ask her?
JOHN
Let me go get her for you. She's
been waiting since I brought home
the news.
Billy watches John go off down the hall. He is very still,
holding his breath, waiting.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53.
CONTINUED:
He watches the hall.
Finally, Marie appears.
She walks toward Billy; their happy eyes drink one another
in. They are finally free for one another.
As Marie nears him, he holds out a hand. She takes it.
He raises her hand, kisses her fingers tenderly, his eyes
not leaving hers. She giggles a little, overcome with joy.
He joins her.
They smile at one another, not speaking. Now their smiles
go, replaced by something very serious and loving.
Billy lowers himself to one knee. Again, he kisses her hand.
Now he looks up, the question in his eyes.
Marie begins to nod.
MARIE
Yes.
BILLY
I love you, Marie.
MARIE
I love you, Darling. Yes.
He stands, embraces her.
EXT. TRAIN DEPOT - DAY
Billy and Marie, each dressed in full wedding attire, are
loaded aboard the train by a large party of friends and
relatives.
The newlyweds wave as PORTER #2 carries their bags into the
car.
GUESTS
Goodbye! Have a great time! (Etc.)
MARIE
Goodbye! Thank you all! Oh --
goodbye, Mother! I love you!
Billy kisses her cheek and she turns to him. He takes her
hand, helping her onto the train.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54.
CONTINUED:
INT. MISKE'S BERTH - DAY
Billy has changed clothes into shirt, slacks, and tie less
formal than his wedding suit. He watches the door to the
wash room --
-- from which his wife emerges. She wears a lovely dress
and models it lightly for him, joking.
BILLY
Beautiful.
MARIE
The dress or the model?
BILLY
You.
MARIE
Aunt Bernice made this for a recital
a few months ago. I adore it.
BILLY
I'm sure you were a hit.
She moves toward him, holding out her hand.
MARIE
People spoke well of me.
He takes her hand and she slips onto his lap.
MARIE (CONT'D)
May I tell my husband a secret?
BILLY
Yes.
She whispers:
MARIE
Your wife is a little nervous.
They smile, watching each other. He brushes her hair, sneaks
a quick kiss.
BILLY
What is your favorite song to sing?
MARIE
Hmm. Distraction might work.
They laugh.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
No, I want to know. I want to know
about you.
MARIE
One of my favorites is by Janácek?
"A Letter."
BILLY
Sing it.
MARIE
(laughs)
No it -- it has these vocal leaps...
Some time, I will. I think I'd like
singing it to you very much.
BILLY
Yeah?
MARIE
(teasing)
"Yeah." It's about a girl who wishes
she were a little bird so she can
circle above her lover's head as he
reads her letters in a garden. It's
very pretty and very corny. I love
it.
(beat)
Are you a romantic, Billy? You seem
to be.
BILLY
I suppose so. How, exactly, would
that obligate me to behave?
MARIE
A little like a dreamer.
BILLY
Your estimation?
She touches his face.
MARIE
Yes.
BILLY
Maybe. When I was a boy, I used to
dream that I was building a ladder,
and the ladder would be so big that
I could climb to the stars.
MARIE
And what happened?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
(laughs)
Nothing! I was just always building!
But someday it would be done, and I
cold climb up there and hop from
star to star. Just playing...
She kisses him. This kiss lingers a bit longer. She smiles.
MARIE
You are very handsome. You looked
so nice at the altar.
(beat)
I wanted to ask you. One night a
few months ago, I couldn't sleep.
Aunt Bernice was also awake, reading.
I was just looking out my window at
how pretty the snow was in the
moonlight. And then I saw that you
had come to our street, and you were
watching our house. I admit that,
for a moment, I was even afraid.
Then I heard you speaking, muffled
by my window and the distance. What
were you doing?
BILLY
(embarrassed)
I had just come back from
Pennsylvania. I'd beaten a good
fighter, Harry Greb. Jack Reddy, my
manager, he was taking me home. I
saw your light on -- well, I saw
someone's light on, and -- well.
I was very excited about winning,
and the whole trip I had wished you
were with me so I could share it
with you. The train trip, meeting
Ring Lardner --
MARIE
You met Ring Lardner?
BILLY
Rode there and back with him: Chicago,
Pittsburgh, and back. I knew you
liked those Post stories, and... I
was just really missing you, pining
for you, I guess. The guys kidded
me about it. So I saw the light on
and thought, you know, even if I
just get you to wave at me -- that
would be something. Then the light
went out, and I just started talking
to you anyway.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
What did you say?
BILLY
I said that I loved you. That I
swore I'd take care of you. That I
never met anybody else like you. I
haven't. You're everything, Marie.
Twenty years ago, God up in heaven
decided, "You know, I'm going to
really make one right. Put in some
extra effort."
They laugh.
MARIE
(laughing)
Oh, He did?
BILLY
Yes, He did. And here you are. Marie
Miske.
MARIE
Marie Miske.
They have begun to cuddle a bit, growing more tender. Billy
strokes her cheek and hair, amazed at his fortune.
Marie is swept up, seeing Billy's love for her expressed so
openly.
She touches his face, ready.
MARIE (CONT'D)
Kiss me, Billy.
His gentle kiss grows longer.
BILLY
I love you, Marie.
She moves into his kiss.
INT. GRUPP'S GYM - DAY
This is a professional gym, in much better shape than the
YMCA. Quite a few boxers are working out, some with trainers
to guide them.
Jack purposefully walks with Billy through the other men.
TITLE: NEW YORK CITY, SPRING 1916
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
He's rough, but he's strong, and
it'll do you good to spar with him.
Keep your head though, or he'll take
it from you.
BILLY
Okay.
REDDY
No foolin'. I've watched this lug
enough. Only fighter I've seen who's
maybe as good as you.
BILLY
What's his name?
REDDY
Dempsey.
INT. GRUPP'S BOXING RING - DAY
Billy and JACK DEMPSEY touch gloves and go off to their
corners.
The bell rings, and the men come out. Billy is the more
graceful of the two, bobbing and weaving, keeping his head
in motion.
Dempsey moves in on Billy, throwing his first punch; Billy
maneuvers, and Dempsey has found only air.
Billy still dances, watching Dempsey. Jack Reddy, ringside,
fumes.
REDDY
Miske, you missed it! Where were
you?
Billy continues moving; Dempsey pushes in on him. Miske
allows another exploratory blow which opens Dempsey to Billy's
powerful hook.
Dempsey is rocked but recovers quickly, throwing a quick
cross which catches the side of Billy's face.
The fighters circle each other, respectful and wary.
A FIGHTER who has been walking off heavy exercise becomes
interested in the sparring; he walks over, drawn to the ring.
Billy now presses Dempsey. Dempsey backs away, deflecting a
good volley from Billy.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
59.
CONTINUED:
They clinch.
REDDY (CONT'D)
Break. Break! -- Don't make me
come in there.
Miske and Dempsey separate, circling each other. Dempsey
makes teasing jabs at Billy's head. Billy accepts these,
maintaining expert concentration --
-- and suddenly releases a powerful right to Dempsey's
stomach. Dempsey sneaks in a left to Billy's chin, and they
separate again, each feeling the last flurry.
ANOTHER FIGHTER joins the first at ringside.
ANOTHER FIGHTER
Is Dempsey getting licked?
FIGHTER
Looks pretty even.
ANOTHER FIGHTER
I'd like to rearrange that bum's
map.
FIGHTER
I'll let Santa know.
Miske and Dempsey square off, moving a little -- Dempsey
seems to be picking up the bobbing and weaving, trying to
incorporate it a little.
Billy lands a good left on Dempsey's chin. Dempsey takes
it, gets in two quick jabs on Billy's stomach. Billy lands
another powerful left against Dempsey's head.
OTHER FIGHTERS and TRAINERS drift over to the ring.
The two fighters look bruised but invigorated.
Dempsey lets fly with a hook which catches Billy square.
Now another, followed by Billy's powerful right to Dempsey's
stomach. Dempsey grunts, which encourages Billy --
-- who throws a solid left hook to Dempsey's chin.
Dempsey actually bears up under this, uncoiling now, rocking
Billy with a roundhouse punch.
Billy has slipped and come down hard on his tail bone.
The bell rings.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60.
CONTINUED:
Dempsey and Miske look at each other as Miske sits on the
mat. Enjoying the fight and one another's ability, they
begin to laugh.
REDDY
What's funny?
Dempsey helps Billy to his feet. They continue laughing,
pleased to have found one another.
REDDY (CONT'D)
Keep laughing, Miske, and I'll fine
ya.
Billy and Dempsey touch gloves and go off to their corners.
INT. MISKES' NEW YORK APARTMENT - EVENING
Marie sits on the floor playing with one-year old BILLY JR..
Aunt Bernice reads in her comfortable chair. An upright
piano is pushed against one wall.
MARIE
(to Billy Jr.)
Clap for mommy? Clap clap?
The apartment door opens and Billy enters. Marie and Bernice
look up; Billy's right eye is blackened and rain has soaked
him. Still, he smiles big.
MARIE (CONT'D)
Oh, honey. That looks bad.
BILLY
You ought to see the other guy!
Jack Dempsey enters. The shiner on his left eye mirrors
Billy's own. They throw their arms around each other's wet
shoulders to emphasize the comedy.
DEMPSEY
How 'bout that?
Marie laughs a little; Bernice smiles patiently.
MARIE
Hello.
BILLY
(introducing)
Jack Dempsey, this is my wife, Marie --
DEMPSEY
Pleased to meet ya.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
61.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Aunt Bernice --
DEMPSEY
Pleased to meet ya.
BERNICE
Mr. Dempsey.
BILLY
-- And this --
(scooping up his son)
-- this is my big boy, Billy Jr..
DEMPSEY
Hiya, Billy.
MARIE
Apparently you are a fighter, Mr.
Dempsey?
DEMPSEY
(points to Billy's
eye)
That's my work, right there.
MARIE
I'm sure we can still be friends.
DEMPSEY
You got a right to be proud, Ma'am.
This is the first lug whose gone the
distance with me in some time.
MARIE
It appears that you survived, as
well. That is a compliment to you.
BILLY
I thought that if Aunt Bernice would
watch the baby, we would go hit the
town.
MARIE
That would be nice. Aunt Bernice?
BERNICE
I'd be delighted.
(reaches for Billy
Jr.)
Come here, young man. Oh, you're a
big boy!
Billy gives Marie a quick kiss.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
62.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Get your coat, Honey. You're picking
where we go.
MARIE
My pick? Thank you.
(she kisses him again)
Be right back.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Billy, Dempsey, and Marie eat in a fine restaurant.
DEMPSEY
Eating like this, you should be
gainin' weight easy, Miske.
BILLY
(laughing)
We can't afford to eat like this for
every meal.
MARIE
No, but it is odd. Billy eats all
the right things but --
BILLY
I can't get it to stick.
MARIE
How long have you been in New York,
Mr. Dempsey?
DEMPSEY
You're gonna have to call me Jack.
"Mr. Dempsey" is a little formal for
me.
BILLY
(to Marie)
Jack comes from the Colorado coal
mines. He's proud to keep some rough
edges.
DEMPSEY
Just no use for people who flaunt
two-dollar words like they something
special. Billy here is the only man
I've heard does it with some style.
Even so, I worry!
They laugh.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
You distrust education, Jack?
DEMPSEY
Oh, I don't know. Some ways I wish
I had it. I'd like a business
education. What I plan to do is
take the fight money and open up a
nice, fancy restaurant like this.
I'll call it Dempsey's, and people'll
know what that means --
champion quality. Thickest, most
tender steaks you ever had, some
fancy food for the people. Maybe
even have it in Hollywood. People
come in in their fancy clothes,
looking swell, and the chef will be
one of those famous boys, but
people'll ask, "Where's Champ?" And
they won't none of 'em be satisfied
unlest I come over to the table and
shake they hand. Then when I'm ready
to retire and lay down the crown, I
got the food game to keep me active.
I and the Missus will eat there and
all them famous mugs will know who
we are, 'cause we'll be famous, too.
So I want a business education.
I'll find someone who'll show me.
BILLY
Sounds like you have it all mapped
out.
DEMPSEY
Sure I do.
BILLY
You think you'll make champion?
DEMPSEY
Miske, look at me. Most every one
of my opponents I knock out, bunch
of the bums in the first round.
Who's out there who can match me?
You. You're about it, kid. Maybe
Tommy Gibbons. And I still say I
had you licked today.
Billy laughs.
DEMPSEY (CONT'D)
That was a bum decision and you know
it.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
64.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
(to Marie)
Jack and I have a disagreement with
who won today.
(to Dempsey)
Actually, you disagreed with everybody
in the gym today.
DEMPSEY
Who needs friends?
(beat)
And I'll tell ya, I and you ought to
have a gentleman-like agreement.
BILLY
What's on your mind?
DEMPSEY
These bums that get the title, they
hang and they hang and they hang,
hardly ever let a contender come in,
hang and hang. So here's the dope:
it's either going to be me or you
that gets it, sooner or later --
MARIE
You're so confident?
DEMPSEY
Yes.
(to Billy)
If I make champ, I give you a shot
within six months. You do the same
for me. One shot, one time, and
I'll be satisfied.
Billy admires his new friend for a moment. He reaches his
hand across the table. Dempsey grasps Billy's hand and they
seal the deal.
EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
It continues raining as Marie, Billy, and Dempsey exit the
restaurant. The New York street is muddy. Some carriages
travel in the rain; the Miskes' carriage is a few feet away.
DEMPSEY
(to Billy, indignant)
-- I'm telling you one of my great
fight game secrets and you're waving
me off!
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
65.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
(laughing)
C'mon, Jack, my wife --
DEMPSEY
(insistent)
Bull urine is the best thing there
is to toughen up your face! I hardly
never get cut!
Marie is laughing.
BILLY
That's great, Jack. I'm in awe.
I really am.
DEMPSEY
That's going to be your trouble,
Miske, is dedication.
MARIE
(laughing)
I'm imagining all manner of adventure
as you secure your supply!
Billy and Marie are laughing; Dempsey is a little defensive.
DEMPSEY
Aw right, yuk it up.
Billy chummily punches his shoulder. They spar for a moment,
which edges Dempsey out into the rain.
BILLY
You're getting all wet again. Come
on -- we'll take you home.
DEMPSEY
(not moving)
That's okay. I'm going to walk a
bit.
MARIE
You'll catch a death. Let us take
you.
DEMPSEY
It's okay. I'm in the opposite
direction, anyway.
BILLY
Come on, Champ. We'll take you home.
DEMPSEY
You will?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
66.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Sure. Where do you live?
DEMPSEY
Oh. Naw -- it's okay.
MARIE
(sympathetic)
Jack -- do you have a place?
DEMPSEY
Look, I'm just gonna go, okay?
He turns and walks away, into the rain. Billy and Marie
watch for a moment. Marie seems disturbed. Billy takes her
arm.
BILLY
Come on, Marie.
They move to their carriage.
INT. GRUPP'S GYM - DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Billy lays on a massage table as Jack Reddy gives him a rub
down. Billy is wincing as Reddy works his shoulders, and
grunting in pain as Jack moves down to his lower back.
BILLY
Stop -- stop --
Reddy steps back, appraising his fighter, who is pale and
sweating.
REDDY
When are you gonna square with me?
TITLE: NOVEMBER 1916
Billy curls into a near-fetal position, panting.
REDDY (CONT'D)
This is an ulcer?
BILLY
I don't know.
REDDY
(angry)
Then get to a doctor! Find someone
who can figure out what this is.
Billy, this ain't good.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
67.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Oh?
REDDY
"Oh." If you was a well man I'd
punch you. "Oh."
Billy painfully manages to sit up as Reddy lectures him.
REDDY (CONT'D)
Let's see. Something's happening
December nineteenth... something...
what was it, Billy? Oh, yeah.
You fight Jack Dillon. That's in
three weeks. And then, something's
happening in January... where's your
dance card, Billy? Oh, yeah. You
fight Jack Dillon again -- that's
right! And you come hobbling in
here today expecting me to train you --
BILLY
It just comes on sometimes. I start
to train, and it gets better.
REDDY
No. No more training. Not until
you get to a doctor and get this
thing figured out.
BILLY
It'll be fine.
Jack begins to pack up his things.
REDDY
I won't train you, Billy. I'm telling
you. Every fight in this gym knows
your stomach's the weak part. Every
one of 'em knows something's wrong.
BILLY
Come on, Jack. Don't be like that.
After this fight, I'll get it checked
out. I promise.
REDDY
No dice. It's too serious.
BILLY
I swear on my son I will get it
checked out.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
68.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
No dice. You give me a call when
the doctor knows something. I'm
ready to come back as soon as you
call. This ain't business, you bum.
Jack takes his bag and exits, leaving a pained Billy.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY BUILDING - EVENING
The Miske horses trot up the street, pulling the carriage to
a large commercial building. Billy drives a delighted Bernice
and a blindfolded Marie.
MARIE
I'm curious -- why is this restaurant
such a secret?
BILLY
Because this is not a restaurant.
This is one of your Christmas
presents.
Billy hops out of the carriage and tethers the horses to a
hitching post.
MARIE
And I didn't hear a blindfold being
offered to Aunt Bernice. I must
assume she is your henchwoman.
Billy assists her aunt from the carriage.
BERNICE
It is true, Niece! If the proprietor
had not marked the business with
such bold letters, you would be
sighted even now.
(to Billy)
Thank you, Billy.
Billy takes his wife's hand.
BILLY
Actually, you are about to regain
your sight, Marie. I don't want you
to misstep. I also don't want you
to see where we are just yet. If I
remove your blindfold, will you
promise to look only into my eyes?
MARIE
(mock horror)
You villain. How awful!
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
69.
CONTINUED:
Billy begins to remove her blindfold.
BILLY
Try to bear the strain.
The blindfold comes off. Their gazes lock lovingly.
MARIE
I think it is a trick. If I look
only into your eyes, I still do not
see the ground.
BILLY
The intention was to inspire
confidence.
BERNICE
Please, children; I detect nausea.
Billy and Marie laugh, and he helps her onto the street.
INT. BUILDING -- RECORDING STUDIO
Marie, Billy, and Bernice enter with a TECHNICIAN.
TECHNICIAN
We're pretty well set up.
(to Marie)
You're Mrs. Miske?
MARIE
Yes.
(delighted)
Are we recording?
Billy is beaming.
TECHNICIAN
You're singing. You'll stand over
here.
He indicates a microphone.
MARIE
(to Billy)
A cylinder or a record?
BILLY AND TECHNICIAN
Record.
MARIE
Oh, Billy!
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.
CONTINUED:
She rushes to her husband for a quick hug and kiss, then
back to the microphone.
MARIE (CONT'D)
I'm ready. No I'm not! Aunt Bernice!
What do I sing?
Bernice opens her purse and withdraws folded papers.
BERNICE
I brought "A Letter," and I thought
we'd perform a hymn.
Marie smiles at Billy: you know me well!
The technician guides Marie.
TECHNICIAN
Back just half a step and we'll check
levels.
MARIE
(to Bernice)
We're going to check levels.
INT. RECORDING STUDIO - LATER
Marie has finished singing; Bernice plays the last notes on
the piano.
Billy and the Technician are sitting in the recording booth.
The Technician opens the booth's door and leans out.
TECHNICIAN
Sounds good. Ready for a take?
Marie and Bernice glance at one another, nodding.
MARIE
Yes.
TECHNICIAN
Watch for the green light.
Marie and Bernice fix their eyes on the two bulbs; the red
bulb is lit.
After a few moments, the red light is switched off and the
green light comes on.
Bernice begins gentle piano playing.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
71.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
(singing)
"Amazing grace/How sweet the sound/
That saved a wretch like me/I once
was lost/But now I'm found/Was blind
But now I see."
Billy watches his wife, very happy. He is quite obviously
in love.
MARIE (CONT'D)
(singing)
"'Twas grace that taught my heart to
fear/And grace my fear relieved/How
precious did that grace appear/The
hour I first believed."
A montage of the two Miske/Dillon fights begins as the song
continues.
INT. BROOKLYN RING - EVENING
Miske and Dillon circle.
Miske blocks as Dillon tries to move inside.
Miske lands a solid blow on Dillon's chin.
Dillon pummels Billy's stomach. Miske obviously feels it.
Billy in his corner without Jack Reddy. Tired, looking bad,
he sponges water on himself.
MARIE (O.S.)
(singing)
"Through many dangers, toils and
snares/I have already come/'Tis grace
hath brought me safe thus far/And
grace will lead me home."
Billy rallies, coming at Dillon, head low.
Dillon gets in a solid hook.
Billy crashes blows against Dillon's head, getting him against
the ropes.
Dillon again pounding Billy's stomach.
MARIE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
(singing)
"When we've been there ten thousand
years/Bright, shining as the sun/
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
72.
CONTINUED:
MARIE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
We've no less days To sing God's
praise/Than when we'd first begun."
Billy is in pain.
He summons everything and launches into Dillon.
Dillon falls.
The referee lifts Billy's hand in victory.
Billy winces, panting and sweating --
-- as the song ends.
INT. TRAIN - AFTERNOON
Marie dozes on Billy's shoulder as they sit across from Jack
Reddy, who reads his paper. The three are comfortable as
they head back west. Billy is looking out the window,
watching the country go by.
Marie stretches a little, sitting up.
MARIE
I'm going to go to our car.
BILLY
Okay, hon. Is Aunt Bernice asleep?
MARIE
The rhythm of trains makes her drowsy.
He slips out of their seat so she can get past him.
BILLY
I'll be down in a bit.
They kiss lightly and she goes.
REDDY
How's the gut?
Billy doesn't answer.
REDDY (CONT'D)
Paper even talks about Dillon
deliberately working your stomach.
You give any more thought to going
to a doctor?
Billy stalls a little, starting to speak a few times.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
73.
CONTINUED:
REDDY (CONT'D)
What?
BILLY
Jack, I've been under care for the
last month.
REDDY
And you didn't say nothing?
BILLY
Nothing to say.
REDDY
What did he say? Who was it?
BILLY
A specialist, by the end.
(beat)
It's fatal, Jack. My kidneys --
Bright's disease.
Jack is stunned silent. Billy nods at him.
REDDY
Are -- are they sure?
Billy shrugs.
REDDY (CONT'D)
My pop had that. Aw, Billy...
Jack's eyes are starting to tear up. He pulls at his face;
Billy looks away.
REDDY (CONT'D)
So... so how long... what do --
Jack begins to cry a bit, quickly getting it under control.
REDDY (CONT'D)
You're a bum, Miske.
(beat)
So what do you do?
BILLY
I keep fighting.
REDDY
How do you keep fighting when you're --
BILLY
I keep fighting. That's that. I'd
rather die in a ring than sitting in
some rocking chair.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
74.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
What's the doc say about that?
BILLY
He said if I quit fighting and took
care of myself, I might have two,
three years.
REDDY
Oh, Lord.
BILLY
So what do we do, Jack? We can't
stop. You've got to come with me on
this.
(beat)
You've been training me these years
to be champion. I want my shot.
Leave something for Marie and Billy.
What do you say?
REDDY
How can I put you in a ring with any
good conscience?
BILLY
You think that throwing in the towel
is going to feel any better?
REDDY
What does Marie say?
BILLY
I told her it's just kidney trouble.
REDDY
You haven't told her how serious?
BILLY
I won't have my wife spending young
years mourning. That'll happen soon
enough, I guess.
Jack considers all this.
REDDY
All right, Billy. It's your game.
BILLY
Thanks, Jack.
INT. MISKES' RAILROAD BERTH - DUSK
Billy quietly opens the door, trying not to disturb Marie.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
75.
CONTINUED:
He sits opposite her bed and watches her.
MARIE
(murmurs)
Hi, honey.
BILLY
You're awake?
She does not open her eyes.
MARIE
Mmm hmm.
BILLY
Are you feeling all right?
MARIE
Yes and no. I feel like I did when
I was first pregnant with Billy.
She opens her eyes to see his reaction. It is curiously
mixed.
MARIE (CONT'D)
Billy?
He moves to sit on the bed so she may lay her head in his
lap. She curls into him.
BILLY
That's great, Marie. That's terrific.
She squeezes into him and cannot see the pain on his face
when she does so.
MARIE
I love you Billy. I'm so proud of
you.
He strokes her hair. As the pain subsides, he answers:
BILLY
I love you, too.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Rev. Keyes holds a baby boy, DOUGLAS, before the congregation
as proud parents Billy and Marie look on.
KEYES
William and Marie Miske: do you pledge
this child, Douglas Jonathan Miske,
to the Lord, your God?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76.
CONTINUED:
BILLY AND MARIE
Yes, we do.
KEYES
(to the congregation)
Beloved: do each one of you pledge
to support this child in an
environment of Christ in every way
within your power?
CONGREGATION
We do.
KEYES
Let us pray.
All bow their heads.
KEYES (CONT'D)
Oh, Lord of hosts, we bow before
Thee and reverently submit this child
to you. Oh, Lord, let him grow to
be a mighty man for Thee, a warrior
in service and dove in spirit. In
the eyes of his parents and Thou,
Douglas Jonathan Miske is dedicated
to our Lord and God.
CONGREGATION
Amen.
EXT. CHURCH GROUNDS - DAY
Billy walks with Rev. Keyes. The church picnic bubbles
happily behind them, attendant with autumn's falling leaves.
BILLY
May I say something in your
confidence, Reverend?
KEYES
Certainly.
BILLY
Well... you know I've had the ulcer
problems in the past.
KEYES
No, actually, I didn't.
BILLY
That's what the doctor thought it
was.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
77.
CONTINUED:
BILLY (CONT'D)
In New York, I saw a man who
specializes in these things, and
it's... well, it's Bright's disease.
The Reverend stumbles a moment, taking this in.
KEYES
That's terrible. Is the doctor quite
sure?
Billy nods.
BILLY
So I was wondering -- I hate to ask --
would you mind, maybe now and then,
saying a prayer for me?
KEYES
Of course, Billy. What do you plan
to do?
BILLY
I have to keep fighting.
KEYES
Surely not.
BILLY
Reverend -- you tell us how God's
got His will and purpose, and
He's in the detail of all things --
KEYES
Yes --
BILLY
Do you think He cares who's champion?
Rev. Keyes isn't sure what to say.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Because... I'm going to need His
help to do this. Maybe you could
pray about that, too.
INT. ST. PAUL LOCKER ROOM -- NIGHT
TITLE - ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 1918
ANOTHER TRAINER rubs down a pre-fight Billy with rubbing
alcohol as Jack Reddy prepares him.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
78.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
He's bigger than you'll remember
from New York. Smarter fight, too.
Eighteen first-round knockouts to
date.
BILLY
I've got him.
Billy winces as the man rubs his lower back.
INT. ST. PAUL BOXING ARENA
Jack Dempsey and Billy Miske square off in their first
professional fight against one another. Dempsey is bigger;
looks meaner.
George Barton referees. Miske and Dempsey touch gloves
respectfully and go off to their corners.
Marie watches from the women's section. The bell rings.
Dempsey and Miske come out circling each other. Billy is
more graceful at bobbing and weaving.
Dempsey throws a punch which Billy counters.
Billy lands a good hook against Dempsey's chin. Now another.
Dempsey socks a powerful blow to Billy's stomach. Billy's
chin comes down, but he dodges Dempsey's follow-up hook.
This throws Dempsey open, and Billy launches a right cross,
throwing all his weight behind it.
Dempsey takes the crack to his face and goes down on one
knee. He quickly recovers.
The bell rings. The men touch gloves and go off to their
corners.
Each is listening to his trainer, but their eyes do not break.
The bell rings.
Dempsey comes out roaring. Billy absorbs the punches, and
clinches.
Dempsey breaks off. Billy now gets in position for what
becomes one of his favorite blows: he turns his body away
from Dempsey, his left side facing the boxer.
Dempsey throws a punch which Billy blocks with his left --
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
79.
CONTINUED:
-- then sweeps his left hand across Dempsey's eyes, confusing
him --
-- and now Billy smashes Dempsey's face with his right.
The crowd goes wild. Dempsey's eye is cut.
Marie watches intently.
The bell rings.
Billy sits in his corner, a water sponge passing over him.
REDDY
You got to put him away, Billy.
You can't let yourself get tired.
Get in there and kill him.
The bell rings; Miske springs out of his corner and races
straight to Dempsey.
Dempsey takes several blows to the chin before returning
with one powerful enough to rock Billy.
Dempsey begins to back Billy toward the ropes.
Now Dempsey crashes Billy's jaw with a left hook, sending
Miske against the ropes --
-- and Billy immediately bounces back, launching into Dempsey
rather than clinching.
The two begin exchanging body blows.
Reddy watches in agony.
The body blows continue.
The men are battling furiously, refusing to separate.
They continue punching, machine-like against one another's
torsos.
Marie shrinks a bit from the violence.
The body blows continue; each man stubbornly refuses to budge.
Barton, the referee, is amazed at what he sees.
Barton actually steps closer, watching the two as if they
are a curious exhibit.
The force and steadiness of the punches are incredible --
and they continue.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
80.
CONTINUED:
Toe to toe, Dempsey and Miske abuse one another.
The punches continue to land.
Billy is fighting through the pain. His mouth opens a little
and we see that blood is coming up.
The bell rings. Each fighter lands one punch after, but
there is no malice; it simply took a moment for the bell to
register in each man's mind.
For a moment, they steady one another, exchanging a glance
of respect.
They touch gloves and go off to their corners.
INT. BOXING RING
The fight is over. The boxers are spent.
George Barton holds a megaphone.
GEORGE
Ladies and gentlemen! After ten
rounds, my decision is awarded to --
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Marie reads aloud from the newspaper, emphasizing:
MARIE
(reading)
"-- narrowly awarded to Jack
Dempsey."
She looks over at her husband, who is bruised and swollen.
He lies on his back, eyes closed, but awake.
MARIE (CONT'D)
I think I've seen enough boxing to
say that I really thought you won.
BILLY
I think I did, too.
MARIE
Is there anything I can do for you?
Do you want breakfast or anything?
BILLY
I think I'll just lay here.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
81.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
Shall I read something to you?
BILLY
I think I'll just lay here.
MARIE
All right.
(finds a spot on his
forehead; kisses it)
BILLY
I can't believe the kids are sleeping
in.
MARIE
It's nice, isn't it?
On cue, baby Douglas begins to cry. Billy and Marie laugh,
Billy wincing through it.
Marie is concerned but does not speak about it. She kisses
Billy again.
BILLY
Marie? Do you mind if Jack comes
over this afternoon?
MARIE
Reddy?
BILLY
Dempsey.
Marie shakes her head in wonder, smiling.
MARIE
You boys. I was thinking about
getting the family together for a
nice picnic.
BILLY
They'd get to meet Jack.
MARIE
All right.
BILLY
Should we invite the Reverend?
MARIE
Do you want to?
BILLY
Seems the Christian thing to do.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
82.
CONTINUED:
She kisses him.
MARIE
I love you.
BILLY
I love you.
She smiles, tracing a finger down his nose.
MARIE
Honey? I need you to tell me if
you're not all right.
BILLY
It's just --
MARIE
Excuse me. I know what you've said.
Just a little kidney trouble, I know.
What I mean is, if you're...
protecting me, or not being honest
with yourself, or -- I don't know.
I'm saying that if it's worse, and
you haven't told me the truth, I
want you to tell me, and it's all
right. I know you're not a liar;
I'll understand. Just -- tell me.
He looks in her eyes for a long, searching moment.
Billy takes Marie in his arms.
BILLY
Honey, it's okay. Everything's going
to be all right.
EXT. MISKE'S YARD - AFTERNOON
The Miske and Bennett families are enjoying a fine spring
day. Jack Dempsey is with them, and also Rev. Keyes. The
children play on a blanket in the grass.
Anna, Billy's mother, is plucking a chicken at one end of
the picnic table as the women visit.
The men are playing bridge except for Billy's father, who
looks on. Billy is quietly bearing real pain.
Rev. Keyes addresses Marie's father, John.
KEYES
How did you discover the abuses?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
83.
CONTINUED:
JOHN
As most of us did; when King Coal
was published.
BILLY
Sinclair's book.
JOHN
Yes. Have you read it?
BILLY
Yes, I have.
WILLIAM
Billy read it to me and mother.
JOHN
(to Keyes)
Terrible book in the right way.
I felt as though my eyes were
uncovered.
KEYES
So you investigated the company?
JOHN
Just enough to know. I had some
money interested there and I wanted
my conscience to be clear.
DEMPSEY
You own part of a coal company?
JOHN
No longer. The charges Mr. Sinclair
made could not be refuted at this
particular company -- which shall
remain nameless -- so of course I
withdrew.
KEYES
Admirable. What was the bid again?
DEMPSEY
Two hearts.
(beat)
I used to work in a mine.
KEYES
Did you witness these abuses, Mr.
Dempsey?
DEMPSEY
Well, it wasn't no job for girls.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
(to John)
If you were to put money toward
starting a new business now -- do
you have any thoughts what it might
be?
JOHN
I haven't thought about it.
KEYES
I should think automobiles might do
well.
JOHN
You may be right.
BILLY
Automobiles...
JOHN
Perhaps -- and this would be a risk
but if you offered automobile sales
on credit, you might have something.
DEMPSEY
You'd trust some mug to drive off
and pay you back on something that
big?
JOHN
As I said, it would involve risk.
It could work in a community in which
people know one another well.
BILLY
St. Paul?
JOHN
Now you sound as if you are making a
plan, Billy. Are you thinking of
venturing into business?
The women have begun listening to this conversation, and
Marie eyes Billy.
BILLY
Well, no one fights forever. I want
to make sure Marie and the kids have
something secure. Jack talked to us
in New York one night about starting
a restaurant -- remember, Jack?
DEMPSEY
Dempsey's.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
85.
CONTINUED:
KEYES
A fine idea, Billy.
JOHN
If you manage things properly, a
business could be very good for you.
I like the idea. Are you thinking
of retiring?
BILLY
Please -- not in front of Jack. You'll
swell his head thinking that he did
it.
DEMPSEY
You are still looking sore.
(to the others)
Billy here is my friend, but I climb
in the ring and forget all about
that.
KEYES
I heard you both fought well.
DEMPSEY
(to Billy)
You know what's going to be big
business come January.
BILLY
What's that?
DEMPSEY
Bootleg whiskey! You ought to just
move on up to Canada and sell it
across the border! Think about it!
Anna has finished the chicken. She places it in a pan for
Marie.
ANNA
The times, how they change. I look
up, we at war. I look up, a new
United State. I look up, biggest
ship is made and sink like that.
Boxing illegal, now legal. People
can drink, now you can't drink.
Sometime it excite me so much, some
time I think, "Lord, can't anything
stay the same?" Even church -- now
we get the new hymn books with the
notes. I remember when the airplane
was a baby, could just stay in the
air just a bit. Now they use them
for war! I get dizzy.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
86.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
I think it's wonderful. It feels
like life is exploding all around
us. I love the new music, the books,
new amendments -- I can't imagine a
happier time.
WILLIAM
Even with war?
MARIE
War does darken things, of course.
But even so.
BILLY
She's married me; I think that colors
her perspective.
They laugh. She moves to take the bird inside.
MARIE
My world view has always been sunny,
dear husband. Hasn't it, Father?
JOHN
While remaining remarkably sensible.
MARIE
(to Billy)
-- but you may still share some
credit.
DEMPSEY
I again advise against extended
credit...
They laugh.
INT. DR. HOPPER'S OFFICE - DAY
Hopper has finished his latest examination of Billy, who
sits barechested on the table. He is in pain; his skin is
red and puffy.
BILLY
Can I lay back down?
HOPPER
Yes, yes. Get comfortable.
Billy reclines carefully. The pain in his stomach and back
is making him miserable.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
87.
CONTINUED:
HOPPER (CONT'D)
Well, Billy, I don't quite know what
to do. I wish you'd stop training.
BILLY
What are the other options?
HOPPER
I've got a couple of ideas, but I
don't think you'll like either of
them. There's surgery; we open up
the kidney, flood the extra acids
and protein out of there.
BILLY
I can't afford the stitches.
HOPPER
You can if you quit boxing.
BILLY
Next.
HOPPER
The other is a little more
experimental. We inject sodium
chloride and a hydrochloric acid
solution intravenously. It's
something I've been reading about
which sounds promising. People with
advanced cases -- some even in coma --
have recovered, or at least the
symptoms have been allayed. It's
administered per rectum, however,
and it's going to be uncomfortable.
But it may actually be your best
bet.
BILLY
How long will it take to bounce back?
HOPPER
Not long. Five days, a week. But
that's with actual rest, Billy.
You would stay in bed, let Marie
take care of you. Follow the diet I
give you and mind your doctor's
advice.
BILLY
I've got the Gibbons fight in three
weeks. Why don't we do it after
that?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
88.
CONTINUED:
The doctor is disgusted. He takes a hand mirror and holds
it in front of Miske's face.
HOPPER
What do you see, Billy? Hmm? You
know what I see? I see a dying man
who's fooling himself into thinking
he can cheat his way out of it, ignore
his way out of it. I see him swollen
and puffy and feverish, ready to
give out -- needing to give out, to
rest -- but with the mind of the
most stubborn jackass you've ever
come across. Take a good look, Billy.
Be honest.
Billy takes the mirror, honestly examining himself, noting
the details. He sets the mirror aside.
BILLY
Can't help it, Doc. I see a champion.
INT. ST. PAUL GYM - DAY
Billy works the bag as Jack holds it for him. Billy is
grunting as he hits, the grunts sounding like he's definitely
hurting.
JACK
Give it a left, there. Work on your
left.
Billy throws left jabs. Each one hurts.
BILLY
Ah! Ah!
He's sweating too much, looking too red. One of the other
fighters is watching him.
JACK
C'mon, Billy boy. Hang in. One
more week. C'mon.
(indicates the bag)
This is Tommy Gibbons, right here.
Clock him! Clock him!
Billy throws a hard right, putting everything into it.
Something in his back now goes, sending incredible pain
through him.
Billy yells loudly in agony, his knees giving out. He grabs
the bag to stay up.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
89.
CONTINUED:
Jack rushes under him, helping him stand.
JACK (CONT'D)
Come on, son. Billy. Billy.
Hang onto me.
They stumble off.
INT. MISKE'S HOME - DAY
There is a great deal of bustling about as Jack and Billy
enter the house. Billy is leaning heavily on Jack, in so
much pain he can no longer hide it. He wears a robe around
his training trunks.
Marie is horrified and the children gather, frightened.
MARIE
Get him upstairs, Jack.
(to the children)
Come away. Come in the family room.
BILLY JR.
Daddy!
MARIE
Come away.
JACK
(to Marie)
Call Dr. Hopper.
Jack manages Billy up the stairs.
INT. MISKE'S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Billy is in bed, sweating, in great pain.
Dr. Hopper is in attendance. Jack and Marie stand by and
watch as Hopper prepares to inject Billy with morphine.
HOPPER
This will help the pain, Billy.
I just need you to keep your arm
still for a moment.
Billy does his best. Marie wipes his forehead as the needle
goes in.
Done. Hopper withdraws the needle.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90.
CONTINUED:
HOPPER (CONT'D)
(to Jack)
You have to call off the fight.
JACK
Yeah.
BILLY
Okay. Okay.
MARIE
You're just going to rest up and get
better, honey.
BILLY
So hot.
Hopper waves a thermometer down.
HOPPER
(to Marie)
Is there any ice in the house?
MARIE
Yes.
HOPPER
(to Billy)
Open up, Billy.
Hopper puts the thermometer in Billy's mouth before replying
to Marie.
HOPPER (CONT'D)
Just chip some up and put it into
towels. I want to bring his fever
down.
Marie quickly exits. Hopper looks at Jack evenly.
HOPPER (CONT'D)
You're Jack Reddy?
Jack extends his hand. While shaking it, Hopper asks:
HOPPER (CONT'D)
How can you let this man keep
fighting?
JACK
It's what he wants.
HOPPER
It's suicide.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
91.
CONTINUED:
Billy opens his eyes and looks at the doctor.
BILLY'S P.O.V.
Dr. Hopper looks down at him, shaking his head.
BACK TO SCENE
The morphine is kicking in.
BILLY'S P.O.V.
Billy Jr. looks down at his father.
BILLY JR.
Daddy? The baby burped up in his
diaper. Are you better now?
BACK TO SCENE - NIGHT
Billy manages to answer.
BILLY
It's okay... you used to do that,
too.
BILLY'S P.O.V.
Marie looks down at him, confused. She wears her nightgown.
MARIE
Used to do what, dear? Billy?
BACK TO SCENE
Billy is confused. What time is it? Where is his son?
BILLY
I was -- Billy was --
BILLY'S P.O.V.
Marie is concerned. Strokes his cheek.
MARIE
Go back to sleep.
Billy nods, grateful. The sweating has passed. Sweet sleep
overcomes him.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
92.
CONTINUED:
INT. MISKE'S HOME - AFTERNOON
Marie opens the front door. George Barton stands with another
man, MIKE COLLINS. Their approach is respectful and wary.
GEORGE
Mrs. Miske. I'm George Barton.
This is Mike Collins.
She nods to them.
MARIE
I recognize you, Mr. Barton.
(to Mike)
Pleased to meet you, Mr. Collins.
GEORGE
We'd like to see Billy.
MARIE
I'm sure he'd like to see you, Mr.
Barton, but maybe it would be best
to wait for a few days.
George and Mike glance at each other.
GEORGE
Is he awake?
MARIE
Well, yes, but --
GEORGE
Could we please see him? Mr.
Collins came a long way.
Marie isn't sure what to make of this, but is too polite to
decline.
MARIE
All right then.
(she nods toward the
upstairs bedroom)
Go on up. He's having some dinner.
MIKE
Thank you.
George and Mike move past her.
She frowns after them, getting a bad feeling.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
93.
CONTINUED:
INT. MISKE'S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Billy sits up, a nibbled piece of toast on a plate beside
him. He looks better, but still feverish and swollen.
He hears a knock on the door.
BILLY
Yes?
George and Mike enter quietly.
BILLY (CONT'D)
George! Come on in.
GEORGE
We're interrupting your dinner.
BILLY
Just some toast --
GEORGE
(overlapping)
That's all you're eating?
BILLY
All I was hungry for. Come in.
Who do we have here?
GEORGE
This is Mike Collins --
Mike extends his hand to Billy, who shakes it.
BILLY
Where have I heard your name, Mr.
Collins?
MIKE
I'm promoting your fight with Tommy
Gibbons, Billy.
BILLY
That's it. Well, I'm sorry it had
to be called off. Jack did call
you, didn't he?
MIKE
Well, yes, he did, Billy --
Mike looks at George, begging him to take over.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
94.
CONTINUED:
GEORGE
Of course we understand, and there
are no hard feelings.
(he nods toward a
chair)
May I sit down, Billy?
BILLY
Sure.
George draws in a chair and speaks confidentially.
GEORGE
We're friends -- I like to think of
us as friends -- and I absolutely
understand that you're in no shape
to box right now. I just want to
lay something out for you, because
it wouldn't be right if I didn't
tell you. See, you have an
opportunity this weekend, and you
need to know. Billy, the gate is
already at $18,000.
Billy reacts.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I know! See, this is why I'm telling
you. By the day of the fight, it
could go to $30,000 --
MIKE
Maybe thirty-five, forty.
GEORGE
People have been looking forward to
this fight, and it's in the clear,
is the thing.
MIKE
But the baseball team's back in two
weeks --
GEORGE
And after that, the summer's theirs.
If this match gets postponed, you'll
lose the fans. As it stands, after
Reddy's cut, you're looking at at
least six, seven, eight grand. And
that's if you lose. Here's the other
thing. Dempsey's going up against
Willard next month --
BILLY
Jack got the fight?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
95.
CONTINUED:
GEORGE
That's right. So if you get in
against Gibbons and take him, there's
a good chance that you're in line.
Heavyweight champion of the world,
Billy. You went up against Dempsey.
You know what he's got, and I think
you could lick him -- once you get
better. What do you say?
BILLY
You must have a lot of money on this.
George doesn't blink.
GEORGE
I do. But I like to say I'm thinking
of your interests, too. Yours and
Marie's. The boys'.
Billy considers this.
BILLY
I'll get up tomorrow. If I can walk
around the block, I'll be there
Saturday.
George and Mike break out in great, relieved grins. George
stands.
GEORGE
That's great. Bless you, Billy.
MIKE
Thanks, Billy. Quite a man.
GEORGE
(exiting)
We're just going to let you rest,
then.
BILLY
Thanks.
MIKE
You take it easy, Billy. Call us.
Billy nods.
George and Mike exit the room, bumping past Marie.
George looks at Marie, who shoots him a damning look. She
now knows what's happened.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
96.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
How could you?
George can't answer. He's more than a little ashamed.
MARIE (CONT'D)
Are you a parasite, Sir?
BILLY
Marie --
MARIE
(to George and Mike)
You need to leave.
George nods, and the two men head down the stairs.
Marie turns back to Billy.
MARIE (CONT'D)
And you! How could you!
BILLY
Marie... it'll be fine.
MARIE
How can you say that? Billy, you
seem to think that I want you to --
to just produce money for us. Is
that what you think? Is that what
you think a man is? It's not, Billy.
A man gives himself to his family.
We want you, not some -- some payoff.
BILLY
Marie...
MARIE
No! No, Billy. In this -- you're
wrong. You're just wrong. It makes
me angry.
BILLY
Honey --
MARIE
(yells)
No!
She quickly exits. Billy closes his eyes. The baby starts
to cry.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
97.
CONTINUED:
EXT. MISKE'S HOUSE - MORNING
Billy's hand reaches out to the fence, steadying himself.
He quickly pulls his hand away; he can't cheat at this.
Dressed in his bath robe, Billy steps carefully. He's
obviously in bad shape, giving the effect of an old man out
for a faltering morning walk.
A PAPER BOY appears behind him, tossing papers. The Boy's
normal gait makes Billy's look all the more shambling.
PAPER BOY
Morning, Mr. Miske.
Billy turns slightly.
BILLY
Morning.
The Boy passes Billy, and as he steps around him, bumps Miske.
Billy nearly falls; the Boy is shocked. Billy holds the
fence, hurting.
PAPER BOY
Are you all right?
Billy nods.
PAPER BOY (CONT'D)
You sure?
Billy releases the fence and begins to shuffle down the
sidewalk again.
BILLY
Just stretching. I'm fine.
The Paper Boy looks doubtful, but goes on his way.
Billy stops a moment, takes a deep breath.
He is focusing now. He stares at the mailbox at the end of
the block.
His determination is growing.
He begins walking again, looking more sure-footed now.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
98.
CONTINUED:
INT. MARCUS' DINER - MORNING
MARCUS, proprietor and cook, polishes his counter. His front
window faces the street.
Billy slowly comes into view.
Marcus looks up and sees Billy in his robe. He watches this
famous boxer walking, crippled and determined.
Billy enters, steadying himself on the doorknob for just a
moment.
He and Marcus exchange looks.
BILLY
Good morning.
MARCUS
Morning.
Billy nods grimly, then looks at the back of the diner.
There is a pay phone.
He painfully makes his way back.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Get you a coffee?
Billy shakes his head.
He makes it to the phone booth and sits gratefully. The
energy rushes out of him; he is sweating heavily.
He gets his breath and reaches into his robe's pocket.
Withdraws coins and a business card.
He cranks the telephone and waits.
BILLY
(into telephone)
Columbus seven seven eight two.
(waits)
Mike Collins, please. Yeah, hi.
It's Billy.... Good, good. I'll see
you Saturday.... You're welcome.
Good bye.
Billy hangs up.
He squeezes his eyes shut.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
99.
CONTINUED:
EXT. ST. PAUL BOXING RING - DAY
Wham! Billy takes a hook to his jaw.
He takes a step back, bracing himself, and swings at Tommy
Gibbons, connecting.
A REFEREE circles.
It is late in the match; both men are looking tired. Billy
is more firmly planted than we've seen him before; usually
he is bobbing and weaving.
The men circle each other, wary.
Billy gets a solid punch into Gibbons' stomach.
The opponents circle.
An outdoor arena has been freshly built for the match.
Thousands attend; most sit on newspapers to prevent sap from
fresh lumber spoiling their clothes. The audience is excited;
it's been a good fight.
Gibbons unleashes an attack on Billy which drives Miske back.
Marie watches from the women's section. She looks a little
fearful.
Miske is in trouble, but the bell rings.
Gibbons backs off. Billy squeezes his eyes tight.
Jack yells from his corner.
JACK
Come on, Billy!
This seems to wake Miske who gets off the ropes and heads to
his corner.
Marie doesn't like the looks of this.
She begins to make her way toward the aisle.
Billy sits heavily on the stool. Jack sponges him down.
The Referee accepts a bullhorn from someone at ringside.
He confers briefly with two REPORTERS and nods.
He moves into the ring's center to announce the winner.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
100.
CONTINUED:
REFEREE
Ladies and gentlemen! After ten
rounds... our decision is awarded to
Tommy Gibbons!
Gibbons jumps to his feet amid the cheers.
Billy sits in his corner, defeated, his head nodding slightly.
He pulls himself to his feet --
-- and now staggers to meet Gibbons in the center.
Marie watches: what's Billy doing?
Billy can barely stand now that his determination to fight
is not needed.
Gibbons can see that he's hurting.
The crowd goes quiet. It is suddenly apparent that Billy is
in terrible shape.
Billy looks at Gibbons a moment, then touches gloves with
him.
The crowd applauds wildly. Gibbons eyes Billy with respect.
Marie begins to cry.
Billy turns and shuffles off.
Jack parts the ropes for him and he painfully leaves the
ring.
Gibbons and the crowd watch him go.
Marie watches as Billy walks up the aisle.
Billy sees her and lurches along. He is exhausted.
He meets her, holding onto the bleacher to steady himself.
They exchange a look as she touches his bloody cheek.
Billy looks back at the ring, down at the ground, then back
at Marie. He can't quite meet her eyes, though.
He nods a little and continues on toward his dressing room.
Marie watches him go.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
101.
CONTINUED:
INT./EXT. MISKE'S KITCHEN/BACKYARD - NIGHT
Marie looks out the screen door at Billy, who sits with his
back to the house in a lawn chair looking out at the stars.
She gently pushes open the screen door and steps out, slowly
walking to his side.
Billy glances at her and smiles tightly, then looks away.
His face is swollen, badly cut and bruised. Worse: there is
defeat and resignation in his eyes.
MARIE
I'm sorry, honey.
Billy doesn't speak.
MARIE (CONT'D)
Do you want to come to bed?
He shakes his head no. Marie tries to make conversation.
MARIE (CONT'D)
There's a Psalm that says God named
every star.
Marie watches Billy carefully. His eyes are full.
A rueful smile crosses his face. He winces, his body paining
him.
BILLY
Go on inside.
He wipes away tears, ashamed. Marie puts her hand on his
shoulder.
MARIE
Billy --
BILLY
Please go inside.
MARIE
It's okay, dear. You did your best.
He pulls away from her.
BILLY
Marie, please.
Marie withdraws to the house, sparing her husband's dignity.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
102.
CONTINUED:
Billy brushes off tears, steeling himself by setting his
teeth against the stars.
INT. FIRST BANK AND TRUST - DAY
Billy and John Bennett sit across a desk from VIRGIL
BUCKINGHAM, the bank President. Billy is dressed formally
for the occasion. Virgil tugs on a pipe while looking over
some papers and automobile brochures.
VIRGIL
You're certain this is a venture you
want to undertake, Mr. Miske?
BILLY
Yes, sir.
Virgil looks doubtfully at John, who nods.
VIRGIL
(to John)
It is on your strength that we've
agreed to the loan.
JOHN
Mr. Miske has also pledged his home,
Mr. Buckingham.
VIRGIL
Ah -- forgive me, but Mr. Miske's
home barely touches a two hundred
thousand dollar principal.
The conversation continues over the next images:
EXT. ST. PAUL TRAIN YARD - DAY
Billy and Marie watch with their children as automobiles are
driven off specially-built railroad cars.
VIRGIL (V.O.)
You will receive the money, Mr.
Miske, and it is not contingent upon
receiving my advice on the matter,
but I would feel well if you would
allow me to speak freely.
EXT. WEST 7TH STREET - DAY
A motorcade of various General Motors cars -- Cadillac Model
57s, Chevrolet FA-4 sedans, Oakland roadsters, Buick E-46
coupes -- parades down the St. Paul's main drag.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
103.
CONTINUED:
Red, white, and blue bunting everywhere.
Smiling MEN AND WOMEN, hired for the occasion, carry large
signs and banners, walking alongside the cars:
MISKE OFFERS KNOCKOUT PRICES!!!
MISKE'S AUTOS GOES TO THE MAT FOR YOU!!!
St. Paul's own have come out on the street to watch the
parade.
The next sign passes: WHY WAIT? EXTENDED CREDIT AVAILABLE!!!
GIANT INDEPENDENCE DAY SALE!!!
VIRGIL (V.O.)
This is a very risky undertaking --
not beginning a business, mind you,
but a business of this sort. You
are selling a very expensive product --
most automobiles cost more than a
year's salary -- and you expect to
sell many of them on credit at that!
Your business plan is based more on
instinct than reason, you admit to
having no education in the field --
frankly, if not for Mr. Bennett, I
wouldn't entertain the idea for a
moment.
Billy drives one of the lead cars, with Marie by his side.
They wave at the gathering crowd.
INT. BANK - DAY
-- continuing from before.
JOHN
But your Board of Directors approved.
VIRGIL
Against my judgment, yes; and solely
on the strength of your name.
JOHN
Then I feel all the more pleasure to
lend it. Mr. Miske is a man of fine
character, Mr. Buckingham, and any
investment in him is most secure, I
assure you. But we thank you for
your advice. Do you have something
for us to sign?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
104.
CONTINUED:
Virgil sighs and withdraws a prepared contract from a file.
CLOSE-UP - A SIGNATURE ON A CONTRACT
WE PULL BACK TO:
INT./EXT. MISKE'S AUTOMOBILES - DAY
A montage as a piano roll plays (perhaps James P. Johnson's
"I Ain't Givin' Nothin' Away"):
Billy extends his hand to a HAPPY CUSTOMER, dropping an
ignition key into the Customer's palm.
CLOSE-UP - ANOTHER SIGNATURE ON A CONTRACT CLOSE-UP - SOME
CASH EXCHANGED FOR A KEY
BACK TO SCENE
Billy waves goodbye as ANOTHER CUSTOMER drives a new Buick H-
45 touring car off the lot.
Billy sits in a Oldsmobile Pacemaker touring car with Hammond,
showing him how roomy and comfortable the machine is.
Hammond, satisfied, steps out of the car; Billy opens his
door and painfully exits, another deal closed.
Marie offers an iced bottle of soda to a CUSTOMER'S WIFE,
chatting politely.
Virgil Buckingham walks among the cars, surveying the scene.
A REPORTER interviews Billy, who slips on gloves.
A PHOTOGRAPHER snaps a picture of Billy who leans against a
Cadillac, confident, wearing his boxing gloves.
A crowd applauds.
CLOSE-UP - ANOTHER SIGNATURE ON PAPER.
BACK TO SCENE
Billy drops a key into a man's hand; it is Virgil's.
The banker tips his hat at Billy and exits.
It is the evening. Billy locks the door and puts a "Closed"
sign in the window.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
105.
CONTINUED:
He watches Virgil step into a car, start it, and awkwardly
drive off. Like most of Billy's customers, it is Mr.
Buckingham's first automobile.
Billy walks around, extinguishing lamps and generally closing
shop. It is all new to him, but he seems comfortable and
proud.
INT. OFFICE
He walks into his office where Marie adds figures as the
children play on the floor. She looks up at her husband,
smiling.
MARIE
Are you tired?
BILLY
It was a big day.
He sits on the floor to play with his boys.
MARIE
How does your stomach feel?
BILLY
I'm all right.
(beat)
How did we do? Are you boys doing
okay?
BILLY JR.
Do we get a car?
BILLY
We're taking one home tonight.
MARIE
Are we?
BILLY JR.
Can I pick?
BILLY
I think Daddy and Mommy will pick.
BILLY JR.
I want the beeping one.
BILLY
(to Marie)
It seems like we should. It's our
business.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
106.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
That would be nice.
BILLY
How are the figures?
MARIE
(regards her accounting)
I haven't checked for mistakes yet.
Or figured in a car for us, of course --
BILLY
How many did we sell?
MARIE
Twenty-six cars. Twenty-seven; Mr.
Buckingham's. Well, Husband: a little
more than sixty-eight thousand dollars
of machinery sold.
BILLY
And how much did we bring in?
BILLY JR.
I love you, Daddy.
BILLY
I love you, too, Son.
The boy climbs into Billy's lap. They play.
MARIE
Three outright purchases, unless Mr.
Buckingham -- ?
BILLY
(shakes his head)
Four hundred down.
MARIE
(checks the figure)
Almost twenty thousand dollars.
BILLY
Forty-eight thousand dollars worth
of faith.
Billy Jr. suddenly hugs his father, sending a pain through
him.
BILLY (CONT'D)
(coughing)
Careful -- careful, Son.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
107.
CONTINUED:
Suddenly there is an urgent BANGING on the door offscreen,
and muffled calling:
REDDY (O.S.)
Billy! Billy!
Marie and Billy look at one another quizzically as Billy
rises to answer.
BILLY
It sounds like Jack --
MARIE
Scared me to death --
INT. SHOW ROOM
Billy walks out to the show room and sees Jack Reddy through
the glass. Jack holds a newspaper, pointing.
REDDY
He won! He won!
Billy grows excited, unlocking and quickly opening the door.
BILLY
He beat him? Dempsey beat him?
Reddy makes it inside and thrusts the afternoon edition at
Billy. Billy scans examines the cover:
FINAL EDITION. DEMPSEY WINS HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP. There
is a photo of the referee raising Dempsey's hand.
The FLASH of a photographer's bulb whites out the screen.
Footage of the fight is INTERCUT:
EXT. OHIO OUTDOOR BOXING RING - DAY
In slow motion, the referee raises Dempsey's hand.
BACK TO SCENE
Marie, excited, shouts from the office.
MARIE (O.S.)
Jack won?! Billy?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
108.
CONTINUED:
INT. OFFICE
Billy enters, showing Marie the newspaper photo. She is
genuinely thrilled.
MARIE
(with a gasp)
He did it...
INSERT - NEWSPAPER PHOTO OF REFEREE AND DEMPSEY
The sound of FILM RUNNING THROUGH SPROCKETS plays over this
montage -- footage taken from the fight:
The fight begins. Dempsey circles, bobs and weaves, drawing
Willard out.
Dempsey is tanned and dark and ready; Willard, much taller,
is overweight and paunchy.
GEORGE (O.S.)
Now, watch this. Round one.
Willard throws a left which leaves him open. Dempsey pounces,
punching Willard's chest. Powerful. Willard's immediately
hurting.
Now Dempsey crashes a left hook into Willard's face. A huge
punch:
Willard goes down.
INT. MINNEAPOLIS DAILY NEWS - AFTERNOON
George Barton screens a 16mm copy of the fight. Billy, Jack
Reddy, and many of the city's boxers and reporters watch in
awe.
THOMAS
(excited)
Did you see that left! Willard
didn't!
GEORGE
Knocked him down five times in the
first round.
REDDY
I heard that he won in the first.
BILLY
Can we watch the fight, please?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
109.
CONTINUED:
GEORGE
The referee raised Dempsey's arm up
at the end of the round. Jack even
left the ring. But the timekeeper
realized the round ended during the
count, so they had to hustle Dempsey
back for the second.
(refers to the film)
This is where my copy gets choppy.
The third round gets pretty bad,
here -- okay -- third round --
The next footage shows Willard in alarming condition: the
right side of his face swollen to twice its size, suffering
a deep gash, eye swelled shut.
Dempsey continues to pound, mercilessly beating the now-
helpless giant.
REDDY
He ain't a champ no more!
Blood comes from his nose, mouth, and cheek. His left eye
is nearly shut. He is helpless.
BILLY
I can't believe they didn't stop it.
Look at him --
GEORGE
Crowd actually started shouting during
the second round: "Stop it! Stop
the fight!"
(shrugs)
I dunno.
Now we see it in motion: the referee holds Dempsey's gloved
hand in the air, declaring him the winner.
Scattered applause in the room. George shuts the projector
off.
BILLY
You actually feel sorry for Willard.
REDDY
You do.
Someone switches on the lights.
GEORGE
(rewinding the film)
It was hot. It was so hot down there.
And no place to stay for miles.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
110.
CONTINUED:
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I wound up on some family's porch
with no cot, no pillow -- and paying
for it!
REDDY
That right?
THOMAS
So who's got the next fight with
Dempsey?
REDDY
You think Harry Greb's ready?
GEORGE
Maybe. I haven't seen him in a while.
He'd have to be training harder than
Willard did!
BILLY
He wasn't training hard?
GEORGE
I even said it to his face. It was
a joke, to watch him.
George packs up the film as men file out of the news room.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
(to Billy)
Now, didn't Jack promise you a fight
if he ever made champ? Now's your
chance, Billy!
BILLY
(laughs lightly)
I'm done, now, George. Marie's
reformed me; now I'm a businessman.
GEORGE
How is business?
BILLY
Too early to tell. We're just waiting
for the payments to start rolling
in. Do you want help packing up?
Getting his coat jacket, preparing to leave with the others.
GEORGE
I just leave the projector here.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
111.
CONTINUED:
GEORGE (CONT'D)
(beat)
Hey -- we've got a poker game going;
Jack's got some hooch. Want to come
and play cards with us, Billy?
REDDY
Yeah. If you're not going to train
anymore, you might as well enjoy
yourself a little.
BILLY
Thanks, but I'm going back to the
shop to make some calls, work on the
books a little.
These three are the last ones out.
REDDY
How do you like having your own
business?
BILLY
Good. It feels good. Everybody's
happy.
GEORGE
You don't miss boxing?
Billy grins. Of course he does.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I knew you would.
BILLY
(to Jack)
Jack? Could George catch up with
you? I want to --
REDDY
Sure, Billy --
BILLY
(overlapping)
-- talk to him a minute.
REDDY
Sure, Billy.
Jack exits.
GEORGE
What is it, Billy?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
112.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
I didn't want to embarrass you in
front of anybody; I know you probably
just forgot --
GEORGE
Yeah?
BILLY
Well, you're late on your car loan,
George.
GEORGE
I am? Okay.
BILLY
And you're due for your next payment
this week.
GEORGE
Has it gone that long?
George goes for his wallet.
BILLY
I know we're friends, George, but --
GEORGE
Sure, sure. You've gotta eat, too.
(pulls out a ten)
Let me give you this for now, and
I'll bring the rest this week.
Billy looks at the ten, disturbed.
BILLY
That's all you've got, George?
GEORGE
What's wrong? I'll bring the rest
this week. Take the ten.
BILLY
Don't you have your checkbook?
George now looks at Billy, insulted.
GEORGE
Isn't my word any good, Billy?
BILLY
Of course it is, George. You're
driving a Cadillac I sold you based
on your word.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
113.
CONTINUED:
GEORGE
Then take the ten, and I'll see you
this week.
Billy takes the ten. George claps him on the shoulder and
they exit.
INT. MISKE'S AUTOMOBILES - AFTERNOON
Billy is going over his accounting books. We see at the top
of the page: August 1920. Most of the figures are red.
He punches figures into an adding machine; cranks it. Again
and again.
CLOSE UP ON THE TAPE: The total reads -$32,580.61.
BACK TO SCENE
Billy, thoughtful.
He pulls out his file of index cards. Starts with the A's.
He picks up the telephone, speaks to the operator:
BILLY
Wadsworth forty forty-two. Thank
you.... Ogden Akers, please.... Mr.
Akers? This is Billy Miske, Miske's
Automobiles. How are you? How's
that Roadster running?
INT. MISKE'S AUTOMOBILES - LATER
Billy is still on the telephone. He runs his thumb through
the index cards as he listens.
A MAILMAN enters the show room with the afternoon mail.
Billy waves, "In here."
BILLY
(on telephone)
Uh huh. Oh, I understand. These
things happen. But I do need to
receive a payment, Mr. Nancey, or
we have to look at getting the bank
people involved. I don't think either
of us wants to do that...
The Mailman brings a short stack of mail. Billy offers a
small salute of thanks which the Mailman returns.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
114.
CONTINUED:
He exits as Billy reaches for his letter opener.
BILLY (CONT'D)
All right. I'll look for it next
week then. But I have to have it by
Tuesday. Tuesday at the latest, all
right? ...All right. Goodbye.
Billy is tired. He begins flipping through the envelopes,
looking for payments.
The telephone RINGS. Billy answers.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Miske's Automobiles.
INTERCUT AS NECESSARY
INT. HOTEL LOBBY -- AFTERNOON
Jack Dempsey is calling. A SEXPOT is with him, hanging on.
DEMPSEY
Is that Billy?
BILLY
Billy Mi -- Jack?
DEMPSEY
You got it!
BILLY
Hey, Champ! Congratulations!
DEMPSEY
Long time comin', huh, pal?
BILLY
I saw a film of that fight --
DEMPSEY
Ya did?
BILLY
(overlapping)
-- I thought you were going to kill
that man!
DEMPSEY
Manassa Mauler, they call me! Maul
you up, maul you face, mess with the
Mauler!
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
115.
CONTINUED:
DEMPSEY (CONT'D)
(laughs, squeezes the
girl)
So you sell cars, now?
BILLY
Yes, I do. Need a car, Champ? You
have all that prize money...
DEMPSEY
That's partly why I'm calling. I'm
coming up the way and I thought I'd
look at what you got. I think I can
see Jack Dempsey and some pretty
girl in a nice fast car.
(kisses Sexpot, who
giggles)
You got something for me?
BILLY
Come on down. I've got a whole
showroom for you. It would be great
to see you.
DEMPSEY
I'll see you next week.
BILLY
All right. Take care.
DEMPSEY
Hey -- no wood nickels!
BILLY
Right, right. I'll see you soon.
They hang up.
Billy begins to gather his things.
INT./EXT. FIRST BANK AND TRUST - LATE AFTERNOON
Billy is at a teller's window making a deposit.
TELLER
You made it just before we closed.
BILLY
How are you?
TELLER
Fantastic. How is business?
The Teller notes the small size of the deposit.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
116.
CONTINUED:
TELLER (CONT'D)
Well, it's still a new operation.
Things will pick up.
The Teller signs a deposit book, stamps it, returns it to
Billy.
BILLY
Thank you.
TELLER
Have a good weekend.
BILLY
You, too.
Billy turns to exit. Virgil Buckingham stands at the doors
with his keys.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Hello, Mr. Buckingham.
VIRGIL
Good day, Sir.
(to the Teller)
I'm going to lock up and step outside
for a moment, but I'll be right back.
TELLER
Yes, Sir.
VIRGIL
(to Billy)
May I have a moment, Mr. Miske?
BILLY
Of course.
They step outside, Virgil locking the bank door behind him.
VIRGIL
Let's walk a bit.
They begin to stroll down the street. After a beat:
BILLY
I'm sure I know what you want to
say, Mr. Buckingham.
VIRGIL
It is a topic I don't like to be
required to address.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
117.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
I've been addressing it all day
myself.
VIRGIL
Indeed?
BILLY
I started this morning with the A's
and began working my way through.
VIRGIL
Did you meet with success?
BILLY
If every man matches his promise,
you'll receive your payment by Friday.
VIRGIL
With the penalty?
BILLY
Yes.
VIRGIL
And in two weeks, you will be due
for the next. How will you manage
that?
BILLY
I don't know. I'm trying, Mr.
Buckingham.
(beat)
How do you like your car?
VIRGIL
It's a fine automobile, Mr. Miske.
BILLY
I'm glad.
VIRGIL
But I have no wish to own it via
bankruptcy.
BILLY
I will not go bankrupt, Sir.
VIRGIL
I suggest you tighten up on your
collections, Mr. Miske. If someone
gets behind, you need to repossess
their automobile. That's simply
sound business.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
118.
CONTINUED:
VIRGIL (CONT'D)
I believe you have overestimated the
character of these people in St.
Paul.
Billy brings the conversation to an end. He extends his
hand for Virgil to shake.
BILLY
Thank you, Sir. I appreciate your
advice and will see you Friday with
my payment.
Virgil had more to say. Instead, he shakes Billy's hand --
VIRGIL
Good day, Sir.
-- and walks briskly back to the bank.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Marie is singing a solo: "Be Thou My Vision." Her voice has
gotten better with age; more confident, perhaps even simpler.
The congregation, as always, is appreciative.
Billy sits in the pew with his mother and father. The Bennett
family sits in the row ahead.
Billy's rapt attention slowly crosses into discomfort. He
is trying to suppress a cough.
Now he lets it out, discreetly. He does not want to distract
from Marie's devotional singing.
But another cough comes up, and another. His mother, Anna,
looks at him, concerned.
Now it comes; a genuine coughing fit: painful sounding,
disruptive.
Marie hears Billy and continues the song, conflicted.
Rev. Keyes, at the pump organ, hears the tubercular-sounding
cough. He continues playing, also conflicted. Should he
stop for Marie's sake?
Billy has been coughing into his hand and now sees blood in
his palm.
William hands him a kerchief which Billy stuffs to his mouth,
standing and making his way awkwardly crossing over
parishioners to exit the pew.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
119.
CONTINUED:
Sympathetic eyes follow him as he exits the church, still
coughing.
EXT. DR. HOPPER'S OFFICE - DAY
The door is closed. We hear muffled grunts from Billy.
INT. DR. HOPPER'S OFFICE - DAY
CLOSE UP of an intravenous drip. Sodium chloride and
hydrochloric acid bottles. A bubble forms and bursts as the
liquid is administered.
Billy squints in pain.
HOPPER
Easy, Billy. Think of something
else.
BILLY
How long does this take?
HOPPER
About forty minutes. Lie still.
INT. DR. HOPPER'S OFFICE - LATER
The administration is over. Billy lays back -- sweating,
wasted. Hopper is rinsing out the bottles, putting the kit
away.
BILLY
This feels awful.
HOPPER
In a couple days you should start
feeling better.
Billy considers for a moment.
BILLY
Dr. Hopper?
HOPPER
Hmm?
BILLY
Am I going to get better?
Hopper is compassionate and straightforward.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
120.
CONTINUED:
HOPPER
You're dying, Billy. I'm astounded
that you've lived this long. God
must have His hand on you.
Billy seems to be finally grasping his mortality. He is
obviously moved.
Hopper sees that the knowledge is sinking in, and goes to
Billy's side.
BILLY
How long?
Dr. Hopper hesitates.
HOPPER
Billy, I don't know. It could happen
any time.
BILLY
Any time?
Hopper nods.
BILLY (CONT'D)
What -- what am I supposed to do?
HOPPER
I would get my house in order, Billy.
Billy is stunned.
INT. MISKE'S OFFICE -- AFTERNOON
Billy sits uncomfortably in his chair, flipping through index
cards.
His eyes light up a bit. He looks up at a boxing photo:
Billy fighting Dempsey, years before.
He looks at his gloves, hanging on the wall.
INT./EXT. MISKE'S HOME - AFTERNOON
Billy enters the house; hears nothing.
BILLY
Honey?
No response, but he hears a delighted scream from one of the
children outside.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
121.
CONTINUED:
He moves through the house to the kitchen and sees his family
through the window.
Billy Jr. plays with little Douglas, who is beginning to
walk. Jr. helps to teach the toddler; he also scoots away
as Douglas crawls after him.
Marie sits in a chaise, reading a magazine, shooing a fly
away from her lemonade.
Billy steels himself, refusing to brood, refusing to let his
family see him weak. He musters himself as he has mustered
himself before the last fights, beating the pain down.
He transforms himself, standing straighter, looking healthier,
more optimistic.
He pushes through the screen door, grinning, handsome.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Hey, there!
Everybody looks up. Billy Jr. runs over for a hug.
BILLY JR.
Daddy!
Douglas manages a few steps, topples, and gleefully crawls
to his dad.
MARIE
Hi, honey!
Billy picks up his sons, one in each arm.
BILLY
How are my boys? Are you being good
to your mother?
DOUGLAS
Dadda...
BILLY
(to Douglas)
You're walking, aren't you! Big
boy!
MARIE
They've been working on that for an
hour, now. Very entertaining. Billy
is very patient with him.
Billy kisses the boys and sets them down, swatting one's
behind.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
122.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
You two go play. Show your daddy
how you walk.
Billy Jr. helps Douglas stand. Looking into each other's
eyes, they know when Douglas is ready for his brother to let
go. He manages a few steps.
BILLY (CONT'D)
(clapping)
Hey! Good boy!
Douglas shrieks with joy.
MARIE
Big boy!
(to her husband)
So, how was your appointment?
BILLY
It went well! I feel good.
MARIE
You do look better. What happens
now?
BILLY
I watch how much protein I eat, go
back now and again to continue
treatment.
MARIE
For how long?
DOUGLAS
Dadda!
BILLY JR.
Watch, Daddy!
BILLY
I'm watching, Sport! Let's see!
Douglas manages a few more steps.
BILLY (CONT'D)
That's great, boys!
MARIE
(intent)
For how long, Billy?
BILLY
Until it's gone -- I don't know.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
123.
CONTINUED:
BILLY (CONT'D)
Dr. Hopper doesn't know how long it
will be. Can we not speak about it?
I don't think it does any good for
either of us to worry about it.
Marie considers this for a moment, then perks up in agreement.
She kisses her husband.
MARIE
All right. Let's not.
Billy kisses her again.
BILLY
Mmm. I'll take another one of those!
They kiss playfully, but deeper.
MARIE
I miss Aunt Bernice living with us.
Billy is confused.
MARIE (CONT'D)
(explains)
Immediate baby sitter!
They look over at the boys and laugh. No; they can't slip
away and make love whenever they like anymore.
Billy kisses her again, lightly, bringing the level back
down a little. They watch their sons, who have seen Daddy
and Mommy kissing and giggle at the sight.
BILLY
Quit your gawking! You want a
spanking?
The boys continue to giggle.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Funny, huh? Funny? I'll show you --
Billy hops to his feet suddenly and awkwardly, with a grunt
which indicates he is still in real pain.
Marie looks at him, a little shocked at the pain he has been
masking.
Billy avoids her eyes and is off, playfully chasing the boys,
looking for all the world as if nothing is wrong.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
124.
CONTINUED:
INT. MISKE'S AUTOMOBILES - DAY
Billy and John Bennett walk around the show room.
JOHN
Well, Billy, I would say that Mr.
Buckingham is right. You need a
more aggressive collection procedure.
BILLY
I don't want to humiliate people.
I've known some of these men since I
was a boy --
JOHN
A man's word has to be his bond,
Billy. You appreciate that.
BILLY
Yes.
JOHN
It seems that you're shocked to find
that many people don't honor their
commitments. I've found through the
years that if you examine how a man
does and doesn't spend his money,
you gain a real grasp of his
character.
(beat)
The payment is due today, you say?
What do you lack?
BILLY
I don't want charity, Sir. I asked
for your business advice.
JOHN
My business advice is for you to
listen to the man who backed you in
this enterprise. How much do you
lack?
BILLY
Almost three thousand dollars.
JOHN
Fine. And I am in the market for an
automobile. No longer your investor;
instead, your customer.
Billy grins, catching on. He steers John toward the luxury
cars.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
May I show you our line of Cadillacs,
Sir?
EXT. MINNESOTA ROAD - DAY
John drives his brand new Cadillac on the dusty road. Martha
sits by his side, thrilled. Billy, Marie, and Bernice sit
in back with the kids.
John whoops and hollers.
BILLY
You're really enjoying this!
JOHN
You feel that power? Isn't that the
most amazing thing? Feel that engine?
BILLY
One of the best automobiles made!
JOHN
You already sold me, Son!
MARTHA
Stay on the road...
EXT. FOREST LAKE - DAY
The family enjoys a picnic, reclining on the ground in a
meadow, the Cadillac parked nearby. They nibble on fruit
and cheese.
JOHN
-- and you ladies get to vote this
year!
BERNICE
Hallelujah!
MARIE
And who has earned the favor of your
vote?
BERNICE
Mr. Harding, of course.
BILLY
Why do you choose Harding?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
126.
CONTINUED:
BERNICE
If Mr. Cox is elected, it would be
as if we elected President Wilson
once again. Enough is enough.
JOHN
The war is over, Sister.
BERNICE
The war was a slaughter, Brother.
MARTHA
I hadn't anticipated the dread of
this: women with political opinions!
Already I am nostalgic for the rooms
one could flee to with one's own sex
when discourse turned to ugly, ugly
politics!
MARIE
Come now, it's a picnic. Let's keep
things light.
Billy reacts a little; Marie notices.
MARIE (CONT'D)
What?
BILLY
I was about to ask you to walk with
me.
MARIE
Oh, dear. And it won't be light.
Billy shakes his head.
MARIE (CONT'D)
(to the others)
Will you excuse me? My husband wants
to depress me.
They laugh, saying "of course," and so on. Billy takes
Marie's hand and helps her stand.
EXT. FOREST LAKE - DAY
Marie and Billy sit by the lake. Marie looks a little pale;
she has already heard the bad news. She takes a while soaking
it in. Billy waits. Finally:
MARIE
No, Billy. No. You won't fight
again. There must be another way.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
127.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
I will not declare bankruptcy. Nobody
will ever say that I beat them out
of a dime.
MARIE
I'm not suggesting bankruptcy. Why
don't we sell the house? We could
live more modestly.
BILLY
That may well be the next step. But
that still wouldn't be enough. We've
gained thirty-two thousand dollars'
debt in two months --
MARIE
We should have never sold on credit --
BILLY
(overlapping)
-- and unless people's payments start
rolling in fast --
(responding)
Marie, I thought that would be the
gimmick! I thought that would --
MARIE
It worked, it worked; they swarmed
in like flies. I don't blame you,
Billy.
BILLY
If I'm going to fight, I should do
it quickly, while I'm still in shape.
MARIE
In shape! Billy! You cough up blood,
you sleep most nights with a fever!
BILLY
It's a chance to be champion, Marie.
Champion. That's what I was working
all those years for. I'm no
businessman -- I'm a fighter. Tell
me you know that.
MARIE
You'll learn to be a good businessman,
Billy; it just takes time. Father
will --
BILLY
It's me, Marie. My blood, my heart --
it's who I am.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
128.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
I wish so much of you belonged to
your family.
BILLY
I do; that's why I'm asking. Tell
me, Marie.
MARIE
Tell you what?
BILLY
Tell me I'm a fighter.
Marie looks at him and can't speak for a moment. She looks
at the grass, the lake -- anything but him.
MARIE
You're going to die on us, aren't
you, Billy? So selfish...
(beat)
You're a fighter. Fight him. But
if you're going to fight him, you
need to beat him, Billy.
BILLY
I will.
MARIE
I mean that. You have to beat him,
or we'll have nothing left of you
for us.
INT./EXT. MISKE'S AUTOMOBILES - DAY
Billy watches as Dempsey pulls into the auto lot, returning
a car from a test drive.
Jack jumps from the car, apparently pleased. Billy goes out
to him.
BILLY
Well, Champ, what do you think?
DEMPSEY
Say, that was fine! Whoo! That
felt nice -- wind rushing by! Whoo!
BILLY
It's a fine automobile. You might
consider replacing the headlights
with another model. The factory
lights on this one are a bit dim.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
129.
CONTINUED:
DEMPSEY
How much is that?
BILLY
I'll recommend a good mechanic for
you: ten, twelve dollars.
Dempsey looks at the car, deciding.
DEMPSEY
Well, I like it. I'll take it.
BILLY
Great.
DEMPSEY
Is a bank check all right?
BILLY
I know your bank account is flush!
They head inside to finalize the transaction.
INT. MISKE'S OFFICE -- DAY
Dempsey is writing a check from a rather large, self-important
looking ledger. He is trying to make an impression, but it
is new and foreign to him; perhaps one of the first bank
checks he's written in his life.
Billy studies him a bit, preparing to ask his favor. Jack
tears out the check and hands it over.
DEMPSEY
That look right?
Billy examines the check.
BILLY
I guess it should say "Miske's
Automobiles" instead of "Billy Miske" --
DEMPSEY
Oh --
BILLY
-- but it's all the same. Thank
you, Jack.
He extends his hand. Dempsey shakes it, standing up, but
Billy remains seated.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
130.
CONTINUED:
BILLY (CONT'D)
Can you stay for a minute? I wanted
to ask you something.
DEMPSEY
Sure, Billy.
(he sits)
BILLY
Do you have another fight lined up?
DEMPSEY
Working on it. I told 'em I wanted
to fight once a month if I could.
Stay in shape!
BILLY
What would you say to giving me the
shot?
Dempsey is at a loss for words for a moment.
DEMPSEY
Billy... You couldn't possibly win.
BILLY
Who says?
DEMPSEY
Come on, Billy. Don't ask me this.
BILLY
What's wrong?
DEMPSEY
Billy, Billy. You dropped out for a
reason. I got ears.
Billy reacts a little. He didn't realize the word was out.
DEMPSEY (CONT'D)
You went up against Gibbons and put
it up good, but you give out, Billy.
You're sick, ain't ya?
Billy doesn't answer.
DEMPSEY (CONT'D)
(corrects himself for
Billy's benefit)
Aren't you? What is it?
BILLY
You can't tell anyone.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
131.
CONTINUED:
DEMPSEY
Aw, Billy, everybody already knows.
BILLY
Nobody needs it confirmed. I don't
want it in the papers.
(beat)
Bright's disease.
DEMPSEY
Aw, Billy...
BILLY
My medical bills are steep, this
business -- Jack, this business is
failing. I'm no businessman.
(beat)
I need to call in our promise, Champ.
Angry, Jack abruptly stands and paces the room.
BILLY (CONT'D)
We said that if one of us became
champion the other --
DEMPSEY
I'm not fighting a dying man, Miske!
What do you think people would take
me for? Fighting a dying man!
BILLY
I need the money, Jack. More than
that -- I want my shot.
DEMPSEY
Do you know what people will think
of me? A bum, Miske. Things are
getting good now. I'm never going
to have to sleep in a park or ride
the rails again, and you want people
to know that a dying man was propped
up --
BILLY
Quit saying that!
DEMPSEY
(overlapping)
-- against the World Heavyweight --
but Billy, you are! You just told
me! How's that going to look? I'll
defend myself, but only against a
dying man.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
132.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
You're talking like it wouldn't even
be a contest!
DEMPSEY
We both are. Listen to you: you're
begging.
BILLY
No, I'm not. You gave me your word,
Jack. I need this.
Jack looks at Billy, conflicted. He is deciding, resigning
himself, hating the situation. Finally, exasperated:
DEMPSEY
I'm going to put you out as fast as
I can. I don't want to see you get
hurt.
BILLY
We'll see, Champ.
Dempsey turns to go, disgusted.
DEMPSEY
I just bought a car from you. Some
thanks.
He exits.
EXT. BENTON HARBOR BOXING RING -- AFTERNOON
A huge crowd waits in freshly made pine stadium stands.
17,000 men and women sit in the sun.
Ringside, several OFFICIALS sit alongside a sports ANNOUNCER,
who speaks into a WWJ radio microphone.
WWJ ANNOUNCER
Testing, one and two, three and four.
Tell me you boys are receiving this.
He looks off into the distance. A flag bearing the WWJ logo
is raised.
WWJ ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
Right-o. Broadcast in thirty seconds.
TITLE: BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN.
TITLE: LABOR DAY 1920.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
133.
CONTINUED:
Marie sits patiently, a dozen rows or so from the ring, in
bleachers sectioned off for women.
An OFFICIAL speaks to the referee, JAMES DOUGHERTY, in the
ring.
OFFICIAL
Time to get rolling.
Dougherty nods; he signals off to somewhere beyond the
bleachers.
WWJ ANNOUNCER
(into microphone)
Five... four... three...
He counts to himself: two... one.
WWJ ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to
the world's first broadcast of a
boxing match; an historic event, and
have we got fight for you today:
Billy Miske of St. Paul Minnesota
challenges the Manassa Mauler, Jack
Dempsey, for the heavyweight
championship of the world!
From opposite ends of the makeshift stadium, there is
movement: spectators stand, excited, cheering.
Billy and Jack Dempsey are making their way to the ring.
People rise in a wave, getting a glimpse.
Marie watches Billy, who does not search for her. He is
focused on the upcoming match.
WWJ ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
And here they come! Ladies and
gentlemen, Jack Dempsey and Billy
Miske are coming forward, and -- I'm
sure you can hear it -- the crowd is
exploding with excitement!
The boxers continue to come forward, their managers clearing
a path.
WWJ ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
It's a beautiful day in Benton Harbor,
ladies and gentlemen, the eastern
shore of Michigan. Sunny, seventy-
one degrees, a nice breeze.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
134.
CONTINUED:
WWJ ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
A stadium has been erected for this
event, and attendance is estimated
at sixteen thousand spectators, here
to see the boxing phenomenon and
heavyweight champion of the world
Jack Dempsey defend his title against
St. Paul Minnesota's favorite son,
Billy Miske.
Jack Reddy parts the ropes for Billy; opposite, DOC KEARNS,
Dempsey's manager, makes a way for Dempsey.
WWJ ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
Today's show is brought to you by
the makers of King Biscuit Flour.
For biscuits and pancakes lighter
than air, King Biscuit Flour is
America's favorite!
Dougherty brings the fighters together.
DOUGHERTY
All right boys: no punching below
the belt, we go ten rounds to a
decision. If I tell you to break,
you break; if I order you to your
corner, I want you there right away...
WWJ ANNOUNCER
(overlapping)
Ladies and gentlemen, listeners
everywhere: the boxers are in the
ring and receiving their instructions
from the referee, James Dougherty of
Pennsylvania; the battle is about to
begin. Today's should be an awesome
spectacle: neither boxer has ever
been knocked out -- in fact, it is a
hallmark of each man's career that
he often knocks out his opponent in
the first rounds.
Miske and Dempsey stare one another down. Billy looks pretty
good; Dempsey is in superb shape.
The boxers touch gloves and are sent to their corners.
Marie watches, muttering a prayer.
WWJ ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
A brief history as the first round
is about to begin: Dempsey and Miske
have known each other for some years.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
135.
CONTINUED:
WWJ ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
They trained together in New York
City and have met in the professional
ring twice before; Dempsey won each
of those matches, but witnesses say
the two fighters were evenly matched,
and Dempsey's victories were very
close calls. Sports journalists
including this one are giving Dempsey
the edge here again today, however;
Miske is recovering from an
unspecified injury, and, ladies and
gentlemen, I must say he looks less
impressive than I've seen him in the
past. Dempsey looks terrific --
animal intense, in great shape --
the round is about to begin.
The BELL SOUNDS.
Miske and Dempsey leap into the center of the ring, bobbing
and weaving, wary.
Miske's strategy is almost wholly offensive, launching into
Dempsey with brutal blows.
The crowd cheers Miske on, caught up in the surprising
intensity of the attack.
Dempsey wasn't ready for this; he backs around the ring.
Billy lands a terrific left --
-- following up with a volley of punches which land hard.
Dempsey is tough, though, and returns with a right --
-- then his smashing left hook, which Billy deflects.
They clinch.
Billy speaks into Dempsey's ear:
BILLY
I got you.
Something flashes across Dempsey's face -- the very real
possibility of defeat.
DOUGHERTY
All right -- break off...
They are separated by Dougherty. Billy looks invigorated.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
136.
CONTINUED:
EXT. BENTON HARBOR BOXING RING -- LATER
The ROUNDKEEPER sounds the BELL.
Miske and Dempsey leap out of their corners.
Billy begins an assault on Dempsey, throwing punches at his
face, forcing him back.
Dempsey protects his head, sneaking in punches to Billy's
midsection when he can. Billy is too fast for Dempsey's left
hook, so Jack concentrates on using his right punch
throughout.
Now Billy lands a terrific blow which rocks Dempsey. The
audience explodes.
Dempsey is against the ropes as Billy pummels him.
Marie is growing excited. Jack Reddy is leaning forward
eagerly.
Billy is clearly winning.
Dempsey cliches with Billy, almost being held up by him.
The BELL rings.
Each man goes to his corner.
Their eyes do not part. As each is sponged down, massaged,
and encouraged, they stare one another down.
Billy's confidence is doing some damage. Finally, Dempsey
blinks, looks away.
The BELL rings.
Miske springs forward; Dempsey looks more cautious.
Billy moves in almost sideways in his patented stance. His
left side faces Dempsey.
Dempsey knows what's coming but can't help himself.
Billy lands a left to Dempsey's face, and, while pulling
back the hand, cuffs Dempsey's forehead.
Dempsey's attention follows that left glove --
-- as Miske's right crashes into Dempsey's head.
Dempsey falls against the ropes.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
137.
CONTINUED:
And now the reversal happens suddenly -- fast and tragic:
The momentum pulls Billy, who misses a step. His balance is
thrown for the moment and all the world slows down.
He sees Dempsey recovering, launching toward him, seeing his
shot and taking it.
Dempsey throws all his strength behind it: a thunderous right
blow targeted -- smartly and unmercifully -- at Billy's
stomach.
Billy feels it and grunts with pain --
-- which Marie hears. She looks fearful as --
-- a look crosses between Miske and Dempsey. They're smart
fighters and know exactly what Dempsey should do.
He does; Jack's fists flail against Billy's gut.
Billy tries, but can't get a lick in. The pain from his
abused kidneys are doubling him.
Dempsey has taken advantage of his friend's weakness, and
recovered his posture and his heavyweight crown --
Jack launches his famous left hook -- at last -- to Billy's
head.
The glove lands.
Billy's groan sounds inhuman. Utter, final pain.
He falls back against the ropes, his legs rubber --
-- pitches foward and crashes to the mat.
Marie shoots to her feet just ahead of the roaring audience.
Dougherty counts over Billy, who is trying to get up.
DOUGHERTY
One! Two! Three!
Dempsey watches from his corner.
Billy's efforts make him appear to be trying to crawl across
the mat. He isn't going to make it.
Reddy watches, and shouts:
REDDY
Come on, Billy!
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
138.
CONTINUED:
-- and now hushes, realizing he doesn't want Billy to get
up, doesn't want him to face further punishment. Stay down.
DOUGHERTY
Nine! Ten!
Marie goes limp as the crowd explodes. So many people in
the stands are so happy -- they have seen Billy Miske lose.
Dempsey rushes over to Billy, who lays prone.
Dempsey picks Billy up in his arms and carries him to his
corner.
Reddy watches as Dempsey carefully sets Billy down on the
stool.
DEMPSEY
(to Reddy)
Does he have a doctor here?
REDDY
I got somebody.
Reddy looks at Dempsey squarely; Dempsey feels a little
guilty.
REDDY (CONT'D)
You're a lucky, lucky man, Jack
Dempsey. Champ.
For once, Jack Dempsey is humbled.
Billy stirs, notes Reddy and Dempsey.
BILLY
(coming to)
Hey, Jacks.
REDDY
We're gonna get you out of here.
Billy manages to open his eyes and looks up at Dempsey.
BILLY
Nice left.
DEMPSEY
Good fight, buddy.
BILLY
Yeah; good fight.
He lifts a hand. Dempsey touches gloves with him. Billy's
hand drops like a stone.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
139.
CONTINUED:
Reddy helps Billy stand.
REDDY
Let's get you out of here.
Dempsey returns to the center of the ring, accepting the
crowd's cheers as Reddy helps Billy out.
Marie watches Billy as police make a path for Billy and Jack
Reddy to exit the arena.
INT. LOCKER AREA - LATER
Jack Reddy is with Billy as the promoter, FLOYD FITZSIMMONS,
hands over a check.
FLOYD
Game fight, Miske.
BILLY
Thanks, Floyd.
FLOYD
Here's your guarantee.
Floyd hands Billy the check.
BILLY
What was the gate?
FLOYD
Not bad. About a hundred thirty
thousand.
JACK
That's not bad.
FLOYD
(to Billy)
So what do you do now?
Billy looks at the check.
INSERT SHOT - THE $25,000 CHECK
INT. THE BENNETT'S PARLOR - NIGHT
JOHN
-- File bankruptcy.
BILLY
I won't do that, Sir.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
140.
CONTINUED:
Billy and Marie's father sit chair to chair in the parlor.
JOHN
Well, you've come to me for advice,
and that's what I suggest: declare
bankruptcy, dissolve Miske's
Automobiles, and you can keep the
money you just earned from the Dempsey
contest. How much -- ?
BILLY
More than twenty-one thousand, after
Jack Reddy's percentage.
JOHN
And it would be yours free and clear.
That's plenty of money for a family
to live on, even if you're only
drawing bank interest upon the
principal. Maybe you won't be
carrying on in high style, but you'll
do fine. It's perfectly legal, Billy.
Everyone would understand.
BILLY
I would consider that a moral failure,
Sir.
JOHN
So why did you come to me?
BILLY
Your financial expertise. How can I
make that check stretch further?
JOHN
You can't. Apply it to your bank
loan -- that's honorable -- but that
will only keep you afloat until the
next payment is due. And then what
will you do, Billy? Fight for another
purse? And what happens as those
purses grow smaller, as you grow
less capable?
Billy grasps for an answer.
BILLY
I don't know. We'll make it somehow.
JOHN
(meaningfully; not to
offend)
Billy... you swore you would take
care of my daughter.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
141.
CONTINUED:
INT. MISKE'S AUTOMOBILES - DAY
Billy is again on the telephone, trying to drum up overdue
payments.
BILLY
May I speak to Jarrod Radford please?
Mr. Radford? Billy Miske, Miske's
Automobiles. How are you? Good,
good... Yeah, well.... Thank you.
Dempsey puts up quite a fight....
Yes. Well, the reason I'm calling,
Mr. Radford, is because I see from
my files here that we've missed your
August and September payments....
Sure. Emergencies come up. I need
to know, though, when I can expect
payment in full.... I -- Mr. Radford,
with all respect, I can't wait a
month for you to start getting caught
up.
He listens for a beat, reacting to the man's excuses. Now
Billy cuts him off:
BILLY (CONT'D)
You know, Sir, I'm a man just like
you. Do you know that? You've got
bills and problems, I've got bills
and problems. We all do. And I'm
trying very hard to keep everything
afloat so folks in St. Paul can have
their family cars, drive up to the
lake on a weekend, have a nice picnic.
You came and asked me for a car,
Sir, and on your word I extended you
credit and you got your car. Maybe
you even used that car when your
wife was having her emergency and
you had to get her to a doctor.
Isn't that worth something to you?
Now, I need to see you in a week
with the payments or I've got no
choice but to get the bank
involved.... I'm not threatening --
it's just business, Sir. All right?
Next Friday, then. Good day.
Billy hangs up the telephone, angry.
He goes to his filing cabinet where his fight check is propped
against a small lamp.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
142.
CONTINUED:
He taps the check, and whatever part of him had been
hesitating to make his own payment is now resolved.
INT. FIRST BANK AND TRUST - DAY
Billy presents his check to Virgil Buckingham.
VIRGIL
Twenty-five thousand?
BILLY
Uh, no. That's the fight check. I
need to pay my manager, then take
out a little to live on.
Virgil does not disguise his disgust.
VIRGIL
So how much are we paying today?
BILLY
Twenty-one thousand five hundred
dollars.
VIRGIL
Leaving you forty-six thousand dollars
behind, Sir.
(beat)
I'm sorry, Mr. Miske. We've done
all we can do.
BILLY
(hating it)
I'm going to have to start
repossessing people's cars.
VIRGIL
More than that.
EXT. MISKE'S AUTOMOBILES - DAY
Banners hang, loudly announcing a GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE.
The new cars sparkle in the sunlight.
No customers.
INT. MISKE'S AUTOMOBILES - DAY
Billy sits by a desk, wearing a tie, tapping a pencil.
He stares out into the parking lot.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
143.
CONTINUED:
All is quiet.
It's over.
INT. FIRST BANK AND TRUST - AFTERNOON
Billy and John Bennett are signing papers which Virgil
continues to hand the men.
Marie watches the proceedings. Now and again, Billy looks
up at her. She smiles thinly. There is nothing they can
do.
INT. NEW APARTMENT - DAY
A LANDLORD shows Billy and Marie a cheap apartment. It is
scrubbed as clean as it can get, but it is obviously worn.
Billy Jr. and Douglas stay with their parents, clutching a
hand or leg of mom or dad.
Marie pokes her head in the kitchen.
Small, but sun lit. It's not too bad. There's a table where
the family can eat.
Billy enters behind her and looks around.
Marie turns to him, brave.
MARIE
I like it.
He puts a hand on her shoulder.
INT. NEW APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER
The Landlord gestures toward the bedrooms; one opens just
off the family room, and it looks like there will be little
privacy.
The other is down a small hallway, past a closet.
Billy and Marie stand in the unfurnished room with the
children.
BILLY
What do you think, boys?
BILLY JR.
It's okay.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
144.
CONTINUED:
DOUGLAS
It's small.
BILLY
Do you think you'd be able to share
a bed? Or would you rather have two
little ones?
BILLY JR.
We could share.
LANDLORD
The outhouse's out back. I always
keep plenty of paper.
Billy and Marie are slowly accepting all of this, but their
expressions are wan, shattered.
INT. MISKE'S HOME - DAY
Boxes are packed; the Miskes are moving out. Old friends,
family, and men from the gym are helping move the very few
pieces of furniture which will be transferred to the new
apartment.
Marie is speaking to Mr. AND MRS. FARLAND, buyers who are
appraising the house and furniture. Mrs. Farland indicates
the sofas in the living room.
MRS. FARLAND
Which of these sofas are staying?
MARIE
We're only taking the green one.
MRS. FARLAND
The others are staying?
MARIE
Yes.
MRS. FARLAND
And the tables?
MARIE
Yes, the tables.
MRS. FARLAND
Staying?
MARIE
Yes.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
145.
CONTINUED:
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S BEDROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Thomas, the boxer Billy sparred with years before, is helping
Billy move a dresser. Billy is obviously in pain, sweating
and grunting.
Thomas sees this, and their eyes meet.
THOMAS
Set it down, set it down.
They do.
Billy rests a moment. They have only moved the dresser a
few feet.
THOMAS (CONT'D)
Is it bad?
Billy nods.
THOMAS (CONT'D)
Why don't you just take it easy for
a minute.
Billy nods, going to a chair by the window, sitting.
Thomas pushes open the window. Down below, Caleb, Jack Reddy,
and William Miske are loading a pickup truck with bits and
pieces of the Miske's household.
Thomas shouts to Jack.
THOMAS (CONT'D)
Mr. Reddy! Send somebody up to help
me with this dresser.
Reddy sends Caleb, who dashes off.
BILLY
(to Thomas)
Thomas -- would you ask Marie to get
me a drink of water?
THOMAS
She's talking to some couple. I'll
get you one.
BILLY
I think there are still a couple of
glasses out in the kitchen. Thanks.
THOMAS
You just rest yourself.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
146.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Thanks.
Thomas exits the room.
Billy stands, stretching, trying to ease the pain.
As he massages his lower back, he glances out the window.
His father is looking up at him.
Something like sorrow passes between them; sadness for all
these circumstances.
William waves lightly.
Billy waves back.
EXT. MISKES' NEW APARTMENT - NIGHT
A faint light glows from a bedroom window.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Billy and Marie cuddle, having enjoyed marital privileges.
It is autumn in Minnesota and the new apartment is chilly,
so Billy has kept his undershirt on and Marie wears her
nightgown. Her head rests on his chest, her hand tracing
his frame. Billy strokes her hair.
MARIE
Listen to your heart beating...
He kisses her head.
BILLY
I love you.
MARIE
Mmm. Love you, too.
She looks up at him, and they kiss lightly.
MARIE (CONT'D)
Are you all right?
BILLY
Hmm?
Of course he is; they've just made love.
Then he realizes she's referring to their living conditions.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
147.
CONTINUED:
BILLY (CONT'D)
Oh. Sure. We've got a roof over
our heads, right? I just thought I
could build something better for us.
A good life.
She lays her head on his chest again, feels his shirt.
MARIE
I like my life.
BILLY
Just wait until you have to go to
the outhouse some night at three
a.m.
MARIE
We'll survive.
BILLY
I want to do better than just survive.
MARIE
We'll get some chamber pots. We'll
do fine.
BILLY
I know.
Her hand moves over his stomach and waist.
MARIE
You've lost some weight.
BILLY
I know.
MARIE
How are you feeling?
BILLY
Fine.
MARIE
When was your last attack?
BILLY
This afternoon.
MARIE
Why didn't you tell me?
BILLY
I don't know.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
148.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
What does Dr. Hopper say?
BILLY
I just take the treatment every couple
months.
MARIE
And you feel better?
BILLY
Seems like it's working. I'll go a
week sometimes between spasms. It
helps when I'm training, too. There's
something about getting my mind set
toward a fight. I don't know.
Fighting's a big part of me, Marie.
It's hard to just shut part of
yourself off, if it's who you are.
They continue to caress one another. Marie changes the
subject.
MARIE
Remember on the train? Our honeymoon?
BILLY
(teasing, as if he's
forgotten)
Honeymoon... honeymoon...
MARIE
I suggest you remember it quickly
before I smite you.
BILLY
Honeymoon -- that was the one with
the beautiful woman, right?
MARIE
Beautiful nervous woman, yes.
BILLY
You were nervous...
MARIE
Did I ever tell you why?
BILLY
Something your aunt had told you?
MARIE
Aunt Bernice was married before I
was born.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
149.
CONTINUED:
MARIE (CONT'D)
Jules O'Callaghan was the man's name.
The family history of that was
whispered a bit, but when I was old
enough, for some reason, Aunt Bernice
one day told me about him.
BILLY
What did she say?
MARIE
I'll tell you my version of it; hers
was veiled and some things were
implied rather than explicitly stated.
(beat)
She was attracted to Jules because
he was kind of rough; he would go to
bars, get in the occasional fight,
operated his own farm, raised
livestock. Very much not a Bennett.
In fact, they eloped when she came
of age. He was very rough with her,
day and night, and no amount of
protest would soften him. He would
rape her and beat her.
BILLY
My God.
MARIE
Finally people understood what was
happening; long dresses and high
collars will hide great abuse for a
long while. A broken and depressed
spirit, however, eventually shows
itself. She confessed everything to
my mother, who then told Father.
Father was enraged, and challenged
Jules to a duel.
BILLY
Your father?
MARIE
Yes, indeed. To make sure all was
done properly, the Deputy Sheriff at
that time supervised. He inspected
the guns, counted the steps, and
watched my father make my aunt a
happy and very relieved widow.
BILLY
That's quite a story. I didn't know
your father had it in him.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
150.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
Well, in a way, he doesn't. He won't
speak of it if you mention it to
him.
BILLY
So -- what did this have to do with
our wedding night?
MARIE
Oh! Well, I suppose... I knew better --
I'd seen the examples of my father
and other good men -- but some little
part of me always had that fear;
that a man could turn mean. I've
been frightened of you twice, Billy.
Once when you stood in the street
outside my house when it was very
late --
BILLY
I'd just come back from a fight.
MARIE
Yes.
BILLY
Harry Greb, I think --
MARIE
That sounds right. It was when we
weren't allowed to court, and I was
afraid --
BILLY
I was going to do something? Do you
mean that?
MARIE
I didn't know why you were there. I
just got scared.
BILLY
Huh.
MARIE
And the other time was our wedding
night.
BILLY
You were scared!?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
151.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
Because I didn't know... I didn't
know if I could make you happy, or
what a man might do if he wasn't
pleased.
BILLY
Oh, honey...
MARIE
But you were nice. You were nice
and gentle and good. You've always
been so nice to me, Billy. So nice.
I love you so much.
He hugs her, kisses her head.
She clutches him, holding on.
MARIE (CONT'D)
Tell me, Billy. Do we have you for
much longer?
Billy hesitates before answering.
BILLY
I don't know.
MARIE
What does Dr. Hopper say?
BILLY
...any time.
MARIE
Any time?
BILLY
That's what he says.
Marie is trying not to weep as she digests this.
MARIE
I try to think: if you -- God forbid --
if you passed away this night, was
there anything I meant to say but
didn't? I can't think of anything,
Billy. Is there anything you want
to know?
He holds her close.
BILLY
I know everything I need to know.
You?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
152.
CONTINUED:
MARIE
I guess... I guess I know now.
She strokes his hair.
MARIE (CONT'D)
At least I got you for a while.
Billy...
They kiss.
EXT. CHURCH -- MORNING
An establishing shot of the church, which looks different in
some way: fresh paint, new shrubbery.
TITLE: THREE YEARS LATER
INT. CHURCH - MORNING
Rev. Keyes is singing from the pulpit, leading the
congregation through "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus."
Marie sings along, holding a baby, DONNA. Billy is not with
her.
Marie's boys sing on either side of her. Their clothes are
worn, and the family's appearance (and, later, their
apartment's) should reflect the poverty into which they have
fallen.
EXT. CHURCH ENTRANCE - LATER
Members of the congregation exit, filing past Rev. Keyes,
shaking his hand.
Marie and the children reach him.
MARIE
A fine sermon, Reverend.
KEYES
I wonder if anyone will act on it.
(playfully poking at
Donna)
How's your little bundle? Hi there!
MARIE
She's doing great. She's such a
good baby.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
153.
CONTINUED:
KEYES
How is Billy?
MARIE
He's not having a good morning. He
wanted to come, but I asked him to
stay in bed.
KEYES
May I visit him? I'd like to pray
with him.
MARIE
Thank you.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- DAY
Marie gently opens the door. Billy lays in bed. It's
shocking how thin and pale he looks. And exhausted; he looks
exhausted.
MARIE
Billy? Reverend Keyes is here.
BILLY
Sure.
Keyes enters, bowing a little to Marie, who exits, closing
the door.
KEYES
Hi, Billy.
BILLY
Hi.
KEYES
I came to see if I could pray with
you.
BILLY
Sure.
KEYES
Tell me how you feel.
BILLY
It hurts.
He laughs; that hurts, too.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Get yourself a chair.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
154.
CONTINUED:
Keyes finds one and sits.
KEYES
Are you going to make it?
BILLY
Dr. Hopper is going to flush me out
tomorrow. That always makes me feel
better.
KEYES
Good.
(beat)
You know, you do look tired. Let me
pray for you and then I'll go.
BILLY
Hang on, Doc. Reverend. I need to
ask you...
Billy, finally, is afraid, growing upset.
BILLY (CONT'D)
I need... I think... I think I need
to make my peace with God. I don't
know how to do that.
KEYES
Okay, Billy. Calm down. Calm down.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Marie listens at the door, tears running down her face.
Through the door, she hears:
BILLY (O.S.)
I haven't taken care for my family...
KEYES (O.S.)
Her father will help them, Billy.
They'll be fine.
BILLY (O.S.)
(overlapping)
I've broken promises I made to take
care of her!
Marie can't bear it.
She briskly walks out of the apartment --
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
155.
CONTINUED:
EXT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
-- to stand outside in the sun, wiping away tears.
She squints up at the sun.
Now she looks about, composing herself.
Douglas comes to her side.
DOUGLAS
Are you okay, Mommy?
She sees him and pulls him to her.
MARIE
I'm fine. Did I scare you?
He nods.
MARIE (CONT'D)
I'm fine. I just want your father
to be well.
DOUGLAS
Me, too.
EXT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT -- LATER
Rev. Keyes appears, walking into the sun, his eyes shining.
KEYES
Thank you, Marie.
MARIE
Thank you, Reverend.
The minister exits.
Marie is puzzled. She turns and goes back into the house,
with Douglas following her.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
MARIE (O.S.)
Honey?
BILLY
Come in.
She opens the bedroom door, entering. Douglas cautiously
enters with her.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
156.
CONTINUED:
Billy lays on the bed, a beatific smile across his face.
Marie goes to him. He raises a hand for her to take.
MARIE
You're happy. Everything okay?
She kneels beside the bed. Douglas stands there, not too
frightened.
Billy clasps his son's shoulder, touching him, roughing his
hair, savoring him.
BILLY
My little man. You're going to have
good shoulders, look at that.
He looks up at his wife.
BILLY (CONT'D)
I'm okay, Marie. I've got peace.
She kisses his hand.
MARIE
Well, wait for me, all right?
Billy nods.
BILLY
All right.
INT. DR. HOPPER'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Again, Billy lays prone as the chemical drip is administered.
Dr. Hopper sits beside him.
HOPPER
Doing okay, Champ?
BILLY
Yeah. I'm doing good. This always
helps.
INT. DR. HOPPER'S OFFICE - LATER
Billy sits up, buttoning his shirt.
HOPPER
It's time to talk again.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
157.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Grim news, huh?
HOPPER
Yes.
BILLY
Go ahead.
HOPPER
It's the amount of deterioration,
Billy. Your body hasn't been able
to accept the full drip for the last
four months; today it took only half.
BILLY
Okay...
HOPPER
You have remarkable constitution,
Billy, but it's coming to an end.
You're now at the stage in which the
kidney fails. The treatment
forestalls failure until this stage,
then it becomes ineffective.
BILLY
And there's nothing else to be done?
HOPPER
This was the last resort. We can
keep administering it, of course,
and I'll have morphine for you when
it's time. I'll make you as
comfortable as I can when it happens.
BILLY
How long?
HOPPER
Three months, four months.
BILLY
I'll make it to the New Year.
HOPPER
Well, it's you, so you just might.
You just might.
Billy is adjusting to this.
BILLY
Thanks, Doc.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.
CONTINUED:
INT. DR. HOPPER'S WAITING ROOM - LATER
John Bennett sits in one of the chairs, reading his newspaper.
Billy and Hopper step out from the inner office.
HOPPER
Hello, Mr. Bennett. Have you been
waiting long?
JOHN
We timed it just about right.
(to Billy)
How do you feel?
HOPPER
It always takes a few days to really
work into the system. Wednesday or
Thursday morning, he should be fine.
JOHN
(to Billy)
Can you walk?
BILLY
Slowly.
(laughs)
JOHN
Let's go to my car.
Billy begins to slowly make his way out. This is a practiced
scene, allowing John to discretely slip a payment to Hopper.
INT. JOHN BENNETT'S CAR -- LATER
John drives Billy home. They are quiet for a bit as John
works himself up to:
JOHN
I want to ask you a question. A
personal question.
BILLY
Testing my extemporaneous skills?
John smiles.
JOHN
No. Billy Jr.'s birthday is coming
up.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
159.
CONTINUED:
JOHN (CONT'D)
I want to see you and Marie be able
to buy him a present without... making
the sort of sacrifice I've seen you
make these last years. Would you
accept some help?
BILLY
You help us all the time, Sir.
JOHN
But I can afford to, and I want to.
And I always hesitate to ask because
I know how you feel about it.
BILLY
Yes...
He thinks, taking a long beat to do so. Finally:
BILLY (CONT'D)
Thank you. That would be nice.
John is surprised.
JOHN
Good. Thank you.
They drive on.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT -- LATER
Billy stands, stiff with pain, before one of the kitchen
cabinets, which is wide open and nearly bare. He's taking
in the scene.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM -- MOMENTS
LATER
He stands in his living room, which is furnished sparingly.
Everything -- the one couch, the one crooked little table,
the fraying rug -- everything needs to be replaced.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT, KIDS' BEDROOM -- MOMENTS
LATER
Billy looks out the back window. Billy Jr. and Douglas are
playing, kicking a ball in the alley.
Marie sits in a rocking chair, breast feeding Donna.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
160.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
I want to do something about Christmas
this year.
MARIE
What do you mean?
BILLY
I want us all to have one nice
Christmas together as a family.
MARIE
Wouldn't that be nice? How do we
manage that?
He looks at her.
She returns his gaze, slowly realizing.
She shakes her head.
MARIE (CONT'D)
No.
INT. YMCA GYM - AFTERNOON
REDDY
No, no, no, no!
Billy stands beside Jack Reddy, who watches ringside as ERIK
and ANDREW box inside the ring.
BILLY
Come on, Jack. This is my last
Christmas with my family. Doc says
I won't make it past New Year's.
REDDY
Exactly, Billy! You're dying! Do
you know what people would say if
they knew I put a dying man in a
fight?
BILLY
I'm not talking about a heavyweight
fight -- I'm not a heavyweight any
more. Put me in my class.
REDDY
Look at you! You can barely stand!
BILLY
I'm standing just fine.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
161.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
Billy... You come in and plant
yourself because it hurts to move.
You've been statue-still and wincing
ever since you --
BILLY
Here --
He goes to the bell and RINGS it.
The fighters stop.
Miske climbs in the ring. He grunts a little, but the
transformation begins.
Something about getting in the ring focuses him, and he
somehow begins to look better.
BILLY (CONT'D)
(to Erik)
You! How much do you weigh?
ERIK
One seventy-four.
BILLY
(to Andrew)
You?
ANDREW
One seventy.
BILLY
(to Erik)
Let's box.
(to Andrew)
Let me use your gloves.
ERIK
(to Reddy)
What gives?
REDDY
Do what he tells you.
INT. YMCA GYM - MOMENTS LATER
The BELL rings.
Billy and Erik come out of their corners.
Erik gets in a right jab at Billy's head.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
162.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
(to Erik, instructing)
You need to follow through more.
ERIK
(incredulous)
What!?
BILLY
You pulled your punch. Follow
through, get your weight behind it.
ERIK
Shut up and fight.
Erik throws a left, leaning into it. It connects the right
side of Billy's head.
BILLY
Better, but you need to recover
quicker. Your whole left side was
open.
ERIK
(still concentrating
on the fight)
Hey, Reddy! Tell this guy to shut
up!
Jack is laughing.
BILLY
Plant your opposite foot in front,
throw your weight behind the punch.
Follow through, then get your
defensive arm back -- and do it fast.
Erik is angry, but listens to Billy.
Billy takes a couple of provoking jabs at Erik's chin, leaving
himself a little open.
Erik takes his shot: planting his foot, getting his weight
behind a punch --
Billy takes a solid right to his chin. This punch can be
heard.
Erik has recovered, but the blow surprised him. He starts
to grin.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Feel the difference?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
163.
CONTINUED:
ERIK
Yeah!
BILLY
Felt good, didn't it?
ERIK
Yeah!
BILLY
Okay, now -- you ready?
Erik hunches in, dead serious and menacing. He nods.
Billy tilts a little smile at him.
Now he advances, driving through the hole Erik has left open.
He lands one brutal punch into Erik's midsection; now another.
Erik leans in, trying to deflect the blows.
Like a machine, Billy drives him back. The blows are steady,
evenly spaced, and merciless.
Except the last one, aimed at Erik's head, the one that puts
him down.
Erik falls to the mat.
Billy watches him for a moment, then relaxes and turns to
Reddy. He stretches his arms wide: "Well?"
REDDY
Why you got to knock out my sparring
men all the time?
Billy crosses to Reddy.
BILLY
He'll be okay.
Billy leans on the ropes.
REDDY
And you're going to tell me you can
fight like this? That this doesn't
hurt you?
BILLY
(grinning)
Hurts like hell.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
164.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
I'll be ruled out of boxing if I do
this.
BILLY
(really leveling with
Reddy)
Look, Jack, we had a good run. My
number's up. One last fight, huh?
That's all I've got in me, anyway.
I know that. But I want to give my
family a Christmas -- something
they'll remember. Let me go out how
I want.
INT. HAMMOND'S DINER - DAY
George Barton enters, angry. He searches out Jack Reddy and
finds him at the counter.
GEORGE
Reddy!
Jack turns as Barton almost lurches at him. He thrusts a
telegram in Jack's face.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
What gives you the right to put Billy
Miske in a ring with Bill Brennan?
Jack scans the telegram, knowing what it says.
REDDY
Huh. They sent your telegram before
mine.
GEORGE
(knows they are in
public)
Can we talk?
Jack gestures to Hammond, picking up his coffee and plate of
food.
REDDY
I'm going to take it to a booth,
Hammond.
Hammond waves a spatula at him: "Go ahead."
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
165.
CONTINUED:
INT. HAMMOND’S DINER, BOOTH -- MOMENTS LATER
Jack and George sit opposite one another. Some of Jack's
sandwich has been eaten.
GEORGE
He's risking his life so his family
can have Christmas presents? Is he
nuts? Jack, I would happily chip in
and buy them --
REDDY
He wouldn't accept that, and you
know it. Billy's a stubborn mule.
How do you think he's fought all
these years?
GEORGE
"All these years?" When was he
diagnosed?
REDDY
Seven years ago.
GEORGE
Seven years!
REDDY
Seven years.
GEORGE
He was dying when he fought Dempsey?
REDDY
Every time.
GEORGE
(lost, aghast)
So... then... so... can he train?
REDDY
He didn't ask, and I didn't offer.
GEORGE
And you think this is right?
REDDY
I don't like it, but it's his
decision. If he was a bum, I wouldn't
do it. But it's Billy. There's not
another man in this town with the
sand he has, and look what life's
done to him.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
166.
CONTINUED:
REDDY (CONT'D)
He could've been champion if his
body wasn't giving out; you know
that. He's not going to get to watch
his kids grow up; I figure he might
as well be able to spoil 'em for one
lousy Christmas.
INT. OMAHA DOCTOR'S OFFICE -- EVENING
Billy is receiving his pre-fight examination.
TITLE: OMAHA, NEBRASKA DECEMBER 1923
The OMAHA DOCTOR examines Billy and seems dissatisfied.
An OMAHA BOXING OFFICIAL looks on.
He looks at Billy squarely.
OMAHA DOCTOR
Have you been sick recently?
BILLY
Coughing spell.
OMAHA DOCTOR
Well, I'm going to pass you for the
fight, but, after this, you had best
get some serious rest.
Billy nods.
The Doctor turns to the Boxing Official.
OMAHA DOCTOR (CONT'D)
He can fight.
INT. OMAHA BOXING ARENA -- MOMENTS LATER
The arena seats about two thousand people, and this match is
well attended.
An OMAHA REFEREE is present. The BELL sounds.
BILL BRENNAN and Billy Miske come out of their corners.
For the first time, we see Billy moving slowly, methodically.
Brennan wasn't prepared for this.
The two men circle one another. Brennan's step is springy;
Billy plants himself, determined.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
167.
CONTINUED:
Brennan stretches out a hand, lightly jabbing Billy in the
face. Billy takes it.
Brennan smiles, tests Billy again.
Billy ducks under, covers himself, and gets in a good jab to
Brennan's stomach.
Billy backs off. Brennan grows heated. He swings a left at
Billy, which Billy only partially blocks.
They fall into a clinch. The Omaha Referee separates them.
They circle one another again.
Brennan moves forward, jabbing, and Billy takes the punches.
Brennan gets in a good hook to Billy's jaw. This rocks Miske,
and Brennan throws another right.
Billy shoots a left, which misses. Brennan throws punches
at Billy's stomach.
They clinch again. The Referee separates them.
Billy is feeling the pain. He shakes it off.
Brennan and Miske face off again just as --
The BELL rings.
The fighters relax and go off to their corners.
Billy sits heavily on his stool. Reddy sponges water over
him.
REDDY
How you feel? You got him?
BILLY
I got him.
Reddy begins to rub Billy's shoulders. Billy flinches,
letting out a groan.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Just the sponge.
Reddy dips the sponge into the bucket.
REDDY
You got him, Billy. You got him.
Billy nods slightly, his eyes focus and his breathing comes
under control.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
168.
CONTINUED:
The BELL sounds.
Billy comes out of his corner, prowling.
Brennan closes in on him, and they exchange body blows.
Now they clinch, and Brennan punches his way out of it.
Billy is still trying to clinch, and Brennan gets in one
smashing blow which cuts Billy's eye.
Billy lashes out with a right hook which catches Brennan's
mid section.
Brennan offers a combination punch to Billy's stomach and
head.
Billy goes down. The CROWD cheers.
Brennan backs away as the Omaha Referee comes in and counts
over Billy.
OMAHA REFEREE
One! Two!
Billy uses the ropes to pull himself up by the time the
Referee reaches seven.
The pain is definitely showing, and Billy's skin grows redder.
He is sweating too much.
Brennan crosses to him and begins a volley of punches which
Billy blocks.
Billy gets in a couple of blows, but he's running out of
steam.
Brennan throws a punch to Billy's face.
Billy goes down again. Brennan backs away and the Referee
comes in.
The BELL sounds.
The Referee speaks with Billy as the fighter pulls himself
to his feet.
OMAHA REFEREE (CONT'D)
You all right? Should I call it?
Billy shakes his head and staggers to his corner.
Reddy sponges him and begins working on the cut.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
169.
CONTINUED:
REDDY
Come on, Billy. This is your last
fight. Let's make an impression,
Champ.
Billy is nodding.
REDDY (CONT'D)
You got him?
BILLY
I got him.
REDDY
You got him?
BILLY
I got him. I got him.
Billy is growing determined.
The BELL sounds.
Billy comes up out of his corner with something between a
roar and a groan.
He launches at Brennan, surprising the fighter.
Brennan throws a punch at Billy's head.
Billy deflects this and gets in under Brennan's arm.
He pounds as hard and fast as we've ever seen him, grunting
and roaring.
A right to Brennan's stomach. A right -- a right -- a right --
a right.
The CROWD rises, cheering.
Brennan manages a shot or two at Billy's head which Billy
absorbs as he pounds alternate combinations and jabs.
Miske is again a machine, battling through the pain, refusing
to stop until Brennan is down.
And now it happens: Brennan crumbles against Billy.
Billy crashes blows to Brennan's head as the fighter's knees
go out.
Billy backs off.
Brennan reaches out toward Billy, falls to his knees. His
eyes have rolled up --
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
170.
CONTINUED:
-- and Bill Brennan falls forward.
The CROWD is roaring as the Omaha Referee makes his count.
OMAHA REFEREE
One! Two! Three!
Billy backs away to his corner, watching, panting hard. He
closes his eyes in pain; he has nothing left. If Brennan
gets off the mat, Billy is done for.
OMAHA REFEREE (CONT'D)
Four! Five! Six!
Brennan hasn't moved a bit. Billy gasps with relief as he
realizes he's won.
He raises a gloved hand, turning toward the cheering crowd.
A look of triumph passes between Reddy and Miske.
The Omaha Referee has finished his count and Billy returns
to the center ring.
The Referee raises Billy's hand.
OMAHA REFEREE (CONT'D)
The winner... Billy Miske!
The crowd begins to pour into the ring as BRENNAN'S MANAGER
drags him off to his corner.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM -- CHRISTMAS
MORNING
The apartment is overstuffed with presents and Christmas
decorations, including a small upright piano with a large
bow attached.
Billy and Marie sit on the sofa, happily watching the mayhem.
Everyone wears pajamas; Billy wears a bath robe as well. He
is masking pain for his family's benefit.
Douglas finishes unwrapping a tricycle and is overjoyed. He
shouts skyward:
DOUGLAS
Thank you, Santa Claus!
BILLY
Douglas? That one's from Mommy and
Daddy.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
171.
CONTINUED:
Douglas rushes over and gives hugs and kisses.
DOUGLAS
Thank you for my trike.
MARIE
You're welcome, sweetheart. Is it
the right color?
DOUGLAS
(deeply serious)
It's a very good color.
He rolls into Billy's lap and lounges there lovingly.
BILLY
I think you've got a couple more to
go, Tiger.
DOUGLAS
I do?
Billy Jr. holds up a present.
BILLY JR.
This one's yours.
Junior's eyes bulge, as if he's stuffed to the gills full of
gifts.
BILLY JR. (CONT'D)
Oh -- no. It says "Donna."
Douglas rolls off his father and goes back to the tree, poking
around for unopened gifts.
Billy looks at Marie and decides: this is as alone as they're
going to get.
BILLY
One more for you, too.
He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a ring-sized box.
MARIE
Oh, no, Billy...
She reaches for the gift.
BILLY
(laughs)
"Oh, no," she said, reaching for the
package...
She takes the gift and lightly slaps his hand.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
172.
CONTINUED:
Marie unwraps the box. It is, indeed, a jewelry case. She
looks up at Billy, taking a breath before she gets her
surprise.
She opens the box. Her hand goes to her mouth, and she begins
to cry.
MARIE
Billy --
She kisses him quickly. Mouths "thank you" because she can't
speak.
She looks at the ring, and it's a real beauty: a large diamond
offset by a couple of other small diamonds and jade.
BILLY
I was always wishing I could have
afforded a better wedding ring for
you --
An argument has erupted among the children, and Douglas is
crying.
BILLY (CONT'D)
(to the children)
Hey! No fighting, kids. Come on.
Not today.
DOUGLAS
He tripped me!
BILLY JR.
I didn't mean to --
BILLY
Are you hurt?
Douglas shakes his head sorrowfully.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Can you two settle it between
yourselves?
Billy Jr. puts his hand on his brother's shoulder.
BILLY JR.
Yes, Sir.
BILLY
Thank you.
Billy turns his attention back to Marie, who is glowing.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
173.
CONTINUED:
She indicates with her eyes that he should look at the boys
again.
BILLY (CONT'D)
(quietly)
What --
He turns back and sees Billy Jr. ministering a hug to his
little brother, patting him consolingly.
The parents smile at one another.
Marie holds up her hand, modeling the ring.
BILLY (CONT'D)
Do you like it?
MARIE
Billy, it's beautiful! Don't you
think?
BILLY
Sure, I think it looks nice, but I'm
a man; I wanted to know what a woman
thought --
She kisses him again.
MARIE
It's perfect. Thank you, Billy.
BILLY
Merry Christmas.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT -- AFTERNOON
The family sits around the table eating and chatting away
happily.
Billy is smiling, not eating, but content as he watches his
family.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT, KIDS' BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Douglas is in bed, already conked out. He has fallen asleep
with a toy car sitting on his forehead.
Billy tucks in Junior.
BILLY
You know your daddy loves you.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
174.
CONTINUED:
Junior nods. Billy roughs up his son's hair and stands to
leave.
BILLY JR.
We love you, too, Dad.
Billy stops, looks at his son, smiling.
BILLY
Thanks, Son. You're a good man.
BILLY JR.
'Night.
BILLY
'Night.
Billy leaves, closing the door.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- LATER
Marie is already in bed. Billy is undressing -- a very
painful enterprise. He's got his pajama bottoms on and is
trying to get into his top.
MARIE
Can I help?
Billy nods.
She gets out of bed and takes the night shirt.
He holds out an arm; she pulls the shirt over it.
Now the hard part; wrenching one arm behind him to slip the
other sleeve on. This hurts, but Marie is gentle and patient.
He faces her, hurting, his eyes searching hers.
MARIE (CONT'D)
I want you to just stay in bed
tomorrow, all right?
He nods. She kisses him, and a tiny moan escapes him: he
can almost count the kisses that are left.
Marie smiles at her husband. His eyes search hers.
BILLY
Do you forgive me?
MARIE
For what?
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
175.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Everything.
MARIE
Lord, Billy, I don't blame you. You
can't help it.
BILLY
Fighting?
MARIE
I -- I don't think you could help
that, either. Come to bed.
She lays down, pulling him with her.
He lays his head on her shoulder, and she strokes his hair.
Slowly, they drift off to sleep.
EXT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT -- MORNING
December 26th. A new day.
INT. BILLY AND MARIE'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Billy wakes, squinting against incredible pain.
He hears Marie and the children.
Billy tries to hold in a groan, a shout, and it's too much.
BILLY
Unh --
His breath is catching in his throat as he tries to swallow
the pain back down.
It's not working. The pain betrays his body, forcing terrible
noises from him -- a death rattle.
MARIE (O.S.)
Billy?
Marie bursts into the room and is instantly at her husband's
side.
Billy is a mess: swollen like we haven't seen, feverish,
sweating through the sheets.
He clutches his wife's wrist.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
176.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
Call Jack...
MARIE
Jack Reddy?
BILLY
(a nod)
Unh --
The children stand horrified in the doorway. Douglas is
crying. Billy sees them, warns Marie --
BILLY (CONT'D)
Kids --
Marie rushes to them.
MARIE
I need you to go to your room, please.
Billy -- take care of them.
The children turn, reluctantly peeling their eyes away.
Marie has gone to the telephone in the living room. Billy
can watch her from where he lays.
MARIE (CONT'D)
(into telephone)
Sandburg five four nine eight.
(to Billy)
I'm calling him, Billy.
(into telephone)
Jack? This is Marie. It's -- it's
Billy.
(with a sob)
Oh God, Jack, it's happening...
INT. JACK REDDY'S CAR -- LATER
Jack races toward the hospital. The Miske children huddle
in the front seat; Marie cradles her husband who is stretched
out in her arms.
MARIE
(to Billy)
Can you speak to me? Billy? Can
you hear me?
JACK
Talk to us, Billy.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
177.
CONTINUED:
BILLY
(to Marie)
Love you...
MARIE
Oh, God. Stay with us, Billy. Fight
it. Fight it!
Billy closes his eyes a moment. The life is going out of
him.
Speaking is difficult.
BILLY
I never thanked Jack.
MARIE
He's right here, baby.
JACK
Talk to me, Billy.
Billy manages to shake his head, just perceptibly.
BILLY
Demp. Dempsey. He... gave me my...
gave me my shot.
MARIE
Yes, Darling.
Billy summons himself, but his words are becoming softer.
BILLY
Tell him... tell Jack... I said
thanks.
MARIE
I'll tell him. I'll tell him.
Billy nods slightly, closing his eyes.
Marie can see that she's losing him. She clutches him to
her, stroking his matted hair.
MARIE (CONT'D)
Billy... Billy...
EXT. ST. PAUL STREET -- CONTINUOUS
Jack Reddy's car speeds off, racing for the hospital.
TITLE: BILLY MISKE DIED IN THE HOSPITAL ON NEW YEAR'S DAY.
(CONTINUED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
178.
CONTINUED:
TITLE: HIS CAREER CONSISTED OF MORE THAN 100 FIGHTS.
TITLE: 70 BOUTS TOOK PLACE AFTER HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH
BRIGHT'S DISEASE.
TITLE: 34 OF MISKE'S WINS WERE KNOCKOUTS. HE WAS KNOCKED
OUT ONLY ONCE -- BY JACK DEMPSEY.
TITLE: "MAYBE SOMEONE CAN NAME A GAMER FIGHT THAN BILLY MISKE;
I CAN'T." -- GEORGE BARTON
FADE OUT.
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